What Disney Tip Are you really glad you listened to?

[barbaraann]

Everyone had a first time for going to Disney. You remember, people heard that you were going, and lots of them gave you advice. Or perhaps, if your like me, you read everything that you could get your hands on. Well which items of advice did you listen to? Be it a practical one or a magical one. On my first trip with my 4 year old grandson, I am glad I listened when someone told me to ask to sit in the front of the monorail. We did that our first night on the way to Epcot and it was wonderful. Definitely do a character meal, I was advised. We did three, and they were all special in their own way. I also remembered hearing something about O'hana and dinner and fireworks. It was my birthday and we had spent the afternoon at Downtown Disney, which was a disaster. It was about 8 o'clock and we were back at our hotel, I was starved. We thought about room service. I remembered somewhere about asking for seating at O'hanas, you might be able to get in without a PS. It was not a busy season. We got seated, it was my birthday, I got serenaded to the tune of Hawaii 50. It was my 50th birthday. We saw the fireworks from the restaurant and it was all spur of the moment. I simply remembered, at the right time, of course, and my birthday was really magical. So you all have them. What is the one piece of advice you are glad you listened to? Practically or Magically?

[mommytutu]

Practical tips:
zip lock bags in every size for a variety of reasons--I used zip lock bags all over the place. I kept one in the diaper bag for dirty clothes, one in my fanny pack for items that I didn't want to get wet, I used them for groupling things together in luggage to make searches faster

brita fill n go--this saved us a bundle in money. Since they have been discontinued I need to go stock up on filters

fanny pack--yes, they are unattractive, but man, they are handy

buy small fan to use in parks before you go

head back to the resort in the afternoons


Magical tips:

Ride in the conductor's car of the monorail

Make breakfast PS times before MK opens (8:30)

Get a window seat while eating in the castle and an aquarium seat while eating at Coral Reef

[akur]

buy small fan to use in parks before you go


:sunny:
Double and triple that one! $4.95 vs. $14.95, and you have it already on the way there. I used mine in Las Vegas, a cruise, and the State Fair.

[WaltD4Me]

One of my favorite tips was to use a town car service instead of Mears. We had a super great driver, the grocery stop was awesome and we didn't have to make 5 other stops before getting to our hotel! I will never use Mears again!

Also glad I listened to the people who said it not to worry if you got late morning character breakfast PS's. We had 10:30 PS's for Chef Mickey's and it was much less crowded than early morning and the kids got tons of character time. Same for the Princess Breakfast in Norway.

One more....get over sitting on Main Street for parades, there are great, less crowded, spots to watch from in Liberty Square and Frontierland

[tinkerbell81284]

I got this Birnbaum's guide... Mondays and Easter tend to be the one most crowded times to go to MK!!! I learned both my lessons on those two!

Big tip! Always wear sunscreen! Learned that one the hard way too! Eek! Definite Ouch!

[Grand2me]

Best piece of advice that I got was to bring your own poncho and have it with you at all times...EVEN if they say it's not going to rain. You never know. We found out the hard way last year :) . A really good piece of advice that I got from my brother was to start walking. I know it sounds wierd but he said that you do an OBSCENE amount of walking in all of the parks. He wanted us to be ready. Really glad that I followed that one.

[leahannpen]

The best advice I ever got, and listned to, was to make copies of the back of my park tickets incase they were ever lost. I did this last trip, and let me tell you...thank god I did. I lost my pass BUT with the copy I made, I was able to have the old one voided and a new pass issued in minutes.

[MommaluvsDis]

The "hang on the door" shoe holder! Keeps everything handy and neat!

[Deesknee]

Best advice - if at all possible stay on the monorail with little ones. (although now we don't BUT we rent a car).

[Mady/Sophiemom]

If your little one needs a nap, ride around on the Tommorrow Transit Authority. You can usually stay on it, since there isn't a line. We rode it for about 30 min one time.

[quiltymom]

I was able to get some small Disney character fans at the Disney Store for only $5.00 just last week. They have a neck strap on them, AND the center of the fan lights up! Now I won't have to get them light toys for nighttime when we're in the parks.

[Drizzo67]

I have to agree with the post about walking. A few weeks before our trip the whole family went down to the mall by our house and just walked, in and out of crowds. It was also good practice for the kids to reinforce their manners It was delightful to hear them saying "excuse me" and "thank you" when passing through crowds etc. It was also good reinforcement for myself - keeping a good eye on them.

Water, Water, Water - drink tons. Even with all the wonderful food in Disney I managed to lose 6 lbs on our last trip....WALKING AND WATER. Kept me going all day.

When you do your "advanced" walking before your trip, make sure to be wearing the shoes you will be wearing in the parks. This way you will know if they are comfortable, etc.

[buckeye]

Buying double cheeseburgers and an extra bun, to make 2 burgers. Prices are high and every little bit I save makes me feel better. Never would have thought of it on my own.

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

I was able to get some small Disney character fans at the Disney Store for only $5.00 just last week. They have a neck strap on them, AND the center of the fan lights up! Now I won't have to get them light toys for nighttime when we're in the parks.
Disney store.com or did you go to the Disney store?

[madison66]

* Get a wallet insert for pictures. $0.50 at Claire's Boutique or Icing acessory shops in most malls. They had colorful plastic inserts too.

Put Driver's license, room card, park card and a little cash in each of four pockets...neat and compact in my pocket.

* Use fastpasss whenever possible.

It allowed us to check out the surrounding area and possibly try a less crowded attraction while skating past the long line at the appointed time.

* Use priority seating

Just so helpful when selecting such popular character meals

* Get extra package of pinbacks

Dh lost most of the pinbacks that came with the ones he purchased. Rather than lose the pin itself...replacements were in his pocket already.

* Use cell phone or prepaid calling card instead of hotel room phones.

The operator assisted surchage on direct or collect calls, while posted, was highway robbery!

Madison :)

[dkddis]

Stay on site.

[quiltymom]

Disney store.com or did you go to the Disney store?

I got the fans at the Disney Store. I got a Minnie Mouse and a Buzz/Woody. I believe they also had an Incredibles and one other, but sorry -- I can't remember which character(s).

[Nini]

I too think that Fanny packs are great!

Though with a small child, I will need more than that in carry space. I have decided on a smallish knapsack (a sporty type...weather proof material) and ziplock bags for those items that must stay dry. This will enable me to carry those essential sippy cups and snacks that my little one will need throughout the day. I will also be able to carry dh's wallet for him (in a ziplock of course!) and maybe a dry pair of shorts for myself and dd3...we hate wet bottoms!!! DH doesn't care if he is wet...man thing I suppose!

Hmmmmmm...I buy the plain old light sticks for the kids for our annual cape cod trip, so I think that I will buy those again (traveling w/extended family for this trip too!) as they like to take them to bed...they double as night lights and I can generally find them at Ocean State Job Lot for approx. $.99 each!!!!!!!!!!!

-Comfortable shoes are a MUST!!!!! I agree that you should start walking BEFORE the trip. Socks with your shoes/sneakers are a plus for cutting down on blisters.

-Don't try to cover everything in one trip...you'll kill yourself trying!!!!! Save some for a reason to go back. ;)

-I read about these...disposable cereal bowls from Target! They have the cereal in them (same concept as the boxes but they are in fact plastic bowls) and with kids, this is a great time/money saver!!!!!

[ksoehrlein]

For DD4 princess:: The thread about how to get a PS for Cindy's Royal Table for breakfast. I never could have snagged it once, let alone three times (and counting), without those instrux!

For DS2 :earsboy:: I'm glad I read here about getting baby's first haircut at MK. I never knew they gave ears and a commemorative certificate until I read it on the DIS.

For me :earsgirl:: The tips on going it alone with 2 small kids. I ended up buying a toddler harness (despite my initial reluctance) and a sling, and put both to good use. Of course bringing DH with us the next time made it even easier. ;)

For our budget: The ING Direct FAQ! And many of the other hints on the Budget Board.

In conclusion: :disrocks:

[allforpooh]

Towncar instead of Mears

Grocery Stop -buy cheap styrafoam cooler-buy pop- bring a lg ziploc bag to use for the ice refills much less mess..

Refill water bottle in Park

Put all of the Park, parade, and Firework times on a index card on one side, your tentative schedule with PS's times and #s along with Resort, Dining phone numbers on the other side and laminate - I keep this in my backpack.....

Pack then take out half - I always end up wearing the small comfortable stuff over and over

Teva Sandals

Go to the Park Early, go back to resort by 12 or 1 - rest, nap, swim - then dinner and back to parks - everyone is in a much better mood.

Check the refurbishment schedule right when you get there in case anything was added - one year we went to MGM after we were there a couple of days and found that Rock N Roller Coaster just went off line for a week but had been opened the first 2 days we were there.

To be honest there are so many things I have learned from these boards that each time we go it is more relaxing and fun....

Denise

[Yardbird]

Discount Codes! When I joined Dis last year, I had no idea that discount codes existed. Last June we were able to use a McDonald's code and paid $79.00 a night for POFQ. Then in October we used a room only code and got WL for $139.00 a night. This June we will be returning for our first DVC trip (another tip)!

There are so many useful tips that I learned from these boards, that I can't even begin to mention them all!

[briarberry]

We found getting to the parks at opening was a lifesaver. We did all the rides we wanted to do in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland by 10:30 one day. It was an EMH. It got crowded shortly after and we just left and hung out at the pool and returned around 3:00.
Good shoes are a must! I love my Birkenstocks! :flower:

[Grumpy's Wife]

My best tip would be to always choose the left line for rides. My kids would see who we would be behind if we went to the right. Every ride we always beat that person on by going to the left. Try it! ::MickeyMo

[I Dream of Disney]

Wear the rain ponchos on Kali River Rapids.....

First trip we were soaked and walked around with wet clothes and sneakers all day.

Next few trips, we wore the ponchos and rode the ride three or four times in a row, first thing in the morning.

We gave the ponchos to another family waiting in line. :flower:

[disneyjunkie]

I glad I listened to the few people that had good things to say about Mears. I've had quick, polite,friendly, and cheap service both times that I have used them.

I'm looking forward to using them again next month.

[DizzKneeLand]

Body Glide for your feet to reduce (and for me elimiate) the blisters. Couple that with Cool Max socks - and you are good for hours and hours of walking!!!

DizzKnee

[KAG Mom]

I glad I listened to the few people that had good things to say about Mears. I've had quick, polite,friendly, and cheap service both times that I have used them.

I'm looking forward to using them again next month.

I'm new here. What is Mears?

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Codes! Otherwise, I'd never have known there was an alternative to rack rates! :scared1:

Using a Town Car rather than Mears - Mears gets people there OK, but the Town Car added a nice magical touch for Grandma and Dkids. However, since renting a car last year, I now enjoy the independence and will most likely continue renting.

The Unofficial Guide's and the DIS's strategies for getting that elusive CRT PS. It worked for me back in 2002, though I haven't tried to push my luck since!

The simple importance of planning - PS's, having at least a general plan for what we want to accomplish each day and knowing which of those things to do first and avoid bottlenecks. It's so practical, maximizing our time, which also helps the vacation be more magical! :wizard:

[momm2four]

Mears is a company that sends vehicles to shuttle people between airport and WDW.

Lori P. :)

Never used them, so other people can probably go into more detail.

[Bluenoser]

The best advice I ever got, and listned to, was to make copies of the back of my park tickets incase they were ever lost. I did this last trip, and let me tell you...thank god I did. I lost my pass BUT with the copy I made, I was able to have the old one voided and a new pass issued in minutes.

How far did you have to go to get copies made? are there copiers on the resort?

Thanks.

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Mears is sort of the default transportation service from the airport to WDW. If you have a travel agent book your trip, chances are good you will get Mears as part of the package. Usually they have vans or buses at the airport, where they wait to fill up with Disney-bound guests and then take them to their various resorts on WDW property. I used Mears in 1993 after arriving on an evening flight. I remember being packed into a large van with many other people and going to several resorts before being dropped off at POR almost two hours after leaving MCO. It wasn't painful, but then again I was already fuzzy with fatigue and didn't feel rushed to get to WDW and start my day. I knew this arrangement would not work well with my mother in 2002, so I arranged for a town car - and like I said above, it really injected a dose of magic into the vacation, as my mom and the Dkids felt special (none had ever used a livery service before).

[allforpooh]

There is nothing wrong with Mears its more of a what you are looking for, Mears will stop at multiple hotels to drop off guests where a town car will take you directly to your resort and even do a quick grocery stop on the way. For a family of 4 a towncar can be cheaper. I have to agree with MickeyMonstersMom, it just adds a special touch to the beginning of your vacation....

[mommytutu]

How far did you have to go to get copies made? are there copiers on the resort?

Thanks.
If you have recieved your park tickets already, then make the copies before you go. The public library, post office, and some grocery stores have copiers. If you are getting your tickets when you are there then guest services might be able to make copies for you.

[BamaTigger]

:cool1: Change your socks once a day to prevent PARK FEET!

:cool1: Use ziploc bags when you pack for your socks, underclothes, tshirts, etc.

:cool1: Put a Snuggle or Downy dryer sheet in your suitcase to make clothes smell fresh!

:cool1: Use old film containers (little black plastic thingys) for your pennies and quarters when you are a PRESSED PENNY hunter!

:cool1: To take long deep breath when you enter the MK and just look at the castle and smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anastasia]

:flower: The Unofficial Guide - It is my Bible! Although I would like to try a Passporter next time.

:flower: The Unofficial Guide's recommendations for CRT ressies. I had no problem getting ressies on either of our last two trips. Although it was very funny watching my husband and I watching atomictime.net, and dialing on our home phone line, his business line and both of our cell phones until we got through at exactly 7:00 A.M., and then silently high fiving each other when we got the reservations because our kids didn't know about the trip yet.

:flower: Eating breakfast in the room. Saves money and more importantly TIME!

:flower: Asking to ride in the front of the monorail. On our last trip we only got it once, but the trip before we did it a bunch of times. The kids love it.

[barbaraann]

Lots of really good ideas. The people who frequent the DIS boards are very knowledgeable on how to save time and money on their trips. They are also very saavy on ways to make traveling around the world easier.

[kyra's mommy]

Hi Guys-

New to this board (which is so wonderful). I was wondering why no one else mentioned renting a car. We're going 4/23- 4/30 staying at the PO Riverside and we decided to rent a car this time. The car is only $100 for the entire 7 days which isn't that much more then Mears. I thought that it would make it easier to stop for groceries to stock in the now free fridge Disney gives you. Plus, it would make it alot quicker when we go to the other resorts for dinner ( I read in the Unofficial Guide that it can take up to 1 1/2 hours to travel from one resort to the other on Disney transp.) and should we decide to eat outside of Disney it would allow us to. Lastly, there are all the cheap offsite shopping sites for Disney souveniers. To me it just seemed worth it. Anyone else in agreement?

Erica :earsgirl:

[kkana]

need more time than I have right now to read this thread, but don't want to lose it.

[Soupermom]

We received our passes/tickets when we checked into the resort; I just asked the CM to make a copy of the ticket backs for me and she did it right away from her computer! :)

[Bluenoser]

Thanks :flower: I was wondering how we would get copies.

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Hi Guys-

New to this board (which is so wonderful). I was wondering why no one else mentioned renting a car. We're going 4/23- 4/30 staying at the PO Riverside and we decided to rent a car this time. The car is only $100 for the entire 7 days which isn't that much more then Mears. I thought that it would make it easier to stop for groceries to stock in the now free fridge Disney gives you. Plus, it would make it alot quicker when we go to the other resorts for dinner ( I read in the Unofficial Guide that it can take up to 1 1/2 hours to travel from one resort to the other on Disney transp.) and should we decide to eat outside of Disney it would allow us to. Lastly, there are all the cheap offsite shopping sites for Disney souveniers. To me it just seemed worth it. Anyone else in agreement?

