Save The Disney Day If Things Go Wrong
Updated: Aug 24
Even the most magical place on earth can sometimes feel overwhelming and frustrating when things don't go as smoothly as you had imagined. Everything from ride breakdowns to hangry kids to inclement weather can have a detrimental impact on your fun and excitement. None of these things should get you down, though.
After hundreds of trips to Disney World and Disneyland, I've experienced more downers at these magical places than you would have thought possible. But in every instance my family and I have been able to find creative ways to find the brightside and get our trip back in the magic. Many of these things can be easily turned positive by planning, flexibility, and understanding.
Here are my tips, tricks, and tidbits on how to enjoy the magic when things don't go quite right.
Save The Disney Day If Things Go Wrong Part 1: Planning
As with any place you go that can be crowded, planning ahead is a must, and this is the first critical topic to Save The Disney Day If Things Go Wrong. Discuss with everyone in your party what their primary choices are before going. Everything from dining to special events are ideal to make reservations for ahead of time to ensure you get in. Otherwise, you'll need to lean heavily on my 2nd point: flexibility. For now, here are some key expert tips for various situations.
Planning Assistant So You're Ready For Anything
Download and know how to use the My Disney Experience App. That way if things change, you need to order ahead for food, change Lightning Lane passes, or more, you can do it easily.
Plan for the Weather
Always look ahead to see what the expected weather is for the day.
Summer Months at Disney Parks can be extremely hot. But this can easily be overcome by packing portable fans, cooling towels, and water.
If there's a chance of rain, pack some ponchos so you're ready. Or if you prefer, an umbrella. Don't be "that guy" stuck ditching into stores and being yelled at by cast members for blocking exits.
If it's going to be a potential downpour, consider bringing extra socks.
Plan for Your Most Wanted Dining
Book dining reservations well in advance (60 - 70 days with a hotel reservation).
Use the My Disney Experience App to check for last-minute openings.
For difficult-to-find reservations, such as Cinderella's Castle, consider utilizing Mouse Seats or other services to help find reservations for you.
Plan Ahead for Experiential Extras
Book as far in advance as possible for things such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the Droid Depot, Savi's Workshop, and more to have a better chance of getting in.
Plan a more relaxing day by going to special events at night, such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween.
For more details on dining reservations, read my article.
I encourage you to read my article on planning to get even more tips to plan ahead.
Flexibility
Unless you plan to spend weeks on end at Disney World or Disneyland, you probably won't be able to do everything you want to. So the best advice is this:
Expert Tip: Make a list of the top things you want to do, hit those first, and then be flexible on the rest.
If you approach a ride and its line is longer than you're willing to wait for it, don't give up. Instead, be flexible. Change your plans and go to a different ride, or go to a show, or modify lunch plans and wait it out. Lines for popular rides can shift dramatically throughout the day, with some getting shorter around common meal times.
As a last resort, we've always managed to get on rides at the end of the night when the fireworks show is about to start. Or wait until a parade is in progress and jump in line. People tend to watch the shows and parades, leaving lines a little shorter.
Understanding
Disney parks are popular, and for good reason! That means there's a lot of people. Sometimes you just have to have understanding that lines could be long.
Bring an extra battery pack or two for your phone and let your kids play while in a long line for a ride.
Build in a little rest time between rides. This can include grabbing a Mickey pretzel or a drink and sitting in the shade. Or take time out and watch a show, like Beauty & The Beast at Hollywood Studios. Never underestimate the power of rest & downtime, especially with small kids. I can't begin to tell you how fast my young kids went from angry & upset to happy and laughing just with a little downtime & a snack. Plus, there's so many great snacks to try!
Don't forget the "slower" rides. Especailly with young children, sprinkling in things like the Prince Charming Carousel or dipping into the American Adventure can create opportunities to slow down and let them recharge. There are also a few play area sprinkles around the parks.
Overall
Remember: Sometimes you just have to let the day guide you and not be too concerned if things go differently than planned. More than anything that open mindset and just-go-with-it attitude will be what will Save The Disney Day If Things Go Wrong. Grab a snack, duck into a show, be ready for rain, and plan ahead. Everything will be just fine. :)
