Help - Park rules - what they don't tell you

[cleocat30]

Some time ago, I came across a site that told you things that Disney doesn't make public. For example, they will give you free cups of ice at any concession stand. I'm looking to find out things like this.

I'm also wondering if there are rules regarding what you can and can't bring into the parks. I know some places don't let you bring backpacks...other's don't let you bring your own food. What's the Disney rule on this type of stuff.

Thanks!!!
Lisa

[sistertrip]

Good questions, Lisa!

One of my own - for the free ice, do you have to purchase something first?

[cleocat30]

I read about the free ice thing in one of the books I bought. I'm pretty sure you don't have to buy anything. They want to make sure their guests aren't dropping from heat stroke and/or dehydration.

:)

Lisa

[dbk1029]

Well last year when my family and I were at Disney World none of the places prevented backpacks from being brought in. We had one backpack in which we packed snacks and those little single serving tea/lemonade mixes (to use in the bottled water). Funny thing is we never really ate the snacks as we found McDonalds fry stands :) .

We also heard about the ice and ice water rule. If I recall they wouldn't fill up one of our sports bottles but did give us the ice water in a cup. Which we then poured into the sports bottle.

[ZoZo]

I stopped lugging around a heavy water bottle last October when I found out that any restaurant (CS or TS) will give you a cup of ice water whenever you want, even if you don't order something to eat there. It's "good" water (not the tap water like they have in the drinking fountains, which I don't like the taste of).

You can bring in backpacks/bags with stuff, but they will search them when you arrive. You can also bring in "outside" food and beverages. Great way to save money, since you can bring snacks that are much less expensive.

If you rip or tear your WDW rain poncho, you can turn it in for a free replacement!

Most stores carry "sundry" items (aspirin, band-aids, etc.) for sale behind the counter. Even if them item you need is not on display in the store, chances are they carry it. Just ask.

If you buy something from a WDW store and change your mind, you can return the item to any WDW store for a refund. This is something I found out quite by accident, and it's very helpful. I have learned to buy things I want when I see them (since I might not see the item anywhere else in the WDW stores!), but if you find something else you like better and want to return your original item, any of the stores (including your WDW hotel gift shop) will issue a refund.

[Pungodingy]

any more??

[VickiB31]

bring it with you. Chewing gum is not sold anywhere in the "World." (Too much work for maintenance.)

[DebbieTN]

If you need pain reliever, bandaids, antacids and things like that, go to the First Aid and they will give them to you for free. You just have to sign for them. On my last trip, I had two big bug bites that were itiching like crazy and they gave me medicine to put on them.

And the water thing- they will give you free cups of ice and water. I always get a cup of ice water with my meals, but they will give you one even if you don't buy anything.

[taximomfor4]

wagons, rollerskates, and rolling backpacks are prohibited.

HTH!

[aubriee]

wagons, rollerskates, and rolling backpacks are prohibited.

HTH!

However there were LOTS of rolling backpacks when we were there in May, so they don't always enforce the rules.

[TinaLala]

The guards stopped us at the gate with our wagon - cause we were at fort wilderness camping....sorry ma'am, we don't allow our guests to pull anything - push all you want, but no pulling

[disneymom06]

While this is not free, when at CS locations, we always request soda without ice and then I ask for the ice in a cup. You would be surprised how much soda you really don't get when they fill up the cup with ice before they put in the soda. We now order less soda.

[seashoreCM]

I thought they stopped giving away cups with ice or water for free -- but I suppose they don't want to serve the ice or water into a possibly unclean guest-owned container. Whereas if they supply the cup, they don't have to assume responsibility for what the guest does next.

You don't need ice to prevent dehydration, water from any drinking fountain will do.

I never understood those skate-shoes with a single wheel, in the heel. If I wore them and tried to skate, I'd be down on my rump with my feet up in the air in front in no time.

The printed rule prohibiting food has no value other than to protect restaurant sales. I believe this rule is never enforced. Sandwiches and most prepared food should not be left in the hot car for any significant length of time.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

[snyderla]

In Sept 2005 my brother was stopped at Disney Studios while he was carrying my niece on his shoulders and was told they do not allow that in the parks. They said it was dangerous. I guess it could be bad if she fell. But we had never experienced that anywhere. There quite a few dads carrying kids on their shoulders.

Lori

[BroadwayGirl]

However there were LOTS of rolling backpacks when we were there in May, so they don't always enforce the rules.

Unfortunately, some guests can be told that something is prohibited several times but as soon as a CM is out of sight they are breaking the rules again.

Just like those ridiculous and dangerous wheelie shoes. Roller skating is not allowed in the parks but those wheelie shoes make it very hard to enforce. A CM can tell a brat, er kid, to stop, however, once again the kids will be skating away as soon as the CM's back is turned. Sadly, most of their parents don't seem to care whether their offspring follow the rules or not.

[DanenRox]

You know all of the outside booths in World Showcase that sell cocktails and beer? Well, many a WDW evening has been spent visiting these booths, making small talk with the CM's from foriegn lands, tipping them for their services. When we went to the "America" booth, however, and tried to tip, the CM's said "Oh, we're not allowed to take tips." We asked why the other countries could accept tips and they replied "they're not supposed to".
Hmmmmm.

[luvthatduke]

Last year someone posted that you don't have
to worry about finding the exact same item
cheaper somewhere else in the World.
Said that if one item is $____ at Epcot,
it's the same in the MK, same at resort store, etc.
DH and I remembered this and discovered it was true
for the few things we thought about and noticed.
I liked this tip because it kept me, the chief bargain-hunter,
from wasting time seeing if I could save a couple of bucks! :thumbsup2

[Hockeymommy]

Unfortunately, some guests can be told that something is prohibited several times but as soon as a CM is out of sight they are breaking the rules again.

Just like those ridiculous and dangerous wheelie shoes. Roller skating is not allowed in the parks but those wheelie shoes make it very hard to enforce. A CM can tell a brat, er kid, to stop, however, once again the kids will be skating away as soon as the CM's back is turned. Sadly, most of their parents don't seem to care whether their offspring follow the rules or not.

I have to say I really am offended by your snide remarks! First and foremost my children are NOT brats due to the fact that they wear Heelys. Secondly, you should not assume that most parents don't care if their children follow rules or not. Both of my kids have these type of shoes, they love them! As with all of their things they come with rules which must be followed at all times or they will have a consequence. I not only care that my children follow my rules but also the rules of anyone else they are with or anywhere else we go. Kids will be kids, have you heard that one before? For them it's all a learning curve at this point, you know learn as you go. By the tone of your post I would venture a guess that you don't have any children, either that or you don't like the ones you have. :sad2:

If kids are that bothersome to you why are you going to WDW? Typically there tend to be a lot of families there. I hope all of the ones you come in contact with are as perfect as you must have been in your younger years. :(

[SueM in MN]

Secondly, you should not assume that most parents don't care if their children follow rules or not. Both of my kids have these type of shoes, they love them! As with all of their things they come with rules which must be followed at all times or they will have a consequence. I not only care that my children follow my rules but also the rules of anyone else they are with or anywhere else we go.
I like how you stated it, and it would be nice if everyone did the same.
But I think the poster who made the kind of snide remarks has seen things like I have seen repeatedly and was reacting to that. Things like:
- children with heelies stop rolling when the CM tells them to, but then start again if the CM is in view. i have even seen the adult with them (maybe parent, maybe not) warn the child when a CM is coming so they can temporarily stop.
- children sitting on lean bars; told to get off by a CM, they do, but as soon as the CM is out of sight, the adult with them even helps the child to get back on the bar
- adults with rolling backpacks or even full sized suitcases being told that rolling it is not allowed, as soon as the CM is out of sight, they put it down and roll it again. That's a pretty powerful message to the children with them that rules don't have to be followed.

