Tips for Meeting up with Friends while on a Disney Vacation

Let’s set the scene. You’re planning a trip to Disney World and one of your friends sends you a message to let you know that they’ll be there at the same time. What do you do?

After many experiences, both successful and not, I’ve put together a list that could help you navigate the expectations of meeting up with friends at Disney.

My Past Mistakes

I’m usually the person who starts the conversation, but every so often it’ll be another friend who will reach out to me. Both ways, it’s a mix of setting expectations from the beginning about what you’re asking of the other. This is where you’ll probably mess up, as depending on when you’re starting the planning, could be months out vs the next day.

The biggest mistake that I’ve made is to leave things open, with the pressure being on the other person to come up with an idea. Don’t make my mistake:) It’s a lot easier for your friends to work around a specific event.

I’ve set up schedules with openings, had calls and email chains…all to end up with a last minute change of plans. Lots of stress!


Article Continues Below

So let’s look at the Top 10 Tips for Hanging out with Friends

ASK FOR YOUR FRIEND’S PLANS

Starting out with a basic understanding of where they’ll on which day could help you figure out if it’s even do-able. Lots of times, your friend may have plans that aren’t adaptable due to family obligations. If they only have the time to hang out in the Magic Kingdom on a Monday, but you are planning to be there on Sunday and again on Tuesday for a party, it may not work out from the beginning.

You don’t need all their detailed plans, but most times they’ll want to share all the stuff that they’ve got planned anyway. It’s an exciting time during the vacation planning process!

BOOK AN ADVANCED DINING RESERVATION

Remember that you don’t get penalized for a no-show dining reservation unless you cancel in the last 24 hours. This means that you can book a bunch of reservations at different parks on different days, just in case one works better for your friends’ plans.

If you wanted to wait until last minute, we’ve got a list of restaurants that are fairly easy to book for groups with little notice.


Article Continues Below

DON’T RELY ON WIFI – MAKE A PLAN IN ADVANCE

HUGE mistakes can be made when you make plans that involve “send me a note when you get to the park and we’ll meet up”. Make a plan in advance, confirm it the day before and say that you’re meeting someone at a specific location at a time. If they’re not there within 15-minutes (with no contact), then just go on with your trip.

As an out-of-country visitor, my data plans are more expensive than domestic travellers so I’ll end up just using wifi. There are places within the theme parks that have horrible wifi zones, including just outside the turnstiles and by transportation. Know before you go!

MEET SOMEWHERE SPECIFIC AND RECOGNIZABLE

Don’t say that you’ll meet someone:

  • In front of the Castle
  • in front of the giant golf ball
  • Beside the Tree of Life
  • In Star Wars.

All of these have the potential of going sideways, because there’s really no exact spot. You’ll want to say that your friend should meet you in front of guest relations or the starbucks…because it’s such an easy thing to share and there’s only one location in every park.

SET EXPECTATIONS EARLY

Are you wanting to spend the day with your friend, or is it a situation where they’re more of an acquaintance and you’d rather just do a specific activity together? All of this should be communicated early, because you’re on vacation too!


Article Continues Below

TAKE PHOTOS WHEN YOU CAN

If you’re in front of an icon (castle, tree, etc) grab a photo. Some of the best tips come from personal experience, and this is a doozy! I’ve met up with a ton of friends, and by the time our meetup was over…we had no pics and couldn’t share in the excitement when those memories would come up in the future.

BE GENEROUS

One of my favorite parts of meeting up with friends is trying new things. Maybe its a restaurant or a new snack, but no matter what it is…include your party in the activity and it’ll be that much better!

Not saying that you should pay for Victoria & Alberts, but a lunch or snack won’t hurt to really have fun.

I also love to show up with gifts, so if you know that you’re meeting up with friends who aren’t from your hometown…bring a pin or a gift. I’ve been known to bring down air fresheners from Tim Hortons or a “You are Here” mug from Starbucks. Just good fun:)

DON’T WORRY IF PLANS FALL THROUGH

This will take some time to learn, but there’s only so much that you can do to meet up with friends. At the end of the day, you’re going to be putting your best foot forward with the end goal of being a great friend. IF for whatever reason the stars won’t align for you…don’t worry about it. Things will be okay:)


Hope that this was helpful! I know that this is a topic that can only be helpful for a small group of our readers, but there’s been enough requests for me to write the list and stand by the advice. Every vacation is different, so do what you can without sacrificing your own trip.

Dustin Fuhshttp://www.stepstomagic.com
I’m Dustin Fuhs, a theme park fanatic that has created this platform to showcase my passion, tools and opinions to create a fun and interactive experience for everyone who visits. My goal is to help you and your family have the most magical experience at Walt Disney World. In reading my articles and ideas, I hope that you can find some fantastic ways to bring your dreams into reality!

Related articles

The Rip-offs of Disney World

As the 'Vacation Kingdom' continues to shift from a place for everyone to catering to a select few, there is still a discussion to be had around getting to experience Walt Disney World without being subjected to being priced-out.

Walt Disney World Golf: A Comprehensive Overview

Explore Walt Disney World Resort Golf's four championship courses, renowned amenities, and storied hosting legacy.

Introduction to Disney Funko Pop! Vinyl

If you're like me, a Disney fan and collector of obscure stuff that looks great on your office bookshelf, this is the post for you. Let's look at the magical world of Disney Funko Pop! Vinyls.

Underrated Attractions at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal has some amazing attractions that folks may undervalue, underestimate and flat out sell short...so let's take a look at them!

Disney World Vacation Planning Mistakes

After travelling to Walt Disney World a few times, you'll start to notice where you can save time and where you'll be stuck in a situation that isn't idea. I've made mistakes, but that doesn't mean that I've learned my lesson!

Top Tips Before You Go To EPCOT

Planning a trip to EPCOT is all about knowing what to expect when you walk through the turnstiles.

Disney Shirts You Gotta Have

Official Disney Merch is great, but sometimes you have to look outside the box for some incredibly well-designed fan shirts!

Overpriced Items at Disney World

Taking into account that your vacation is already expensive from the moment that you start planning, there are a number of items that we've anticipated will be too pricey to justify buying at Walt Disney World.

Top Ten Disney Advance Dining Reservations to get ASAP

Discover the essential Disney advance dining reservations for an awesome Walt Disney World experience.

Top 10 Hilarious Jungle Cruise Puns

Embark on a pun-filled adventure! Discover the top 10 Jungle Cruise puns that will make you laugh, groan, and fall in love with Disney humor.

10 Things We Will Never Do Again at Disney World

Learn from our mistakes! Uncover the 10 things we vow never to do again at Disney World for a smoother, happier vacation experience.

Where To Get Free Stuff On Your Birthday In Orlando

Celebrating your birthday in Orlando is better when you can get free stuff.
0 Shares
Pin
Share
Reddit