If you’re at Walt Disney World for a once-in-a-lifetime, once-in-a-decade, or even once-a-year trip, you want to get the most out of every moment. For high-energy families who can handle the go-go-go of a wild Disney vacation, staying out from rope drop to park close is one of the best ways to see and do it all.

But it’s also an easy way to get burnt out by day three. I often talk with family and friends who try to rope drop and stay for the fireworks each day of their trip to Disney World, but they come home feeling exhausted, sore, and cranky. In fact, it’s easy to miss some of the magic when you’re constantly firing on all cylinders at Walt Disney World.

Disney World Rope Drop to Park Close: Mistakes to Avoid

Here are seven of the most common mistakes I’ve seen people make when trying to see and do it all at Disney:

Not Adding a Rest Day to the Trip

One of the top mistakes I see people make when planning a Walt Disney World trip is not adding a rest day to the itinerary — and I get it. If you can’t get down to Disney World often, it’s hard to spend even one day outside of the parks.

But if you’re there for a week, waking up each day at 6 a.m. and not getting back to your room until midnight, you’re going to feel miserable — and you may not even enjoy yourself.

Somewhere in the middle of your trip, plan a day to relax at your hotel. Sleep in. Grab some breakfast. Spend some time at the pool. Resort hop to see some theming elsewhere on property. Grab dinner at Disney Springs.

You could even use this day to try something new, like the Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, archery or horseback riding at Fort Wilderness, or fishing on the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Not Booking Any Sit-Down Meals

When you’re in a Disney Park from rope drop until park close, you’re spending a lot of time on your feet. And while I love the quick-service food options at the parks, there’s something special about the occasional sit-down meal.

Take an hour out of the sun and off your feet, and enjoy some finer dining. If you have little kids who love meeting characters, you can even book a character meal — that way, they can meet the characters without waiting in a long line.

Note: You’ll need an Advance Dining Reservation for most sit-down restaurants, which you can book 60 days before your trip (or have your Disney travel agent book, if you’d prefer).

Forgetting to Put on Sunscreen

One of the biggest mistakes families make when spending all day at Walt Disney World is not wearing enough sunscreen. Even if it’s still dark when you leave the hotel room to rope drop, lather up in sunscreen.

Photo by Cliff Wang

The Florida sun is harsh. You should be wearing sunscreen from sunup to sundown, reapplying as needed throughout the day. And if you’re sweating a lot (hello, Florida!) or riding water rides, you may need to apply more often.

Not Drinking Enough Water

The number one way to get tired on a long day at a Disney Park is not drinking enough water. Bring a refillable water bottle with you into the park, and make sure you’re drinking it throughout the day.

This is especially important if you’re not taking AC breaks, if you’re in a notoriously sunny part of the park (I see you, Toy Story Land), or if you’re overindulging in EPCOT’s World Showcase.

Not Packing Properly

Packing for a rope-drop-to-park-close day at Walt Disney World is tough. You don’t want to pack so much that your back is sore from carrying the bag all day, but you need to plan ahead for several conditions, like rain or a dead phone battery.

Here are some things you should pack in your park bag for a full day at Walt Disney World:

• Rain gear: Pack ponchos (bring these from home; buying them in the park is expensive!), an umbrella, and a change of socks in case yours get drenched.
• A portable phone charger: If you’re in charge of the group — checking ride wait times, placing mobile orders, and making Genie+ selections — your phone battery will not make it the whole day. Make sure you have a fully charged portable phone charger to keep your phone juiced. You can also buy FuelRods around Walt Disney World if you forgot your charger at home.
• Sunscreen: See my note above. Sunscreen is crucial!
• Snacks: In addition to that water bottle, pack some healthy snacks. Trail mix, protein bars, apples, and baby carrots are some of my favorites. It’s important to balance out all the sugar your kids will get from eating Mickey bars and DOLE Whips.
• Something for chafing: You’re going to walk a lot at Disney World. If you’re worried about chafing, pack Vaseline, Ben Gay, or even a stick of deodorant to help.

In addition to packing the right gear in your bag, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Prioritize function over fashion! That means breathable, lightweight clothing and comfy walking shoes.

Resisting the Urge to Take a Break

Another common mistake families make at Disney? Not listening when their bodies tell them they need a break.

I understand the urge to stay and try to do it all, especially if you don’t get down to Florida often. But if you want to enjoy your time at Disney, you need to take some breaks. For some, that might mean simply doing a few air-conditioned shows. For others, it could mean sitting on a bench and enjoying a snack or drink. But for many, that means going back to the hotel for a nap or pool time.

Listen to what your body is telling you, and recognize the signs in your kids. Their body language and behavior can signal when it’s time for a nap back at the hotel.

Sticking to a Plan Too Rigidly

But maybe the biggest mistake I’ve seen people make at Walt Disney World, especially when staying from rope drop to park close, is trying to stick to a plan. Overplanners may have a list of all the attractions they want to experience, all the snacks they want to eat, and all the characters they want to meet.

In trying to check off everything on their list, families may not stop to enjoy the now, and they certainly won’t discover any of the hidden details and unique moments awaiting at Disney. I’m all for having a plan and trying to do all the things you’ve researched. But Disney has so many amazing experiences you can simply stumble upon. I highly recommend that families be open to those experiences.

Listen to the music in each land, scour the buildings for hidden Mickeys, enjoy the beauty of the landscaping, try a snack that you’ve never heard of, or visit a ride that isn’t on any top 10 lists. Disney World has a way of surprising you, if you let it.