[SueM in MN]

I thought they stopped giving away cups with ice or water for free -- but I suppose they don't want to serve the ice or water into a possibly unclean guest-owned container. Whereas if they supply the cup, they don't have to assume responsibility for what the guest does next.
The concern with filling a guest's container right from the ice would be that the container is not necessarily clean and the ice dispensor could get contaminated from the guest's container. By using a clean cup or conainer, they cut the risk of contaminating the rest of the ice.
So, if they are not using a clean cup to get the ice, they are doing it wrong from an Infection Control standpoint.
You don't need ice to prevent dehydration, water from any drinking fountain will do.
::yes::
In fact if it's very hot outside, drinking water that is too cold can cause cramps.
The printed rule prohibiting food has no value other than to protect restaurant sales. I believe this rule is never enforced.
The 'official' reason is that they don't have any picnic facilities (which they probably don't provide to 'encourage' use of the restaurants.
I do remember in the 1980s going into restaurants and seeing a lot of the tables filled with people who were basically picnicing and had not bought any food. CMs would tell them that the tables were for use of guests who were buying food at the restaurant.
What I've seen more recently is guests who have a mixture of food they have brought in and food they bought at the restaurant. That's perfectly acceptable from what I can tell.
Sandwiches and most prepared food should not be left in the hot car for any significant length of time.
or in hot lockers either.

[Deebo]

I have to say I really am offended by your snide remarks! First and foremost my children are NOT brats due to the fact that they wear Heelys.

. :(

I don't think that BroadwayGirl (whose original post you were responding to)was calling ALL Heely-wearing children 'brats' -- just those who choose to wear their Heelys with wheels in Disney parks, where skating is prohibited.

I looked up 'brat' in Webster's dictionary, and here is the definition: 'an ill-mannered annoying child'. :teacher: I think a child who is skating through a park where skating is prohibited would fit this definition.

I know we don't all agree on every subject, but I honestly do not think BroadwayGirl's remarks about this were out of line. Surely you do not allow YOUR children to wear Heelys in Disney parks, since we all know that Disney prohibits skating in the parks. Therefore, she couldn't possibly have been referring to your children. ;)

[Hockeymommy]

I don't think that BroadwayGirl (whose original post you were responding to)was calling ALL Heely-wearing children 'brats' -- just those who choose to wear their Heelys with wheels in Disney parks, where skating is prohibited.

I looked up 'brat' in Webster's dictionary, and here is the definition: 'an ill-mannered annoying child'. :teacher: I think a child who is skating through a park where skating is prohibited would fit this definition.

I know we don't all agree on every subject, but I honestly do not think BroadwayGirl's remarks about this were out of line. Surely you do not allow YOUR children to wear Heelys in Disney parks, since we all know that Disney prohibits skating in the parks. Therefore, she couldn't possibly have been referring to your children. ;)

I think she made her feelings well known when she called the shoes ridiculous and dangerous. I would never have thought to bring them to WDW with us this year before this post, but honestly I would have no problem with them wearing them on vacation to WDW or anywhere else (if it we not against the rules). If the kids know how to use them properly they are no more dangerous than a bike or a woman in high heels. Both of my kids play ice hockey so for them these shoes are no different than being on their thin bladed skates, it's just second nature. I'm sure that you have seen some kids that have no idea how to use them and so there comes in the issue. :)

[luvthatduke]

Couldn't resist contributing to the Heely conversation,
here's a link from elsewhere on the TIPS Board:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1165448

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Just like those ridiculous and dangerous wheelie shoes. Roller skating is not allowed in the parks but those wheelie shoes make it very hard to enforce. A CM can tell a brat, er kid, to stop, however, once again the kids will be skating away as soon as the CM's back is turned. Sadly, most of their parents don't seem to care whether their offspring follow the rules or not.


how true this entire statement is! ::yes::

[RickinNYC]

I think she made her feelings well known when she called the shoes ridiculous and dangerous. I would never have thought to bring them to WDW with us this year before this post, but honestly I would have no problem with them wearing them on vacation to WDW or anywhere else (if it we not against the rules). If the kids know how to use them properly they are no more dangerous than a bike or a woman in high heels. Both of my kids play ice hockey so for them these shoes are no different than being on their thin bladed skates, it's just second nature. I'm sure that you have seen some kids that have no idea how to use them and so there comes in the issue. :)

I think you need to tone down your defensiveness several notches. She made a statement that EVERYONE can admit, even you did as much in your other post, that there are quite a few kids out there who disregard rules and skate when CM's aren't looking. I've seen it more times than I can count. It wasn't a personal attack at you or your kids.

Oh, and if you want to make sure folks don't make general statements that you personally deem offensive, might I suggest you do the very same? You stated that perhaps that poster didn't have kids, hence her comment. Sorry, but one does not have to have kids to have a little common sense and courtesy.

[neverenufdisney]

thanks for all the info... my dh always carrys a dd on his shoulders i will have to put the kabosh on that :teacher:

[PocahontasLookALike]

IMO, if parents are aware (by reading this board or other means) then they should not allow their children to wear the wheels while at the park. Plain and simple.

[TruBlu]

I have kids. I love them very much. IMHO if kids disobey a CM and continue with a dangerous activity (that could hurt other guests) it is fair to call them BRATS.

[Deebo]

I think you need to tone down your defensiveness several notches. She made a statement that EVERYONE can admit, even you did as much in your other post, that there are quite a few kids out there who disregard rules and skate when CM's aren't looking. I've seen it more times than I can count. It wasn't a personal attack at you or your kids.

Oh, and if you want to make sure folks don't make general statements that you personally deem offensive, might I suggest you do the very same? You stated that perhaps that poster didn't have kids, hence her comment. Sorry, but one does not have to have kids to have a little common sense and courtesy.


Well said!! :thumbsup2

[twinklebug]

IMO, if parents are aware (by reading this board or other means) then they should not allow their children to wear the wheels while at the park. Plain and simple.

Check. :goodvibes Although my mom just bought a pair for my son's b-day today (probably against my better judgement), you will not find my baby goat wearing them in the parks... saves weight in the luggage too :thumbsup2

[ZoZo]

Back to the original question: :)

One thing I found out last year is that it's surprisingly hard to get from one of the parks to Downtown Disney (using Disney transportation) in a reasonable amount of time.

I tried to go from Epcot to DTD, and it took well over an hour before I finally gave up! Thought it would be best to take the monorail part of the way (to the TTC), switch to the other monorail, go to the Contemporary, then wait for their shuttle bus. I finally gave up after waiting for the bus quite a while (total time in transit: one hour, twenty minutes, and I still didn't get there!).

