Every Walt Disney World fan has a bucket record, however the sensible ones even have lists of issues we’ll by no means do once more. This isn’t like our record of simple first-timer errors. Rather, these are issues we’ve carried out and stated to 1 one other: “Wow, that was a stupid move on our part. Let’s avoid that at all costs in the future.” (Updated November 27, 2022.)
Truthfully, there are only a few issues at Walt Disney World that we’d by no means do once more. Our bucket lists far longer than our “never again” lists, as a result of most issues at Walt Disney World are value of a second probability. Menus at eating places change, motels are overhauled, and points of interest are tweaked or re-imagined over time.
In reality, since we initially printed this a number of years in the past, so much has modified. Perhaps we must always take the immortal phrases of celebrated thinker Justin Bieber to coronary heart and “never say never.” Thankfully, Walt Disney World tends to hearken to visitor suggestions and proper errors and experiences that rating poorly on visitor satisfaction surveys. Over the years, we’ve needed to take away a number of issues from this record as a result of we’ve carried out them once more (typically inadvertently or not by selection) and had dramatically totally different–and higher–experiences…
To that time, the 2022 replace to our record removes 4 totally different entries from the record:
- Dinner at Chef Mickey’s – With the household fashion dinner apparently sticking round for the lengthy haul, the delicacies high quality at Chef Mickey’s has taken a notable step ahead. Sure, there’s much less selection–however the meals is definitely edible. That’s a giant win!
- Pay to Stay at Grand Floridian – The worth remains to be absurd, so it’s probably we gained’t be doing this a lot (particularly on condition that we will use DVC factors as a substitute). With that stated, our motive for not paying to remain at Grand Floridian was the mid-tier Marriott caliber rooms. Those are presently within the means of being reworked into one thing far, far nicer.
- Genie+ at EPCOT – At this time final yr, paid FastPass was pretty ineffective at EPCOT, not together with Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. It does now.
- New Year’s Eve at Magic Kingdom – We did this final yr, and it was much better than anticipated. Of course, issues have been bizarre final yr with restricted reservations amidst an enormous wave of instances from the Delta variant, so maybe this was the exception quite than the brand new rule? Either method, it’s off the record (for now!).
Another factor to notice is that this record solely covers issues which are inside our management to by no means do once more at Walt Disney World. Over the years, the corporate has made the “choice” for us, by eliminating a number of issues that we’d in any other case like to do once more. For instance, we’d like to see an evening parade or winter icicle lights on Cinderella Castle, however it appears that evidently Disney may deny us the chance. We’ve additionally now taken our closing journey on Disney’s Magical Express and redeemed our final FastPass.
Those are issues we’ll technically by no means do once more at Walt Disney World, however are very a lot not within the spirit of this record, which is extra like “NEVER AGAIN!” What gained’t we do once more at Walt Disney World? Here are the highest 10 issues…
10. Wait for Busy Buses to or from Coronado Springs – Longtime Walt Disney World followers probably have horror tales concerning the buses. I do know we do, with long-lasting scars from ready at a resort for a Magic Kingdom bus for (actually) over an hour whereas seeing a half-dozen go for Animal Kingdom. Many followers nonetheless keep away from buses because of this, all the time utilizing a rental automobile, Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Vans.
In massive half, I believe the poor reputations of Walt Disney World’s bus service are relics of the previous, an inaccurate reflection of actuality on the bottom proper now. Throughout 2022, our experiences with buses have been very, very constructive. For the entire issues Walt Disney World is presently doing flawed, bus transportation is totally not one in all them.
The one exception to that is Coronado Springs Resort. In the final yr, we’ve stayed there greater than wherever else, and have had points with lengthy strains and packed buses early and late within the day. This isn’t a brand new factor and I’m additionally pretty assured our adverse experiences will not be outliers. (The useless giveaway that it is a frequent challenge is Coronado Springs being the one resort with an ‘overflow’ queue on the Magic Kingdom bus cease–see above.)
