Let's make a "Firsts-Timers" Master Tip Sheet!

[PrincessTigerLily]

Travel tips!!! I am ALWAYS searching for ideas to keep the kiddos busy either on the plane or in the car (for 22 agonizing hours!) Any more tips??

[northcoast_momma]

This is our first trip to Disney but NOT our first car trip. We are firm believers in DVDs (our mini van is equipped with one). Even as the driver, I find myself listening to the movie!!! I can't tell you how many times we thought we'd make it through all 6 Star Wars movies only to find we ran out of time!! It's a 20+ hour drive from us (Cleveland) to the Tampa area where Grandma and Grandpa live so we're experts.

My kids are getting older so admittedly this is getting easier :cool1: . I do however remember travelling with a 15 month old who wanted constant food and entertainment (omg). Not fun!!!

My kids also love to watch the temperature change (we usually travel at Christmas time so winter to FLA weather is drastically different). I know - cheap thrills!! They also understand maps so they get it each time we leave another state (teaches them geography too). Plus - miles - my daughter is in 3rd grade so she gets time and mileage.

Bottom line - you'll have the "Are we there yets?" regardless = so whatever works with helping your kids understand time or distance really has helped us!! Good luck!

We are actually taking a detour this time to spend 6 days at Disney b/f 8 days at Grandma's on the beach (my vacation after my vacation!!!!!):banana:

[disneypolybride2008]

we bring a ziplock bag and keep it for when we are on water rides like Kali River Rapids so we can put our videocamera and regular camera in it so we wont have to be worrying if water gets in the middle part where everyone puts their stuff, and some water does get in, so this really keeps the attention on the ride and not worrying.

[Twitterpated Dad]

This is our first trip to Disney but NOT our first car trip. We are firm believers in DVDs (our mini van is equipped with one). Even as the driver, I find myself listening to the movie!!! I can't tell you how many times we thought we'd make it through all 6 Star Wars movies only to find we ran out of time!! It's a 20+ hour drive from us (Cleveland) to the Tampa area where Grandma and Grandpa live so we're experts.

We've got a DVD in the car too. We loved it for the first year. Now we listen to books on CD. Harry Potter is our favorite. You can't beat Jim Dale.

[footballmouse]

Food, food, food for the park. Definately pack ziplock sandwhich size bags w/snacks for each child. Also freeze water bottles to take in the park.

[twiter]

This is a great idea.

[girlsx2]

This is a great thread!! I love reading all of the tips. Even someone who has been many, many times can find a great tip on this thread!!

[hollydolly08]

Thanks for all the tips! We will be going for our first time in Feb. 09! :goodvibes

[dizzyprincess]

We found it easiest to take gallon ziplock bags and place an entire outfit in each (underwear, socks, clothes, hair accessories, etc.). I looked a little OCD, but it saved an immeasurable amount of time and frustration. Each morning I just pulled out a baggie, and we were ready and set to go.
We packed this way for a cruise last year and it worked great.. we just put the dirties back in the bags at night and kept our PJ's under our pilows... room stayed neat and tidy and it was so fast in the AM...

[ColoradoLime]

Here's a tip I plan on following for our upcoming trip.

Our suitcases are the kind that store inside each other. So we will be packing our clothes in the medium sized one and then packing it in the larger sized one. Then we'll have a whole extra suitcase to bring home souveniers and dirty laundry (doesn't it always seem to take up MORE space than clean clothes?).

Plus we're booking on an airline that does NOT charge for checked baggage so that won't be an issue.

[Eli's 1st trip]

I love this thread...I need to start a list of all the tips...still have a long time to go...so keep'em coming :thumbsup2

[DisneyRookie2007]

There are lots of posts here and I haven't had time to read them all, so forgive me if it's been mentioned before.

1. If you plan on doing some laundry while you're there, pack some laundry soap and fabric softener sheets from home. For a family of 4, we did approx 4 washer and 4 dryer cycles during our 10 day visit. The soap and fabric softener sheets aren't cheap.