The best way to get to DTD using Disney transportation is from your resort, not from one of the parks. Lesson learned!

[luvthatduke]

Another 'secret' you may only find on the DIS boards:
If you need to buy milk, it's nearly always cheaper
in the resort gift shop vs. the food court!
It was true last year when we stayed at ASMo.

Also, if you're riding Spaceship Earth (Epcot)
or the People Mover/TTA (MK - remembered the new name :idea: )
you are usually welcome to stay put and ride it again (and again...),
provided there's not a huge line waiting.
Heck, even if there was a line as long as it was moving they let us stay on,
but we were very polite when asking & would not have minded getting off/on.
Just get a CM's attention when you get to the end.
Our DS loved just riding those rides around & around,
it was relaxing, it was a cool break, and we enjoyed it :) .
This may apply to other rides, as well!

[WantToGoNow]

We found out something last trip. My dh managed to rip the seat out of his pants at the MK. We went into the First Aid Center and they have needles and thread and even offered to sew them for him. Now they did have to joke a bit about it.

[tatooed goofy]

The strap bottle holders that are $3.?or so are well worth it. They will hold a water bottle you can keep refilling with the ice cups. They are easy to wear and not a bother. Well worth the money. We did the ice all the time. They were really nice about it.
They will send whatever you buy to your resort for free. That way you don't have to carry it around the parks.

[MEG&MINNIE]

For those of you with infants and toddlers , I remember there being a large "water cooler" inside of the baby changing area when we went in to use the facilities. We did fill a few of our water bottles there when dd was a toddler. :thumbsup2
Also, they will not photograph you standing with a character unless you are covered-up with a shirt. The lady in front of us one time,was wearing just her bathing suit top and they made her step aside and put on her shirt :thumbsup2

[twinklebug]

We found out something last trip. My dh managed to rip the seat out of his pants at the MK. We went into the First Aid Center and they have needles and thread and even offered to sew them for him. Now they did have to joke a bit about it.

I've always had the impression that the first aid center would take the magic out of the trip. I know they don't have Minnie darting about in a nurses outfit, but Is it Dr. Office like?

What did they give him to wrap up in while being repaired? I'm wondering if something even more embarrasing were to happen if they'd have a solution for that or if it's a "too bad" situation.

[iHEARTflorida]

However there were LOTS of rolling backpacks when we were there in May, so they don't always enforce the rules.

the same with clothing they say t-shirts and shoea t all times, but i wear a bikini top and they have never enforeced the rule aparted from once at epcot last year, when after we had entered the park a CM asked me if i had a t-shirt, and if i could please wear it.

so then after that i didn't wear a bikini top at any of the disney parks, but i saw loads of other people wearing theirs, so i dont wear one at epcot now

[WantToGoNow]

I've always had the impression that the first aid center would take the magic out of the trip. I know they don't have Minnie darting about in a nurses outfit, but Is it Dr. Office like?

What did they give him to wrap up in while being repaired? I'm wondering if something even more embarrasing were to happen if they'd have a solution for that or if it's a "too bad" situation.


It was set up more like the pre-op section or ER of a hospital -- with curtains separating the beds and chairs. There were probably 10-12 little "rooms". There were actually several people in there "resting" while we there. The nurses kept going back to check on them and asking if they needed anything. They did give my dh a blanket to put over his bottom half while I stitched up the pants.

On a sad point, as we were leaving a wife and 2 little children came up. Apparently, the little boy (maybe 5 or 6) had done something to tick off daddy and daddy had hit him hard busting his lip and then left the wife and kids. I got the impression they were staying off site. They called a paramedic to come take the little boy to the hospital to get stitches (he was bleeding badly) and assured the mother that they would arrange a taxi to take her back to the hotel/villa.

[MELSMICE]

On a sad point, as we were leaving a wife and 2 little children came up. Apparently, the little boy (maybe 5 or 6) had done something to tick off daddy and daddy had hit him hard busting his lip and then left the wife and kids. I got the impression they were staying off site. They called a paramedic to come take the little boy to the hospital to get stitches (he was bleeding badly) and assured the mother that they would arrange a taxi to take her back to the hotel/villa.

That is, indeed, very sad. :sad2:

[CanadianPaco]

What started off as an interesting read, became exhausting and then quite sad!

[Tiger926]

Another tip is that gas is cheaper at the Hess stations on property than off! We are amazed at the amount of people who gas up right outside Downtown Disney on SR535, when the Hess station seconds down the street is .25-35 cheaper! We always rent a car, so my hubby and I really pay attention to gas prices. We stay at Saratoga being that we are DVC members, so gassing up is not only cheaper but very convenient!

Regarding Florida water - Another tip we found out is that some Disney restaurants (not all as many DIS people report on these boards) filter their h20. We have allergies and sensitivities, so we can't drink tap water, so we always notice the water right away. A lot of table service restaurants use filtered water which tastes great. Remember too, if you can't drink the water, you then can't use the ice as they use the same water to make the ice! We see lots of people in the parks forgetting about this and then complaining about the taste of the ice in their juice or pop.

Have a great vacation, Tiger

[kimis]

Something else you may not know. WDW will ship anything (except food) to your home or to someone elses' home very cheaply. We did this on our last trip. You have to save the reciepts to prove you bought the items there plus that is how they figure out how much you owe to ship it. We shipped a pretty good size box from our WDW resort to Kansas to my son's family for only $10.00. That was a huge bargain. Plus if you have the items shipped straight from the store to out of state you don't have to pay taxes. Of course this allows you to buy more since you don't have to carry it home. So you see it benefits us and WDW. Have fun!

[MEG&MINNIE]

Something else you may not know. WDW will ship anything (except food) to your home or to someone elses' home very cheaply. We did this on our last trip. You have to save the reciepts to prove you bought the items there plus that is how they figure out how much you owe to ship it. We shipped a pretty good size box from our WDW resort to Kansas to my son's family for only $10.00. That was a huge bargain. Plus if you have the items shipped straight from the store to out of state you don't have to pay taxes. Of course this allows you to buy more since you don't have to carry it home. So you see it benefits us and WDW. Have fun!
Great tip :thumbsup2 Who does all the packing ...the store @ your resort , the front desk or you (the buyer)??? I think this would would cut down a awful lot when trying to pack all your stuff to go home. THANKS !!!

[Syrreal]

They will send whatever you buy to your resort for free. That way you don't have to carry it around the parks.

They can only do this until 2 days before you leave because the item will get to your resort the day after you buy it. So, if you are leaving on Sunday, the last day you can do this is Friday.

[FlaNative]

so then after that i didn't wear a bikini top at any of the disney parks, so i dont wear one at epcot now

So on your August trip to epcot, I bet you're really going to surprise the CM when you take off your t-shirt. :rotfl2:

[LuvN~Travel]

The last time we went we bought the WDW mister fans, and didn't take long to find out that we could refill them with ice and water from any of the stands that sold them. Sure helped! Though I don't know if they would let you with fans that were purchased outside the parks.
Kim

[kimbac3]

I've always had the impression that the first aid center would take the magic out of the trip. I know they don't have Minnie darting about in a nurses outfit, but Is it Dr. Office like?

What did they give him to wrap up in while being repaired? I'm wondering if something even more embarrasing were to happen if they'd have a solution for that or if it's a "too bad" situation.

