Fall Comes To WDW: Plus, 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Planning Your Disney Vacation

It may be hot in Florida, but fall has officially arrived to Walt Disney World. The park’s Magic Kingdom is one of the first Disney theme parks to dress up in harvest style. Cinderella’s Castle has been decked out in what else but pumpkins and colorful leaves.

Town Square is also decorated with its not-so scary pumpkin-head scarecrows. The Walt Disney World theme park is getting ready for Mickey Mouse’s “Not So Scary Halloween Party,” which is ideal for all ages. Disney is already ringing in Halloween by displaying costumes and Halloween merchandise in some of the store windows. Meanwhile, the Main Street Bakery is cooking up all things pumpkin spice.

As previously reported via the Tampa Bay Times, fall is the perfect time to visit the Walt Disney World resort and neighboring Florida attractions. There are plenty of deals for Florida residents right now through mid-November. You could also book a room and beat the crowds in Thanksgiving and mid-December, according to family vacation expert Suzanne Rowan Kelleher.

Fall is the perfect time for adults to visit Walt Disney World. Sam’s Grog Grotto has officially opened at the Polynesian Resort, which is a bar complete with Hawaiian decor and special effects that litter the ceiling and the walls. Guests can also drink on the patio, which offers an epic view of the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show.

Adults will also love going to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, which runs through No. 16. The theme park offers 30 Marketplace Booths and a lineup of concerts during its seven-week run.

Downtown Disney is officially transforming into Disney Springs. Not only has the name changed, but the venues have changed as well. A new Indiana Jones-themed restaurant called Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar just opened up on Tuesday night. Guests should expect to see lots of Indiana Jones references in the restaurant’s decor and menu items.

Walt Disney World doesn’t just have exciting restaurants and venues for adults. It’s like paradise on earth for both kids and teens. To ensure your trip to this magical and beautiful place remains a memorable one, proper planning is necessary. You also need to steer clear of certain vacation planning mistakes that can hamper your enjoyment.

Below listed are some tips which will show you how to notice the most common Walt Disney World planning mistakes:

1. Not making enough time: This is one mistake some people make for visiting Walt Disney World that they end up regretting later. Keep in mind, you will need to dedicate a lot of time to each of the WDW theme parks. So, consider planning your trip for 7 days instead of 3 or 4 days.
2. Not planning in advance: If you think Walt Disney World is just another amusement park with regular rides, you are greatly mistaken. You should use the official Disney websites to get information on their unique rides, exhibits, attractions, and parks. Apart from learning about the attractions and timing, you also need to chart and work within a budget. Without proper planning, you may end up spending more than you intended to.
3. Not booking in advance: You can book your accommodation far in advance prior to your visit to Walt Disney World, and doing so is actually convenient. Do not make the mistake of hunting for a suitable accommodation at the last moment. You won’t have the choice of the best rooms and you may have to pay more than your budget allows. Advance booking can sometimes make you eligible to get discounts on WDW resorts and Disney Dining. There are also third-party websites like Tripadvisor that will help you find the best deals and include trips on how to make your vacation a memorable one.
4. Not considering weather conditions: This is one mistake many visitors when planning their trips to Walt Disney World. Remember that Florida weather can be somewhat unpredictable at times. A sudden shower can ruin your fun if you planned on going to the water parks or lounging at the resort’s pool. Sunscreen is always a necessity, for both kids and adults. And if you plan to visit in winter, keep in mind that the temperature falls well below freezing in the morning and at night. Bring full-length pans and fleece jackets with you, especially if you’re traveling from late October to mid-November.
5. Not calculating the time required for transport: The public transportation system at the Walt Disney World resort is far from efficient. The buses often take long routes and stops. You and your family may also find yourselves without a seat on the bus, as they tend to get crowded. As a result, you will find a lot of your time is being spent on commuting, so careful planning is suggested. Seasoned visitors often rent a car to evade these woes and save time getting to and from the parks.
6. Getting the wrong tickets: Tickets can be customized, no matter how long you plan to stay. Without adequate research, you may end up buying more than what you actually need. Spend some time reading up about the many attractions at Disney world and which of them appeal to you and your family. Disney world is a place that offers unlimited fun for both elders and kids alike. So, plan and buy your tickets and make the most of your trip to Disney world!
7. Choosing the right time to visit: As stated before, anytime is the right time to visit WDW. Your kids may be eager to pay a visit to Disney World, and you may want to grant their wishes. However, it is important that you time your visit properly. While trip to Disney World during Christmas vacation can be a big treat for the kids, it can also quickly become a trip you’d like to forget! Christmas and winter vacation time means that there may be crowds at Disney World. And traveling with young kids during this time of the year can be difficult. The off-peak seasons at Walt Disney World are the best times to go since the parks are uncrowded and the room rates are lower. Off-peak seasons include late August, the first three weeks of May, and the second week of January through mid-February.

Take your time to plan a trip that your family will love and remember for many years. Planning a Walt Disney World vacation isn’t even a job that’s fit for Hercules. Write down some notes and compare them with others who have visited and recorded their stay on travel blogs. With some close and meticulous planning, you can make a trip to Walt Disney World, a memorable one. And hey, don’t forget your camera and spare batteries!

[Image: Mariah Wild/Disney Parks via Getty Images and Disney Parks & Resorts Website]