If you had just one tip to give, what would it be?

[Debi]

Okay, here's the scenario: A familiy is travelling to WDW for the very first time, and knows nothing about it. What insider hints/tips/suggestions would you give to that family?

I'll go first: never underestimate the imporntance of mid day breaks. No matter the age of the traveller (both adults and children), you will ineviatably experience meltdown if you don't take a break. Go back to your resort to nap, swim, watch TV, or just sit on a bench in a park and people watch for an hour or so. Everyone needs a break!

Who's next?

[Melika77]

HI! I would suggest these few things:

**Moleskin or New Sking (aids in preventing and civering blisters and cuts)

**Bring bandaids made of Fabric (They last longer. Can be bought at supermarkets)

**Bring a fanny mid sized pack.

**Buy a small water bottle to fit into water bottle (Rubbermaid makes small one that fit.)

Melika77

[HenryMom]

Well, if it's a family that's going to be using a stroller, my tip is to take along a clear, waterproof stroller cover in case of rain. (I actually just read this on another board, and will be doing it myself!) A poncho thrown over a stroller just doesn't cut it in the rain, plus the child can't see anything!

Melika77 thanks for the tips, but can you please fill me in on why you would put one water bottle inside another? I am a newbie at all this, and very curious.

Thanks,

HenryMom
FQ - May 2001 First trip!!

[wmears13]

Only 1 tip?!?

First and foremost....read and research your trip!!!!!

Keep calling and trying to get the rooms/hotel you want.

Read the DIS.

Take a water bottle, use sunscreen and have GOOD SHOES.

Take time to appreciate your surroundings and all the Disney people have tried to create. The WS in Epcot is stunningly beautiful and romantic.

[ducklite]

Plan your meals and make the reservations in advance!

Anne

[briar rose]

Get there early, especially if you are planning to take a midday break. Some people really buck this one. "I'm on vacation, why do I need to be there for EE at 7:30?" But you can get so much done in that time! Our last EE visit at MK, we arrived at 7:30 a.m. and were able to do Dumbo, Pooh, Peter Pan, eat a light breakfast and make a restroom stop before the rest of the park opened at 9 a.m.

Do your research and have a plan. This saves a lot of time at the parks arguing over what to do next. I can't tell you how many times you see people gathered around a park map trying to decide where to go, where they are, etc.

[Bennet]

Have a vacation (don't over plan)

[pixie dust gal!]

For years we have been following the same plan.

EE, then leave the park no later than 11am.

Back to resort for lunch, swim and nap.

Wake up at 3:30 - 4:00 and out the door by 4:30 for dinner.

Back to parks.

Everyone is refreshed and ready to go w/o meltdowns.

Hope this helps!



;)

[DisneyMim]

Don't overlook the little things. There's pixie dust everywhere, but you'll miss so much if you are rushing from ride to ride. Slow down and just enjoy!

[tink2dw]

Do an E-night at MK!! It is so cool to stay after the park is closed to Ride,ride,ride!! There are 10 rides open. It is a blast!! And you hardly see anyone else in the park!!!!:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :jester:

[sshd]

First if you have a child under the age of 3 take advantage of the fact that they eat free at the character meals. It will be a nice time to relax, the food is good, and the kids will love it.
Second, good shoes are very important. I was wearing keds type shoes on my last trip and from walking I actually tore a ligement in my heal and ended up spending the end of my trip in a wheel chair. They are important.
Third, going early is a good idea. Very early or very late the park is least crowded but starting a day off with the park less crowded is always best.
Forth, and most important, HAVE FUN. Don't beat yourself up if you can't do everything or if you have to stand in some lines. Remember you are on vacation. Enjoy it.

[Zoo Keeper]

Pack some Johnson's Foot Soak/Bath. After a long day of walking empty two or three packets in a tub of hot enough water. Everyone can then sit on the edge of the tub and enjoy. Ahhhhhhh!
It's a great time to relax and recap your day.

[Beverly Lynn]

make sure that you have id on your bags that you check in with the airline. and if possible put the name and number of the resort you will be staying at as well. this way if they get lost or don't make the same flight as you they have the correct id to contact you! return address labels work beautifully in the inside of the bag.
and if you take your stroller with you also use the return address labels on that too! put one down the sidebar, one on the bottem etc. this way you will have ID on it if someone borrows" it!

[Kitty 34]

Ew-w, Bev, great tip about the luggage!! I will definetly be putting my resort name on them!!

My one tip that I would give a new traveler to Disney:Read these boards!! There is SO much info here!! :bounce:

[CanadaKid]

Debi, you already took mine!

NOTHING recharges the kids' batteries better than a relaxing mid-day rest, swim, nap etc. when the parks are hot and crowded. That's why we will always stay in a Disney resort. Convenience is everything and it becomes paramount when visiting with young kids and strollers.

CanadaKid

[Thumper's Dad]

1. Read these boards. Absolutely :) , but don't try to do everything everyone suggests. If you do, you'll probably explode:earseek: or at least go absolutely bonkers:crazy:

2. Research and plan your trip. You Bet!, but again, don't overdo it.

I'd add these two things: Remember why you are there--to enjoy vacation time with people you love in an environment that can be conducive to enjoyment, if you have what it takes inside yourself.