First Aid put the magic BACK into our trip pixiedust: . DD7 got a very high fever on our last day. It was about 10am and we were in MGM. We had a full day of hopping planned for our last day. I could just tell by the look in her eyes that she had a fever. We were staying offsite (where my kid's tylenol was :confused3 ) so I decided to check First Aid. They were wonderful with her! They took her temp.(103!) and gave her some motrin. She wasn't in the mood to drink or take the pills till the told her that the lemon power aide is Cinderella's favorite and that's the official drink of Princesses princess:
They even gave me some pills to take with me for later. They were great and we were able to enjoy our last day!
Kimba

[PottersMom]

broadway girl vs. Hockeymommy- totally OT
I work in a huge bookstore in a very popular tourist destination/retirement area. We have a very uniue mix of bratty kids and old people- occaisionally I see kids wearing those "heely" shoes and my personal reaction is mixed- as in I can't decide if I should throttle the child wearing them or the parent who bought them first! be offended by my comments- I'm offended by the dang shoes! Any parent that would allow a child to wear them in any place where there are likely to be a lot of people is clearly not using common sense. It's not "hockey rink", its a theme park/school/grocerystore/bookstore- whatever. I can't tell you how many times I have had a kid whiz by me at top speed when I am trying to work, or worse nearly miss a little old lady with a walker! even after they have been told to stop- and I guarantee even your little angels may be tempted to try them out when your back is turned. Thats what kids do. THe only way to prevent them is to not give them the opportunity.

[vellamint]

Something else you may not know. WDW will ship anything (except food) to your home or to someone elses' home very cheaply. We did this on our last trip. You have to save the reciepts to prove you bought the items there plus that is how they figure out how much you owe to ship it. We shipped a pretty good size box from our WDW resort to Kansas to my son's family for only $10.00. That was a huge bargain. Plus if you have the items shipped straight from the store to out of state you don't have to pay taxes. Of course this allows you to buy more since you don't have to carry it home. So you see it benefits us and WDW. Have fun!


So you are saying that, if at the end of our trip, if I realize that we have purchased too much stuff to fit in our luggage - lol - I can have Disney ship our stuff home for us? How is this done...at any resort gift shop? DTD stores? I bring the stuff and the receipts for them and they will ship them for us?

Thanks!!

[Hockeymommy]

broadway girl vs. Hockeymommy- totally OT
I work in a huge bookstore in a very popular tourist destination/retirement area. We have a very uniue mix of bratty kids and old people- occaisionally I see kids wearing those "heely" shoes and my personal reaction is mixed- as in I can't decide if I should throttle the child wearing them or the parent who bought them first! be offended by my comments- I'm offended by the dang shoes! Any parent that would allow a child to wear them in any place where there are likely to be a lot of people is clearly not using common sense. It's not "hockey rink", its a theme park/school/grocerystore/bookstore- whatever. I can't tell you how many times I have had a kid whiz by me at top speed when I am trying to work, or worse nearly miss a little old lady with a walker! even after they have been told to stop- and I guarantee even your little angels may be tempted to try them out when your back is turned. Thats what kids do. THe only way to prevent them is to not give them the opportunity.

I have to say that I am sooooo sick of the comments on this thread about the heely shoes I can hardly stand it!!!! :furious: You people act as if we are giving our kids guns or something :sad2: . I'm truely sorry that other people can't, don't or won't have their childern behave the way they should whether it be in shoes or on wheels. I've seen my share of rotten kids, and guess what they are all wearing shoes while throwing fits on main street USA. I can see how it would be annoying to watch kids rolll over old ladies in walkers. However, it is really sad that you seem to lump all heely wearing children into the category of "brats". At this point I have half a mind to let my kids take their heelys to WDW and roll all day long just to show you that some people really do have a handle on their kids. Heck while I'm at it I might just pool hop, refill my CBR mug at Poly after I use my childs dining credits for an adult meal.

[seven dwarfs]

How do you wear these type shoes with so many people in the park? Seems a little dangerous to me. It is hard enough to walk there as it is, let alone wear heelys.

I have been run over by a child wearing these shows in WDW with the Mom close behind. It is sad that one person has to ruin it for others.

I think the shoes are neat but just not needed in Disney. I know if I had a pair it would temp me to abuse them! LOL :rotfl:

[LuluLovesDisney]

OP-

Some other things like the water tip might be found on the budget board- I know I've read creative things like buying a bun separately ( I can't remember the price offhand) etc.

Re: shipping- If you ship something home, you don't pay tax on it. The break even point is somewhere around 120-160, but take into consideration that it's packed away safely and you won't have to worry about overweight charges on luggage, too. And best of all, if something breaks in shipping, Disney will send you a replacement. One of my blown glass ornaments broke and I faxed my receipt over to Disney and received a brand new one. They usually make you send the damaged item back, but in my case, they didn't- maybe because of shattered glass. Now I ship almost all of what I buy back home! Only things I wanted to use on the trip (sweater, etc.) and chocolates did I have to fit in my luggage.

I sent two big figurines, a box of souvenirs and two boxes of discounted (30% off!) Christmas decorations back home in December.

Re: tips- As a former CM, I can vouch that those in non tipped positions (obviously waitstaff, etc. can accept tips) are supposed to deny a tip three times sincerely before they can accept a tip. They are then required to report it to their manager. In some cases, the est. value is taken from their paycheck. A few times people attempted to tip me. I always refused. One time, however, a family that I had met up with during my shifts a few times, stopped by to visit me on their last day and brought me a shirt and a card and a picture. I reported that to my manager since it was a gift bought esp. for me- not cash. So, if there's a CM in a non tipped position that you want to acknowledge, you could consider a little something like that.

Every store (even small ones) has sample sizes of advil, tylenol, pepto bismol, etc. if you're ever in need.

Every CM knows the CHIP hotline. If you have a question, or want to know when to see a particular character, any CM can get to a phone and find out for you where you can go.

If I think of anything else along these lines, I'll let you know. :goodvibes

On the OT subject of skates: Those rolling shoes are not permitted in any of the stores in my town due to kids knocking over store displays, as well as liability issues. One thing to consider before choosing to break the rule against rolling shoes is that if your child gets hurt because he/she is rolling around, Disney is not liable in any way due to the fact that they are against the rules. In addition, if someone else is injured, he/she could sue the parent of the child for negligence resulting in injury.

[plutolovr]

Just another statement about Heelys. My daughter is currently a CM at DTD and she said they're not allowed there either. She has to ask that they remove the wheels from the shoes. She said though that usually the parents/kids aren't aware that they're not allowed and she hasn't had any problems with anyone when told they couldn't use them. :thumbsup2

[Step]

Well last year when my family and I were at Disney World none of the places prevented backpacks from being brought in. We had one backpack in which we packed snacks and those little single serving tea/lemonade mixes (to use in the bottled water). Funny thing is we never really ate the snacks as we found McDonalds fry stands :) .

We also heard about the ice and ice water rule. If I recall they wouldn't fill up one of our sports bottles but did give us the ice water in a cup. Which we then poured into the sports bottle.

They generally do that for sanitation reasons. You wouldn't want them touching hundreds of bottles a day to the water tap by accident, lol.

