Hey Disney friends! When you’re on your Disney vacation, it can feel like one of those rare times when everyone over 21, of course, can enjoy an adult beverage or two without having to worry too much about the logistics. You’re spending the day in the Parks, Disney transportation has you covered, and there’s no need to drive yourself home. What could go wrong, right? Well, quite a lot, actually!
At home, there always seems to be a catch. One of the kids needs to get to practice, someone has to drive home from family dinner, or there’s always some other responsibility waiting around the corner that stops you from going too far. At Disney, it can be much easier to relax and enjoy a drink, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make a few mistakes that can turn a great day into one you’d rather forget, especially when it comes to the current EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival time of year!.
1. Drinking too much
Let’s start with the obvious one. Overindulging can quickly turn you into the person who is a little too loud, a little too much, and has a negative impact on everyone around you. If I’m drinking at Disney (which is rare), I like to set my limit before I even head out and stick to it. Once I’ve reached that limit, that’s it. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the rest of the day!
2. Underestimating the effect
When you’re at home, you might feel like you have a pretty good handle on how your body responds to alcohol. At Disney, though, things can feel very different. You might be walking much more than usual, spending hours in the Florida heat and humidity, or simply forgetting to eat because you’re too busy racing between attractions. Drinking on an empty stomach, spending time in the sun, or while dehydrated can make alcohol hit harder and leave you feeling much less fabulous than you expected.
3. Starting too early
I know, I know. You’re on vacation, and that first drink at EPCOT can feel very tempting! But if you have a full day of Parks ahead of you, think about what you actually want to accomplish before you start. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through your carefully planned afternoon and realizing you’ve accidentally sabotaged yourself and now feel tired, sluggish, or ready for a hotel bed instead of another attraction.
4. Not bringing your passport
This one is a doozy, particularly for international visitors. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, make sure you understand Disney’s identification requirements before heading out for a drink. An overseas driver’s license or other photo ID may not be accepted as proof of age, and you could find yourself unable to purchase alcohol even though you’re well over 21. If you’re planning to drink, check the current requirements and bring the appropriate identification with you.
Ultimately, if you’re enjoying an adult beverage or two in the theme parks, remember that the goal is to enhance your vacation, not derail it. Eat along the way, drink plenty of water, and give yourself time between drinks. There’s a big difference between enjoying a cocktail while taking in the atmosphere and suddenly realizing you’d rather crawl back to your hotel than enjoy that Lightning Lane for Cosmic Rewind. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and make sure tomorrow-you will still be happy with today-you!
