It’s easy to have a LOT on your mind during your Disney day.
There’s no shortage of things to think about in Disney World! While you’re having a blast jumping around to all the best attractions and chowing down on the yummiest snacks, you’ll want to make sure that you’re having the best time possible. Here are 9 questions you should ALWAYS ask in Disney World to make the most out of your Disney day!
1. Can I have my meal WITHOUT that?
Don’t want a side dish or an extra? Make sure to ask if you can have your meal without it. This has a couple of uses. First of all, at most quick-service spots, forgoing a side you don’t want can actually save you a few bucks. So, make sure you ask if you can get your meal WITHOUT that broccoli you hate or have them hold that bacon on your cheeseburger if it’s not your favorite!
This is also a great point for guests with food allergies. Disney is WONDERFUL when it comes to making food allergy-friendly so speak to a Cast Member about making sure that your meal is safe for you to eat. They will be happy to accommodate any stipulations you might need.
Click here to learn more about navigating food allergies and intolerances in Disney World!
2. Am I wasting money right now?
Speaking of saving money, you should ALWAYS ask yourself if you might be spending too much. Disney World is a super expensive place and it can be really easy to overspend. So, keep an eye on where your money is going, and make sure that you plan with a budget in mind!.
Just know that there are lots of sneaky ways that Disney gets you to spend a little more than you might have intended. When you pay for something, like an After Hours event or the Disney Dining Plan, make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth! Little mistakes like not spending all of your snack credits can add up and end up costing you MUCH more out of pocket than you realize!
Worried about spending more than you meant to in Disney World? Click here!
3. How long will it take to get there?
You should really be asking this one CONSTANTLY. How long to get to that ride? Your advance dining reservation? The park gate in the morning? Back to the room at night?
It can take a LOT longer than you might think to get around Disney World via Disney transportation. In general, we say allow an hour for travel between any two locations — especially if part of that hour includes bus travel. Disney transportation is prone to delays, and even if everything is running smoothly, lines can get long. You don’t want to be trapped on transportation so long that you’re late for your Advance Dining Reservation.
If you DO end up running late, don’t worry! You might not be out of luck on those reservations. For dining, make sure to call the restaurant if possible to let them know that you’re running late, but still on your way! If you get there a few minutes late, explain your situation at the check-in podium. They might be able to accommodate your late arrival.
Keep in mind, this can sometimes happen while you’re in the same park as your reservation — no transportation required! If Tower of Terror breaks down with you in line while you only have ten minutes to make it to your Oga’s Cantina reservation — you might run into some troubles. Cast Members understand that stuff happens — always explain your dilemma and see what can be done.
Click here to see some potential solutions for Disney’s transportation problems
4. Can I get a different room?
This is one that you should technically ask prior to your trip, but it’s still an important question! Don’t be afraid to ask if you can get a different/better room — and no, we don’t mean by necessarily spending more! Asking this question often means making a room request. You might be surprised by the little upgrades you can possibly get by just remembering to ask!
Room requests can be done during your online check-in right before your trip. Remember, you can only select two requests on the online form for most resorts, so make sure you decide what’s important for YOUR family! These requests can cover all sorts of things within your room category like a lower floor or higher floor, a room that’s closer to the lobby, and even a balcony. Keep in mind, these online requests vary with each hotel.
If you want a little more flexibility with your room request, you can also call Guest Services around five days in advance. That way, you can get in contact with the front desk at your hotel and be able to make specific requests to the Cast. Now, room requests are never guaranteed but it can’t hurt to ask!
If you’ve already arrived and dislike your room, you can always ask for a room change! Cast members will do their best to accommodate you, though you may need to wait a day or two before you can be switched into a room more to your liking.
Click here to learn more secret tips to upgrade your trip!
5. What’s the most important thing for us to do today?
We think asking this question is key to having a good time on your Disney trip. There is a LOT to do in Disney World and with so much planning required, there’s a lot of room for things to go wrong. Now, just because something doesn’t go the way you wanted it to doesn’t mean your trip will be disappointing — not if you prioritize!
Spend some time each day to talk about what the top three or four must-dos are for your Disney day. Make sure that you hit those things and let everything else fall into place around them. If you decide what’s MOST important and focus on those, you won’t have to feel nearly as stressed about meeting your perfectly structured plans!