Erica :earsgirl:

I've been there both with and without a car. Some people swear by it, but it's more a convenience than a necessity for me. We don't go offsite at all while down there, which is a big reason why we don't really need a car. Normally I enjoy riding WDW transportation and make it part of the experience, giving myself plenty of time and watch the scenery. However, it was nice to drive to Boatwright's for breakfast last time.

[4travelers]

Following touringplans.com list of "best days" at the parks to plan when to vacation and which park to visit. It worked!

Bringing our own strollers. Even the resorts are huge at Disney, and it saved us carrying a sleeping 45lb. toddler through the resort each night.

Stopping at the babycare stations to change/rest/feed our infant. Cool, quiet, a small place to entertain the toddler while the infant got some extra TLC.

[Melissa M]

The Hall of Presidents is a great place to take a nap!

[ANTSS2001]

Disney store.com or did you go to the Disney store?

They have at the Disney store, they have 2 kinds.. one that lights and one is just a fan... :flower:

[mrsmiller]

So many good tips!!!
But I have to say my favorites tips are:
-The goody bags for the children( I made one for each day of the trip and my kids looked foward to get their "disney bag" ; It saved
me also a lot of money because my children did not ask me to buy them "toys" at the parks.

-The polaroid picture every morning ( It came in handy when my older boy got lost, I panic and could not tell the castmember what my son was wearing until I remember the picture in my bag)

-The Unofficial Guide

-The mouse saver newsletter

-Hand Sanitizer

-The little boxes for Laundry Detergent

-Grocery stop to get snacks

Linnette :)

PS*****Brita Bottles****** ;)

[BelleChick]

The best tip I have would be to take the individual kool-aid type drink packets and add them to water in the parks. You can get the water for free and you can buy a box of the drink mixes for less than $2. It saved me a lot of money my last trip.

[DanceRC28]

Taking a time out from the parks to eat a No Way Jose at Beaches & Cream, yum!!!!!! :sunny:

[roadtripper]

Man, now I'm craving a No Way Jose-- and I have to wait 2 weeks to get it!

Renting points from a DVC member was the best tip I ever got! Now we own at DVC and get to go every year!

[mskani]

Most of the best tips have been mentioned already. I am so glad that I found this forum in 2000--right before my family and I took our first trip to WDW. Some of the things that were beneficial to my family and I were as follows:

1) Riding in the front car of the monorail.
2) Spraying deodorant on your feet.
3) Staying offsite in a 2bd villa. It's not for everyone, but this has served my family well in our three trips. Maybe one day we'll stay onsite at one of the villas, but it's not financially feasible for us.
4) The phone tips for CRT. I talked to someone who has been to WDW at least seven times, but has never had breakfast at the castle. She mentioned that she didn't even know that you could.
5) Placing everyone's clothes in Ziploc bags. This is a major time saver in the mornings.
6) Dressing in matching shirts or colors. It makes the pictures look nicer.

:wizard:

[jjsmom]

1)Best advice-Take at least 2 pair of really good walking shoes. By alternating pairs, my knees, legs and feet were not nearly as sore. Also, if one pair gets soaked, you have a backup.

2)Purchase the passporter. IMO, the best, most comprehensive guide to WDW

3)Allow LOTS of time to use the WDW transportation to get from point A to point B, especially if you have ps's at a resort.

4)Purchase a small, inexpensive wallet and keep only the necessities for your trip, like credit cards, cash, insurance card, passes, etc. It fits better in the fanny pack than my big over-stuffed everyday wallet.

[quiltymom]

Well, we're just back and I'm already homesick for WDW! I guess that it's time to plan our next trip in a few years.

Here's a list of the things I did right, followed by a list of those things I wished I would have done. I think I would have done better with the latter if I had only found out about the DIS sooner than a few days before our trip!

WHAT I DID RIGHT
1. Had a mini-flashlight for DD for the dark rides
2. Brought earplugs DD & DS for the loud stuff (the rubber kind from Home Depot that have a string attaching them)
3. Had pre-made autograph albums for the characters we knew we would see at meals
4. Purchased an extra media disc before leaving home
5. Brought an extra suitcase, although I didn't use it
6. Had a detailed itinerary that we used as a guide
7. Got up early for the EMH's -- it was well worth the lack of sleep
8. Packed things (purchases, used items) away every night so I wouldn't have to do it the night before and miss out on a lot of fun!
9. Just went with the flow when we got there
10. Made a list of things that I needed to buy or do so I wouldn't forget to do them!!!!
11. Brought one backpack per child to hold personal autograph albums, hats, pressed pennies, wallets, etc., and a fanny pack for me, with a small camera bag that I could slip onto the strap
12. Bought things when I first saw them
13. Had mini m&m tubes for pressed penny coins


WHAT I WISH I WOULD HAVE DONE / WHAT I'LL DO NEXT TIME
1. Had organized outfits per day (and weather type) in those large Hefty zip lock bags
2. Not packed as many clothes and either use the laundry service or make sure there's time in our schedule to do laundry (there wasn't time on this trip)
3. Pre-measured powdered Gatorade into the snack size zip lock bags for easy use in the parks
4. Not brought any extra toys or books other than what was needed for a 2 hour flight. The kids didn't play with them. They were too interested in the resort TV channels and storytime channel.
5. Not brought a backup camera AND disposable cameras for the kids to use (they never used them)
6. Bring only ONE sippy/sport cup per child and one to share for me & DH
7. Didn't buy things when I first saw them
8. Send down a box of snack food, etc. ahead of time so we won't have to make a grocery store run.

[MNT568]

My favorite tips:

1. Tying a scraf on the rented stroller. I bought a cheap bright yellow scraf with big white circles on it, I tye it to the handle of the rental stroller, we never have a problem finding our stroller, even when the CMs move it! That scraf has made 4 trips with us!

2. Bring 2 pair of sneakers for each of us.

3. When booking the trip telling CRO that it was my DS's birthday during our trip. Every PS we had that day treated my DS to something special and there was even a cake, card and balloons in our room!

[back2disney]

bump, I haven't been in like 20 years but I'm going in late November to early December this year and will use all these wonderful tips and add my own:)I've heard its a good idea to bring warm layered cloths and gloves just in case..

[Tamar]

I don't think anyone's mentioned the Disney Dining Experience. If you will be doing sit-down meals, character dining, etc, and will be staying for more than a few days, it will quickly pay for itself. It's not a dining plan, just a discount off your check (up to 10 people).

[Georgieut]

I'm new here. What is Mears?
If you stay on property starting in May they offer Magical Express. They meet you at the airport and pick up your luggage for you so no baggage claim and take you right to your hotel. You get one tag per person but my DH and I are playing golf and I called and asked for 2 extra tags for the clubs and there ya go. I guess you can check in and if you don't go up to your room or something your bags will be in your room when you get back. I thought that would be cool so I'm doing the Magical Express in June. Good luck!

The really really excited mom!

[popeyeohoh]

Getting to the parks early,
breaking aroung 1:00.
Follow an itinerary.
Stay on site

[snyderla]

To the person who wrote about renting a car, we usually make our first stop the disney outlet store since we found out about it. We buy all of the gifts/souveniers we intend to bring back for family/friends there, then we're done with that! Our first time there I bought over $350 worth of things for $84, I found something great for everyone I wanted to bring something to, and spent way less than I thought I would! The money I saved would have covered the cost of car rental, if we would have needed one.

My best tips I've learned:

1.Buy souveniers from outlet store
2.make a first seating PS for Crystal Palace, then hit FantasyLand first thing before it gets crowded
3. bring moleskin in case of blisters & don't forget scissors to cut it (but every time I think of that, I remember the Dis poster who wrote about putting it on her thighs over irritated skin...then trying to get it off!...ouch!)
4.ride in front of monorail to or from EPCOT

Lori

PS: I almost forgot...renting DVC points! We stayed in a 2BR for less than half rack rate and LOVED IT!!! OKW! Now we own our own DVC points at SSR!

[foxfire]

This may not be a priority for a lot of folks but I don't like getting a numb tushie from sitting on hard surfaces for a long time! :crazy:

I bought a bath pillow at Dollar Tree. It doesn't take up much room in a backpack & is lightweight. The one I got is velour covered & since it's small it doesn't take long to inflate. It sure helps keep me more comfy & I don't walk funny when I get up after a long sit on a hard curb! :rotfl2:

[tigeress2474]

I asked the ladies in my local mommies group where to take my DS first hair cut. Someone told me to wait until I get to WDW and get it done there. I can't wait for this. His hair is not that long so I can wait 29 more days until I get there.
All the tips I read here are great ones.

Jennifer :sunny:

[partyofive]

I don't think anyone's mentioned the Disney Dining Experience. If you will be doing sit-down meals, character dining, etc, and will be staying for more than a few days, it will quickly pay for itself. It's not a dining plan, just a discount off your check (up to 10 people).

Is the Dining Experience available for me even though i am not staying at a Disney Resort?? :confused3

[Tamar]

Well, I didn't realize this until I looked it up just now, but DDE is only valid for Annual Passholders and Florida residents. Having said that...getting annual passes is a great tip if you'll be at Disney for a week or more...you get lots of discounts that add up, and a great excuse to go back before they expire!!

Tamar :wave2:

[Jess]

The hanging shoe organizer thing for toiletries-brilliant suggestion and worked like a charm for someone like me, who is usually rummaging through every bag looking for the toothpaste, etc. From battery chargers to floss, we had a compartment for each item and it saved valuable time not only in the mornings before we went to parks, but also when it came time to pack up and leave for home.

I got a Columbia waist pack for DH who balked and balked ("I am SOOO not wearing that, no way, no how--it looks dorky"), but guess who was singing its praises left and right when he got to WDW discovered he could fit a small Sony digital camcorder in there? He has a bad back and cannot wear backpacks anymore. We're totally for the waist pack!

Ziplocks. All kinds, all sizes. Gotta love em. Esp. the new 2 gallon size.

Never ended up using the ponchos but you never know--they are so inexpensive and could come in so handily for water rides as well as sudden rainshowers.

Get the cheap lightsticks and other cool kid gadgets that light up before you get to Fantasmic. Those merciless vendors go up and down the aisles in the stadium for the entire hour you are waiting, and it can get really painful when your 2 year old does not understand why she is not getting the extra special sparkly light up wand or lightsaber doohickie that they are waving in her face every 2 seconds I missed the boat on this and left the lightsticks in the resort room. Not gonna make that mistake again...

[pjlla]

I second the suggestion to split up everyone's clothes into each suitcase. That way if one suitcase goes missing, everyone has at least SOME clothes. We also bring a small change of "bare essentials (undies, t-shirt, wind pants, which are lighter and smaller to pack) along in our carry-on luggage.... just in case!! (Plus my friend's Mom got vomited on by a drunk passenger on a LOOOONG flight home from Ireland.... and she had NOTHING to change into!!)

I have yet to try the over-the-door shoeholder idea, but I will be utilizing it this summer on a long trip. I think it will work great!

I also second the idea of copying your park tickets. I lost a ticket between the security checkpoint and the gate (a distance of about 10 yards) a few years ago. It was picked up by someone and given to a CM... and then another family tried to claim it! Fortunately, they could tell by looking at the rest of my tickets that the number sequence was correct and that the ticket was mine (BIG RELIEF)... the next time I made sure that DH and I both had a copy of our tickets with us AT ALL TIMES!

I also used the ziploc bag packing idea on our last trip to WDW. It worked well, even though the weather was iffy on some days. For the most part we just wore the pre-planned outfit and added a jacket or sweatshirt. If it was really cold, we exchanged the shorts from the preplanned outfit for a pair of pants that was brought along "just in case".

I always bring along a nightlight from home. Neither of my kids sleep in complete darkness (although DD used to... when did that change??) and it is helpful to not be disoriented when you wake up at night to use the potty.

I may be using the "inflatable-bath-pillow-as-a-seat-cushion" idea this summer at DL. Apparently there is no real "seating" for Fantasmic except on the pavement. And since the parks will be crowded, I'm sure that we would have to sit early to reserve a spot. I know from experience at WDW that after about 30 minutes my feet and legs are so numb that I couldn't stand if the place was on FIRE!! I think I will be looking into 4 of those cushions! (and I know that you can stand to watch Fantasmic, but I imagine we would be rather tired after being on our feet all day in the parks!)

In addition to tying a colorful scarf or ribbon on our stroller handle, we have also tied them around the antennas on our rental cars. Otherwise I think we would spend HOURS looking for it.... despite the fact that I diligently write down where we park.

.......................P

[S. C.]

:banana:

[RockyMtnMaria]

Use Tour Guide Mike. If nothing else, follow his recommended park days, and get there at rope drop. Everything else is wonderful gravy!!!

[ZoZo]

Best piece of advice that I got was to bring your own poncho and have it with you at all times...EVEN if they say it's not going to rain. You never know. We found out the hard way last year :) . A really good piece of advice that I got from my brother was to start walking. I know it sounds wierd but he said that you do an OBSCENE amount of walking in all of the parks. He wanted us to be ready. Really glad that I followed that one.

I totally agree with both ideas! I was so glad to have my 69-cent "emergency poncho" tucked into my fanny pack the night before Hurricane Wilma hit. We had a torrential downpour - I have never been in a storm like that before. Never needed a poncho again the whole trip, but was sure glad I didn't have to shell out the money for a WDW poncho!

And be sure to get in shape before you go! I swear, next time I go I'm going to get a pedometer and see how many miles I really walk there. If you're not in shape, you'll suffer!

Also, take care of your feet. Use a combination of Bodyglide and moleskin to prevent blisters. Make sure your shoes are extremely well broken-in. I brought my regular workout shoes (which I wear 3 or 4 times a week) and was very sorry not to have brought my older, more beaten-up tennis shoes, which were much more comfortable.

[mandysmom]

I picked up this tip from the boards and it saved our vacation!
DH developed a nasty rash on inner thighs after day 1.
He then started using Body Glide which allowed him to continue walking pain free.

[deekaypee]

In the early days, as I was finding my way:

1) Read Unofficial Guide (I love the snarky commentary and reviews)
2) Book early (air, hotel, dining reservations)
3) Stay on-site
4) Get there early, early, early
5) Take midday naps (they're not just for kids) & relax by the pool (it keeps your sanity)
6) Make an itinerary and stick with the plan (but allow leeway for spontaneity)
7) Character dining (I'm sort of shy)
8) Bring snacks and water
9) Be adventurous; try things you don't think you'll like
10) Talk to CMs and other guests
11) Take time to notice details

Now that I'm more experienced, I'm refining my trip strategies. Here are some of my new favorites, in no particular order:
1) Use 2-Gallon Ziploc Bags to organize clothes
2) Buy cheap ponchos @ Target, etc.
3) Bring two pairs of comfortable walking shoes
4) Travel light (and, in my case, do laundry)
5) Squishing pennies is a great activity and offers small souvies
6) Healthy eating helps to maintains energy; so does working out
7) If staying at POR, take the boat to DTD
8) Make specific building requests
9) Visit the Greater Orlando area; it'll make you appreciate Disney even more
10) If possible, give yourself a leisurely travel day to and from Disney; you don't want to start or end your vacation stressed out
11) Bring moleskin, sunscreen, aspirin


Oh, and I'm a big fan of car rentals. I really find the option convenient!

Things I'm planning on doing the next time:
1) DDP--mainly to encourage myself to experience new places
2) Stay at a new resort, maybe more than one; Tour different resorts
3) Try a new WDW experience
4) Segway Tour
5) Sprinkle some pixie dust of my own!
6) TourGuide Mike

[44sun]

Deekaypee, I just LOVE #11 - Take time to notice details. Simple yet so perfect. That's #1 on my list this time! :flower2:

[LoriMistress]

Here is some advice that I followed on our trip:

1. Planning and Research: That will be your best friend throughour your vacation. I spend months planning our first trip and if I didn't do my research I know I would have been totally screwed. DH and I would have been miserable, waiting in lines, spend all of money by the 2-4th day into the park (and we were there for seven days.)

