Traveling to Walt Disney World for a family vacation? Let’s assess the pros and cons.
Traveling is hard these days. And picking the perfect vacation spot is even harder. We live in a world with constant travel delays, rising costs, and hidden fees, just to name a few of the inconveniences when it comes to traveling, which doesn’t make choosing a travel destination any easier. Yet, we all love to take a good old family vacation and are willing to put up with some or all of these inconveniences to do so. But many of us only get one shot at it a year, money and time come at a premium. So wherever we choose, it better be good!
Walt Disney World. The quintessential family vacation spot. As far back as I can remember, Disney has always been at the top of the list for a fun-filled family vacation. There is no place on earth better at creating those core memories that will last a lifetime. It truly can’t get any better than visiting Mickey Mouse and his friends, seeing Cinderella Castle at the end of Main Street U.S.A., soaring through space on Space Mountain and saving the galaxy on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Families flock to Disney every single year; the parks are packed, the lines are long and the cost is high. Some will say argue it’s a million percent worth every penny and others will strongly disagree. What will you decide?
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of visiting Walt Disney World as your family vacation. Will is be worth those pesky travel inconveniences and increased park costs? Let’s break it down.
Full disclaimer: I’m a self-proclaimed Disney expert and enthusiast, so I will never ever sway you from taking the trip to my favorite place on earth. While I lean heavily on the pros, I also understand where we are economically right now in 2023, and realize a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth may not be in the cards. I took this into consideration as I created my pros and cons list.
Disney is known for providing a magical and immersive experience for its Guests. Storytelling is their core business and there is no one on earth who does it better. Want to feel like you have stepped into your favorite Disney movie? Want to feel like a Princess for the day? You’ve come to the right place; where magic literally fills the air and living in a fantasyland in perfectly acceptable.
Disney theme parks have some of the most innovative and entertaining attractions in the world. And there are more being imagined and built every single year by the incredible team of Walt Disney Imagineers. After all, Walt Disney himself did say “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world”. This of course translates to Walt Disney World and Disney Parks around the world.
Disney offers something for everyone in the family, from young children to adults. Even the most cynical of family members can find something they can enjoy! As a matter of fact, the older I get, the more I realize how many adult Disney fans there are, and I’m here for all of it!
Disney characters are iconic and beloved by people of all ages. And the character interactions are second to none. A Disney vacation would not be the same without them. From my first Disney trip in the early 80s, it was the character interactions that I remember the most. It was pure magic then and still is to this day. The impact characters have on fans of all ages is immeasurable and you just never know when a character interaction might literally change someone’s life.
Disney is known for its high-quality entertainment, including parades, shows, and fireworks displays. Ending your Disney day with the fireworks spectacular over Cinderella Castle is absolutely magical.
Cast members create the magic and each and every one is committed to providing exceptional customer service to its Guests. No matter what the situation is, Disney will make it right. There are few companies in this world that will provide the type of service we have come to expect (and receive) from Disney. They literally set the standard and it’s hard to beat.
This is probably one of the best reasons to stay on property when visiting Walt Disney World. Staying “in the bubble” and on property for the duration of your trip really does make a difference. You will experience that Disney magic from the moment you arrive until the second vacation ends. Disney offers the most amazing themed accommodations you’ll ever find. Once you stay at one of the resorts, nothing else will compare.
One of the most incredible reasons to visit Walt Disney World is the accessibility for every single person, no matter what. Everyone is welcome no matter your age, ethnicity, shape, size or disability, and everyone can experience the same magic of Disney in the same way.
Let’s face it, travel costs a lot these days, as we alluded to at the start of this article. And Disney is no exception to that rule. They have continued to increase their costs for park tickets, accommodations and dining year over year making it difficult for families to plan a vacation without breaking the bank. I personally think that what you are receiving in return is priceless, but it still comes with a serious cost.
There used to be a “good time” to visit Walt Disney World, but I believe those days are long gone. The parks seems to always be crowded. There are long lines and long wait times for attractions, food, shows and more. While Disney continues to claim they are controlling the crowd levels through the park reservation system, it is sometimes hard to believe. Especially during peak season, the crowd levels are off the charts. This can make it somewhat difficult to enjoy park time when you are elbow to elbow with strangers. And if you aren’t a “people-y” person, this may deter you from wanting to visit.
This is true. I love to think that Disney offers such a wide variety of food options, but the reality is, they don’t. You will find repetition in terms of the food itself from park to park. There is the odd restaurant in each park offering something unique, but otherwise some may find the choices limiting. It can also be difficult to find dining reservations. If you don’t make them at the 60-day mark, it might be hard to find an opening for some of your top dining choices. This tends to frustrate Guests.
I won’t lie. It can be daunting without the proper knowledge and pre-planning. The sheer size and scope of Disney parks can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. It’s always good to have a flexible itinerary and a plan for tackling your Disney days. There are countless resources available nowadays to help you prepare for your Walt Disney World vacation.
There are some attractions and experiences at the parks that are outdoors and can be affected by weather conditions. This is a con for sure, but also don’t let it deter you. Some of the best Disney days are spent in a poncho and the rain. The crowds clear out and you have the park to yourself. There are also times in the “winter” months that the temperatures drop significantly. It doesn’t happen often, but it can happen. Always check the weather forecast before you travel. It’s the worst if you aren’t prepared!
It’s not as easy to be spontaneous as it used to be. Planning a Disney vacation requires a significant amount of advanced planning, and changes to plans may be difficult to make once on-site, especially for something like park reservations.
Similar to the tricky weather noted above, any weather can impact your Disney day. The excessive heat and humidity in Florida is suffocating at certain times of the year. You should always be prepared for that. Take breaks in the A/C and drink lots of water. I realize this can be a pro for some, but many find it difficult to tolerate the oppressive heat. If you do not enjoy the heat, consider another vacation destination or visit in the typically “cooler” months like January or February.
There are very high expectations when visiting Walt Disney World. The stakes are high. And this can sometimes lead to disappointment if Guests don’t have a good experience or don’t get to do everything they want during their stay. This can happen on your first trip, or your 100th. Manage expectations, you will have a much more enjoyable time if you do.
No matter what you ultimately decide as a family, and despite the cons, you will never go wrong choosing Walt Disney World as a family vacation destination. It is truly the utmost fun and full of magic. You will create incredible memories that will last a lifetime. I remember my first trip to Walt Disney World in the early 80s (EPCOT Center had just opened) like it was yesterday. I remember every waking moment. Disney has had such an impact on me, throughout my entire life, and it’s all because of that memorable trip I took with my parents and sister. You really can’t put a price on that.
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