10 Annoying Things About Disney World & 10 Things You'll Never Be Tired Of
We Love The Magic, We Don’t Love The Lines
Disney World is one of those places that we think everyone has to experience once. The amusement park is one of the places where you can feel fully immersed in the world Walt Disney once created. That said, we can’t deny that there are plenty of aspects of Disney that we’d prefer not to have to endure. Do you agree with us?
1. Ticket Costs
A single-day, one-park ticket for Walt Disney World averages around $160 USD, with prices varying between the day you choose to go, the time of year, and the park you visit. If you live in Florida already, this might not be too steep, but if you’re coming from out of state, or are paying for a family of four, these prices will add up.
2. The Lines
Disney’s Magic Kingdom sees between 47,000 to 57,000 visitors on an average day, though this can vary depending on the time of year. With 31 rides and attractions total, it’s no surprise that guests can expect to wait for an average of 40 minutes for a single ride.
3. The Crowd
Looking at Disney World as a whole, the park reaches a visitor average of 159,000 people per day. While you’re not walking with everyone at once, it can be hard to find an empty table or a place to sit down. Not to mention, many folks come equipped with wagons or strollers, so you’re also playing your very own version of Frogger most of the time.
4. Trying To Do Too Much
If you’re only visiting one park for a day, it can be hard to get everything done. This is especially true for Magic Kingdom, which boasts the most attractions out of any park. It’s very helpful to plan your day around any shows you want to see, and prioritize the rides you want to go on the most.
5. Wearing The Wrong Shoes
Do not underestimate the amount of walking you’ll be doing. Most folks' daily step count is between 15,000 and 25,000, or 7 to 12 miles, during a day at Disney. Converse, Toms, or any other shoe that doesn’t have much support will only give you pain.
6. The Weather
The Florida weather is hot and humid at best, and unpredictable at worst. If you’re lucky enough to go during a cold snap, you’ll be comfortable enough in jeans and a t-shirt. However, we would recommend wearing layers, bringing a rain poncho, and some very strong sunscreen.
7. Overpaying For A Hotel
Staying on Disney property is a fun way to continue the magic after you leave the park, but it comes at a cost. Even if you pick the cheapest room at the cheapest hotel, you’re still forking out around $200 a night.
8. Parking
Disney’s parking lot system is phenomenal when it comes to finding your car, but it’s much bigger than you think it will be. Magic Kingdom’s parking lot is 125 acres and can hold over 12,000 cars, and that’s just one park. Just know that your walking doesn’t end when you exit the gates.
9. Waiting For A Ride After Fireworks
The fireworks show is a great way to end your day at Disney World, as many of the guests will gather in the main streets to sit and watch. Afterwards, you can catch one of the free transportation methods back to your car— along with everyone else. Maybe pick a spot near the park exit, or be comfortable sitting and waiting for most of the crowd to disperse before you head out.
10. Construction
Disney parks are constantly getting ride or section updates, but certain years have higher construction amounts than others. Currently, all Disney parks are undergoing significant construction, so you may want to wait a few years before booking your trip.
1. The Childlike Whimsy
The joy that comes with visiting Disney is unparalleled. You feel like you’re stepping into an alternate universe. No matter what age you visit the parks, there’s always a feeling of joy, excitement, and wonder that will make you feel like a little kid again.
2. The Attention To Detail
Each park, and each world within each park, has been meticulously designed to fit the theme of the area. Visiting Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland is like stepping into the Wild West, Animal Kingdom’s Pandora will make you feel like you’re really in the world of Avatar, and Hollywood Studios’ Galaxy’s Edge will have you seeing Batuu like never before. From the rides and scenery down to the washroom signs, everything enhances your immersive experience.
3. Arriving At The Parks
Disney World is so big that it has its own highway system, but before you enter the “Disney bubble,” there’s a giant sign off Route 192 that says “Welcome to Disney World.” Seeing this sign sets off that feeling of excitement, right off the bat.
Flickr user: Gerard McGovern :en:London https://www.flickr.com/people/inkiboo/ on Wikimedia
4. The Character Interactions
Each park has plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite characters, but even more than that, over 75,000 Disney cast members also work to maintain the magic. If you’re buying something at Galaxy’s Edge, the person at the register will ask for “credits” instead of dollars, and everyone, everyone, stays in character.
5. The Rides
How can we talk about Disney and not talk about the rides? From Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, The Tower of Terror, Soarin’, and so many more, you will have countless opportunities to get that familiar thrill from amusement park rides.
6. Performances
Disney puts on several performances each day, some even by the hour. Visit Animal Kingdom to catch the Finding Nemo aquatic show, get yelled at by a clone as they do their rounds in Galaxy’s Edge, or catch Hollywood Studios’ Fantasmic! when the sun goes down.
7. The Parades
Disney’s parades are a great way to stop and rest during the day, and another great way to see some of the company’s biggest characters. A great example is Magic Kingdom’s classic Festival of Fantasy parade, which usually happens around midday. Mickey’s Boo-To-You and Once Upon a Christmastime are also popular themed parades if you visit during Halloween or Christmas.
8. The Specialized Food & Merchandise
Each park gives you many, many opportunities to spend more money. From specific merchandise that you can’t buy anywhere else, to park-specific treats like Mickey-shaped items or character meals, you’ll be leaving Disney with a full stomach, full suitcase, and an empty wallet.
9. The Innovation
Disney’s Imagineers are the geniuses behind most of the parks. They’re the ones who work to build the parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships all over the world. One of the most well-known feats of the Imagineers is Spaceship Earth, or the “Epcot Ball,” which is a 1180-foot-tall sphere with a full ride inside of it.
10. The Magic
Even with its setbacks, even in the Florida heat, there is something special about Disney. The ability to create such a well-thought-out monster of an amusement park is unparalleled in nature, and it’s all done with the idea of creating this magical place for people to enjoy time and time again.
