10 things most first-timers don't know

[8lovesmickey]

correct me if im wrong..

but if you are staying on disney property - you can have them send any merchandise you buy (around the property) back to your resort for free (pretty sure its free)

Yep - They will do it up until 24 hours before you check out if I remember correctly. It's an awesome service; just ask when you buy and you will fill out a form, take your copy, and leave the store with nothing to carry.

And if you're bad like I am and buy too much, it's almost like Christmas the next day when you go to concierge to pick up what you bought!

 

[8lovesmickey]

Planning our first trip to DW with kids ages 7 & 10.... any suggestions on what the kids should bring to carry? I don't want to be the only one who is carrying everything for the four of us. They have autograph books, hats, sunglasses, snacks, etc. Suggestions?

You might have gotten feedback on this already, but it depends on how much you want to be empty handed. We were definitely in withdrawal when our kids were out of the stroller, because that was a great storage place!

Some people take a small backpack, others do shoulder bags... we usually each have a camping-type belt pack (like a fanny pack but not as huge) and put our tickets, id, camera, phone and wet wipes in there (something is always sticky!). Depending on the season we also get the $1 Walmart ponchos and shove them in - once they're used we just toss them because we can't ever get the musty smell out in Florida!

If you're staying all day without a return to the hotel, you can get a locker for snacks, sweatshirts, ponchos, etc. if needed.

For us since we don't go more than once a year we would rather travel light to the parks, pay for snacks, and risk getting wet if necessary! Plus I am bad about leaving things... I left poor Pal Mickey in the luggage net on Everest one time and had to go back, wait for the car to come again and bug a cast member to get him back.

(random aside: I also left my credit card at stroller rental once, but I consider that the cast member's fault for not giving it back . It did allow me to experience the phenomenon that is Lost-and-Found, however. And yes it was turned in.)

 

[LisaCat]

I make a couple of copies of all our ADRs and the confirmation #s. DH keeps a copy in his wallet in case we forget a time or there's a problem with the ressie

If you have a smart phone or even a phone with texting, you can email or text your ADR #'s to yourself/your traveling companions too.

If you are traveling with a group where multiple people might be wanting photopass shots added to their card, make sure you have a sticker or something to mark your card so you get the right one back.

 

[tzolkin]

Also, be prepared to be treated as second class at ADRs if you are not on the dining plan (aka staying onsite) - just IME priority seating is given to those guests. Kind of a bummer, but a lesson for next time (if there is a next time) to skip those reservations.

I'm confused about what you mean by this.

Last trip I didn't have to indicate that I was on the dining plan and/or staying onsite when making my dining reservations, so they had no way of knowing in order to give any preferential treatment. Anyone can make a dining reservation and the fact of being on the dining plan was never even mentioned until after we were seated and started to place our orders.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Also, be prepared to be treated as second class at ADRs if you are not on the dining plan (aka staying onsite)

We have gone both on and off the plan, and I can't say I noticed a difference in wait time, but I did notice that in general the staff seemed to prefer those NOT on the dining plan.

 

[smw]

here's my tip:

you don't need anything that doesn't fit in your pockets. i've been dozens of times and never taken a backpack, shoulder bag, stroller for storage, etc... you'll just end up regretting you've got so much stuff to keep up with. wallet, phone, really nothing more you need. it's not like you're going camping for a week in a jungle.

 

[DLB]

Plus I am bad about leaving things... I left poor Pal Mickey in the luggage net on Everest one time and had to go back, wait for the car to come again and bug a cast member to get him back.

(random aside: I also left my credit card at stroller rental once, but I consider that the cast member's fault for not giving it back . It did allow me to experience the phenomenon that is Lost-and-Found, however. And yes it was turned in.)

I left my purse with alot of cash and our KTTW cards (linked to my CC), cell phone and other assorted goodies on Mission space last time we were there. My daughter and I got back in line and luckily got into the same car and there was my purse waiting for me still in the storage bin. The Cast members were shocked that it was still there and so was I..

SO? I do agree - travel light and make sure to check the storage bins while exiting the rides!!!

