8 Common Disney World Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them!)

Walt Disney World is one of the most exciting places to visit, filled with incredible attractions, entertainment, and dining. With four theme parks, two water parks, and tons of resorts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a seasoned Disney fan, avoiding common pitfalls will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

To make sure you get the best experience possible, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could take away from the magic. Some of these are simple to fix, while others might surprise even experienced Disney fans! No matter how many times you’ve visited, there are always ways to enhance your time in the parks and resorts.

Here are eight mistakes you should avoid on your next trip to Walt Disney World.

8. Not Booking Dining Reservations in Advance

Walt Disney World has hundreds of dining options, from quick bites to fine dining. Many of the most popular restaurants require reservations, and they fill up fast. Missing out on a highly-rated dining experience can be disappointing, and without proper planning, you might find yourself scrambling for last-minute dining options with limited availability.

You can book Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) 60 days in advance. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you can book for your entire trip (up to 10 days) at once. This is a huge advantage, especially for securing coveted reservations at places like Cinderella’s Royal Table, California Grill, and Space 220.

Restaurants like Wish Makers Enchanted Dining, Be Our Guest, and Oga’s Cantina are in high demand. If you don’t plan ahead, you might miss out on some amazing dining experiences. Consider setting a reminder for when your ADR window opens so you can snag the best spots before they fill up.

7. Ignoring Lightning Lane Options

Lines can be long at Disney, especially for the most popular attractions. Lightning Lane lets you skip the standby lines by reserving a time to ride. This can be a game-changer for those who want to experience as many rides as possible without spending hours in line.

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can make Lightning Lane selections starting at 7:00 a.m. on the day of your visit. Other guests can book once they enter the park. Having a strategy for which rides to book first can significantly cut down on wait times and let you experience more attractions in a day.

Rides like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind often have long waits. Use Lightning Lane wisely to save time and enjoy more attractions. Consider making a list of your must-do rides and prioritizing those with historically long wait times.

6. Sleeping in Every Morning

It’s tempting to sleep in on vacation, but getting to the parks early has major benefits. Early Entry lets Disney Resort guests enter the parks 30 minutes before the official opening time. This may not seem like a lot, but it can make a big difference in getting ahead of the crowds.

Mornings are the best time for short lines and cooler temperatures. This is the perfect chance to ride Tron Lightcycle / Run, Flight of Passage, or Slinky Dog Dash before the crowds arrive. Being among the first guests in the park also makes it easier to capture great photos without large crowds in the background.

If you want to experience more rides in a day, setting that alarm is worth it! Consider taking a mid-day break at your resort and then returning to the parks in the evening for fireworks and nighttime shows.

5. Not Using Disney Resort Perks

Staying at a Disney Resort hotel comes with great perks, but many guests don’t take full advantage of them. From complimentary transportation to exclusive park access, these benefits can add up to a smoother and more enjoyable vacation.

One of the best benefits is extended evening hours, which are available on select nights for guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts. You can enjoy rides with shorter wait times after most people have left the park. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience headliner attractions with minimal crowds.

Other resort perks include:

• Mobile Orders for quick-service meals
• Resort package delivery to avoid carrying purchases all-day
• Virtual queues for high-demand attractions
• Free transportation via buses, boats, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner

4. Skipping Research Before Your Trip

Not planning ahead can make your trip more stressful. Taking time to research Disney World before you go helps you make the most of your visit. Disney trips require more planning than a typical vacation, so having a solid itinerary can save you headaches once you’re there.

Key things to research:

• Park maps and layouts so you know where attractions are
• Height requirements for rides if you’re traveling with kids
• Dining options and menus to find meals you’ll enjoy
• Entertainment schedules to plan for fireworks and shows
• Special events and seasonal offerings that might enhance your trip

Knowing these details in advance will help you avoid confusion and wasted time. Consider watching park walkthrough videos or reading trip reports to get an idea of what to expect.

3. Overlooking Less Popular Attractions

Everyone rushes to big rides like Space Mountain, Flight of Passage, and Haunted Mansion, but there are so many hidden gems in the parks. Some of these attractions offer unique experiences, shorter wait times, and a break from the more intense rides.

Some underrated attractions worth checking out include:

• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
• Country Bear Musical Jamboree
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
• Living with the Land
• Journey into Imagination with Figment
• Muppet*Vision 3D
• Carousel of Progress
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends

These attractions often have little to no wait, and they can be a great way to relax between big rides. They also provide some of the richest storytelling and history that Disney has to offer.

2. Ignoring Resort Amenities

Disney Resorts aren’t just a place to sleep—they offer incredible experiences that many guests skip. Taking a break from the parks to enjoy your resort’s amenities can add a new level of relaxation and fun to your trip.

Resort pools feature water slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones that are perfect for a mid-day break. Deluxe resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort have some of the best pools on the property.

Other resort activities include campfires, outdoor movies, boat rentals, and guided tours. Some resorts even offer character dining experiences, which can be a great way to meet favorite Disney characters without waiting in long lines at the parks.

1. Leaving Before Nighttime Entertainment

Many guests head back to their hotel before the parks close, but they miss out on some of the best entertainment. Disney’s nighttime spectaculars are one of the highlights of any visit, and they offer a breathtaking way to end your day in the parks.

Must-see nighttime shows include:

• Happily Ever After (Magic Kingdom)
• Fantasmic! (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
• Luminous The Symphony of Us (EPCOT)
• Tree of Life Awakenings (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)

Fireworks, music, and stunning projections make these shows unforgettable. Arriving early to grab a good spot is worth it!

Final Thoughts

Walt Disney World is a magical place, but avoiding common mistakes will make your trip even better. Plan ahead, use Disney Resort perks, explore underrated attractions, and don’t leave before the nighttime entertainment.

What’s one mistake you’ve made at Disney World that you’ll never repeat? Share your thoughts in the comments below!