5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Disney Vacation

Planning the perfect Disney vacation requires equal parts pixie dust and planning. With so many options for where to stay, what to see, and where to eat at Disney, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Using a Disney travel agent can help you navigate many aspects of your vacation and regain control of your trip. However, one thing you can’t control is the weather.

When you’ve spent months planning your Disney Vacation, the last thing you want to see is to have your vacation ruined by the weather. You can’t control the weather in Florida, and despite what many people think, Disney can’t control the weather either. But you can be prepared for whatever weather you encounter on your vacation. The last thing you want to think about is what could go wrong. However, preparing for the unexpected, like the weather, can save you a lot of trouble.

Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your Disney vacation!

Not Planning for the Heat

We all know Florida’s reputation for heat, especially during the summer. But many of us aren’t used to spending full days outside in 80/90 degrees with high humidity. It’s easy to get caught off guard, overheated, dehydrated, or cranky.

Tips:

• Drink plenty of water
• Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection
• Plan indoor experiences or pool time during peak summer hours
• Use cooling towels, portable fans, misters, or other cooling gear
• Keep a close eye on the kids – they often get overheated before we do

Not Planning for Rain

When we say it rains nearly every afternoon in Florida during the summer, we mean it. Florida is notorious for its showers and thunderstorms. However, the afternoon showers are often short-lived, and the summer sun returns in full force.

Tips:

• Don’t let the forecast scare you – if you see storms listed each day of your trip, know that, usually, these are relatively brief.
• Pack your rain gear: ponchos, umbrellas, change of shoes/clothes, and sealable bags for electronics.
• Bring a stroller cover
• Head inside to escape the rain. Have a plan for indoor activities, such as shows, shopping, or quick-service dining.
• Plan your must-do activities for the mornings when rain is less likely to interrupt.

Not Planning for Hurricane Season

Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June – November. This can affect both Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line. Does this mean you shouldn’t visit during those times? Absolutely not. In fact, they’re some of the best months to visit based on price, crowds, and events. But it does mean you should keep a few things in mind:

Tips:

• Know your destination’s hurricane policies
• Purchase a travel protection plan
• Choose your flights carefully – airlines that only fly a few days a week may be cheaper but will offer less flexibility if hurricanes affect your plans

Not Planning for Winter Weather

When the temperature reaches 30 degrees, many of us long for warmer destinations. Even though Florida is warmer than Minnesota in January, it can still experience chilly weather.

Tips:

• Look up the average weather by month for your destination.
• Remember, most of the Disney World hotel pools are heated. However, they do close if it gets too cold.
• Always pack layers so you can stay comfortable no matter the weather

Not Staying Flexible

It’s important to stay positive when things don’t go according to plan. Unexpected experiences can become the most memorable.

Tips:

• Have contingency plans ready to go.
• Stay flexible – don’t hold too tightly to the original plans if the weather gets in the way
• Acknowledge the feelings if plans need to change
• Make the most of it – duck into a shop and grab an impromptu treat, pick up a themed board game to play in the room, take a fun family poncho photo, etc

Planning for weather can feel like another stress point for your vacation, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow the tips, plan ahead, and pack smart, and you’ll have a magical experience!