15 September 2024

There’s something about walking down Main Street, U.S.A., with the smell of churros in the air ​and Cinderella’s castle glimmering in the distance that feels like magic. Disney is a place where ​dreams come true—but only if we don’t let our expectations turn us into “one of those people.” You ​know the ones: demanding, line-cutting, parade-view-blocking, and refund-seeking individuals ​who believe that if their trip isn’t instagram perfect - it’s not good enough. Let’s dive into the ​common entitlement traps Disney vacationers fall into—and how to avoid them so your trip ​remains as magical as Mickey intended.

I Paid for Perfection, So Where's My Royal Treatment?

Ah yes, the classic “I deserve everything now because I spent a lot” mindset. I get it, you’ve ​invested a lot of money into your trip, but so has everyone else sweating it out in the line for ​Space Mountain. While we all want a picture-perfect experience, expecting the universe (or ​Disney) to revolve around your needs is like expecting to win Toy Story Midway Mania on your ​first try—not gonna happen.

The thing about Disney magic is it works best when it happens unexpectedly. The most memorable moments—like when Mickey locks eyes with ​your kid in a parade or when you score that last-minute Lightning Lane—usually occur when you’re not forcing them. The more you try to ​script every second of your trip, the less room you leave for Disney’s actual magic to surprise you. Let’s face it, nobody wants to be that person ​demanding a magical moment on schedule. Be like Elsa, and just “Let It Go.”

Florida Weather: Wet, Wild, and Wonderfully Unpredictable

Let’s talk Florida weather—tropical paradise, right? Sure, until you’re halfway through your Dole Whip and the skies open up like Poseidon ​himself is throwing a tantrum. If you’re thinking, “Well, I paid for sunshine and joy, so I should get a refund if it rains,” then welcome to Florida ​reality check #2. Here’s the deal: you don’t get a refund for the weather. Mickey can do many things, but controlling the rain isn’t one of them.

If you're visiting Orlando in summer or fall, expect rain. A lot of it. A nice tropical downpour ​might feel like the universe is conspiring against you, but here’s the silver lining—those clouds ​thin out the crowds. After the storm passes, you’re left with shorter lines, fewer cranky people, ​and maybe even a rainbow over Cinderella’s castle. Magical, right?

Some of my family’s best memories came from laughing together as we slogged through ​puddles during a rainstorm. So, instead of letting the rain be your villain origin story, ​embrace it. Throw on a poncho, splash through the park, and enjoy the adventure. Trust me​—Pirates of the Caribbean feels even more authentic when you’re soaking wet.

And for those of you attending after-hours events, when it so happens that the weather ​makes it a total washout, Disney often goes above and beyond to make something work out ​for you. Is it guaranteed? No. Should you expect it? Also no. However, whether it’s ​rescheduling, giving extra perks, or throwing in a little pixie dust, they do their best to turn ​those stormy moments into unforgettable ones. Just be patient, though, because not everyone ​understands this nor do they care and tensions can get high while cast members are trying to ​sort though the details.

Blocking the Magic (And Everyone Else’s View)

Ah, parades and shows—the perfect time for a little entitlement to rear its head. You’ve staked out a spot 45 minutes early, securing the perfect ​view of Happily Ever After. But just before the show starts, an entire family swoops in, wedging themselves in front of you like parade ninjas. ​And, of course, the tallest dad in the park decides to hoist his kid on his shoulders for the ultimate Simba moment, blocking your view entirely.

Here’s the deal: Disney is not the Hunger Games. You don’t have to stake out parade territory ​like you’re about to battle for the front row of a Taylor Swift concert. And hoisting your kid on ​your shoulders? Sure, they get a great view, but everyone behind you suddenly finds themselves ​staring at the back of a toddler’s head instead of Tinker Bell soaring through the sky. ​Remember, Disney is about sharing the magic, not hoarding it. If your child wants a better view, ​try putting them on your hip rather than your shoulders. Trust me, they can still see and so will ​those around you. Your kid is not a human periscope.

