I love AJ for the efforts she makes in these videos to help people have reasonable expectations for themselves and for their vacations. I think in this post-pandemic world, we are all prone to being a little harder on ourselves, and the people around us than we were a few years ago. I am grateful to this channel for trying to address this, not in condescending or scolding ways, but in genuinely friendly, helpful ways. You help me remember how to have a great day when I am on the opposite side of the country from Disney World. Thank you.
The answer is cost. I'm an Orlando resident. I have a SeaWorld annual pass. I can afford that. But even living here, not needing travel or hotel costs, it is still monumentally expensive to get my family of four into the parks.
The worst thing about Disney is getting addicted to watching DFB videos. Wait... did I say worst? I meant THE BEST! I am so hooked on listening to these guides to prep for my resort trips.
The Disney hotel delivery perk is something we really missed on our last visit... needing to run to the stores right before park closing to purchase bits we had our eyes on was annoying. We refuse to pay for a locker to put it in and carrying it around the park with us was just a no no for some of the more delicate things we bought... Fingers crossed Disney brings this perk back!!!
Thank you for acknowledging the pressure to have fun! During my family’s most recent trip I was bummed because RotR was broken down almost our entire Hollywood Studios day! I was so bummed out! But if this hadn’t happened, we wouldn’t have ridden Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (which wasn’t originally in our plans to ride), which ended up being my son’s favorite ride!!!
Heat, rain, prices, crowds and the number one thing to me is Security. There is absolutely NO CONSISTENCY with security on getting into the park without being searched 🤦🏼♂️.
While I always felt perfectly safe, we did have some weird experiences with the security line. My husband's bag got flagged for search every time we went to Hollywood Studios...but he breezed through in the other parks. And the contents of his bag never changed lol.
The best suggestion I have is to arrive a day early. So that your first morning is a full day in the park. Don't drive there and try to visit a park on that day!
Yes. Allow a buffer for when your airline cancels your flight. Happened to me, should of been at the hotel by 1pm, based on delays got there at 7:30. Would have been a waste of a park day. Use your arrival day as a hotel or Disney Springs day.
We absolutely do this. Anything we do on the day we land is a bonus. We usually take it easy to rest up before the long days ahead. Maybe go to Disney Springs for a couple hours, hit the lounge in the hotel, or hang at the pool for a bit. .
I do this too! But i do need to come from across the ocean on a 11 hour flight or even longer with a layover. So I book a hotel close to the airport and make my way the next day. Or stay at a airport nearer by, we did Toronto last time and took a 6am flight the next day. That way I'm not wasting my first day by being super tired or just getting in really late
We were surprised by the huge crowds last week-Sept. is no longer a down time. Our best Magic Kingdom day was during one of those early closure days. Before the NSSHP guests arrived that day was lovely! Also- hang onto those magic bands! They are notorious for randomly popping off your wrist during your stay....
Last few weeks I’ve been watching as many of your videos as possible. I never been to Disney World and it’s on my bucket list for the last 50 years. However, hearing about the long wait for most of the rides and how super expensive everything else is. And how you should use the app to make reservations for everything I’m seriously thinking of not going. I could probably take a Mediterranean cruise and stay in luxury hotels in several European cities for the same price.
The only problems we really faced on our recent trip from last week were ride availability- multiple major rides, especially space mountain seemed to have more downtime than time actually working. Also this may be out of Disney’s control but the amount of queue jumping and use of flash photography on rides from obnoxious other guests was ridiculous.
We went a month ago on the avatar river ride and there was this guy just filming and being so loud, people have no self awareness and courtesy for others
Thank you so much for all the knowledge and tricks and tips you share with us. Your channel has made our vacations more memorable and enjoyable. I appreciate you and your staff for all the hard work and dedication.