 

[ttintagel]

If you have a smart phone or even a phone with texting, you can email or text your ADR #'s to yourself/your traveling companions too.

When I lost my printout of ADR's, the concierge desk at the resort kindly printed me a new one.

 

[mesaboy2]

Also, be prepared to be treated as second class at ADRs if you are not on the dining plan (aka staying onsite) - just IME priority seating is given to those guests.

I'm not aware of any system in place that gives a seating advantage to DDP folks, and this has not been my experience.

 

[Julie711]

Sweet tea is available in many places, you simply must ask for it rather than look on the menu.


Water is free from any quick service meal location. And drinking it will help your vacation go better. Even if your five year old does have to pee every 15 minutes.

Sweet Tea is on the menu, its Gold Peak Tea.

 

[Parrotheadgoofy]

Even if you have never, ever heard of, or used, moleskin in your life, hunt down some and bring it with you. It is the best stuff for a "hot spot" when you feel a blister coming on. Also, check little kid's feet; they don't know to tell you when a blister is coming; ask them frequently and look at them. When mine were little we always did this on the curb waiting for parades. We'd take the shoes off and stretch our toes and check for blisters. Guess people thought we were hillbillies who weren't used to wearing shoes.

Make a mental note of several attractions in each park that are sit-down and air-conditioned. Save these for those hot, tired times when you need a mini-break, but aren't tired enough to go back to the hotel. (This works best for older kids and adults). POTC, Hall of Presidents, Philharmagic, Country Bears, The France movie in Epcot, American Adventure, etc, have all given us a little "perk-up" when hot. It feels SO good to sit in a cool AC seat for 15 minutes sometimes!!! (Two of these back-to-back, and my DH has had a 30-minute nap. )

My family cannot "carry" anything. We are incapable. It must be attached to our body by some strap or device. If it can be laid down and left, it will be. I know this, and plan accordingly. Everyone has either a tiny cross-body bag, belt bag, or cargo shorts. DD's are now 18 and 22 and must pick up every product in every shop, laying down whatever they have in the process. We would leave our heads in the Emporium if they weren't attached.

 

[kerplop]

You can't take a bus from one resort to another to make an ADR. Oops.

 

[Missytara]

First trip, I thought the only place you could eat at was your resort. I was at CBR. When I got into the parks, I was shocked how many places there were to eat.

Second trip, I realized there were lots of other resorts and you could eat there too. Wow.

Third trip, I discovered there was other transportation than the buses and the monorail that you could use (my first stay at POR). I used every boat I could that year and ever since I have gotten pretty savvy about getting from point A to point B.

Fourth trip, I discovered the best times to go to the parks and go back to the resort for a bit of R&R.

Fifth trip, I discovered you could do an all resort/no parks trip solo. Most relaxing vacation I have ever taken in my life.

Last three trips I have taken friends or family (my mom) and I didn't realize how awesome it was to share your love of Disney with those you care about.

 

[Stoneham92]

Disclaimer: I have not read this whole thread.

