general tips and info i've found in my wdw expierience

[uktigger]

anne60
i have planned my days like you knowing which park on which day and i have also picked my ps's around what park i will be in
ie:i have kona cafe on an magic kingdom day,sci-fi when i know i'm going to be in MGM and we will do beaches and cream when we are at epcot
by the way this is a great thread

eve

 

[Tiffany]

Hi All,

Posting live from the Dolphin. This is our last morning. We are flying back home this afternoon. So here are our tips for others in the park.

1. Use FastPass when needed. The Safari Ride at the AK is a good example. The crowds were very light during this trip besides yesterday at the AK the stand-by line was out the starting point and the FastPass return time was only 40mins so we grabbed a FP and then did the Gorilla Trail and sure enough when we were done with the trail it was time for our FP. When we were walking to the loading area we could not believe the number of people in the Stand By line and why they were there.

2. When going through the bag check both sides are open use them. Also have all of the zippers on your bag open before you get to the guard.

3. If the turnstile had a green arrow then it is open and you can use it to enter the park even if no one else is.

4. When it is hot drink a lot of water not soda. Power Aid and Water is what should be consumed. Drinking soda is very hot weather does not help you.

5. If you have little ones keep a close eye on them. I was almost run into by little ones on four different occassions. If I was not able to stop short or move quickly out of the way they would have run right into me. It is not safe to let little ones run free in a crowded park. What if I was someone on an ECV or a person that did not have good mobility skills.

6. When in counter service places there are usually two lines, one on either side of the cashier to order and then there is an exit area. Please do not let your little ones play in the exit area. When you are tring to move around in one of those places the last thing you need is a little one underfoot. I would reconmend that you scope out a table and then have just one of the adults wait in the line for the food.

7. Do some research before you arrive in a park. Your day will be so much more enjoyable.

8. Take the warnings that are on the signs and the instructions that the CMs give you seriously. They are there for a reason and they do apply to you.

9. Do not let your little ones climb on things that should not be climbed on and then act like you do not notice. I bet if they fell and hurt themselves you would notice and want compensation.

We come to WDW a lot, three times just this year, and we still are amazed by some of the things we see.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

 

[goofy4disney91]

thanks again for all the posts!!!! Many I didn't know. Even though I really designed this for first timers it has been good even for the disney veteran

 

[goofy4disney91]

wat i mean by that was that for vets to post facts for newbies but in the end it was good for all
sry for any confusion i don't mind who it is that posts. Remember random disney facts and questions are also appropriate for this thread

 

[soupy11]

In regards to the waterparks, I have to say that they are definately worth the time. Where we are from, we don't have any good water parks to enjoy. The disney parks definately are special. Check em out if you have the time.

 

[ColoradoDis]

My tip is to take the time to enjoy the little things that Disney does to make the parks so beautiful - look at the landscaping - notice the theming of everything, even the trash cans - notice the names of the shops or rides - look around while waiting in the queues.

It's the little things that keep me coming back!

 

[goofy4disney91]

here' a quick note on the character breakfast. Book 90 days in advance as soon as they become available. Doing so will ensure your seat in one of the many buildings of choice. I myself have only been to the crystal palace and the Chef Mickeys. At the crystal palace the food was great, as it always in disney, and the characters were right there at your table, with you, individually. Pooh characters can be found here. Its a great time for autographs and pictures. A bonus feature of character meals is that unlike in the parks, the characters are yours for an alotted amount of time. There will be no long lines and for what? An auotgraph 1 maybe 2 pictures. At the character meals, you get personal time with all the characters as they play around with you like you always see on the commercials and advertisments. I was overwhelmed with sheer joy when goofy did a " bunny ears" on me when we were about to take a picture. I also had my hat stolen by Chip and kept away by Dale. The original Disney characters can be found at the Contemperary Resort's Chef Mickey. Ooops got to leave now. If one has any good news about the Cinderella meals in the castle then i would love to hear. Keep posting!!!!!!!!!1

 

[beebumble]

I bring the ribbon I purchased from MADD and tie it on our rental car antenna and put a box of kleenex on back dash. You wont believe how much easier it is to spot your car.
Have a disney day

 

[dcg0317]

What DS and I did our last trip was take afternoon breaks, swim and relax, don't push it especialy if you have small ones. Also I was glad I brought 3 pairs of shoes only wish I brought more socks, will next time, changeing into dry socks shoe (sneakers) feels good and makes your feet not blistered, DS and I didn't get any. Also do what your child wants to do, ask them and don't push them it will make for a much better vacation for everyone.

