Best Tips for a Newbie?

[sdy]

Wondering if I can impose on you (the collective you)...

I'm helping a friend.
I swear it's a friend..not a hypothetical friend. An actual friend.
She's planning a trip in September for free dining with her husband and 2 year old (who will be closer to 3 years old in Sept.).
We brunched this ayem so I could give her a primer on WDW planning.
But.
Methinks I forgot all kinds of things.

So. The question of the day is...

What are your best planning tips that you pass along to the uninitiated?

I gave her a UOG ('06..my old(ish) one) and a Passporter ('07).
We went through ADR's. Kind of.
Her hotel is already picked (Wilderness Lodge)....
Told her to get a ressie at Bibbity Bobbity Boutique.
And to try for Cinderella's Castle or 1900 Park Fare.
Told her about mousesavers and tour guide mike and allearsnet.
Talked her out of only planning on going to 3 parks in 7 days.

What in tarnation am I forgetting?

Any help/insight would be very, very much appreciated.
Pleaseandthankyou.

 

[eacatwork]

With a little one on the trip, probably the best advice is to return mid-afternoon for a break, swim, nap, etc.

 

[mirthmaiden]

RESEARCH - WATER - COMFORTABLE SHOES

That's my holy trinity of WDW tips. If she has internet access, you could lead her to this board so she can start researching the things she is interested in and communicating with other DISers.

 

[disneycake]

Water...drink lots and lots of water
Sunscreen...slather it on no matter what it looks like outside and don't forget to reapply it
Sneakers...bring 2 pairs of comfy sneakers that have already been worn in along with extra socks

 

[PoohsFan1]

Tell them to take a short ride over to CH and go to Chef Mickeys. While they are there they can walk around the concourse and go to the wonderful shops there. Have them try to get ADR for when the fireworks are set to go off.

 

[loopner67]

Since you can't do everything, she should try to talk to her DH about what they *really* want to do & see in each park. Maybe read up on where to meet the Characters.

Does she know about Fastpasses? Does she know about PhotoPass?

Comfy shoes - definitely!

Bringing snacks for the little one to munch on.

Moleskin for blisters.

My best tip would be for her to frequent the DisBoards for awhile before she goes and read up as much as she can.

 

[Cinderella1122]

I wish I had a friend to help me plan out my first Disney vacation. Disney to a newbie can be so confusing : )

 

[kcdancer_01]

If you plan on getting wet, I'd suggest wearing Crocs! They dry fast and are super comfy!

Happy Traveling!

 

[radev104]

Tell her...
-to have comfy shoes for everyone, and at least two pairs incase one gets wet and they aren't dry for the next time she needs them.
-have a stroller for the little one, even though the 3 year old can walk it is a lot of walking for a little one plus if she brings an unbrella stroller from home she can push the little one to the bus stop and to the room after the parks.
-make sure she has lots of sunscreen, and knows to put it on everyday no matter what it is like outside and reapply it often, especaially if they get wet.
-have lots of water, she can bring a BRITA filter to put in a water bottle since most people don't like the taste of the water from the water fountains and it is cheaper to refill bottles instead of buying a new bottle every time.
-if the little one gets cranky during the day then she should take a trip back to the hotel to take a nap, cool off in the air and watch tv, or swim.
-bring snacks for everyone to eat in the parks since food can get expensive.
-don't force the little one to get autographs if they are scared.
-use hand sanitizer before eating, there are a lot of gross things going on in Disney and you touch handrails and rides and handles.
That is all I can think of right now, but I am sure there will be more later.

 

[summerlandjeff]

To save all these tips on one handy page, highlight the ones she likes, right click the mouse and hit copy. Then go to your word program, open a new file and name it something catchy, (mine is disneyinfo2007) right click on the document and hit paste. Then she can print out all the suggestions and tuck them into her Passporter for easy reference!

Easter @ CSR can't wait!

 

[pkondz]

I always tell people that the #1 thing is the UOG but you've already got that. #2 is... go for walks. If you get to Disney and aren't in shape you'll suffer. There's a lot of walking involved in them thar hills! Take a stroll, visit the mall, do something, but get ready for some serious sashaying!

 

[DIS4MYGIRLS]

ENJOY!!! and remember to use all that Disney has to offer The hotels are a great place to relax and reload ....