This article is for dads who sometimes misjudge how to handle a day at Disney World or Disneyland. There are some common mistakes that we tend to make when navigating a Disney theme park, and I wanted to use this piece to help you avoid them.
Let’s be real—most of us might skip over this article due to a little thing called ego. So, if your partner suggests you read it, take it as a friendly heads-up: “Please read before we leave.”
Thinking You Can Outsmart the System
Saying, “Let’s come back when the line’s shorter,” only to find it twice as long later, is not a great strategy. If the whole family is on board with an idea, don’t try to override it just because you think you can outsmart the system. It’s better to be quietly right than loudly wrong, especially when it’s blazing hot and every decision is under scrutiny. If you decide to skip something and it ends up being closed when you return, don’t expect the family to be thrilled with your earlier “executive decision.”
Getting Too Competitive at Disney Rides
I get it—everyone wants to be the Galactic Hero at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin or top scorer on Toy Story Mania. But if your kids are little, don’t crush their score; it’s not as impressive as you might think. Sure, if your kids are teenagers, go ahead and challenge them. But for competitive dads with kids under five, remember that finding all the hidden targets isn’t winning you any points. Your toddler will be upset you didn’t help, and your partner will end up frustrated dealing with the fallout. Keep the competition in check and focus on making it fun for everyone. And if you do rack up a high score, maybe keep it to yourself.
Not Giving Your Partner a Break
This really depends on your kids’ ages and your partner’s comfort level, but it’s important to ensure they get some time to have fun or take a break during your Disney vacation. If your partner wants to wander off for some shopping, enjoy a couple of thrill rides, or even relax at the hotel spa, encourage them to do it! They might genuinely need that time to recharge.
When they return from their break, you’re likely to see a couple of positive outcomes: first, they’ll be happier and more relaxed, and second, they might reciprocate by giving you the same grace to pursue what you enjoy, whether that’s riding a favorite attraction or just soaking up the atmosphere with a snack in hand.
Neglecting to Capture the Moments
Partners are often better at remembering to take family pictures and videos, but at Disney, it’s crucial for everyone to capture those special moments. You might think these memories will last a lifetime, but having photos and videos ensures they really do—even for the littlest family members. After spending a small fortune on the perfect family trip, you’ll want to make sure every moment is documented.
So take the time to snap that picture in front of the castle, or go ahead and buy that overpriced ride photo from Space Mountain or Frozen Ever After. As Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
