Disney tips everyone should know

[minneylovesmicky]

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[MimiOfTwo]

There are change machines in the laundry rooms so bring some 1$ bills they are lighter than carring around a tube of quarters. If you decide to bring quarters you have to take them out of your carry on luggage and put them through the scanner other wise you will be pulled aside for by the TSA for a luggage search. Asking for a cup of free ice water while in the parks is a huge savings.

When we stayed at a Disney Resort the machines at the laundry did not take quarters. You could only use a credit card. We were at POFQ.

 

[WeLuvDissney]

I agree with kitten. We usually eat lunch as soon as the restaurants open. No lines, and by the time we are done eating, the lines are starting to build up, which also means less people in the ride lines because they'll all be waiting in line to eat or eating!

 

[MacDalt]

I agree with kitten. We usually eat lunch as soon as the restaurants open. No lines, and by the time we are done eating, the lines are starting to build up, which also means less people in the ride lines because they'll all be waiting in line to eat or eating!

Good advice!

 

[lylone]

Have the CM snap a picture with your camera and also theirs. One of our trips the pictures came out better with our own point and shoot camera rather than the CMs SLR.
And look for the photographers that seem to be doing it "part-time as a hobby". They seem to take better pictures.

 

[MidgeD79]

There have been a few times that the change machine was not working and I had to go to the front desk to get change. Now I always bring quarters with me.

 

[jennilee171]

Love All the advice!

 

[DaretoDis]

There are change machines in the laundry rooms so bring some 1$ bills they are lighter than carring around a tube of quarters.
If you decide to bring quarters you have to take them out of your carry on luggage and put them through the scanner other wise you will be pulled aside for by the TSA for a luggage search.


Asking for a cup of free ice water while in the parks is a huge savings.

We've always taken rolls of coins...usually dollar coins for tips and such...and never in over 10 years of travel, flying monthly, been pulled aside by TSA.

 

[purvislets]

1. Get to the parks at rope drop (especially MK for the show!). You can get so much accomplished when the park first opens especially if there is a new ride or attraction that you don't particularly care about. If 7DMT isn't on your list, you can use your rope drop at MK to ride all of tomorrowland and the other mountains with little to no wait whatsoever.

2. If you are going with kids, make sure you plan a break in the middle of the day. They aren't going to care about whatever it is you are doing if they are tired and cranky!

3. Eat lunch early (10-ish) or late (after 2) to avoid long lines. Pack snacks in your bag to get you through if you start getting hungry.

4. If you are doing evening EMH, do yourself a huge favor and don't stay in the parks for the entire day. Go in the morning, take a nap or a relaxing rest in the afternoon, and then go back in the evening. EMH aren't any fun if you are dragging yourself through the parks!!

5. This is the hardest one for me: Don't overpack your park bag! Take ONLY the essentials like money, magicbands/tickets, sunscreen to reapply, etc. You don't need to bring your extra sneakers or 4 pairs of socks in case they get wet. You don't need your whole makeup bag with you. You definitely don't need 4 or 5 unopened bottles of water to lug around. Travel light and you'll be much happier!

 

[nuomonkey]

You can send packages to the main gate? Is this for off-site guests? Is there a charge? And how long would it take to retrieve your items?

 

[worm761]

You can send packages to the main gate? Is this for off-site guests? Is there a charge? And how long would it take to retrieve your items?

Anyone can send packages to the front gates. There is no cost. It takes around 3 hours to get there.

 

[nuomonkey]

Anyone can send packages to the front gates. There is no cost. It takes around 3 hours to get there.

TY! Good to know!

 

[ZoZo]

One of mine is just the opposite of #3...buy things when you see them and have it sent to main gate/resort for later pickup. You don't always have time for a second go at things.

I totally agree. And don't assume you will find rhe same merchandise at every park or gift shop. Buy things when you see them - you may not see them again! If you buy something and change your mind later, you can always return an item at ANY WDW gift shop (not just the shop where you bought it). I've returned items at my resort gift shop even though I bought thm at a park - just keep your receipts!

And about items being delivered - if you're a WDW resort guest, you can have purchases sent back to your resort gift shop for pick-up!

 

[ryckpen]

Hello All, Wanted to share this tip for blisters. My DH used to get huge blisters on the first day. Not a good way to start a Disney vacation. After endless research found a tip that really works Get a bottle of New Skin or Liquid Bandage. Before you put your socks on apply 2 coats to area most likely affected. On a recent trip to Washington DC my DH tried this and after a full day of walking (more walking than we have ever done at Disney) No blisters It comes in a small bottle so easy to put in your day bag and small enough to get through TSA at the airport. Thank you DIS Boards.

 

[Liver lips]

Plan as early as possible
For trips a week or more take a "rest-no park day"
Allow extra time to get from one resort to another for character meals reservations-you may have to travel from your resort to downtown disney and get a bus to the other resort from there
Read these boards...they helped us so much!!

 

[Frozen2014]

You can get park maps at the front gate of each park. However, personally I preferred the Maps from www.easywdw.com cheat sheets

http://www.easywdw.com/cheat-sheets/disney-world-cheat-sheets-maps-touring-plans-and-wait-times/

The maps at the park have numbers and then you have to cross reference those numbers with the actual attraction from a list.

The maps form easywdw site shows pictures with the named rides. Much easier to follow when you're actually there.

PS - Reading other posts, I totally agree with Memory Maker...to purchase it if going with kids and first trip

 

[ryckpen]

I have a question that will turn into a tip everyone should know. Heading to the world in January and had an idea how great it would be to grab some pictures of Magic Kingdom before opening. I know Crystal Palace opens at 8am. I was curious what time I could get into the park without a Crystal Palace ADR. I am a very early riser and thought how amazing it would be to wander magic kingdom before the crowds. DH and I did this in Tombstone Arizona, it was really neat to watch the town come alive around us. Thanks in advance for any info. DIS ROCKS!

 

[dvc at last !]

Nice tips...

 

[Anri]

I agree with grabbing an early lunch. We aren't breakfast people so we would keep snacks in the room (breakfast bars, crackers, protein bars, etc.) and eat something light on the way over to the parks. Then eat an early lunch and a late afternoon snack to stave you off until dinner. It also saves us money so we are able to have nicer dining experiences for dinner. If you have kids this might not be ideal, unless you bring more substantive food for them in the mornings, but we find it works great for us.

Also, plan on making a trip to Downtown Disney towards the end of your trip, you can pick up a lot of things you may have missed the opportunity to grab while you were in the parks.

We also like to bring our own water bottles because we don't think the fountain water is very good. We drive so we are able to bring one of those giant water bottle cases with us. We bring one or two bottles into the parks to help keep us hydrated between meals.

Another thing that may not have been mentioned...plan the days you want to see daytime parades. If you are going during the hotter months, the sidewalk gets very hot! Plan on bringing a towel or something to sit on to keep your legs from burning. Because it is an extra item to lug around, definitely plan in advance so you don't have to carry the towel in your bag every day.

 

[LSchrow]

- if you plan on going on kali river rapids (LOVE that ride ) in AK, bring a sham-wow in a zip-lock baggie. it's also great for rainy days (entering A/C'd areas while wet is not fun)
- btw, i keep everything in my bag in 1 or 2 zip locks - no worry about heavy rain ruining my "stuff", and security is a breeze when you just need to pull out a clear bag