[cleocat30]

The strap bottle holders that are $3.?or so are well worth it. They will hold a water bottle you can keep refilling with the ice cups. They are easy to wear and not a bother. Well worth the money. We did the ice all the time. They were really nice about it.
They will send whatever you buy to your resort for free. That way you don't have to carry it around the parks.
Where can I buy strap water bottles?

Thanks!

[btmfdr]

I have to say that I am sooooo sick of the comments on this thread about the heely shoes I can hardly stand it!!!! :furious: You people act as if we are giving our kids guns or something :sad2: .

I have to say I really am offended by your snide remarks! First and foremost my children are NOT brats due to the fact that they use guns. Secondly, you should not assume that most parents don't care if their children follow rules or not. The three of my kids have guns, they love them! As with all of their things they come with rules which must be followed at all times or they will have a consequence. I not only care that my children follow my rules but also the rules of anyone else they are with or anywhere else we go. Kids will be kids, have you heard that one before? For them it's all a learning curve at this point, you know learn as you go. By the tone of your post I would venture a guess that you don't have any guns, either that or you don't like the ones you have.

See how these things get started, as an advocate for guns and their safe use please leave them out of it....

[MEG&MINNIE]

Where can I buy strap water bottles?

Thanks!
I think at many of the same little stands that sell water and soda throughout all of the parks. They are great as they keep your hands free. :thumbsup2 I also think you can buy generic water bottle holders at Oriental Trading.

[D,L and K's Mom]

My Ds is a special needs child. Ds is 16 and in diapers. The wonderful people at the first aid stations let us stop in and use one of the rooms to change him and get him all cleaned up. They also let us use one of the rooms at the Baby Changing Stations. We have visited them once when DS cut his foot (something got inside his sandal)They cleaned the cut, put cream on it and wrapped it. They even gave me gauze and tape for later on. They are the greatest people!! I also love the Baby Changing Stations!

[gabbygrennell]

My tip...
Use the baby changing stations... even if you have to go a tad bit out of your way!
1- They are air conditioned.... makes for a much happier baby/toddler
2- Your other kids are there with you, no fear of them walking out the door while your changing baby
3- This is a great place for nursing moms! My dd was no longer nursing on our last trip, but we did use them for changing her etc... I saw several moms nursing in there. JMHO but I would rather nurse there in the AC where it was quiet so baby wouldnt be sweating to death, and distracted by everything around us!
4-Still a great place for moms who are bottle feeding! Same reasons as above!
5-I think I recall that they had high chairs in there, if baby needs to eat some baby food... I think but cant be sure!
Ok, i that's it!


Oh no, one more tip!
Our kids each have their own fanny pack... they kept autograph books, pens etc in them. And snacks.
The snacks we thought were such a great idea, cuz if they got the munchies while in line, they could get them right out problem solved right... yeah, till they took out a package of smashed goldfish crackers!
This time we will pack snacks, just nothing that smashes easily! And obviously no chocolate! Even m&ms melt in your fanny pack! haha!

[goofydiz]

We just returned a few days ago. All the comments about "First Aid" giving tylenol or helping in other situations stuck in my head. When my daughter got a blister from her shoes, we brought her to First Aid. They were so awesome. They gave her these Band-Aids especially for her situation. Enough to last everyday of our trip.

Thanks! If I hadn't read about First Aid on the DIS - I would have wasted time going back to our resort to get the BandAids I forgot to pack in my bag!

[ruadisneyfan2]

If you buy something from a WDW store and change your mind, you can return the item to any WDW store for a refund. This is something I found out quite by accident, and it's very helpful. I have learned to buy things I want when I see them (since I might not see the item anywhere else in the WDW stores!), but if you find something else you like better and want to return your original item, any of the stores (including your WDW hotel gift shop) will issue a refund.

My boys overheard a cashier tell me this when we were there in May. After that they would get something, then change their mind when they saw something else they wanted more. After 2 times exchanging toys, POTC guns/swords, etc. I finally had to say no more! They would play with it a little and return it at the next store! It was making us crazy! :crazy:

[Lesley_Perschky]

I did read (on the dibb forum) that you were not allowed to wear any fcuk clothes as Disney regarded them as offensive. As for the wearing of heelys I totally agree with Disneys stand on this. Parents who buy these for their kids should be more responsible regarding there use.

[CleveRocks]

I have to say I really am offended by your snide remarks! First and foremost my children are NOT brats due to the fact that they wear Heelys. I agree that owning a certain product does not make a child a brat. The way I read it, the poster was talking about wearing Heelies INSIDE WDW PARKS. I don't think that poster was putting down Heelies and the kids who wear them, it was just a matter of wearing them where they're not allowed. As you said yourself in your post, As with all of their things they come with rules which must be followed at all times or they will have a consequence. I not only care that my children follow my rules but also the rules of anyone else they are with or anywhere else we go.
So I'm not quite sure why you were so offended. You seem to be the type of parent who respects rules, and teaches your kids to do the same.
If kids are that bothersome to you why are you going to WDW? Typically there tend to be a lot of families there. I hope all of the ones you come in contact with are as perfect as you must have been in your younger years. :( A child who behaves in a certain way is not under our total control as parents. As you said, kids will be kids. But if we as parents enable them to break the rules by allowing them to wear Heelies into the parks, then we're just "asking for it," KWIM? For example, we can't prevent our kids from making funny faces, because we can't make them leave the resort room without their faces. We can only provide appropriate consequences and hope that their learning curve is as short as possible. But we CAN prevent them from wearing Heelies into the parks. We don't have to give up our control and throw our hands up and shrug and wait for their learning curve to kick in. We can tell them, "Sorry, no Heelies in the parks, Mickey says so" and not bend on that rule.

[CleveRocks]

WDW is fine with backpacks, etc., and fine with the fact that you can bring a 9-course meal into the parks as long as there's no glass or alcohol, and as long as you bring the food into the parks in bags small enough to (theoretically) fit into a rental lockers. Oh, which means no hard-sided coolers. Also, there IS an exception to the no glass rule, baby food jars.

Most of the time, our meals during park days aren't grand occasions to savor great dining, but rather a time to relax and recharge and refuel. Last time we went, we brown-bagged lunches twice. We got a grocery delivery to our resort room. Having ALL of our breakfasts in our room and brown-bagging a coupla lunches was a great money-saver, and also a time saver compared with waiting in lines or waiting for a waitress. We're not huge breakfast eaters, so our in-room breakfasts were comprised of stuff like cold cereal, packets of instant hot cereal (heat the water in the room's coffee maker!), bagels, fresh fruit, yogurt, etc.

[offtheice]

bring it with you. Chewing gum is not sold anywhere in the "World." (Too much work for maintenance.)



A please when your done with that gum , DONT THROW IT IN THE GROUND... lol :cool1: :thumbsup2

[Adi12982]

You can brng coolers into the water parks. The no alcohol or glass bottles rule still apply's, BUT you can bring in soda, juice, water fruit veggies and any other kind of food you want. It's nice - like going to the beach.

