5 Expectations We Have For Every Walt Disney World Vacation

Disney World Vacations come with some high expectations from their visitors. The over 40 million people per year that visit have a reason for this; Disney holds themselves to a higher standard.   I have had some of the most magical vacations at Disney World and it is a bit confusing when I talk to friends who tell me they “hated” their vacation and will never go back. I know Disney Vacations are not for everyone, just like I don’t love beach vacations. For me, I have 5 expectations of every Disney Vacation and because they are met every time I go, I continue to vacation there year after year!

1. Safety

The Walt Disney Company takes pride in their safety measures, establishing hundreds of standards of the operations of their attractions. The Security Teams at Disney employs hundreds of employees dedicated to making sure that each and every single person that attends Disney World is as safe as they possibly can be. Cast members are trained on what to do in a crisis situation, including a personal family crisis of being split up from a child. I feel so safe when I am on Disney property, something that I don’t take advantage of by being careless, but it’s nice that so much care is put into keeping me and my loved ones safe.

2. Cleanliness

I expect the theme parks, bathrooms, hotel rooms and even the parking lots to be spic and span when I am there. Not because I am being snobby, but because I have come to expect this as part of the Disney experience. Actually, I am surprised when something is not clean. On Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin once, the seat was covered in some sticky, purple goo. I remember it vividly because it is so rare that I see that. There has been some wear and tear that I have seen, but I have always felt that the cleanliness standards are way above and beyond most!

3. Delicious Food

Being a foodie, part of my vacation is looking forward to trying new foods, restaurants and indulging more than I do when I am home. I really enjoy the food choices at Disney World from snacks all the way up to signature dining.   Whether it’s delicious BBQ from the Flame Tree BBQ at Animal Kingdom, the Char Crusted Ahi Tuna Burger at ESPN Club on the Boardwalk, the Tonga Toast from Kona Café at the Polynesian, Mushroom Soup from Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge or Filet and Lobster from Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian… and I could go on and on, food is part of the high expectation on my Disney Vacation!

4. Top Notch Entertainment

Of course I expect to have a great time at Disney World, that’s why I love vacationing there! But, I also expect that the shows, attractions and parades are going to go above my expectations. I have seen my fair share of plays and musicals and Disney shows are the absolute best when it comes to professionalism, talent and rehearsal. I haven’t ever seen a dancer miss a step, actor drop a line or have even thought anything other than, “WOW!” when watching these talented people!  I almost lost my mind when I saw the Festival of the Fantasy Parade as I was totally overwhelmed by awe! I also expect the attractions to immersive, fun and make me want to return to it.

5. Magic

You better believe that I expect magic, pixie dust and wonder when I go to Disney World. I have been attending Disney World regularly for the last 35 years and the magic I experienced as a child is still rewarding as an adult. Cast members regularly make me smile with thoughtful words, advice or niceties. Children laughing, watching my nephews meeting Mickey for the first time and seeing families bonding makes my heart swell. Giggling on Space Mountain, dancing with my husband at Hoop Dee Doo to “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and oohing and ahhing over the fireworks are moments I’ll treasure forever.