Here you leave today and enter the world of Yesterday, Tomorrow and Fantasy. But sometimes, the picture-perfect dream scenario will get in the way of reality. This is why a topic as broad as this could actually help you during the planning of your vacation and how to set expectations on your vacation!
Quick Note: Although there are a huge number of things that I would never do again, this list is a nice happy-medium selection of activities, events and overall days. There are really no attractions that I wouldn’t do again under the right circumstance….even Astro Orbiters or Its Tough to be a Bug;)
DRINK BEVERLY
The first thing out of Jill’s mouth when I started to talk about this topic was Beverly at Club Cool in EPCOT.
Although it was marketed as an apertif (i.e. a drink served before a meal), we Disney fans, who were bringing friends and family to Walt Disney World for the first time, would often market it as the BEST drink in the world! After seeing the face that folks would make, usually a mix of “wow that’s bitter” and “I need a shot of tequila after tasting that”, we would often go into People Watch mode and see how many others would get set up to experience this tradition.
Beverly itself was discontinued in 2009, so every year that we make our way into Club Cool and actually see it as an offering…is a blessing in disguise. Oh, and I had the dump method down pat…so after pressing the sample button it was a queue for someone else to try it as well. While they were looking at the cup in order to not have it over-flow, I’d position myself right beside the garbage can!
What’s interesting is that Beverly is still offered as part of the International Flight at the Coca-Cola Store @ Disney Springs, which collectively is part of our best Non-Alcoholic Drinks at Disney World article.
TRUST DISNEY BUS TRANSPORTATION
Time = money.
The number of times that I’ve given Disney bus transportation a chance, just to have it completely backfire, would shock you.
From this point forward, the number one thing that will come up on a daily basis on a Disney vacation that I will never do again is trust that you’ll be on a Disney bus within 20-minutes. It just can’t be guaranteed.
But what can you do to prepare for the disappointment?
- Be flexible – if you are going to park hop to/from Animal Kingdom, just take an UBER.
- Have a budget – $7-10 may sound like a lot at the time, but how much did you spend for your vacation JUST to be waiting at a bus stop with no idea of when the bus will actually show up.
- Be aware and accepting – it’s not just you. This is a frustrating situation and being stressed about it without doing anything will help nothing.
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EXTRA TICKETED EVENTS
This could change sooner rather than later, but after our last experience at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, we’re not going back. The crowds, the lack of unique and updated entertainment with the added pressure of “getting your money worth” has made these parties unattractive.
There are things that Disney could do in order to get the parties back to the glory days, like limiting the number of tickets and creating indoor queues for big ticket character greetings, but it looks like the events are stuck in over-hype and under-deliver.
TAKE THE FERRY FROM THE TICKET & TRANSPORTATION CENTRE TO THE MAGIC KINGDOM
This is a basic one, as the time on your vacation is incredibly valuable and shouldn’t be sacrificed to inefficiency.
Although the view from the Ferry is breathtaking, the time that you’re investing is better spent in an UBER or walking to the Polynesian Village Resort to hop on the resort monorail.
Why is this on my list? Because I was that poor sucker who actually waited 45-minutes in the midday heat to go across the Seven Seas Lagoon and there are photos to prove it!
NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM
The Magic Kingdom is by far and away one of the most magical places on earth…when you can walk in a straight line. When the park closes for capacity before noon, you’re just asking for troubles and the stress will follow you through the 3-4 hour lines for attractions, hour long lines for lunch and the chance that if you leave the park midday, that you won’t be able to get back in due to capacity issues.
In other words, just watch it on TV or (if you really want) you can purchase a fireworks package from the Polynesian or Contemporary!
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HALLOWEEN NIGHT
When you’re looking at getting the best Halloween experience, waiting until Halloween night is a huge mistake. Remember that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party usually starts in August and the first few parties are downright amazing! The cast members are still having fun, the characters haven’t been burned out yet and the candy is still kinda fresh for not having been in boxes for an extra two months.
The big reason why we won’t do Halloween night anymore is because of the pressure that guests put on that specific night, and how frustrating it is when the tickets sell out (as they do every year) months in advance! Also, the weather in late October isn’t as nice as September…so we recommend the 3rd week of September as the optimal time to do Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
JULY 4TH AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM
Don’t do it! Summer = hot and sweaty days in the parks, with the Magic Kingdom hitting capacity early…AND the kicker is that they do the “Fourth of July Fireworks” on July 3rd as well;)
NEW YEARS EVE AT EPCOT
EPCOT is home to some amazing events, and the holiday tags are pretty much the most epic thing that you can ever imagine. With New Year’s Eve, the celebrations start early in the day. Why?
