Travel expert Hannah Westphal shares the six mistakes people often make when visiting the parks, so you can avoid them
A UK-based Disneyland guru has revealed the dos and don’ts for Brits travelling to meet Mickey and co.
According to Statista, around 9.93 million people visited Disneyland Paris in 2022, making it one of the most popular amusement parks in all of Europe. However, a trip to Disneyland is an investment and, for some, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With that in mind, Hannah Westphal of byHannah Vacations has shared the six mistakes you shouldn’t make at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Dressing too much
Hannah warns against overly fancy outfits, explaining: “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
Next, don’t waste hours eating. With the huge variety of culinary delights on offer at Disney, Hannah’s advice is to balance feasting with fun, Wales Online reports. She said: “If you’re short on 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 discouraged after a delicious meal, only to find they’ve run out of time for their best attraction.”
The expert suggests that visitors should set aside time for their meals or opt for quick snacks to make the most of their time in the park. If you’re wondering how much you should budget for food, Disneyland has posted a list of all of its restaurants online, with price ranges and menus.
Do not use the Disneyland app
To enrich the magical journey, visitors can download the Disneyland app, which the expert describes as a “fantastic tool” for the trip. However, many visitors 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 annoying than getting hungry while standing in a long line to buy a drink at Disneyland (or while waiting to ride a ride). Fortunately for visitors, there’s a helpful tip to avoid those long lines: order your drinks ahead of time.
Many may not realize the amenities Disneyland now offers guests that are very different from childhood memories of yesteryear. Guests can now pre-order snacks through the Disneyland app, allowing them to skip the lines and enjoy more time on the attractions.
Hannah said: “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.”
Watching fireworks inside the park
As for the nightly fireworks show, popular with park visitors, Hannah cautioned against the large crowds that often gather to watch. While the experience inside the park is immersive, those who prefer less hustle and bustle can find quiet spots outdoors to experience their own magical moment.
“While the fireworks are impressive from inside the park, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the crowds,” he shared. “For a more relaxed experience, you may want to consider alternative viewing locations outside the park.
Don’t explore beyond the walks
Hannah also noted that Disney parks offer much more than just attractions; they are filled with incredible performances by talented cast members. She urges visitors not to pass up these experiences simply because thrill rides seem to be a priority.
Hannah mentioned: “In my opinion, it would not be a good idea to miss a fantastic show just for the sake of enjoying a short trip with a long wait.”
She suggests that guests make the most of the parades, extraordinary nighttime spectaculars and engaging daily events that Disney parks uniquely offer.
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