The massive challenge is that Walt Disney World added Gran Destino Tower with out increasing bus capability. The finish result’s many extra lodge rooms, however no more bus service–which means extra folks crammed into the identical variety of buses. The factor is, even this isn’t all the time an issue. When Gran Destino Tower is primarily getting used for conventions, these guests are much less more likely to go to the parks and there aren’t points. When there aren’t any occasions and it’s booked by regular friends, the pressure all of these rooms places on the buses is important.
One answer that has labored for us is heading to the parks very early within the morning, ready till noon, and leaving the parks tremendous late. If the bus returning to the lodge is packed, one other is getting off on the first cease and strolling to our constructing–that’s virtually all the time sooner (or at the least extra nice) than driving the complete route.
9. Pandora or Star Wars Lands Midday – There are a number of parts to this. First is crowds, that are all the time chaotic and take away from having fun with the small print that outline each Pandora – World of Avatar and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. These two lands completely beg to be explored, and stressed crowds and other people entering into each which method impede anybody’s means to really absorb these lands. The environments and layers of lived-in element and storytelling are so key for appreciating each. Plus, the lengthy strains through the center of the day actually don’t assist. We’re not followers of triple-digit wait occasions for anybody.
Second, you’re operating a danger if rain is within the forecast. Both lands are enormous, but additionally have few indoor areas which are massive and simply accessible if the climate takes a flip for the more severe. Adding insult to damage, they’re a bit remoted from the remainder of their respective parks (or within the case of Galaxy’s Edge, proper subsequent door to a different in style land with little or no lined area). In brief, if it begins raining in both and also you’re not already inside, you’re going to get moist. Your choices for shortly ducking indoors are restricted if not nonexistent.
Finally, there’s the straightforward actuality that Pandora and Galaxy’s Edge are higher at night time. In the case of the latter, there’s a sensible aspect of this, as there’s a complete lack of shade within the Star Wars land. That can made the noon solar really feel doubly insufferable (becoming for Batuu) and people afternoon rain showers much more soaking.
More importantly, each lands tackle new dimensions as soon as the solar goes down. Pandora’s bioluminescence and natural life comes alive within the night, and it actually seems like one other planet. The setting is enchanted, and evokes what I can solely think about an alien forest is like. At night time, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has a spooky and serene sense to it, besides within the market the place a wide range of stunning lighting fixtures give added texture and depth to all the pieces.
8. Summit Plummet – Despite my declare for years that I’m good on this, after we visited Blizzard Beach this yr, I did Summit Plummet once more. Almost as quickly because it started, the belief washed over me like water that I had made a horrible mistake. To borrow the immortal phrases of Roger Murtaugh: I’m too outdated for this slide.
This is the solely attraction on this record, and the explanation for that’s that we predict folks ought to decide points of interest for themselves, as a result of everybody has totally different preferences. (For instance, there are in all probability a number of of you who don’t like Country Bear Jamboree. That’s superb–some folks don’t like masterpieces like The Godfather and Citizen Kane, both.)
For me, Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach water park is one thing that’s reasonably fulfilling and I’m glad it exists, as a result of it seems to be actually cool and is a good water slide idea…however as soon as was sufficient. From the insanely lengthy line to the sensation of pure terror to the loopy wedgie, I’m good on it for one lifetime. Actually, I’ll in all probability do it after I’m 65, in opposition to my higher judgment as soon as extra, simply to really feel younger and reckless once more. ????
7. “Improperly Pack” – This is considerably of a blanket assertion as a result of it’s a mistake I’ve made repeatedly in numerous methods. Basically, I will be inclined to concurrently below and over-pack, and convey clothes for the climate I need quite than the climate that’s really forecast.
For instance, I tend to pack shorts and polos for winter journeys–a mistake I’ve made as lately as final yr, even regardless of having written our Winter Packing Tips for Disney. For early fall journeys, I’ve been identified to convey denims and button-downs, even when the climate remains to be sweltering. Beyond that, I go away behind sensible gadgets I find yourself lacking to keep away from overpacking, whereas bringing pointless stuff “just in case” that I by no means use.