God knows I love WDW and Disneyland. (I have absolutely no interest in the parks outside the US.) That said, I loathe any vacation which doesn’t permit at least a modicum of spontaneity. How the hell do I know what I want to eat, when I want to eat six months from now? I mean, I haven’t even decided on what I am having for dinner tonight. And, I echo many other commenters in that the sadly significant number of other guests behaving badly is a perennial problem. Still, even as an old geezer, Disney parks remain a unique place which authentically recreates the rare sensation of enchantment in a setting of safety and acceptance. There is nothing better than walking down Main Street USA on a perfect, sunny day knowing the Pirates of the Caribbean is just ten minutes away…
The number 1 worst part about DisneyWorld is the way the park, Genie+ and park property hotels nickel and dime you for everything! Disney caters to the rich/VIPs. It is not how Walt Disney envisioned it.
Ride closures are the biggest issue for me. I just try to remember that they will eventually come back. One day in Magic Kingdom one of my favorite rides Pirates of the Caribbean was having technical difficulties all day. I was irritated to say the least. I was in the land for the ride too. I hoped that the ride would have it’s issue fixed by the time my second Magic Kingdom day even if I had to go back to the land which was way out of my way that day, but it was open that day. By the way if you plan a day for each park except 2 days for Magic Kingdom you should be able to get through every ride as long as you plan accordingly.
The first time we took our kids in 2012, there was a major tropical storm and it downpoured almost every day. On top of that new fantasy land was still being built so there was construction everywhere. It was an absolutely incredible trip. I know. Who would have ever imagined 🤷♀️🤣
Is it possible to make a video on first time solo trip? I’m traveling in November for 3 weeks for the first time in Disney world and I would love a guide!
I wonder what would happen if there were a scheduling mix-up and two Mickeys showed up in the same place at the same time. Hopefully they wouldn't both get canned.
One of the worst things about Disney parks is the cost. Even living close to one (and so not having to worry about things like travel, lodging, etc.) it can still get very expensive very quickly
19:00 Good Neighbors are fine, but we've found some of those are even a lot, we've stayed a Wyndham right outside of the Disney Bubble for years, gotta be diligent with those though, read reviews and have a backup plan in case something goes array.
Really, the crowds, I'm actually here now and I can't believe the crowds, it's chaos, I'm exhausted, when winnie the pooh is 50 minutes! It's insanity. And the heat, it's like nothing you've felt if you're not used to FL or TX heat. But the crowds 😢, yes I'm part of the crowd but geez
I’m not gonna lie the worst part of me is the wait times or heat, and especially Hollywood studios. Don’t get me wrong, the rides like slinky dog dash, and the Star Wars rides, I know there is more but my point is the rides are good but I’m not waiting over 120 minutes for rise of resistance. I know no one is going to read this sooo…
AJ, you have frienmies? Never! My dad got pooped on by a bird in AK, but he still managed to have fun anyways, and it was the inside joke. (you read my comments!) yea please let us know about the trip. As someone who's "glued" to her phone irl, I was surprised i didn't spend THAT much time on my phone. I was so inchanted with the landscape that I was hardly on my phone. That didn't mean we didn't use our phone, cause we so did, but still. I also took a bunch of pictures, cause I dono when i'll get to be there next.
I hate that they don't have a single line lane for Rise of the Resistance and I also hate that the disability pass is too hard to get even with a bad back. Waiting in line for 80 minutes is way too much, especially with a bad back. When I was in Magic Kingdom last year I asked 2 cast members when the parade started and they both said 3:00. I got there a little early and the parade was over and I was so mad.
AJ we laughed when you said “remember those old movies where the backgrounds keep repeating?” Because you repeated a lot of clips twice in this video! A LOT. 😂😊
Hello 🎉was there a Disney video today? AJ is simply perfect, is she at Disney? 😊😊 Missing my daily Disney Vlog with AJ! Where never you are, I hope you completely amazing!!
Thanks A.J!! Always an entertaining,objective and honest video. Excellent point about peeps who try to force the fun. My motto is go out and experience things,don't go to get things done. After all,it's a vacation,not a mission. :+) C-ya real soon.
No. No. No. The worst part of Disney World is the outrageous overall expense. It’s expensive for what you get. It’s expensive on an absolute scale. The huge crowds, the endless lines, and the humidity just add to the outrageousness of the expense, as in “I’m paying all this money just to put up with this? For this much money, everything should be perfect.” You can vacation elsewhere for far less and have, at worst, minor inconveniences, or for a little less and have everything near perfect - better food, no crowds, no lines, and no “pressure to have fun.” This video should begin and end with the expense of WDW.
