10 things most first-timers don't know

[dmurch1]

This one got us when we were first using the Disney Dining Plan:

1. A counter service credit does NOT mean a lunch meal.

2. A table service credit does NOT mean an evening meal.

When we were newbies with the DDP, we did not realize that we could use a CS for breakfast. We also did not know that we'd have to use a TS when eating lunch at a sit-down meal. Took us a bit to figure out what the whole CS and TS meant.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

If you are traveling with younger children (preschoolers for example) be sure to "let them be your guide." (Thanks Shannon). You will NOT get everything done on one trip, especially the first, so take your time, don't stress about what you are getting to see. Follow your child's lead. They will bring the magical moments to you.

Truly the most important tip of them ALL!

 

[kshattuck]

We used the Garden Grocer service to have groceries delivered to our WDW resort hotel -- it was fabulous! We used this when we were flying and our kids were very little. Didn't want to pack a zillion snacks, diapers and drinks in our luggage and didn't want to have to leave the resort to get milk, etc. This was a great tip that we got from the DIS boards.

I haven't used them in recent trips, as we've driven and the kids are bigger now, but for a first-timer with little kids, this is a fantastic tip IMHO

 

[livinlife25]

Yachtsman has great tea. It even came with a little pitcher of simple syrup to make your own sweet tea

 

[krazy4crusing]

Friend "ships" (small boats) travel between DHS and Epcot making stops at the Boardwalk and area resorts. It is a nice way to travel between the 2 parks.

 

[mommy2jays]

this always works out for us cause i have more time to save! that's the only reason we do it!!

I think this is genius! We always wait until checking to upgrade to park hoppers. I never would have thought of buying just a 2day pass also and then upgrading on checking to the 8 day to have more time to save for the trip. Totally doing this next time!

 

[k3mommy]

~There are three separate monorail routes: Express, Resort and Epcot.

~There is no parking at the Magic Kingdom.

~The beautiful walking path from the Poly to GF.

~The Electrical Water Pageant

~You can add park hoppers anytime at the gate.

So, where do you park if driving to Magic Kingdom?!?

 

[dnsmills]

So, where do you park if driving to Magic Kingdom?!?

You park at the TTC (Ticket & Transportation Center) and hop on the Monorail. The express goes between the TTC & MK only. The resort line goes around the lagoon and stops at each hotel.

A few tips I thought of:

1. As others have stated, you can not buy gum anywhere at WDW. I'm a big-time gum chewer since I quit smoking so I make sure to bring several packs.

2. Although you can get free water at CS locations, it's easier for us to buy a case of water at Wal-Mart and a roll of aluminum foil. Put the bottles in the fridge (or freezer) overnight, wrap them in foil to keep them insulated and throw them in the bottom of the backpack. Cold water anytime we want!

3. You can not get a drink with a straw at AK. They don't serve straws because they are a choking hazard to animals if dropped in their enclosure.

4. One of the best places to eat at EPCOT is not actually in EPCOT. Exit the International Gateway in the back and take a stroll along the Boardwalk to Beaches & Cream. The burgers there are excellent and the desserts there are AMAZING! (No Way Jose, anyone?)

That's all for now.

 

[Scubee]

So, where do you park if driving to Magic Kingdom?!?

You park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). From there you can take the ferry or the monorail to MK. You can also take the monorail to EPCOT from the TTC.

 

[dnsmills]

You park at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). From there you can take the ferry or the monorail to MK. You can also take the monorail to EPCOT from the TTC.

Excellent point! Although it make take a few extra minutes, taking the ferry from the TTC to MK is an excellent & unique experience. That was one of the highlights of our last trip!

 

[Jungle mansion]

Fast passes for more popular rides will run out.

 

[dnsmills]

Oh, one more thing I thought of. This is only applicable for people that drive a car to the parks and don't take the Disney busses. When we park in the parking lot, I open up the Maps app on my iPhone and 'drop a pin' so at the end of the day I can open up the Map app and it will show me exactly where my car is parked.

 

[Disneyworld2122]

Oh, one more thing I thought of. This is only applicable for people that drive a car to the parks and don't take the Disney busses. When we park in the parking lot, I open up the Maps app on my iPhone and 'drop a pin' so at the end of the day I can open up the Map app and it will show me exactly where my car is parked.

Great tip

 

[aznshents]

Oh, one more thing I thought of. This is only applicable for people that drive a car to the parks and don't take the Disney busses. When we park in the parking lot, I open up the Maps app on my iPhone and 'drop a pin' so at the end of the day I can open up the Map app and it will show me exactly where my car is parked.

From someone who constantly forgets where his car is parked EVEN THOUGH HE REMEMBERS THE ROW:

THANK. YOU.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

If you fly and stay at a Disney Resort, use ME!!!

 

[MHSweb79]

3. You can not get a drink with a straw at AK. They don't serve straws because they are a choking hazard to animals if dropped in their enclosure.

Please please do NOT smuggle in straws from your hotel and say it's OK because "you will dispose of them properly."

Just go without a stinkin' straw for one day OR bring in hard plastic novelty straws - you know, the spiral ones with a Mickey clinging to the top - if your child must drink through a straw.

 

[DJFan88]

The walking is different than you expect. I'm used to walking all day long for my job (miles) at a good pace. However, at Disney, you do not walk at a good pace, you walk much, much slower, which does cause soreness for people who are used to walking alot, because you are not really using your muscles effectively. Bring good shoes or sneakers. While it is certainly beneficial for people who never walk to build endurance, people used to alot of walking may still experience soreness because of the non-use or lack of fast walking (if that makes any sense to you).

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

1) don't worry about Ur makeup... It'll melt away within minutes of stepping into the humidity
2) same for your hair... Ull never see these people again anyway
3) guest will lay their towels over the shady spots at the pool and leave for a day at the parks .... Never can understand why this happens
4) Take time to enjoy the details!
5) Take time to enjoy your resort!!!
6) a frozen latte from Main Street Bakery is the most refreshing drink in WDW
7) Listen to your body... It would like a break at some point
8) WDW food is heavy on the salt.... Drink LOTS of water
9) If Ur staying CL, use it! The food is wonderful and plentiful!
10) Do you really want to pay $400/day/family of four for the dining plan???
And...
For goodness sakes....enjoy a Mickey Bar!

 

[jenlov]

I think this is genius! We always wait until checking to upgrade to park hoppers. I never would have thought of buying just a 2day pass also and then upgrading on checking to the 8 day to have more time to save for the trip. Totally doing this next time!

This is a great idea, but I'm wondering if this would be a good idea for us. We booked our package (room/tickets/free dining) back in May right before the ticket increase. So, we have 10 day tickets at the old prices. If I drop this down to 2 day tickets (to make my balance lower and easier to pay off by 45 days out- 8 people adds up quick) and upgrade to 10 day when I check in, will I then be subject to pay the new prices for those added days? I've already changed them twice after the price change and still got them at the old pricing since my package was booked before the ticket price change- 1) from 4 to 7 day tickets, 2) from 7 to 10 day tickets. sigh. hope that made sense and was easy to follow, lol.

 

[kaleighmariesmom]

I am enjoying reading these !!