Sometimes, things happen on a Disney World vacation that are completely out of your control!

Magic Kingdom

We talk a lot about what to do when things go wrong during your Disney World vacation and what to pack to set you up for a successful day in the parks, but we know that even with a LOT of preparation, you can still run into problems. We’ve rounded up a list of things that could easily take your day downhill…until you realize there may be a chance to FIX those pesky problems!

You’ve planned and calculated, and you may even have a spreadsheet (or several) outlining every minute of your Disney World trip in advance. However, sometimes, that’s just not the way the cards fall for you during your trip.

Hollywood Studios Crowds

Let’s take a look at 5 different scenarios that could lead to major problems if you’re not aware that there’s a potential course correction out there for them!

No Dining Reservation? Try for a Walk-up Reservation!

It can be one of the most disappointing feelings when you can’t get the reservation you had your heart set on. Those popular restaurants fill up QUICKLY. But there might be another solution!

Ask about walk-up availability!

Plenty of things can happen before your Disney World trip ends that could free up some last-minute reservations. Not every Disney World trip goes as planned for everyone; you never know when (or why) someone may cancel a reservation. Continue to check the My Disney Experience app or ask about walk-ups available at your preferred restaurant and see if someone else’s loss could be your gain!

No time for a sit-down meal? Mobile Order!

Don’t think you’ll have time to sit down for a big meal or even stand in line for that matter? We’ve got just the trick to teach you!

Try mobile order

If you have a decent idea of when you’re looking to stop to eat and know that in advance, you may be able to place a mobile order and set a time to pick up your meal that will work with your plans. This could save you crucial time and keep you from waiting in long lines while also picking a time that works best with your schedule (bonus points to you if you’re able to strategize a time to eat that’s not during peak times)!

Your first preferred transportation goes down? Try an alternate!

Hey, we get it — it’s not the ideal situation, and things happen. You might be in “the most magical place on Earth,” but that doesn’t mean that transportation doesn’t break down or close from time to time.

The Skyliner is CLOSED

Chances are, when this happens (such as the weather affecting the Skyliner or the monorail experiencing delays), Cast Members will be around to assist you in finding what your next nearest transportation service will be. Most of the time that will be bus transportation, however, each situation independently will determine the options available to you at that moment!

Ride breaks down and you need to be evacuated? You’ll probably get a Multi-experience Lightning Lane for another ride or try to ride the same ride later.

While we’re on the subject of things not working, it’s worth mentioning that it happens to the rides, too! From time to time, you could experience attraction closures and delays that can affect your plans while visiting Disney World. When this happens, what are your next steps?

Oh ya know, just walking the ghost dog while we wait

Well, the most plausible outcome is you’ll be escorted or ushered by Cast Members safely off of the ride or out of the line and brought to a waiting Cast Member. Then, you’ll likely be offered a Multi-experience Lightning Lane that can be used at several other attractions throughout the park (but it is also likely that it won’t work at a few of the park’s attractions, too).

Click here to learn more about Multi-experience Lightning Lanes

Miss the 7AM virtual queue? Try again at 1PM!

Another frustrating scenario you can encounter is not being quick enough to join the virtual queue when it opens early in the morning. When this happens, you could be tempted to completely give up…we’re here to encourage you NOT to do that so quickly!

Try again at 1PM

Hear us out — if you’ve missed the initial window to grab a virtual queue for a ride, there’s another virtual queue drop the same day to try again. Those that weren’t able to secure a virtual queue spot earlier in the day will be able to try again at 1PM as long as you’ve scanned into the preferred park before you attempt again. We’re also reminding you that if you’re trying for more than just you to ride, this will only be possible if EVERYONE who intends to ride has already scanned into the preferred ride’s park before the 1PM drop (or you could be riding by yourself)!

We’re always passing along our best tips and tricks to help you have the best Disney World vacation yet! Be sure to stay tuned with us for all the latest Disney news, updates, and more!

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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!

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Have you ever experienced any problems at Disney World that seemed to work themselves out in the long run? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below!