2. Extra pair of shoes/sneakers to alternate each day so your feet don't get sore. Moleskin as previously mentioned is a must in case of blisters - along with scissors to cut it.

3. Have your purchases shipped to your resort so you don't have to lug them around the park all day.

4. Rent a locker for your larger items. That way you can carry a smaller bag through the park. Pack your umbrella, poncho, extra water, etc in the locker.

5. Water tastes terrible in Florida (my opinion). We purchased BRITA water bottles with built-in filters and this saved us lots of $$ on water.

6. We packed breakfast items, granola bars, juice boxes from home and ate breakfast in our room each morning. We brought a collapsable cooler from home, packed it full of ice each night and put our juice and milk in the cooler and placed it in the tub. We bought milk from the food court and it was very reasonably priced.

7. Microwave popcorn (pack it from home) is a great snack in the evenings and the food courts have micowaves you can use


8. Plan your MUST SEE attractions before entering the park. FOR EXAMPLE: Last trip, my daughter and I ran to SOARIN on rope drop and got on right away. My wife took our 2 passes and went to MISSION SPACE for fastpasses and then used her and my son's pass for fastpasses to TEST TRACK. Neither my wife or son wanted to go on these rides anyways. When my daughter and I exited SOARIN, we were able to get on TEST TRACK and MISSION SPACE within 1.5 hours. That was 3 top rides within a 2 hour wait - not too bad !

9. Try to plan a morning or afternoon away from the parks. After 3-4 days of commando park visits the family gets worn out and cranky.

10. HAVE FUN.

[seadd67]

There are lots of posts here and I haven't had time to read them all, so forgive me if it's been mentioned before.

1. If you plan on doing some laundry while you're there, pack some laundry soap and fabric softener sheets from home. For a family of 4, we did approx 4 washer and 4 dryer cycles during our 10 day visit. The soap and fabric softener sheets aren't cheap.

2. Extra pair of shoes/sneakers to alternate each day so your feet don't get sore. Moleskin as previously mentioned is a must in case of blisters - along with scissors to cut it.

3. Have your purchases shipped to your resort so you don't have to lug them around the park all day.

4. Rent a locker for your larger items. That way you can carry a smaller bag through the park. Pack your umbrella, poncho, extra water, etc in the locker.

5. Water tastes terrible in Florida (my opinion). We purchased BRITA water bottles with built-in filters and this saved us lots of $$ on water.

6. We packed breakfast items, granola bars, juice boxes from home and ate breakfast in our room each morning. We brought a collapsable cooler from home, packed it full of ice each night and put our juice and milk in the cooler and placed it in the tub. We bought milk from the food court and it was very reasonably priced.

7. Microwave popcorn (pack it from home) is a great snack in the evenings and the food courts have micowaves you can use


8. Plan your MUST SEE attractions before entering the park. FOR EXAMPLE: Last trip, my daughter and I ran to SOARIN on rope drop and got on right away. My wife took our 2 passes and went to MISSION SPACE for fastpasses and then used her and my son's pass for fastpasses to TEST TRACK. Neither my wife or son wanted to go on these rides anyways. When my daughter and I exited SOARIN, we were able to get on TEST TRACK and MISSION SPACE within 1.5 hours. That was 3 top rides within a 2 hour wait - not too bad !

9. Try to plan a morning or afternoon away from the parks. After 3-4 days of commando park visits the family gets worn out and cranky.

10. HAVE FUN.

The Tip on hiting the ride right at rope drop:thumbsup2 ,you can take away the most popalr rides,and then the rest of time can be spent on the others. The lockers are another great Idea,we rent one every day some times two depending If we have one or two Backpacks,and we park hop so we just take our reciept and get the locker for free at the next park.

[Bauta]

this thread is so helpful! :goodvibes now hopefully with this i won't forget things, haha!