And secondly, take time periodically throughout the day, and especially before each new day, to checkout the "condition" of the troops. Evaluate how your plan has worked so far, how your group's needs are being met, and what modifications are warranted. Maybe a minor tweek will make a world of difference in enjoyment. Or, maybe a MAJOR change is in order.

Hey, and don't forget--"...it all started with a mouse.";)

[djanssen]

1. Read these boards!
2. Use Fastpass
3. Do e-night at MK

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

Bring your own water!!! My DH and could not get over the price of a bottle of water or coke. :wave:

[Dee & Greg]

Pack empty water bottles and a baggie of powdered drink mix (I love gatorade). Or, you could even pre-fill your bottle with the dry mix. Pack them in your fanny pack, and fill with water at the parks. Shake, and enjoy. Much more satisfying than soda, and a fraction of the cost of bottled water in the parks.

[ABBSMOM]

The best tip I got from these boards was to pack the children's clothes for each day in a ziplock bag. It worked so great. Everything in one bag, shirts, shorts, socks, and undies. Just give them their bag every morning to get dressed.

[mattlm]

Take it easy - It's a vacation, not a marathon.

[dbail2]

Pack your ultralight backpack light and bellypouch small.

[Beauty]

One tip would be get ps to where you want to eat ahead of time! Also READ THESE BOARDS!

[luvmy2sams]

**Spray your feet with antipersperant before putting on your socks and shoes. It may sound a little odd, but I guarantee you won't get blisters.

**If using a stroller, tie a bandanna or balloon to it so you'll be able to differentiate it from the hundreds of others you'll be parking alongside.

**Buy more film than you think you'll need, but don't spend your entire vacation behind the lens.

**Eat at Chef Mickey's at least once, especially if you've got little ones.

**Slow down and enjoy the magic. It's everywhere!

[WDWBOB1]

Wow!..all great suggestions. Here's one I would never do without...always, always, always, rent a car especially with a company that has airport pickup. For little more than a family of 4 would pay for airport to resort transportation, you can avoid those frustrating waits for buses and also have the freedom to drive somewhere 'off-grounds' whenever you'd like.

[tink2dw]

DO do the MGM Hollywood and Vine Character Breakfast!! It's Minnie's Cafe[go girl power!!!]and she puts on a great spread[the food was AWSOME!!] and show!!!

[sarac]

Good shoes! Just got back yesterday from a week stay - that was the most walking I have done in a long time. The Teva Circuits were the best pre-Disney trip purchase I made.

[BeanoC]

Don't "over plan". Leave at least one day wide open, then take a vote and do what everyone most wants. It may very well be the most fun day of your trip.

Don't be park commandos! Savor the moments. You'll never do it all in one trip, so don't try.

Plan your days well, but be flexible - things change.

Don't feel that taking a break or a nap is a waste of valuable vacation time. Nobody can enjoy themselves if they're burned out. RELAX!


Use some unique colored ribbons and tie some onto your luggage. All luggage looks the same when it's going around on the carousel at the airport, but when mine comes around with obnoxious lime-green ribbons all over it, there's no mistaking it! :)

Tip the Mousekeepers. They work hard for peanuts and they appreciate the tips. The level of service and attention goes up when you do!

If you have young kids, get them "Guest of Honor" badges before you go. CM's will call them by their first names all the time, and it really makes the kids feel special.

Take a video camera, just don't have it attached to your face the whole trip! These tapes provide priceless memories. Just think of how much fun they'll be to watch in 20 years...


Final Tip: Never ask DIS'ers to give only ONE tip! We have too much to say ;)





'Beano'

[Disneydays]

I actually have 2 tips:

Take the time to ride the WDW railroad around the entire perimeter of the park.

Do the trolley down Main Street!!

Tape these adventures...they are memories that will last forever!!

Oh...sorry 3 tips............HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!:p

[Debi]

These are great tips! :D Keep them coming!

[merryweather's twin]

Well I haven't seen this one so here goes: Immodum AD....enuff said!:bounce:

[Zoo Keeper]

....And the Antacid too!


If you plan on taking crystal and/or glass home with you, ship them home from your hotel or pack them in your suitcase really well. Don't put it in your plane carry-on. There is something in crystal and some glass that the x-rays will not go through and they may search your carry-ons.

:(

[CanadaKid]

I totally agree with BeanoC:

Don't over-plan, don't commando and fit in some down-time to relax. Great tips!

Pre-planning is fine, just don't freak out if the plan goes wrong. Some of the best times we've had at Walt Disney World happened after the original plan fell apart.

Biggest tip - Have Fun!

CanadaKid

[jjnb7709]

I agree with all these great tips! My only addition would be:

Go to character meals rather than chasing them down in the parks!

The character breakfasts were a magical start to the day and a great opportunity for the kids to spend one-on-one time with favorites! And we didn't have to worry about the long lines to meet characters inside the park - we'd already met most of them!

