More Rookie Mistakes
Another 5 Things that First Time WDW Guests Do Wrong
Visiting Walt Disney World in Florida is a holiday like no other but it does require more thought and planning than most trips you will take. Here are another five mistakes that many of first time Disney guests make.
If you missed the first five mistakes you can view then here - https://www.smore.com/zu8ya-rookie-mistakes
1. They don’t make Advance Dining Reservations
If you want to eat at one of the many table service restaurants within the parks or any of the other restaurants on Disney property for that matter, it is a very good idea to make advance dining reservations. Many first timers think that it is simply a case of walking into these restaurants and asking for a table. Indeed, you may get lucky but to avoid disappointment booking really is recommended. Dining reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance of your trip and, believe it or not, to get into some restaurants you really do have to book this far ahead. Cindrella’s Royal Table is a perfect example. People will actually set their alarm for the exact time reservations can be made, 180 days out from their trip, to ensure they get to dine at this signature restaurant.
2. They don’t research the attractions
Now I am not suggesting you need to know what year each of the rides were built in or anything like that but the four Disney parks are extremely well themed. This makes them beautiful places to walk around but it also has the effect of making it difficult to know what attractions each park contains. Many first timers arrive at the front entrance of the parks with a map and ask each other what they would like to do first. Not having a plan is a big mistake because you are likely to miss so many things and will end up touring the park is a hap hazard way.
If you can, sit down before you leave home and have a discussion as a family about what rides you would like to do and shows you would like to see. Make a note of these and come up with a basic plan of how you are going to tour the park, include in this the FastPass selections you have made (remember these can be booked 60 days in advance). When you get to the parks you will then avoid the tedium of a detailed discussion after each and every ride to decide where you are going next. Better still make use of park touring plans that people have already made. You don’t have to stick rigidly to these but they definitely do help you get more things done.
3. They don’t allow enough time at WDW
Before you visit WDW it is difficult to comprehend the sheer scale of the place. Many first timers go with aim of getting everything (or almost everything) done in each of the main parks in just a few days. This is simply not possible, at least if you want to stay sane.
We travel from the UK so a stay of anything less than two weeks is not practical for us. Yet even with a full fortnight at our disposable we struggle to find the time to do everything we would like to do in the parks.
If you have the time and your budget will allow it, try to stretch your trip to at least a week. That way you don’t feel under pressure to spend every waking minute in the parks and can relax and enjoy your holiday rather than feeling under constant pressure.
4. They don’t take a midweek break
If you are spending a week or more at WDW it is just physically too demanding to be in the parks every day. You will be shattered by the end of your trip and who wants to return home in that state from a holiday. Do yourself a huge favour a build in at least one or possibly even two rest days where you stay away from the hustle and bustle of the main parks.
So what else can you do during those day? Well, you have lots of options. Relaxing at the pool is obviously one. Visiting downtown Disney with its multitude of shops and restaurants is another. You can also play a game of golf at one of the 18 hole courses. If you have an Ultimate ticket you are able to play the 9 hole Oak Trail golf course for free. Adults will need to hire clubs if they do not have their own but children are given a set of clubs for free.
5. They don’t plan for the little things
Everyone knows about the big expenses associated with a WDW trip – the flights, hotels, park tickets, car hire etc but what many first timers fail to appreciate is that Disney are masters at extracting the small change from your pockets. Practically everywhere you turn there are places to spend money. It may only be a few dollars here and a few more there but it soon adds up. Bringing your own snacks, refillable water bottles and your own raincoats can save you a small fortune over the course of your trip.
Some parents even buy gifts such as Mickey Mouse cuddly toys before they leave home knowing that their little ones will be pleading to buy these at inflated prices in the Park shops. I also know of parents who bring along the princess dresses from home. Despite the heat you will see lots of little girls walking around the parks dressed as their favourite Disney princesses.
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