Some people look at me like I’m crazy when I say that I LOVE planning Disney vacations. It’s almost like a relaxing hobby for me! The possibilities are endless when it comes to visit Walt Disney World. However, I’ve learned throughout the years that a lot of the time, untrue myths about Disney vacations stop people from even considering Walt Disney World as an option when planning vacations. The truth is, planning a Disney vacation has never been easier!
Here are 5 common myths I’ve heard about Disney vacation planning, and why they’re not true at all!
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It’s Expensive
While it’s true that Disney isn’t exactly a cheap family vacation, it doesn’t have to break the bank either. The Disney Value resorts give you a handful of resort options that cost less than $200 a night for a room that sleeps 4. Additionally, if you’re a member of certain hotel chain reward programs, you can look in to staying at the Swan and Dolphin hotels, or the hotels at Disney Springs. These hotels are located on Disney property and while they don’t allow you ALL the perks of staying on site, you can still access Disney transportation and Disney Extra Magic hours!
If you open credit cards strategically or plan for your trip for the off seasons, you’ll be able to save money if you don’t go during the perk travel seasons (such as Christmas or over summer break). Disney also has specials running most of the time, including their famous FREE Dining Plan offer, so be sure to look out for those! If you book a trip and then they announce a promotion, you can call Disney to get a credit for the new discounted price.
You Need to be in Extreme Shape
It’s no secret that Disney requires a LOT of walking. If you’re not in shape, it can definitely be a bit of a challenge navigating the parks. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation!
While you can practice getting in shape for your upcoming trip, you don’t have to be a marathon runner to enjoy yourself at Disney. Be sure to work plenty of breaks in to your daily touring plans if you’re worried about all the walking. Make sure you make a list of attractions you want to visit so you can prioritize what you want to do. Don’t exhaust yourself trying to do EVERYTHING. Look at how realistic it would be to move from one reservation or Fastpass to another while planning, and make sure you take breaks when needed. You can do it, you just have to be smart about it!
It’s Only for Kids
The idea that only kids will enjoy Disney has always been so silly to me. What five year old is able to go on Rock ‘n’ Roller coaster? What about Tower of Terror? Disney CLEARLY is not geared just towards children. They have an entire festival built around WINE, for goodness sake!
While a lot of the Disney magic is geared towards young children, that doesn’t mean people of all ages won’t enjoy it. Parents and grandparents will get a thrill out of simply watching their kids experience the magic. Childless Millennials like myself can suspend belief for a few minutes to have an engaging conversation with Tinker Bell. To be honest, I have more memories from my adult Disney trips than my younger ones, simply because it’s harder to remember things from when you are a kid. Don’t get me wrong, I have great memories from trips from when we were younger – like the thrill of riding Splash Mountain for the first time. But I also treasure my new memories, like the time Ariel asked my sister if she was a mermaid because she was wearing a sparkly headband that looked like a seashell.
Even if you’re not going to be doing character meet and greets or watching parades, Disney has plenty of activities for adults. Golfing, spas, water parks, fine dining and so much more are all just a few steps away at your Disney resort hotel.
There’s Nothing to Do If You Don’t Like Rides
This could not be further from the truth! Disney has rides and the main attraction is definitely the thrills for some people – but that’s not even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Disney entertainment! There are lots of things you can do if thrill rides are not your thing.
Disney has numerous shows you can catch in the parks, as well as parades and firework shows. Need a break from the parks? Head to one of the numerous golf courses, spas, or explore the shops at Disney Springs. If you need to cool off in the hot summer sun, be sure to check out Disney water parks.
Ultimately, the idea that you HAVE to stay in the parks from morning to night is silly. There are so many other activities you can do at Walt Disney World, so you can experience the slower side of Disney and have the vacation of your dreams.
It’s Cheaper to Stay Off Property
With the introduction of Disney Value resorts, there really is no reason to stay off property. There are many hotel chains that have set up shop close to Orlando due to the obvious tourist attractions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s cheaper to go there than Disney. In fact, it may actually cost you MORE. When you factor in the cost of transportation to and from the parks in addition to parking (if you take the buses provided by Disney, you’ll get free transportation to the parks) the savings on your room may disappear! You save time as well. By the time you drive to the parks, wait in line to pay for parking, park and then take the monorail to the parks, you may have lost precious ride time!
Additionally you don’t get to take advantage of great aspects of staying on property, such as Extra Magic Hours or the Disney Dining plan. This may lead to you losing possible savings on your dining costs.
There you have it – the top 5 Disney vacation planning myths debunked! First time planning a Disney trip? Check out The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. It has the best information you could possibly ask for when planning a trip to Disney. The authors also compile actual guest reviews of restaurants and attractions. So you know you’re getting an HONEST review of everything – from the resorts to the parks and everything in between! Going to Disneyland? They have a version for that too!
Check out my Youtube video about these 5 Disney myths below!
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