[pixie-princess]

Hi. im new to the disboards! i've been to wdw 5 times. im getting married in may and we will be having our honeymoon at wdw:yay: Im so excited!! but hes never been:sad2: soo any ideas for first time guys??
also my DM..as crazy as she is..is disboards CRAZY..lol:woohoo:
she said the ziplock bags worked great! im a little nerves planing a wedding and a wdw trip at the ame time. any ideas would be great.:)

[seadd67]

this thread is so helpful! :goodvibes now hopefully with this i won't forget things, haha!

Now we need to start a borad on "how to not forget borad":rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[emy82196]

Thank you! These tips are all great. We will be taking our first trip to Disney World with four kids and you have all really helped me out.

[Cinderellabride]

subscribing even though I've been many many times. Good advice. I'll post mine after I have a chance to read the whole thing so I don't repeat.

[anetnmike]

excellent info! I've been to WDW many many times and am going back in 35 days but can always use great tips!:cool1: thanx!

[mickeyluv'r]

This is edited from a post to another thread on a touring schedule with a five year old...

1. Before a family goes to WDW, it's hard to understand the idea of letting WDW happen to you rather than trying to make it happen for you. Don't try to schedule the magic. That's a mistake I often see here on the DIS. Allow your child (and your own inner child) time to discover the things he wants to see. Keep your plan soft, except for a few ADR's.

2. Also, there are gift shops everywhere and WDW is the super-expert-master of marketing. Please don't expect your five year old to be able to outsmart a legion of adults with masters degrees in marketing and gift shop design. Please allow you child to get a few stuffed animals alsong the way, if they are asking for something. I'm not saying to break the bank, but all too often I hear parents telling very young children to wait before they buy. You know your kids best, and some do need guidance to avoid wanting everything they see....but for many kids early gratification will lead to satisfaction. They often don't understand the idea of 'coming back later' for an item. Often a small item in each place, or one itme early in the day, is a better strategy then one big item at the end of the day.



3. Don't be afraid to stop and smell the roses. the best of WDw is hiddenin the tiny details - not the headliners. If you miss a ride or show because your child is having fun in the water fountain, or waits in line to see a character - so what? I Give him a park map and let him pick the next attraction some of the time.

4. When we are giving advice on the DIS, we have no idea how physically fit you are. Some folks can make good progress across the park, others will find the walking difficult. Anyone can get ill or have an injury. Once went with MIL who is a very active runner...she had hip pain and had to go very slowly the whole time. Who could have predicted it? WDW is a lot of excercise. It makes snese to get in shape before you go to get the most out of it. Go for 30 minute walks every day for several weeks before you go. I've been with marathon runners who were wiped out by WDW (?maybe in part because they were used to running over walking/standing on concrete??)


5. Contrary to popular myth, you don't HAVE to ride the safari ride first thing in am to get a good show. True, animals are eating then, but some of my best safaris were late in the day. You do have to hit it before it closes forthe day, so look for hte sign when you enter the park or get over the ride which tells you what time it wil be closing for the day.

6. (Always bring at least two pairs of walking shoes to WDW! You never know about tropical rain, and your shoes could get soaked!) It's even better if you have room to bring a third pair - see below.

7. In regards to Kali River Rapids and other water trides. You might get soaked. It is no fun walking around dripping wet. Do NOT wear sneakers on Kali. If you will have a stroller, then it's a good idea to bring bottled water and a spare set of shoes - like water proof flip flops or Crocs just for Kali. ( I don't suggest either for all day walking. These kinds of shoes are also good for the pool, if you have room in luggage for this third pair of shoes.) They will not let you ride Kali barefoot. At LEAST, remove your socks (and any extra clothing, cameras) before Kali. If your sneakers do get soaked, it will take three or more days to dry them in Florida humidity. If it is cold, we may opt to skip Kali. I'm not THAT worried about getting wet, but it just isn't worhtthe aggravation. Also avoid demin or white t-shirts on Kali. ;)

Having said all that, part of the fun of riding Kali IS getting wet. Try not to be a water whimp. No matter how popular plastic ponchos are at WDW, they still look goofy. :thumbsup2 not :goofy: ! ;)


7. Unless you are going on ITtbaB, you can't really get up close to ToL. You can look at it froma distance, but not up close. Don't fret though, there are plenty of mini-attractions at AK to use up time. Characters, animals, people watching, bongo drums, Devine, etc. Your active five year old will love the bongo drums in Africa! Don't forget to take time for pictures, too.

