Walt Disney World Resort is a magical place, but let’s face it—sometimes that magic comes with a few frustrations. Whether it’s long waits for attractions, overwhelming crowds, or too many options to choose from, some moments can challenge even the most devoted Disney Parks fans’ patience.
In this article, we’ll dive into the ten things that can drive us crazy at Walt Disney World Resort—but also why, despite these annoyances, we keep coming back for more magic!
1. The Never-Ending Lines
Long lines are perhaps the most common frustration at Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you’re waiting in a traditional standby queue or using Lightning Lane, waiting is part of the experience. Despite all the improvements to speed things up, long waits persist at popular attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
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Tip: Maximize your Lightning Lane selections and aim for early morning or late evening visits to beat the rush! Disney Resort hotel guests get Early Entry 30 minutes before all other Disney Park guests.
2. Dining Reservations – Finding the Perfect Spot
Dining at Walt Disney World Resort is often as exciting as the attractions themselves. However, snagging a reservation at hot spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Space 220 can be a real challenge, especially during peak times.
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Tip: Book your dining reservations 60 days in advance using the My Disney Experience app.
3. The Chaos of the Happily Ever After Fireworks Show
The Happily Ever After fireworks show is an unforgettable experience, but the crowds gathering to watch can make it feel more chaotic than magical. After the show, getting out of the park feels like navigating a sea of people.
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Tip: For a less crowded view, consider booking a dining reservation at a resort with a view of the fireworks, like the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. If you decide to watch from Magic Kingdom Park, head to Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, or Frontierland after the show to enjoy one more ride–and miss the long transportation lines.
4. The Overload of Information
Walt Disney World Resort can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Between the My Disney Experience app, park maps, and constant updates, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of information.
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Tip: Research your must-see attractions before your visit. Use the My Disney Experience app to stay updated on the go and stay organized!
5. The Obsession with Photos
While it’s great to capture memories, Walt Disney World Resort guests often feel the pressure to snap photos every step of the way–and sometimes stop in a moving walkway to do it. From selfies in front of Cinderella Castle to pictures with Mickey, there’s always a perfect photo opportunity.
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Tip: Set aside specific times for photos, but don’t feel like you have to document every moment. Focus on enjoying the experience!
6. The Price of Everything
Let’s face it: Walt Disney World Resort is an expensive vacation destination. Theme park tickets, Disney Resort hotel rooms, meals, souvenirs… all of it can add up quickly.
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Tip: To save, consider booking tickets in advance, hunting for discounts, and taking advantage of free activities, like strolling through Disney Springs or enjoying the fireworks from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
7. Constant Construction
Disney is constantly evolving, which means construction is a part of the experience. Whether it’s the transformation of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island into Piston Peak National Park or the Pueblo Esperanza area replacing DinoLand U.S.A., construction can cause some headaches.
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Tip: Before you go, check Disney Dining for updates on the latest construction projects so you can plan your visit accordingly. Some attractions may be temporarily unavailable, so prepare in advance instead of being disappointed in the moment!
8. Waiting for Transportation
Sometimes the bus, Monorail, watercraft, or Disney Skyliner wait can seem endless, especially at the end of a long day at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or Disney Springs.
- Tip: To avoid the crowds, leave the park at off-hours, like an hour before or after a nighttime spectacular.
9. The Juggling Act of World Celebration, World Discovery, World Showcase, and World Nature
With its multiple themed neighborhoods, EPCOT can feel overwhelming; it’s a 1.2-mile walk around the World Showcase alone! With so many attractions, it can be hard to decide where to start.
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Tip: Focus on one section of EPCOT at a time. If you’re planning Lightning Lane or dining reservations, don’t set yourself up for exhaustion by trekking back and forth around the park all day.
10. Not Enough Time to See It All
There’s simply too much to do at Walt Disney World Resort! No matter how long you stay, there will always be something you wish you could have done. From hard-to-get dining reservations to seasonal events, it’s tough to fit everything in.
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Tip: Prioritize your must-see experiences, but leave room for spontaneity. You can always return for the attractions you missed on your next visit.
We’ll Still Visit Walt Disney World Resort, No Matter What
While these things may drive us crazy at Walt Disney World Resort, they are also part of what makes the experience unforgettable. The magic of Disney might be accompanied by lines and crowds, but surviving the chaos is part of what makes the parks so special.
Have you experienced any of these frustrations—or do you have your own Walt Disney World pet peeves? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