Line Skipping: The Not-So-Magical Family Feud

Ah, the classic: “Excuse me, just catching up with my group!” Yeah, sure. We’ve all seen it—​families magically teleporting through the line like they’re wearing an invisibility cloak from ​Harry Potter. Spoiler alert: we see you. And we’re not amused.

Sure, sometimes nature calls, or you need a snack to keep your kid from turning into the Hulk. ​But if you think sending Aunt Martha to stand in line while the rest of you casually explore ​Tomorrowland or ride another ride is acceptable, think again. Disney runs on a magical system ​called fairness, and no one wants to be behind the family reunion that skipped half the line.

On the other side of this, don’t be the person who refuses to let a mom and her potty training 2-year-old pass through to the rest of her party ​when they needed to leave the line temporarily to use the bathroom. Sound like I have first hand experience with this one? I do.

Instant Magic, Hold the Patience – Lightning Lane Realities at Disney

Speaking of rides, let’s talk about one of the most common entitlement traps: Lightning Lanes. Yes, it’s a fantastic way to avoid some of those ​daunting wait times, but it’s not a magical “skip every line whenever you want” pass. Some families seem to think that buying access to ​Lightning Lanes means they’re entitled to waltz onto every ride (including right past others) at the snap of their fingers. But, spoiler alert: you ​still need to plan ahead, book those times in advance, and yes, wait a little bit. It's not a fast-pass to instant gratification—it’s just a more ​efficient way to manage your day. And even if you don’t have one, some of the most magical moments happen in the standby lines, where ​unexpected fun and interactions can turn a wait into a mini-adventure. In fact, there are some rides that have very fun queues that you end up ​missing when you are in the lightning lane. (Think Haunted Mansion as one example.)

The Magic Isn’t On-Demand

Summing it up: the true Disney magic isn’t found in those perfectly timed parade spots or Lightning Lanes. It’s in the moments you didn’t plan ​for. Like when you stumble upon a character meet-and-greet you weren’t expecting, or your kid’s eyes light up when they see Cinderella for the ​first time. That’s the good stuff.

The magic works best when you don’t expect it to happen on command. If you come into your vacation expecting non-stop pixie dust, it loses ​its sparkle. But when you loosen the reins a bit, Disney has a way of sneaking in moments that feel like they were made just for you.

8 September 2024

Ahh, fall in Central Florida. The air is… still quite hot, the crowds are… less sweaty (but still ​quite sweaty), and the decorations are full-on pumpkin spice. While the rest of the country ​is breaking out scarves and sipping hot cocoa, we’re over here debating if wearing black ​will make us melt faster. But don’t let the lingering summer vibes fool you—fall is one of ​the best times to hit Orlando’s theme parks! You just need to know how to do it right (and ​maybe pack a poncho or three).

Here’s your guide to tackling the parks this fall, with a few tips on how to dodge ​hurricanes and get that Instagram-worthy fall photo (even when it’s 85 degrees).

1. The Weather: It’s Not THAT Cool, Sorry

If you were hoping for sweater weather at Walt Disney World, well… bless your heart. ​Fall in Central Florida means temperatures are still hovering around "I’m-sweating-​through-my-Mickey-ears" levels. Sure, it might dip below 80 in the evening, but it’’ll also ​be very humid.

Pro Tip: Ditch the sweater and opt for breathable clothes. And bring sunscreen because, spoiler alert, it’s still Florida. Oh, and ​don't forget to hydrate—you’ll need it after that walking 20,000 steps per day.

2. It’s Spooky Season, Y’all

Orlando does fall big, even if Mother Nature doesn’t. Whether you’re into friendly ghosts or blood-curdling screams, the parks have you ​covered:

Walt Disney World:

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: Think of it as Halloween-lite: trick-or-treating, parades, and a tall character that looks oddly like ​between a cross between the pumpkin king and an alien visitor from nearby galaxy. (Am I wrong?) Plus, you get to see adults in costumes ​trying to look cool while sweating buckets.