8. As far as getting a fp and predicting (now) the time window it will be valid, that's nearly impossible to predict. The timing can vary widely based on crowd levels that day and how many decide to get fp's for that attraction.



9. As I said, my best advice is to NOT make a set schedule. It's fine that you want to get some ideas in your head about your strategy, just don't get stuck on anything in particular. You never know, for example, if a ride will be down on a given day. It has happened to EE before that it goes down for an hour or so. Kali won't operate during thunder, for example.

10. Tell yourself, there's always next time. Except for those folks who really know they can't afford a next time, or those who live really far away....if you are having fun, start thinking about a 'next time' while you are there. WDW is really best experienced over several (many) visits! once you allow there will be a next time, it's much easier to relax and not stress about missing something.

[mickeyluv'r]

I just read about almond milk. Many places also sell Parmalat ultrapasturized milk in individual serving boxes and quart (liter?) size boxes. (Some times it's hard to find though) It doen't need a fridge until it's been opened. It's an option when traveling.

[PrincessTigerLily]

mickeyluv'r, great sage advice! We have brought almond milk a couple of times, and it has worked great. The vanilla flavor blends nicely with any cereal. Once open, we kept it packed in ice in the ice bucket to keep it cold.

[PrincessTigerLily]

mickeyluv'r, great sage advice! We have brought almond milk a couple of times, and it has worked great. The vanilla flavor blends nicely with any cereal. Once open, we kept it packed in ice in the ice bucket to keep it cold.

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

I read somewhere about watching Wishes from the roof of the Contemporary - can anyone confirm or deny this possibility? I thought I knew a great deal but I had no idea any guest could get up to the roof. At any rate, possible or not, my tip is to watch the fireworks every night, regardless of whether you're in the parks or not. The beaches of GF and Poly are favorites of my family.

[daneese]

Wow- so much great info- TY. I am just trying to take it all in without getting overwhelmed.

[BiancaBernard&Penny]

I just read about almond milk. Many places also sell Parmalat ultrapasturized milk in individual serving boxes and quart (liter?) size boxes. (Some times it's hard to find though) It doen't need a fridge until it's been opened. It's an option when traveling.

I was just thinking about the milk... We took Horizon Organic milk boxes and another brand camping with us... it was great. They sell them in health food stores and the natural section of the grocery store. Plain and chocolate. At the health food store, I found strawberry yogurt smoothies in juice boxes, too. Great for the picky toddler.

[Harvestmooner]

I read somewhere about watching Wishes from the roof of the Contemporary - can anyone confirm or deny this possibility? I thought I knew a great deal but I had no idea any guest could get up to the roof. At any rate, possible or not, my tip is to watch the fireworks every night, regardless of whether you're in the parks or not. The beaches of GF and Poly are favorites of my family.

I have only heard of being able to do this if you are at the restaurant on the roof-California Grill?

[mickeyfan0805]

I have only heard of being able to do this if you are at the restaurant on the roof-California Grill?

There's also a lot of talk about this as an option at a special lounge at the top of the Bay Lake Towers (which is on the Contemporary Campus). Perhaps this is what is being thought of. I've not heard of such a thing at the contemporary itself - but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

[hematite153]

There's a patio of some sort on the 4th floor of the Contemporary that anyone can go out on to watch Wishes.

