I get to go to Disney World for my job constantly. While there are plenty of positive sights that I encounter throughout the day (I’m looking at you, empty Passholder entrance line), noticing red flags has become like second nature.
No, I’m not talking about the red flags that welcome you into the park (we’ll gladly walk through those any day). The red flags I’m talking about are a warning. And, the message they send is nothing as delightful as a speedy scan into the park. Let’s get into it.
Transportation Issues
When you go to Disney World, it’s a good idea to expect the unexpected. One thing that you should be prepared for is transportation issues.
It’s not uncommon for different modes of transportation to hit snags throughout the day. Recently, the Monorail was down at the Transportation and Ticket Center, so Cast Members were directing everyone to take the Ferryboat to Magic Kingdom.
This not only made the trip to Magic Kingdom longer, as the ferryboats were full with all of the redirected traffic, but scanning into the park took longer as well. With droves of visitors getting off of the ferryboat at once, the lines to scan in were packed.
If you notice the express monorail to Magic Kingdom is down and the lines for the ferryboat are looking extra long, ask if the buses are running. They don’t always add this route, but it could save you some time if they do.
Reservations Booked Up
Another red flag to look out for when planning your trip is sold-out reservations.
Whether Park Pass Reservations are booked up or your choices for hotels are slim, prepare for the parks to be busy.
If this is the case, you might want to consider getting Genie+ on those days to help manage some of the crowds — and make sure to buy it early! We’ve seen it sell out in the past.
Visitors Feeding the Birds
Yes, I know this one is tough — it is really hard to not feed all of the cute birds around Disney World. But I promise, you do not want to be around when someone gives into the temptation.
Disney has a rule against it for a reason! Not only can it be harmful to the birds, but it also causes the birds to interact with visitors in a less-than-ideal way.
As someone who has personally been swarmed while trying to snack my way around the World Showcase, trust me. If you see someone feeding the birds, find a different spot to eat, or you might end up watching your french fry fly away in an ibis’ long orange beak.
People Cutting in Line
Another red flag I notice in Disney World all the time is cutting in line.
Listen, if you have a kid who has to use the restroom, I’m not talking to you. But, unfortunately, large parties frequently have one or two members wait in line and then join up with them later, cutting other visitors in the process.
Yes, Disney has a rule against this. No, it does not always prevent it from happening.
App Malfunctioning
Another thing to be wary about is tech difficulties.
Occasionally, the My Disney Experience can glitch, creating a bit of a headache for those trying to use the service. This can be particularly problematic if you are trying to use Genie+, buy an Individual Lightning Lane, or get a Virtual Queue — all of which are time-sensitive!
If at 7AM you notice that the app is not letting you use these services, that might be a red flag for a day of struggling with your park plans.
Make sure to keep checking back — typically Disney can get these problems sorted quickly and you’ll want to be at the ready as soon as they do. Don’t forget that you can always go to guest services to talk about your options as well, assuming it becomes a bigger issue.
Waiting in a Long Line at Starbucks
Lastly, another red flag is a line out the door at Starbucks locations, especially at Main Street Bakery.
Listen, we get it — Starbucks has very loyal fans, and sometimes you just want a Chestnut Praline Latte. But, we’ve got rides to ride and show to see, and you can pick up Joffrey’s Coffee at tons of locations around the parks with Mobile Order.
Or, grab your Starbucks during its slow times — like while the parade is happening.
Let us know what your biggest Disney World red flags are in the comments below, and as always, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news.
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Which of these have you noticed around Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!
I prefer Joffey coffee when at WDW.
Plan on advance, don’t feed the birds, the transportation is more reliable than you imply, don’t get your coffee from Starbucks