Universal Orlando:

Halloween Horror Nights: If you’re brave (or a glutton for punishment), this is the place to be. Haunted houses, scare zones, ​and horror everywhere. Plus, there's a good chance you’ll scream so loud that you’ll scare the scare actors.

SeaWorld Orlando:

Howl-O-Scream: SeaWorld has joined the spooky fun with its own haunt experience! Howl-O-Scream brings terrifying haunted houses, creepy ​scare zones, and thrilling live shows—plus, they really go all out with the sea monsters theme. It’s the perfect mix of screams and sea creatures. ​Who knew sea lions could be so spooky?

Pro Tip: Buy those event tickets in advance, and bring a change of clothes if you're planning to go from daytime park fun to ​spooky nighttime events. Sweaty vampire costumes are a no-go.

3. Hurricanes: Not Just a Cocktail

Fall in Florida means one thing: hurricane season is in full swing, and Hurricane ​Whoever is always lurking, ready to crash your perfectly planned park day. But don’t ​panic! Just because Mother Nature has a flair for drama doesn’t mean your vacation ​has to turn into a soggy sequel of Twister. With a little pre-planning, you’ll be dodging ​storms like a pro.

First of all, Florida rainstorms are like that overly dramatic friend—intense, but quick to ​blow over. Most of the time, they’ll huff and puff for an hour or two and then disappear, ​leaving you with smaller crowds and shorter lines. It’s basically nature’s fast pass. But ​even if a storm decides to linger, there are still plenty of indoor attractions, shows, and ​places to hide out while you wait for the skies to clear. (Hello, gift shops!)

And here’s the real MVP: trip insurance. It’s like having an umbrella for your wallet. If a ​hurricane does more than just drizzle on your parade and forces you to change plans, ​trip insurance will swoop in and save the day. So don’t let the forecast scare you off—​embrace the rain and let it chase the crowds away. After all, a little water never hurt ​anyone... well, except for the Wicked Witch of the West.

4. Food & Wine & Pumpkin Spice, Oh My!

Fall means one thing: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. This event is your chance to eat (and drink) your way around the world ​without leaving Orlando. But be warned—while you're navigating food kiosks, you may notice that "pumpkin spice" has infiltrated every ​corner of the parks. Resistance is futile.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of pumpkin spice, don’t worry! There are plenty of other seasonal snacks like apple cider slushies, spooky ​cupcakes, and caramel treats to enjoy while dodging photo ops of people in fall flannels (yes, people do wear flannels in 80-degree ​weather).

5. Shorter Lines, But Plan Like a Pro

Good news: Fall brings fewer crowds compared to summer. The bad news? Everyone knows this - especially us locals, so weekends and ​special events can still get busy. You’ll want to take advantage of these times by using Lightning Lane Passes at Disney and Express ​Passes at Universal, especially on the big-ticket rides like Rise of the Resistance or VelociCoaster.

Pro Tip: Use the lighter crowds to your advantage, but don't sleep on planning. Special events like Halloween parties can mean early ​closures at Magic Kingdom, and Halloween Horror Nights or Howl-O-Scream will shut down parts of Universal and SeaWorld. Check ​park hours before you go so you’re not left wondering why you're watching fireworks from the parking lot.

6. Picture-Perfect Fall Photos (Without Melting)

Fall in Florida may not bring sweater weather, but that doesn’t stop the parks from decking the halls—or rather, the pumpkins. You’ll find ​Instagram gold everywhere you turn, from Mickey-shaped pumpkins at Disney to Universal’s creepy scare zones and SeaWorld’s sea-​creature-inspired spooky decor. Just one little catch: you might be sweating like Olaf in summer during your photo shoot.