[TheWog]

I read somewhere about watching Wishes from the roof of the Contemporary - can anyone confirm or deny this possibility? I thought I knew a great deal but I had no idea any guest could get up to the roof. At any rate, possible or not, my tip is to watch the fireworks every night, regardless of whether you're in the parks or not. The beaches of GF and Poly are favorites of my family.

We watched fireworks from the roof of the Contemporary Resort, but we were also having dinner at the California Grille. We went outside on the rooftop to watch. T hey had the music as well.

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

Thanks so much, everyone, for your responses!

[jm106]

I am subscribing, but wanted to add travel tips for babies/toddlers in diapers.

In a gallon sized ziplock, I pack diapers, small pack (or ziplock) of wipes, packet of diaper cream or aquaphor sample, small container corn starch, disposable changing table cover and hand sanitizer. When diaper change time, its a grab and go item from bag/back pack and no forgetting something or lost in bottom of bag. Put extra diapers in back pack and refill zip lock as needed.
Oh and you can also put sunblock for baby in there too and when you change its a good time to reapply to little ones too(apply all over since many light weight clothes allow sun thru.)

Sunglasses for even smaller kids, my DS is sensitive and when he is sleepy in the stroller he hates sun in his eyes.

Get cheaper disney logo-ed things home and give to kids when in disney, then save money for a souvenir thats really worth it. Kids love Tshirts and towels just because they see them in disney but if they say disney/cars/princesses ... they will be thrilled and not think about where you get them from(walmart, target or even disney store home). Disney store Tshirt is on sale about $5, rather then $15-20 in parks

[Bethann23]

This is a Great thread .... I read most of it ..... but I do not think I saw this on here.....

I am very fair skinned, and I burn very easily, even when using sunscreen. About a month before we leave, I make a few appointments and go to the local tanning bed. I get a good base tan, nothing dark, just some color. This helps so much. I always used to burn when I went to Florida, NOT ANYMORE.....:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[countrylady_j]

I would love to come back to MI with a nice tan in February....make everyone at work jealous...LOL:banana:

[seadd67]

This is a Great thread .... I read most of it ..... but I do not think I saw this on here.....

I am very fair skinned, and I burn very easily, even when using sunscreen. About a month before we leave, I make a few appointments and go to the local tanning bed. I get a good base tan, nothing dark, just some color. This helps so much. I always used to burn when I went to Florida, NOT ANYMORE.....:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

Ok,Ok!!, wait a minute I read on another thread that was a Disney Freebie!:rotfl2:

[theinquis]

Bethann you are lucky then :)

[iteach7th]

All are great ideas, just finished reading all 20 pages and carrying all the tips I didn't have over to my "WDW master tip sheet" that has been wonderful in planning our trips and shared with everyone we know planning WDW trips.

One very major tip that no one has mentioned - Everyone protects their credit cards and tickets from lost/theft but what about our most valued possession?
Before leaving the room, take pictures of all your children (might want to include adults as well) in the clothes they are wearing that day with your digital camera and/or cell phone. If for any reason you become separated from your children, you have an updated picture with an accurate clothes description if you should ever need it. Hopefully you will be deleting the pictures that night to replace the next morning. If for some reason you were to ever become separated from a child, the panic attack you would have would probably prevent you from giving an accurate description to a CM or security.

[seadd67]

Iteach: Great point about your most vasuble possions. Since I frist brought my DS to Dl back when he was 8(now 15) we got a state Idea,and still has It (up to date of course),we also bought him a cell phone along with all contac Info with him. You can not take enough percatutions:goodvibes

[PrincessTigerLily]

Another easy idea: For young children (or any age I guess) make a necklace using alphabet and number beads for important info, for example your cell phone number you will carry in the parks in case you are separated. Instruct child to show it to a CM who can contact you.

I've also seen mention on multiple different threads about these ID tags that attach to your child's shoelaces.

