13 HARD Lessons You’ll Learn in Disney World

No one likes to learn things the HARD WAY — especially during their Disney World vacation. So let’s get the hard lessons outta the way NOW so you don’t have to worry about it LATER.

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[susanshinkai]

I’m a 65 year old and still manage 30, 000+ step, multi-park, rope drop to good-night-kiss, 4 days in a row visits. Here’s a few hints I use…
1. Line yoga - while waiting in the many lines, I stretch and do isotonic exercises. It looks weird but it keeps my body working.
2. Durable poncho - instead of the flimsy cheap poncho, I have a coated nylon one that still packs down small but is strong enough to give it a good shake out before stashing it away.
3. Cooling clothes- Columbia makes shirts, arm covers and cooling clothes from a treated material called OmniFreeze which drops in temperature when wet. It doesn’t rely on evaporative cooling. It’s also sun protection. It doesn’t get that soggy feeling and remains comfortable after getting stuck in the rain. And Columbia has a store in Disney Springs.
4. Toe socks - to keep the toes from rubbing against each other causing blisters, I switch to socks that have individual toes (foot gloves). I found them in the Japanese store in EPCOT.
5. Bubble wrap and hard sided food savers. For days when I’m buying souvenirs, a small piece of bubble wrap and food container protects my treasures.
6. Extra hair ties, small clips and lanyard - great for attaching loose objects, compacting wet ponchos, keeping Magic Band from coming off, and keeping hand sanitizer handy.
GOOD LUCK on your next visit

[alanbear]

Your videos are always bittersweet for me. For various reasons I don’t expect to ever be able to go again. On the other hand I have been twice so you bring back good memories. Also, it’s nice to dream. Thank you for all that you do.

[jadecoloredglasses]

Last time I went to Disney during the summer, when it rains every day, I took cheap, flimsy, 99 cent ponchos from the camping supply section of Walmart. Took up almost no space in my bag and I just brought 1 for each day of my trip and threw them away after using them so I didn’t have to mess around with a wet poncho. Worked great and I had a couple left over at the end.

[erinspahn]

Have you guys thought about offering the audio of your videos as a podcast? I love listening to your voice and would seriously just listen to these as a podcast

[stacybehrens]

Instead of ponchos I put 2-3 compact umbrellas in the outside side pockets of my backpack. Lot less hassle than ponchos except that you’ll likely have your bag searched at the gate when entering the park. Plus the umbrellas can be used for shade from the sun while waiting for a parade.

Also a long narrow camera backpack is really great for parks because it’s easy to fit on rides, holds plenty of stuff, and doesn’t bump into everything you walk past.

[SabrinaVoineaSStolenMedal]

The ride at Universal where you were in the middle of a Earth quake is the only thing I remember from my first trip to Florida. Now it's gone.

[crazykev]

AJ thank you for keeping the vlogs upbeat, funny, and enjoyable to watch. I like how you let your personality shine throwing in ad libs and personal experience even laughing at yourself in the vlogs.

[GLJosh]

I agree with the indoor attraction during the day; Philharmagic, Carousel of Progress, Enchanted Tiki Room, For the First time in Forever, any indoor show, just something to get out of the sun with some AC.

[ToliBera]

14th Hard Lesson: sometimes YOU are the villain of the fairytale. We get it, it's hot, it's busy, that last minute downtime happens, your kid or other party member throws your meticulously crafted park plan out of wonk, this is not your excuse to go full hades (or she who must not be named) on them or the nearest cast member. Take time to breathe, to relax, and understand that bumps in the road happen.

[leslye]

Camelbaks are the BEST investment my husband and I purchased! We have water on our backs and storage ❤

[melissadeuanephenh]

I have a flat water flask for my park days and I love it but it’s not insulated. It fits in my bag better. I also take a kitchen sponge, cut it into 6-8 pieces, drizzle some dish soap on the pieces and put it in a ziplock bag so I don’t need to pack a bottle of soap

[Katie_B]

The vera bradley disney mini backpacks fit water bottles perfectly!

[JustinDoesDisney]

Yes, Lisa...the key lime pie on a stick was so underrated! I miss it SO much. 😢

[MeMyselfAndUs]

13:33 GERMS! Worse than “A Bugs Life”. 😖 I’m happy to see you covered this aspect.

[group]

I keep checking back to see if yall posted a lightning lane changes video yet. I need the DFB hot takes 😂

[jamesmatlock]

I thought we were done with Disney World, but my son’s High School band went there last April. He and his friends went off by himself leaving my wife and me to ourselves. A few observations related to the video:
1. Eye glass cases can set off security alerts as well.
2. Smugglers’ Run is not for people with bad backs either.
3. Backpacks usually have a side pouch for water bottles, but then you have to put the backpack someplace when on attractions.
4. Usually for our only souvenir, we always buy a Christmas ornament, but none of them looked any good this year. I have bought bubble blowers in the past to use with my students, but they never last long.
5. As basically a middle aged couple without a child, we were able to see new attractions and eat a new places This year that we haven’t done in the past.
6. End of April was still crowded by not as much as March.

[lydscl]

For crowds - August = Europe still being out of school/office. In the UK for example school doesnt go back until the start of september and mid February is also when schools in the UK have a break for a week or 2!

[MeMyselfAndUs]

Really good information. Thank you. A person has to be a big Disney World fan to know all this (plus lots more inconveniences) and still want to go there.

[EmilyinElementary]

Thank you for all of your tips! I’m so excited to plan my first Disney World trip!

[ChadStormTheAftermath]

I have 137 days to go. I’m hoping Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is running semi smoothly. lol.
Last year, I went back to MK at night hoping to ride the Peoplemover, but that was down. People were stuck.
I waited awhile, but it didn’t seem like it was going to reopen. The Peoplemover at night hits differently.
Still my favorite ride. 👍🏻