This Is The WORST Advice We've Gotten Before Going To Disney World

When it comes to Disney World, there is a lot of advice out there. Some of it from trustworthy experts (yes, we’re tooting our own horn there), some of it… less, and some of it is downright befuddling.

We’re the Bees Knees

We recently took to our Facebook page to ask our readers, “What’s the WORST Disney World advice you’ve ever heard?” and suffice to say, you guys shared some doozies!

The most commonly offered “bad” advice guests disagreed with was the idea that young kids shouldn’t be brought to the resort because they won’t remember it. Numerous guests fought back on this, claiming that the experience is more than worth it. Reader Kay shared this sentiment, writing, “Wait to go till they (children) are older so they remember it. Such bad advice. Go while they are young; it is magical.”

Cinderella

Several readers pushed even further, questioning the very idea that young kids “can’t” remember trips to the resort. Reader Danielle wrote, the same as lots of other comments — “Why are you taking them so young? They won’t remember anyway. Just save your money and wait”. Not true. My toddler asks me every other day when we are going back, describes rides to me in great detail, and remembers things we did at Disney trips prior to the most recent one in September. He’s 3. They absolutely remember, and even if he didn’t, it has been so magical seeing his little face light up every single time. That feeling never gets old!”

Mickey Mouse playing with a young guest at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort at in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

While the thoughts on what age is appropriate to bring young kids to Disney World were the most common “bad advice” readers shared, it was far from the only one. For example, reader Jan shared their thoughts on when to arrive at the parks for the day, writing, “You MUST rope drop / rope drop is essential or your trip will be ruined. No, it won’t. We don’t drop and do fine.”

Rope Drop Crowds

Several readers shared park-specific “bad advice” they’d been given, like reader Rebecca lamenting, “The first time I went to Epcot, the people we were with told me you only need half a day.”

Inside La Cava

At the same time, Shannon added, “The one that gets me is skip Animal Kingdom, it’s just a zoo.” It’s almost like Disney’s years-long Nahtazu campaign was for nothing!

Nahtazu

Robert and Susan shared some “bad” restaurant advice they’d each heard, writing respectively, “You don’t need reservations. Just walk up to the check-in stand at the restaurant”, and “Skip table service restaurants. Sometimes, a longer, nicer meal is just the thing you need to cool off and unwind.” Yeah, while conceivably a trip to Disney World could be done without reservations or table service meals, the lack of each would definitely be a culinary blow.

12-oz. New York Strip Steak with Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Sauce Flight

Now, there was a point of contention among readers. Many said that the “worst” Disney advice they’d been given was to “wing it” on their trip, while others countered that “planning too much” was actually worse advice. We can definitely see both sides of the debate, as it certainly is in a Disney guest’s interest to have some plans prepared, while at the same time, there is an appeal to being able to “go with your gut” at times.

Spaceship Earth Lightning Lane

Reader Ken seemed to agree, offering a bit of a compromise. They wrote, “Two worst pieces of advice, and they are completely polar opposites. You don’t have to plan; just wing it, and the other is to plan everything down to the minute. It’s great to go with a plan, you have to really make the most of your trip, but those who go in with strict timelines like 9:00 SDMT, 9:30 Peter Pan, 10;05 Haunted Mansion are setting themselves up for a world of misery because if it doesn’t go according to plan, they start stressing. You also are so preoccupied with sticking to timelines that you miss organic, spontaneous things that might not have made your must-do list when planning, but wind up being the most cherished memories. Have everyone come up with 1-2 things they want to do and leave room for unexpected magic.”

Slinky Dog Dash

When it comes to “bad advice” about Disney World, some of it is in the eye of the beholder… though some isn’t! EPCOT as a half-day park? Come on!… ahem. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts on this, or any other Disney or travel-related topic, follow us on the AllEars Facebook to join in on the next conversation!