In a previous article, I discussed a series of mistakes that many people make as Disney rookies. I only scratched the surface of potential missteps, though. Today, let’s talk about six other things you shouldn’t do while visiting Walt Disney World.
Don’t skip the shows
Image: DisneyMany park guests sneer at the idea of Disney shows. They want to maximize their Disney vacation, and they believe that sitting down to watch a show is a waste of time. All they care about are the rides. I speak from experience on this, as I was once one of them.
Over the years, my opinion on the subject has evolved. You see, I’m an adrenaline junkie who loves thrill rides. I used to think of shows as something that only old people should do at Walt Disney World. It was a naïve opinion, and I was wrong.
The shows at Walt Disney World are magical. Whether you prefer a recreation of The Little Mermaid or Beauty or adore the classics like Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room or Country Bear Jamboree, the shows are universally wonderful. Pus, they have a side benefit.
During a Disney show, you can recharge after a strenuous few hours of riding all the best attractions. Otherwise, you’d have to leave the parks for a while and head back to your hotel. These shows have hidden utility in addition to their tremendous quality.
Don’t yell at your kids
Image: DisneyLook, a Disney vacation can get stressful. Everyone knows it. What might seem minor when you’re in the comfort of your own home somehow grows magnified while you’re on vacation. It’s not even a tendency that’s exclusive to Walt Disney World. There’s a reason why everyone nods at the statement of, “Why do we always fight on vacation?!”
Even though the habit is hard to break for some, you need to show a bit of composure at a Disney theme park. Specifically, you must display patience with your kids. You’re at the Most Magical Place on Earth, after all. They’re going to act overly excited and more rambunctious than usual. This place is where children dream of visiting, after all.
No matter how poorly your kids act, however, please oh please don’t yell at them. It’s a bad look in general, and it puts cast members and fellow park guests in an uncomfortable position. When you make a scene, you’re impinging on the enjoyment of others. So, hold your tongue when your children misbehave. You’ve mastered The Glare by now anyway. They know what that means.
Don’t forget to hydrate
Image: DisneyYou’re going to burn through a lot of calories at Walt Disney World. You should expect to walk at least 10,000 steps a day. Don’t be surprised if it’s a lot more. I average about 25,000 steps every day I’m at the parks.
I say all of this to emphasize the importance of replenishing. You’re going to run dry while you’re doing all of this walking. While scientists are on the fence about whether drinking 64 ounces of water is the correct daily intake, it’s a fair guess.
When you’re burning so many calories, you should use that total as the bare minimum. Shooting for 80 ounces is a good idea. Bring your own water bottles if you don’t want to pay Disney mark-up. Otherwise, add a few dollars to your budget to buy bottled water several times throughout the day. Otherwise, you’ll get dehydrated and dizzy, which isn’t the way you want to feel at Disney.
Don’t forget to snack
Image: DisneyThis statement goes hand in hand with the one above, but it’s important enough to deserve a complete thought. When you’re burning all of those calories, you have to add more fuel. Otherwise, you’ll face fatigue issues throughout your trip.
Your snacking needs to have a bit of strategy behind it. Don’t always think with your stomach. Many of the sweetest treats at Walt Disney World, while delicious, aren’t great for sustenance. Remember to choose a few savory snacks, too. Fruit cups are also great. Even pretzels are a viable option as long as you skip the cheese. Actually, you’re at Disney. You might as well add the cheese and live a little.
PS: When you really need a quick protein pack, grab a giant turkey leg. Those things are a thousand calories packed into 20 (huge) bites.
Don’t ignore Disney Springs
Image: DisneyOne of the mystifying aspects of inexperienced Disney guests is their lack of awareness about Disney Springs. Park planners call it the entertainment district.
Just think about the lexicon for a moment. Walt Disney World is One Big Happy in vacation form. And these same people who constructed it refer to Disney Springs as the entertainment district! Why wouldn’t you want to visit such a phenomenal place?
At Disney Springs, you’ll have a wealth of dining options, and your wallet will cringe at the sheer volume of shops. But there’s more! You’ll also have access to shows and live concerts, and you can even catch a movie at the glorious first-run theater here. This entertainment district is the ultimate for your stomach, and it’s great when you’re in need some retail therapy, too.
Don’t get mega-drunk at the World Showcase
Image: DisneySpeaking of the ultimate, your hometown doesn’t have anywhere near the number of quality bars (and their equivalent) that you’ll find at Epcot’s World Showcase. I don’t care if you’re from Vegas.
The standalone counter service places that serve drinks are great. The bars at the various pavilions are that much better, and even the restaurants have some sublime wine and craft beer options. And then there’s the drinking available at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The key word there is clearly wine, as it signifies that the World Showcase is the perfect place to go and get your drink on.
Image: DisneySimply stated, you can get super-duper drunk at the World Showcase. I’m talking about viral video Hall of Fame drunk, the kind of drunk that your friends will never let you forget for the rest of your life. Before you start thinking about how fun that sounds, now remember where you are.
As mentioned in the second section, Walt Disney World is the place where dreams come true for kids. Yes, Epcot skews more adult, but you’ll still see plenty of kids as the park approaches closing time. Putting it another way, kids children will be around the entire time you’re at the World Showcase.
Image: DisneyDo you really want to be the jerk that ruins some kid’s trip by getting drunk? Exercise some discretion in your drinking, my friends. You’re doing a commendable public service.
