Every seasoned Disney professional can tell you that even the best-laid Disney plans can go sideways at a moment’s notice. For those of us who have enjoyed the luxury of visiting the parks on more than one occasion, we’ve most likely learned our lessons the hard way, but that doesn’t mean you have to! You might want to prepare for these four unexpected Disney situations before your Disney Parks vacation begins. Even better, get the family involved in discussing some of these occurrences so that younger ones can be prepared if a disappointing circumstance arises.
You Might Need To Wait a While Before Boarding Transport
Everything looks so easy when you’ve been watching the official Disney videos and planning guides. Everything from that perfect Castle shot with no one else visible to that bus that waits dutifully for you to step aboard. In reality, the transport lines at Walt Disney World can be lengthy, and you might need to wait for several buses to come before you can board one to take you to your first destination. Get there a bit earlier to be at the front of the line when the crowds descend from your resort to visit the parks.
The Character You Are Waiting for Might Leave
This one is a doozy and can be so hard for kids to prepare for. If you see a character visiting with guests in a park location that isn’t a dedicated spot (like, Princess Fairytale Hall), note how long the line is. If it is a long line, not everyone will be greeted before the character needs to rest. We’ve been in lines where countless children and families have been turned away with disappointment, even after waiting a substantial time in line already. If the line is longer than a few people, talk with your family as you line up so that if the line unexpectedly gets cut off, you will catch up with that character another day. I find even planting the seed that this could occur can be helpful.
The Attraction You Are Waiting for Might Temporarily Close
You’ve been waiting in line for an hour for a popular attraction when the line seems not moving. After a few moments (sometimes even longer), an announcement is made that the ride is temporarily closing, and you are invited to either hold your place in the queue or disperse and enjoy the rest of the park. This can be a devastating feeling. Not only do you miss the ride you want to experience, but you’ve wasted an hour of your Disney day. There isn’t much you can do about this one. Sometimes they go down for ten minutes, sometimes it’s two hours. However, knowing in advance that it can happen and discussing it with your family can take the edge off those feelings if it does happen to you.
The Weather Might Turn From One Extreme to Another
The weather in Walt Disney World can be a fickle beast. Sunny and warm one minute, cool and windy the next, and no one would be surprised if a cyclone or two blew through along the way. Layers are the key to everything when it comes to your wardrobe, but making sure your shoes and accessories can handle the weather changes is essential, too. I like to pack two jumbo-sized zip-lock bags that can have all of our valuables tucked away in a waterproof package; and the second one, I like to rip open the sides and slide over my Loungefly mini backpack to keep her dry and pretty in those weather changes. Many of the lines and queuing areas at Walt Disney World are not sheltered from the elements, so know all of your possibilities ahead of time and be prepared.
We will be back with you next week with four more situations to prepare for on your Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort vacation. Please add your own unexpected experience to the comments below.
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.