Unfortunately, I don’t have an elephant-caliber reminiscence…or I attempt to persuade myself that “it’ll be different this time” (for causes unknown), solely to have historical past repeat itself. In different phrases, I say it is a mistake I’ll by no means make once more…however I virtually actually will. Fortunately, there’s now a UNIQLO at Disney Springs, and that retailer has bailed me out many occasions!
6. Food & Wine Festival on a Weekend – We wish to begin out by saying that we actually get pleasure from Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival…however we don’t find it irresistible on weekends. Ever been to a UCF frat social gathering? Well, if you happen to answered “no”, it’s not too late!
Weekend evenings are prime time for faculty college students with disposable incomes to descend upon the Festival to get sloshed. For them, it certain beats ingesting Old Style in a dank basement (like we did in faculty), however that environment plus the large crowds could make this the least nice time to be at Food & Wine Festival.
Weekdays through the competition are way more fulfilling. It’s additionally way more fulfilling to attend Food & Wine in mid-November when the temperatures and humidity are extra bearable, however we invariably attend in September as a result of that’s often after we go to for Halloween.
BONUS: If not “required” for the sake of analysis, we’d by no means do the Italy sales space at any competition ever once more. The kiosk is infamous for prime costs, elementary faculty cafeteria-inspired delicacies, and only a startling lack of ambition. If you get pleasure from paying $10 for a sample-sized model of microwaved TV dinners, Italy is a good choice. If not, keep far-off.
5. Rainforest Cafe – How this restaurant nonetheless has a number of places across the United States, a lot much less a number of places in Walt Disney World, defies logic. The meals is terrible, and the ambiance jogs my memory of Nineteen Eighties-relic ShowBiz Pizza Place, however “modernized” for the Nineties and devoid of character/appeal.
The darkish cloud that hangs over Rainforest Cafe virtually prolonged to forged a shadow over T-Rex Cafe for me. Fortunately, I gave that an opportunity as a result of dinosaurs, and was pleasantly shocked. If you’re considering, “but our kids love Rainforest Cafe!” contemplate taking them to T-Rex as a substitute.
4. Midday Standby at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Wait time inflation at Walt Disney World is an actual factor, and we predict it has gotten worse with the launch of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. Whether that has nefarious motivations or not is a distinct debate for an additional day. For now, we will safely say that Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is infamous for having the least-accurate wait occasions in all of Walt Disney World.
Quite usually, particularly round park opening and late within the day, the wait occasions are considerably inflated. We’ve skilled posted wait occasions which are greater than double the precise wait occasions we’ve skilled. (There have been cases of triple posted v. precise wait occasions!) However, that isn’t all the time the case.
One factor we’ve discovered is that doing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance through standby through the center of the day is taking part in with hearth. This is particularly true when the posted wait time is over 120 minutes, we’ve discovered. The motive for it’s because the Galaxy’s Edge headliner–and #1 attraction in all of Walt Disney World–remains to be susceptible to breakdowns. The longer the road, the upper the chance of a journey breakdown.
But that isn’t the one challenge. After all, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has been unreliable since opening, so that you’d assume that Walt Disney World might construct a ‘cushion’ into posted wait occasions to account for the downtime to a point, proper? (They do. That’s exactly why the wait occasions are sometimes considerably inflated!)
The actual downside is that Disney sells Individual Lightning Lane entry to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and that doesn’t take downtime under consideration. Meaning that when the journey reopens, there’s a enormous backlog of friends who’ve paid $20+ per individual to skip the road on the attraction. And guess what? They are nonetheless entitled to that, leading to a Lightning Lane to standby ratio that’s far more skewed to Lightning Lane than regular. This causes the precise standby wait time to skyrocket…and that’s on high of no matter downtime you may’ve endured.
There are two takeaways right here. First, don’t do Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance through the center of the day when wait occasions are the very best as you’re betting massive in the case of journey breakdowns. Second, if the journey does go down whilst you’re within the standby line, get out until you’re very near the entrance of the road (you’ve already spent at the least half-hour within the caves). Don’t make your self a sufferer of the sunk-cost fallacy! For extra recommendation to doing the attraction with decrease wait occasions, see our Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Ride Guide.