2. Eating Dinner Early: We ate lunch late (3-4pm). Since we went during the time of November, the parks closed earlier (7-8pm). Most restraunts serve the same meal during dinner, expect they charge $10-25 bucks more (depending on the restraunts.) We ducked out of waiting long lines and had our dinner early so we beat the dinner rush. And while everyone is trying to eat dinner, we're riding the rides. Plus we would save $10-25 per meal.

3. Fast Pass: Important tool. Study the craft and you'll rarely wait in lines.

4. Bring Your Own Poncho: Instead of paying $10-15 a poncho at WDW, just buy one at Target for $5. Just bring it with you and when it rains strap it on and you're good to go.

5. Bring Ziplock Bags: Protects your items from getting wet and easier to keep your items in.

6. Go To The Parks During OFF SEASON: Why pay two to three times more when you can spend less money on your vacation and not dealing with huge crowds? Instead of going on our honeymoon in June and having to deal with crowds, weather, and spending mucho money, I planned our trip ahead and booked our trip for November.

7. Keep Fit: Walk about a mile or two a week or two before vacation. You wouldn't think that you will do that much walking, but you definatly do! I lost a total of 10lbs on our vacation from all the walking.

8. Bring Snacks and Bottled Water: DH and I bought bottled water and snacks with us. We did eat breakfest at the parks (only 3 times during our seven day vacation) but we ate before hand so we wouldn't spend extra money on snacks. Plus, why spend $2-3 on a bottled water when you spend $4 on a twelve pack of bottled water at Target?

9. Bring Different Types of Clothes: Bring clothes that will fit for just about any weather. Thought, the park remained mainly around 70 degrees, at times that park would get chilly, so bring a jacket.

10. Stay on Site: We enjoy the bus transporation and the convenience of being close to the parks.

11. Chat with the CM: They are wonderful people and you never know what magical things will happen.

12. Special Events: If you're going to WDW when it's someone's birthday/honeymoon/anniversery/etc. let Disney know beforehand during your reservations, plus the parks sell buttons/pins/hats that would fit your need.

13. Go Early Early Early: You have to go early to the parks. You can relax a bit, enjoy the parks when the crowds are low and ride the rides you want before they get crowded.

14. Avoid EMH: The parks is twice as crowded; go to another park instead.


Things That We Will Do On Our Next Trip:

1. Use Tour Guide Mike: Got the $3 discount from Disboards and the first day using the website is worth every penny. Even an old dog can learn new tricks.

2. Making Reservations In Advanced: Use their advice on booking reservations. If you want to eat at the best restraunts, book the reservation in advanced. You do NOT want to be disappointed.

3. Purchase MVMCCP tickets and CLP tickets: Will definatly purchase these in advanced.

4. Use The Discount Codes: Seek and destroy. Some packages online (AAA, Expedia, etc.) may be easier to book but most likely be more expensive then booking seperately.

5. Save Save Save: Save more money. We rarely bought any suvineers because we had to budget. This time we want to go "wild" so we have to say every penny.

6. Use Towncar Service: Mears was alright (it was cheaper) but we waited 45 minutes to an hour to load up everyone and took over an hour close to two hours just to arrive at the parks. Will definatly NOT do that again. I would rather have someone pick me up on my schedual and take me to the store so I can get last minute supplies and head to the resort so I might be able to enjoy the parks.

[DisneyTarheel]

A tip for those staying at AKL: Don't park near the grassy medians, especially if there is a chance for rain. Why? ANTS. I read about this a few years ago and mentioned it to my DBIL the last time the family stayed at AKL. He chose to ignore the advice -- even gave me some good-natured ribbing about being "Mr. know-it-all Disney." (Which I owe to the DIS, btw! :thumbsup2 ). Anyway, they spent an extra couple of hours on the last day of our trip trying to get ants out of their mini-van, and had to make several stops on the trip home to further de-ant the vehicle. :teeth:

[It's A Happy Day]

Thanks :flower: I was wondering how we would get copies.

When we got to DW last October (06) I just shot a picture with my digital camera of the front & back of our passes. I always have my camera with me so if I lost the passes at anytime I had the "copy" on hand. Just another way to get a copy :)

And I guess the best advice I got was PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Because we were planning this trip for a year in advance I was able to get an unbelievable price (3K for everything for 12 nights including food & souvies for 4), look at the parks before getting there to see what my children would most likely want to do vs. things we could overlook because they were too small (3 & 4 at the time - we will be going back :love: ), make all my ADR's so we weren't turned away at must eat places CRT, Crystal Palace, LTT, and soooo much more I learned on the DIS

[MeLaNie9]

We were so glad we found this site before our recent trip and these were the tips we used that were really helpful:
1. Crystal Lite packets to mix into water bottles- I would have never gotten by without these!
2. Stay on the monorail with very young children - this was invaluable with DS2, returning to the room for naps or bedtime was so easy and quick
3. Get the DDP!
4. Have a plan for each day
5. Use the Unofficial Guide
6. Pack the ponchos and stroller rain cover every day!

Things we did that we posted as advice to others that worked well for us:
1. Get the MK view at your hotel if you can, especially if you have a child that goes to bed before fireworks/shows. We were still able to enjoy Wishes and the water light parade each night.
2. Packed using travel sized space bags - really saved us alot of space for the stuff in #3 below
3. Packed small cereal boxes, plastic spoons and bowls, NutriGrain/granola bars and bought a small carton of milk at the resort and had our breakfasts in the room. We are not huge breakfast eaters and this was actually a nice way to save money and to spend a little "down time" together each morning before rushing off to the parks.
:wizard:

[Disney Newbies]

Doing Disney for the first time in March for 5 days w/ my hubby and 2 kids (7 (girl) and 5 (boy)). Staying at POR, and I am nervous, based on some of the posts I've read but not going to change I don't think. Would love to stay at the WL but don't think the extra 100$ per night is worth it. Agreed?

What are the dinner places/meal events NOT TO MISS? We're on the meal plan. Already booked CRT Breakfast but what else? Ohana vs. Jiko? Chef Mickeys? Seriously need some guidance here.

I have never been to Disney, this will probably be my one shot at it for a while so I really need the "must sees", "must do's". Please keep the advice/tips coming. I don't know too many of the "abbreviations" used on the board so please spell it out for me...!

Thanks to all you Disney Masters!

[xraydave]

Wow, this jumped from April of 05 to Oct of 06. Someone's doing research!

1. Crystal light or Kool-aid packets are great. They save money and sugar!

2. Breaks in the middle of the day. Especially with small ones. During our '04 trip we ignored this. DISASTER. In '06 we knew better. I'm afraid to go back because we had such a great time. I'd hate to ruin the memories. (Yeah right) :rotfl:

3. I've never done this but I've researched it: Instead of Mears or another service, rent a car for one day at the airport and return it at the Swan / Dolphin. $180 vs $30.

4. No matter how strange you look or feel, take pictures of everything. Don't hold up your party but snap away. You will love looking at them when you get home.

[xraydave]

Newbie:

The meals really depend on your own tastes. O'hana is served family style and it makes it a more personal-family type meal. :confused3 Of course you get to meet and greet the Lilo and Stitch characters.
While Chef Mickey's is an experience in itself. Especially if you have never been to Disney. The food is buffet style. This means each individual can make his or her own choices. But you do the buffet line thing. However you get to see the Contemporary resort. It is truely Unique. Riding the monorail right into the building can be quite an experience for everyone. The characters are the traditional Mickey, Minnie Goofy Chip and Dale. and they do spend quality time at each table.

Just keeping reading and digesting the advice here on the Dis. You will start to see patterns of advice. Write these down! They show up over and over again because they work. Have fun and be sure to share your trip report when you get back.

[LVSWL]

Doing Disney for the first time in March for 5 days w/ my hubby and 2 kids (7 (girl) and 5 (boy)). Staying at POR, and I am nervous, based on some of the posts I've read but not going to change I don't think. Would love to stay at the WL but don't think the extra 100$ per night is worth it. Agreed?

What are the dinner places/meal events NOT TO MISS? We're on the meal plan. Already booked CRT Breakfast but what else? Ohana vs. Jiko? Chef Mickeys? Seriously need some guidance here.

I have never been to Disney, this will probably be my one shot at it for a while so I really need the "must sees", "must do's". Please keep the advice/tips coming. I don't know too many of the "abbreviations" used on the board so please spell it out for me...!

Thanks to all you Disney Masters!


Try Deb Willis' site for all of the menus for all of the restaurants. First you need to decide what parks you will be in what days and then decide on your restaurants. You can also eat at some of the resorts before you enter the parks, or skip to them for lunch or go over for supper.

[Fintastic]

Where can I find Body Glide or something similar?

[sebfigmin]

I am in complete agreement on renting a car for several reasons. As you mentioned, you can go straight from the airport to your hotel or condo. You can stop at the grocery store on the way there and go back pretty much anytime you need to. If you want to go shopping, out to eat, etc. outside of Disney, you have the freedom to do that. If you can get a good rate on a car, renting is a good and convenient option which gives you a lot more freedom to come & go as you please.

[kaybracon]

This post has been removed.

[wrighter]

Pretty new here - is there a difference between ADRs and PS? Where should I look for more information on this?

[cdrn1]

I have been making copies of the backs of my tickets for a few years and never needed them, until my latest visit in May, when we lost a ticket somewhere in MGM. Don't you know, I didn't have the copy with me. I went to guest services, and they scanned the tickets that I hadn't lost, and were able to reissue the lost one. The CM could tell by the magnetic strip where we got them and which one was missing (or so she said). At any rate, it only took a few minutes.

[disneygal66]

fintastic,


You can find Body Glide at Dick's sporting Goods, any shoe store that carries running shoes or at durgstore.com. It was the best $10 we spent!!!!!!! I have fat thighs and the rubbing didn't chafe me and we were there in August!!

[marybrat]

The one thing I did not listen to, but i wish I had was this...
The first time we took one of kids was when my daughter was 16 months old. Everyone told us to take breaks, go slow, enjoy the little stuff. Oh no, not me... in my pre-kids days I toured Disney commando-style. I would break down the cost of the trip into the number of days and I have to have that much fun each day. Crazy, I know. Well, my eyes were opened when we took a 16 month-old. We were forced to slow down. Our daughter would not allow us to tour at our own pace. Initially this was awful for me, but then I discovered the little things, like the lights in the sidewalks at Epcot and the fountains and then talking trash can, the list is endless. :sunny:

[EeyoresBuddy]

These are all great tips!! I hope to make our first trip to DW very special for my DW!!

[jemiaule]

Not sure if this has been mentioned - freeze your bottled water. It will slowly melt and you will have a nice cold drink for a good portion of the day.

[aclov]

I've learned:
1) Have bottled water shipped from Staples, this worked great the last time and was very inexpensive
2) DDP - although it was ton of food and I gained weight :rolleyes1 I loved that it was paid for and I didn't have to worry about the cost
3) Buy souvenirs offsite at of the outlets.- I love that it's actual Disney merchandise, not some of the cheezy cheap stuff they sell everywhere.
4) Bring your own detergent if your planning on washing - I usually go to the dollar store or bring a sample if I have one. I like a something small. I know no one like to wash on vacation :guilty:
5) Watching MK fireworks at Narcosses - very romantic :love:

The one thing I always forget:
- Take poncho or umbrella :furious: Last time I ended up spending $10 on a Mickey umbrella. It ended up being a nice souvie to myself, I guess. :p

[Redbudlover]

The bottled water from Staples is a terrific idea - even though we left a bunch in the hotel when we left we still saved a bunch of money. Another great thing to do is to have dinner at one one of the Epcot resorts the night you plan to watch illuminations. You can leave your car there in the resort parking lot and then when you leave Epcot grab a ride on the boat back to the resort. It is fast - read no lines - romantic and you get a great dinner on the boardwalk!

The person who suggested Narcoossees is also soooo right. The restaurant (which is beautiful and has great food!) stops service, dims the lights when the fireworks start and pipes in music - everyone goes outside to watch them and then afterwards goes back in to finish dinner. It was wonderful!

[ZoZo]

1. Disposable rain ponchos (the ones you get at Target or KMart). Small enough to tuck into a pocket, fanny pack, etc. Saved me during a horrible thunderstorm last year! Didn't have to shell out $8 or so for a WDW poncho like my friends.

2. Towncar service. We had 4 adults in our party, and it was cheaper than a shuttle (this was before Magical Express). Took us straight to our hotel, with a very handy grocery stop on the way.

3. Bodyglide and moleskin to prevent blisters. Also used antiperspirant to prevent chafing on the legs.

4. Break in your shoes really, really well before you go! I had what I thought was a well-broken-in pair of shoes (my workout shoes!). Wrong! Got a horrible blister that lasted for several days. Now I wear my most beaten up, comfy pair of tennies. They're not pretty, but they have never given me blisters.

5. Eat breakfast in the room to save money and time. Take advantage of the small fridges that most resorts have for breakfast items and snacks (cheese, yogurt, fruit, etc.).

6. Slow down and enjoy the magic!

[camdensmom]

If you are an iced coffee drinker: buy the resort's refillable mug. Get a cup of coffee at night. Add your cream and sugar and put it in the fridge. In the morning just add ice. I swear we wasted 1/2 of our last trip in search of iced coffee and then the lightbulb went off!

[D,L and K's Mom]

I think one of the best suggestions I read here was to throw a cheap pair of flip flops in your bag so when it rains...and it WILL rain you can throw them on and keep your sneaks dry. After the rain stops out come the sneaks. This was great for us. We just kept a bag under the stroller and when it rained we put on the ponchos and the flip flops and we were off! It was alson nice for Splash Mount. and Kali.!

[lalijack]

When I first read this tip on these boards, I thought, "Wow, that's almost too over the top even for me!" (But I did it anyway.)

Fill out one 4x6 index card for each day of your trip. Fill it w/info on that day's intended activities, including which park(s) you'll visit, ADR locations and confirmation #s, good places for spur-of-the-moment counter-service meals and snacks, must-see/must-do things at that park, fireworks or show times for that day, park hours, EMH hours if applicable, and tips found on the boards. For instance, if the boards suggested that we get a FastPass for one ride and ride another ride in the area while we waited for our return time, I included that info on my card.

Before you head to the parks, cover your card with packing tape to waterproof it, (yes, I brought a roll of packing tape to WDW!!!) and stick it in your bag. The perfect mini cheat sheet for the World! You can't imagine how helpful my index cards were for managing our first trip to Disney!!! ;)

[HLDisney]

I learned a lot from this thread when I was planning our Thanksgiving 2006 trip so I just wanted to return the favor and pass on some of the tips I found the most useful:

1) Covering the stroller in case of rain. I used the rain cover that came with our stroller and it saved my DD4 from having to sit in a wet stroller when we came back from a ride to find that there had been an unexpected rain shower
2) Ponchos and flipflops for Kali River Rapids. Kept my DD and I dry (while our friends got wet because they thought we were silly to be wearing the ponchos :rolleyes1 ) and we just switched back to our sneakers when we got off the ride.
3) Riding in the back of the Magic Kingdom railroad. - My DD and her friend got to say "All Aboard" and got a little card that said that they were honorary conductors (or something like that....I don't remember the exact wording now)
4) Asking to ride in the front of the monorail. My DD really enjoyed it
5) Getting large bottles of milk and water from the resort gift shop for snack credits instead of the snack size ones in the resort convenience store or food court. This saved us a lot of money. We had brought cereal with us to eat breakfast in the room and these big bottles of milk were more than enough for us for more than one breakfast.
6) Putting all of the ADR's, parade/fireworks times, EMH days, etc on one index card and putting it in a ziploc to keep it dry. I found myself referring to the card all the time.
7) Tying a scarf or something noticeable on your stroller so that you'll recognize it. It's amazing how many blue strollers are out there ;)
8) Take advantage of Photopass photographers. I got some great photos of my DD and I together (which is rare since, as a single mom, I'm usually the photographer)

HLDisney (who's tentatively thinking about planning a Thanksgiving 2007 trip......)