[PamNC]

I would say the most important thing would be to research and plan ahead. I've known people to go for the first time with 0 planning and get angry because they had to wait forever to get into a restaurant. WDW can be quite overwhelming if you don't know the "lay of the lands" (to steal a phrase from Birnbaum). Call and get a vacation planning video, buy the Birnbaum guide, and of course visit these boards and plan ahead.

My second piece of advice would be to definitely stay in a Disney Resort. You'll save time and you'll be totally immersed in Disney. You can't beat it.

PamNC
11 days and counting!

[Beth Booth Poor]

Don't fight about food !!!!
Most of the unhappy children I've seen at WDW were arguing with their parents about something to do with food. It's a vacation for parents, too. So maybe the little guy didn't eat when you were at breakfast, but now he wants popcorn. Just get the popcorn. If your daughter really wants a hamburger, don't lecture here about not finishing yesterday's hamburger. Get her a hamburger.
Stop for your meals before "normal" times. Eat early - avoid the restaurant crowds - while everyone else is in line to eat, you'll already be riding Dumbo or Small World.
Yes, children need to develop good eating habits. But who wants to remember a WDW vacation as a constant argument about when, where, and what you ate?

[vmkids]

Eat a good breakfast, take snacks, freeze gatorade, and remember family is where it is at. Set the mind early that there will be no angry words from anybody! Remind the kids it is up to all of you how much fun you all will have...memories or misseries is based on everybody's behavior... we have one child that likes to stir the I'm unhappies... so we early in the trip teased her by telling her she was the officail party pooper and was suppose to disagree just for fun... guess what when she complained we cheared and when she agreed we told her she was not doing her job... she is 13 and this took the fun out of being on the out of every conversation!:p

[siouxi31]

Plan to stay 7 days, get 4 day park hopper passes and relax!
Visit the other resorts and have a drink--check things out. This is especially great if you're visiting just after Thanksgiving when the Christmas decorations are up. There is usually a CM at the the entrance of the resorts who will talk to the kids or entertain them--more true of Poly. Although we love to stay at BC, our budget doesn't always allow this. We still feel part of BC or Poly by dropping in.
We also love to stop at the check-in desk to see if someone is available to show us a room at a resort we haven't stayed in yet. It's especially eye opening to see the suites.
Visit downtown disney on a day off. There is so much for the kids to see that it's like a free day of entertainment.

[mhopset]

get your childs haircut at MK. It is so cool

[Debi]

These are great tips, everyone! :D Thanks for sharing! Keep them coming!

[Mattsmom]

Research, understand and use FASTPASS!!!! Saved us lots of waiting in the heat! Most people rush to use their FP as soon as the appointment time starts. You have an hour, stop and pick-up your next FP on the way, jump on a ride with a short line ect. Use it to it fullest and it will make your touring much more pleasant.

[Terry in NJ]

:D

How about carrying bandanas for everyone? When it's super-hot, you soak them in water and wrap them around your necks...

:D

NEVER go to the Early Entry Park if you can't get there at opening. The park stays crowded all day. Rather, go to the Park of choice the day AFTER the EE day. This tip was from a CM and has worked beautifully for us (especially with me not wanting to spend my vacation up at 6:30 every am!).

:D

Get PS's for at least one meal a day. Really. You can always cancel if you change your plans for that day.

[wtg03]

Great tips so far!!! And let me just echo a few of them as they are right on the money!!!

1) Get there early (at opening) and take an afternoon nap! We stayed one morning from opening until about 2PM. It was hot and humid, we were drained and beat, and it spoiled the fun! Every other day we went had lunch (many times in our hotel room), took a nap, and went for a swim. We were refreshed and ready to go again. I couldn't have made it for a week without a daily naps!

2) Do the character breakfast in the Castle at MC. This was the highpoint of our trip (and not just for my daughters but for me as well)!!! Here I was actually having breakfast in the Castle! How cool! And the characters (nothing but the girls-Snow White, Cinderella, and a few others) came to the table one by one. My daughters LOVED it!!!

3) Take plenty of snacks. We took Goldfish and home made chocolate chip cookies. When you were feeling exhausted we just grabbed a snack and were reenergized!

4) Read the "Unofficial Guide to Disney World". Worth every penny!!! We used it last time and my wife is even quoted in the new release!!! It's a must have!!!

Keep 'em coming!!!

1972-offsite in the middle of an orange grove campground
1999-All Star's Movies
2001-offsite at Vistana (and maybe a night or two at the Swan)

[ftwcutter]

Research park attendance rates, then decide on a date. For example, spring break is unbearably crowded and mid-summer is unbearably hot AND crowded.

Leave smaller children (2 or younger) with Grandma (don't even entertain the thought of taking an infant). As a matter of fact, any child under 5 would probably have as good of time at Chuckie Cheeses and simply won't fully appreciate Disney in the manner that it was meant to be. Imagine the awe-struck look on their face when they reach a comprehensible age. I waited (painfully) until my daughter was 9 so she could fully appreciate the wonder of Disney and not just see it as a trip to cartoonland. She was totally awestruck! I'm glad I didn't rob her (or myself) of that awestruck wonder by taking her earlier. Trust me, it's well worth the wait!

