How to Avoid Burnout at Disney Parks

Yes- we still do a lot!

We usually have a game plan in mind to avoid burnout every time we visit Disney parks- but we are still able to do everything we want and more!

We usually come prepared with a plan and want to experience as many rides as possible! We like to rope drop AND stay late for fireworks- if we can. But instead of cramming everything into a schedule risking burnout, we prioritize the most important things and let the rest fall into place. If something doesn’t happen, we try not to sweat it and move on.

My daughter always books our lightning lane passes well in advance. Usually if you have a Disney hotel reservation you are allowed to book these one week in advance of check in (at 7am). If you are not staying on property – you can book them 3 days in advance of the first day of your scheduled park ticket. Book as early as possible since these passes fill up quickly!

We rope drop when we can. On one of our recent visits, we rope dropped Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland, AND Space Mountain. We were one of the first groups on the ride and it was so fun to experience. We then moved on to Tron- and even though it had a longer wait, we got two of the most popular rides completed very early in the morning.

We balance big days with smarter pacing

Some days are long- including fireworks! Other days, we start slower. We also take short rests in the afternoon to reset, and sit a little longer at meals. If energy dips low, we take in a show like the Country Bear Jamboree or Mickeys Philahar Magic- where we can sit out of the sun and take a few deep breaths.

Breaks didn’t have to be big

We don’t usually go back to the hotel, but instead, schedule a break in the day for a cold drink, coffee or snack in the shade. Even short pause help prevent burnout later in the day. Last year, we found a little corner during the parade – we could still see the parade and hear the music, but we were all by ourselves (and our coffee) which was amazing!

We fueled like it mattered

Disney is physically demanding! We make sure we carry water bottles, electrolytes or gatorade, a few healthy snacks, and ate real meals (not just sugar or junk food). Disney has a lot of healthy options and most quick serve and sit down restaurants, so this is actually easy to do. A few of our favorites at Magic Kingdom are Colombia Harbour House and Pinocchio Village Haus.

We also make sure we drink plenty throughout the day -before anyone feels sick or gets dehydrated.

We managed expectations

Not every moment feels magical- there are long lines, tired legs and a few blisters! But when you expect that going into the day, it doesn’t ruin the experience- it becomes part of it.

And when we return back to the hotel- we try to go to the pool, even if it’s for 10-15 minutes. This seems to calm and refresh sore muscles from miles of walking and hours of standing.

When I’m trying to survive long park days without feeling completely drained, these are few Amazon items my family and I relay on to stay comfortable, energized, and recovered.

1. Supportive walking shoes
2. Travel size pain reliever and anti-nausea meds
3. Refillable water bottle
4. Electrolyte drink packets
5. Blister prevention stick
6. Sunscreen
7. Cooling towel
8. Anti chafe balm
9. Magnesium Glycinate (for muscle and sleep support)
10. Compresssion socks (great for travel and recovery)

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See also my post on My Disney Essentials!

Thank you for being here!

HD