When you come to Disney World, we want your experience to be as smooth as possible.

There are more than a couple of things at Disney World that can quickly overwhelm you, especially during the summer months, and we don’t want any of them to weigh you down. To that point, we wanted to go over some of the “mistakes” that even the most seasoned Disney travelers might make at Disney World this coming August so you can avoid them like a champ!

Underestimating the Heat

First things first: August might be a cooler time of year, depending on where you’re from, but August in Florida is still HOT. If you think you can handle the heat because you’ve “survived” a couple of days at the beach, well, think again. If you’re not careful, the heat can definitely take you out long before your first ride of the day.

So what are you to do? First, hydrate like it’s your job (it kind of is at Disney World). Bring your favorite refillable water bottle and make lots of stops to keep it topped off.

Next, let me introduce you to your new bestie — SPF. Slather it on and keep reapplying throughout the day.

There really isn’t a lot of shade at Disney World, and the last thing we want for you is to end up red and burned. Ouch!

Not Taking a Midday Break

If you didn’t know, Disney World is a marathon, not a sprint, and one of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to power through the whole day without a break.

Trust me, by midday, you’ll be wishing for a nap and some air conditioning (1PM is when we feel like tapping out). So, what you can do is plan to head back to your hotel during the hottest part of the day to take a nap, enjoy the pool, or just chill in your room.

We promise you that you’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle the parks again when it’s already going to be cooler in the evening hours. Plus, you’ll have all the stamina you need to stick around for those nighttime fireworks.

Ignoring the Weather

You might not know that August is also smack dab in the middle of hurricane season. We’re not saying that a hurricane will definitely hit during your trip (keep an eye on the hurricane forecast, though), but afternoon storms are pretty much a guarantee in Florida.

So, keep an eye on the weather forecast and pack accordingly. You’ll want to bring ponchos, umbrellas, and quick-dry clothing, as they can save you from being a soggy mess.

Also, keep in mind that some attractions close during storms, so try to stay flexible during inclement weather.

Overloading Your Day

Heads up: Disney World is MASSIVE, and trying to do it all in one day is 100% a recipe for burnout. If at all possible, don’t try to cram too much into your schedule.

Focus on your must-do attractions and actually leave some room in the schedule for spontaneity. Slow down, enjoy the atmosphere, and remember that you’re on vacation at Disney World! Also, it’s okay to not do everything.

Rope Dropping/Strategically Skipping the Rope Drop

We’ve definitely been known to rope drop (being at the park right when it opens) a lot over the past years. Those early morning hours are prime time for shorter lines and cooler temps.

However, if you’re planning to stay late for the fireworks, you might want to sleep in and catch the evening cool-down instead.

Ultimately, you’ll want to adjust your strategy based on your plans for the day.

Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Let’s talk footwear. Yes, those new sandals look adorable with your Disney-bound outfit, but after a few hours, your feet will be begging for mercy. Trust me, comfy shoes are the way to go.

At Disney World, you’ll be walking MILES each day, and blisters are your number one enemy. Make sure your shoes have been broken in long before the trip, and pack extra socks to keep your feet happy.

Not Being Ready for the Genie+ Changes

In case you haven’t heard, Disney Genie+ (the paid “skip the line” service) is changing! On July 24th, Genie+ will become Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and Individual Lightning Lanes will become Lightning Lane Single Pass.

Additionally, you will be able to buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass and book up to three attractions in advance of your trip — 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 staying on the property.

Also, the rides you can book at Disney World will be part of a tiered system. At Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, you will only be able to select one of those top-tier rides in advance. Over at Animal Kingdom, the rides you can book are all in one tier.

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Those are some of the “mistakes” you can avoid making on your trip to Disney World in August. Until then, stay tuned to DFB for more.

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Have you made any of these mistakes at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!