Share your favorite tip-PLEASE

[Jenniww]

I just started reading these boards a week ago and have learned so much.

I was wondering if everyone would share the best tip they have gotten off these boards.

Mine so far- bring a plane present, my son(6) is flying for the first time is scared already and I'm going to get him excited about a mickey mouse wrapped present I will let him open on the plane.

[jksgrammy]

Not sure what airline you're traveling with, but you might want to mention to the cabin crew that this is your son's first time traveling. When we did that for our daughter, the captain actually made an announcement over the loudspeaker welcoming our daughter by her first name, and then one of the cabin crew provided our daughter with a "wings" pin. 'Course this was many years ago, but you might want to check and see if they would do something like this.

[thebecka]

You may also wanna be careful with having a wrapped present on the plane. I'm not surre how it would muster going through security.

Favorite tips... hmmmmmm... big pen and autograph books to get character autographs, sitting in the front car of the monarail (sp) for an awesome view, make advance reservations where ever possible but leave time to do fun spur of the moment things, ride Dumbo & the Buzzlight Year rides, naptime on the train at MK always works for us, phone & video chargers, buy small gifts for little ones at the Dollar Store before you leave to prevent begging and full blown melt downs ;). I'm sure I'll think of more...

[kimis]

We take our grandchildren as the turn to 4 to DL (we WDW for ourselves LOL). I put together a"Disney busy bag". I go to the .99 and 1.00 stores to find disney paper, coloring books, crayons, markers, and what ever else I can find to put in the bag. Sometimes little toys (cars, dolls). Than once we are there everynight as they are in the bathroom brushing their teeth and getting ready for bed a disney item or toy magically appears on their pillows. We also order birthday buckets to be delivered to the room. You can get the buckets in many different themes and it comes with a little birthday cake. Ofcourse we tell the people at the front desk it is a special birthday and they give birthday pins out to wear. Totally special. This sounds like it takes a lot of $$$$$ but it doesn't. I shop months out and look for all the clearance sales and you would be surprised where all the places are that you could find disney stuff. enjoy

[summerlandjeff]

I posted this tip sometime back (before Christmas) but I think it's worth repeating;

When you find a good tip or suggestion, highlight it with your mouse, then right click the mouse and choose copy. Then go to your word program and create a file (mine is DisneyInfo) and paste it to the document. When you're ready to go, print out your document and you have all those tips and suggestions to read and not have to remember everything! :thumbsup2

[Mrs.PrinceCharming]

Not off the board, but personal experience on this past NYE. If in the Magic Kingdom after the 2nd parade, stay behind the castle. The area in front of the castle is a body to body madhouse. Behind the castle, there are 5 minute waits for major attractions and great views of the NYE fireworks.

[Frantasmic]

Go early in the day. Afternoons, not mornings, are for sleeping.

You can get so much accomplished in any of the parks with either
morning EMH or just being there to open the parks.

You can do a whole lot more from 9-11 than from 11-3.

[tlhewitt52]

I would also say EMH take full advantage especially the ones in the morning we got all the favorite Fantasyland rides doen in an hour!! Also, if you go during busy season make sure you get seats early for Fantasmic they pack it to standing room only!!

[byoung]

GR in the parks will print you boarding passes.

[luvmyfam444]

GR in the parks will print you boarding passes.
:confused3 :confused3 :confused3 explain please...boarding passes for what?

[luvmyfam444]

our favorite tip has been the haircuts in MK...kiddos loved it!

[themudd4]

When packing...especially if you have kids you will probably end up needing to wash clothes...THIS GETS $$$. Before you leave home take your powder laundry detergant and pre measure it out into zip lock baggies, and take fabric softner sheets, bleach pen, and stain stick.
JUST THOUGHT ABOUT SOMETHING: Your flying so you may not want to put a white powder substance into zip lock baggies...unless you like the idea of being strip searched. maybe pick up a small box of your favorite brand.
I agree with the morning EMH!!!
Don't forget to take your ADR confirmation numbers with you!

Go to your local Home Depot and get your lime green Mickey head. Some people from these boards put these on their room doors, backpacks etc...lets other Diser's know your there! I write my screen name on my and decorate our room window with them.

If your planning on tipping Mousekeeping...(and I usually do) sit down with your kids and make up mouskeeping envelopes for each day of your stay. If you can, go ahead and put the money in them and that is one less thing to worry about!