[ZoZo]

1) Make ADRs well before you go. You can always cancel them if you want to be spontaneous!

2) Emergency ponchos (the 79-cent Target kind). Small enough to tuck into a pocket or fanny pack. It was a lifesaver the night before the hurricane, when caught in a huge downpour! Cheap enough to be disposable!

3) Slow down and enjoy yourself. Take breaks and people-watch. If you rush from thing to thing, you'll miss out on some of the magic!

4) Communicate by cell phone. So nice to be able to be flexible in planning rather than having to say, "Let's meet __ at ___ o'clock."

5) Bring extra-comfortable shoes and use Coolmax socks. I brought a pair of workout shoes I thought were well-broken-in, but they caused a blister before I realized it. What a pain! Should have brought my old, crummy, comfortable shoes.

6) Save money and time by eating breakfast in your room.

7) Go to at least one character meal, even if your party is all adults!

8) If you see something you want to buy, be sure to buy it right then. You may not see it again at other places throughout WDW. If you change your mine (i.e. if you find a shirt you like better), you can always return the original shirt you bought to any WDW gift shop! You don't have to return it to the shop where you bought it. Just keep your receipts.

9) Use sunscreen (Neutrogena Spray-On is my new favorite!) and drink lots of water.

10) You don't have to lug around a heavy water bottle. Just ask any CS restaurant for a cup of ice water - they'll give it to you for free! You don't even have to buy anything!

11) Moleskin and Bodyglide to prevent blisters.

12) Lay out all the clothes you want to take with you. Then take half of them out of your suitcase and plan to do laundry mid-trip! It only takes about 1.5 hours to wash and dry a couple of loads (simultaneously), and gives you a chance to take a little break from the parks. [This is the most important thing I learned from my last trip - I brought so many clothes, and I wore only about 1/3 of them.]

13) I also make up a couple of laminated cards with park hours, ADRs, confirmation numbers, etc. They're the size of a credit card and have all of the info I need. No need to lug around a lot of paperwork or a park guide!

14) Have fun and enjoy the magic!

[mt mommy]

such great ideas! I really like the index card tip. I also bought my kids sweatshirts at the Disney Outlet for the trip. I think they were $15 each. I got them out one night when they were asleep, so when they woke up the next morning they had a Disney sweatshirt to be excited to wear that night. And guess what??? They never even complained that I didn't buy them the $40 one we saw at the WDW gift shop!!:) :) :) :yay:





25 more days until fun at the POLY!!!:thumbsup2

[Tigge50447]

bring ziplock to put leftover cookies or snacks left on your plate, my silly mom did this and it worked out cause my son didn't eat 3 of his cookies from chief mickey's and later that night I ate one, it was super yummy, and there was no way I could have eaten it after the buffet. :rolleyes1

[rzeta94]

Very interested in responses! :) Great info....thanks!!! :cool1:

[SunflowerTigger]

Where do you get the coolmax socks at?

I am definitely interested in these, don't want to get any blisters.

TIA

[mt mommy]

bring ziplock to put leftover cookies or snacks left on your plate, my silly mom did this and it worked out cause my son didn't eat 3 of his cookies from chief mickey's and later that night I ate one, it was super yummy, and there was no way I could have eaten it after the buffet. :rolleyes1

I LOVE this idea!!! I am going to pack the ziplocs as we speak!

Only 13 more days until fun at the Poly in WDW!:cool1:

[arielsleepingbeauty]

using pnchos to cover our stroller while we go into a ride or attraction. You never know what the weather will be like when you are inside. Sometimes you come out to find your stroller soaked from a surprise shower.

sorry i know this was already posted, but it really saved us many times.

[MrOakie]

The best tip we got was to stay on site. Whenever we go back, we might end up paying a little bit more, but staying on site was so much more convenient.

[DreaGirl]

Great tips...

Where can you find the moleskin and the coolmax socks?

[december]

I got coolmax socks for me and my kids at Target. There are more expensive brands, but these were great last July.

You can get moleskin at Walmart or Target-near the cornpads and other footcare products.

[sallysmom]

I followed the advice I found on these posts and got my crew out of bed and to the parks early. It was the best advice! We're up early anyway so it just took a little extra effort to get everyone dressed and out the door. It was all worthwhile seeing the look of joy on my little one's face when Mickey pulled up in the train to "open" the Magic Kingdom.
And then when we needed a mid-morning break, around 11 am, right when the crowds started getting intense, we had already done several rides.
Being just a little early mentally helps you kick-start the day and you don't mind going back to the room for a little break. It's too crowded anyway at lunch time and gets you charged up to go back to the parks and do it all over again!

[DisneyJo]

Great tips, keep them coming. :thumbsup2

A good tip we found was not to do EMH's, we did them twice and the parks were so crowded we made a point of avoiding them and found the parks were less crowded. One day in mid August we rode test track 3 time and soarin twice. :banana:

[TMB1203]

such great ideas! I really like the index card tip. I also bought my kids sweatshirts at the Disney Outlet for the trip. I think they were $15 each. I got them out one night when they were asleep, so when they woke up the next morning they had a Disney sweatshirt to be excited to wear that night. And guess what??? They never even complained that I didn't buy them the $40 one we saw at the WDW gift shop!!:) :) :) :yay:

That's a great idea. I stocked up on Disney Apparel for the kids' Christmas gifts. I'll bring those things with so they don't ask for more...??

I also pack up their Disney toys that we have bought on past trips so they don't feel the need to buy as many toys....

[tink2007]

The best tip I have:
Get every thing ready the night before. I always get everyones cloths layed out, pack bags packed, camara charged and packed. It makes it so much eaiser in the morning.

[becalubob]

Great tips everyone... I am cutting and pasting these into my Disney Tips Document. Quick question with the extra park hours available; a lot of folks are saying to avoid these hours.... are they referring to the evening hours?
It is my understanding to do the morning hours and not the evening ones.
Am I understanding this correctly?
Thanks so much!

[drivencrazy]

I would like to know that as well... we have been told the morning hours are bad and the park is over crowed, but the nights are when you want to be there... it will be good to hear from sobody that has been there for this!

Thanks

[DisneyJo]

Obviously different times of year are different but when we went mid August we did evening EMH's at Epcot and MK and both times the parks were mobbed, we left after only about an hour as the queues were horrendous! We did only 1 morning EMH at AK and the park was pretty busy after that we avoided EMH's like the plague. :rotfl2:

[HLDisney]

I LOVE this idea!!! I am going to pack the ziplocs as we speak!

Another idea is to bring those new collapsible containers - Tupperware calls them FlatOut containers. Rubbermaid sells something like it, too - I've seen them at Target.

They're better than ziplocs because it can keep food from being crushed. We used them for grapes that my DD didn't finish from her meals and cookies/desserts that we couldn't finish. And they take up very little space when they're flat.

HLDisney

[deekaypee]

As I organize some of my materials, I've compiled the tips on this thread. I thought some of you might like the materials, so I'm posting my document in the next several posts--ignore them if you've already read them. Thanks to EVERYONE who posted responses. They've been really useful to me.

DISNEY TIPS: PLANNING YOUR TRIP
• Plan, plan, plan. Plan and book well in advance if possible. You can always adjust your schedule/reservations if discount codes or special offers are released later on which cover your vacation.
• Save, save, save. Knowing you have enough money—and paying for the trip in advance—will make your trip more enjoyable.
• Be, Get, and Stay Fit! Disney can be a relaxing vacation, but it’s not for couch potatoes.
• Don’t try and cover everything in one trip. Plan to enjoy what you see and experience, not to see and do everything in a whirlwind.

General Planning:
• Know the park’s busy seasons and days; know weather conditions and pack appropriately.
• Visit the parks off-season; know the refurbishment schedule before you leave.
• Itineraries
• Plan ahead! Make at least a general plan for what you want to see each day. Know what attractions/rides are bottlenecks, and what are must-sees.
• Visit the parks early, taking advantage of EMH if possible (although some prefer to avoid EMH because of the crowds); Take a break at lunchtime/early afternoon to rest.
• Make plans for eating, including ADRs. You can always cancel them later on if you want to be spontaneous
• If possible, plan for leisurely travel days going to and leaving Disney.
• Know your plan, stick with the plan, but be flexible and allow for some spontaneity.

Itinerary & List-Making
Fill out an index card for each day. Fill it with information:
• The day's intended activities, including which park(s) you'll visit, and park hours;
• the list of must-see/must-do things for the day
• ADR locations and their confirmation numbers, times for parades, fireworks or shows,
• park hours, EMH hours if applicable,
• suggestions for places unscheduled counter-service meals and snacks,
• and any tips or suggestions found on the DIS boards. (For instance, if the boards you get a FastPass for one ride and ride another ride before the return time, include that information).
Before you go to the parks, cover each day’s card. You can laminate it before you go or wrap it with clear packing tape to waterproof it.

Make a list of what to pack/what you’ve packed and bring it with you.
Make a list of what to buy.

Recommended Guidebooks/Planners
• The DIS, of course
• AllEarsNet.com (includes menus for WDW restaurants)
• MouseSavers.com
• Passporter
• Tour Guide Mike
• Unofficial Guide

[deekaypee]

As I organize some of my materials, I've compiled the tips on this thread. I thought some of you might like the materials, so I'm posting my document in the next several posts--ignore them if you've already read them. Thanks to EVERYONE who posted responses. They've been really useful to me.

DISNEY TIPS: PREPARATION

Training for WDW, Etc.
Walking: If you’re not used to walking distances, or walking distances with children/strollers/backpacks, practice! Be sure to use the socks and shoes you’re planning on wearing. Recommended socks: CoolMax. Recommended shoes: Tevas, Birkenstocks,

Buying for WDW, Etc.
Physical Comfort:
• Body Glide: to prevent blisters and chafing (available at sports shops or sporting-goods stores)
• Cheap Water Ponchos and/or portable umbrella
• Flip Flops: for the pool, as substitute shoes to wear while it rains
• Moleskin
• Small fans
• Suncreen & Hats
• Water: Bring water bottles and/or buy a water-filtering systems (e.g. Brita Fill ‘n Go, although this is now discontinued); mix local water with Kool-aid or Crystal Lite packets for better taste; buy bottled water (from Staples) and have it shipped; you can also ask any CS for a cup of ice/water—it’s free!

Useful Extras:
• Bath Pillow or another small cushion for more comfortable seating at parades
• Bathroom Organization: A hanging, plastic shoe-holder: hangs over your bathroom door and organizes toiletries
• Disposable Cereal Bowls with cereal in them
• Mini-flashlights
• Nightlight
• Pinbacks as replacements for lost backs to Disney pins
• Pop-up Hampers: to organize dirty clothes
• Wallet Inserts: for passes, driver’s licenses, room card, some paper money
• Ziploc Bags and Collapsible Containers: available in various sizes

Good Ideas/Fun Stuff/Treats:
(I’ve marked money-saving tips with a $)
• $/Time: Autograph Books
• Earplugs for loud/scary rides
• Goody Bags: items from the Disney Store and/or dollar store. If you sneak them into your luggage, the goody bags could even be from Mickey or Tinkerbell.
• $: Buy Disney sweatshirts/t-shirts before you go.
• $: Buy cheaper Lightsticks, necklaces, sabers before your trip to Disney
• $: Buy Disney pins from ebay or the dollar store for trading

Packing for WDW, Etc.
General:
• Bring coordinated clothes that will fit different kinds of weather and can be layered.
• Pack your bags. Then, take out half your clothes because you’ll find yourself wearing the same clothes again and again.
o Split everyone’s clothes into different suitcases;
o Bring a spare set of clothes (at least underwear) in carry-on luggage
• Bring and use Ziploc Bags, in a variety of sizes:
o Luggage searches are quicker and less “icky;”
o Use large 2-gallon ones to help with packing and to coordinate your daily outfits;
o Use smaller ones for diaper bags;
o Bring bags into the parks to store wet things or to protect items from getting wet;
o Small bags can be used to carry toiletries or to store snacks
• Staying Healthy: Aspirin, Band-aids/Moleskin, Body Glide, Hand Sanitizer, Suncreen
• Passes: Make copies of the back of your passes (in case they get lost).
o If you pick up passes at your resort, ask the CM to do this for you.
o You could also take pictures of them with your digital camera.
o You could also write down the numbers of your passes.

Extra Details
• Extra: Memory Sticks/Media Cards, Batteries, Suitcase/Duffel Bag
• Fabric-softener sheets in the suitcase helps clothes smell fresh
• Laundry: Little boxes of detergent from Laundromats or dollars stores (if doing laundry)

[deekaypee]

As I organize some of my materials, I've compiled the tips on this thread. I thought some of you might like the materials, so I'm posting my document in the next several posts--ignore them if you've already read them. Thanks to EVERYONE who posted responses. They've been really useful to me.

GETTING TO WDW
• Mears or Town Car Service: research this, as many enjoy the convenience of a townc ar service
• Rental Car: Depending on length of stay, it’s near in cost to Mears, etc. Plus, rental cars give you the freedom to eat off-site, see other parts of Orlando/Central Florida, shop at grocery stores, etc.


FOR YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS
• Take advantage of the hotel-room fridges and/or use a cheap styrofoam cooler filled with ice for your hotel-room groceries:
o Grocery Shopping: go the grocery store to buy snacks and/or in-room food
o Ship food/water to your accommodations in advance
• Research and request certain buildings
• Bathroom Organization: A hanging, plastic shoe-holder: hangs over your bathroom door and organizes toiletries


DINING
General:
• Eat early or late, at off times.
• Look into DDE (AP holders or Florida residents) or DDP (resort guests) if you’ll be visiting for a few days. Check out the DISboards for suggestions.
• Enjoy a Character Meal
• Make ADRs for breakfast before the MK park opens, OR make ADRs for late-morning character breakfasts
• $: At many places, lunch is cheaper than dinner and offers the same menu

Specific:
• Cinderella’s Castle: Request a window seat
• Cindy’s Royal Table for Breakfast: Read DIS threads on how to get an ADR (also Unofficial Guide)
• Coral Reef: Request an aquarium seat
• Narcosses: eat dinner and watch fireworks
• O’hanas: eat dinner and watch fireworks

[deekaypee]

As I organize some of my materials, I've compiled the tips on this thread. I thought some of you might like the materials, so I'm posting my document in the next several posts--ignore them if you've already read them. Thanks to EVERYONE who posted responses. They've been really useful to me.

VISITING THE PARKS
Packing for the Parks, Etc.
General:
• Prepare everything the night before! Clothes laid out, bags packed, cameras charged, wake-up call, etc.
• Bags: Fanny Packs (esp. for children, those with back problems, to limit the amount you carry into the parks); knapsacks if carrying more material. Depending on the age of children, they can carry some of their stuff.
• Flip-Flops: for water rides, Kali River Rapids, and rainy days

Extra Details:
• Earplugs for young children & loud, scary attractions
• Extra Pinbacks: so bought/traded pins aren’t lost if pinback is lost
• Mini-Flashlight for dark rides (you can read maps in line, some children like to have them)
• Plastic-film containers or mini M&M tubs hold change (including pennies/quarters for pressing)

Negotiating the Parks
• Arrive early, early, early, and use FastPasses!
• Use your Polaroid or digital camera to take pictures of your children and the outfit they’re wearing on a particular day, of your car and its parking spot
• Tie a cheap scarf on your stroller to help identify it. Some folks suggest a “used” diaper—a diaper in a plastic bag that you have spilled cola on. The scarf idea may be used for the antenna of your car, as well.
• If you have cell phones, use them to be flexible in your schedule (esp. good if parties split up).

