Anytime a mainstream media source tries to give advice on how to plan a Disney World trip, I cringe because I know they are going to mess it up.
Today, I have 5 bits of bad advice that I’ve heard a lot and some good advice that you can use instead.
I also have a quick tip on choosing FastPass+ reservations based on how fun the line is.
[powerpress]
Update:
So much has changed since we first published this podcast.
In the years since this episode was first released, we’ve added some additional resources that you’ll definitely want to check out. You can find all that info in the notes below.
These are notes from this episode. There’s much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.
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5 pieces of bad advice
There’s a lot of bad advice floating around but here are 5 things I often hear that aren’t good:
- Choose the park you’ll visit each day based on some arbitrary factor like which bus arrives first or the weather. I would suggest being more strategic about it and using the PDF of best/worst parks per day that are posted on the monthly dashboards.
- Save money on park tickets by purchasing from a ticket broker. Deep discounts on park tickets are hard to find so be leery of these operations which are selling used tickets which may not work and could get you in trouble. Update: We’ve added an entire post all about Disney World Tickets to help you with all the ins and outs of Disney World ticket purchases.
- Park at Downtown Disney to avoid parking fees. There are not direct buses between Downtown Disney and the parks so park in the parking lot where you’ll be spending the day instead of spending 90 minutes getting to and from to save a few dollars. Update: Downtown Disney is now called “Disney Springs” and it is still a bad idea to park there, BUT we do have an entire post all about Parking at Disney World that can help you understand how parking works at both the parks and resorts.
- Wing it in the parks. Not a good idea to go into the parks without a plan. I suggest being structured from park opening through lunch and then being spontaneous the rest of the day. My touring plans are set up with that in mind.
- Yell “Andy is coming” to make the Toy Story characters drop. No, this is too dangerous for the characters and won’t actually work.
Quick tip of the day
Many people ask me if they should avoid choosing FastPass+ for rides that have good queues. I don’t generally suggest that as a good strategy but you might consider doing that for Haunted Mansion (which has a separate line you can enter to explore the interactive elements) or Dumbo (which has an indoor play area for kids to enjoy while they wait).
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What other bad advice have you heard? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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Jamie
Monday 16th of January 2017
I need some advice about our first trip to WDW. My son will have just turned 6 when we go. He normally doesn't need a stroller anymore, but with all the walking everyone keeps talking about, should I get one for him?
Sherry
Monday 3rd of July 2017
Only you can decide if your youngster has the stamina to endure a day without a stroller. There is a lot of walking, but also opportunities to sit. We would plan to mix in some of those opportunities and take advantage of a rest -- at the Magic Kingdom, for instance, we would scatter Country Bear Jamboree, Carosel of Progress, Hall of Presidents and Mickey's Philharmonic as opportunities to enjoy a short rest, cool down & get a break from walking.
Christy
Saturday 24th of September 2016
Worst advice ever: do what someone else does! Quite frankly, you need to do what works best for you and your family, and that may be the opposite of someone else. It's great to consider advice and helpful hints from others, but you have to determine if it will work for your family. For instance, the dining plan is a must for my family because we enjoy having a sit down meal every day. However, for our good friends who hate spending an hour or more eating, the dining plan is a waste of money. So, I would say listen to the "experts" but take your family's characteristics and preferences into account.
Jackie
Saturday 14th of May 2016
Don't plan your child's first trip for Christmas Day. Everyone can be disappointed. While the parks are fabulous during the Christmas season, Christmas Day through New Years is their busiest time. Enjoy yourselves and travel during the beginning of December. Also, make time to see the Candlelight Procession. Favorite. Disney. Event. Ever!
Disney Joan
Friday 29th of April 2016
I think the worst piece of advice I read is to rent strollers the size of mini coopers. Ive been to Disneyworld at least once a year for the past 30 years. I brought kids as young as 9 months and toured the parks using umbrella strollers. Although unpopular these days, they are inexpensive, lightweight, breathable, and don't take up aisle space on crowded buses once collapsed. Not to mention more sanatary and they dry fast after a Florida rainstorm. I'm sure Amazon could deliver on to you at your resort (check with guest services) much cheaper than you can rent one.
Rebecca Sabo
Tuesday 8th of March 2016
Just returned from Disney March 7th 2016. A toy soldier was walking too fast in Hollywood Studio for me to snap a photo. My husband yelled "Andy's coming" and he froze! My son got a picture with him :)