'I'm a Disneyland expert - here are 6 things to avoid when going'
A travel agent who specialises in Disneyland has shared the ultimate no-nos for Brits jetting off to meet Mickey at the happiest place on Earth.
A Disney getaway represents a significant financial commitment, and for many families, it's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Therefore the important thing to do is pre-prepare so that all of the wonderful opportunities available are not missed.
Hannah Westphal from byHannah Vacations is a travel agent to specialises in Disneyland and Disney World. She says on her website: "The Most Magical Place on Earth will be the most stressful vacation planning you've ever done."
So to that end, here are 6 blunders that the expert encourages visitors to avoid . . .
1. Dressing inappropriately
Hannah warns against impractical clothing choices, stating: "It's easy to forget, but comfortable shoes are essential for a fantastic Disneyland trip. High heels, flip-flops, and brand-new shoes might not be the best choice after a day of exploring rides and soaking up the magic."
2. Lingering too long over meals
Additionally, don't spend ages dining when you could be enjoying attractions. Whilst Disney offers an incredible array of dining options, Hannah advises striking a balance between eating and entertainment
She explained: "If you're tight for time exploring the parks, a long, leisurely meal might not be the best way to spend your day.
"It's a shame to see visitors feeling deflated after a lovely meal, only to find they've squeezed themselves out of time for their top ride."
The specialist recommends that guests should either set aside sufficient time for dining or choose swift bite-sized options to maximise their park experience. For those curious about food budgeting, Disneyland has published comprehensive details of all its dining establishments online, including pricing brackets and full menus.
3. Failing to utilise the Disneyland app
To elevate your enchanting adventure, visitors can download the Disneyland app, which the specialist describes as a "fantastic tool" for your trip. Yet countless guests fail to harness its full potential.
"The app provides everything you need to know, from current ride wait times to character meet-and-greets and show schedules," Hannah explained.
Visitors can also browse their PhotoPass snaps and attraction photos, store their park tickets conveniently on the app, and pre-order meals to avoid lengthy queues.
The specialist recommends downloading the app and establishing your profile well in advance. This approach allows you to familiarise yourself with its capabilities before arrival, preserving valuable park hours for what truly matters - soaking up the enchantment.
4. Standing in line for treats
Few things prove more frustrating than developing an appetite whilst trapped in an endless queue for refreshments at Disneyland (or whilst awaiting an attraction). Thankfully for visitors, there's a clever strategy to sidestep those interminable waits - pre-ordering your snacks.
Disneyland has come a long way from the days of our childhood, now offering a host of conveniences to its visitors. One such convenience is the ability to pre-order food and drinks via the Disneyland app, allowing guests to bypass queues and spend more time enjoying the attractions.
Hannah explained: "Simply place your order and pay through the app. Once you get a notification that your food's ready to collect, you can swing by and grab it."
5. Watching fireworks inside the park
When it comes to the nightly fireworks display, a favourite among park-goers, Hannah cautioned about the typically large crowds that gather to watch.
"While the fireworks are stunning from within the park, you might find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowds," she revealed. "For a more relaxed experience, you might want to consider alternative viewing spots outside the park.
6. Not exploring beyond the rides
Hannah also highlighted that there's more to Disney parks than just the rides; they're brimming with amazing performances by talented cast members.
She encourages visitors not to overlook these experiences simply because the thrill rides seem like the main attraction.
Hannah advised: "The way I see it, it wouldn't be a good idea to miss out on a fantastic show just for the sake of a short ride with a lengthy wait.".
She recommends guests make the most of the parades, spectacular evening shows, and captivating daily events that only Disney parks can provide.
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