Im going yo Disney world for the first time in mid January and I'm on a budget, so I would love if you could recommend some souvenirs like t-shirts, sweat shirts, cups, etc. That is park exclusive and I couldn't find it anywhere else. Thank you!
I agree with the poster who said to just take some pics and put them in frames. The thing to remember is that souvenirs in amusement parks (not just Disney) are always severely overpriced. Not the best thing to think about getting if you're on a budget.
I am not as morally offended with the internal bus systems as other people. Yeah, it can take 30 minutes. We just add that time into the plans. Getting mad because Disney doesn't provide a bus every 5 minutes is a waste of energy.
Half the fun is the memories of theDisney Transportation. The new people you get to visit and meet. I really don’t mind. Our mentality of it needs to happen now right now is out of hand. Good things take time. Use Uber/Lyft if you want to get there quicker.
@@jamessnyder9936 You're so right. Go slow and keep low. It's supposed to be silly,not stressful. I think of the bus as my stretch limo,and other people as fellow Mouseketeers. I'm only going to a playground. What's the rush? It's as good as you want it to be,IMHO.
Hi AJ. We watch all DFB videos as much as we can. We are huge Disney people. DVC, Boardwalk since the 90's. Been on so many Disney Vacations we can't count..... Could you possibly cover why all the main Disney Pools feel the need to do poolside games loudly and obnoxiously? Every pool!!! We have come to avoid them at all costs. Very interupitve . We do get why there are games at the pool but does it need to include everyone within ear shot? We love our Boardwalk pool, the food/bar and slide, even without the Clown. We try not to complain where Disney is concerned, but this is a real annoyance for us. Thanks for all you and your team do AMAZING!!
Love the videos because I love anything Disney but these videos are all recycled info these days.. how many times can we give all the same info under a different video title?
The HUMIDITY
TOTALLY THE WORST!!!!!
It's not the heat it's the gosh darn humidity
100 percent agree.
What is the weather in late January
Yeah the humidity is horrendous
The cost
Other people are number 1 the worst, the amount of people I see treating their kids like trash hurts the soul.
The amount of babies just out in the hot sun w no protection
This.
Are you a parent? Sometimes it’s the kids treating the parents like trash
@@asimdeyaf Yes I am and my son is a delight.
But yes, 80% of parents suck and barely give their kids attention.
I love AJ for the efforts she makes in these videos to help people have reasonable expectations for themselves and for their vacations. I think in this post-pandemic world, we are all prone to being a little harder on ourselves, and the people around us than we were a few years ago. I am grateful to this channel for trying to address this, not in condescending or scolding ways, but in genuinely friendly, helpful ways. You help me remember how to have a great day when I am on the opposite side of the country from Disney World. Thank you.
The answer is cost. I'm an Orlando resident. I have a SeaWorld annual pass. I can afford that. But even living here, not needing travel or hotel costs, it is still monumentally expensive to get my family of four into the parks.
The worst thing about Disney is getting addicted to watching DFB videos. Wait... did I say worst? I meant THE BEST! I am so hooked on listening to these guides to prep for my resort trips.
12:12 you're right. They're not square meals. Granola bars and Pop-Tarts are rectangles.
THE HEAT 🥵
I went last Tuesday it was brutal
That’s why I’m going in November 😂
Is the end of January cold? Hot? What type of weather
It can be either one lol! Usually not too hot during the day and cool enough to be comfortable at night@@Michelle-by9fp
@@Michelle-by9fp take a jacket and a beach towel
If I had to choose, it would be the awful heat and unbearable humidity.Also rude people and line cutters. Catching a stomach bug on your trip.
All these things happened to us last week...🤦♀️
Those aren't Disney's fault.
I am already overwhelmed, bye!
The Disney hotel delivery perk is something we really missed on our last visit... needing to run to the stores right before park closing to purchase bits we had our eyes on was annoying. We refuse to pay for a locker to put it in and carrying it around the park with us was just a no no for some of the more delicate things we bought... Fingers crossed Disney brings this perk back!!!
