Top 5 Mistakes Families Make When Planning Disney Trips

Planning a Disney trip is always exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming…especially if you’re a first time visitor or haven’t been in a few years! Resorts, dining, park passes, Lightning Lanes, transportation…it’s a LOT to wrap your head around. I talk with so many families who want the magic but are worried they’ll miss something or spend half their trip stressed.

The good news? Disney can be magical without being overwhelming! You just need to know a few pitfalls to avoid. Here are the five most common mistakes I see families make – and how you can sidestep them for a smoother, more memorable trip.

1. Waiting Too Long to Book

This is probably the #1 mistake. I’ve had families come to me ready to plan just a couple of months before their dream trip, only to realize their top resort is already sold out or that the dining reservations they wanted are gone.

Disney isn’t the type of vacation you can always book on a whim – especially during peak seasons like summer, spring break, or the holidays. Sometimes you get lucky and are able to grab exactly what you want, but I would never advise waiting later unless you have circumstances you simply cannot avoid!

💡 My advice: Start planning 6–12 months in advance if possible. This gives you the best options for resorts and restaurants. If your trip is sooner, don’t panic – there are still great choices (and cancellations do happen!), but you’ll want to be flexible.

2. Trying to Do Everything

There are four parks, two water parks, Disney Springs, character dining, resort activities, parades, fireworks, and about a million snacks you’ll want to try. It’s impossible to do it all in one trip and trying to can leave your family exhausted and cranky.

I’ve seen families push through from park open to park close for days in a row and then, by day three (sometimes sooner!), no one’s smiling in the castle photos.

💡 My advice: Pick your “must-dos” before you go. I usually suggest 2–3 priorities per park day. For example, at Magic Kingdom, your list might be Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Festival of Fantasy parade, and fireworks. Anything else you fit in is bonus magic. This way, if naps, rain, or long lines change your plans, you still hit the highlights and leave feeling like you got in what you wanted most!

3. Skipping Midday Breaks

This one is HUGE, especially if you’re traveling with littles (or grandparents!). Florida heat + long days + lots of stimulation = meltdowns waiting to happen.

Breaks don’t have to mean leaving the park for hours. Sometimes it’s as simple as grabbing a snack in the AC at Columbia Harbour House or letting kids run around in an interactive play area (hello, Dumbo playground hidden in the line que!). Other times, it’s worth heading back to your resort for naps or a dip in the pool before returning for dinner and fireworks.

💡 My advice: Plan for breaks before you think you’ll need them. You’ll be glad you did. A rested family has way more energy to enjoy those late-night castle shows than one that’s been powering through since 7 a.m.

4. Not Having a Dining Strategy

Food is a big part of the Disney experience, but it can also be a big stressor if you don’t plan ahead. I’ve seen families who booked multiple character meals in one park day (hello, food overload and “missing ride time anxiety!) or who assumed they could walk up to Cinderella’s Royal Table and get a table on the spot (spoiler: that’s not happening).

💡 My advice: Think about your family’s eating style. Do you want one character dining experience? Do you like table-service meals every day, or would you prefer mostly quick-service for flexibility? Having a mix is usually the sweet spot—one sit-down meal per day (especially park days!), with quick service and snacks filling in the gaps.

And remember, reservations open 60 days in advance—popular spots book fast. If there’s a meal you’ve got your heart set on, you’ll want to grab it early.

5. Going Without a Plan (or a Planner!)

Unless you have an Annual Pass or visit often, Disney is not the type of vacation where you can “wing it” (though I know some families try!). Without at least a loose plan, you’ll likely spend a lot of time waiting in lines, wandering, or missing out on must-dos.

But here’s the thing: a plan doesn’t mean you need to schedule every minute. It just means having a roadmap – what park you’re visiting each day, which rides are priorities, where you’ll eat, and when you’ll take breaks.

💡 My advice: While some may feel that a plan is restrictive, I encourage you to. think of your plan as the framework that holds your trip together, with room to add spontaneity! And if the idea of figuring out Lightning Lanes, resort options, and dining windows makes your head spin—this is exactly where a Disney Vacation Planner (hi 👋) makes a WORLD of difference. (See what I did there?) I take care of all of those pesky details so you can focus on the fun!

Final Thoughts

Disney will always have its share of chaos (that’s part of the adventure!), but avoiding these mistakes will make your trip smoother, less stressful, and way more magical.

✨ Remember: You don’t have to do it all. Your trip doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You just have to do what matters most to your family. With a little prep (and a planner in your corner!), you’ll have the memories and the kind of vacation your family talks about for years to come!