After 7 days of dodging and being struck by an unbelievable number of strollers (and witnessing my daughter being knocked to the ground by one), I personally believe that strollers should only be allowed for children who are physically challenged. They are simply too clunky to navigate the crowds. We witnessed a lot of frustration and anger by non-stroller families due to the rudeness of the navigators of these china shop bulls. That was the ONLY thing that lessened the enchantment of Disney World for us.

[ftwcutter]

NEVER go to the Early Entry Park if you can't get there at opening. The park stays crowded all day. Rather, go to the Park of choice the day AFTER the EE day. This tip was from a CM and has worked beautifully for us (especially with me not wanting to spend my vacation up at 6:30 every am!).

Excellent tip! We did just that and the crowds/lines were totally managable. We spoke to many families who went on Early Entry days and the general concensus was that the parks were packed. Even the official Disney Guide mentioned that fact.

[castmbr]

OK - I didn't see this one yet, so here it is! Pack plastic garbage bags and ziplocs. Garbage bags for dirty clothes (the bags they give you are never big enough) and for wet suits and towels coming home. Ziplocs for anything else that might need to be transported wet, or that might leak during travel.

[zum62]

After all day on your feet at the parks make sure to soak in the hot tub at your resort or take a steaming hot bath to sooth aching leg muscles.
Even though I walk regularly, I have woken up in the middle of the night with aching legs and been unable to sleep, especially during my first couple of days of marathon touring. The hot bath/tub routine seems to eliminate a restless night.

[nab486]

First get insulated water bottles (Rubbermaid makes a great one $5 at Walmart camping section) We carried these all morning then asked for Ice at lunch (free) and refilled them with cans of Pepsi. It saved a ton of money.

Second, buy one of the misty fan things at home. Ours was $5 here and they wanted $16 for the ones at Disney. If it was hot it really made a difference.

Jamie

[musical2]

My tip: If you have access to a freezer at your resort (We stayed at OKW last week) fill one 1-liter water bottle almost full of filtered water (from a brita water bottle and filter), fill another 1-liter bottle half full with filtered water and put them both in the freezer overnight. Lay the half-filled bottle on a 45 degree angle in the freezer. The next morning you have solid ice in both. Put more filtered water in the half-filled bottle and then put both in the 1-liter water bottle insulated carriers. In this way you have fresh cold water in the morning from the the bottle with half ice. In the afternoon you have fresh cold water in the bottle that was full ice. The second water bottle with ice will last the rest of the day. When the water runs out halfway through the afternoon, but still has ice in the bottle, just use the brita water bottle to add more filtered water to it from park water fountains.

Bart

[NancyMouse]

I always pack a backpack with an "emergency kit" and stash it in a locker at the park. I pack band-aids, safety pins, a sewing kit, extra contact lenses, eyeglass repair kit, a change of shoes (those blisters are inevitable!), change of clothes for little ones that are prone to "accidents", sun block, Immodium AD, aspirin, allergy medicine, etc....in anticipation of any unforseen crisis that would cause us to have to leave the park.

If you have a large group going to Disney, bright matching T-shirts can help to ensure everyone stays together...makes it easier spot any little ones that wander off in the crowds.

[ftwcutter]

Predictable response to my opinion of strollers. It is the mistaken belief that a stroller would ever have the "right of way" on a "walk way" that lead me to post that tip in the first place. As for the advice to "not stop suddenly in the middle of a street to look at a map or to just talk"... contrary to that line of thought, most have enough tact and courtesy toward others to not do such a thing (the same ones who never struck another child with thier strollers or made adults dodge them). I still believe strollers should be a no-no in extremely crowded places (except, of course, for the unhealthy or physically challenged). If a physically healthy child can't navigate it on foot, they're simply too young to be there. I challenge Disney visitors to spend just a moment to observe this situation when they sit down to rest. It's unbelievable.
I will, however, rephrase my tip to the following... If you are going to use a stroller in such a crowded and busy environment such as Disney World, please have respect for those on foot. Better yet... get those kids out of that stroller, into the "World" and have a blast! Dance down Main Street with them! Hold them up to the dancing waters at Epcot and let them feel the water! Put them on your shoulders and feel them bounce when Mickey appears in the parade! Now THAT, they will remember.

[ftwcutter]

The wheelchair remark was a blindside, since I specifically excluded "physically challenged" and "unhealthy" in my post. As for this getting out of hand... I'm not the one debating another person's tip. Mine was simply an observation and certainly doesn't need a forum of it's own or an argument. As for prayers... thank you, we can all use that.
With that, I gracefully bow out and close my side of this discussion {bowing}.

[Kim&Chris]

The best advice I can give is........keep goodies in your room.

By this I mean that it's a good idea to go to a local supermarket near Disney (such as WalMart or Publix) and stock up on juices, fruit, snacks, sodas, etc. This will save SO MUCH MONEY because, as we know, Disney's prices for this stuff are crazy:crazy:

I figured out what we saved on our last trip by NOT buying snacks and sodas in the parks (and by bringing them in a backpack) and our savings were nearly $100.00. That savings bought us another night at the CBR!!!!

