19 errors to avoid at Walt Disney World

If you’re the type of traveler who goes with the flow, your experience at Walt Disney World might not be as enchanting. This vast entertainment hub offers an abundance of attractions and remains bustling throughout the year, which means those who plan ahead often have the upper hand. Why? Because failing to research how to utilize FastPass+ and virtual queues, missing out on reservations for popular character breakfasts, or even skipping early-entry opportunities can lead to missed experiences, especially if you choose to lounge at your Disney resort instead.

To ensure you enjoy your time at Disney World to the fullest, let's explore the common blunders made by first-timers and how you can navigate around them.

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Believing there is an ideal age for visiting

Many families choose to delay a Disney vacation until their children reach a certain age, while others believe their teenagers have outgrown the experience entirely and dismiss the idea of a trip to Disney. The best advice? Never think a trip would be a "waste" for younger kids who might not remember it (you definitely will!) or for older kids who may seem too sophisticated for amusement park attractions. They might actually be eager to explore the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

In reality, Disney World offers a diverse selection of activities and experiences for all ages, from toddlers who delight in character meet-and-greets to seniors who enjoy events like Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival. If you're only planning to visit once, it might be wise to wait until your child is old enough to remember, but there's truly something for everyone, no matter their age.

Misjudging the expenses

Let's be clear: a vacation at Disney World can be quite an expense. Even if you opt for budget-friendly accommodations like Disney's Value hotels or use points for off-site stays, you'll still face significant costs for flights to Orlando, theme park tickets, meals, extra activities, and some souvenirs. According to TPG, a family of four with two children under 10 can expect to spend approximately $2,900 for a five-night stay at Disney World, which includes lodging, park tickets, meals, parking, transportation, and souvenirs. While using points and discounts can help reduce this total, a trip to Disney is still a hefty investment.

Before you book any part of your journey, it’s wise to outline your budget to understand your overall expenses before making any commitments. For specifics on what it costs for budget, moderate, or luxury trips to Disney, take a look at How much does a Disney World vacation cost?.

Failing to utilize a Disney expert for trip planning

While you can certainly become a Disney expert yourself and plan your own adventure (start with our Guide to visiting Disney World), if you feel that organizing a trip to Disney World is too daunting, consider hiring a professional. There are outstanding travel companies staffed by Disney specialists who can craft the perfect getaway for you, often at no additional cost since Disney covers the commission.

Numerous travel agencies specialize in Disney vacations and can assist you. The best part? They keep an eye on Disney's discounts throughout the year and will notify you if prices drop, allowing you to adjust your reservation for savings. Some Disney planners even rise early to secure FastPass+ and dining reservations as soon as they become available, saving you the hassle.

FOR FREE ASSISTANCE IN PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY GETAWAY, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.

Neglecting to buy Disney gift cards

Finding significant discounts on Disney vacations can be challenging. Instead, you’ll want to adopt some creative saving strategies. For instance, did you know that you can use Disney gift cards for nearly everything at Disney World? These gift cards can cover Disney hotels, park tickets, annual passes, and even Disney meals. Your goal should be to discover discounted Disney gift cards to help lower your overall Disney vacation costs.

A simple way to snag a 5% discount on Disney gift cards is to purchase them at Target using your Target REDCard. This card provides a 5% discount on almost everything, both in-store and online at Target.com, including Disney gift cards.

The information regarding the Target REDCard has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details about this card have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

If your vacation totals $3,000, you can buy $3,000 worth of gift cards to add to your online Disney account. By getting them at Target with your REDCard, you’ll save $150.

To discover more ways to maximize your savings on Disney gift cards, check out How to save money buying discounted Disney gift cards.

Purchasing your tickets or vacation package straight from Disney

While booking everything directly through Disney can be a smart approach, it isn't always the most economical choice. Alternatives exist. For discounted park tickets, consider using trusted brokers like Undercover Tourist or Get Away Today. These sources can be particularly valuable right after a price increase when they may still have tickets available at the old rates. Just be cautious of online vendors advertising heavily discounted tickets, as deals that seem too good to be true often are likely scams.