[Boston5602]

The last time we went we bought the WDW mister fans, and didn't take long to find out that we could refill them with ice and water from any of the stands that sold them. Sure helped! Though I don't know if they would let you with fans that were purchased outside the parks.
Kim


I hope you mean that the person behind the counter takes it and refills it from a clean source. The Big tubs that are filled with ice and water that the bottles sit in to be sold is not a place to fill them up from. All that ice sitting in the open with all those dirty little hands going through it ,bugs and anything else.

[flying_babyb]

Ty for the first aid tips. This means I wont have to lug my kit around.

[ducklite]

In Sept 2005 my brother was stopped at Disney Studios while he was carrying my niece on his shoulders and was told they do not allow that in the parks. They said it was dangerous. I guess it could be bad if she fell. But we had never experienced that anywhere. There quite a few dads carrying kids on their shoulders.

Lori

Interesting, when DS was young, DH carried him on his shoulders all over the parks. It was great at closing times when things were so bottlenecked and DS would have been trampled or lost. I knew that even if I got seperated from them, DH would still have DS. Nothing was ever said to us in at least four trips of doing that...if something had been we wouldn't have done it again--we're rule followers. :blush:

Anne

[ducklite]

How do you wear these type shoes with so many people in the park? Seems a little dangerous to me. It is hard enough to walk there as it is, let alone wear heelys.

I have been run over by a child wearing these shows in WDW with the Mom close behind. It is sad that one person has to ruin it for others.

I think the shoes are neat but just not needed in Disney. I know if I had a pair it would temp me to abuse them! LOL :rotfl:

A couple of weeks ago I had a kid run right into me at the MK while wearing those things. I stopped cold as I saw him approach, he ran right into me and fell backwards on his butt. I walked around him and his mother glared at me like it was MY fault? I don't think so. He was the one unable to control his forward motion, and I was under no obligation to take a step backward to get out of his way.

Disney will put a top to it once someone gets hurt and files a lawsuit. With the number of out of control kids wearing those, it's not going to be too long from now.

Anne

[LauraAnn630]

I continue to be surprised by all the people that have problems with children at Disney.

Kids being loud in restaurants
Kids not always listening
Kids having meltdowns

They are kids! Thats what they do.

Often you see parents that are tired. Maybe they are not controling their child as they would if they were not on a long exhausting vacation.

Ill just give them a brake and not say anything about it.

IMO MK, AK and MGM are geared for children and I FULLY expect to see TIRED children misbehaving and TIRED parents throwing up their arms!

[ducklite]

I continue to be surprised by all the people that have problems with children at Disney.

Kids being loud in restaurants
Kids not always listening
Kids having meltdowns

They are kids! Thats what they do.

No, actually that's NOT what kids do when they are well rested and fed, and have learned manners.

Often you see parents that are tired. Maybe they are not controling their child as they would if they were not on a long exhausting vacation.

Vacations do not have to be exhausting. Parents that allow themselves to get to that point are just stupid. We've taken my sister and her three (four now) to WDW twice. We schedule naptime every day. We schedule a "break day" in the middle of the trip. If we have a late night scheduled the night ebfore, we do'nt book an 8"00am character breakfast. We book dinners for 5:00 pm, lunches for 11:30 am, we keep the kids on schedule, and actually push everything a little early in case we have to wait. I'm not going to say a melt-down never happened, but it only happened once or twice, and it had NOTHING to do with being overtired or starving, ANd we had the courtesy to remove the child IMMEDIATELY to an area where s/he would be less likely to disturb others.

Ill just give them a brake and not say anything about it.

I refuse to condone bad parenting and ill-mannered children.

IMO MK, AK and MGM are geared for children and I FULLY expect to see TIRED children misbehaving and TIRED parents throwing up their arms!

I totally disagree. A WDW vacation is not carte blanche to behave like a little banshee and for parents to give up on parenting.

Anne

[Miss Jessr!ca]

In Sept 2005 my brother was stopped at Disney Studios while he was carrying my niece on his shoulders and was told they do not allow that in the parks. They said it was dangerous. I guess it could be bad if she fell. But we had never experienced that anywhere. There quite a few dads carrying kids on their shoulders.

Lori

i guess i understand that..it would be bad if someone bumped into him and she fell..
but they show that on their comercials
...weird

[LauraAnn630]

LOL Call me when you have your own. Kids have a way of making you look bad from time to time.

All of our vacations have been exhausting at Disney and we are not stupid people.

We are good parents. We have even taught our children not to call other people stupid or other names for that matter. Our kids are still far from little angels!

Kids are just that, kids. They will act as such.
Im not as judgemental as some people.

Im not condoning anything. I said, "I expect to see children misbehaving and parents throwing up their arms."

I do not think we should let children get away with bad behavior.
I do the very best I can and keep trying to do better.
Im not perfect. I do not know other peoples situations.

[LuluLovesDisney]

LOL Call me when you have your own. Kids have a way of making you look bad from time to time.

All of our vacations have been exhausting at Disney and we are not stupid people.

We are good parents. We have even taught our children not to call other people stupid or other names for that matter. Our kids are still far from little angels!

Kids are just that, kids. They will act as such.
Im not as judgemental as some people.

Im not condoning anything. I said, "I expect to see children misbehaving and parents throwing up their arms."

I do not think we should let children get away with bad behavior.
I do the very best I can and keep trying to do better.
Im not perfect. I do not know other peoples situations.


FWIW, ducklite *is* a mother.

I agree with you that we don't know all people's situations, but in addition, I'm sure we've all seen (like I have) parents who obviously are acting inappropriately or allowing their children to act inappropriately. (A child stepping on strangers' feet purposefully while "Ma" and "Possibly Pa" giggle and watch, for example) I do expect to see *some* kids misbehaving but I would hope parents would handle it properly (Take the screaming kid out of Philharmagic instead of ruining the show for the other hundreds of guests).

I don't think anyone expects others to be perfect. Personally, what aggravates me the most is not imperfection, but when people don't even seem to try. Some people, unlike you, don't care about doing the best they can and trying to do better. I commend you for that. Surely you realize that some parents truly don't feel that way. They may be a small minority, but their actions do impact those around them.

Opinions are opinions. We all have opinions and judgments. I really don't like tossing around the word "judgmental" because I think evaluating situations is an extremely important part of creating our lives, identities and ethics. I do agree with the spirit of what you're saying, though - that in some situations, we should consider that there might be factors of which we might be unaware. Most parents do try their best most times and everyone makes mistakes. It's how we handle the mistakes that shows our true character. I also agree with Anne (ducklite) that parents still have to take responsibility for ensuring that their children behave - not have a couple of Mai Tais at the Tambu lounge and turn a blind eye to the fact that their five year old Jr. is running laps around the upper level of the Poly lobby as if it were a track. (I've seen this, too). No one can tell me that they've never seen an incident like this and wished that the parent would , well . . . parent.

[LuluLovesDisney]

i guess i understand that..it would be bad if someone bumped into him and she fell..
but they show that on their comercials
...weird

When I was a CM, we were told it was okay outside, but inside or *especially* on stairs, it wasn't allowed. I don't know if it's changed though.

[ducklite]

LOL Call me when you have your own. Kids have a way of making you look bad from time to time.

Uh LOL on you, I AM a mother. :rolleyes:

All of our vacations have been exhausting at Disney and we are not stupid people.

