Advice - leaving for Disney soon!

[cats7494]

I know there are Disney Planning Boards here - but I have found this Community Board to be so responsive I thought I would try here too!


We are leaving for Disney in about 2 weeks and I am wondering if there is a "TO DO" list somewhere of things I need to prepare or get done before we go.

OR - for you folks who "have been there, done that" any tips or advice?

This is our first time and I don't want to forget or miss anything!

Thanks!!!

Stefanie

 

[kimwim8]

Take a look here....lots of info!

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/planning.htm

 

[cats7494]

Thanks...that is a neat website.. I will check it out some more.

Any more tips????

 

[Jasminesmommy]

Most importantrelax and have fun. make sure you have PS.

 

[lovemygoofy]

1)Bring an empty duffel bag or suitcase for all the suvvies. Granted you may not buy alot but I have seen that first time goers buy a ton of stuff and realize they don't have anywhere to pack it.
2) Bring your own cameras. The CMs will take a pic with your own camera which will save $$$ from not buying every pic that is taken of you and yours .
3) Drink lots of water it's still hot down there and its cheaper if you have a refillable mug or container.
4) Have fun and treasure the memories


opps made an ugly face when I wasn't trying to, sorry

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

There's a great post on here somewhere with a MASSIVE packing list. For some reason I can't search right now & find it, but try looking for it.

Good luck!

 

[cats7494]

Yes...definately relax and have fun! Amazing how stressful vacations can be! Sheesh!


I have a good packing list going so far - but any other tips are appreciated!

 

[enchantedpixiedust]

Found it -
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=199768&highlight="trip+packing+list"

I thought I did great packing till I compared my list to this one.

 

[cats7494]

OMG!

WOW! I will need so many suitcases if I take all that! Thanks for the link! I just copied it into Excel and will make a checklist for it....
thanks!

 

[Pooh67_68]

It may be your first trip, but take your time, don't do the parks commando style. Disney will be there for years to come.
Good walking shoes are oh so important.
It is pretty hot in Sept. drink plenty of water, and make time to go back to your resort for a break.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Remember, you'll be back, so do not try to do everything, it is impossible. Take it slow, soak it in, make memories, of a lifetime. Basically know what park/s you are planning to visit each day (even that needs to be flexible), have a concept of how the transportation works (like you can't ride a bus from a resort to resort, the monorail does not go to AK nor MGM , things like that), take pictures, but don't let it interfere with the fun, don't push yourselves, take breaks, sit down, watch others. Make sure to leave sufficient time to go from one place to another, the World is immense, it takes time to move from here to there. If you have not purchased a guide, a good one for new folks, or seasoned, is Passporter, check it out at www.passporter.com, you would have time to have one delivered yet.

Oh, Stefanie, I think it is just the neatest watching somebody get ready to go the first time, you will love it.

Enjoy!!!!

Dan

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Remember that there is NO WAY to do it all. You'll be back. Relax, take time to just sit and enjoy the magic. Don't feel like you always have to go go go.

Take lots of pictures of your children (if you have any traveling with you, whether they are your own, or your extended families). Some of my most cherished pictures from Disney are of my neice's face lighting up when I took her when she was 4. Remember to use all cautions when traveling with film. Some airport security equiptment can ruin it.

BUT don't spend as much time behind the camera as you do just looking around. Get a cookie and a drink on main street and just sit and look at the castle for a bit. Take in a game of checkers on Tom Sawyer Island. Sit in a rocking chair in Liberty Sq.

USE FAST PASS. You'll be glad you did. Take some time before you get to the park to understand how it works and which rides use it.

Don't feel silly hugging the characters or getting excited to see Mickey Mouse. We all do, we're all 5 years old when we are in WDW.

Get a character meal at least once. Use PS whenever possible if you haven't set any up already.

Indulge in a Mickey Ice Cream Bar or two.

Strike up conversations with people; it's amazing how friendly 99% of the people in WDW are. Esp. interesting chatting with the CMs at the World Showcase about their home countries. Learn how to say Hello in each language.

With few exceptions, most of the stuff for sale in the shops, is for sale in all the shops. I find it best to save shopping till towards the end of my trip, when I've had a chance to look around and really decide.

ASk CMs to take pics of your whole group. They are more than happy to.

Bring a small notebook to jot down highlights of your trip to later turn into a trip report on the DIS!!

Bring comfortable shoes, and extra socks. Bring a rain pocho or umbrella, just in case. But don't leave the park if it rains. Duck into an indoor attraction for a while and be amazed at how thinned out the crowds are when it stops.

Most of all, relax, do not stress out, remember you WILL go back and it WILL be there waiting and HAVE AN EXCELLENT TRIP!

 

[oogieboogie]

Relax, take your time, don't forget to look up, down, sideways, and all around.

Have a plan ready, but don't get stuck to a plan. Be willing to compromise. Be willing to deviate from your plan.

Be spontaneous.

Enjoy the little details. Sometimes we overlook the little details in our haste to get to the attractions.

Take a breather. If you or anyone in your family is getting stressed out or is having a meltdown, slow down, take a breather and de-stress yourself.

Go at your kids' pace.

Have fun!

 

[shortbun]

Fast Pass. Figure it out and make it work. Read your fast passes when you get them. Take advantage of the timing for getting
your next fastpass.

Make a list of your musts, would really like to's and if we have
times(everyone needs this list). This way-you get to do what
is really important. Look for cool things on the way. Try to
find out of the way spots to sit and relax. People watching
is always at the top of my must do list. DS and DH laugh at
me but we ALWAYS love it!

PS's are really important. At least one per day in A/C sitting
down and resting to eat.

 

[cats7494]

What wonderful advice!!

Thank you all so much for your input! My DD10, DH, and I made a really cool "Countdown to Disneyworld" Poster last night! It was so fun! She colored pictures of Disney Characters and we placed them all on a posterboard and have Disney Stickers to put in the countdown boxes! We had so much fun making it! I took some pics - I will have to post them!

Thank you all SO much!
We are getting really excited!!!

 

[Kallison]

My hairdresser is going tomorrow - I told her:

Get a Dole Whip in the Magic Kingdom.

If you go to AK -- get a FP for the Safari - then do the gorilla walking trail, by the time you are done, you can walk right on Safari.

Get a beer, fish and chips, sit and renjoy the British Invasion in Epcot.

Rice Cream in the Norway Bakery.

Kaki Gori in Japan.

Love the Brown Derby, Sci-Fi and Prime Time all in MGM.

Don't miss Wishes in MK.

OK that is all we discussed while I got my hair color.