You might also save money by purchasing a vacation package through Costco Travel. We checked the price for a five-night stay at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, one of Disney's Value hotels. This package includes four theme park tickets (for one park per day) for two adults and two children under 10. Additional perks like advance FastPass+ reservations at 60 days prior to your stay, Extra Magic Hours, and complimentary Disney's Magical Express transportation from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the hotel are all part of the $2,236.30 cost.

Overlooking the benefits of an annual pass

Depending on your family's circumstances, your location, and how often you plan to visit Walt Disney World in a year, investing in an annual pass might be worthwhile. This post details the various types of annual passes and explains when they can offer good value for specific travelers. Not everyone in your family needs to have an annual pass; it can still be beneficial if just one person in your group has one. Perks of an annual pass include complimentary parking at the theme parks (though not at Disney Resorts), discounts on dining and shopping, reduced hotel rates, VIP access to special events, and more.

If your stay is a week or longer and/or you anticipate visiting Disney World at least twice within a 12-month period, it’s worth crunching the numbers to see if an annual pass makes sense for you.

Failing to use the optimal credit card for your Disney trip

As we've noted, a Disney vacation can be quite pricey. When you’re spending that much on a trip, it’s only fair to maximize the benefits from the credit card you use. The key to selecting the "best" credit card for your needs lies in understanding how each charge will appear on your statement. For instance, if you buy theme park tickets directly from the venue, it will likely categorize as "entertainment." Conversely, if you purchase those tickets through a broker like Undercover Tourist or Go Away Today, it will categorize as "travel." This same classification applies if you buy admission tickets as part of a hotel package.

If you’re after a card that rewards travel expenses, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the American Express® Green Card, both of which offer 3x points on travel-related purchases.

The information regarding the Amex Green Card has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details presented on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

It can also be advantageous to use a credit card for which you’re working to meet a minimum spending requirement to earn a sign-up bonus. Alternatively, cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card allow you to use your miles at a 1 mile to 1 cent ratio to offset a travel-coded charge on your statement.

Disney does offer its own credit card, but surprisingly, the Disney Visa isn’t always the top choice unless you’re specifically looking to finance the cost of your Disney vacation—there’s a plan available for that.

The details regarding the Disney Visa card have been independently sourced by Dinogo. The information presented here has not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Misjudging crowd levels—especially in a pre-pandemic context

Choosing the right dates for your Disney World vacation is a nuanced process.

While you'll need to align your trip with your own schedule, it's equally important to consider what's happening at the theme parks, such as special events, as well as at home, like school vacations or holiday seasons. Certain times of the year can be exceptionally crowded at Disney. For instance, the week between Christmas and New Year's is the peak season, with wait times sometimes reaching five hours. This doesn't mean you can't enjoy the parks, but careful planning is essential to maximize your experience without constantly facing large crowds.

This may involve arriving at the parks as early as possible to start your day ahead of the crowds, staying at a Disney hotel that provides Extra Magic Hours for early park access, and strategically planning your FastPass usage.

Utilize a crowd calendar from resources like Undercover Tourist and Touring Plans to determine the optimal timing for your Walt Disney World visit.

While we don't yet know how Disney World will operate once it reopens after the pandemic, it's likely that crowd patterns will change significantly, with a reduced capacity. TPG will provide updates as soon as the parks start to welcome guests again.

Failing to start your day early enough

The saying "the early bird catches the worm" holds particularly true at Walt Disney World. Arriving at the park gates before they open is highly beneficial. You'll want to line up early to be among the first to enter, allowing you to head straight to your top attractions before most families have even had breakfast. If you arrive at or before the opening time, you can typically enjoy two to three rides before the wait times begin to rise.

