10 More Reasons Your Disney Trip Might Be Hard (And How to Avoid Them!)

Planning a Disney trip can be a dream come true, but even the most magical vacations come with challenges. In our first post, we shared 10 common issues that can make your trip stressful, from weather surprises to mismanaging park tickets. If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out for even more helpful tips to avoid common Disney trip pitfalls!

Now, we’re diving into 10 more reasons your Disney trip might be harder than it needs to be—and, of course, how to avoid them. These tips will help you tackle everything from managing tired kids to dealing with crowded parks. With a little preparation and the right strategies, you can keep the magic alive and create unforgettable memories.

---

10 More Reasons Your Disney Trip Might Be Hard

1. Not Understanding Lightning Lane Multipass

The Problem: You’re confused about how Lightning Lane Multipass works, leading to missed opportunities to skip lines.
The Solution: Take time to research Lightning Lane Multipass before your trip. Familiarize yourself with how to book ride reservations and use the app to maximize your time. Prioritize popular attractions to get the most value. My simple guide to using Lighting Lane at Disneyland will help.

---

2. Overplanning Your Day

The Problem: You pack your schedule so tightly that there’s no time for spontaneity or rest.
The Solution: Allow for flexibility in your schedule. Plan your top priorities but leave space for unplanned magic, like stumbling upon a character meet-and-greet or enjoying an unexpected show.

---

3. Not Accounting for Crowds

The Problem: The parks feel overwhelming because you didn’t plan for high crowd levels.
The Solution: Use a crowd calendar to choose the best days to visit. Arrive early, take advantage of rope drop, and use mobile ordering and Lightning Lane Multipass to navigate crowds more efficiently.

---

4. Ignoring Footwear Comfort

The Problem: Your feet hurt from walking all day in the wrong shoes.
The Solution: Wear supportive, broken-in shoes and bring blister bandages just in case. Consider rotating between two pairs of comfortable shoes during your trip. I’ve got great a great post on the best shoes to wear to the Disney parks!

---

5. Forgetting to Plan for Kids’ Needs

The Problem: Tired, hungry, or overstimulated kids lead to meltdowns.
The Solution: Schedule breaks into your day, pack plenty of snacks, and bring comfort items like a favorite stuffed toy or blanket. Be flexible and adjust your plans to fit your kids’ needs.

---

6. Underestimating Transportation Time

The Problem: You’re late for reservations or rope drop because you didn’t account for how long it takes to get to the park.
The Solution: Check travel times from your hotel to the park, whether you’re using a shuttle, driving, or walking. Build extra time into your schedule for unforeseen delays.

---

7. Park Hopping

The Problem: You spend extra money on Park Hopper tickets, only to find that hopping between parks eats up valuable time.
The Solution: Focus on one park per day to fully enjoy all it has to offer without feeling rushed. Each park has so much to see and do that park hopping often isn’t worth the added cost or time spent traveling between parks.

---

8. Not Knowing Where to Rest Inside the Park

The Problem: You’re exhausted and don’t know where to take a break.
The Solution: Familiarize yourself with quiet, shaded spots and indoor attractions where you can rest. Shows, slower rides, and dining areas are great places to recharge.

---

9. Forgetting to Capture the Magic

The Problem: You’re so busy that you forget to take photos or enjoy the little moments.
The Solution: Assign someone in your group to be the designated photographer or use PhotoPass services. Take time to slow down and soak in the magic without rushing to the next attraction.

---

10. Leaving Too Much for the Last Day

The Problem: You cram all your must-dos into your final day, leaving you stressed and rushed.
The Solution: Spread out your top priorities across your entire trip. Make a list of must-do attractions and experiences, and tackle a few each day to avoid last-day panic.

---

Final Thoughts

A Disney trip is one of the most magical vacations you can plan, but it’s not without its challenges. By identifying potential pitfalls and preparing for them, you can reduce stress and enjoy your time to the fullest.

These additional tips, combined with the advice from our first post, will ensure your Disney trip is magical from start to finish. If you missed our first post, make sure to check it out to discover even more ways to avoid common Disney trip mistakes.

What are your go-to tips for tackling challenges at Disney? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Follow Along

Make sure to check out my YouTube videos for helpful info and my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for lots of Disney tips and fun and make sure you join my Disney planning Facebook group! It’s a great place to ask all your Disneyland planning questions and get expert help.