Thank you for acknowledging the pressure to have fun! During my family’s most recent trip I was bummed because RotR was broken down almost our entire Hollywood Studios day! I was so bummed out! But if this hadn’t happened, we wouldn’t have ridden Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (which wasn’t originally in our plans to ride), which ended up being my son’s favorite ride!!!
Having ridden both I would rather ride Runaway Railway than Rise any day.
Heat, rain, prices, crowds and the number one thing to me is Security. There is absolutely NO CONSISTENCY with security on getting into the park without being searched 🤦🏼♂️.
While I always felt perfectly safe, we did have some weird experiences with the security line. My husband's bag got flagged for search every time we went to Hollywood Studios...but he breezed through in the other parks. And the contents of his bag never changed lol.
The best suggestion I have is to arrive a day early. So that your first morning is a full day in the park. Don't drive there and try to visit a park on that day!
This is a top level recommendation. We always get in the day before. Makes the first day a "real" day. Smart.
Yes. Allow a buffer for when your airline cancels your flight. Happened to me, should of been at the hotel by 1pm, based on delays got there at 7:30. Would have been a waste of a park day. Use your arrival day as a hotel or Disney Springs day.
We absolutely do this. Anything we do on the day we land is a bonus. We usually take it easy to rest up before the long days ahead. Maybe go to Disney Springs for a couple hours, hit the lounge in the hotel, or hang at the pool for a bit. .
I do this too! But i do need to come from across the ocean on a 11 hour flight or even longer with a layover. So I book a hotel close to the airport and make my way the next day. Or stay at a airport nearer by, we did Toronto last time and took a 6am flight the next day. That way I'm not wasting my first day by being super tired or just getting in really late
I thought this was a given that ppl already do.
We are planning a New Years 2024 trip for 20 people and would LOVE a video breaking down how to plan a WDW trip for a big group! Thank YOU
I understand the whole “pressure to have fun” feeling. I’ve seen so many stressed parents because going to Disney is such a rare treat for many people
We were surprised by the huge crowds last week-Sept. is no longer a down time. Our best Magic Kingdom day was during one of those early closure days. Before the NSSHP guests arrived that day was lovely! Also- hang onto those magic bands! They are notorious for randomly popping off your wrist during your stay....
So true!! Mine fell off at least 3 times.
That fact that I’m not there yet 264 days !!!
Last few weeks I’ve been watching as many of your videos as possible. I never been to Disney World and it’s on my bucket list for the last 50 years. However, hearing about the long wait for most of the rides and how super expensive everything else is. And how you should use the app to make reservations for everything I’m seriously thinking of not going. I could probably take a Mediterranean cruise and stay in luxury hotels in several European cities for the same price.
The only problems we really faced on our recent trip from last week were ride availability- multiple major rides, especially space mountain seemed to have more downtime than time actually working. Also this may be out of Disney’s control but the amount of queue jumping and use of flash photography on rides from obnoxious other guests was ridiculous.
We went a month ago on the avatar river ride and there was this guy just filming and being so loud, people have no self awareness and courtesy for others
15:40 nice shot of Tron with the thunderstorm rolling in behind it.
Genie+
Afternoon thunder ⛈️⚡ storms 0:22
Thank you so much for all the knowledge and tricks and tips you share with us. Your channel has made our vacations more memorable and enjoyable. I appreciate you and your staff for all the hard work and dedication.
God knows I love WDW and Disneyland. (I have absolutely no interest in the parks outside the US.) That said, I loathe any vacation which doesn’t permit at least a modicum of spontaneity. How the hell do I know what I want to eat, when I want to eat six months from now? I mean, I haven’t even decided on what I am having for dinner tonight. And, I echo many other commenters in that the sadly significant number of other guests behaving badly is a perennial problem. Still, even as an old geezer, Disney parks remain a unique place which authentically recreates the rare sensation of enchantment in a setting of safety and acceptance. There is nothing better than walking down Main Street USA on a perfect, sunny day knowing the Pirates of the Caribbean is just ten minutes away…
The heat rather go in cooler months
This channel is so underrated thank you for these awesome videos like your vids are just wow 🤩
"Reindeer"?! 🎅 OOHHH, "Rain GEAR!"