Pro Tip: Time your photos for early morning or right before sunset, when the lighting is dreamy, and you’re less likely to look like a human ​puddle. And if you want to fake that cozy fall vibe, grab a pumpkin spice latte. Make it iced—no one needs to know! You’ll look festive while ​staying cool, even if autumn in Florida is more “beach day” than “bonfire.”

7. Don’t Forget to Chill (Literally)

Fall might not bring much of a cool breeze to Central Florida, but it’s the perfect ​time to kick back and soak in the park magic without the summer madness. With ​smaller crowds and slightly cooler evenings, hit pause on the thrill rides and treat ​yourself to a snack while doing some quality people-watching. Or better yet, catch ​a show—whether it’s Luminous at EPCOT, the Mega Movie Parade at Universal ​Studios Florida, or one of Howl-O-Scream’s hair-raising live performances at ​SeaWorld.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget that the water parks are still in full swing during fall! Cool off ​at nearby locations like Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Volcano Bay, Blizzard ​Beach/Typhoon Lagoon or even LegoLand’s Water Park. And if you’re staying at ​an amazing resort, make the most of their pools too. Not only will you escape the ​heat, but your feet will get a well-deserved break. Trust me—your feet will thank ​you.

Final Thoughts:

Navigating Orlando’s theme parks in the fall is all about mastering the art of “strategic sweating.” Sure, it’s hotter than your average autumn, ​hurricanes might decide to make a cameo, and you’ll likely sweat like you’re in a sauna, but with fewer crowds, epic seasonal events, and snacks ​galore, it’s still a magical time to visit. Just pack your best anti-sweat gear, be weather-wise, and remember that trip insurance is your best friend.

Happy fall (or, as we call it in Florida, second summer)!

1 September 2024

Step 1: Accept the Chaos

Before you even start planning, take a deep breath and accept that chaos is inevitable. You’ve got toddlers who think every line is “too long,” ​tweens who are way too cool for the kiddie rides, and teens who are already texting their friends about how “lame” this whole family ​vacation-thing is. And that’s before you’ve even made it out of the hotel.

But here’s the thing: Disney is the perfect place for chaos. It’s a place where kids

can be kids (and adults can act like kids, too). So just embrace the craziness—

because that’s where the magic happens.

Step 2: Call a Travel Agent (Trust Me)

You might be thinking, "I can handle this on my own!" But trust me, when you’re ​juggling the desires of multiple kids (and let’s not forget the adults), calling in a travel ​agent is like hiring a fairy godmother. They know the ins and outs of the parks, can help ​you score great dining reservations, and will create an itinerary that keeps everyone ​happy (or at least distracted). Plus, a good travel agent knows all the money-saving tips ​and tricks, from finding the best deals on accommodations to maximizing your park ​tickets. They can save you not only hours of research, planning, and stressing over ​details but also a significant chunk of change. Just think of it as a little extra pixie dust ​for your sanity—and your wallet.

Step 3: The Art of the Compromise

Forget diplomacy. Planning a Disney trip with multiple age groups is all about ​compromise. Want to ride Space Mountain? Great! But after that, be prepared to ​spend an hour in line for Peter Pan’s Flight. Have a teen who insists on getting the ​best Instagram shot of Cinderella’s Castle? Fine, but only after you’ve wrangled ​the little ones into the Dumbo ride.

Pro tip: Use the buddy system. Pair up the kids (big with small) so they can enjoy ​different parts of the park while you pretend to sip your Joffreys in peace. And by ​“peace,” I mean while scrolling through your phone trying to find the shortest line ​for your third Dole Whip.

Step 4: Snack Like It’s Your Job

When in doubt, bribe them with snacks. Mickey-shaped pretzels, churros, popcorn​—you name it. Snacks are your secret weapon for diffusing meltdowns, distracting ​the toddler while the teens hit up Soarin’, and keeping everyone happy while you ​wait in yet another line.