[luvmyeor]

Instead of a wrapped present for the flight here's what I did for my two nieces' first trip to WDW. I purchased drawstring backpacks (found a minnie mouse one on clearance at the Disney Store and bought a denim one and found a Tink iron-on for it). I purchased various things throughout the year to put in the backpacks(most were Disney-themed): coloring book, crayons, deck of cards, autograph book and pen(I had purchased these on my last trip to WDW--Wal-Mart had them for a great price), pins and lanyard for trading, disposable camera, t-shirt with their favorite character, etc. My nieces loved their goody bags and I got out of buying them souvenirs at the park. They also used their backpacks to carry a jacket, snacks, etc to the park everyday. Their Dad gave them souvenir money and once it was gone they were done shopping.

[DizneyNutz]

Don't do COMMANDO style touring or everyone will get cranky. Know what the must sees for each individual and concentrate on them and hopefully know that you will return. You CANNOT see it all in one trip, so don't try. Have a WONDERFUL trip:thumbsup2

[Disneyland_Mama]

I did this and it was wonderful...

I brought a stack of colorful washcloths (Target $1.99 for 12) and each morning put 2 in a large Ziploc bag with a couple of scoops of ice from the machines in the hotel and tossed the bag in the stroller. As the day went on, the heat melted the ice and I used the cloths on the faces and necks of DD and DS when I noticed the September heat getting to them. They sure loved the cool cloths and they were very refreshing.:goodvibes

[wardfamily1]

We brought our own stroller. I made a sign that said "Property of the Ward Family of Michigan" to attach to the stroller using my computer. On the back of the sign, I put our cell phone numbers in case the stroller happened to 'wander off' while we were in an attraction.
I used a 1/2 sheet of cardstock paper, the Walt Disney font and decorated it with Mickey Head stickers. I then laminated it with the self stick laminate and then put a couple of metal grommets from the notions section of Walmart. I attached it to the stroller with zip ties through the grommets so it could not be easily removed, but would still be flexible enough to fold with the umbrella stroller. Many people at the parks commented on what a good idea it was to make it.

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says.............................................. ...

Dumbo Dash. Even during the summer you can ride all of Fantasyland in less than an hour!

Have your son make up some awards to hand out to outstanding cast members! Draw a picture and write "you're doing great", "good job" etc.

Hand them out to "regular" cast members. Our daughter gave them to waiters, animal trainers, maids, monorail driver, a bus driver and even a street sweeper! A street sweeper who whistled zip a dee doo dah while cleaning up the mess guests left behind had to get one!

She even gave one to a survey taker. It was her first week on the job and survey taker was all excited as she asked her questions. when the survey was done, DD gave her an E award (E for Elizabeth and E for excellent). She started crying!

Mark Parch. He was the waiter at the Sci-Fi Diner at MGM. He was excellent at his job and got an E award. Five minutes later he comes back with a guy in a suit. It seems the President of food operations for WDW just happened to be in the restaurant while we were there!

He was impressed that Mark got an award from us, but was much more impressed when we explained that we give out no more than ONE a day!

That would be my best tip.

[reelmom]

Take lots of pictures and video. And let the kids decide what to do, even if it is just for one day. We had to ride Small world and Buzz Lightyear several times in a row but DS4 and DS3 loved it. We had a better time when the kids were enjoying it than when we were dragging them everywhere to see everything. Have fun!

[beebumble]

Can anyone go to the Barber shop for a trim??
Or is it just for kids??
What a super scrapbooking moment that would be!!

:wizard: :wizard: :wizard: :wizard:

Have a magical nite

[Tiggergrams1]

Yes, anyone can go to the barber shop and you can even get all the glitter and pixie dust to if you want it.:)

[Livin'4Disney]

Use the Fast Passes

Get to the parks before Rope Drop in the morning.

Dollar Store and Disney Store Clearance light-up toys for night time fun

ziploc bags with each days clothes in them

pin trading (my kids LOVED this!)

Last night make ADR for the California Grill 30mins or 1 1/2 hours before the WISHES fireworks show to see the fireworks and listen to the music off the roof of the Contempory (way cool and the kids loved it and the food was awesome!)

Use the Dinner Packages when available for the reserved seating.

Don't miss the AK afternoon parade.

Bibbity, Bobbity, Boutique was priceless!

