There’s Only ONE Problem You Need To Be Worried About in Disney World

You’ve probably heard that there’s a LOT that can go wrong in Disney World — long lines, shut-down rides, and unpredictable weather are just a few of the issues that people complain about all the time. It can be scary to plan your trip with so many potential pitfalls, but we have some GREAT news for you: there’s actually only ONE problem that you need to be worried about!

Cinderella Castle

So take a deep breath — in…..and out. It’s all going to be OK! Just one problem? Psh, that’s easy to handle. And we’ve even got a few solutions for ya just in case you do run into this issue! Come on — we’ll walk you through it.

It’s true that there’s a lot that can potentially go wrong during a Disney World vacation. However, with a little research and planning, you can overcome just about any obstacle. Scroll to the end of this post to find several complete guides that will help you overcome ALL the Disney World problems…all but ONE, that is.

EPCOT

Sounds ominous, right? We have to admit, this issue sometimes even derails our OWN vacations! So here it is.

The Problem: Technology Glitches

That’s right. The one near-unsolvable Disney World problem is not crowds or long lines or even hurricanes. It’s technology.

My Disney Experience

Seriously, this might be Disney World’s kryptonite. We’ve seen plenty of times when technology glitches and it messes up people’s days in the parks. It could be that Disney’s dining reservation system goes down or Genie+ randomly isn’t working. Maybe your MagicBand refuses to link to your Lightning Lane or hotel reservations. Maybe the My Disney Experience app crashes completely.

Turnstyles

In a place that relies so heavily on several different technological systems working together, there are unfortunately a lot of ways for things to go wrong.

So if your vacation is plagued with technological disasters, are you just out of luck? Not quite.

Possible Solutions

Here’s our disclaimer: unfortunately, there’s not usually a lot that you can do if Disney World’s app isn’t working or their technology refuses to cooperate. Generally, we just have to wait it out and hope that everything returns to running smoothly soon. However, we have learned a thing or two from our experiences, and we’re happy to share those tips with you in case they help!

©Disney

First, start talking to Disney ASAP when you discover a problem. If you’re at a Disney World hotel or at one of the parks, you should head to Guest Services or just track down the nearest Cast Member. They might know what’s going on and be able to fix the problem for you.

Guest Services tent

If you’re not in the parks, you can call Disney’s customer service line or chat virtually with a Cast Member.

Make sure you take plenty of screenshots on your phone when you run into trouble. You might want to have some examples of the problem you’re experiencing, and it never hurts to have some proof that the system is the problem and it’s not a user error.

Guest Services in EPCOT

If all else fails, know that there can always be a Plan B. Things aren’t working out? Just take a page out of your GPS’s book and “recalculate.” Here are some possible alternative plans for a couple of common tech problems:

If Genie+ Isn’t Working: Talk to guest services about getting a refund for your purchase and then use these tricks to get on popular rides without waiting a super long time —

  • Rope Drop in the morning — be at the park you want to visit at least a half hour before it opens, and then head straight for the ride you most want to go on! Usually you’ll have at least a little while of low wait times before those lines really start to grow. (Remember that Disney World hotel guests can get into the theme parks a half hour before the official opening time!)
  • Stay late — we frequently see ride wait times drop just before the parks close. Generally, Cast Members will let you stay in line and go on the ride as long as you’re in the queue before the park’s closing time. Don’t forget that Magic Kingdom is usually open for at least an hour after the fireworks show! Most people head out right after the show, so you can get on lots of good rides in that time.
  • Go on rides during parade times in Magic Kingdom — while everyone else is watching the parade, you can hop into some short lines and go on rides instead!

Magic Kingdom at night

If Dining Reservations Aren’t Working: Many Disney World restaurants offer a walk-up waitlist. You can join in person if you’re already there (just go up to the host stand and talk to the Cast Members), or you can join via the My Disney Experience app. The app should give you an estimated wait time so you can plan accordingly.

Look for this Walk-Up Waitlist sign!

If walk-up waitlists don’t work out, remember that there are some really great quick service restaurants in Disney World, and you don’t need any reservations at all for those.

Click here to see the BEST quick service restaurants in Disney World.

If Mobile Order Isn’t Working: Mobile Order is a really handy feature in the My Disney Experience app that allows you to pre-order your food and schedule a time to pick it up. You’ll get to skip the line when you return to get it! However, if the app feature isn’t working, the only option is going to be that line. You can hop in the queue and order from the Cast Members the old-fashioned way 😉.

Mobile Order

We hope that helps if you do encounter any of those dreaded technology glitches on your next trip! To help with other possible pitfalls, check out these complete guides.

Complete Guides to Help You Avoid Any Other Problems

Worried about using Genie+ in Disney World?

Genie+

Check out our complete guide so that you’re an expert before your vacation!

The COMPLETE Guide To Using Genie, Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lanes in Disney World

One of the scariest things about Disney World is the CROWDS.

Magic Kingdom

Sometimes those crowds can be unpredictable, but check out this complete guide to make that not even matter for your trip!

Disney World Crowds Have Gotten Unpredictable — Here’s How To Make That Not Matter

Making Advanced Dining Reservations for your Disney World trip doesn’t have to be scary!

The Grand Ballroom in Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant — A 2-Credit Signature Meal

Here’s our step-by-step guide to get you started.

How To Make Dining Reservations at Disney World

Worried about bad weather ruining your Disney World vacation?

Stormy weather in Disney World

Check out this guide to help you plan ahead.

Does Disney World Close When It Rains? What Should You Do?

Can’t decide which hotel is right for you?

Art of Animation

We can help with that, too!

Which Disney World Hotel Is Best for YOU?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the FOOD options in Disney World, we’ve got a LOT of resources to help you out. You can check out our Ultimate Guide to Walt Disney World Food, or — for an even more in-depth look at dining in Disney World — check out our DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. We’ve got a special discount code for DFB readers, too! Use WDW2023 at checkout for 25% off!

Grab the DFB Guide!

And if you’re feeling completely overwhelmed by the whole dang thing, we have just the thing for you: an ultimate guide to planning a Disney World trip.

Click here to see our ULTIMATE guide to planning a Disney World vacation!

Stay tuned to DFB for more updates on all the latest Disney news, along with planning tips and tricks!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.


Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Save 25% on the 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining with code WDW2023.

Have you run into any technology problems in Disney World? Let us know in the comments.

The post There’s Only ONE Problem You Need To Be Worried About in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.