[Dolizza]

MAYBE IT SHOULD NOT BE WATCH OUT FOR PEOPLE ON FOOT.....MAYBE IT SHOULD BE WATCH OUT FOR STROLLERS!!!

[Disneydays]

Buy all the film you will need at home before you leave.

If you are a gum chewer....take it with you....you can't buy gum in the parks.

You may want to consider shipping some things to your resort ahead of time.....snack items, hair dryers, etc.

One tip that I read somewhere??....if you have little ones at home that would appreciate a bit of Disney...buy Disney coloring/story books at home and then have them autographed at the parks....

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!

:bounce:

[guyzmom]

Moleskin tape for blisters can be a lifesaver!

Plan, plan, plan! It is such a big place! I'm a planner by nature, and by doing my homework, and making an itinerary - we got to see and do everything we wanted to; and things went so fast and so smoothly that we were able to throw the itinerary in the trash a few days early, goof around at our leisure, and go back multiple times to our favorite finds!

#1 tip: trust your own instincts, and do what's right for you

HAVE FUN!

:bounce:

[pouncingpluto]

Plan a character breakfast for the day you leave. It is so great to have one more bit of Disney magic to look forward to. Otherwise, it is just so blah to get up and leave the World.

[mirlow]

Download maps to the park and get them laminated. We did this last year and it was great. You don't have to worry about them getting wet or torn up and you can look at them with one hand:smooth:

[sillyspook13]

Hello! I'm new here.

If I could just give 1 tip, it would be to get up and dance when watching Tapestry of Nations. The puppets are more likely to interact with you that way.:sunny:

[Debi]

Thanks for all the tips so far, everyone! Also a friendly reminder to keep the stroller/wheelchair debate friendly. Although there are different opinions on this subject, please be courteous of anothers opinion, even if it may be different. Thanks!

I agree 100% with sillyspook13's advice about dancing with the puppets in ToN. If you open up and smile, dance and cheer, they will interact with you more. Also, be sure to watch ToN from outside Germany - it is now the only place where a parade both enters and exits. The best place to watch!

[PhotobearSam]

My favorite tip for any vacation is to buy processing included film, 3 rolls at a time, every weeks for 6 to 8weeks before our trip.

We get them on grocery day and this way we don't feel the pinch of buying all our film at once. When we get back from our trip, the processing is already paid for (we usually don't have money left at this point anyways)

We take tons of pictures...LOTS OF FILM

[wvjules]

Bumping back up. I had trouble finding it again.

[EZ Ed]

Plan well enough to what your going to do, but don't be your master.

Avoid the early mob on MK main street, take the train around back and work against the crowd.

Talk to CMs and other visitors while you're waiting, I've gotten good advice and suggestions that helped enjoying the trip.


;)

[buzz5985]

Use EE and Fastpass. I could not believe how much we saw using EE at the MK, and Fastpass. What I had anticipated would take us up the our afternoon break, actually was accomplished by 10 am. And we were there at a fairly busy time (March 2001)

Anyone worried about bringing a young child - My son was 4 when we went. HE BELIEVES. An older child knows that Mickey Mouse isn't really alive. We stayed in ASMo, Buzz Lightyear building. My son wanted to make sure Buzz had his own bed!! The Mousekeepers arranged his stuffed animals in front of the TV with Clicker in their lap, later on we hear him whispering "Oh, Lucky, I always knew you were alive." You will miss this special magic, if you wait. You will still have the magic, but it is different, more mature.

Plan, Plan, Plan. I also recommend a Character Lunch, at the Land. We loved it. I could go on and on. LOL

Janis

[jenbren]

but the best ones are:

1. Bring misting fans if you're going in the summer - I can't believe how intense the heat is! 90 in Florida is a lot different from 90 in Michigan! We used our fans all the time and it reduced the whining factor by a lot!

2. Know what you want to see before you go in the park - which fastpass you are going for first etc. It will prevent the milling around and allow you to see so much more if you know what you want to do.

3. Plan a morning to sleep in after a couple of early morning or late night plans- every couple of days anyway. We didn't do that soon enough and I would take more breaks next time.

4. Use the lists of things people pack in their fanny packs/backpacks. My family was amazed that I always had something useful along when we needed it. Especially moleskin, swiss army knife (that has small scissors), wet wipes, ear plugs (for loud rides), small penlight (for dark rides) and put an id card with a picture of the family in kids fanny pack and info about where you are staying, cell phone #/FRS channel etc. They never needed it but it made me feel better that they had it.

5. Relax and enjoy! Plan, plan, plan but once you are there be flexible and have fun!

[babslittleones]

Great tips everyone! Thanks for all the great ideas.
:)

[BethC1952]

Hmmm....

Contrary to just about everyone's advice, don't plan, plan, plan!

WDW is a place for grownups to be kids--what kid ever planned every minute of life? Unless your life will be destroyed if you don't eat in a certain restaurant, don't stress over it. You can always come back!

Wear two pairs of socks, no matter how hot it is, with cotton ones on the inside and cotton or wool ones on the outside--the inner ones wick the water away from your feet when you sweat, and it evaporates from the outer pair. Presto--cool, comfortable, cushioned feet!

