Rookie Disney Mistakes
Are you new to Walt Disney World? It's fine if you are. You are sure to have a great time visiting the most magical place on Earth. Just make sure you do your homework before heading there, and avoid these Disney rookie mistakes:
1. Not checking the Refurbishment Schedule. Disney post all of their construction / refurbishment closings for attractions, restaurants and resorts ahead of time. Make sure you take time to check to see if your favorite attraction, the pool at your hotel, or that restaurant you really want to go to will be available during your visit.
2. Not checking park hours. Park hours at Disney change all the time. While the tentative schedule with hours is released well ahead of your visit, it's always a good idea to check a week or so before your visit. There are events and issues that arise that effect the park hours.
3. Sleeping in too late. A Disney Trip is the culmination of major planning and financial dedication. The one thing that is limited in Disney is time. You only have so much of it while you are there. And it goes by faster than you can imagine! To make the most of your days you need to make sure to be up early to experience all you can.
4. Not making dining reservations. The most popular restaurants book up well ahead of time (months) and even those taking walk-ins may have a long wait. Those hard to get dining reservations begin booking 180 days in advance!
5. Not learning about MyDisneyExperience. No matter whether you stay on property or off the app is the key to your entire vacation. Create an account, download the app (you can use it on wi-fi in the parks to save cellular data charges), and use it for FastPass, dining, mobile ordering, park map, times guide, etc...literally everything!
6. Not looking at a map until you’re in the park. Park maps are available online and help you get an idea of the lay of the land before you’re being passed right and left by guests who do know where they’re going.
7. Not doing your research before travelling. Disney is HUGE! There are so many aspects to Disney that are unspoken truths. Things that your travel agent or a Disney fanatic will know, but the average Joe won't. There are many YouTube videos, websites and such to help prepare you for the best vacation ever. Take time and research!
The biggest takeaway is this: Disney is not just another theme park! Disney is another world. Have fun and don’t worry. Even a trip with some “mistakes” is better than staying home.
OK, readers, what are your rookie mistakes? Share them here and help people out.
I recommend everyone working with a Disney Vacation Planner at least for the first visit if not all. There are so many things that your planner can do for you to help you have a magical first trip. There are really no downsides to using an agent. If you would like to get started planning your trip, then feel free to email me at dustin@magicdustvacations.com and we can get started on your vacation plan. I am paid by Disney, so my services are 100% free to all my clients.
*As an Authorized Disney Vacation, Planner, I can book everything for you and my planning and services are completely free. I am here to help you as little or much as you would like. Some of my services include:
~Customized itineraries based on park hours, Extra Magic Hours, parades, and fireworks.
~Personalized dining reservations based on your needs and wants.
~My Disney Experience: Setting up your account, customizing MagicBands, selecting FastPasses, and more.
~Booking tours and add-ons (such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirate’s League)
~Arranging air and ground transportation
~Tips and Tricks to make the most of your time
~Discount monitoring: If a new promotion becomes available, I will apply it to your existing reservation to save you money.
~I am “on call” during your trip: Should you need assistance with anything, I am just an email, text message, or phone call away!
~And much more!
Dustin Bell - Magic Dust Vacations - 252.563.3044