8 things I'll never do at Disney World after visiting over 100 times

Families on a budget, including my own when I was a kid, often stay at Disney's All-Star Resorts. I recently stayed at All-Star Movies because it was the cheapest option for my trip.

My room was clean and quiet, but I didn't like the lack of restaurant options. Additionally, the only complimentary transportation option to and from the parks is the Disney buses. Other value resorts like Pop Century and Art of Animation at least have access to the Disney Skyliner gondola system.

I'd rather spend a little bit of extra money to stay at a "moderate" resort, like Disney's Caribbean Beach, for the nicer amenities and better park access.

Epcot has enough attractions to please almost everyone in the family. But I recently went on Mission: Space and was reminded why I don't like the ride.

After walking through the queue and getting some "training" via a short informational video, I was loaded into a capsule for our virtual mission to Mars.

The ride started off slow by tilting back so it felt like I was laying down for our virtual rocket launch. Then the G-forces hit, and I felt a little bit nauseous. I couldn't wait for the ride to be over so I could get out of the confined space.

Next time I want a thrill at Epcot, I'll hop in the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind instead.

After seeing so many cool pictures and videos of the restaurant's glass aquarium wall, I always wanted to try Coral Reef in the Seas With Nemo and Friends pavilion.

When I finally made a reservation, I thought the food was decent and the service was good. But I was sad that there are only a few prized tables up against the aquarium glass for prime animal viewing. I wasn't sitting anywhere close to the tank.

I don't regret trying it, but it was expensive, and I think the overall experience is really determined by where you sit. I'd rather make reservations at Biergarten in Epcot's World Showcase where the food is good and everyone can see the entertainment offerings.

Hollywood Studios is my favorite park at Disney World. On a recent visit, I was able to eat at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant for the first time in a long time.

Shortly after checking in, I was seated in a swanky dining room. I tried the Cobb salad ($22) and the grapefruit cake ($13), both of which were staple items at the original Brown Derby in Hollywood, California.

The dishes were light and flavorful, and my service was prompt, making for a nice leisurely lunch.

But then I discovered the outdoor section of the restaurant, the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, has those two dishes plus a small menu of lounge-only options.

The lounge is first-come, first-served, but it's often easy to get into without a reservation. That means I can dine when I want instead of deciding 60 days in advance when dining reservations open up.

One of my least favorite rides at Disney World is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom. Almost every time I walk by, the line is wrapped around the exterior of the coaster, with waits of 80 minutes or more.

Even when I could snag a pass for the expedited line, I still never thought the ride was worth the wait.

The actual ride vehicles are not comfortable to sit in. The lap bars dig into my legs, and my knees virtually touch the front barrier of the row.

I get that the ride is intended for kids who aren't quite ready for big thrills like Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. But I still don't think the attraction is that exciting or worth more than a 30-minute wait.

Disney World is known for its over-the-top food creations, including the Kitchen Sink sundae ($36) at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop in the Beach Club Resort.

The massive sundae has eight scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, peanut butter, Snickers pieces, brownies, and several other toppings, including a whole can of whipped cream.

When I ordered it with my family, our server announced that we were taking on the challenge, and sirens with lights started going off in the restaurant. We gave it our best shot, but we didn't finish it.

I don't really feel the need to do it again.

One of the best attractions at Disney World is Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom. After boarding a safari truck, you ride through different ecosystems, including wetlands, rivers, and a large savanna.

The free-roaming animals are a major draw since every journey is different. But on a recent visit to the park, I made the mistake of riding it late in the afternoon when most of the animals weren't very active, likely because of the heat.

Next time I go to the park, I'll make sure to ride it first thing in the morning. Alternatively, I've heard that some of the animals are also lively during afternoon rain showers.

The Emporium at Magic Kingdom is a gold mine of Disney merchandise, but it's usually very crowded from the time the park opens until well after the official closing.

Instead of pushing my way through crowds of people to find the perfect souvenir, I usually go to World of Disney at Disney Springs instead.

World of Disney is the largest merchandise spot on the property. When Disney Springs opens at 10 a.m., the store usually isn't busy, and I can browse at my leisure without feeling rushed.

This story was originally published in August 2023 and most recently updated on August 8, 2024.