Wear a hat (no matter how hot it is) and suntan lotion. Skin cancer is not worth the risks. A white hat is cooler than a dark one.

Too many tips?

Biggest one--relax and have a good time!

Beth

[nealh303]

Plan before you go -

We gave the kids their allowance (few months before we go) in Disney Dollars (that way I dont get the buy me something every time I stop - I tell them it's your money buy what you want - BUT - when its gone don't ask for more - this has worked great and the kids learn how to budget)

We also buy the Birmbaum book and have the kids pick three rides that they MUST ride to make the trip complete (fifteen rides tolal) and we make sure we hit those rides (lines and all). We tell the kids any more than the wish rides is a bonus and anything we miss we'll catch the next time were here - this seems to work out pretty good -

most days we leave the park early to swim, ride bikes, wander, or nap

Our last tradition is to eat one family sit down meal a day when we can discuss our favorite part of the trip or what we are planning on doing next - it gives one healthy meal and makes us slow down and spend time together.

Last - don't be a parent who DRAGS kids around telling them "I spent good money - you better be having fun"

slow down and have fun - listen to the kids - sometimes they've just had enough - even if you havent

[slp87]

I haven't waded through all of these tips...but we prefer to go to Epcot just one morning and then go back a couple of evenings about 5:00. It's such a big park with a lot of walking and by that time in the evening it's starting to cool off and the crowds have thinned out. We just prefer to enjoy Epcot in small bites. And if you have a car and are staying on-site, park at the Beach Club and enter at International Gateway for a shortcut to World Showcase.

[Disney*All-Stars*]

BEFORE YOUR TRIP, BUY A THERMAL BOTTLE HOLDER WITH STRAP FOR EACH OF YOU. SEMI-FREEZE THE DRINK (IF POSSIBLE) OR ADD ICE (PUT THE ICE IN THE WATER BEFORE YOU FILL THE BOTTLE) BEFORE YOU GO OFF TO THE PARKS. THE HEAT MAKES YOU THIRSTY WALKING AROUND ALL DAY AND WITHOUT ONE YOU ARE GOING TO END UP SPENDING $2.00+ FOR AN "I'M DYING FOR A DRINK" WATER OR SODA. YOU CAN FILL UP AT THE FOUNTAINS TOO-EVEN FOR SPLASHING YOURSELF OFF WHILE STANDING IN THE SUN. BRING BOXED DRINKS FOR THE KIDS!

[Elysiannn]

My tip would be when anyone starts to meltdown - step back and rethink then remember. I saw so many families yelling at one another. My brother even copped a horrible attitude for 6 hours during my last trip. Remember you're in the best place on the planet and probably with your most beloveds. The lines, the Sun and heat can put you in serious meltdown so go find a nice place to sit down, rest and regroup. Count to 1000, start again and remember. ;)

[jennypetal]

Save all of your receipts from all the odd little items you buy before your trip for "just in case" items. Like sunburn relief spray, the extra dozen ponchos you didn't wear, the immodium AD pills not used...

Jennypetal

[Diznut84]

1) Use antibacterial wipes on the plane before you eat and on the seat handles etc. (tons of germs!).
2) Don't share drinks (all of you are more likely to get sick).
3) Buy each of you a Brita bottle (summer only) and drink LOTS of water. Refresh with ice at every meal.
4) Don't be afraid to break up into groups for short periods. Different folks want different things. If you do, bring the FRS radios.
5) That said, find what each member of your family wants the most at each park. Get that list down to the 3-4 things you really want to see!
6) Bring a great attitude!

[Kama89]

What great tips! The two things that made our last trip so much nicer than the one before, was using TIFFANY!! What a wonderfully relaxing way to begin AND end your vacation. The other thing was taking advantage of having things shipped back to our room (if you're staying onsite). We also took advantage of having some of the bigger items shipped home. At the little gift shop in The Land pavillion, I found some adorable (and AFFORDABLE!) character stepping stones. Naturally, they were too big and heavy to take home on the plane, so for just 8.95 they had all three shipped home. They were waiting for us when we got home. :)

Two more: Use the two way radios, and most of all: If you possibly can, stay on site! :)

Oooh! I just thought of another one that helped our son! We pulled him out of school for last year's trip. We saw to it, that all two weeks worth of school work was DONE before we ever left. It made coming back to school 2 weeks later, so much easier for him.

[Debi]

What great tips, everyone! Thanks so much for sharing. Does anyone else have a piece of advice for a new family travelling to WDW?

[rclalm]

MY tip is..... if your husband is going to walk around filming the world, don't walk in front of him! We have so much footage of my "back end" I could just scream every time we watch it! Needless to say, I didn't know at the time or else.........! lol (we had 4 children and inlaws with us also) Just remember, you're there to have a good time so roll with the punches, and just do what you feel like doing at the moment.:D

[LisaRex]

1) Use the send-away film developers. Several weeks before your trip, call Mystic Photo or the like and request a dozen envelopes. They pre-fill in your name, address, and phone number for you. Then, as you use up the film, just pop it into the postage paid envelope and send it off! That way you won't have to worry about the film getting exposed at the airport or losing the film AND you'll have part of your vacation pictures waiting for you when you get home.