 

[goofy4disney91]

*bump*

 

[Blueberry]

Though you do not have to spend any money at all..be sure and bring enough money with you or available on a credit card!! Disney is expensive even on a budget trip, it is hard to be caught short on funds....

 

[Simba's Mom]

At park closing, after Illuminations or Wishes, don't get caught in the mobs of people leaving. Sit, relax, watch all the other people in the madness. If you leave about an hour after park closing, you'll probably only get back to your hotel about 15 minutes later than those people rushing past you, and more importantly, you're more likely to get a seat on the bus (as it will be less crowded) and not have to hold sleeping children while trying to stand and balance.

 

[goofy4disney91]

ahh yes the evil crowded bus rides, a parent or childs worst nightmare
good post simbas child

 

[NMAmy]

We love to take advantage of early entry. I have some great pictures in every park--it looks like we were the only ones there! So take a couple of minutes as you're rushing to the rides and take some pictures.

We also take a break every afternoon. We go back to the hotel for for a little snooze or tv watching in the room after lunch. I think having that quiet time makes the whole day better for everyone. And that's not just a tip for those with little ones--dd is 13 and still enjoys taking a little break (she'll even ask when we're heading back!) She knows that it will all still be there in the evening or even tomorrow and it'll be much better for everyone if they're rested.

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

In addition to taking afternoon breaks every day, we also have one day (in the middle of our trip) that we don't go to any parks. We sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast and then relax & swim at the resort. It's a great way to 'recharge' your batteries!!

 

[Nickunited]

Studies show that people often tend to go to the right. So go to the left!

Its amazed me when I did it. In a lot of cases it was so true!

 

[GlennandAnn]

Go to MGM in the afternoon, like after lunch. For whatever reason, this park seems to empty out a bit in the afternoon. We have found that the rides that have super long lines in the morning are not crowded at all in the afternoon. If you are in Epcot and want to take a break from the park, go out the back way, and take a stroll along the BoardWalk.


Ann

 

[goofy4disney91]

don't neglect animal kingdom as a zoo. Hence nahtazhu being the slogan. This is much more. The safari cannot be missed. Once we had a curious giraffe stick his head in the car. An expierence un imaginable!!!! Up close looks at all animals are achieved by the fun safari ride which takes you through the preserve. My advice (this only applys when its not too hot or in the offseason) is to go get fastpasses o the Kilamanjaro safari ride then go ride the Kali River rapids a few times because in the off season, especially in the morning, this line will be short. So short you can get off and back on. This is an incredible ride but u have a one in four shot in geting absolutely soaked. Like u jumped in a pool and got back out. My suggestion (and yes we tried this on our last trip) is to bring a poncho or rain coat to protect from water if you are unfortunate enough to only be in the six of eight seats only getting wet. Bring a change of clothes because your chances of really getting drenched are likely. FOR THOSE THAT HAVEN'T GONE ON THIS RIDE IN A WHILE, YOU CAN NO LONGER TAKE YOUR SHOES OFF. So I reccomend you bring water shoes with you that day. Large park+wet shoes+wet clothes=not good. So be like a boy scout, prepared, and bring a change of clothes. By the way for anyone in your group not wanting to go on the ride, a contol on the bridge gives on lookers the ability to squirt water from a elephant statues trunk at the riders. If there is time left until your fastpass or after the fast pass. Take some time to go back to the main area and watch the performances. Also the many trails are enjoyable. The animal kingdom, which is often regarded as a skippable park has many great relaxing things and some upbeat ones. Even if you aren't into the whole animal thing than do the above. Plus dino land offers a really neat looking playground for the little ones and "a dinosaur dig". Unfortunately its not real bones and you don't get to keep your finds. However the theme holds attention of even the oldest guests. Atleast schedule a half day at this park.



READ THIS USEFUL INFO ABOVE

 

[goofy4disney91]

bump

 

[Dizzy4Dizney]

My advice is as follows:

Plan your days, but not too strict. As stated earlier, plan to stay in one park, make your PS and work around that. I've seen people's itineraries that are listed in 15 min increments. Totally ridiculous. You never know what could delay you.

Epcot is the best for a rainy day. More places to do stuff inside.

Animal Kindom is not good on a REAL hot day. There doesn't seem to be any breezes over there.

Magic Kindom is slowest on a Monday. It was totally dead last Monday. We walked on PPF, Pooh and SWSA.

Don't rush!!! Enjoy it. Even if you know you will never be back, you won't enjoy anything that is rushed!

Make sure you have at least 1 Mickey Head icecream per day.