Meeting Physical Demands
• Breaks, Naps, and Rest Periods:
o Babycare Stations
o Head back to the resort in the afternoons
o Attractions for Napping: The Hall of Presidents, The Tomorrowland Transit Authority
o Bring in snacks and stop to enjoy them
• Sunscreen
• Strollers: Rent a stroller and/or bring your own; bring a cover or use a poncho to cover the stroller (cooler in sunlight, keeps it dry when raining)
• Toddlers: A toddler harness
• Walking:
o Be prepared for a lot of walking, including training if necessary;
o Bring at least one—if not two,—pairs of good walking shoes;
o Change socks once a day;
o Bring band-aids or moleskin for blisters;
o Use deodorant spray on your feet;
o Pack flip-flops; if it rains, pack away your shoes and wear flip-flops until it stops; that way your shoes stay dry
• Water: Drink lots of it
o Bring your own water into the parks,
o Refill your bottles often;
o To keep your drinks cold longer, freeze your water bottle and let it melt

General Touring Tips
• Go Early, Early, Early! Use EMH if possible.
• Two lines for an attraction? Choose left-lines instead of right.
• Use Fastpasses
• Use Priority Seating/ADRs

Parades
• Avoid seeing parades on Main Street, as there are less crowded places near Liberty Square or Frontierland

Rides and Attractions
• AK: Plan for the fact that several attractions close down early (4:00 or 500)
• Kali River Rapids: Use ponchos and flip-flops
• MK Railroad: Ride in the back of the train
• Monorail: ask to ride in the conductor’s car at the front; use the monorail if traveling with young children
• Stitch’s Great Escape: Skip entirely

Special Moments/Overlooked Opportunities
• MK: First haircut in the MK barbershop


SPECIAL EVENTS/VISITING THE REST OF THE WORLD
Parks
• Take a tour; the Segway tour is recommended

Resorts
• If possible, ask for a MK view at your resort that allows you to see the fireworks.
• If staying at POR, take the boat to DTD
• If staying at AKL, don’t park near the grassy medias, especially if it’s supposed to rain. Why? Ants!

[deekaypee]

As I organize some of my materials, I've compiled the tips on this thread. I thought some of you might like the materials, so I'm posting my document in the next several posts--ignore them if you've already read them. Thanks to EVERYONE who posted responses. They've been really useful to me.

SAVING MONEY & TIME
Planning your trip
• $: Save for your trip in advance. Some people recommend establishing a separate Disney fund.
• $: Discount codes; check out both the DIS and Mousesavers.com
• $ Staying offsite, particularly if you are willing to cook/eat meals off-site, want more space, have a large family
• $ and Time: Make goody bags for children in advance, so that you need not spend enough on fun, but expensive, souvenirs
• Time: Staying on site; Time and $: Renting DVC points
• Time: Pack fewer clothes; coordinate outfits, pick clothes that coordinate or can be layered for various weather conditions
• Time: Don’t overpack children’s toys/games

At WDW/On the Trip
• $: Use prepaid cell phones or calling cards instead of hotel phones
• Time: Buy items/souvenirs as you see them; you can return them to any store if you have the receipt
• $: Buy souvenirs at the outlet store
• $: Bring individual packages of Kool-Aid, Lemonade, Flavored-drink mix to WDW/parks
• $/Time: Iced-Coffee Drinkers: Buy the resort’s refillable mug; make/guy your coffee the night before and add cream and sugar; chill; add ice the next morning
• $: Buy a double cheeseburger and order an extra bun
• $/Time: Eat breakfast in your room; boxed cereal, Nutri-grain bars, bagels

At Your Accommodations
• Time: Pack away purchases/used items every night, so you’re not spending your last day organizing

[deekaypee]

As I organize some of my materials, I've compiled the tips on this thread. I thought some of you might like the materials, so I'm posting my document in the next several posts--ignore them if you've already read them. Thanks to EVERYONE who posted responses. They've been really useful to me.

DISNEY MAGIC AND PIXIE DUST
• Be adventurous and try new things.
o Take a tour.
o Visit the greater Orlando/CF area. NASA is a suggestion.
• Inform CRO (in advance) and CMs if someone in your party is celebrating something special—a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon
• Slow down and enjoy the magic; take time to notice WDW’s details.
o Upon entering the MK, stop, take a look at the Castle. Breathe. Smile.
o Eat a No Way Jose at Beaches & Cream
o People watch. Talk with people, including CMs.
• Take lots of pictures and/or invest in Photopass on the first day.
o Dressing in coordinating outfits each day for better-looking pictures

[DisneyJo]

WOW
Thankyou so much I'm copying and pasting as we speak! :thumbsup2

[kingdomkeeper]

Where do you find the codes for Disney hotel discounts ? Ihave not heard of these.

[vernfonzndrian]

:surfweb:

[sampson]

my best tip would be buy the picture from the rides. i went with a group of us and we put our money together and it cost less than $7. the pictures and the press coins were my favorite things... i wish i would have got more picture with the characters... but we were a group of high school students owell.

[deekaypee]

Where do you find the codes for Disney hotel discounts ? Ihave not heard of these.

You can sign up for the Mousesavers.com electronic newsletter--it's free--to get a sense of some discounts available for WDW, DL, and Disney merchandise.

Also, check out the "Codes and Rates" (http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93) thread of the Disney Resorts forum; there you can learn about various offers and even subscribe to a code watch for a particular time of year.

[Marmstrong]

And be sure to get in shape before you go! I swear, next time I go I'm going to get a pedometer and see how many miles I really walk there. If you're not in shape, you'll suffer!.

January 2006, I walked about 19,000 steps on a Saturday where we started at Rope Drop at Epcot and ended after dinner at MK (I get about 3,000 steps per mile with my pedometer). That was the worst day. AK was also pretty step intensive, I think DH and I each did about 16,000 steps that day!

Ever wonder how many steps our children do if we're walking >15K steps? But they never seem to wear down!

[amycakes]

subscribing

[rzeta94]

CROCS! and mole skin! :)

[Cinderella's slipper]

Thank you so much for these tips. I just finished cutting and pasting and I know there are so many gems in all this information. Thanks for sharing all your hard work.

[OhMari]

Photo-Pass
Get pictures taken by CM's. They will give you a special card with an ID number. At the end of your trip, pick up your CD at Epcot or MK. I think the price just went from $99 to $120. The CD is your's. I heard someone had almost 500 pictures on their CD. That is a lot of pictures. If you don't want the CD, you can go home and log into the Photopass and you have one month to order pictures from Photo-pass.

[Shanan]

Mister fans - I brought one from home and it was a life saver. I nearly passed out when I saw the price of the ones at WDW. If I had not brought one with me, then I would have definitely paid the price for one.

Ship food & supplies to resort - We shipped Crystal light packets for bottled water, nuts, protein snacks, breakfast bars, mister fans in a box by FEDEX to the resort. We saved so much money and time doing it that way vs. trying to pack it to take on the plane.

[ZoZo]

Disposable rain ponchos (the little ones that fit in your fanny pack or pocket).

Make your ADRs well in advance. You can always cancel reservations if you change your mind, but often can't get reservations if you wait too long.

[zipuzee]

Deekaypee -
Wow! Thanks for the putting this together!!
:cool1: :cheer2: :thumbsup2 :woohoo: pixiedust:
you definitely saved me some of this :hourglass

[zoemurr]

:wizard:

[snickerboo]

The best advice that we followed was....get there early!!! Every single day we were there in line way before the parks opened. We got great parking spots, lots of space on the monorail, the CMs were extra friendly with our kids, we got on most of our 'must-do' rides and....we got to be the Family of Honour for the safari at AK. It is amazing what you can get accomplished at the parks before the hoardes arrive. Besides, I think it is the only way you can ride "Dumbo" without waiting 45 minutes or more.

Also:
-Take water bottles filled with ice. We filled them with ice at the hotel then just topped up with a little lemonade. They stayed cool for a good part of the day when kept in our backpacks.
-Take snacks to the parks. Little people tolerate line-ups much better with some Disney princess gummies to munch on!
-If possible, go for the rooms with the micro/fridge combo. Did we ever save money this way! We went to Walmart the first night and bought groceries. We brought breakfast and ate it en route to the parks. We often had late lunches or dinners at the hotel, too, then returned to the parks in the evenings.
-Shop Disney outlets. Much cheaper thant he parks for souvenirs. I got a baby tee for $5 and tank for $4.
-Get your kids some Disney gear before you go so they don't have the gimmees.
-Walmart has tons of Disney gear cheap. There's a new one right accross from Orlando Premium Outlets. Cost of Princess Aurora velvet gown at Walmart: $18, at Disney: $65 and up.

[DanenRox]

:flower3:

[suzimar57]

my best tip i've learned here?

lay out all the clothes you plan to pack, then put 1/2 back in the closet

yep - that's the one!

[JCTurner]

:flower3:


-Walmart has tons of Disney gear cheap. There's a new one right accross from Orlando Premium Outlets. Cost of Princess Aurora velvet gown at Walmart: $18, at Disney: $65 and up.

Silly question but where abouts in the Premium Outlet area do you mean - is it within walking distance (wont have a car) e.g. near the small Publix ?

Thanks

JC

[DisneyJo]

JC wheres the Publix within walking distance?

[Mkrop]

where do you find Bodyglide? My DS9 always gets rashes between his legs so that might be helpful to have along,.

[kty1]

where do you find Bodyglide? My DS9 always gets rashes between his legs so that might be helpful to have along,.

Monistat chafing gel works really well for that. They sell it al Walmart/Target. & most drug stores. It goes on like a gel & dries like powder.Also if you use a face primer under your foundation(to fill in small lines & make your face real smooth) --it works as well as the $40 bottle of face primer.HTH:)

[mommyseven]

Once at WDW, I started getting chaffing on my thighs. I didn't have bodyglide or anything with me, so I used my regular stick deodorant/antiperspirant (mine is Lady Speed Stick brand). It was clear and worked perfectly. I didn't have any more chaffing and didn't have to buy anything special.

[sunny_stace]

Once at WDW, I started getting chaffing on my thighs. I didn't have bodyglide or anything with me, so I used my regular stick deodorant/antiperspirant (mine is Lady Speed Stick brand). It was clear and worked perfectly. I didn't have any more chaffing and didn't have to buy anything special.

this is one I agree with! I used my regular deoderant as I couldn't find bodyglide anywhere around here and it worked fantastically! Also, ladies, I put it on my back under all the strappy bits of the bra, on feet, legs and on my shoulder where my bag sits! Also with deoderant, watch the fragrance so as not to attract bugs!

dining: book character meals at early sittings to get more time one-on-one. We had several rounds with each character at the first dinner seating at Chef Mickey's as we were some of the only people there! Do not go to a buffet at the late seating as there isn't usually much selection or quantity left!

my biggest was to watch the amount of clothing I brought. I was not practical at all about half of what I brought (white capris don't work well in the rain now do they?! DUH stace!) and didn't wind up wearing half of it anyways! My thing is I need to remember I need to dress comfortably for the long-haul and the weather, not to make a fashion statement!

Also, finally - remember to have a sense of humour! You're on vacation, don't worry about things that aren't important. Shrug off the rude people and the crowded busses - just think: KARMA!

[sunny_stace]

I forgot something huge! If you are coming to florida from a cooler climate (i.e. - me up here in Canada!), the humidity and climate change may play tricks on your sinuses. Both DBFF and I got head colds while there and though I managed to grab sudafed in the gift shop, when she went for more, they were sold out and she had to pay double to have it brought in! This year we will both bring along more than enough!

Also, band-aids!! I carried a little homemade first-aid kit (in a Aurora pencil case, fun band-aids, polysporin, asprin, moleskin, peptobismal) I gave band-aids to so many kids who happened to trip or something and then were distressed when mum or dad didn't have a band aid for their boo-boo!

[AlyssinWonderland]

This is a wonderful tip thread! Thanks to all who have contributed!!! :love:

[Missish]

The best tip for us, on our first trip to WDW, was definitely that if a ride has 2 lines, the left one will usually be shorter. We've walked straight on to several rides that have had a large queue using that knowledge!

Also, we love going back to our (rented) villa in the mid afternoon, to have a break and a few hours of relaxing by the pool before going back to a theme park for the evening parade/show. It saves us from getting overtired or too exhausted.

[Mkrop]

A question about the rain ponchos people keep recommending to bring:

Do you recommend the long poncho type or are the rain jackets enough?. We have the ones that fold up into little packets.

Thank you to all that have given such great tips. This is priceless!

[Tinkfan52]

A question about the rain ponchos people keep recommending to bring:

Do you recommend the long poncho type or are the rain jackets enough?. We have the ones that fold up into little packets.

Thank you to all that have given such great tips. This is priceless!

I recommend the longer ones (ponch type with hood) because they keep your drier when walking and on the wet rides! You can find them in packages of two at the dollar store! They are disposable and I usually get at least two wearings out of them!! Have fun!

[dina7]

One thing I bring with me every trip are the Dawn Dish Wipes to wash out my refillable mug every night. These are the flat dry wipes that get full of suds when you wet them. Just bring one for each nt. of your stay & your mug will stay nice & clean!

[Martha7]

My favorite tip gleaned from these boards was to bring a power strip along. You plug it into the wall, and use it to charge your cell phones, iPods, etc. every night. There are never enough available wall sockets in the rooms! :thumbsup2

[duffy]

I haven't seen my favorite tip for my favorite park, Epcot.

When going around the World Showcase, go counterclockwise. That way, you start with Canada and end with Mexico. If you end up at Canada, your feet will be so tired by then that you won't be able to enjoy standing for the movie.

In general, zig instead of zagging. If a big crowd comes out of a ride or show that just ended and they all stampede over to the next ride or show, go the opposite way.

[abeyst]

Deodorant for chafing didn't work well for me. I'll be buying the Bodyglide for the next trip.

Summer trips: Bring a hat and umbrella to keep the sun off your face & head, and a towel/washcloth in a ziploc bag to wet with cold water and wipe off sweat. It's a lifesaver!

MY TOP TIP, the 1 thing I NEVER forget to bring with me to WDW: Immodium Advanced!! We have needed it EVERY TRIP since 2000. The Advance is better than A-D, you stay much more comfortable through the day (Advance cuts the gassy, bloated feeling). OK, was that too much info? :eek:

[Martha7]

Deodorant for chafing didn't work well for me. I'll be buying the Bodyglide for the next trip.

Summer trips: Bring a hat and umbrella to keep the sun off your face & head, and a towel/washcloth in a ziploc bag to wet with cold water and wipe off sweat. It's a lifesaver!

MY TOP TIP, the 1 thing I NEVER forget to bring with me to WDW: Immodium Advanced!! We have needed it EVERY TRIP since 2000. The Advance is better than A-D, you stay much more comfortable through the day (Advance cuts the gassy, bloated feeling). OK, was that too much info? :eek:

Nope, I always appreciate any pharmaceutical tips from Disers! :goodvibes

[gottalluvmickey]

Getting my daughters hair cut at the Barber Shop. The lady who cut her hair did a great job! Can't wait to go back in August and get her hair cut again!

[gabriellewatson]

Greatest tip and money saver!!