[mecllap]

Hi. im new to the disboards! i've been to wdw 5 times. im getting married in may and we will be having our honeymoon at wdw:yay: Im so excited!! but hes never been:sad2: soo any ideas for first time guys??
also my DM..as crazy as she is..is disboards CRAZY..lol:woohoo:
.:)


So DM should be able to give you lots of advice for a first-timer. It depends on what kind of guy he is what will appeal to him. Hopefully he's fun-loving and outgoing and you can get a set of bride and groom mickey hats and get lots of really cute photos from the photopass peole. (If he's reluctant, remind him that you're never going to see the people again who see you at the Park -- and your relatives will love the photos).

If he hasn't ever ridden a Segway, there's a choice of two different rides now. They're kind of spendy, but really fun. I did the one in Epcot and it was really neat being in World Showcase before it opened. I'm reluctant to recommend the young adult "drinking your way around the world" because it's so expensive (but I've always wanted to that one myself!) and not compatible with wandering around with my DGS. The Keys to the Kingdom might be interesting to him, if he likes to know how things work (it didn't spoil the magic for me at all).

Check in at Guest Relations about the "What Will You Celebrate" thing they're doing this year. I think you'll at least get a honeymooner's button which will add fun to your visit.

My usual advice is just relax and enjoy it -- you can't do everything and see it all in one trip (so have a basic plan, be flexible, and prioritize). And read everything you can on disboards!

And Congratulations -- have a wonderful time!

[kamikazecat]

Thanks for all the tips. I am very excited about our first trip as a family. I went for Magic Music Days when I was in HS about 16 years ago but this is our first family trip. Please keep all the tips coming.

[rsjj]

subscribing...:flower:

[Kellyroberts]

Thanks for the tip, m waiting for your next useful tip

[denyell76]

So, I am wanting to ship some of our "comfort items" from home to help my children sleep...is there a way to ship your things home from the resorts?

[3_disprincesses]

Yes you can ship from the front desk of your resort. Always a good idea if you buy too many souveniers!

[Lady_Gracey999]

I am compiling a list of all the tips on this board. If someone has already done this please let me know to save time. Thanks!

[anewmac]

Not sure if its been mentioned, but we are brining a Camelbak. Its like a backpack that holds liquid. We will fill it with ice and water and we can suck on it all day. Thus saving on buying drinks or using snack credits for sodas

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/products/classic_camelbak.jpg

[KKB]

I do not like to carry ANYTHING in the parks...DH & DS13 wore cargo shorts and we slipped the camera & ponchos in their pockets. I only put my card in my pocket. We sunscreened up before we left, and threw some sunscreen wipes in his pockets, too for a reapply later.

We sat down before the trip after viewing the DVD and our Passporter. We then had everyone list their top 3 "must dos" at each park. Using Passporter & Unofficial guide's plans, we created a plan for each park, being sure to include everyone's desires. FANTASTIC. We barely waited in line (20 min. was long).
The day at AK we veered from our plan based on advice from a friend we ran into...and it messed up our whole day! We felt like we couldn't get it all in!

We were there a week, and could not even begin to get everything in! We are so excited for the next trip to get in much of what we missed! (luckily we skipped alot of shows, and my dad is going along this time--shows will be just up his alley)

[denyell76]

Yes you can ship from the front desk of your resort. Always a good idea if you buy too many souveniers!

Thanksso much for your info!

[redrosesix]

My resort tips for first timers:
The very first time you go to the food court, buy a refillable mug. You can save a lot of money, even just by grabbing a coffee to go on your way to the park.
Try to visit the food courts and restaurants of other resorts (easy if you're staying at the All Star Resorts, which are within walking distance of each other) Each one has different offerings. They are also less crowded than park food courts, so eat at one if you're between parks rather than trying to catch a meal at a crowded park.
Get a card holder for your Key to the World (KTTW) card. Use your KTTW card for everything.
Familiarize yourself with what is available at the resort gift shop - you will feel silly if you go outside "the world" just to get something that was in the gift shop all along.
Spend time at your resort, especially if you have kids. My daughter says that being at a Disney Resort is like being in Disney World all the time. All of the resorts have childrens' activities. Just hanging out the hotel would be a great vacation for most kids.
As soon as you check in, walk your family around to the places you need to find, using your resort map. The Disney Resorts are HUGE compared to most hotels.

