8 Mistakes to Avoid on Your First Disney Trip

Congratulations! You’re headed to Disney and it’s sure to be a magical vacation! No doubt planning your first Disney trip can be a bit overwhelming, but with some helpful tips you can avoid making some common Disney mistakes.

Don’t Make These Common First Disney Trip Mistakes

No matter which coast you’re headed to, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are amazing vacation destinations. But before booking your trip, it’s important to decide which one is right for you and your family. Consider things like budget, location, and what type of experience you’re looking for. When planning your first Disney trip, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that can ruin the experience. Here are a few mistakes to avoid on your first trip to Disney:

Staying Off Property

One mistake first-time Disney visitors make is not staying at a Disney-owned resort hotel. While there are many great hotels near the parks, staying on property comes with a whole host of benefits.

From extra hours in the parks to complimentary transportation, there are many reasons to consider booking a room at a Disney resort hotel. You can’t beat staying in the “Disney bubble” for the complete experience.

Visiting During the Busy Season

If you’re planning your first Disney trip, you may be tempted to visit during peak season in order to take advantage of the special events. While there’s nothing wrong with this, keep in mind that crowds will be higher and prices will be at their peak during this time.

If you’re looking to save money and avoid the crowds, consider visiting during Disney’s off-season instead. You’ll find lower prices and shorter wait times for rides and attractions.

Not Using or Understanding Genie+

Genie+ is a service that allows you to schedule return times for many popular rides and attractions. While it’s not available for every attraction, it can be a helpful tool for avoiding waiting in long lines.

This newer system is a bit more complicated and it’s important to make sure you understand how it works, when you can make your selections, and where to find it in the Disney app ahead of time. If you wait until you’re in the park, you’ll lose out on the best options and won’t get the value out of purchasing it. I include a tip sheet and go over strategies for using Genie+ for my travel clients that book their trips with me.

Waiting Too Long to Plan Your Trip

One mistake that first-time Disney visitors make is not planning ahead. If you want to make the most of your trip, it’s important to have a plan. You’ll want to start by making a list of the must-do rides and attractions for everyone in your party.

You’ll also need to plan ahead with booking your resort to have the most availability, making park reservations as some parks can fill up ahead of time, and dining reservations. If you wait too long, you may not get some of the options you want.

Not Downloading the My Disney Experience App Ahead of Time

The My Disney Experience app is your one-stop shop for all things Disney. From making your dining reservations to checking wait times, this app is a must-have for any Disney traveler.

Be sure to download it before your trip and familiarize yourself with all of the features. The Tip Board will be your best friend when it comes to planning what to do next each day at the parks. You also need to make sure your entire travel party is linked in the app as well.

Wearing Uncomfortable Shoes

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to wear comfortable shoes when visiting Disney. You will be doing a LOT of walking while you’re there, so you’ll want to make sure your shoes are comfortable and supportive. Definitely have some Body Glide Anti Blister Balm on hand to prep your feet for a long day. Sometimes I do wear sandals to the parks if I know it’s not going to be a quick visit, but for those full park days I always go for sneakers.

Getting Dehydrated

Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially in the Florida heat. Be sure to bring a water bottle with you into the parks. You can fill it up for free at any of the drinking fountains or ask for a cup of ice water at most counter service locations.

I also recommend bringing Liquid IV hydration packets in your Disney park bag for an extra boost. You can use code DEVINEFAIRYTALE to save on your order before your trip. It’s a must for me!

Planning Too Much for Each Day

The worst thing you can do during your Disney vacation is to plan every single minute of it. There is such a thing as too much planning. I recommend building in rest time, or even a rest day to enjoy your resort, throughout your trip. Being tired and overstimulated isn’t a good combination for anyone. Leave time in your schedule for some spontaneity. Another piece of advice…don’t make a dining reservation for each and every meal. You’ll be so rushed trying to get from one thing to the next that you won’t get to fully enjoy all of the magic.

Disney World is an amazing place to visit, but it’s important to avoid making a few common mistakes. By staying using these helpful tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip. Want to make planning your Disney vacation even easier? Let me book it for you and I’ll take care of all of the details…for free! It’s time to get ready for the magic.