My husband went to WDW for our first time last August. We each brought a suitcase with clothes and my hubby and I packed shoes in a medium-sized case. Then we brought a small suitcase filled with snacks, so we wouldn't go hog wild spending souvenir money on snacks. At the end of the trip, we'd emptied the snack suitcase and filled it with souvenirs, so everything had a place. We had some delicate souvenirs that were packed away, shirts, shoes, glasses, cups, etc. It was a great way to transport our souvenirs. I hope this helps anyone.

We also kept our own water bottles and refilled them every time we headed to a bathroom or a water station.

We also purchased ponchos 2 for a dollar at a dollar store before we left Denton. That saved us money too. We ended up splurging on a mickey umbrella though because one day it monsooned LOL.

[cedmonds]

Best tip- start walking before you go in your new sneakers!!! I go to the gym every day and was shocked how much walking we did on our last trip. I used a podometer and our average was 10 miles a day and one day we did 15 miles(EPCOT) The walking is great but make sure you will not get shin splints or blisters which as we all know can ruin your day.
Budget water money....especially in the summer. We do not carry a bag, love the no bag line, so we drank tons of water x 5 people so that was an additional expense.
Relax and enjoy each moment and do not try to stick to a plan-have one but be flexible. If we were having a great time and had an ADR we sometimes just skip and grab a counter service (I do try to call so someone else can get the spot)
If people are tired and cranky(grown up or kid) it is okay to go back to the room and relax, take a nap, or split up! We learned the hard way that we did not have to be attached at the hip every second.
I hope you have a wonderful time, each time we go we are just so thrilled, we are so addicted.
I just came back in March, going to dl in April and back to wdw in May on borrowed points from next year LOL!:love:

[houseofprincesses]

Here are a few things I've learned:

1. During the parades at the MK is the perfet time to ride Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear, Peter Pans Magic Flight, It's a Small World, Space Mountain, etc. With everyone lined up watching the parade - there are no lines;

2. Ship a package to your hotel up to two weeks prior to your arrival with bottled water, snack packs, an extra "souvenir bag", diapers and wipes if needed - all things that will either save you money or room in your luggage

3. In addition to a regular fanny pack, try to purchase a camera fanny pack. They are wonderful - your camera/video camera is snug on your waist and out of the way on rides;

4. Be sure to purchase the refillable mugs at your resort;

5. If you have young children - bring a stroller with you - do not plan on renting one. If you don't have one with you, you will not only have to get kids from your room to the buses to the park entrance to the stoller rental inside the parks;

Hope these are helpful!

[Princess Bella Luna]

I always tackle the left line strategy as well - why it works, I guess it has to do with "right dominent hand".

Water bottle, always - along with own snacks.Bring your own poncho as well.

Bring a light zip up windbreaker type sweater - on some rides it can be cold, good for fall months too. Just tie it around your waist when not in use. Good for sitting on when on the curb for parades.

Game boy or something of the like for long lines when not using fast pass. Great place to chat on the phone too. One of my fave things is to make up funy stories about the people in line with you with the party you came with- you get some really funny outcomes when you put your heads together.

[Ms.Grumpy]

THE BEST $ SAVER FOR ME WAS SENDING DOWN OUR SNACKS:)

[mousiemom]

Disers have the best tips ever!! I've learned everything from here.

- arrive @ Epcot around 7:30, grab a table by the water @ El Cantinas, have a magarita and nachos, and watch Illuminations @ 9:00. Leisurely walk around Epcot afterwards, and let the crowds move out.

-Bring the cheap ponchos and each time you use one, throw away and get out another one. Flip Flops always for the water rides.

-We drive down, so we use a lot of space bags

-Go to dollar tree and stock up on: disney window clings for car and hotel window, glowsticks, and goodies for disney bags.

-extra coat hangers for closets

-I use the clothes hamper and I buy the liquid detergent and dryer sheets @ Target's .99Cents sections

-the sharpie marker for autographs

-buy at least 2 photos from the rides/go in halves and make copies when u get home.

-use the photopass/I buy at least 2 pictures when I get back

-put your luggage back in your car after unloading/more room in room

-we pop our own popcorn using the microwave at the food court and put it in baggies for the nightshows.

-I've already added a lot more tips on my list by reading this thread!!!
Have Fun!

[bridgek]

Wow thank you for sharing all your tips. I just went this month for a short trip (just in the parks 2 days) but dh was convinced and now planning for next winter/spring time. I am happy that we will be there for a week this time. I will definalty use these tips. Thanks again.

[MinnesotaChill]

1)

12) Lay out all the clothes you want to take with you. Then take half of them out of your suitcase and plan to do laundry mid-trip! It only takes about 1.5 hours to wash and dry a couple of loads (simultaneously), and gives you a chance to take a little break from the parks. [This is the most important thing I learned from my last trip - I brought so many clothes, and I wore only about 1/3 of them.]



I haven't read through everything, to see if this has been posted, but one of the best tips I got (from my mom who was used to traveling with three little girls) was to try to pack one common color for everyone. That way, she only had one or two loads of laundry when she took a break to do it. We almost always have a white/light load (I am not so stringent about color separation on vacation) with khakis and underwear, and a blue load with jeans shorts, shirts, etc. There's nothing worse than having two pink shirts, two blue shirts and two white shirts and needing everything washed!:laundy:

The added bonus is that the pictures always look coordinated.

[ronirp]

Several of my tips:
- I bought the pocket size unofficial guide and was able to fit that in my fanny pack - no need to rely on memory or create long lists.
-if you are at a park more than one day, or if there are multiple parades, use the parade time to ride the rides - they are EMPTY!! (even during busy times)
- Have a stroller even if your kids are somewhat older. I argued with my DH, and we got a stroller for DS (then 5) - it was a life saver when he got tired (they can only walk so much). Also it allowed us to move faster when needed.
- use phones or walkie talkies - you can do different rides if needed, save a space for the parade while someone else is getting a snack or going to the bathroom.
- my newest one - we are going in Dec. - lots of time to plan. I already have a list started of tips, advice, and ideas. That way I will not forget what I read and will not have to look for it again.

[jodistar]

subscribing

[Kuffam]

If you need a stroller- bring an umbrella one. It's easier to break down for trams and buses. Plus you can bring it on the train at Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Even if you need to buy one their only $10-$15, cheeper then renting one for more then one day.

[PrincessHeart]

Everyone in the family got thier own fanny pack. They are not attractive, but they are lifesavers. I stuck treats in them for the kids. I also keep a bandaids and a small bottle of the bandaid antispetic wash in my own pack. This way we can take care of a small scrape without having to got to a first aid station.
I also made "lost" kid cards for my children. I put thier names, our names, cell phone numbers and the hotel we were staying at on cardstock and laminated them. I put them in the kid's fanny pack. I instructed the kids to hand the card to a disney cast member if they got lost. This way the kids did not have remember any numbers. I thought they might panic and forget them. Or tell them my name was Mom!

One tip I wish I has heeded was ALWAYS set a meeting place/time when separating. Our cellphones were having some sort of difficulty in the MK and my husband and I spent quite a bit of time looking for each other. Eventually he was able to call his brother (back home) and he was able to call me and relay where to meet. Next time we will set a time/place to meet for sure.

[T. Lynn]

Getting my daughters hair cut at the Barber Shop on Main Street. This was her first hair cut by someone else and an experience that we will never forget. She got a certificate, mickey ears (that say "my first haircut") and a princess hair style.

[eyeheartgoofy]

I'm really glad we took the breaks in the middle of the day. Early touring, out by lunch and back (refreshed) later in the day really worked well for us.

[starlionblue]

The best advice I ever got was always wear broken-in shoes. At the last minute, I left my new shoes behind and went with my crummy ones even though my mom said they looked horrible. It saved my feet big-time! Yes, you will do a CRAZY amount of walking so forget the new Nikes. Find the most comfortable shoes you have instead.

[puffinp51]

I'm so glad I listened to someone's great advice and ordered water from Staples and had it delivered to our room. As we fly and take ME there were no grocery stops for us. I also had poptarts and rice krispie treats delivered, too. Great way to save a few bucks and one less thing to worry about! It really helped our trip last month. Thanks dissers!

M.K.

[suzimar57]

to pack your luggage, then remove half (you won't need it!)

[kphwus]

If you're renting a car from Alamo, take advantage of Magical Express. It eliminates the rush when arriving at the airport. You can pick up your rental car at the car care center, they will pick you up at your resort. It gives you more flexibility of how many days you need a car.

[Princess Bella Luna]

to pack your luggage, then remove half (you won't need it!)

I'm not quite sure how this helps ... meaning just to pack a light load?

[bearette]

My best tip is to take a break in the middle of the day in the A/C or heat (depends on which season you are there!) It will break up all the walking. Eat lunch or have a snack so the time won't be wasted. That way you will be refreshed to hit the rest of the park.

Princess Bella Luna
I am a huge Sarah Brightman fan too!

[scammermom]

Be sure to bring lots of change - for tollbooths! There's alot of tollbooths in FL apparently!

I had emptied my pockets and purse of all metal and carried the absolute minimum to ensure not to have problems with the detectors at the airport. We got the rental van and off we went. I wanted to get off the first exit to get some groceries and hit a tollbooth that had no attendant! There was no change maker either. So we blew that one. DH, a police officer, was not very happy. So, if I a wanted suspect for 75 cents, can someone let me know??

[scammermom]

DH taught my then 4 year old the game Rock/Paper/Scissors. It really saved us when she would get fussy standing in line and then Dad would say, "Ready?" She turned to all smiles and would hold out her fist ready to beat Daddy.

We also taught the kids the card game "Go Fish". I bought a cheap deck of cards at Cracker Barrel to help entertain the kids while we were waiting for our food. Some restaurants are crowded and waiting seemed forever. Kept them quiet until the food came. Great for the plane too when we were delayed landing an hour at BWI since the President was apparently also landing there.

[FBandA]

Things I will be doing this trip.
Start packing now.
M&M holders for pennies and quarters, for the press pennies.
Epcot Passport Kit.
More Photopass pictures.
2 pairs of sneakers each person.
Stop and sit down to people watch, this is going to be a hard one for me.:rotfl:

[AMaloy314]

My best advice is to read, read, read. The best resources for planning are (IMHO) in this order:
1.DIS Boards
2.Mousesavers.com
3.Passporter (they've got a great new resource call passporter club at passporter.com)
4.Unofficial Guide
5.Tour Guide Mike

Other tips:

If you freeze your water bottles the night before taking them to the parks, make sure to wrap them with a washcloth when you go. The condensation will soak into the cloth instead of everything else the bottles are touching. Besides, it is great to have that cold wet cloth to wipe the back of a hot neck or forehead.

A great stay cool aid is those gel filled neck wraps. They stay dry until you soak them in cold water then tie around your neck like a cold scarf. They feel great on a summer day in FL.

Don't forget to pack scissors for moleskin. Moleskin is a wonderful product, but it is impossible to tear.

If you have naturally curly hair, plan for bad hair days. The humidity wreaks havoc with curls. Bring hats, visors, head bands or clips. The anti-frizz hair products work to some extent, but not 100%.

A cheap stoller cover for a double stroller is a vinyl table cloth or a plastic painters' drop cloth from Lowe's or Home Depot secured with clothes pins.

Make your own matching shirts before you go. DIS-signs board has some wonderful tips and designs, along with extremely creative and helpful people for those of us who are creatively challenged.

Make a check list of things to do each night for preparation. ie Swap camera battery in charger, lay out clothes, set out mousekeeping tip, refill diaper bag, etc.... It is great to plan to do everything the night before, but sometimes you are just too tired to remember it all.

Check out the Best Park Secrets Thread:
If you look back a few pages you will find these links. They are still active for anyone to download. Have fun!!

Deb- if you do any updates, I can still change the files and repost without a problem.

Here is the link on big paper.

http://jbarnesfamily.com/misc_pics/Best%20Kept%20Secrets_bigpaper.doc

Here is the link for the custom note cards that Deb did.

http://jbarnesfamily.com/misc_pics/Best%20Kept%20Secrets.doc

Enjoy.
I've copied some of these secrets and carried them into the parks. It is fun to surprise your family (and other people around you) with some of this info.

[benderbunch]

Even though my kids are too old for stollers, we have an old beat up one that we bring. It is great for all of our junk and if someone gets tired they can SQUEEZE into the seat for a break. Who wants to carry fans, water bottles, souveniers, rain ponches, etc. all day?

[Dana49]

Early December's weather can change on a daily basis. One minute, it can be very cool and the next, t-shirt weather. If you're going at that time of year, remember to bring layers.

:surfweb:

[TiggerStac]

to pack your luggage, then remove half (you won't need it!)

I just did this!!!

I had to pack for myself and 2 sons..one of them being 2 months old. The only thing I didn't unpack was formula and diapers. If I figured it out, I should have some extra...but you just never know. I prefer to have extra than having to go out and buy somemore!! I had tons of extra stuff for the little one, elminated a bunch. Hubby was shocked how much room I did have in the suitcase for diapers, wipes, formula, snacks!! He didn't think I'd be able to pack them.

[NashvilleTrio]

I'm not quite sure how this helps ... meaning just to pack a light load?

I think they're saying that you hardly ever use as many clothing items as you pack. So, you really only need about 1/2 of what you think you need.

[palantiriel]

Take elastic bands for camera/fan/whatever batteries, keep them in pairs with the bands and put red ones around used batteries so they won't get mixed up in your bag.

[ClaraBug]

Keep'em Coming :idea:

[perdidochas]

The number one tip I got from this site was asking to ride in the front of the monorail with the pilot. We did this, and it added magic on our way to an early character breakfast. We have the co-pilot's license to prove it.

[vickie_mara]

Great tips, thanks everyone. I have a few that I would like to share:

Save $$ on food by packing a soft-sided cooler in your luggage. Arrange for towncar pick-up which usually includes a 30 minute grocery stop. Be sure to ask the driver if he has a "discount card" for the grocery store that you can use. When you get to your resort use the ice machine there to fill your cooler and place all refridgerated items in the cooler.

Pack each family members outfits in individual zip lock bags.

Purchase earplugs before the trip. We did not do this and had to leave "It's a bugs life" in AK for it was too loud for our 4 year old.

Check out the Cake Thread and preorder a cake at the restaraunt for which you have ADR's (I am surprising my DH with one at Chef Mickeys in May for our 16th wedding anniversery).

Mid-Afternoon breaks!!!! Do not try to do it and see it all. Our son was 4 when we took our last trip and his favorite things were the elevator and the pool at the resort! We would break from the parks each day for 2-3 hours and just hang out at the resort (and nap)!

I loved the karma post! Don't let grumpy people and crowds get you down...have fun!

[DisneylandPlanner]

Subscribing

[PaMom001]

Anyone have tips for traveling with a 2 year old?

[ClaraBug]

The one tip I didn't see.....especially for the fair of skin.
We always re-apply sun block half way through the day. After sweating and wiping off the sweat, you remove the sunscreen too! That's usually when I burn, I by the sample bottle and carry that with me or if I can't find a sample bottle I will take an empty hotel shampoo bottle and squirt some in there.:cool2:

[MomNeedsVacay]

subscribe

[srandsr76]

Here are a few tips from our family to yours:

1. Plan a Disney Dinner Party: We normally go to WDW with my in laws (they are DVD members), so before our last trip my DD(3) and I planned a Disney themed dinner 1 week prior to going. We bought ALL different Disney themed plates, cups, napkins and even made Mickey ears for everyone. We invited my in laws and brother in law over for dinner and discussed all our final plans. DD(now 4) cannot wait to plan our Disney Dinner Party before going this year!!:cheer2:

2. FLIP FLOPS:We pack flip flops for everyone that wants to ride the water rides (Splash Mtn., Kali Rapids), put them in a large ziplock or plastic bag in bottom of stroller, then you can change into those before riding the water rides and don't have to walk around the rest of the day in WET SHOES and SOCKS!!!!

