I love Disney World and if I could, I would see it all and do it all on every trip. But the truth is that there is too much to do to cover it all in one trip. And while you can try, doing it all is guaranteed to leave you exhausted, rushed and quite possibly cranky. I don’t know about you but that’s not how I want to go through my vacation .
Haircut at Harmony Barber Shop
I’m a big believer that you don’t need to do it all. I have vivid memories of being 5 years old and my Dad checking things off the map as we raced through Epcot in the rain in an attempt to do it all. I remember standing under an awning in France saying, “can’t we just go back to the room”, which was exactly what we did. And while I have wonderful memories of that trip, it goes to show you really can’t and probably don’t even want to do it all.
I would argue that even if you are only going to Disney World once there is no need to do it all and that you won’t miss out by not seeing everything. And here’s why.
7 Reasons You Don’t Have to Do it All at Walt Disney World
You Can’t Do It All. I’ve been to Disney over 20 times and still haven’t done it all. There are rides I haven’t ridden, shows I haven’t seen and characters I’ve never met. It means there is always something to do next time I go back.
I could take Jack just to Fantasy land in the Magic Kingdom and he would be just as happy if not happier than if we ran all over Disney World .
Checking out the trains in Germany, at Epcot.
Certain Rides are Geared to Certain People and Age Groups
While I have fond memories of The Carousel of Progress my 3 year old will not enjoy it, in fact he will complain for the entire 20 minutes (I know from experience). What is nostalgic for me is irrelevant to him. Same goes for some of the more educational things like the 360 theater shows in World Showcase or The Hall of Presidents, do I appreciate them now that I’m older, yes, but did I want to go on them at 8 not really.
Height Requirements Do Not Mean Your Child is Ready For It
Even if your child meets the height requirements for a ride doesn’t mean they are ready to ride it or will even want to ride it . My son at 40″ meets the height requirements for a bunch of rides he has no desire to ride. All kids are different and some may be dying to go on but if your kid can ride but doesn’t want to, in the words of Elsa, “Let it Go”.
Disney Has So Many Great Pools And Non Theme Park Attractions.
Have you seen the resorts at Disney they are like a theme park in themselves, some of the pools are just as fun as some of the water parks. And then there is the shopping at Downtown Disney and all the fun the resorts offer. Do you know you can rent boats or bikes or simply just relax at Disney. Did you know there are 3 spas?! Get out of the park, there is still much to do.
I know I said that even if you only go once you don’t need to do it all. But show me a person who’s gone to Disney once and doesn’t want to go back then I will show you a person who did it wrong. It’s easy to over do it at Disney. To get up early and stay up late and run all over the park dragging your family behind you. But avoid the urge to do that, relax and enjoy the trip and yes you will likely want to come back.
There Is More To The Park Than Rides
In the Magic Kingdom there are so many great spots to get photos and meet characters. In Epcot there are Kidcot stations and Innovations to play at. There are also spots around World Showcase where kids can play musical instruments. One of our favorite Epcot activities is watching the big fountain and letting Jack play on the sidewalk that lights up. In Hollywood Studios there are actors putting on impromptu shows and in Animal Kingdom there is so much to look at and take in. Why rush it? Why miss the little moments?
Playing the drums in World Showcase
What makes a great vacation are those unexpected little moments . The unplanned smiles and laughs. The candid moments. The moments when I stop and watch as Jack eyes fill with excitement. The times when the totally unexpected happens like when Jack got to dance at Ragland Road in Downtown Disney. I’ve taken Jack to Disney World 4 times and so far only a few of my favorite moments have involved a ride. Instead the moments I treasure most are those that I never planned to begin with.
What are your favorite vacation memories, the ones you planned or the ones that took you by surprise?
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We are heading to Disney World with our 2 year old twin grandsons. It will be their first trip and our too-many-to-count trip. I laughed at your comment about The Hall of Presidents. My daughter never liked that attraction as a child but now, as an adult with degrees in history and political science, it is one of her "must see" spots! And you are right – we've often said we could spend a week just enjoying the resort activities without even entering the park! I guess that means we will just have to keep planning trips to WDW!
Yes plan more Disney trips! Your grandsons will have a wonderful time.
We are going to brave the park for the first time with children in the next 2 years. Thanks so much of the tips. I pinned for later!
Thanks for pinning! It's such a different experience with kids but such a wonderful one.
We have been to Disney 4 times with E so far. I can't wait for next time! She gets to do more and more and has a blast in her own way each time.
I just love how they have so much more fun every trip!
LOL, I read it thinking, "you can do it all if you go as often as we have"…which is less than you!! Wowee. I think we've been about 12 times (lost count). These are really good tips to remember.
Yes you can do it all if you go often but I still haven't done it all.
This is great. Really good reasons! We have only been once and I remember how stressed I was trying to fit it all in. Wish I would have read these tips before! 😉
I hope if you go again it isn't as stressful, vacation shouldn't be stressful there really is no need to see it all.
This is great. We'll get to Disney eventually. I am nervous about wanting to see & do it all!
Yes it's a lot but trust me there is not need to stress about it.