2) Don't forget fanny packs for the kids. They have a place to put their sunglasses and hat -- not to mention their drinks and Game Boys, which are great for long lines.

[callahanjulie10]

My main tip is to STAY ONSITE!! We had never done this in all of our years coming to WDW until they offered a special this last May. You would not believe how much of a difference it really makes. Spend a tad more to stay- we have now stayed at AsMu 2 times and have a 3rd planned. It is nothing fancy but it is themed, and it is affordable. We love it.

The other tip is don EE. Of course because we had never stayed onsite we had never been able to do this. Amazing how much you can do in the extra 1 or 1 1/2 hours before it opens to the public. I guess that his tip goes hand in hand with the first one!!

Third- enjoy- you are so lucky to be in the World and not at home doning laundry, paying BILLS, or at work......enough said!!

[wmears13]

Just back from a trip w/ 2 of my sisters and their dh, ds and dd, 10 of us total.

Most important thing, take the time to enjoy being with each other! Realize it's a vacation with the family and that's what's most important. Just walking from one ride to another can be fun if YOU make it fun! WDW will always be there and you sure aren't going to see everything. But it will be in Orlando and your family will be going home with you; use this time to strengthen that family bond.

I'm proud to say that after 10 days together, we all still like each other had had no meltdowns or arguements. (And we normally can't grill hotdogs without a loud "discussion"!:D )

[mooses41]

Bring a Brita water filter.

[BounceyOne]

Stay on-site!!!

Stacey

[Eeyore2U]

My tip would be to look around. There are many things you won't notice if you don't look. The names on the windows on Main Street, hidden mickeys and the flowers and gardens. I'm not one for flowers but I am amazed at what is done at WDW, especially the garden by Le Cellier.

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

[ehagerty]

If I had just ONE tip to give, this may not be IT, but it is still a good one.

We have been taking our double stroller to WDW for 11 years. Here's the scenario:

A. Dad pulls up to the curb at the airport, we unload luggage and carry-on stuff (camera bags, packpacks, etc.) into buggy (assume double stroller has front seat which lays down flat). Mom takes luggage to counter. (If you check luggage curbside, skip to step B). Dad parks car or volunteer family driver drives off.

B. Once luggage is checked, load carry on and small children into stroller, head for security. Unload from stoller onto conveyor belt - reload on the other side of x-ray. Continue to gate.

C. At gate, take stroller (still loaded) to the end of the jetway. Unload. Fold up. Leave at end of jetway for airline to load.

D. Once you disembarkin Orlando, stroller will be waiting for you on the jetway. Open it. Load it.

E. You can push this on "as is" to the monorail (from gate to concourse). Take elevator to luggage pickup. Pick up luggage and use stroller as a luggage rack.

F. Now, it would seem silly to bring your strolller solely to serve as a luggage rack, so here is how you continue to use it:

1. If you have young children, it will save you money (the cost of renting) at the parks. (Obvious one)
2. If your children are over 3, it will be more comfortable than a stroller you can rent. (Because you can lay the back of the front seat down and they have leg room)
3. The path is long from bus or parking lot to park (or resort, or whatever) - and you could really use a stroller before you have the opportunity to rent one in the park.
4. If your children are over 3, but under 80 pounds, they will be grateful for the opportunity to get a ride after walking a few miles. Trust me, they won't care what anyone else thinks.
5. It provides a great "cover" for a bag (say, a soft-sided, insulated bag) of snacks - especially when covered with rain ponchos.
6. It provides a place to store wet ponchos (under the seats) until you can get back to the room and hang them up.

I could go on - but there is enough here to spark you imagination. Suffice it to say that this strategy has worked so well for use that we have owned a series of 5 double strollers over the years....

[ehagerty]

Don't waste valuable park time shopping.

There are only two conditions I can think of that would warrant spending time in a theme park gift shop:
1. Hopeless shopaholic (you actually prefer shopping to the attractions)
2. Desire for souveniers with the theme park name/logo on it (because you cannot buy them anywhere but the park)

Best shopping strategy:
1. Go to Marketplace - to the main Disney store
2. Have Disney Club (or comparable) membership card (10% off) - usually the $30 or $40 (depending on how you signed up) feed pays for itself here - depending on how much you spend.
3. Have the purchase shipped to your home (I don't know if it is still true, but it used to be that the shipping fee was around $6 - and they didn't charge tax for out of state shipping, making the threhold for "break even" $100).
Bonus: you don't have to find room in your luggage - nor do you have to carry the weight en route home.

[ehagerty]

Whether you are travelling with your own immediate family, or especially with people outside your immediate family, you can minimize disruptions by getting people's expecatations out on the table ahead of the vacation.

Now, for some people, this sounds like "work" - but, we make the sessions "fun". Sit down with maps, attractions descriptions, park strategies (Do you think we might want to do early opening, followed by a lunch/swim/nap,.....? Or would are you expecting to sleep-in and not go into the parks until after lunch?). Engage them in helping you to plan - even if you probably have done enough research to have an informed opinion about how you think things should go.