When you run yourselves--and your kids--ragged, no one is having a good time. It's better to see and do less and be able to enjoy it more, rather than trying to see and do it all when everyone is exhausted. We've taken dozens of trips to WDW, and have never run ourselves to the point of exhaustion.

We are good parents. We have even taught our children not to call other people stupid or other names for that matter. Our kids are still far from little angels!

Stupid is as stupid does. I'll leave it at that.

Kids are just that, kids. They will act as such.
Im not as judgemental as some people.

Well fed, well rested kids who have been taught manners will not act up like banshees just because they are on vacation and thier parents are "too tired" to parent. Last I knew, as a parent there is no such thing as "too tired."

Im not condoning anything. I said, "I expect to see children misbehaving and parents throwing up their arms."

Which is unacceptable. Parents do not have the "right" to simply throw up their arms. They need to first be proactive to take steps that prevent meltdowns and bad behaviour before it happens. If it does happen--and yes with toddlers, it can and does happen, then throwing up arms is still not acceptable. Taking the child away from others into a less stimulating atmosphere, even if it means leaving a park or having dinner wrapped is the only option if the child won't behave in a manner that doesn't disrupt others.

I do not think we should let children get away with bad behavior.
I do the very best I can and keep trying to do better.
Im not perfect. I do not know other peoples situations.

No one does. But I do know that just throwing parenting out the window at WDW is unacceptable. Other guests spend just as much and have a right to a good time that isn't disrupted by out of control kids and exasperated parents.

Anne

[Miss Jessr!ca]

hmm Ducklite
as much as it seems like you want it to..WDW
Isnt run like the school in matilda

sorry...its just not
kids are kids...and their gonna act like it sometimes

[ducklite]

hmm Ducklite
as much as it seems like you want it to..WDW
Isnt run like the school in matilda

sorry...its just not
kids are kids...and their gonna act like it sometimes

I realize that. But, parents must act appropriately when that happens to lessen the disruption. Throwing their hands up in the air is not an acceptable response from parents.

My son had a couple meltdowns at WDW when he was younger. He was given two choices, stop or we leave. After the second time we left a park and went back to the hotel for the day, we never had a meltdown there again. We also never pushed him--or ourselves--to the point of exhaustion or starvation. We used a little common sense. And just beause we were on vacation, didn't mean we were no longer parents responsible for our childrens behaviour.

Anne

[Miss Jessr!ca]

I realize that. But, parents must act appropriately when that happens to lessen the disruption. Throwing their hands up in the air is not an acceptable response from parents.

My son had a couple meltdowns at WDW when he was younger. He was given two choices, stop or we leave. After the second time we left a park and went back to the hotel for the day, we never had a meltdown there again. We also never pushed him--or ourselves--to the point of exhaustion or starvation. We used a little common sense. And just beause we were on vacation, didn't mean we were no longer parents responsible for our childrens behaviour.

Anne


i really dont think ive ever seen a starving kid at disnsey.
just because people do things differently than you doent make them bad parents.

kids dont have to be hungry or tired to make them upset.
they get upset over little things, like if dont get the toy they want, or the lines to long, the rides to scary.

their kids...simple as that

[ducklite]

i really dont think ive ever seen a starving kid at disnsey.

Unfortunately I've seen a LOT of kids unhappily waiting in line at various retaurants--often those geared more towards the adults interests than the childs--when seating was delayed or the parents made a late reservation. All too often the child was crying that it was hungry, or jsut crying that miserable cry of an over tired child who would rather get something at a food court and go to bed. That isn't fair to the child--or other diners.

just because people do things differently than you doent make them bad parents.

They are bad parents if they decide that because it's vacation the kids can do as they please and the adults are too self-absorbed to care.

kids dont have to be hungry or tired to make them upset.
they get upset over little things, like if dont get the toy they want, or the lines to long, the rides to scary.

I agree with you, although many of these issues can be handled by parents being proactive. Tell children they get to choose one toy per day or trip, as the budget can handle, and remind them of that every time they ask for a toy. Talk to them about this for days before the trip. Even practice choice while at home in the grocery store for example by allowing the child to choose one snack item on that trip. Use Fast Pass to avoid the longest lines. Bring things to entertain kids while in lines. Brings small snacks to feed kids if they get hungry and the lines for food are out the doors. And for God's sake, don't drag a kid onto Pirates of the Caribbean if they are afraid of the dark, or Tough to be a Bug if they are afraid of beetles.

Unfortunately I've seen so many parents who either didn't take their kids emotions and needs into consideration, didn't plan appropriately, or just didn't care.

With a little common sense, a little planning, and a lot of parenting, a Disney trip can be a terrific family vacation. But again, just because you are on vacation, manners and parenting do'nt get set aside. And when a child acts up or becomes disruptive, a parent needs to take steps to quickly extinguish the behaviour or remove the child to a place where the behaviour is less likely to bother others without waiting until they and the child have both completely lost control of the situation and themselves.

Anne

[northriver]

I appreciate all the useful comments that have been made - you guys are great!

I'm kind of giggling at some of these posts. Frankly - I've seen adults at WDW misbehaving much worse children - defacing Disney property, throwing garbage, cutting in lines, and breaking all kinds of other rules. It just makes you go hmmm. . . But, like the fussy kids - there isn't anything I can do about it so I just move on and enjoy my trip.

It sounds to me like some of the PP's are spending WAY too much time worring about what other people do and say!

[bradisgoofy]

Some time ago, I came across a site that told you things that Disney doesn't make public. For example, they will give you free cups of ice at any concession stand. I'm looking to find out things like this.

I'm also wondering if there are rules regarding what you can and can't bring into the parks. I know some places don't let you bring backpacks...other's don't let you bring your own food. What's the Disney rule on this type of stuff.

Thanks!!!
Lisa

Wow, did this thread go off topic. :crazy:

[ducklite]

It just makes you go hmmm. . . But, like the fussy kids - there isn't anything I can do about it so I just move on and enjoy my trip.

Actually you CAN do something about it. If you see someone defacing property, smoking in a non-smoking area, using profanity, or any type of behaviours like that, please tell a CM. If they don't know about it, they can't make WDW a better place for everyone.

Anne

[flying_babyb]

People swear around kids? WOW! thats a sign of somthing!

[xyzabc33]

NO offense to those who want to discuss parenting (which I find an interesting topic btw) but personally I opened this thread to find out about tips NOT parent skills or lack thereof. OR whether parents should but roller skates for their kids/monsters/angels/brats/dumplings/pumpkins/critters/evil beasts/etc. or not. I find the info on whether they are allowed or not much better reading on this thread. Start a new thread or go post on one already in existence. I want to know the tips as I am sure others do.

Now that I am done ranting..............
I didnt know that you could return things to other stores on property. Cool!
What other things can you wise old owls on here depart to us little owlets?

[flying_babyb]

I would love to know other little secret tricks like that.

[MikeAidanEoinMom]

In Sept 2005 my brother was stopped at Disney Studios while he was carrying my niece on his shoulders and was told they do not allow that in the parks. They said it was dangerous. I guess it could be bad if she fell. But we had never experienced that anywhere. There quite a few dads carrying kids on their shoulders.

Lori


My nephew who is a seasonal CM told us they are told to discourage this. My DH carried Aidan on his shoulders quite a bit and was never told not too.