But here’s the trick: You have to time the snacks just right. Give them too early, ​and you’ll run out of leverage by noon. Wait too long, and you’re risking a hangry ​family rebellion. (Pro tip: Stock up on simple snack like Goldfish, pretzels, and fruit ​snacks on your way to the park. Your wallet will thank you.)

Step 5: The Importance of a Rest Day

Ah, the Disney vacation marathon—where the excitement never ends, but your energy eventually will. While the little ones might need ​scheduled naps (aka another great reason to stay on-site), it’s easy to forget that even your older kids (and yes, the adults too) can hit a ​wall. Trust me, if you don’t plan a rest day, you might just find your teens catching a nap on a park bench in the middle of EPCOT—like I ​once did!

Taking a break isn’t just for the toddlers; it’s a chance for everyone to recharge. Dedicate a day to enjoying your resort’s amenities—whether ​it’s lounging by the pool, exploring the hotel’s activities, or indulging in a leisurely breakfast. It’s the perfect way to unwind and avoid ​burnout. Head to Disney Springs to wander through the shops, catch a round of Disney mini-golf, or just sit back and enjoy the ​atmosphere. By slowing down for a day, you’ll ensure that everyone has the energy to fully enjoy the rest of your Disney adventure—and ​you’ll avoid those mid-afternoon meltdowns (from both kids and adults!).

Step 6: The Souvenir Shuffle

Ah, the souvenirs—those magical Disney treasures that everyone in the family will want to take home. From Mickey ears to plushies to the ​irresistible allure of lightsabers, there’s something special for everyone. But with so many options, it’s easy to get caught up in the ​excitement!

To keep things fun and budget-friendly, set some ground rules before hitting the shops. Maybe everyone gets to pick one favorite item, or ​you can make it a family activity to search for the perfect keepsake that captures the spirit of your trip. And remember, the joy of choosing ​a souvenir is part of the experience—so embrace it as another opportunity for family bonding.

And don’t worry, you can always take a break from shopping to enjoy a delicious Disney snack (because, let’s be honest, who can resist ​those Mickey-shaped treats?).

Step 7: Photo Ops… And Outtakes

Family photos at Disney are a must. But getting all the kids to smile at the same time? ​Good luck. The baby’s crying, the toddler’s looking at a bird, the tween’s rolling their ​eyes, and the teen is too busy checking their reflection in the camera lens.

But you know what? Those awkward, candid, “real” moments are the ones you’ll ​treasure most. So snap away, and don’t stress if your picture-perfect Disney photo is ​more of a hilarious outtake.

Step 8: Just Have Fun

At the end of the day, remember why you’re there: to create unforgettable memories ​with your family. It may not be perfect, and it might not always be magical in the way ​you imagined, but those imperfect moments will become the stories you cherish most. ​So embrace the madness, ride It’s a Small World for the 15th time, savor every Mickey ​bar, and hold your little ones tight as the fireworks light up the sky.

Because one day, you’ll look back on this whirlwind of a Disney trip and realize that ​the chaos was part of the magic. And when you start planning the next adventure ​(because you know you will), you’ll be ready—armed with the wisdom, experience, and ​maybe even a trusted travel agent by your side. After all, every magical journey ​deserves a little extra pixie dust.

ALison Hansen

Alison Hansen is a travel agent with Chasing Neverland Travel. ​When she is not navigating the wild world of Central Florida ​with four kids (where daily adventures include battling laundry ​monsters and negotiating snack treaties), she is crafting epic ​family vacations that even the most skeptical Disney fan will ​adore.

She specializes in making Disney and Universal trips as magical ​as a fairy godmother’s touch—minus the pumpkin carriage and ​with a bit more sunscreen (and lots and lots of glitter). Whether ​you’re dreaming of a vacation where the only thing on your to-​do list is to chill or you need a detailed plan to avoid meltdowns ​and ensure everyone has a blast, she is your go-to travel guru.

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