The Things No One Tells You Before Going to Disney World

When you’re planning a trip to Disney World, there are plenty of topics people love to talk about. Whether it’s their must-do restaurants or the attractions you have to get in line for at rope drop, there are lots of useful tips out there!

There are a few tips, however, that aren’t talked about as much! If you want to tackle Disney World like a pro on your next vacation, make sure you review these topics — because they aren’t mentioned as often as those must-do rides!

No one really tells you how LARGE Disney World is!

Disney World is a one-of-a-kind destination in that it’s akin to visiting a large city. There is so much to see and do, and it is impossible to do it all in one trip! It could take a long time to travel from point A to point B, whether that’s from your hotel to the parks, or from one ride to the next!

There are lots of ways to get around, from buses to Monorails to the Disney Skyliner. All of these complimentary transportation options are there to make it easier to move around this forty square-mile resort.

When you start to wrap your head around just how big Disney World is, it should come as no surprised that you need to be prepared to walk. It’s extremely easy to walk tens of thousands of steps per day, so be sure to pack your comfiest walking shoes!

No one tells you just how often you’ll use My Disney Experience 

These days, you’re going to be using your smart phone in Disney World more than ever before! From keeping track of your reservation information to placing a Mobile Order for food, you may be surprised to realize just how often you’re reaching for your phone to open up My Disney Experience during your trip.

My Disney Experience is where you can read park maps, check on attraction wait times, and make Lightning Lane reservations. It even acts now as a room key to your resort!

Is it even possible to do Disney World without phones? We found out — check out our experiment video below:

No one REALLY talks about the weather like they should

We all know Florida is hot most of the year and rains often, but you may be surprised to know just how much the weather could vary — even in a single day!

Believe it or not, it DOES get cold in Central Florida, especially if you’re coming off a water ride in the evening. You might not think you need to pack any outerwear, sweaters, or even hats and scarves, but depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you may need them!

And if you’re planning on traveling to Disney World during hurricane season, you’ll want to be prepared. Flights could get canceled, and even once you arrive, parks could close early if a big storm rolls in.

No one talks about how something will go wrong on your trip

We hate to say it, but the perfect Disney World vacations are few and far between. Of course, you and your family will have an amazing time…that is, as long as you set your expectations. Think of it this way: Disney World is large (as we’ve mentioned), hot, crowded, and you’re spending a lot of time in close quarters with your family. Inevitably, someone will get upset, or have a full-blown meltdown.

On top of that, there are things out of your control that could go wrong. Rides can and will break down, it could rain all day, someone could get hurt, and your carefully thought-out itinerary could get tossed out the window. It’s important to remember to breathe, take frequent breaks, and don’t be afraid to slow down! You may actually find that taking it slow and steady is your new preferred way to do Disney World!

No one talks about how much things have changed.

Well, WE have been talking about how much things have changed, but your friends and family may not be as aware! It goes without saying that the last few years brought some massive changes to Disney World, and even the most seasoned pro will encounter brand-new planning snafus that they may not be used to. 

If someone hasn’t visited Disney World in five years, they are walking into a very different experience. Disney’s Magical Express transportation is gone, FastPass has been replaced with Genie+, park hopping is restricted, and dining reservation policies have changed. Those are just SOME of the updates from the past few years.

So now you know a few more things that will help you prepare for your next Disney World trip. We’ll keep bringing you tips and tricks for the theme parks as things continue to change — keep reading AllEars for more!

Click here for our ranking of the best and worst Disney World hotels at each price level!

What is your TOP Disney World tip for someone who has never been before? Share with us in the comments!