My park tips:
As soon as you get to a park, rent a locker. Unload whatever you can do without for a few hours. Don't plan to go back to your car for things -- it takes too long. This isn't really even an option at the Magic Kingdom. Keep your receipt for your locker rental (I keep it with my KTTW card) so you can get your deposit back and so that you can get a free locker rental at another park if you park hop.
Make a note of where your car is parked. I actually write it on a piece of paper that I keep with my KTTW card. Remember, the parking lots are so big that they have trams to take guests from their parking space to the front gate.
Park hop if the park you are in is so crowded you are no longer having fun. Epcot can have huge crowds but not feel crowded. The others can feel so crowded that you can't move. We have left Magic Kingdom to go to Epcot for a few hours and returned to find most of the crowds gone.
Afternoon naps are important, not just for rest but because parks are often most crowded in the afternoons.
Change your shoes throughout the day to avoid getting blisters. If you do get one, take care of it right away.
If you're travelling with kids, don't do Disney as if you're never going back again and absolutely must see everything. Let them go on Space Ranger Spin 5 times in a row if they want to. I have yet to go on Pirates with my daughter - we're just saving it for next time.
If you must buy souvenirs, try to get something that will last for them eg. a sweatshirt that will fit for a few years, not a few months. You don't have to buy everything on your first trip. We decided to buy Disney shirts on our first trip and mouse ears on our 2nd trip, and just brought them back with us.

My number one Disney tip? If you have a little girl, let her wear a princess dress everywhere that she wants to in Disney World (you might want to have a shorts and shirt under, but still, let her wear it) Where else can a little girl be called "princess" every day? :love:

[DWFan4Life]

I'm new to this thread, I'm glad I found it. Thanks for all the tips and ideas everyone. :) Looking forward for some tips. :rotfl:

Have a nice day to all of you. :)

[familygirlsc]

subscribe!

[NateNLogansDad]

Bump for the May/June/July crowd

[Lori1960]

For the parent whos 14 yr son wants towear only jeans.Try and see if you can buy jeans that have a zipper on the knee that he can tak the zipper off and have shorts.I would also pack 2 pairs of shorts just in case he changes his mind and realizes he is to hot

[da big r]

This is vacation with the family soooo.... I am a big macho dude myself, but get a fanny pack or waist pack for every family member over 7 yoa!!!

Seriously guys, it is a big help. You can carry tix, maps, SNACKS, hand cleaner, band aids, poncho, and other assorted stuff and don't have to lug a backpack or shoulder bag.

I resisted when DW suggested it, but I was soooo glad I carried it. AND you can wear a long t-shirt o cover it up so no photos of it make it back to your work at home!!!

[Millie12591]

This is vacation with the family soooo.... I am a big macho dude myself, but get a fanny pack or waist pack for every family member over 7 yoa!!!

Seriously guys, it is a big help. You can carry tix, maps, SNACKS, hand cleaner, band aids, poncho, and other assorted stuff and don't have to lug a backpack or shoulder bag.

I resisted when DW suggested it, but I was soooo glad I carried it. AND you can wear a long t-shirt o cover it up so no photos of it make it back to your work at home!!!

