A trip to Walt Disney World is a dream come true, but without the right strategy, it can quickly become overwhelming. The resort is the size of San Francisco, and navigating Genie+, dining reservations, and transportation requires a bit of homework.
1. Sleeping In
The early bird catches the empty queue. "Rope Dropping" (arriving before the park opens) is the single best way to ride headliners like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Rise of the Resistance with minimal waits. You can get more done in the first two hours than the entire afternoon.
2. Ignoring Dining Reservations
Table-service restaurants at Disney are not like the real world. You cannot just walk up to Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table and expect a table. Reservations open 60 days in advance, and the popular spots vanish in minutes.
3. Wearing New Shoes
You will walk 10–15 miles a day. This is not the time to break in those cute new sneakers. Wear your most worn-in, comfortable walking shoes. Your feet will thank you.
4. Underestimating the Heat
Florida is hot, and the humidity is relentless. Hydrate constantly (quick-service spots give free ice water!) and take a midday break. Go back to your hotel pool from 1 PM to 4 PM when the sun is strongest and the lines are longest.
5. Trying to Do It All
It is impossible to see everything in one trip. Don’t burn yourself out trying. Pick your "must-dos" for each park and consider everything else a bonus. The magic is in the details, not the checklist.