The number 1 worst part about DisneyWorld is the way the park, Genie+ and park property hotels nickel and dime you for everything! Disney caters to the rich/VIPs. It is not how Walt Disney envisioned it.
Ride closures are the biggest issue for me. I just try to remember that they will eventually come back. One day in Magic Kingdom one of my favorite rides Pirates of the Caribbean was having technical difficulties all day. I was irritated to say the least. I was in the land for the ride too. I hoped that the ride would have it’s issue fixed by the time my second Magic Kingdom day even if I had to go back to the land which was way out of my way that day, but it was open that day. By the way if you plan a day for each park except 2 days for Magic Kingdom you should be able to get through every ride as long as you plan accordingly.
Genie Plus
The first time we took our kids in 2012, there was a major tropical storm and it downpoured almost every day. On top of that new fantasy land was still being built so there was construction everywhere. It was an absolutely incredible trip. I know. Who would have ever imagined 🤷♀️🤣
Best trips we ever had were in the rain! Splashing in puddles. Low wait times. Hot cocoa!
A hint about photos...if your heart is set on some thing for a picture, find a postcard. Turn the flash off and presto! Scaffolds etc wont even show.
Is it possible to make a video on first time solo trip? I’m traveling in November for 3 weeks for the first time in Disney world and I would love a guide!
My best tip is not to book park days consecutively. We do a park one day, sleep in the next day with a resort day.
I wonder what would happen if there were a scheduling mix-up and two Mickeys showed up in the same place at the same time. Hopefully they wouldn't both get canned.
Np, slap a bow one one of their heads, Minnie.
The price the heat other guests the ride constantly closing
One of the worst things about Disney parks is the cost. Even living close to one (and so not having to worry about things like travel, lodging, etc.) it can still get very expensive very quickly
Disney should charge a reasonable fee to restore package delivery.
19:00 Good Neighbors are fine, but we've found some of those are even a lot, we've stayed a Wyndham right outside of the Disney Bubble for years, gotta be diligent with those though, read reviews and have a backup plan in case something goes array.
Pop tarts aren’t a square meal…..they’re a rectangular meal. 😏
Well now we got to worry about bears 😂
Really, the crowds, I'm actually here now and I can't believe the crowds, it's chaos, I'm exhausted, when winnie the pooh is 50 minutes! It's insanity. And the heat, it's like nothing you've felt if you're not used to FL or TX heat. But the crowds 😢, yes I'm part of the crowd but geez
I’m not gonna lie the worst part of me is the wait times or heat, and especially Hollywood studios. Don’t get me wrong, the rides like slinky dog dash, and the Star Wars rides, I know there is more but my point is the rides are good but I’m not waiting over 120 minutes for rise of resistance. I know no one is going to read this sooo…
The tram lines down the centre of Main Street in magic Kingdom. Broke my ankle 😡
….. the greedy company!
AJ, you have frienmies? Never! My dad got pooped on by a bird in AK, but he still managed to have fun anyways, and it was the inside joke. (you read my comments!) yea please let us know about the trip. As someone who's "glued" to her phone irl, I was surprised i didn't spend THAT much time on my phone. I was so inchanted with the landscape that I was hardly on my phone. That didn't mean we didn't use our phone, cause we so did, but still. I also took a bunch of pictures, cause I dono when i'll get to be there next.
Hmmm... Disney parks security's duty post describes no hands-on de-escalation. This is why the Sheriff deputies are almost always within the vicinity.
Can confirm that the big Ben scaffolding was incredibly rude 😒
I hate that they don't have a single line lane for Rise of the Resistance and I also hate that the disability pass is too hard to get even with a bad back. Waiting in line for 80 minutes is way too much, especially with a bad back. When I was in Magic Kingdom last year I asked 2 cast members when the parade started and they both said 3:00. I got there a little early and the parade was over and I was so mad.
Hurricane 🌀 could spoil Halloween 🎃 and Christmas 🎄 seasons.