Because the World Showcase is home to countries in many different time zones. China celebrates at a different time than Norway, which is a different timezone than Morocco and the USA. The reason why it’s not as bad as the Magic Kingdom is the fact that there are two entrances (and thus two exits), it’ll give you the chance to avoid the crowds after the party by going through to the Boardwalk or busing from a resort like the Yacht and Beach Club.
Personally, my experience was in the Canadian Pavilion, because I had to close that evening! Lucky me right? 😉
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OPENING WEEKEND AT AN EPCOT FESTIVAL
Any time that you have an opening of a festival at EPCOT, be prepared the lines. As seasoned travellers to Walt Disney World…we’ve learned a few things.
First off, don’t go opening weekend. You’ll be in a world of hurt due to the sheer crowd levels and the fact that the vendors haven’t gotten into a groove yet. You may end up with lack-luster food experiences, under-informed cast (especially those who are covering shifts) and the worst…system bugs that have issues with opening day.
IF you do have to go opening weekend, treat it like any other day and go early, have fun and don’t waste your time in giant lines without seeing if the product/service itself is worth it.
DISNEY’S ALL STAR RESORTS
We’ve stayed there twice and although the “Value” is still there when comparing against other Disney Resorts, the quality just isn’t worth it anymore. Why? Well the idea behind paying a premium to be on property should be reflected in everything from the room decor to the operations and everything in between. Unfortunately, this resort has been put under the microscope for “operational efficiencies”…which means that they are cutting costs left right and center.
Just take my advice and price check a value resort like Pop Century, a Disney Springs Resort or an off-property hotel within a 10-minute uber drive of property.
SUPER BOWL CAVALCADE AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM
It’s 100% an advertising program to build the “I’m going to Disney World” slogan. Athletes are actually paid thousands to participate in the promotion, with a cavalcade going down Main Street USA the day (or week) after the Super Bowl with the MVP and characters dressed as football players. Why is this something that we’ll never do again? Well quite simply…Disney Parks Blog and YouTube channel will get you the same show, with behind the scenes elements and better access to the parade than you’ll get from staking out a spot in front of the Emporium.
Personally, as a casual football fan, I’d rather be IN the Emporium shopping for a new set of Mickey Ears or spending WAYYY too much money at the Art of Disney across the street than watching a walking/talking advertising slogan.
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TAKE THE MONORAIL OR BUSES FROM THE MAGIC KINGDOM AFTER FIREWORKS
You just saw the most magical fireworks spectacular that you could have dreamed about and have finished the evening wandering throughout the Magic Kingdom. In the infinite wisdom, you think that Disney has perfected the art of transporting guests from their theme parks to their resorts without causing stress and pandemonium. Oh, that’s cute!
This has baffled me for years, but the fact that there is constantly chaos and massive lines every single night at the Magic Kingdom (and honestly, all the theme parks) is nuts.
- Leaving Magic Kingdom? Walk to the Contemporary or the Grand Floridian and grab an Uber to Disney Springs
- Leaving EPCOT? Walk to the Boardwalk, Yacht & Beach Club, and grab an Uber after getting ice cream
- Leaving Hollywood Studios? Same as EPCOT…walk to the Boardwalk or Swan & Dolphin and grab an UBER from there. The nice thing is that DHS doesn’t have the same fireworks presentation as the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
- Leaving Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Expect lines.
Read More: Top Tips for Leaving the Magic Kingdom After Fireworks
THE NUMBER ONE THING I’LL NEVER DO AGAIN
CHRISTMAS DAY AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM
Perfection is the Magic Kingdom during any holiday celebration, but the Christmas lights and feeling in Disney World is by far my favourite time of the year! Here’s the issue…you’re being lied to each and every year.
The Christmas Parade that you see on ABC each year is amazing and magical. It’s also filmed weeks beforehand during the calm before the storm.
On Christmas Day, more than 120,000 – 150,000 guests will try to get into the park…and most will be turned away at various ‘capacity’ closure intervals. So if you do feel the need to be at the Magic Kingdom, it’s important to have expectations in check.
- You will not ride anything.
- You’ll be in lines everywhere, including lines to get into the washrooms
- Won’t be able to walk-up to any restaurants, so ADRs are a must.
- Can’t leave the park and expect to get back in…because capacity is capacity.
- Go slow, enjoy the atmosphere, people watch and enjoy getting a sun tan on December 25th!
Read More: 8 Christmas Activities at Walt Disney World You Can’t Miss
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If you’re interested in our 10 Things We Can’t Wait To do Again…click here!
Did we miss anything? What will you never do again at Disney?