4 Glaring Disney World Red Flags You Absolutely, Positively Should Not Ignore

Planning for a Disney World trip can be like preparing for the Super Bowl of vacations.

It’s exciting and magical, but it can come with its fair share of challenges. For example, if you’re not paying attention to some glaring red flags, you might end up frustrated on your vacation — and that’s the last thing we want. We also know that it’s the last thing you want after spending all that money on your trip! So let’s talk about them!

As we were saying, there are some glaring Disney World red flags that you absolutely cannot ignore!

Crowds Swarming Around Quick-Service Pick-Up Windows

So, picture this: You’re just ravenous after running around Magic Kingdom all morning, and you finally get that amazing Mobile Order notification telling you your food is ready. But then, you walk over to the restaurant, and you see that there’s a sea of people crowded around the pick-up window. This is a big red flag!

Mobile Order pickup window in Columbia Harbour House

If there are tons of people waiting to grab their food, your meal probably isn’t coming out anytime soon either. Those crowds probably indicate that there’s a bottleneck in the system, meaning you’re better off waiting it out elsewhere or planning your food breaks for off-peak times.

Cast Members Herding Guests for Fireworks

If you’re trying to score a prime fireworks viewing spot in front of Cinderella Castle and suddenly, a Cast Member is suggesting you mosey on down Main Street or find a better spot elsewhere, you should trust them.

This is definitely one of those red flags you’ve gotta pay attention to. They’re not just being polite. It’s their subtle way of saying the hub is jam-packed and you’ll likely end up with a less-than-magical view. Plus, staying put might mean you’ll miss out on other areas that actually have space.

Cast Members About Ride Downtime

Here’s a biggie that too many people overlook. You’re in line for your favorite ride, let’s say Rise of the Resistance, and it breaks down. Then you hear a Cast Member come on the intercom with carefully worded phrases like, “We encourage guests to leave the line…”

They’re not just being vague to keep you guessing. They’re politely telling you to run for the hills. This is your red flag to bail, because when they start choosing their words this carefully, the downtime is probably going to be a while.

Consistently Increasing Prices

Okay, Disney World is exactly cheap (we all know that at this point LOL), but lately, the constant price hikes are going up, and it’s not slowing down. So, if you’re seeing the announcements of all the new attractions and lands coming to Disney World in the next few years, it’s a safe bet that even more price increases are on the horizon.

Now, this is a red flag specifically for budgeting your trip. You might want to adjust your expectations or save up a little more before committing to that next Disney vacation. No one wants to be caught off-guard when they realize Mickey premium bars require a sizable investment.