Even the most experienced Disney adults don’t get everything right. We’ve done Disney enough times to feel like we “get it.” Admittedly, this trip humbled us a little.
After our most recent trip, we walked away with a mix of great memories… and a handful of “yeah, we’re not doing that again” moments. If you’re planning your own trip—especially during busy seasons like Spring Break—this is everything we’d change next time.
We’d Plan for Crowds WAY More Seriously
Spring Break crowds are no joke. When we’ve visited Disney World in March before, they felt manageable. This time, we severely underestimated them.
Our biggest mistake? Not locking in Lightning Lane early enough for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Instead of booking days out, we thought we could buy it day-of and get the rides we wanted.
For those unaware, Lightning Lane is Disney World’s paid skip-the-line system that lets you reserve return times for select attractions instead of waiting in standby.
There are two main types:
- Multi Pass: Reserve multiple rides throughout the day
- Single Pass: Pay per ride
During Spring Break, this can be the difference between riding 5-7 attractions or spending your entire day in line.
Next time, we’d:
- Book Lightning Lane selections as early as possible
- Prioritize high-demand rides immediately at rope drop
- Build a better park strategy around those return times
Related Read: How to Survive Disney World Spring Break (As an Adult)
We’d Schedule More Breaks
Honestly, this was one of the best adjustments we made, and it’s one we’ll consider doing next time.
Instead of pushing through crowds and heat all day, we started taking intentional midday breaks, escaping to lounges, and slowing the pace WAY down.
Disney lounges, even if they’re outside of the park, are a blessing. With air conditioning, nice seating, and better drinks than many of the booths or in-park spots, we were able to have a mental reset from crowds.
The next time we visit during a busy season, we’re definitely planning at least one lounge stop per day.
Related Post: Best Lounges at Disney World
We’d Think Harder About Staying Offsite
We saved money…but we also kind of didn’t.
While the upfront cost of our hotel outside of Disney World seemed appealing and had some real perks like free breakfast, there were some definite trade-offs.
Transportation costs stacked up quickly. Because it was Spring Break, there were no affordable rental cars available at the airport, so we had to rely solely on rideshare.
We also missed the Disney “bubble” more than we thought. It’s the little things that make you feel like you’re on vacation.
Next time, we’d compare the total cost, not just hotel pricing.
Related Read: Staying Offsite at Disney World: Pros & Cons
We’d Be WAY More Strategic About Transportation
Transportation ended up being one of the most unpredictable parts of our trip. Rideshare worked, but not always as well as we had hoped.
Early morning Uber/Lyft availability was surprisingly limited. We even had one driver pick us up who was clearly driving sleepy. Drivers were also unpredictable: one minute you’d have a very pleasant person, the next you’d have a speedster.
If we could redo this, we’d better evaluate all options.
Rideshare is convenient but inconsistent, and the costs add up quickly. Driving yourself has more control but traffic and parking fees can be frustrating. Disney transportation is great, but it’s often slower and crowded.
Next time, we’d consider renting a car (if reasonable) and consider transportation as a major factor on choosing where to stay.
Related Read: Disney World Transportation Guide
We’d Pack for All Seasons
Alright, I know. This one shouldn’t have got us, but we were surprised to have 86-degree weather one day and 61 the next.
Next time, we’d pack layers, bring better rain gear, and plan our outfits more intentionally.
Related Read: What to Pack For An Adults-Only Disney Trip
What Mistakes Have You Made?
None of these mistakes ruined our trip, and every Disney trip teaches you something.
This one reminded us that even when you’ve done Disney tons of times, things change. Crowds shift, systems evolve, and the small decisions matter more than you expect.
As much as we love to wing it, we’re learning now that the more crowded the season, the less you can leave it up to chance.
A little foolish? Sure, but we still had a great time. Next time, we’ll be a lot more prepared.
Adulting WDW Style 
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