The Five Biggest Misconceptions of a Walt Disney World Vacation!

There’s no denying I’m a Disney fanatic (along with most of our other wonderful Kingdom Konsultant agents!)  While most people agree that Disney is a wonderful thing, there are many who question my multiple trips to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. “You’re going back, AGAIN?” “Weren’t you just there a few months ago?” “How can you keep going back to the same place without getting bored?” Chances are, if you’re reading this post, you’ve been asked these questions, too, or perhaps you have a friend like me who you are trying to better understand.  Along with these questions, I’ve heard many other misconceptions of Walt Disney World.  I decided I would use this opportunity to try and shed some light on why Walt Disney World is a great vacation destination for anyone and everyone (even more than once in a lifetime).

Fireworks over Cinderella Castle

“I only need one day in each park.”

One day in each park, even for a seasoned Walt Disney World visitor, is simply not enough.  Even for those who try to plan down to the hour what they will be doing, things happen and plans can change.  Magic Kingdom and Epcot are definitely two day parks if you want to see and do it all.  Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios often end up being one day parks, but if you are a huge animal fan or Star Wars fan, its easy to spend multiple days there as well.  I also like to take a second day for hitting things that were maybe down or just had too long of a wait to fit in, or simply to do our favorite attractions again.  To get the most of the parks, allow yourself time to really enjoy and soak it all in.  Marching from ride to ride without taking a little break every now and then is not only exhausting, but it can really take away the wonderful atmosphere that each one has to offer.

 “Epcot is boring.”

Spaceship Earth at night

This statement couldn’t be any farther from the truth.  Epcot, also known as the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, was Walt Disney’s heart of his Florida Project.  Over the last few years, there has been a ton of updating and developing at Epcot, from the opening of the wonderful Space 220 restaurant (click here for more!) to the launch of the brand new Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind coaster with even more to come.  Today, Epcot is made of four major parts: World Celebration, World Nature, World Discovery and World Showcase.  Between these four areas there is a vast and varied lineup of attractions, shows, dining and experiences.  But one thing it does lack?  Boredom.  With attractions such as The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Soarin’, Frozen Ever After, Mission: Space and Test Track, there are rides for all ages and thrill levels.  Let us not forget the beloved, classic attraction Spaceship Earth which is housed inside the icon for Epcot.  World Showcase is made up of eleven pavilions, each representing countries from around the world.  Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom and Canada all surround World Showcase Lagoon.  Within these pavilions, guests can enjoy culinary creations, cultural experiences, shows and attractions all reflective upon each country.  Thorough the year, World Showcase ups the experience with four festivals that enhance the experience even more, and are included in the price of your admission.  Special culinary booths, culinary and art demonstrations, fabulous concert series and endless amounts of delicious food are ready and waiting to be enjoyed.  For details on each of the four festivals to find out when you might want to visit, check out our Epcot Festivals 101 Blog.   I could continue on with how exciting Epcot is, but the best way learn about Epcot is to experience it yourself!

"It's going to be too expensive!"

I've heard this statement so many times.  So many times.  Many people hear the words "Disney vacation" and immediately the dollar signs come to mind.  While there is no doubt that putting together the most extravagant of package options could cost one a pretty penny, there are so many other options that can make a visit to Walt Disney World much more affordable than some would think.  With various priced resort tiers and multiple ticket options factored in with seasonal rates and even discounts, putting together an affordable Walt Disney World vacation doesn't require the help of a fairy godmother (but you might feel like your travel agent is one!) When families come to me for a quote, they are often surprised by how affordable the vacation can be for how much is included, and we will seek out the best discounts and prices for you, even after you book! My family likes to compare it to a ski vacation, where lift tickets are also often over $100 a day per person, but you also have to rent or own all the gear, and you just get to ski!  At Disney, your ticket includes amazing attractions, quality entertainers and high caliber shows, and you can end your day with an amazing nighttime spectacular at most parks. 

A standard Pop Century room

“You’re going back again? Aren't you sick of seeing the same stuff over and over?"

This thought ties in with the first one.  With 43 square miles of theme parks, restaurants, shopping and recreation, it’s just not possible to see it all in one trip and therefore it is impossible to get bored.  Often times I tell my clients my biggest piece of advice is don’t stress about seeing and doing everything within your vacation, you simply won't be able to.  Sometimes too much planning is a bad thing and spontaneity is a great thing.  You’re on vacation!  Do the things you absolutely, positively cannot miss but don’t stress yourself to get it all done.  Save some for the next trip (which is part of the reason we Disney lovers keep going back)!  Even as someone who goes multiple times a year, and has been for years, there's something new for me to experience every visit.  My next trip is in a few weeks and I'm looking forward to trying out Roundup Rodeo as a new dining experience!

“Isn’t Disney World just for kids?”

I’m going to close out this blog post with the biggest misconception there is.  And to answer this simply: no, no and no.  Walt Disney World is so much more than just a kid’s playground with some fictional characters running amuck.  It’s so very, very much more.  While I can state that it isn’t just for kids, and go on and on and list each and every activity that are geared toward adults such as spas, golfing and "drinking around the world," there is something so much deeper that is the true reason we visit.  It’s not something that can really be explained, but I’ll try by starting with one word: memories. First visits as kids, birthdays, graduation trips, engagements, weddings, honeymoons and first visits with our own kids – each of us has at least one memory or story that reminds us exactly why we return to Walt Disney World.  It’s a place where we can go to escape the harsh realities of today’s world which is consumed with work, deadlines and errands, but it is also a place that we can experience with our kids, friends and family of all ages.  There really is something for everyone.  It’s a place where we can reunite with our childhood friends from the Hundred Acre Wood and fly with our favorite elephant.  It’s a place where we can simply have fun, enjoy our time together and just be happy.  All of the pictures, videos and websites in the world cannot explain what it is that makes Walt Disney World what it is.  It is something that you need to experience for yourself to truly grasp how wonderful and magnificent it really is.

Yes, even weddings can happen at Disney!

What is one thing that keeps you coming back to Walt Disney World again and again? Share with us in the comments below!

Maci Schau

Maci is an avid foodie and loves trying out new restaurants and seasonal food offerings in the parks.  You can email Maci at maci@kingdomkonsultant.com.