[MikeAidanEoinMom]

It was set up more like the pre-op section or ER of a hospital -- with curtains separating the beds and chairs. There were probably 10-12 little "rooms". There were actually several people in there "resting" while we there. The nurses kept going back to check on them and asking if they needed anything. They did give my dh a blanket to put over his bottom half while I stitched up the pants.

On a sad point, as we were leaving a wife and 2 little children came up. Apparently, the little boy (maybe 5 or 6) had done something to tick off daddy and daddy had hit him hard busting his lip and then left the wife and kids. I got the impression they were staying off site. They called a paramedic to come take the little boy to the hospital to get stitches (he was bleeding badly) and assured the mother that they would arrange a taxi to take her back to the hotel/villa.
:( poor kid

[flying_babyb]

i aggree, poor scared kid

[kimis]

I agree with you. It is usually the parents that look really bad. A child is a child but there are plenty of adults that need to grow up. LOL

[NotUrsula]

Even if you are leaving WDW within two days, you still don't have to carry your purchases around a park all day. You can ask that they be held for you at the park entrance--they will keep them at a designated shop there. You cannot do it too close to closing time -- I think the deadline is something like 90 minutes before closing, but otherwise it works fine.

[Kath2003]

A CM told me YEARS (1997) ago that the cost of a t-shirt is designated by the number of embroidery stitches it uses - prices are in brackets so if you go one stitch over the previous bracket, it costs a few $ more. Pretty obvious that they charge by the amount of material they use but I thought it was interesting.

Also there is no direct route from Typhoon Lagoon to DTD even though it's right nearby. You have to go via one of the hotels (although you can stay on the bus - the route is Hotel-DTD-TL-Hotel etc.).

[Coyne]

I'm new here and have a question that hasn't been addressed. Hope its OK. For those of you who have been to the Magic Kindom many times, are there some places for watching Spectro Magic or Wishes that are better than others or places one should avoid? Years ago I knew just where to go at Disney Land but am unfamiliar with WDW Thanks :)

[flying_babyb]

Kath- what a cool baboon!

[Kath2003]

Kath- what a cool baboon!

Thank! His name is Geoffrey :D

[mickaholic4077]

I'm new here and have a question that hasn't been addressed. Hope its OK. For those of you who have been to the Magic Kindom many times, are there some places for watching Spectro Magic or Wishes that are better than others or places one should avoid? Years ago I knew just where to go at Disney Land but am unfamiliar with WDW Thanks :)


The two best places i have always watched Spectro are: the first,if you can invest the time,is the train station balcony at the foot of Main Street,and the low walls outside of Pecos Bill's in Frontierland. Welcome to the Dis,BTW!!!

[LuluLovesDisney]

I'm new here and have a question that hasn't been addressed. Hope its OK. For those of you who have been to the Magic Kindom many times, are there some places for watching Spectro Magic or Wishes that are better than others or places one should avoid? Years ago I knew just where to go at Disney Land but am unfamiliar with WDW Thanks :)

I think the best place for Spectromagic is at the train station, center, up top, esp. since you can get a chair here, too - good thing -last time we had to get there 3 hours early for it! Also, you see the fireworks, but it doesn't have that "close up" feeling you get from being right in front of the castle. For Wishes alone, I particularly like the bridge to Adventureland, but the right hand side of the castle where the roses are is also a great spot.

I would suggest that if you can see it twice, do it once from farther away like the train station or even 'Ohana or California Grill or Narcoossee's and then once close up right in the thick of things in front of the castle by the flowers and the Statue of Walt and Mickey (Partners). :)

Here's my other tip - if you don't see something you'd like on the menu, as long as it's fairly simple, they'll gladly prepare it, in most cases. I took my nephew to Sci Fi, and they made him grilled cheese, even though it wasn't on the menu. Not at WDW, but recently at a hibachi place by me, the chef even made my nephew a plain scrambled egg on the grill. :)

If you have annual passes or AAA or anything else, ask if there's a discount.

Actually, that's the best tip - just ask. Whether it's for directions, or for a discount, or for a special menu item, always ask. The worst they can say is no! :) It never hurts to ask, and you might end up happily surprised.

[lucky1]

#1:If you go to Griradelli fountain shop in DTD and plan to go back, save your receipt and show it the next time to get 10% off.

#2: If you are staying at a WDW resort and you have a sick child that must visit the hospital or Urgent Care. The WDW will give you a vocher for a roundtrip trip via a taxi to Urgent care or call the Urgent Care Shuttle.

[JenEeyore]

Many many good tips here everyone (and a few OT rants too). A couple of things we have found over the years:

:thumbsup2 The child care stations at the park are wonderful - learn where they are if you are a parent of babies or small ones. They have the bottled water coolers, you can purchase extra baby supplies such as formula, diapers, baby food etc if you accidentally run out of something. The changing stations are clean and have AC, there are places for nursing, and usually a small quiet play area for the little ones who need a break from the crowds. They also have a clean family restroom and MGM has a restroom especially for toddlers with a tiny toilet and sink just their size.

:thumbsup2 We often pick up an ID tag from Guest Services or the child care areas to write our name and phone number on to put in our son's pocket or on his beltloop in case of emergency; also introduce your kids to the castmembers early on, so they know it is safe to go to a person with that kind of costume or name tag if they get lost to ask for help in finding mom and dad.

:thumbsup2 I totally agree about all the kudos given to the first aid stations...they have come through for us on more than one occasion and can help save a day.l

:thumbsup2 You can also pick up special free buttons at Guest Services for Anniversary, Wedding, B-Day or First Trip to wear in the parks. Gets you some special attention and occasional unexpected perks. CM's love it when they can make a special occasion more special.

:thumbsup2 We bring in bottled water (and often the single-serve lemonaide packets) and small snacks in the parks too for in between meals so we aren't buying an expensive snack every time a twinge of hunger hits (especially for fussy younger ones).

:thumbsup2 If you are traveling with those needing special assistance, but aren't necessarily in a wheelchair or something more obvious to needing some help from CM's at attractions, you can pick up a card at Guest Services at the beginning of your trip that states how many are in your party, and what kind of assistance is needed. You show the card to the CM at the start of the line and they can direct you accordingly.

:thumbsup2 And one more tip. When getting FastPasses for attractions - don't toss them away if they "expire" in their time range. They are good at any time of the day AFTER the start time of the range. You can use them hours later too!!!

All I can think of at the moment...keep the ideas flowing! :wizard:

[2Princes2Princesses]

I saw the one about shipping and recently found out this had been changed.

Now, if you ship direct from the stores, they total your purchases and base the charge on the amount spent. I ordered something from Art of Disney for Xmas and for a $70 purchase, shipping was $14.95. In Sept, we bought the same item (character sketch) and shipped that and a whole box of other stuff from the BW conference center, and the total charge was only 22.00.

So, it might be a better idea if you plan on shipping things to take everything to the BW or one of the other business centers, I think CSR and the CR have them, too. The only downside to this is you choose the carrier, we used UPS. If anything is broken, you have to take up the claim with the CARRIER, not Disney, as you would if they shipped it direct.

The Business center will pack it up and ship it and they did a great job for us and we plan on using them again when we go in Feb! :thumbsup2

[flying_babyb]

thanks for the infromation