3. COUNTDOWN CHAIN: I always make, with DDs help a countdown chain, got this idea from Dis about 3 years ago before DD first trip. We get some Disney stickers and decorated each piece before looping them together. We will make one this time - usually about 30 days prior and tear one off everyday!! Lots of fun with a child, since they have not concept of time!!:hourglass

4. Take Night Wand you have Previously Bought: We bought our DD a Tinkerbell light up wand the first time we went ($16.00) at MK before the SpectroMagic parade!! We take it with us everytime, just replace the batteries before going, and she doesn't ask for another night toy!! :woohoo:

5. Battery Operated Glow STICK: I found one at WalMart before our trip several years ago. It was RED and we hung it on the stroller at night before leaving it for shows or rides. When we came out we were able to find our stroller EASILY!! Usually the only one GLOWING!!!:laughing: Saved us lots of time with a sleepy toddler!!

I will second many things that have been posted! Ziplock bags, pack kids clothes in bags for them to dress themselves in the am, breakfast in room, buy ponchos before you go, SUNSCREEN, visors/hats, extra suitcase and PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!!:idea:

Hope I have helped someone!:surfweb:

[Mkrop]

We are doing a Disney Movie Marathon. We have rented or rewatched the ones we have, all the Disney movies. Many DS9 hadnt seen since he was little and now DS4 is up on all his characters! We are doing this so that they are familiar with the characters and so DS4 will not be afraid. I dont think he will though becausue at Hershey Park he loved the characters and chased around Big Choclate Syrup Guy!!!!!:rotfl:

[tictoc]

How far did you have to go to get copies made? are there copiers on the resort?

Thanks.

You can also just write the number down. I always take a digital photo of ours. I also take a digital photo of our Photopass and daily parking aisle.

[emerymt]

One tip I got years ago from the DIS boards was to do a countdown with as many plastic Disney toys (the little kind that come with kids' meals) as you can find. I put a big bobble-headed Mickey up for the day we leave and count backwards from there, lining them up in a long row. The kids get to take down a toy each day. Actually, this is the only reason we still have these toys & we have about 45 of them. Soon I'll get to put 'em up.

Of course, the best thing is not to tell your kids they're going (but it's too late for that tip for us now)! I planned our family's first trip to Hawaii that way- not even DH knew (but his office did :goodvibes )- until I woke everybody up at 4am to go catch a plane.

They could not believe it- what a day! I highly recommend that if you can pull it off!

[maidenfairy]

The one tip I didn't see.....especially for the fair of skin.
We always re-apply sun block half way through the day. After sweating and wiping off the sweat, you remove the sunscreen too! That's usually when I burn, I by the sample bottle and carry that with me or if I can't find a sample bottle I will take an empty hotel shampoo bottle and squirt some in there.:cool2:

The same people who make swimmie diapers now make a little fish shaped sticker that you can stick to your skin and it will change to bright orange when you need more sunscreen.

[deb123453]

one thing i found out was about the fridge swap (on the budget board) it saves abundle of money and having a fridge in your room is great.

[Neoshoegal]

Thank you so much for all the tips! :thumbsup2

I brought some extra sunscreen in a small stick. Lifesaver as I burn easily.

As others have said, keep some band aids with you!

Unofficial Guide: it was my Disney bible

[KKB]

OK...DH & I REFUSE to wear fanny packs & don't really want to carry anything around...BUT I COULD put fanny packs on the kids!:cool1: DH wears cargo shorts, so I can slip the camera in a zip loc baggie in his pocket....
maybe even a couple of ponchos!!!

Now I just need Tevas or Keens so don't need to carry flip flops..and start breaking those babies in!

Staying at POP...got in on fridge/coffee maker swap...so breakfasts in room (kids will LOVE that they can have pop tarts/cereal bars! I'll stick w/ Zone bars, I guess...hey, as long as I get my coffee!)

Water...again, I don't wanna carry ANYTHING, so we will ask at counters for free.

Take left line at rides...got it.

Lunch...order kids meal OR a double burger w/ an extra bun.
Dinner...dunno, usually eat counter meals; one or two nicer meals just for fun.

BEER...order from somewhere??!! REFUSE to pay Disney prices! (guessing we're gonna need one or two at the end of most days...!:confused3 )

ME, still free, cool.

Staying on site...got 40% off POP, no rental car expense, looking forward to ALL the Disney Magic for the first trip for the kids (OK, DS1 was 6 mos. last time..don't think that really counts!)

DS2 is an animal FREAK, so thinking we can get a half-day of free entertainment just checking out AKL...just couldn't stomach $500 extra, even at 40% off...still needed 2 rooms for the 5 of us plus Mom.

Passporter & unofficial guide are the BOMB...thinking of checking out Touring Mike just cuz I am a trip research freak!

Biggest question...park Hopper, or not. Will add $250 to trip...probably will avoid EMH, but what if we get to a crowded park...is it worth that much $ to be able to change??!!

GREAT tips, thanks for the ideas! (do you realize this thread started like 2 years ago! WOW!)

[Ferrillo]

[



How do you get a window seat at coral reef? Do you ask when you get there?

[buffy0214]

**Bring some carabiners to tie (using that scarf) to your stroller. Then as you buy things you can clip the baggies onto your stroller and easily pop them on/off. Especially handy when renting strollers. I always rent a stroller even for our "big kids". The 8 year old was exhausted.

**Don't skip Stitch. It was my DD8 absolute fav ride. She can't wait to go back.

**Being an ex-floridian the best advice for beating the heat: sunscreen, sunglasses, visor (don't like to muss up the hair), wet washcloth in zippy bag (I like to add a couple cubes of ice) to wipe the sweat, water.

For next time, I am definately trying the organizing daily clothing in large zippy bags and coordinating family outfits (until they get old enough to argue);)

**If you know it is going to rain, also bring a towel in a zippy bag (yes, I'm the zippy queen) to wipe off strollers, electric scooters.

**Bring fabric softeners along with your trial size detergent if you plan to do laundry.

This is fun...keep it rollin'

[PittypatBR]

One of my pet peeves whenever we vacation anywhere with a swimming pool is all the wet suits and towels hanging around in the bathroom. There are too many to spread out, so they don't dry well, and any time someone wants to take a bath they all have to be moved and then spread back out. I had an inspiration today and just wanted to share it in case anyone else wants to try it. You know the little plastic hangers with clothespin like clips that you get when you buy a pair of capris, shorts, etc.? I intend to throw a handful of those in my suitcase this year. They can hang from the shower curtain rod and hold all the bathing suits and towels separated so they can dry, and will be very easy to move when the tub is in use. I am bringing some large suction cup hooks so I will probably stick one of those behind the door and the hangers can hang on that when someone is bathing or when not in use. Thanks to everyone for all the great tips! :goodvibes

[BillyRayJimBob]

If you have recieved your park tickets already, then make the copies before you go. The public library, post office, and some grocery stores have copiers. If you are getting your tickets when you are there then guest services might be able to make copies for you.


Somebody may have mentioned this already -- I didn't read the whole thread -- but you could take pictures of the tickets with a digital camer's macro function. Even with the small display on the camera, it's probably big enough to read the numbers that they would need to see if you lost your tickets.

[Michele]

Great thread, I just found it, It's going to take me forever to get through it.
Subscribing

[Planning fanatic mom]

Hanging shoe holder to stay organized. Got a lot of grief on that one when packing, but was a hero once we were there.:banana:

Carabiners on fanny packs to hold visors and hats while on rides.

Plastic Bags in fanny packs

Fastpass is the greatest invention ever:love:

Fantasimic Dinner package; Felt like a VIP and didn't have to wait for a good seat.

[tink's girls]

:yay: Thanks to everyone for all of the great tips. We are going back to WDW for our second trip in about 50 (short!) weeks!! I have learned a lot from these boards and want to add a few more suggestions.

1. Create a file on your computer and then cut and paste all of the great suggestions that you get into that file. I have created different sections that I dump ideas into - planning, packing, dining, to do list, one for each park, etc. To date it is 43 pages long!:rolleyes1 I will eventually cut and paste and organize it and only take a few pages with me. I actually like someone's idea I read just today about making a laminated index card for each day. Anyway...

2. Buy those huge jaw breaker lollipops for $2.50 for each of your kids. You can get them just about anywhere, we got ours on the last trip in the hotel gift shop. Throw them in your back pack and whenever the line for a ride or show is long, bring them out and give them to the kids. The jawbreaker part comes in a plastic mickey ears shaped wrapper that snaps over the candy so when your child is finished you just snap the ears back on and it's set for the next ride. They last FOREVER and my DH still says it's the best $2.50 we spent the whole time we were there! It may sound crazy but it really worked for my then 5 year old DS. Having the gameboys in the fanny packs helped tremendously as well!

3. Start walking long distances with your kids a few months before you leave. We started by walking about 1/2 mile each afternoon after school and by the time we left we were up to a couple of miles each day. Make sure you use the shoes you will be taking with you. I promise this will make a huge difference!

[bearette]

Here is an easy way to find your luggage. (great for cruising and those who aren't using magical express) I put stickers on mine and that made them easy to spot. It is also a good craft idea for your kids to let them decorate their luggage. No two are ever the same.

[kellycellini]

One of the very best tips I've found on here is to make gift bags for your kid(s) before leaving home. Once again, you can find official Disney Merchandise at Wal-mart, Disney Stores, and trading pins on e-Bay. The first day kids will NOT want to nap. But when they finally fall asleep, pull out the (very carefully hidden) gift bag(s). When he/she wakes up, tell them that Mickey stopped in and left a surprise. I promise the next day they will be more eager to go back to the resort!!

I went overboard but glad I did. On e-Bay, I purchased a "Key to the Kingdom" key chain. I put it in the 1st day's gift bag with a note from Mickey that DD was his special guest and now had the key so that she could come back anytime. Another day I gave her a presssed penny book and lots of quarters and pennies. The third day I (oops Mickey) brought a pin trading starter kit and 20 or so starter pins purchased -- you guessed it-- on e-Bay. Also included was a print-out of pin trading etiquette. Also included in the gift bags wre notes from mickey, outlining things that only "special guests" get to do. Of course that meant PS at character breakfasts/dinner etc.

The next year, when we checked into AKL, the first thing my formerly painfully shy DD did, was walk right up to a CM at check-in, and tell him her name and to please tell Mickey that she had arrived! Not missing a beat, the CM replied, "yes, Ma'am!" and acted like he was putting in a call to Mickey. DH and DD took the luggage to the room, and I went back out to the car for the gift bag and let the CM know that we'd be right back to get it. As we left for the park, I persuaded DD to check back in with the CM, and she was SHOCKED to get a package from Mickey with her name on it written in "Mickey's" handwriting (Disney font!)

As my DD got a little older, I started giving her in-park quests. I would find tidbits of information (on here of course) and each item she completed, I would give her a Disney Dollar. There are also in-park quests that you can get from the VMK store at MK on Main Street. I liked making my own; one of the items was to take a picture of her dad (Grumpy) with Mickey ears! Needless to say my DH bought the giant sombrero with mickey ears!!

I hope this helps someone looking to make even more magic at the most wonderful place on earth.

Oh yeah, almost forgot the most important tip. Its been said already, but needs to be said over and over. Take time to sit and enjoy and drink in everything! Too many magical moments were lost (my fault) by trying to do the park commando style. Looking back, there's not much magic in running from place to place... even less to be dragged.:scared:

[katielady]

sorry-What was a carabiner?
:goodvibes

[!HereWeCome!]

Subscribing! :)

[PittypatBR]

Carabiniers are those big clip things f(like oversized key rings) ound in the camping section that are very handy for fastening water bottles or other things onto belts, fanny packs, bags, etc. They come in varying sizes. Today I picked up a couple at Walmart and found special ones with water bottle rings attached so you can use these to directly fasten any size water bottle on.

[bluedolph1n]

Subscribing :)

[Rich271]

Dining plan.

Magical Express was the best.

[Ferrillo]

Dining plan.

Magical Express was the best.

How long did it take from when you got off the plane until you got to your hotel? Going May 4th.

[Buckley70]

Good Question. Anyone have an answer to how long it takes from the airport to DW. We are staying at the All Star Movie. We plan on taking a shuttle bus or whatever they have to offer.
1st time going.

[bebelle]

Subscribing...please keep the grat tips coming.

[rabx5]

Good Question. Anyone have an answer to how long it takes from the airport to DW. We are staying at the All Star Movie. We plan on taking a shuttle bus or whatever they have to offer.
1st time going.

Last year it took about 45 minutes tops for us and we stayed at POR :)

[MissBubbles]

Love tips - it's a great way to spend an hour or so hanging around the boards.

My new one for my trip for next week is that I'm bringing a dollar store nightlight to put in the bathroom so that no one will have to flip on the bathroom light in the middle of the night and wake everyone up! I figure at $1.00 if I forget to bring it home with me, I won't be out much money.

Bring more film and batteries than you think you will need. I've ran out of film more than once (if you have your own transportation, there is a WalMart on I92 and several Walgreens)and my camera batteries ran out while we were at MGM one trip. After you've spent $5.00 for 2 AA batteries, you will never forget to pack extras.

[Colleen27]

I'm realy enjoying this thread! So many good tips that I never would have thought of myself.

Some of my favorites that worked well for our last trip:

Walking in advance - Before the last trip, the kids and I were walking to and from the library, community pool, and other places we normally would have ridden bikes or driven to, to get ready for all that walking.

ADRs - I hadn't been to Disney since '97 and had never stayed on site prior to our first family trip, so it wouldn't have occurred to me that we needed dinner reservations at Disney World.

Grocery delivery - I cannot say enough about how much better having those few things we couldn't get on site made the trip, especially for this Mt Dew addict.

Ebay for pins - I didn't think my kids, 4 and 7 at the time, would get nearly as into pin trading as they did, but I'm glad I picked up a handful of cheapie pins for each of them from eBay because that was one of the best parts of the trip for them.

The MK barbershop - DD's first haircut ears are a much-cherished memory, and DS loved the red gel & Mickey confetti the CM used to spike his hair!

Some that I didn't know about in time for the last trip, but will definately keep in mind for this one:

Take your laptop - To avoid running out of space on your camera's memory card and having to resort to waiting in line for the ridiculously expensive Kodak kiosk to have a CD made. We had to do this twice on the last trip, despite my buying an extra card just for the trip!

Bring earplugs for the loud attractions - We bought ours at the gift shop at POR and that made such a difference in what my then 4 yo was willing to do! Without them, she was terrified by A Bug's Life, but with them, even Honey I Shrunk the Audience didn't faze her.

M&M minis tube for pressed pennies - What better way to save the searching through pockets for that one treasured penny that a kiddo is worried he lost?

And I'm sure I'll find plenty more as I finish reading through this thread. :)

[IlvTheHauntedMansion]

Love the maps in passporter...small enough to carry around! And the pockets are great so that I don't lose my receipts and small items...room keys, etc.....

[misslissa70]

Subscribing. :)

[Cuchman]

I love this board! Really great stuff to be found here.

One of my favorite quick ones:
We like to have an early dinner in EPCOT at the Biergarten - if you are seated just before they change to dinner, you pay the lunch rate for the dinner buffet! I am not sure the current exact time they change, it used to 4:00pm, but I think it has been moved to 3:45 in recent years . . .
The beauty of it is that Biergarten is a buffet with entertainment, so if you sit and have a (few) beer(s :) ) for a while, your dinner isn't even early.

I am sure I will read and post more, thanks everyone.

Cuchman:hippie:

[FBandA]

Love the maps in passporter...small enough to carry around! And the pockets are great so that I don't lose my receipts and small items...room keys, etc.....

What is passporter? If they are small I want to know about them.

[pixiedust_in_ak]

popcorn::

[buffy0214]

What is passporter? If they are small I want to know about them.

