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4. Using a stroller or wheelchair

Stroller rentals

Unfortunately, walking between attractions takes even longer when you’re using a stroller. First of all, a stroller or wheelchair is difficult to maneuver through the crowds. Then, once you get to an attraction, you have to park the stroller, take the child out, take out any valuable items, and carry it all to the ride entrance, which is usually a fair distance from stroller parking.

The same is true for wheelchairs if you decide to park them, though most attractions are at least slightly wheelchair-accessible. All in all, the parking process only takes about five minutes, but that’s five minutes before and after every attraction, which can really eat into your day.

3. Riding Ellen’s Energy Adventure

Ellen's Energy Adventure

To be fair, Disney does warn you that Ellen’s Energy Adventure is long. But most guests just don’t understand how long it really is. The whole thing supposedly only takes 45 minutes, but parts of it just drag.

However, I really enjoy this ride when I’m hot, tired, and just a little bit sleepy (it’s air conditioned and quiet). It’s not such a fun experience when I’m holding a fussy toddler who has to go potty. There is no escape from this ride once you’re seated, so consider yourself warned.

2. Leaving the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks or at closing time

Monorail

If you leave a Disney World park during the day, it’s not a big deal. It may take you a few minutes to get to your car, or you may have to wait on a bus for a while, but you’ll probably be back at your hotel or rental home within 45 minutes or so. If you leave the Magic Kingdom right after the fireworks show or right at closing, however, it’s a whole different ballgame.

It’s like a mass exodus, a throng of people all charging for the gates at the same time. Main Street is packed, the monorail and the ferry are packed, the buses are packed, the tram that takes you back and forth to the parking lot is packed, and there’s no escaping the people; they’re everywhere. I once waited an hour for a tram with a sleeping toddler on my shoulder only to be cut off by a rude guest when it was my turn to board. You can escape this chaos by either leaving earlier or by hanging around the stores for about thirty minutes after closing so the crowds can thin out a bit.

1. Getting into the parks

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

Sadly, getting into the parks takes a long time, too, especially if you’re staying offsite. Even resort guests must wait for a bus, ride the bus, disembark, walk to bag check, go through bag check, walk to the gates, scan their Magic Bands or tickets, and finally enter the park. The whole process can easily take an hour, but thirty to 45 minutes is the norm.

Guests who drive have an even longer wait. You’ll have to wait in the car line, pay for your parking pass or scan your Magic Band, park your car, gather your belongings, wait for a tram or walk to the gates, and then go through the same bag check and scan as resort guests.

The procedure is even longer at the Magic Kingdom. Here, you must get to the Transportation and Ticket Center and ride the monorail or ferry over to the gates first. Only then can you go through bag check and scan your Magic Bands.

This whole process, from the parking attendant line to actually entering the Magic Kingdom, can easily take over an hour.

Everything on this list is worth the wait, though. Just stay calm and prepare yourself for the inevitable delays at Disney World. A schedule can be quite useful, but consider it more of a guideline than a stringent plan. After all, Disney World is most enjoyable when you’re relaxed and having fun.

 
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