After many trips to Disney World, I’ve learned a lot about what works—and what doesn’t. Here’s my updated list of things I would never do during a Disney trip, based on my experiences and the lessons learned along the way!
1. Stay Off-Site
Staying off-site might save you money, but it sacrifices a lot of convenience and Disney magic.
2. Skip an Afternoon Break
Taking a mid-day siesta is a game-changer, especially if you’re visiting during hot months.
3. Buy Base Tickets Only
Base tickets allow entry to only one park per day, but I always opt for Park Hopper tickets.
4. Wait Too Long to Book Dining and Lightning Lane Reservations
Popular reservations can fill up fast.
5. Miss Rope Drop (Park Opening)
Arriving at the park before opening (known as “rope drop”) makes a huge difference.
6. Skip a Park Entirely
Even if one park seems like a “half-day” experience, I would never skip it altogether.
7. Wear Inappropriate Footwear
Disney World requires a LOT of walking—easily over 10 miles a day.
8. Spend Time Glued to My Phone
While the My Disney Experience app is essential for reservations and wait times, I avoid unnecessary screen time in the parks.
9. Be On My Phone During a Ride
This is one of my biggest pet peeves! The bright screen can ruin the ambiance for everyone.
10. Ignore Crowd-Control Tips
Knowing when and where to go in the parks can make or break your day.
Final Thoughts
These are my personal Disney World "I would never" rules, and they’ve made our trips smoother, more magical, and stress-free. Whether you're a first-timer or a Disney pro, I hope this list gives you some helpful tips and insight.
About Brittany: Brittany is a Disney and Universal travel expert with Magical Journeys Travel dedicated to making vacation planning simple and stress-free. She provides personalized guidance to help you build an amazing trip without feeling overwhelmed. Her services are completely free—Disney and Universal pay her agency a commission, so you get expert advice at no cost. Ready to make your dream trip a reality? Visit her at BrittanyForMagicalJourneys.com and start planning today!
1. Stay Off-Site
Staying off-site might save you money, but it sacrifices a lot of convenience and Disney magic.
- Why I Avoid It: Staying at a Disney resort means easy transportation to the parks, early park entry, and the ability to stay immersed in the magic 24/7.
- Pro Tip: If staying on-site seems out of budget, look into value resorts like Pop Century or consider visiting during off-peak times when discounts are more common.
2. Skip an Afternoon Break
Taking a mid-day siesta is a game-changer, especially if you’re visiting during hot months.
- Why I Take Breaks: We head to the parks early in the morning, leave after lunch, rest at the hotel, and return around 5:30 PM for evening fun. This helps us avoid the mid-day heat and crowds.
- Pro Tip: Even if you don’t leave the park, find an air-conditioned show or restaurant to recharge for a bit.
3. Buy Base Tickets Only
Base tickets allow entry to only one park per day, but I always opt for Park Hopper tickets.
- Why I Get Park Hopper Tickets: The flexibility to visit multiple parks in one day is worth it. We love starting our mornings at Magic Kingdom and spending our evenings at EPCOT.
- Pro Tip: Check your plans before upgrading. If you plan to stay in one park all day, you might not need a Park Hopper—but if you love flexibility, it’s a must-have.
4. Wait Too Long to Book Dining and Lightning Lane Reservations
Popular reservations can fill up fast.
- Dining Reservations: Book as soon as you can—up to 60 days in advance for all guests. Popular spots like Be Our Guest and Space 220 book quickly.
- Lightning Lane Tips: Purchase Genie+ and select your first ride early in the morning (7:00 AM if you’re staying on-site).
5. Miss Rope Drop (Park Opening)
Arriving at the park before opening (known as “rope drop”) makes a huge difference.
- Why I Do It: The parks are least crowded in the morning, and we’ve walked straight onto popular rides with no wait.
- Pro Tip: Magic Kingdom’s welcome show is especially magical—don’t miss it!
6. Skip a Park Entirely
Even if one park seems like a “half-day” experience, I would never skip it altogether.
- Why I Visit All Parks: Each park has its own unique experiences. Hollywood Studios may have fewer attractions, but Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and Toy Story Mania make it worth the visit.
- Pro Tip: If time is short, use a Park Hopper ticket to visit for just a few key attractions and then hop to another park.
7. Wear Inappropriate Footwear
Disney World requires a LOT of walking—easily over 10 miles a day.
- Lesson Learned: Flip-flops and unsupportive shoes are a disaster waiting to happen. I’ve gotten painful blisters from poor footwear choices.
- Pro Tip: Invest in comfortable, broken-in sneakers or sandals designed for long-distance walking. Don’t forget blister-prevention sticks and Band-Aids, just in case.
8. Spend Time Glued to My Phone
While the My Disney Experience app is essential for reservations and wait times, I avoid unnecessary screen time in the parks.
- Why I Minimize Phone Use: I want to stay immersed in the magic and enjoy the attractions, not scroll through my phone. Plus, some ride queues (like Toy Story Mania and Frozen Ever After) are so well-designed that they’re part of the experience.
- Pro Tip: Use the app strategically—place mobile food orders and check ride times, but avoid texting or scrolling during rides or shows.
9. Be On My Phone During a Ride
This is one of my biggest pet peeves! The bright screen can ruin the ambiance for everyone.
- Why It’s a No-Go: Dark rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion rely on atmosphere. Seeing someone texting or talking on the phone takes away from the experience.
- Pro Tip: If there’s an emergency, step out of line or handle it after the ride.
10. Ignore Crowd-Control Tips
Knowing when and where to go in the parks can make or break your day.
- Pro Tip: Use Genie+ to prioritize high-demand rides and consider early or late park visits to beat the crowds. Arriving early means fewer crowds, and leaving during peak times for a break avoids mid-day frustration.
Final Thoughts
These are my personal Disney World "I would never" rules, and they’ve made our trips smoother, more magical, and stress-free. Whether you're a first-timer or a Disney pro, I hope this list gives you some helpful tips and insight.
About Brittany: Brittany is a Disney and Universal travel expert with Magical Journeys Travel dedicated to making vacation planning simple and stress-free. She provides personalized guidance to help you build an amazing trip without feeling overwhelmed. Her services are completely free—Disney and Universal pay her agency a commission, so you get expert advice at no cost. Ready to make your dream trip a reality? Visit her at BrittanyForMagicalJourneys.com and start planning today!