We’re coming up on a new year; we can’t believe it’s already almost 2022!

If you’re planning a Disney World trip next year, we want to make sure you’re prepared. You can, of course, rely on DFB for all the tips and tricks you need to make sure your planning goes smoothly. This time, we’re telling you about seven Disney World MISTAKES you don’t want to make in 2022.

1. Paying For Lightning Lanes When You Don’t Need Them

2021 brought with it the launch of the new Genie system in Disney World. Fastpass+ has been replaced with Genie+, a system where guests can pay $15 per day to gain access to Lightning Lanes and bypass the standby on many Disney World rides. Additionally, a few attractions are classified as Individual Attraction Selections where you can access their Lightning Lanes with a separate, date-based fee.

Now, this system has brought with it a few dangers as well and there’s one BIG mistake we don’t want you to make in your planning. Don’t pay for Lightning Lanes when you don’t need them — whether they be included in Genie+ or an Individual Attraction Selection.

You don’t have to buy Genie+ for your whole trip in advance and you can even buy mid-day if you want. That means you can wait and see if you even NEED to skip the line. Depending on the park and the dates you visit, lines might be short enough that you can save the cash. And, we’ve noticed that Genie+ is a lot more beneficial in Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios than it is in EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Beyond that, there are a few Individual Attraction Selections that typically do not see long enough lines to warrant a purchase. Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom, for instance, typically has a shorter standby wait and has a single rider line option as well.

True, there are some times that purchasing Lightning Lane access will be right for you, but don’t make the mistake of overspending on Genie+ and Individual Attraction Selections.

Click here to learn more about Disney Genie!

2. Forgetting To Take Advantage of Added Time in The Parks

We also saw the introduction of Early Theme Park Entry for all resort guests and Extended Theme Park Hours for deluxe resort guests. If you’re staying in a Disney World Resort hotel, it’s important that you don’t forget to take advantage of this extra time in the theme parks!

All resort guests get entry to the theme park for which they have a Disney Park Pass 30 minutes early of posted opening time. During the holidays, this time was increased to 60 mins for a limited time. You can get on one or two high-demand rides in that time, so it’s a high-value perk! If you’re hoping to maximize your park day, getting to the park in time for your early entry is a must. 

Also, don’t make the mistake of expecting everything to be open during the early entry time! Each of the parks opens a select few attractions and areas, so read up on what’s available before heading to the park.

If you’re a deluxe resort guest, you get even MORE time in the theme parks with Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select dates. Extended hours typically take place in EPCOT or Magic Kingdom on Mondays and Wednesdays. You can see the full schedule so you don’t miss out right here!

Want to learn more about extra theme park time? Click here!

3. Paying Too Much To Get To/From The Airport

At the start of 2022, Disney World’s Magical Express airport shuttle service for resort guests will be discontinued. So, getting to and from the airport becomes a bigger planning point. Don’t make the mistake of forgetting to plan or choosing the wrong mode of transportation!

Our options will become taking a rideshare like Lyft or Uber, taking a taxi, using a shuttle bus service like the upcoming Mears Connect service, or just renting a car. Unfortunately, all of these options are a LOT more expensive than the previously free Magical Express service.

You’ll want to compare pricing with each option and think about your party when it comes to planning this. We’ve broken down all of the options right here to help with your research! If you don’t plan and don’t compare pricing, you could end up paying WAY too much to catch your flight.

To learn more about getting to and from the airport, click here!

4. Not Charging Your Phone

Okay, this one isn’t a NEW new mistake, but it will be a BIGGER mistake than before! You have to, have to, have to keep your phone charged in Disney World — even if that means bringing a spare charger in your park bag!

You will likely be relying on your phone a LOT in Disney World. You’ve got the free Genie system, Genie+, wait times, dining reservations, mobile check-in, mobile dine check-in, mobile walk-up waitlist, park maps, festival guides, showtimes, mobile order, and MORE all in the My Disney Experience app.

Losing access to all that because your phone died could be a big bummer. Tote along a mobile charger or swing by a Fuel Rod kiosk to pick one up to make sure you’re never stuck without your phone. 

Click here to learn more about Mobile Order!

5. Waiting to See The Menu At The Restaurant

There have been a LOT of changes to Disney World menus. Don’t forget to take a look at the menu before committing to a meal at a Disney World restaurant; that could be a big mistake! 

For one, your favorite eats from two years ago might not be around anymore (not to mention that your favorite restaurants could even still be closed). And on top of that, several restaurants have shifted to a prix fixe model including Be Our Guest and California Grill. Don’t show up to these spots expecting a standard menu and find yourself locked in! 

Want to see more about California Grill’s new menu? Click here!

6. Watching Fireworks From The Wrong Spot

TWO new fireworks shows have arrived in Disney World lately so you’re ol’ reliable fireworks-watching spot might not be the best anymore. You might be used to watching EPCOT fireworks from the United Kingdom Pavilion or Magic Kingdom fireworks from the hub in front of Cinderella Castle.

Those spots might not be the best anymore! We like watching EPCOT’s Harmonious from Italy or the front of World Showcase and Disney Enchantment is actually better viewed from the top of Main Street, U.S.A.. That way, you can see all of the Main Street projections, the Castle projections, and the fireworks!

To see more of Enchantment, click here!

7. Not Checking for Reservations and Walk-Up Waitlists

You certainly don’t want to wing it if you’re hoping to dine in a table-service restaurant. Reservations are HARD to get in Disney World. Make sure you book your Advance Dining Reservations in advance so you make sure you can get into your favorite spot! This is 60 days in advance (plus the length of stay for resort guests).

If you can’t get a reservation you don’t want, don’t make the mistake of giving up. Keep checking those reservations! People cancel all the time and you never know when a desirable time and place will open up!

And if you STILL can’t get a reservation, make sure you check to see if the restaurant of choice has a walk-up waitlist in the My Disney Experience app. Day-of, you can then join the walk-up waitlist and get a table as long as it isn’t full!

Click here to learn about the Mobile Dine Walk-Up Waitlist!

If you are headed to Disney World in 2022, we hope you have a GREAT time and that this advice is helpful! As always, keep an eye on DFB for the latest tips, tricks, and planning advice.

Want to see some of the biggest changes coming to Disney World next year? Click here!

Headed to Disney World in 2022? Tell us in the comments!