Your Disney World vacation has been booked for months. During that time, you’ve been making your list and checking it twice. Time has been spent researching the perfect places to eat, the must-have photo opportunities, and food that you have to try. You’re so excited about having a magical vacation and making memories with your family. In your mind, you’ve planned it all out to be the perfect vacation. But I want to give you some advice: there’s no such thing as a perfect Disney World vacation, not even with ALL that magic.

NO Such Thing As A Perfect Disney World Vacation

What are some things that you may encounter that will cause you to want to pull your hair out? Here are a few that you may not have thought about.

• Your kids will throw a tantrum and who knows, your spouse may throw one too! It’s frustrating when you get to the front of the line on your favorite ride and an epic meltdown occurs that causes you to turn around and leave. 
• Be prepared for bad weather. I’ve never been on a Disney trip where I didn’t experience some sort of bad weather. Chances are high that it will at least rain. One vivid memory comes from our kids’ very first trip. A few hours after we arrived, we had dinner reservations at Chef Mickey. We forgot umbrellas and ponchos. A massive rain shower occurred walking from the bus to the monorail. We arrived for our reservations soaking wet. 
• Walt Disney World can be unbelievably hot and miserable at times. Pair that with waiting in line with your kids and it can be rough. 
• Not to mention the attitudes that spill over into your perfect photo op. You’re getting your family picture in front of Cinderella’s Castle and one child (or adult) is not cooperating. 

Have A Plan In Place

It’s great to have a plan in place. There’s no problem at all with having a list of things that you’ve got to try. But the one word you need to keep in mind throughout the planning and the trip itself is flexibility. You’ve got to give yourself a little room for changes. 

You see, a Walt Disney World vacation is the most magical trip your family will experience. Even with all the magic, there will be things that are frustrating. Understand that the joy and excitement of the vacation isn’t necessarily based upon what happens, but rather how you respond to it.

Unexpected Can Mean Extra Magic

Do you remember when I mentioned the unexpected rain shower on the way to dinner? Well, we wanted to get on the bus and go back to the resort. Just skip the reservations. We were miserable. However, we decided to push through and go to dinner. It was in the midst of the misery that we got to experience a little of the Disney magic we’d heard about. A cast member saw us and brightened our evening (and our whole trip). My son had his Goofy hat on. The cast member asked if she could take the hat and get it signed. Little did we know that it would be Goofy himself that returned with the hat in hand. He made our son’s night when he took the time to pose for pictures with him.

There will be moments that you get frustrated. But, just roll with the punches. Make the most of those moments. You never know; it may be the most frustrating times that become the fondest memories! 

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Disney World Etiquette

When you tell people you are prepping for a Disney World Vacation they most likely will start rattling off all of the things you just have to do. While that is super helpful and always good to get other people’s point of view on their experiences in the parks, many people do not discuss what you should try and NOT do as a guest at Walt Disney World. The parks are filled to the brim with people, even on days with lower than normal crowds and it’s important to keep these things in mind while exploring and enjoying attractions to ensure that you are not only having a great time but those around you do as well!

5 Disney World Etiquette Tips

Move all the way in, or over, or forward, or WHATEVER the instructions are!

Some of the most common things you will hear from cast members whether it is setting up for a parade, getting onto the monorail, hopping on a bus or finding a seat in a theater for a show is where you should go. If a cast member directs you to move all the way to the end of your row, move all the way to the end of your row. I get it, you spent a lot of money on this vacation and you want the best seat in the house but Disney World does a great job on most attractions in making sure everyone has a great experience. The cast members are giving those directions for a reason whether it be to use time efficiently and usually safety comes into play as well. Bottom line, follow directions!

Have your bag/bags ready to be inspected at security

Whenever you enter a Disney World park you will have to go through security. It can take some time, (so plan accordingly). However, I DO like how seriously Disney World takes guest safety and appreciate all the measures they have put in place to make sure that guests are well taken care of while on property. To make security lines go more quickly guests can do their part. Have your bags ready to be gone through, open any zippers and compartments and follow Disney World guidelines like no loose ice in coolers. If you are packing a lot for a full day, use clear pouches to store the items so they can see what’s in them without going through everything and just keep in mind they aren’t trying to make your life harder they are trying to keep you safe!

Learn how to pack the perfect park bag by clicking the link!

Watch where you are walking

When you enter a Disney World Park whether it be for the first time or the hundredth, it is easy to be taken aback by everything. They are a feast for the senses and there is so much to take in. That being said, the way to take it all in is not by stopping suddenly in the middle of Main Street USA at rope drop. While you are walking, enjoy the amazing Disney World atmosphere (there’s nothing like it) but pay attention to your surroundings…especially if you are pushing a stroller. As a stroller pusher myself I know it can be difficult to navigate the hub in front of Cinderella’s Castle but simply saying “excuse me” politely goes a long way, much further than clipping people in the heels to make your point.

Don’t ruin attractions for others

If you are on an attraction and it isn’t for you, don’t ruin it for other guests by talking throughout or being snarky. Going further, don’t use flash photography if it asks not to as well! I have been on attractions before where people yell out every line before it can be said or just serve as background noise when you are trying to enjoy and it is truly distracting. Your least favorite attraction is probably someone’s favorite so always keep that in mind!

Be Mindful of Your Language

Disney World is a place for everyone regardless of age. But no matter how old you are, no one wants to hear inappropriate language when they are trying to enjoy time spent with friends and family. This is especially true as Disney World is a place full of little humans with eager ears, and being respectful of those around you should always be a top priority.

Just be considerate!

Walt Disney World is the most magical place on earth and it is an experience like no other. When you spend so much time planning you want everything to be perfect. If you keep these things in mind when you’re in the park, it will be just that! Disney World is the best at planning meaningful experiences for their guests so when you get frustrated by an occurrence in the park, just know there is usually a reason why it is being done that way. By staying mindful of those around you, you are contributing to their positive experience as well and that is win-win!

Have you ever witnessed some not so magical moments while visiting Disney World? Or maybe you witnessed some pretty amazing pixie dust? We would love to hear about your experiences. Join our Facebook Group, DISNEY EXPRESS LANE, and let us know!

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