You aren’t enjoying your time at the park? Well then you’re doing it wrong by Heather Holley

It never fails that every time I go to the parks I see at least one miserable family. It just breaks my heart to see the frustrated parents and disappointed kids because that shouldn’t ever be anyone’s experience in Disney World. Every time I see this I just want to walk up and say “Hey there! I’m going to be your guide so you can truly experience the magic because you’re doing this all wrong” but that’s rude so I’m writing this article instead. I’m going to break down how I go about getting the most out of my Disney World experiences, and I hope that it will help others enjoy their time in the parks too.

My first piece of advice is something everyone has heard, have a plan. Now, when I say have a plan I mean something very loose like Captain Jack Sparrow, not a minute by minute itinerary. I just simply want you to look at a map and become acquainted with the layout of the park and then do it. I’ve found that picking a direction in the park and just going all the way around is the best way to go. This allows you to spend time in each land and truly experience them. If you’re always bouncing around you won’t get immersed in these settings, and you’re cutting the magic short. On another note, choose your Fastpasses wisely. Spread the times out or pick attractions next to each other. Otherwise, you may end up spending most of your day trying to make Fastpass times. I know tickets are expensive. You want the most out of your day, but if you speed through the park you’re not truly experiencing Disney World. Every detail in Disney is carefully planned and placed. Take the time, just a moment, to look around you and take in your surroundings. You won’t regret it.
The next thing you should know is Cast Members are your friends, so treat them like so. They’re wouldn’t be a Disney World without them. Walt said so himself, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” Every single Cast Member plays a part in bringing Disney to life, and they are there to help you. If a Cast Member asks you to move further down the row or to not sit on a ledge; they aren’t trying to rain on your parade. Please do not yell at them. I see this happen way too often, and experienced it myself when I was a Cast Member. Everything a Cast Member asks you to do is for your and every other guests’ benefit. Please be respectful towards them.

My final words of advice are “let it go.” This applies to several things. Have a work issue hovering in your mind? Let it go. Is the ride you’ve been waiting in line for down now? Let it go. Just let everything that might drag you down go. The only way to experience the magic is to be there in the moment. Unexpected things will happen, but don’t let it ruin your day. We always feel the need to be in control of things. That thought process will only lead to stressful times in the park. It will be hot. There will be crowds. I think Timon and Pumba said it best, ” hakuna matata.” It means no worries. You are there with your family and/or friends. Get through the day by being present with them and just go with the flow. Let your inner child loose and I swear magic will happen before your eyes.

This advice might not be what you’re looking for. I didn’t tell you how to get the most rides done or the best places to watch fireworks, but I hope these words help someone. I see so many adults who think Disney World is just a theme park. It’s not, you’re just doing it wrong. Disney World is more than just the rides. There are so many details created by the Imagineers and the Cast Members are all so wonderful. Take the time to appreciate these things. Don’t rush through the park, experience it. Making the most of your trip to Disney World is all in the mindset.

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