3. Genie+ at Animal Kingdom – This replaces Genie+ at EPCOT, which I nonetheless wouldn’t buy or advocate to the overwhelming majority of friends because of the ridiculous quantity of backtracking it requires (and amongst points of interest which are extremely unfold out). However, the inclusion of Frozen Ever After or Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure does take away it from ‘worst things you can do at Walt Disney World’ standing.
I’m now setting my sights on Animal Kingdom, the place Genie+ was equally ineffective earlier than. The key distinction is that nothing of worth has been added to paid FastPass there over the course of the final yr and the value has gone up! On high of that, it’s extremely simple to beat the crowds at Animal Kingdom: Early Entry, common rope drop, or staying late all work! Animal Kingdom opens further early, remains to be considered by most friends as a half-day park as a result of its lack of actual rides, and doesn’t have a nighttime spectacular. Unless you arrive at 10 am and go away by 3 pm (which is what most friends do!), you possibly can nonetheless beat the crowds with out Lightning Lanes.
2. Leave Early – Nighttime is when the parks come alive with stunning lighting and enchanting ambiance. It’s additionally when the climate begins to chill and features begin to die down. From a sensible perspective, nights at the moment are extra advantageous than mornings, with decrease wait occasions within the final couple of hours of the night time than within the first couple hours after rope drop.
On high of that, one in all my favourite “attractions” is strolling via World Showcase after Epcot’s fireworks finish, simply absorbing the ambiance, listening to the music, and seeing the beautiful structure. I’d quite do that for an hour than spend 8 sunlight hours within the park. Same goes for wandering alongside the Rivers of America in Magic Kingdom or being bathed within the neon glow of Tomorrowland.
BONUS: Sleep In – We stress this a lot on the weblog that it’s in all probability changing into cliche. However, it’s good recommendation–particularly if you happen to’re staying on-site and are eligible for Early Entry. There’s no higher technique to beat the crowds at most parks (see our Top Time-Saving Strategies for Walt Disney World for a rundown of one of the best & worst methods to keep away from lengthy strains.) Basically, we might by no means not be drained at Walt Disney World once more. Well, that’s not true–noon naps are a game-changer if you happen to can handle them.
1. All Stars During Youth Events – This is one other massive change, because it was no Value Resorts when the Pop Warner Championship is on the town (first weekend of December). That occasion attracts actually hundreds of adlescent soccer gamers and cheerleaders…but it surely’s been moved to Universal Orlando for at the least the subsequent a number of years.
Now, we develop our parameters to any main youth sporting occasion on the ESPN Wide World of Sports advanced. While Pop Warner was worst, the Cheerleading Worlds and Dance Worlds are additionally dangerous. Basically, if you happen to’re considering of reserving a Value Resort between February and May, seek the advice of this calendar–it may be a planner’s finest good friend and assist “save your sleep schedule.”
Assembling this many under-supervised teenagers in a single location is like feeding a Gremlin after midnight. There’s some kind of chemical or hormonal “thing” that occurs, after which all hell breaks unfastened. Due to the repute and complaints over time, Disney safety has carried out a greater job in coping with the kids in recent times (impromptu midnight practices are shortly damaged up so I now not have the necessity to actually yell “get off my lawn” to the youngsters), however that is nonetheless a scene to be averted.
Beyond a few different eating places which are blacklisted (for now), points of interest we keep away from for private causes, and lands which are useless to me *cough*Dino-Rama*cough* that’s about it. Hopefully you possibly can be taught from a few of our errors…or discover solace in figuring out that we’ve made these similar errors as you. Think of this as a help group for many who have been awoken at 2 a.m. at All Star Sports by a cheer apply or who’ve dropped $200 on a household “dinner” at Rainforest Cafe. Share your personal “NEVER AGAIN!” gadgets within the feedback–venting will be therapeutic!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about motels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To get monetary savings on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips publish takes a singular have a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, one of the best place to begin is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know!
Your Thoughts
What issues at Walt Disney World would you by no means do once more? Is any restaurant, resort, or journey past redemption for you? Any time of yr you’d by no means go to? Do you agree or disagree with our record? Would you do any of these items once more? Hearing your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!