It would probably help if we knew who was going-- the kids ages and genders.
But a few thing that transcend that stuff:
- Go to
amazon or walmart.com and order a few Mistymate 2.5 personal misters. They're about the size of an electric toothbrush, and don't require batteries. They enable you to spray a cool mist on yourself in the Florida humidity. You can refill them at any water fountain or bathroom, and they weigh next to nothing. You won't need one per person; our family of 5 does fine with 2 or 3. And, after you've used it, ask other people waiting on line near you if they would like a spritz. You'll MAKE some stranger's day!
-Sign up for a Fairy Godmailer
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2440121 Here's the idea: someone going to WDW before you sends a postcard to your kids, anticipating your trip. (You can even specify favorite characters and people will try to accomodate you.) You, in turn, agree to do the same thing for someone else. Your kids will flip when a postcard arrives from Cinderella saying she's looking forward to seeing them.
- Stock up on either
Walmart or Dollar Store ponchos. It tends to rain almost every afternoon-- sometimes for 10 minutes, other times for a bit longer. The ponchos in the park are expensive.
-Get to the parks before they open, at "rope drop." Those first hours, when the thundering hoards are asleep or enjoying their Mickey Waffles, are the BEST time to knock off the major attractions!!
- You don't say whether you're staying on site. If so, then I'm hoping you've already booked at least one or two table service meals. If not, then consider doing it today. Chef Mickey's is never a bad idea. If you have young girls, consider meeting 5 princesses at Aukerhaus (Norway, in Epcot.)
- Also, if you're on site, you can book FP+ at 60 days out. We're arriving July 29, and our FP+ day is somewhere around May 30. There's talk that they'll open it up to people staying offsite, possibly at 30 days out, so stay tuned.
- Stalk the dining site for a cancellation for the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. In my humble opinion, it is the BEST way to see Wishes.
- Don't miss Illuminations at Epcot.
- My inner nerd/ weather geek insists that I include this one: roughly half the year is hurricane season, so it's not a big issue. When we were in WDW in 2008, we left on the day that Tropical Storm Faye arrived in Orlando. I was watching the news, and the alerts all came in by county. That was of very little help to me. So now I bring a map of FL by counties, so at least I have some idea of what's going on, and how close we are to the alerts. WDW straddles the border between Orange and Osceola counties. (FYI: The locals evacuate to WDW. It's probably the safest place to be in a storm. But knowledge is power.)
- Place an order with either Garden Grocer or
www.wegoshop.com . They'll deliver to the resorts, who will hold your order until you arrive. We order park snacks, breakfast stuff, and most important, 2 cases of bottled water. Water is expensive in the parks, and is obviously incredibly necessary.
Happy planning!