Get a Disney Visa for the perks!

Get cheapo rain ponchos before you go on your trip and take them when you go to MK and AK for Splash Mountain and Kali River Rapids.

Just a few of my thoughts, I haven't done a trip report yet, but hope to soon!
This was our first trip this past December with me, DH, DS9, DD7, DS3

[MissyDVC]

When you go to the train station in the back at Toontown, go to the very last car and ask(or wait to be asked) if your child can help. The conductor asked my DS if he wanted to help run the train around the "World". My DS(who is a train nut) got to wear the conductor's hat, push the button and say "all aboard" at the stations! He even made an announcement that my DS was a guest conductor. It made for the most magical moment ever. He still talks about that ride to this day! Enjoy:wizard:

[rzeta94]

interested in responses! THANKS! :) :thumbsup2

[clydenora]

as others have stated...take advantage of EMH (or, if staying off-site, get there before opening time), take advantage of Fast-Pass, use the afternoon as a break time...have a basic plan...and be somewhat flexible with it. My husband and I both realize that a WDW vacation is not the same as a "relax at the beach" vacation. If you can live with that, you'll be fine.

Don't make my mistake...our first time there, I was so convinced we had to stick to the "schedule" that I chose to bypass an unexpected experience that would have allowed my kids to mingle with their (at that time) favorite movie characters we happened to run into at MGM.

In my opinion, most people who have a miserable first experience at Disney do so because of one of three reasons: they do not plan at all, they plan too much, or they just can't accept that it is not cheap, and you can't do everything in one day.

[Samantha/NC]

WE packed full outfits in ziplock bags for each day -shorts, shirt, undies and socks) this made our mornings much easier and packing was a breeze!

Go to the parks early-we did not stay on-site and we were at rope drop each morning-this gave us acouple of hours before it got crowded. When going to the MK go straight to Fantasyland-straight behind the castle most people go to TOmorrow land or Adventure land when going in. Both times we did this we rode everything we wanted to in FL with NO WAIT--and we went in JULY!

Ride Dumbo first in Fantasyland, it is a slowloading ride.

If your kids like Goofy--be at the ropedrop for Toon Town-then go right to his rollercoaster--Goofy is there to take the first ride of the day with you! He will even choose someone to ride up front with him, my son got to do this:goodvibes

Don't do commando, but have a plan. My sister and I knew what we wanted to ride, we knew which rides had fp's and which shows we wanted to see.
We had an awesome trip!!!!

Have Fun!!:banana:

[pta-mom]

We bought & brought a few dollar store ponchos with us & just carried them with us...it was REAL helpful when the unexpected rain came!! We also brought neon necklaces & bracelets with us that the kids loved wearing during all the evening parades & fireworks...plus, it helped us keep track of them in the dark!! Sit down dinners were a must in our family....time to de-compress & slow down! ADR's were a blessing! Best tip...read the disboards...OFTEN!!!

[eman365]

When staying at WDW resorts bring breakfast food for that early start and snacks to keep you going between meals! Shower the night before no matter how tired. It's refreshing and helps with early morning departures. Hit the parks with early access for WDW guests. Bus transporatation is good but sometimes busy so plan to arrive at little early. We usually leave the park @ lunch time when the temps get hot (in summer months), eat lunch and lounge around the pool til early evening when the sun goes down. Think about Fast pass before leaving midday so when you return to the park you may go directly to the ride and keep the momentum rolling. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!!!! we're talking miles of blacktop walking. If you think your shoes are comfortable double check!

Have a great time...we always do. :banana: :cool1: :yay:

[missmun52]

If you bring a stroller bring a small rain cover for it. I saw a lot of wet babies and some who had ponchos that just could not with hold the winds and were flying off the strollers. I brought my rain cover with me each day and my son stayed dry for every shower, so did my stuff. We also packed ponchos from the dollar tree (2 for $1) and had it with us every day.

One day it rained non stop (because of the hurricane that was passing through Florida) and we were out in the parks all day because we could keep the baby dry.

[laura001]

There are some great tips here. My tip is easily said but not easily done. I would say take the time to "stop and smell the roses". Just take in the little things, like stars light up on the sidewalk at Epcot, water fountains, sitting on a bench and watching the world go by, flowers etc. etc. etc. Slow down and relax!

