Walt Disney World continues to dominate the realm of vacation destinations. Themed Entertainment Association’s (TEA) annual Theme Index and Museum Index reveals the flagship theme park, Magic Kingdom, as the most-visited park worldwide. In 2022, Magic Kingdom alone welcomed approximately 17 million guests, all while Disney World was still rebounding from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2024 is expected to yield robust results as families plan their Disney World vacations. According to this year’s Travel Forecast from the U.S. Travel Association, demand for leisure travel is back to pre-pandemic levels. The industry anticipates spending on domestic leisure travel in 2024 will surpass 2019, at $739 billion versus $723 billion, respectively.
With so many families eager to travel and with Disney World remaining a top destination, millions are expected to vacation at the House of Mouse this year. A lot goes into planning a Disney World vacation.
We asked travel experts, many of whom are seasoned Disney pros, to warn us about the mistakes and pitfalls encountered by first-timers or those who last visited the theme parks a while ago. Their advice: avoid overspending and overplanning while still doing your homework.
Not Shopping for Deals
Disney World vacations are expensive, with hotel rates and theme park ticket costs eclipsing nationwide competitors. Many families spend years saving for their once-in-a-lifetime Disney vacation. While pricey, Disney World offers discounts if one knows where to look.
It can be easy to overspend when caught up in the excitement and magic of Disney parks, but flexibility and awareness can combat consumers’ temptation. Alexandra Caspero, Founder of Delish Knowledge, advises families to consider modifying hotel reservations and transportation methods to mitigate costs; resorts on Disney World property cost families more than the average Orlando hotel. “We almost always stay outside of Disney to use hotel points; most hotels near Disney offer shuttles or transportation to and from the parks and can be a significant cost savings than the Disney properties.”
With hundreds of hotel options, including two dozen on Disney World property, planning a trip can overwhelm even the most seasoned guests. This process can be even more daunting for first-timers or those seldom visiting the parks. Working with a dedicated Disney travel agent alleviates associated stress.
Gavin Doyle, founder of Mickey Visit and bestselling author of Disneyland Secrets, urges travelers to seek and secure better deals by leaning on the park’s trained agents. He elaborates, “Disney works to ensure that travel agents are educated and prepared to help guests book trips. The services are also free because Disney pays the agents a small commission.”
Not Planning in Advance
A Disney World excursion can help families craft lifelong memories, but some guests quickly learn that a Disney vacation sidelines relaxation. A lot goes into planning a Disney World vacation aside from budgeting. With four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and dining center, two dozen hotels, and hundreds of restaurants, it is impossible to see and do everything in one week. Visitors, especially first-timers, may feel compelled to fit as much activity into their schedule as possible, which can add to cost concerns, crowd frustrations, and other existing vacation stressors.
Brainstorm with family and assemble an optimal itinerary, says Megan duBois, freelance journalist and theme park expert. She says, “One common mistake I see people making when they book their first or first in a long time trip to Walt Disney World is thinking they can just walk into the parks without booking anything. Those days are long gone.”
Book reservations early to eliminate most last-minute walk-ups. Staying on top of reservations is especially important with dining experiences, where reservations open 60 days in advance. “Families should also be familiar with how Genie+ works and how to get the most out of the service if they plan to use it,” duBois adds. Genie+, Disney World’s newest digital service, allows users to bypass most rides’ and attractions’ standby queues. The service functions similarly to its predecessor, FastPass+. Still, the differences — including its price tag — push even the most seasoned Disney World travelers to triple-check trip plans.
Committing to Too Much
A successful Disney World vacation requires planning. Overplanning and a lack of flexibility, however, often yields opposite results. Though most families want to stretch their dollar, overstuffed itineraries lead to shattered expectations, burnout, and an unpleasant vacation experience.
This is especially true for first-timers, says Mikkel Woodruff of Sometimes Home. “Allow time that you do not have things planned to create some space for spontaneity,” she suggests.
Scheduling a midday break allows everyone to rest and recharge before returning to the parks at night. Woodruff also recommends, “It’s okay to go to the park for part of the day or most of the day but then leave the parks to enjoy your resort by night or some of the incredible restaurants and additional neighborhoods in the greater Orlando metropolitan area outside of Disney World property.”
Setting appropriate expectations remains fundamental for Sarah Gilliland, founder of On the Road With Sarah and Managing Travel Editor for Wealth of Geeks. She notes that families must understand how long it will take to cross everything off their to-do list. She adds, “The parks in Orlando are so spread out. It takes time to park hop or visit another resort or shop at Disney Springs. It is also difficult to take a family to all four parks and ride everything or see every show in a three-day or four-day weekend.”
Gilliland echoes the importance of having a knowledgeable travel agent when planning a Disney World vacation. Travel agents are up-to-date on the latest terminology and technology, helping travelers of all experience levels plan a tailored Disney trip.