We once have in-laws meet us for a few days at WDW and, after a few hours, by brother-in-law just couldn't help himself. He was used to spending 8 hours a day being "in charge" and could not cope with being a "follower" (that would be following us, the WDW experts when he had not been there beore). In retrospect, I would have asked him (probably over a drink) whether he was comfortable "following" BEFORE inviting to come along.

In summary:
The more expectations that you can get on the table BEFORE you go, the more everyone will understand the parameters of the roles to be played.

Too "Type A" for you? Trust me - all the expectations are present, whether they have been articulated or not. You can uncover them up front - or you can uncover them one at a time while spending $200-$800 per day.

[LoDivaLoca]

(Especially in the off-peak season) RENT A CAR!!!

Nothing like being pressed for time, and having to wait on bus schedules, and then other stops at other hotels. I had a car in January of this year, and did a run from DD to ASMu & back in about 45 minutes (if I had to do the busses, probably would have taken an easy hour & 1/2 and we were pressed for time!)

[westcliffemom]

Take time to sit on the benches. Not only will you get a rest, but you'll relax and soak in the atmosphere! Try it, it's great!!!

[kozmo]

:) :) have fun, have fun ,dont sweat the small stuff,dont make the trip -this is it or else,like if you cant get the ps you want
its ok, keep trying -ask for help -whenever you have too,cms are always around,have fun :pinkbounc :pinkbounc :pinkbounc

[prplcrzy]

Every year after our trip we start a savings push with our daughter. We give her $2 for lunch and tell her to put the change in her bank. Then she takes money she gets from Bdays etc. and puts that in her bank. Once a month or so we go to the bank and deposit this in her savings account and by the end of the year she has a couple of hundred dollars to go on vacation with. We only allow her to take half of whatever is there on vacation so the next year she starts with more money.

This is her money and she can spend it on what she wants. I never have to say no you can't have that because I'm not paying for it, she is. She learns the value of money, how long it takes to save it, and how to decide to spend it because we tell her when she runs out of money that's it. The same work for Mommy and Daddy, we only have so much money. She knows of course that Mommy and Daddy are billionaires and that we have and endless supply of money. LOL.

It is amazing to watch them learn the value of the money they have and what to spend it on. It has taken a couple of trips but the difference is remarkable. I hold the money for her, but she can buy what ever she wants.

[colleen mcmaster]

We have taken our kids once a year since our oldest was 15 months - he's now 4 1/2. He (and now his little sister) has had a fabulous time every year and every trip has been different. As they get older, they like different things and it's been neat to see what they like from year to year. They have both always loved the characters and the rides that they were big enough to go on. I would not hesitate to bring young childeren (unless your child is extremely shy and fearful and doesn't like crowds). As far as the stroller goes, we've always brought our double stroller, which I'm sure can be annoying to some people, but I would never think of going to a park with young children without it. For one thing it's too easy for them to wander off and they don't always like to hold our hands. Also, they can sleep in them and they have a place to watch the stage shows and parades. They can ride back to the car/tram at night without us carrying them and we have a place for the diaper bags/backpack.

As for my favorite tips, spend an inexpensive day at Downtown Disney and bring your kids' bathing suits and a ziploc bag to put them in when they're done. (They can play in the fountains and at legoland for free). Eat breakfast late and dinner early to avoid crowds. Bring pennies and quarters for the pressed penny machines - our son loved looking for these machines and it's a pretty cheap souvenir. He's still pulling out his collection and we went several months ago. Also, I think it's just about the smallest souvenir you can buy so they're not hard to carry around.

[hogie1]

-get a Fastpass for the Haunted Mansion when the line is long around lunch time. Then go to the Columbia Harbor House for lunch. The chicken fingers or fried fish (both with fies) is the best value we found anywhere in WDW. So you wait 15 mins to order & get food, but you eat, sit, & relax for 45-50 mins afterwards. That just killed your wait for the HM, and your batteries have been recharged.

-1st timers get a book, look on the net, have something of a plan, because it all helps. Just riding the bus made my head spin with excitement so I didn't know where to start (and my plan would have made Gen. McArthur jealous!) Don't set everything in stone, but have a good idea what you want to see & do.

-Sorry this is so long, but I must. Last year I was a very skeptical 26 yr old male taking my fiancee to WDW/Disney Cruise. I planned and mapped and everything for my 1st time, but I didn't think I could be impressed by this "Mouse". So for those who have never been, let me tell you, be skeptical because once you step foot thru the gates at the Magic Kingdom, you'll never want to come back. I swear they put something in the air @ WDW, cause I turned into the little boy I've always been @ heart. So make sure you and everyone you go with does the most important thing, have lots of fun!!!

C-YA in 80 days Mickey!!

[pentex]

When planning, don't get crazy about certain character meals you feel you have to go to. I've read on this Board about people crying about not getting reservations for Cinderella's Castle Breakfast, etc. When I see stuff like this, I think back to myself when I was crazed to get that breakfast and only that one. But looking back over the years at all the character meals we've gone to, that was a good one, but in no way the best. If you can't get what you want, try something else. There are so many good times in Disney...no one character meal is irreplaceable. Relax in your planning, relax on your trip!