A trip to Walt Disney World is supposed to be a joyful and magical occasion. However, some self-inflicted issues could turn a guest’s memorable day into a nightmare!

Over my 30 years attending Walt Disney World, I have seen — and at times even committed — some “self-inflicted wounds” that can have a negative impact on a Walt Disney World vacation. This is your chance to learn from those mistakes, and make sure to NOT be one of these people on your next Walt Disney World vacation.
The Person Who Wore New Shoes Without Breaking Them in First
Let’s start with one of the biggest issues that can ruin a day at a Disney park: Shoes. Wearing the right pair of shoes is key to any day walking around one of Disney’s theme parks, and a key element of the “right” shoes is making sure they’re already broken in.

Wearing a new, stiff pair of shoes at one of the resort’s theme parks is a recipe for foot pain, blisters, and a compromised vacation.
The Person Who Forgot Sunscreen
Right up there with shoes, there are few objects more essential for a Disney trip than SPF. The sun is ferocious in Orlando, even during the cooler months. So if you skip out on sunscreen, not only do you risk long-lasting health effects, but in the short term, you’ll be burnt like a lobster for the rest of your trip.

The Person Who Didn’t Pack for the Weather
Despite what some may believe, Orlando is not all-heat all the time. The Central Florida area, where Disney World is located, has cool seasons, as well as a long rainy season. So when you’re making, make sure to check the weather to ensure that the potential lack of a hooded sweater or waterproof rainwear won’t ruin your time.

The Person Who Didn’t Know About or Make Any ADRs
While it’s not impossible to walk into a Disney restaurant and find a table, at least during some portions of the year, not making any advance dining reservations (ADRs) likely means you won’t be able to when you want, or possibly even where you want.

The Person Who Didn’t Book Any Lightning Lanes
Relatedly, it’s not impossible to navigate a Walt Disney World trip without Lightning Lanes. However, it’s definitely going to make it much more difficult, especially if you or someone in your party has any “can’t miss, must ride” attractions.

The Person Who Forgot to Check Park Hours
Always check each of Disney’s theme parks’ hours during your trip, and plan your days accordingly. You don’t want to be caught off guard having to leave the Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios early because you didn’t realize Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Very Merry Christmas Party, or Jollywood Nights were scheduled for that evening.

Avoiding these self-inflicted potential pratfalls could be the difference between a memorable time at the “Most Magical Place on Earth” and the “worst” theme park day of your life. Stay tuned to AllEars for more of the best Disney tips and issues to avoid.
“I Thought I Knew Everything About Disney World; Then I Made This $20,000 Mistake”
What’s been your worst Disney day? Let us know in the comments below.

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