[Tink3Belle]

Great Tips, Thanks!:thumbsup2

[summerlandjeff]

Here's another quick tip;
Before you go, say 2 weeks before, if you have a weather service program on your computer (mine is weather bug) change the location to zip code 34741 (Kissimmee, FL) This will give you current weather conditions :cool2: and forecasts for the WDW area. The ten day forecast comes in handy for planning.:thumbsup2

[1Prince2Princesses]

The best tip I ever got here was to tie a scarf to our stroller handle. We usually rent a stroller, and it can be madness to find it in some of the stroller parking areas. I have a red scarf that is now dedicated to stroller ID for the parks! We find our stroller instantly now.

[mikymouse]

1.) Plan out your trip but once you get there go with the flow
2.) Go to the parks early especially EMH Parks, a less crowded park in much more fun
3.) Make a few Advanced Dinning Reservations that is in/close to the park you plan to visit that day
4.) Take it easy your first day... it's a lot to take in
5.) Plan an off-day at your resort in the middle of your trip to reenergize
6.) Take advantage of the DIS knowledge and ask lots of questions
7.) Have each member of your family pick their one must-do thing, get those on the list and don't worry about the rest

Have a great time planning and dreaming...it was one of our best family adventures. We call it an adventure not a vacation because this is definately one high energy place.;)

[mattoxtr]

I purchased a Mickey Mouse drawstring bag and it was great. You put everything you need it; camera, batteries, video camera, debit card, disney card, etc. It has a zip pocket inside. You can carry it or put it on your back then your hands are free to do whatever or hold on when riding.

[kimis]

I purchased a Mickey Mouse drawstring bag and it was great. You put everything you need it; camera, batteries, video camera, debit card, disney card, etc. It has a zip pocket inside. You can carry it or put it on your back then your hands are free to do whatever or hold on when riding.
Where did you buy it at? I am totally interested in getting one like it. THanks

[mattoxtr]

I got it in the gift shop of the hotel. I think it was around $20. It is black with Mickey on it.

[GoofyTraci]

WOW, great tips. My favorite that i heard on my last trip was if you wanted pressed pennies. to keep quarters and pennies in a small M&M container in the order that you would need them. Helps so you dont have to search around for change when you find a machine.

**also buy the refillable mugs at the resorts. it will save you money.
** plan,plan, plan but like others have said have fun while there.:hippie:

[tink's girls]

What great tips! Thanks everybody! The only thing I can think of to add is make time for at least one character meal. I read my kids the menus and characters and they chose Crystal Palace with Pooh and Friends for lunch and Chef Mickey for breakfast. Both were great experiences, and since I let them pick they were assured of seeing all of their favorite characters! Have a great trip!

[excitedtraveler]

A lot of great tips, thanks! :)

[Patches]

If you are using DME to get yourself and bags to your room- this might not be needed- but- I always tie a bright ribbon around our luggage handles to easily spot and grab our bags off the carousel.

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

The best thing I have done for my dd is to start having her earn Disney Dollars well before our trips. This way she has her own money to spend while there and is not constantly asking me for things. She is very picky at what she buys with her own money and does not have any of the wants or give mes while we are there. She earns her money by doing chores and such as well as helping out around the house without having to be asked.

[The Bad Witch]

What a GREAT idea about making the kids EARN disney dollars! I think I'll start doing that! What great tips this thread has, thank you all so much!:thumbsup2

[mikymouse]

If you need gum for the flights, then make sure you pack some in your bag... they do not sell gum on Disney Property (or the airport I think). My DD4 reminded me of this one last night:)

[sheilap]

1. Read these boards!
2. Over the door shoerack-thingy for organizing (toiletries, film, small camera, car keys...any number of things) Keeping the room clutter-free is a blessing!
3. Pop up hamper for dirty clothes - no more guessing if my DD is wearing dirty skivvies
4. Read these boards!
5. Pre-plan what you can (like ADR's for MUST DO restaurants), but don't do Disney commando style, especially if you have kids
6. Comfy shoes, comfy bag/backpack to bring to the parks
7. Read these boards!

[lainey]

I bought a Disney autograph book and stuck clip art of each character on each page for my 3 Year old DD to find a page for each of her favourite characters....The Characters loved it...they gave her so much attention.
There are some characters that cant 'sign' the page but one of them let me draw around his foot as he loved his picture so much:rotfl:
Elaine

[kimis]

Amen to that! Great tips that we live by!