Passporter is a book that helps plan your trip. They have a website, too.

www.passporter.com

[FBandA]

"passporter"

I can't believe I did not know about this. You learn something new each time you get on here.:surfweb:

[AutumnKlassic]

If you want a quick breakdown of the first half of this thread go to page 8. The whole page is dedicated to what was said in the first 7 pages. Deekaypee is who you need to thank for this.

[RumpleMom]

We realized when our kids turned 18 that there would be an extra adult per night charge for the room, anywhere from $10.00 -$25.00. This was not a good thing with college tuition just around the corner. We figured our Disney trips would be less frequent with the extra charges, tuition and our out growing 1 room for the 4 of us.

Then we looked into DVC and realized we could still visit WDW. We could have separate sleeping areas in a 1 bedroom and a full kitchen which saves a lot on meal costs. The kids are twenty-somethings and they still love WDW. DVC made it affordable to continue to vacation with the kids and a few of their friends, and make college tuition payments.

So my tip is to consider DVC for your family. We always stayed at All-Stars or moderates and DVC rooms are so much better. Also we no longer do the parks commando style because we know we will be going back.

Our only regret is not joining sooner.

[dvc at last !]

I want to subscribe to this thread. There is always more
info to read. :cool1:

[Julianna07]

My husband and I went to WDW in January 2007 and found that I filled my camera to the point that the camera would turn itself off before my laptop could download all the pictures. We popped into the Kodak Kiosk in MK and talked to a CM about DLing our pictures onto a CD. The Kiosk machine was crazy expensive, (12.00 per CD and only 100 pictures per CD), the CM mentioned she had another machine behind the desk she could try cause you could get more on the CD for the same price. We had over 300 pictures and was able to get all the pictures on 1 CD with her help and it cost us the 12.00 dollars for the one cd instead of 36 for 3.

My other tip is to keep a small pack of Post it notes in your day pack to cover the little "eye" on the automatic Toilets. It has scared my niece when it would flush when she is still sitting on the seat. With the post it over the eye, it won't flush til you remove the paper. It has saved a few clothing changes when we've incountered these toilets in shopping malls in our home town.

[lklasing]

My husband and I went to WDW in January 2007 and found that I filled my camera to the point that the camera would turn itself off before my laptop could download all the pictures. We popped into the Kodak Kiosk in MK and talked to a CM about DLing our pictures onto a CD. The Kiosk machine was crazy expensive, (12.00 per CD and only 100 pictures per CD), the CM mentioned she had another machine behind the desk she could try cause you could get more on the CD for the same price. We had over 300 pictures and was able to get all the pictures on 1 CD with her help and it cost us the 12.00 dollars for the one cd instead of 36 for 3.

My other tip is to keep a small pack of Post it notes in your day pack to cover the little "eye" on the automatic Toilets. It has scared my niece when it would flush when she is still sitting on the seat. With the post it over the eye, it won't flush til you remove the paper. It has saved a few clothing changes when we've incountered these toilets in shopping malls in our home town.

Where are these kiosks? Is there at least one in each park, and if so, where? So you know whether there are any in any of the resorts as well? I really don't know the capacity of my camera but I don't want to find out the hard way that I don't have enough room for everything I want to take pictures of!:eek:

As always, thanks!!

Leslie

[Julianna07]

The one in MK is in the first building on the right after you pass under the rail tracks when you enter the park. I can't remember what it is called now, but it is a Kodak Shop right inside the park. I believe that all the parks have a Kodak shop, though can't confirm that at this time.

[kdkbrebel]

popcorn::

[perdidochas]

My husband and I went to WDW in January 2007 and found that I filled my camera to the point that the camera would turn itself off before my laptop could download all the pictures. We popped into the Kodak Kiosk in MK and talked to a CM about DLing our pictures onto a CD. The Kiosk machine was crazy expensive, (12.00 per CD and only 100 pictures per CD), the CM mentioned she had another machine behind the desk she could try cause you could get more on the CD for the same price. We had over 300 pictures and was able to get all the pictures on 1 CD with her help and it cost us the 12.00 dollars for the one cd instead of 36 for 3.

My other tip is to keep a small pack of Post it notes in your day pack to cover the little "eye" on the automatic Toilets. It has scared my niece when it would flush when she is still sitting on the seat. With the post it over the eye, it won't flush til you remove the paper. It has saved a few clothing changes when we've incountered these toilets in shopping malls in our home town.

Ironically, we don't have the problem with the eye on automatic toilets, but with the eye on the faucets. For some reason, most of them don't register well for my boys, so they needed assistance with water. We use a paper towel to block the sensor (i.e. make it go off), so the boys could wash their hands by themselves.

[perdidochas]

Where are these kiosks? Is there at least one in each park, and if so, where? So you know whether there are any in any of the resorts as well? I really don't know the capacity of my camera but I don't want to find out the hard way that I don't have enough room for everything I want to take pictures of!:eek:

As always, thanks!!

Leslie

My advice is to just buy a memory card or two ahead of time. On my 4.1 MP camera, I just got a 1GB memory card. I can take 1300 pictures with it. The memory cards are cheap (the 1GB was $25 or so), and can be used over and over.

[mikamah]

The best tip I used from the Disboards was to bring Ziploc bags. We used them for our wet bathing suits at typhoon lagoon, and I put my camera in one there so I could take pics of the kids on the waterslides. But it came in most helpful when my son started throwing up while we waited for the bus at the hotel. I was soooo grateful we weren't on the bus already.

Second I think would be to buy extra memory cards for my camera, and the rechargeable batteries. I always carried extra batteries, but the rechargeables usually lasted all day. I took over 600 pics, and it was nice not to have to go through them every night and delete them to make more memory card room.

[AutumnKlassic]

My advice is to just buy a memory card or two ahead of time. On my 4.1 MP camera, I just got a 1GB memory card. I can take 1300 pictures with it. The memory cards are cheap (the 1GB was $25 or so), and can be used over and over.


The last week in November and the first of December Meijer, Wal-mart and Staples seem to have a compitition on who can make there SD cards cheaper. We got 2GB cards for $12 at Wal-mart. I filled up one of them at Disney World and part of another.

They make really awesome Christmas presents for those with digital cameras too!

[Millie12591]

Getting my daughters hair cut at the Barber Shop on Main Street. This was her first hair cut by someone else and an experience that we will never forget. She got a certificate, mickey ears (that say "my first haircut") and a princess hair style.

Hi Lynn~
Was it a lot of money to get hair done, I don't think we'll need a hair cut at the time, but will want to do Princess style princess:, and I'm leery about taking dd7 in there not knowing what to expect and then for her to be upset because I might think it's to exspensive.

[Millie12591]

[QUOTE=KKB;17896267]
Staying at POP...got in on fridge/coffee maker swap

Staying on site...got 40% off POP,

Biggest question...park Hopper, or not.

KKB~
How did you save 40% off of staying at Pop Centry? When is your trip? And yes on the Park Hopper! Also suggest if your doing the dining plan you need the park hopper in order to go from one park to the other to get to your priority seeting resturant if it's not on the same property your going to that day then you won't be able to get to it. :scared: I had to figure this out myself, the Disney people don't always tell you everything in detail about how things work, most of the time they do, but this is one thing they didn't. I love Disney :love: and everything about it, not putting it down. Thank The Lord above we had already gotten the hopper. It also it gives you the chance to go from one place to another, if that's what you think you might do then you'll need it.

[buffy0214]

Hi Lynn~
Was it a lot of money to get hair done, I don't think we'll need a hair cut at the time, but will want to do Princess style princess:, and I'm leery about taking dd7 in there not knowing what to expect and then for her to be upset because I might think it's to exspensive.

I don't think the Main Street Barber shop does styles, just haircuts. My hubby and DD5 got theirs cut and had red hair gel with "pixie dust" confetti put in. I think it was around 12-15 each. If you want a real princess style, you will want to go to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The cheapest is $35 for hairstyle and makeup. Check out the thread below, it has great pictures and tons of info.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1333944

[Millie12591]

Also included in the gift bags wre notes from mickey, outlining things that only "special guests" get to do. Of course that meant PS at character breakfasts/dinner etc.

The next year, when we checked into AKL, the first thing my formerly painfully shy DD did, was walk right up to a CM at check-in, and tell him her name and to please tell Mickey that she had arrived! Not missing a beat, the CM replied, "yes, Ma'am!" and acted like he was putting in a call to Mickey. DH and DD took the luggage to the room, and I went back out to the car for the gift bag and let the CM know that we'd be right back to get it. As we left for the park, I persuaded DD to check back in with the CM, and she was SHOCKED to get a package from Mickey with her name on it written in "Mickey's" handwriting (Disney font!)

I hope this helps someone looking to make even more magic at the most wonderful place on earth.

Oh yeah, almost forgot the most important tip. Its been said already, but needs to be said over and over. Take time to sit and enjoy and drink in everything!

Kelly~ I loved your post!!!! :love: Great ideas! How did you get to the Mickey font to print out on a bag? Oh, what would you suggest for my dd7 (about to be 8) for a gift bag from Mickey? Or maybe because she LOVES Peter Pan and Tinker Bell I could make a bag with fairy dust! "Here's a little Pixie Dust to start your magical stay here in WDW"!pixiedust: :tink:

Millie princess:

[DisneyJo]

Look at this thread about fonts, it's a bit old so I hope the links still work! Click here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=694944&referrerid=&highlight=mickey+font)

[jpeka65844]

I think mine would be to make an early ADR for either CP or CRT so you can experience the park before opening. We were at WDW 3/17-3/25 and during the day it was NUTS! So the early AM times with no one around was super special! We were done eating by 8:45 and waited for the rope drop at 9 and were the first ones on Haunted Mansion. There were 6 of us total on the ride!

Also, make a late AM ADR for CM's at CR (11:10 for us). Do the parks early, then head out for "brunch". The crowds there are low and character interaction was AWESOME!!!



Denice T.
Olathe, KS

[KKB]

[QUOTE=KKB;17896267]
Staying at POP...got in on fridge/coffee maker swap

Staying on site...got 40% off POP,

Biggest question...park Hopper, or not.

KKB~
How did you save 40% off of staying at Pop Centry? When is your trip? And yes on the Park Hopper! Also suggest if your doing the dining plan you need the park hopper in order to go from one park to the other to get to your priority seeting resturant if it's not on the same property your going to that day then you won't be able to get to it. :scared: I had to figure this out myself, the Disney people don't always tell you everything in detail about how things work, most of the time they do, but this is one thing they didn't. I love Disney :love: and everything about it, not putting it down. Thank The Lord above we had already gotten the hopper. It also it gives you the chance to go from one place to another, if that's what you think you might do then you'll need it.

A couple of months ago codes were sent out to people to get 40% off...so we booked the last week in Oct. I think each of our 2 rooms is $75 w/ taxes. (Mom is coming & there are 5 of us besides, so needed 2 rooms...)
Really wanted AKL as DS7 is an animal FREAK, but couldn't justify $1500 more!

I was NOT going to do DDP...but I realize for not a lot more $ we can REALLY enjoy our dining experiences & not worry about prices to be frugal. Plus I think a TS each day will force us to slow down & take a break!
I am thinking the hopper would really make things easier. Again, just so there are no worries...we can go where we want when we want!

[Millie12591]

I'm looking to find a good little digital camera for about $200. I would like something that has a movie clip feature, and 7.2 mp. I was curious since a few people talked about camera's if anyone would offer up some advice about the camera's they have, :confused: you don't have to tell me what you spent or anything like that. :scared1: I just wanted to know what everyone likes :love: about their cameras, or dislikes :mad: , such as what they wish they had feature wise or do have for their kind of camera and really enjoy. Even if you spent more on your camera than I'm wanting to spend I would like people's advice and opinions about their camera's anyway. My needs are something that will work for both a camera that won't have all that grain show up if I do close ups (without all the film to buy) and something that will do short little movie clips so we don't have to bring a bulky video camera around. I hate not knowing what I'm getting myself into :sad2: so that's why the request for much needed advice. Thank you. :flower3:

[Colleen27]

I'm looking to find a good little digital camera for about $200. I would like something that has a movie clip feature, and 7.2 mp. I was curious since a few people talked about camera's if anyone would offer up some advice about the camera's they have, :confused: you don't have to tell me what you spent or anything like that. :scared1: I just wanted to know what everyone likes :love: about their cameras, or dislikes :mad: , such as what they wish they had feature wise or do have for their kind of camera and really enjoy. Even if you spent more on your camera than I'm wanting to spend I would like people's advice and opinions about their camera's anyway. My needs are something that will work for both a camera that won't have all that grain show up if I do close ups (without all the film to buy) and something that will do short little movie clips so we don't have to bring a bulky video camera around. I hate not knowing what I'm getting myself into :sad2: so that's why the request for much needed advice. Thank you. :flower3:


This is the camera I currently use most often - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8202651&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat99000050021&id=1165610073098

I cannot say enough good things about it. I've had a digital camera of some stripe since 2MP was cutting edge. Of the cameras I've had and used - 2 Olympuses that cost upwards of $400 each, a cheapie HP that cost $120, and my current Sony, the Sony is the best I've had, hands down. It is small enough to keep in a pocket (the whole reason I bought it, as my Olympus is still perfectly functional, but bulky), has a nice range of features, some very nice presets for shooting specific color/lighting conditions (like a beach mode and a snow mode), and takes decent video clips. Plus it takes a rechargeable battery pack rather than AAs, which I prefer. It seems to charge faster than my recharageable AAs, and the charger is more compact and more durable than my Radio Shack quick charger for the AAs. I like this camera so much that when it came time to start looking at digital SLRs and making a real investment in a higher end camera, I decided on another Sony pretty quickly.

This is a video I took with it (Forgive the orientation, I haven't gotten around to cleaning these pics up yet and Webshots doesn't allow you to rotate video): http://family.webshots.com/video/3024961240042404303yOlosN?vhost=family

Here's an action shot of my son's surfing lesson: http://family.webshots.com/photo/2785914050042404303eiHHtt?vhost=family

And here's one playing with the snow mode on an early April morning: http://family.webshots.com/photo/2362330970042404303OPQnTg?vhost=family

[TheTXTaylors5]

Subscribing, will post later after I have read more . . . :surfweb:

[ILuvJimny]

The best advice given to me was to join AAA for the discount. We're going in October and so far have not found any codes to save on the rack rate. By using AAA, I was able to save $200 on the 'room only' rates! :banana:

[Dashzap]

Best advice: travel light, wear old comfy shoes, wear sunscreen, relax and enjoy what you can and accept you'll have to go back as there isn't any way to see it all.

[starlionblue]

Another one I'm glad I heard of was how to use FP. It saved me so much time that I didn't get a hopper option on my ticket so it saved me money too. I thought about the hopper because I was afraid I wouldn't have time to see what I wanted to within two days so I just went to MG on Friday and EPCOT on Saturday without the hopper option. I probably would have been too tired to hop between the parks anyway.

[bellesnow]

One thing that I thought was a great idea was the travel size Tide at Target. Ziploc Bags for packing clothes and the collapsible hamper was a life saver. I enjoy going to wash my families clothes mid trip just to get some quiet time and read.:)

[Ariel70]

subscribing

[imadisneynut]

The best advice I ever got, and listned to, was to make copies of the back of my park tickets incase they were ever lost. I did this last trip, and let me tell you...thank god I did. I lost my pass BUT with the copy I made, I was able to have the old one voided and a new pass issued in minutes.

I have to second this

[TSMRunnels]

I have noticed that lots of people have suggested buying trading pins on ebay, but make sure they are ones that can be traded. How do you know which ones can be traded? I want to buy some of these for my kiddos before our trip in Sept but don't want to get there and they be disappointed that no one wants theirs.
Thanks for all the great info --
tam