A UK travel expert has weighed in on the top tips and warnings for anyone heading to Disneyland on holiday. Disneyland remains one of, if not the, most magical places on the planet.
According to Statista, around 9.93 million people visited Disneyland Paris in 2022, making it one of the most famous amusement parks in all of Europe. A trip to Disneyland is an investment and, for some, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
That’s why it’s important to make the most of it and create memories that last a lifetime. Hannah Westphal, travel expert at byHannah Vacations shares six mistakes people often make when visiting parks.
Dressing too much
When planning her Disneyland wardrobe, Hannah cautioned: “It’s easy to forget, but comfortable shoes are essential for a fantastic trip to Disneyland. High heels, flip flops, and new shoes may not be the best choice after a day of exploring the attractions and enjoying the magic.”
Spending too much time in a restaurant
Disneyland has a fantastic range of restaurants selling magical treats and meals, but Hannah advises visitors to make the most of their time and budget when choosing where to dine.
She said: “If you don’t have much time to explore the parks, a long, leisurely meal may not be the best way to spend the day. It’s a shame to see visitors feeling deflated after a delicious meal, only to find they’ve run out of time for their favourite attraction.”
Instead, the expert recommends that visitors set aside some time for their meals or choose snacks to take with them to make the most of their time in the park. If you’re thinking about how much you need or want to spend before your trip, Disneyland has detailed all of its restaurants. online with the price range of each restaurant and menus with prices.
Do not use the Disneyland app
To make their magical adventure easier, visitors can download the Disneyland app, which the expert says is a “fantastic tool” for their trip. However, there are many visitors who do not take full advantage of it.
“The app offers everything you need to know, from current wait times at attractions to character meet-and-greets and show times,” Hannah said. You can even view your PhotoPass photos and attraction photos, keep your park ticket handy in the app, and order food to save time in line.”
However, the expert recommends downloading the app and creating an account in advance. This way, you can familiarize yourself with its functions before your visit and save valuable time in the park for what is most important: experiencing the magic.
Queuing to buy snacks
There’s nothing more frustrating than being hungry while standing in line for a long drink at Disneyland (or waiting to ride a ride). Luckily for visitors, there’s an easy way to avoid those long lines: pre-order your refreshments.
This may come as a revelation to anyone who hasn’t visited the theme park since they were a kid. Hungry guests can pre-order drinks and snacks through the Disneyland app.
“Simply place your order and pay through the app. Once you receive a notification that your food is ready for pickup, you can pick it up,” Hannah said.
Watching fireworks inside the park
The nightly fireworks are a big draw for visitors, so expect large crowds when you see them. Crowds aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the show.
“While the fireworks are impressive from inside the park, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the crowds,” she said. “For a more relaxed experience, you may want to consider other viewing locations outside the park.”
Don’t explore beyond the walks
There’s a whole world of things to explore in the parks, you’ll never know what you’ll find on your trip. It’s packed with talented cast members putting on amazing shows that are worth seeing.
Hannah said: “In my opinion, it would not be a good idea to miss out on a fantastic show just to enjoy a short trip with a long wait.”
Instead, Hannah recommended experiencing the park’s parades, dazzling nighttime shows, and exciting daily events, to name just a few.
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