This man couldn't be more right, buuuuut. If your one of those people who just can't do the fanny pack (which I totally understand) for what ever reason, (for me I'm pooh sized, I don't need anything else around the middle) there's also some great messenger bags (crocs has a good one, at least one my DS16 really likes) and slings back packs that aren't to huge or girly. If your wife ends up getting a messenger (the baggallini, don-overland, and travelmates seem to be very popular) then you might want to ask them to at least get one in a gender neutral color so when you have to carry it for a while you won't feel silly. Just my .02 worth.
I've read a lot of the "What Bag Would You Carry Into The Parks" Thread and have posted there many times to know I should share this bit of info. with you dudes. :cool2: :upsidedow

[mecllap]

I'm going to try to go without any kind of bag that has to be checked by security (esp. on rope drop days -- DHS for SWW, and MK). Wearing cargo shorts for poncho and putting small versions of other things in pockets, hanging umbrella from a belt. I'm going to take a "string" backpack that when empty folds up small enough to go in a pocket, so if I accumulate stuff I can use that. Thank goodness for small high MP digital cameras that fit in a pocket. Trying out the QSDP to resist hauling along snacks (and even lunch -- have been known to do that in the past). I like using a waist pack and have one that will fit in a pocket when it's empty, if I have room I may do that and then switch to it after getting through the gate.

[niclmac]

I have a 3 year old, so I use a stroller in the parks. I like to pack my stuff in those XL Ziploc bags.. the ones that you use for storage, with the handles on them. When I get to security, I just pull that out. They don't ever have to open the bag and search through it, cause they can see it all through the clear bag. It saves a few precious minutes and the security guards LOVE it too. A few have even thanked me!

[BiancaBernard&Penny]

I have a 3 year old, so I use a stroller in the parks. I like to pack my stuff in those XL Ziploc bags.. the ones that you use for storage, with the handles on them. When I get to security, I just pull that out. They don't ever have to open the bag and search through it, cause they can see it all through the clear bag. It saves a few precious minutes and the security guards LOVE it too. A few have even thanked me!

Good to hear that it helps in security. I bought a clear tote bag for this purpose then bought Penny a pair of those plastic roller skates that came in a great satchel like clear vinyl bag with a shoulder strap. I'll be using one of those bags for parks hoping to get through the security lines faster.

[Grants Mom]

my DH and I dont have kids. Lat year he bought me a huge mickey balloon on our last day - I didnt fancy my chances of fitting it up my jumper to try and smuggle it on to the plane :( SO as we were leaving the park we decided to give the balloon to the first child we seen that didnt already have one and wasnt acting like a brat (!!!!!) We chose a little girl who was sitting with what appeared to be her mum & gran, the look on their faces when we walked up and gave them the balloon was fantastic - and it was a great way for us to share a bit of disney magic. both of us got pleasure out of the balloon and poor mickey didnt get abandoned in our hotel room & pinned by a maid on the day we left :rotfl2:

thank you for sharing this - i really like this story and people now a days do not think of others! we have a child but I might have to do this and have my son give his away........teach his a good lesson!

[poohbear95]

Great ideas!!!!:cheer2:

[Lost in Wonderland]

Thanks for all the helpful tips!! :goodvibes

[jennyleettu]

I'm in the process of planning our first trip and have just read through 21 pages of tips and loved every minute of it!!! Thank you so much for all the trip tips! I have a list of things to pick up before leaving for our trip in a few short months!!!

[Kris74]

Thanks to everyone posting their tips!!! We're going in November for our first family vacation and these will all help a lot!

[HeatherC]

Go left. Really. Everyone tends to follow people to the right. You will notice this as you go to go through the gates. Lines seem to be shorter on the left side.

Also...if you are entering AK and there is a long line you can walk through the Rainforest Cafe and enter the gates that way. A lot of people don't seem to know about this entrance.

[ZoZo]

Ziploc bags in varying sizes. They weigh almost nothing and when empty, don't take up room in your suitcase. So many uses for them: keeping stuff organized in your backpack/suitcase, keeping things dry . . . but the most unusual way we used them was the last time we stayed at POR. Our room had those little tiny sugar ants (common in Florida, I used to live there!), and we had to ziploc our food to keep them out.

Clothespins. You can use them to close your curtains when there's a gap, hold snack bags shut, hang up a wet swimsuit on a hanger, etc. Lots of uses.

[roberta]

Thanks for all the great info. Keep it coming!