After 8 months of dealing with tons of newbie guests, here are my tips:
1. Yes, you can get dining reservations day of, unless you snagged a great free dining deal. I had a night where even Biegarten was booked solid. Any other time (excepting x-mas, new years, and other major holidays) you can book some of the less popular places at non popular hours day of.
2. On the note of dining, just because you have a reservation there doesn't mean there is a bus from your resort there. I can't even tell you how many folks stand patiently at the bus stops at the resorts, waiting for a bus to the Boardwalk or Ft. Wilderness for dinner.
3. IT'S YOUR CHILD'S TRIP TOO. This I can not stress enough. Just because you want to do everything doesn't mean your little one does. Don't drag little Timmy on ToT just because you've always wanted to go.
4. Don't let your child's meltdown become yours.
5. No, you can not walk to {insert park here} from {insert hotel here} just because there is a road. You walk along those roads, you take your life into your own hands.
6. Always ask CMs questions! They'll always give you a good answer and if it's a silly question I promise you just made their day a little more amusing. My personal favorite was the lady who looked at the picture of the stage for Cirque in Downtown Disney and asked very politely if it was all on ice or if there were acrobatics too.
7. Requests are requests. Don't yell or scream if they can't be met.
8. Never yell at a CM unless they are putting somebody's personal health and safety in danger.
8. Naps are the best thing in the world. Take an afternoon break. For an example of what happens if you don't, hang around MK between 2 and 4. You get a front row seat for the meltdowns.
9. No, you can't buy Uni, Sea World, or any other non-Disney park ticket at an onsite hotel. However, CMs will cheerfully give you tips on visiting those parks and will put you in touch with the best way to get there and have fun!
10. You will walk. A lot. Plan accordingly.
11. Don't overplan. Things happen, both magical and not, that can take a firm plan and rip it to shreds. Plan your meals, your FPs, and your nap times. Know generally which rides you plan to hit and when. You can go in with a plan, but be open to having it totally destroyed.
12. The Barber Shop on Main Street will do your little prince and princesses' hair up for $10. I think BBB is going at $50 these days.
13. Smile! Disney is truly magical, so always try and find a reason to smile while there! It makes the whole trip that much better

Well captured and agree with everything.

Readers must set realistic expectations, especially during PEAK seasons, so if you plan for long transportation, waiting for rides, waiting at least 15 mins for ADR's sometimes magical things can happen to surprise you like receiving a VIP pass when a ride breaks down or getting day off reservations, but if your expectations are so high that you expect everything is going to be perfect, then I guarantee you will be disappointed.

 

[solana131]

We have gone both on and off the plan, and I can't say I noticed a difference in wait time, but I did notice that in general the staff seemed to prefer those NOT on the dining plan.

Me too! We went in Feb when free dining was offered...seemed like everyone in line in front of us had the dining plan. When the check out CMs found out we were not using it they all breathed a sigh of relief. They seemed to prefer dealing with us just paying with cash/giftcards.

 

[luvmylatte]

Here's one for those that wish to do laundry during the trip.....the only laundry detergent that I have found that Disney sells is Tide. For me, I will have to bring my own because I am allergic to Tide.

I always pack the Purex sheets. Detergent and dryer sheets are all packed into that one item and that way there is no spillage to worry about. Throw it is a zip lock and your all set. It also makes the bag smell yummy by the time I fly to WDW.

 

[luvmylatte]

Don't forget a pen for the autograph book. A water bottle.

Definitely bring a sharpie autographs and don't forget the character will not use RED Sharpies to sign with. Also I suggest getting your autograph book before you leave home. You won't have to waste time in a gift shop as soon as you get to your resort or parks.

 

[luvmylatte]

Yes. I think there's something like a half-day lag, so this doesn't work on your departure day (or possibly the night before) -- but in general, when you buy something in a park you have the choice of carrying it with you, picking it up near the exit gate, or having it sent to your resort. If you're staying club level, it will be delivered to your room; otherwise you can collect it in the lobby.

Also, you can have merchandise shipped home .....for a fee of course....but If you are buying something glass or fragile, It is much better to have it shipped than you packing it in your luggage and risk it breaking or even stolen by a luggage handler (yes, it has happened to my family). Also, WDW packs items incredibly well using lots and lots of paper and bubble wrap. I also read that if the item gets to you broken they will replace it free. Don't quote me as that was a few years ago. Disney magic......I love it!

 

[Melissa8905]

I know this seems so obvious , but:

-Use FastPass!! It's included in the price of your theme park ticket (most are surprised by this), and will help you avoid hours of line-waiting.

I had informed 2 families of this before they had embarked on their first visits to WDW. Each friend had thanked me profusely when they returned, and each stated how they couldn't believe how many guests did NOT use FastPass

 

[ireneryan]

Definitely bring a sharpie autographs and don't forget the character will not use RED Sharpies to sign with. Also I suggest getting your autograph book before you leave home. You won't have to waste time in a gift shop as soon as you get to your resort or parks.

Just curious, is there a reason they won't use red sharpies? And does this apply to all red ink? Also, there are different size Sharpies, which one is the best size for the characters?