Between Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Epcot, SeaWorld and the rest of Orlando’s theme park gems, it’s not hard to fall victim to the classic tourist mess-ups. Whether you’re stopping in town for a visit or a local looking to brush up, we’ve got you covered on all the must-don’ts of Orlando’s parks.
Stay cool, go in with confidence and please, wear sunscreen. Here are the worst decisions you can make at Orlando’s theme parks.
Waiting to get the perfect photo
Snap a pic and get going with your day. Your Instagram followers have most definitely seen Cinderella’s Castle before. Credit: Photo via Walt Disney WorldBuying any kind of handheld fan or mister
The water just magnifies the sun’s rays and will burn the crap out of your face. Instead, aim for the big misting fans that’ll cool you down for free. Credit: Photo via AdobeRide Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom if you want to stay dry
You will most certainly get both wet and dizzy. Hurray! Credit: Photo via WDWMagic.comGo on Mission: SPACE’s Orange Mission at Epcot
Unless you like vomiting, then by all means go ahead! Otherwise, opt for the Green Mission. Credit: Photo via DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.comRide SeaWorld’s Pipeline: Surf Coaster unprepared for pain
Be careful if you plan on having children is all we’re saying here. Credit: photo courtesy of the author (third from left)Saying you miss Splash Mountain
We’re all for nostalgia, but it’s getting old. Let’s all agree to look forward to the ride’s jazzy future. Credit: Photo courtesy Walt Disney World/FacebookNot wearing sunglasses on Test Track at Epcot
That sunlight will get you. Credit: Photo via Google MapsRide The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride at Universal
You’ll wait in a massive line for this “gentle journey,” which is about as much thrill as walking the same distance. Credit: Photo via AdobeRide Rip Ride Rockit after a big meal
You know the drill, give your stomach some time to digest before you make yourself sick with theme park thrills. Credit: Photo via AdobeStep foot in Universal if Minions freak you out
They’re everywhere, so if you’re not a Minion enthusiast, watch out. Credit: Photo via Universal Orlando ResortRiding Skull Island: Reign of Kong
The line is much more thrilling than the actual ride. Save yourself the wait time and head over to VelociCoaster. Credit: Photo via Google MapsDropping a check on a private cabana at Volcano Bay
Prices vary, but we’re sure they’re always high and rarely worth it. Opt for a regularly reserved cabana instead. Credit: Photo via Universal Orlando ResortGet an Express pass at Universal
Time is money. Or, in this case, more opportunities to get a little queasy on really fun rides. Credit: Image via AdobePushing your kiddos to ride something they don’t want to
Let’s be honest, the Haunted Mansion can be traumatizing. Credit: Photo via DisneyWorld.Go.Disney.comLeave the park midday for a nap
You really need to conserve some energy to make it to a fireworks show. Credit: Photo via AdobeNot being cautious of kids running around
You might just end up like this scooter user who, unfortunately, was not paying attention to where they were going. Credit: screenshot via TikTok user @igotz2pArrive at rope drop
There’s no time to be wasted; get to Orlando theme parks right when they open. Credit: Photo via WikipediaGrab your morning coffee before you enter the parks
Lines at on-site Starbucks locations, like this one in Animal Kingdom, get a little hectic. Credit: Photo via DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.comForgetting to take a photo of your parking spot
Looking for a lost car in the midday Central Florida sun is not the way you want to come back to reality after a day of magic. Credit: Photo via AdobeUse Virtual Line to ride Tron at Disney World
The lines here pile up, so get in any way you can. Credit: Photo via DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.comTake advantage of SeaWorld’s free beer deal
Dress the kids, pack up the lunch bags and head over to the aquatic park of a lifetime. And then drink away the stress with their summer-only beer deals. Credit: Courtesy photoWearing Hogwarts robes in the summer heat
The real Hogwarts definitely had a gentle breeze going on. We, unfortunately, do not. Credit: Photo via Universal Orlando Resort/FacebookStarting at Mexico when drinking around the world at Epcot
You’ll go too hard, too fast. Pace yourself and start out with a gentle lager over in Canada. Credit: Photo via Wally Gobetz/Flickr
