Disney World is filled with all things magical, majestic, and at this time of the year — MERRY! 

Holidays in Magic Kingdom

However, Disney World also has a way of managing to be the exact, polar opposite of each of those things. Seriously. We LOVE Disney World, and yet there are still things encounter that make us say, “yikes.” We encountered three different scenarios this week that were BIG red flags, and we’re here to share those as a way of shedding light on some of the things that happen pretty regularly at Disney World that aren’t so fun.

Now, before we hop into this, don’t think we’re out here just to gripe and whine. Nope, we’re here to manage folks’ expectations so that scenarios like this don’t ruin or drastically impact a first timers’ vacation. As I always say — pack your patience, and manage those expectations. 🤠 Let’s get into the red flags.

Severe weather warnings. 

Disney World is located in Central Florida, otherwise known as Random Thunderstorm City, U.S.A. Just kidding. No one calls it that. However, if you visit Disney World for at least four days at any point throughout the year, there’s a chance you’re going to be hit with random thunderstorms or at least some pretty heavy rain. Seriously, these can pop out of nowhere, and we consider ourselves lucky when we get plenty of warning, like this week!

Rain on Main Street

This week, we got the news that severe weather would likely impact Disney World over the weekend — on December 16th and 17th. Blizzard Beach, Disney World’s water park, is already closed ahead of the impending storms. These storms would be a great time to rest up at the resort, do some shopping, or heck — even brave those long lines for indoor rides at the parks.

Click here to see what’s new at Disney World’s hotels to see if you’d like to spend your rainy weekend there! 

Ride closures… while you’re stuck on the ride.

On December 15th, we were just minding our own beeswax, strolling along through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, when we noticed that things were particularly quiet over at Expedition Everest. Things were quiet, but oh, there were still people on the ride.

Doesn’t look good!

Yessiree, these folks were STUCK. We spoke with Cast Members who shared with us that the ride had been stuck for 30 (!!!) minutes (!!!) with folks on the ride. One of the trains was stuck going up the first hill, and another train was stuck at the part where you start to go backward. The good news that’s also sort of bad news? But maybe it will comfort you? This happens ALL the time. And everyone has worked and is continuing to work so hard to make sure that you are safe and snug — even as you’re trapped on a roller coaster. Just remain calm and know that everyone is doing what they can. Pinky promise.

Click here to see what else is new in Animal Kingdom

New restaurants pop up that you’ll love, love, LOVE but everyone else love, love, LOVES them, too.

Okay, this isn’t really a red flag. But. We had to end on a genuinely positive note. This week, we tried Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs for the first time, and we LOVED it. It’s a gorgeous space, the food was great, and the Cookie Bar didn’t compete with Gideon’s Bakehouse, or anything, but they were pretty tasty.

Summer House on the Lake

The only problem? It’s SO BUSY. And reservations will continue to be hard to get! So, you’ll have to be on your A-Game constantly to try to get into certain restaurants, and we have a feeling that will include Summer House on the Lake in 2024.

Click here to see what else is new in Disney Springs

Of course, there are plenty of GREEN flags and other exciting things happening in the parks each and every day. Check out ALL the new things below!

We’ll continue to keep you updated with more Disney news, so make sure to follow along for more so that you’re always in the loop.

Looking for more big Disney news? Click here! 

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WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

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What’s the biggest red flag YOU’VE ever encountered at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!