Keep in mind EVERYONE should, ideally, get a say. If your five year old HAS to see all the characters, mom is looking for a relaxing lunch, and your 17-year-old is dying to ride Rise of the Resistance, try to work everyone’s plans into your days. Your crew might have a much more enjoyable trip if everyone feels included.
Is food a priority for you? Click here for some must-eat snacks!
6. Do we really want to go to our Dining Reservation tomorrow?
If you’ve got Advance Dining Reservations, you’ll want to ask yourself one very important question the day BEFORE your reservation. Do we really want to go to that reservation tomorrow? This is so important because you can rack up some charges if you don’t show up — or if you cancel the same day of the reservation!
For most restaurants, Disney required a credit card confirmation when making that dining reservation. This is so they can charge you if you bail on your res last minute — we’re talking $10 per person! So, remember to ask this question! Many folks have at least one Advance Dining Reservation each day, so get in the habit of asking yourself and your party this question each morning so you have plenty of time to adjust your plans for the next day with no fee!
Click here to learn more about Disney’s ADR cancellation policy!
7. Will we enjoy this ride?
You might already be in the practice of asking this question, especially if you’ve got kids. When you’re heading up to ride an attraction, make sure you ask yourself and your party if you’ll ACTUALLY enjoy the ride you’re about to get on.
Yes, rides are a lot of fun, but there are a number of factors that can make them a nightmare for certain folks. For instance, if you have motion sickness, you’ll want to be wary of motion simulators like Star Tours – The Adventure Continues or (possibly the worst offender) Mission: SPACE. There’s nothing worse than having to make use of that barf bag that they sometimes keep in the seats. Also, be careful of heights if they scare you (lookin’ at you, Tower of Terror)!
Like we mentioned, this is especially important with littles. Remember, just because your kid is tall enough for a ride does NOT mean they are necessarily ready. Some kiddos might jump at the chance to ride scary coasters, but make sure you know their limits.
When in doubt, watch a Youtube video of the ride with your kid BEFORE your trip to let them decide if it might be too scary, and never push them to try something that could ruin their day.
The good news is, if anyone doesn’t want to ride, the rest of the party can often use Rider Switch. This service allows part of the party to wait in line and ride with those who DO want to, while someone hangs with the ones who can’t (or would prefer not to) ride the attraction. Then, the folks who waited can switch and hop in the FastPass line for their turn to ride! To see if Rider Swap is an option for you, talk to one of the Cast Members at the attraction.
Click here for more tips on introducing kids to coasters!
8. Will we need to take a break?
Some more experienced Disney-goers may not need to ask this question as much. Still, if something changes about your travel group (the addition of kids, kids getting older, or a health concern) or if it’s your first time going to Disney, you need to think about taking a break.
Some people like to go from park open to park close, but many folks need a rest and that’s perfectly OK! You’re still getting your money’s worth if you take a break from being in the parks — so don’t feel bad if you can make your day better with a nap or a dip in the pool! It’s YOUR vacation. Just make sure you plan for it if you’re thinking about heading back to the room. Don’t book FastPasses or dining around the time you might plan to take a break and make sure it’s planned out so you don’t run into any reservation issues.
Want to make the most out of resort time? Click here!
9. Am I ready for rain?
And finally, Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth, but it’s still in Florida and that means RAIN. LOTS and LOTS of rain. Especially in those summer months. Even if the forecast doesn’t call for it, you should make sure you’re prepared for a sudden downpour.
So, bring along a poncho! Of course, you can pick up rain gear in the Disney parks, but coming prepared means you won’t have to dole out the extra cash. This is especially important during hurricane season. Keep an eye on that radar and hourly forecast throughout the day, and have a poncho at the ready just in case you’re caught off guard! Need more tips? Check out our video below!
And there you have it! These are 9 questions you ALWAYS need to ask yourselves on a Disney trip. We certainly do! Sometimes, asking the right questions can really help you to make the most out of your vacation.
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What questions do YOU make sure YOU ask in Disney? Tell us in the comments!
Alan Warner says
If I have reservations and a season pass if my wife and myself, but my brother and his wife is going with us and are on the reservation. How can I get them park tickets?
DFB Sarah says
Alan, if you’re looking for tickets for 2020, Disney says those are going to resume “later this summer.” If you’re looking for tickets in 2021, you should be able to purchase those now.