Don’t make these Walt Disney World mistakes this summer. 

Walt Disney World can be overwhelming, especially during the crowded summer months. Both veteran travelers and first time visitors can get tripped up by things like new rule changes, ride refurbishments, and other quirks. These are some of the mistakes you’re likely to make at Walt Disney World this coming July.

Not Planning Out How to Ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is currently scheduled to open to the general public on June 28th, meaning that ride will essentially be brand new – – and likely in VERY high demand – – all throughout July.

When the attraction opens, it will be available on Genie+ (but not as an Individual up-charge Lightning Lane) as well as feature a virtual queue at both 7:00AM and 1:00PM each day. So you will need to stay on top of things early in the morning to try for either. However, that’s not all. 

According to Disney, “While a standby queue will not be available during the attraction’s initial opening days, we expect to open a standby queue soon after the attraction’s opening.” In other words, depending on when you go in a July, there’s a chance there might be a standby queue available.

With all these potential options, it’s imperative to have some idea what ways to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be available when you go, and be ready to approach them.

Not Preparing for Changes to Genie+

Disney’s paid “skip the line” service is changing in some huge ways — even the name is changing! On July 24th, Genie+ is becoming Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and Individual Lightning Lanes are becoming Lightning Lane Single Pass. The biggest change is that you will be able to buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass and book up to three rides IN ADVANCE — up to 7 days in advance if you’re staying in a Disney World hotel, and up to 3 days in advance if you’re not.

While the “bones” of the new system seem about the same — you’ll use the Disney World app to book windows to use the Lightning Lane to ride attractions with (hopefully) minimal waits, strategies for using the new system will be different. You can no longer “stack” Lightning Lanes by booking them later in the evening and backing them up, as everyone will be able to hold 3 at a time and select a new one once you have used one. In addition, the most popular rides in Disney World will be part of a tiered system — and in every park except Animal Kingdom — you will only be able to select one of those top tier rides in advance.

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Lightning Lane Multi Pass in Disney World

Forgetting that both Country Bears and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster are Reopening

After lengthy refurbishments for each, both the Country Bear Jamboree and the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith are scheduled to reopen in July. 

The Country Bears show in particular will likely see much higher crowds than it has in years, as the show has been completely reworked into the Country Bears Musical Jamboree. This new take on the bears debuts July 17th, and will feature newly countrified costumes and “iconic Disney songs that have been rearranged in ways that pay homage to the classic musical revues in Nashville.” 

Unlike the complete reworking of the Country Bears, the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s long refurbishment was purely for upkeep and repair reasons, so the ride itself will be relatively unchanged. Currently, the Walt Disney World calendar indicates that the ride will reopen on July 27th. 

Forgetting that Food and Wine Isn’t Happening 

In recent years, it was pretty much a given that the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival would be happening during July. In fact, it was such foregone conclusion that some travelers may have booked a July trip without double checking. We hope you weren’t among them, as you’d be sorely disappointed. This year, Food & Wine doesn’t begin until August 29th. 

Not Adequately Preparing for the Heat

Finally the biggest – – and most potentially dangerous – – mistake you can make when going to Disney World in July: Not being ready for the heat. This year, the Orlando area is going to experience one of its hottest summers on record, and it’s imperative that you take it seriously if visiting the parks.

Wear sunscreen, appropriate clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and pack a cooling towel or miniature fan. Take multiple breaks, and be sure to stay as hydrated as possible by drinking plenty of water — and consider drinking beverages with extra electrolytes. Finally, if you feel yourself succumbing to the heat, head back to your hotel or even the park’s First Aid location. As “valuable” as time at Walt Disney World is, it’s not worth potentially dire health effects. 

These are some of the biggest potential mistakes one can make visiting Walt Disney World this July. Stay tuned to DFB for further Disney tips. 

DFB Video: 50 MISTAKES To Avoid in Disney World

What advice would you give for someone visiting Disney World this coming July? Let us know in the comments below.