There are several ways to gain early entry to the park (or stay late after it closes). One option is Extra Magic Hours, which are available to guests staying at official Disney Resorts and select others, including:

• Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels
• Shades of Green Resort (available for military personnel)
• Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando
• Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Guests at these hotels have the privilege of entering a designated park on specific days either before or after it opens to the public. During these extra hours, select attractions remain open for enjoyment. For instance, at the Magic Kingdom, popular rides available during Extra Magic Hours include the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

Alternatively, you can opt for Disney's Early Morning Magic package, which allows you to access Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom early with a smaller crowd. This requires purchasing regular theme park admission along with an additional fee of $89 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $79 for children ages 3 to 9. It's a worthwhile investment if you're willing to wake up early for a fun experience.

Be realistic about your family's habits. If your household consists of late risers, investing in Early Morning Magic or attempting to take advantage of morning Extra Magic Hours might lead to unnecessary stress for everyone.

Failing to utilize the My Disney Experience app

If you haven't downloaded the My Disney Experience mobile app on your smartphone, you're really missing out. Even during the planning phase of your Disney vacation, this app proves invaluable for exploring resorts, theme parks, dining options, and more. It's also a great tool for checking wait times to anticipate what to expect during your visit.

You can also purchase theme park tickets directly through the app. After booking a resort stay or buying admission, you can manage everything in the My Plans section. When it's time to arrange your FastPass reservations—allowing you to skip the lines at popular attractions—you can do it right within the app. Dining reservations can be managed here as well, and you can easily share all your plans with family and friends.

While on-site, the app enables you to check into your hotel, view your room number, and unlock your door. Inside the theme parks, you can monitor real-time wait times for rides and view your Disney PhotoPass pictures too.

One of the most time-saving features is the ability to place mobile food orders and secure additional FastPass+ reservations beyond the initial three you arranged in advance. This app is incredibly powerful and simplifies the planning of your Disney vacation. Make sure to download it as you start organizing your trip to see the mouse.

Failing to bring a backup charger

This is a straightforward yet crucial tip: always carry a backup charger for your cellphone, at the very least. Having a smartphone charger or portable power bank is essential, especially if you're using the My Disney Experience app. You definitely don't want your phone to die just when you're about to place a mobile food order or snag a FastPass+ for the park's hottest attraction.

It's quite common to drain two fully charged phone batteries in a single day at Disney World.

Neglecting to make dining reservations ahead of time

I understand the struggle here. It’s hard to predict your dining preferences or cravings 180 days in advance. However, for Disney's top restaurants — and even the ones that are just decent — it’s essential to secure reservations early if you want to dine there, especially if you prefer to choose your dining time.

This is particularly crucial for popular character meals like Cinderella's Royal Table, Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White, Chef Mickey's, and 'Ohana. Don’t forget to explore this list of lesser-known character meals that can offer excellent value for families.

You can make dining reservations up to 180 days ahead of time, no matter where you're staying or if you have theme park tickets. Use the My Disney Experience app or call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). The phone lines open at 7 a.m., but you can start booking through the app at 6 a.m.

Mismanaging your three advance FastPass+ selections

FastPass+ is a benefit enjoyed by many at Disney World. All guests with valid tickets or an annual pass can secure three complimentary FastPass+ reservations ahead of their visit. Those staying at Disney Resorts or select off-property hotels can book 60 days in advance, while others can book 30 days in advance.

With FastPass+, you can schedule a time to "skip" the regular line and get on the attraction quicker than those waiting in standby.

When deciding which attractions to apply your FastPass+ reservations to, choose wisely. It's most effective to reserve spots at the most sought-after rides with the longest wait times, such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Slinky Dog Dash, Peter Pan's Flight, Test Track, and Avatar: Flight of Passage.

