BEST TIPS thread!

[SandraC]

Hi All ~ Time to start a BEST TIPS for WDW vacation thread! Who wants to start! Sandra

 

[squirrel]

I liked the tip about packing the children's clothes in ziplock bags. It saved so much time in the morning and I could easily grab an extra set to bring to the park if I needed.

I also like to pack some breakfast items/snacks. They leave some room in the luggage for souvieniers.

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

My favorites are the shoe organizer to put all you toiletries, bandaids, etc, a night light for the bathroom, and a collapsable laundry basket. Love being organized!!

 

[Ham Ham]

Get to the parks for rope drop.
Have a plan.

 

[SherylWrites]

1. It's a vacation, not boot camp. Take time to rest and enjoy your scenery. Take cues from your children if you're taking them. If they need a break, take one. You'll never see it all in one shot.

2. Comfortable shoes. Even if they are the ugliest ones you own, bring them. Don't make the mistake of taking a new pair thinking you''ll "break them in". MISTAKE!

3. Take a day between parks to rest. Everyone told me that and I didn't listen. We were exhausted after our first trip. Absolutely exhausted.

4. If your camera requires batteries, take 6 more than you plan on because you'll need them and you won't want to pay the ridiculous prices in the park for them.

5. Don't eat like it's your last meal. Seriously, the portions are so big and add that with the heat of Florida, it's not always a pleasant mix! If you're in a resort that has fridges in the rooms, get your dessert to go. They'll give you napkins and forks. And there's nothing quite so decadent as enjoying a triple chocolate cake at 10pm while the kids splash around in the pool. Aahhhh.

6. Refillable Mugs - these truly are a good bargain AND a useful souvenier. One of the few travel mugs that we own that don't leak, easy to clean and a nice little memory. And the free beverages ain't bad either!!

7. Laundry - no one wants to think of doing laundry on vacation, but I've found that Florida is so hot that we go through more clothes than we anticipate. When we're on our way to the pool, I throw in a couple of loads once during the middle of the trip so we have fresh undies, shorts, socks, etc. I usually bring laundry soap and fabric softener samples with me to avoid having to buy them at the resort in the machines. And I save up American quarters too. It's only an hour of time for three days (or more) worth of fresh, clean clothes. And we're at the pool anyway!

8. This isn't so much of a tip but just something I like to do: I will ask people if they would like me to take their photos. Especially couples and families so everyone can get in the shot. People are always so grateful and it takes a minute out of your time to make someone really happy.

9. Take the boat rides whenever possible and talk to the captains. They often have some great trivia about disney.

10. Get a free piece of chocolate from Ghiradelli's in Downtown disney. It's a nice little freebie!

I could spend all day writing tips!!

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Time you spend planning before you go will result in more fun on your trip - so decide what's important to you on your trip & find out about it beforehand. A certain resort, meal or tour? Find out NOW don't wait.

If you booked w/ a TA (or know one that will help you) TA's can now book Disney ADR's online. Saves you time on the phone.

 

[DonnaBoo]

If possible, go during a value season. There is less of a crowd...meaning shorter waits for attractions.

 

[abirdd]

8. This isn't so much of a tip but just something I like to do: I will ask people if they would like me to take their photos. Especially couples and families so everyone can get in the shot. People are always so grateful and it takes a minute out of your time to make someone really happy.

Great tip
All four of our favorite family photos were taken by strangers at WDW - and I can't thank those people enough

 

[abirdd]

Our Tips...

1. Make Mousekeeping "Thank You" Envelopes in advance. I know our little guy LOVES decorating them with Disney Stickers from Dollarama. I always load up the envelopes with money *before* leaving home, and take them with me in my carry on. This way, I'm never short money for Mousekeeping in the morning.

2. Share your food. If you are on the DDP, and find yourself with an overwhemling amount of snacks or food credits; remember you can always bring snacks home -OR- better yet, share the wealth. There are plenty of families paying out of pocket for food, and it will make you feel wonderful to share the Disney

3. FastPass Sharing (okay, so I'm big on sharing ). There have been countless times we've grabbed a FastPass, and never ended up getting a chance to use them. On our way out of the park, we ask people coming into the park if they plan on riding X, and if yes - they are the lucky recipients.

 

[Leanne1972]

If you have young kids these tips are helpful and spread the Disney magic:

1. The Dollar Store sells packages of bubbles in the wedding supplies area. Usually they have 4 bottles per package. I found that my daughter loved blowing bubbles while waiting in lines. We always handed out bottles of bubbles to other children that my daughter made friends with while waiting. I love seeing the expression on the parents' faces when my daughter asked if it was ok to give their child some bubbles.

2. I also buy glow in the dark necklaces and bracelets from the Dollar Store. My daughter loved wearing them during the evening parades and fireworks. Again, we enjoyed handing them out to strangers.

 

[wannago2disney]

1. Know how tall your kids are and what rides you need to avoid. We didn't do the child swap thing last trip as DS was 4 and gung ho to ride everything. It was just easier to avoid any ride that he wouldn't be able to get on all together...= no tantrums or tears....everyone stays happy...we new we'd be back and could ride them on the next trip

2. Take your own beach towels....bigger,brighter and you can write your name on them...easier to find your stuff when you get out of the pool! (and to keep an eye on your stuff while you are in the pool)

 

[DutchsMommy]

1. Use the single rider line for Test Track - you get in MUCH faster and usually you get to sit in the same car (and sometimes even beside) your family. Keep in mind - I said USUALLY - because sometimes you do get seperated and you are in a single line so you can't be picky. We always pick a spot to meet just in case at the exit and I've found this works best if you are 2 or 3 people not a larger group. Another added bonus - most of the time in the single line the doors are open during the pre-ride video, so if you have seen it a thousand times you can just skip right through to the ride.

2. The face painting in Mickey's Toontown is great and the tattoos outside Toy Story Pizza Planet are also really good.

3. Rafiki's planet watch is a nice place to relax and my kid (5yo) loved it. There are little stations on the way to the main pavilion, and one in particular which is a 'hunt' to find hidden animals - we have often stayed for 1/2 hour while he did this over and over (it is shaded and they have a bench )