AJ we laughed when you said “remember those old movies where the backgrounds keep repeating?” Because you repeated a lot of clips twice in this video! A LOT. 😂😊
DOUBLE WIDE STROLLERS
Hello 🎉was there a Disney video today? AJ is simply perfect, is she at Disney? 😊😊 Missing my daily Disney Vlog with AJ! Where never you are, I hope you completely amazing!!
Thanks A.J!! Always an entertaining,objective and honest video. Excellent point about peeps who try to force the fun. My motto is go out and experience things,don't go to get things done.
After all,it's a vacation,not a mission. :+) C-ya real soon.
They cancelled extra hours at MK next week after we made our plans😮
They are asking about t shirts and sweatshirts.
What’s the best rideahare option out there, typically if you’re staying at a resort?
We prefer Lyft so we can also have the chance at a Minnie Van if we decide to have one. Have never had an issue getting a Lyft!
Great tips 👍👍
The prices
No. No. No.
The worst part of Disney World is the outrageous overall expense. It’s expensive for what you get. It’s expensive on an absolute scale.
The huge crowds, the endless lines, and the humidity just add to the outrageousness of the expense, as in “I’m paying all this money just to put up with this? For this much money, everything should be perfect.”
You can vacation elsewhere for far less and have, at worst, minor inconveniences, or for a little less and have everything near perfect - better food, no crowds, no lines, and no “pressure to have fun.”
This video should begin and end with the expense of WDW.
Im going yo Disney world for the first time in mid January and I'm on a budget, so I would love if you could recommend some souvenirs like t-shirts, sweat shirts, cups, etc. That is park exclusive and I couldn't find it anywhere else. Thank you!
Best cheap souvenirs is to just take a lot of photos. When you get home, print out a couple of the best ones and put them in nice inexpensive frames.
I agree with the poster who said to just take some pics and put them in frames. The thing to remember is that souvenirs in amusement parks (not just Disney) are always severely overpriced. Not the best thing to think about getting if you're on a budget.
I am not as morally offended with the internal bus systems as other people. Yeah, it can take 30 minutes. We just add that time into the plans. Getting mad because Disney doesn't provide a bus every 5 minutes is a waste of energy.
Half the fun is the memories of theDisney Transportation. The new people you get to visit and meet. I really don’t mind. Our mentality of it needs to happen now right now is out of hand. Good things take time. Use Uber/Lyft if you want to get there quicker.
@@jamessnyder9936 You're so right. Go slow and keep low. It's supposed to be silly,not stressful. I think of the bus as my stretch limo,and other people as fellow Mouseketeers. I'm only going to a playground. What's the rush? It's as good as you want it to be,IMHO.
old key west is best resort 👍👍
Hi AJ. We watch all DFB videos as much as we can. We are huge Disney people. DVC, Boardwalk since the 90's.
Been on so many Disney Vacations we can't count.....
Could you possibly cover why all the main Disney Pools feel the need to do poolside games loudly and obnoxiously? Every pool!!! We have come to avoid them at all costs. Very interupitve . We do get why there are games at the pool but does it need to include everyone within ear shot? We love our Boardwalk pool, the food/bar and slide, even without the Clown. We try not to complain where Disney is concerned, but this is a real annoyance for us. Thanks for all you and your team do AMAZING!!
Every way mentioned went back to a previous DFB Guide video. This was one big ad for previous videos. Come on guys, pls make original content 🙏
Love the videos because I love anything Disney but these videos are all recycled info these days.. how many times can we give all the same info under a different video title?
I love you DFB but why so negative lately?
I thought the same
I think is great they are talking about the not so great parts and i think they seem balanced
I should have watched the video first - AJ shines a positive light on things that can go wrong. Brava!
This video is one big commercial. Try giving some original content not just linking yourself or a sponsor 😊
To be honest we enjoyed our Universal trip we took this summer more than our last few DW trips. 🫤
Hypothetically if the tickets were paid for would you still choose universal?
@@Michelle-by9fp yes. And if staying at a Universal resort.
18:44 Ha! I spot @thedapperdanielle!
Thank you!