A trip to Disneyland is one of the most memorable holidays families can make, but they are an investment – sometimes taking years to save for. A week-long trip to Walt Disney World in the US from the UK for a family of four, including flights, accommodation, park tickets, and spending money, is likely to cost upwards of £10,000, while Disneyland Paris is not much cheaper.
With this considerable cost in mind, it’s imperitive to pre-prepare and plan your visit. Hannah Westphal from byHannah Vacations, who specialises is Disney theme parks, agrees, saying: “The Most Magical Place on Earth will be the most stressful vacation planning you’ve ever done”. Luckily, the expert has outlined six blunders to avoid to make the most of your visit, reports The Mirror.
1. Choosing the wrong shoes
One major misstep is overdressing for the occasion.
Hannah warns: “It’s easy to forget, but comfortable shoes are essential for a fantastic Disneyland trip. High heels, flip-flops, and brand-new shoes might not be the best choice after a day of exploring rides and soaking up the magic.”
2. Spending too long dining
Another pitfall is spending an excessive amount of time dining. Despite Disney’s array of tempting eats, Hannah advises against long meals.
She suggests: “If you’re tight for time exploring the parks, a long, leisurely meal might not be the best way to spend your day.”
“It’s a shame to see visitors feeling deflated after a lovely meal, only to find they’ve squeezed themselves out of time for their top ride.”
The expert recommends that visitors should either set aside time for dining or choose quick bites to maximise their park experience.
For those wondering about food budgets, Disneyland has published all its dining options online, including price ranges and full menus.
3. Failing to use the Disneyland app
To boost your magical adventure, guests can download the Disneyland app, which the expert calls a “fantastic tool” for your visit.
Yet many visitors don’t take full advantage of it.
“The app provides everything you need to know, from current ride wait times to character meet-and-greets and show schedules,” Hannah said.
You can even browse your PhotoPass photos and ride pictures, store your park ticket conveniently on the app, and order food to avoid queuing time.
The expert recommends downloading the app and creating your account beforehand. This allows you to familiarise yourself with its functions before your arrival, preserving valuable park time for what matters most – experiencing the magic.
4. Standing in line for snacks
There’s nothing more irritating than getting hungry whilst stuck in an endless queue for treats at Disneyland (or whilst waiting for an attraction).
Luckily for guests, there’s a handy trick to avoid those tedious waits – pre-order your refreshments. Guests can pre-order refreshments using the Disneyland app, allowing them to bypass the queues and spend more time enjoying the attractions.
Hannah advised: “Simply place your order and pay through the app. Once you get a notification that your food’s ready to collect, you can swing by and grab it.”
5. Watching fireworks in the crowds
When it comes to the nightly fireworks spectacle, a favourite among park-goers, Hannah cautioned about the typically large crowds that gather to view it. While the experience inside the park is immersive, those preferring less hustle can find tranquil spots outside for their own magical moment.
“While the fireworks are stunning from within the park, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowds,” she revealed. “For a more relaxed experience, you might want to consider alternative viewing spots outside the park.
6. Spending too much time on the rides
Hannah also highlighted that the Disney parks offer much more than just rides; they’re brimming with incredible performances by talented cast members.
She encourages visitors not to overlook these experiences simply because the thrill rides seem like a top priority. Hannah stated: “The way I see it, it wouldn’t be a good idea to miss out on a fantastic show just for the sake of a short ride with a lengthy wait.”
She recommends guests fully utilise the parades, extraordinary evening shows, and captivating daily events that Disney parks uniquely provide.