If you're entering the park early with Extra Magic Hours or Early Morning Magic, skip reserving FastPass+ for the rides open during those early hours, as you can experience those without using FastPass+ before the general crowd enters. Typically, we recommend starting to use your FastPass+ selections around 10 to 10:30 a.m., after enjoying a few rides before the crowds arrive.

Not taking advantage of the Rider Switch service

Disney's Rider Switch program can be a real lifesaver for families. If someone in your group isn’t interested in a ride—or can’t go due to height or other restrictions—that’s perfectly fine. Let the rest of the family enjoy the attraction while one adult stays back with the non-rider(s).

Once the rest of the family is off the ride, the adult waiting can then "switch" and skip the regular line to experience the attraction without any additional wait. Typically, kids who ride will often get to enjoy the ride a second time! While not every attraction offers Rider Switch, it’s available at select rides across all four theme parks. For instance, in Epcot, you can use it at Frozen Ever After, Mission: Space, Soarin', and Test Track. Just ask the ride attendant for help as you queue up.

Not wearing appropriate footwear

This might seem minor, but it’s crucial for planning. Here’s a quick fact: You’ll easily cover 8-10 miles a day at Disney World. So, whether you’re with young children, teens, or adults, remind everyone to wear comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be on your feet all day, and you can’t risk cramped toes or blisters. Also, keep in mind how sudden Florida rain showers can affect your shoes, and plan your footwear accordingly.

Check out the best travel shoes for adults and the best travel shoes for kids.

Not renting a stroller can be a mistake.

If you’re traveling with young children—ages 3 to 6—who typically don’t use strollers, consider renting one anyway.

Think about those 8 to 10 miles you’ll likely walk each day at Disney World (especially in the heat) and ask yourself if that’s realistic for your child. Even the most energetic kids can tire out and need a break during your visit. You can rent a single stroller at Disney for $15 a day or $13 per day if you rent for the entire duration of your stay.

Additionally, there are third-party services like Kingdom Stroller Rentals that will deliver higher-quality strollers right to you at Orlando International Airport or many nearby hotels—though most companies can no longer deliver directly to Disney resorts without meeting you in person.

Neglecting to create a rain plan can be a mistake.

Take some time to prepare a "rain plan" for your trip. If you're visiting during the summer, chances are you'll encounter rain at some point—whether it’s a light morning shower or a heavy downpour in the afternoon. Familiarize yourself with the layout of each theme park you plan to visit by checking the park's map in the My Disney Experience app or by having a physical map on hand. It's also wise to keep your rain gear accessible in case the forecast predicts rain.

When the rain starts, you need to quickly shift to an indoor activity to wait out the storm. Here’s some guidance on how to enjoy Disney World when it rains.

Park hopping

During my childhood, we frequently bought Park Hopper tickets, allowing us to move between different Disney theme parks in a single day. Back then, ticket prices were much lower, and there were fewer attractions in each park. Nowadays, we prefer to dedicate an entire day (or more) to one specific park instead of hopping around.

Currently, a standard one-day ticket for a single theme park starts at $109 for adults aged 10 and up, and prices rise during peak times. To upgrade to a Park Hopper ticket, you'll need to pay an additional $65. For a family of four with all members over 10, that adds up to an extra $260 just for park hopping. Many families find it more practical to spend a full day at one park, which can also be easier on your feet.

Resisting the urge to do everything

We’ve saved the most critical mistake for last. As tempting as it might be, don’t try to cram everything into your Disney World experience. Don’t worry if you miss that perfectly timed FastPass, choose a cozy dinner in bed instead of dining out, or decide to relax at the resort pool. In fact, it’s wise to expect those moments to happen. Even with a full week at Disney, there will always be more to see, do, taste, ride, and enjoy—and that’s completely fine.

You may have begun your journey believing that visiting Disney World is a "once in a lifetime" experience, but it’s perfectly normal to reconsider and plan a return trip. No need to stress—you’ll be a pro by your second visit, and there will be countless new and magical Disney adventures to discover.