I'm new and looking for any last minute tips advice!!

[WDisneyW4Us]

Hello to all!! I'm Jennifer (25) and my Husband Mike (28) with 2 great kids Kaylie 4 1/2 and Cody 2. We are going to WDW Oct. 15th in the am.staying off property at Sheraton Vistana. We were looking for any tips for check in or whatever.Any tips from airport to Disney would be very appreciated. We are bringing our own strollers to help save some $.
11 Days 18 hours 54 minutes CAN'T WAIT!!!!

 

[magicaldisney]

Welcome!!

We also will be there in October. The 20th to be exact. We have never stayed off property so I can't give you any tips on that. We will be using the new Magical Express this year from the airport.

Just wondering...have you thought of doing Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)?

When you search the boards you will find a lot of information. But, if there is a question you can't find an answer to, just let us know. Ask and you shall receive!!

 

[WDisneyW4Us]

You guys are great. You answer soo fast!! Thanks a bunch
We will be there from 10/15-10/22 we wont be attending the mnsshp but thanks. I am still learning how this all works and really appreciate all of you guys for the time and fun spent here.!! I will keep looking and Thanks

 

[canwegosoon]

My best friend stays at Vistana. She usually rents a car, and in a 7 day vacation she might go to WDW 3 days. They love relaxing by the pool, and going to the beach. Last year I talked her into getting 10mywnoexp with the plusses, and she figures she will get 3 trips out of the tickets. I would also highly recommend dining at resorts (like Chef Mickey) you can go and have a meal without going into the parks. Are you planning on going annually?

 

[WDisneyW4Us]

We bought 7 day w/exp. We are going to do 2 days at MK,MGM,EP and 1 at AK. Half days with relaxation poolside and some shopping and some dining plans. We have rental cars.Chef Mickeys sounds great!! Hpe we can get to try it. Thanks for advice!
We went the last 2 years but probably going to go on a Disney Cruise next time. How is Saratoga Springs?

 

[dizcrazy]

I am not sure what kind of tips you are hoping for, but I wanted to say hi and wish you and your family a GREAT time!

Great idea ot bring your own stroller - not only saves $$$, but you will be grateful you have it in the parking lot and in the airport.

If your little one is still in diapers, you might consider packing minimal diapers or pull-ups, and then stopping at a grocery store for the rest. Also pick up breakfast items, snacks, suntan lotion, wipes, etc. another great way to save $$$.

 

[WDisneyW4Us]

Awesome,
Thanks We are sooo excited to go!! I heard there was a super walmart up the street from us so i was very glad to hear. Walmart for me baby!! Thanks for the tips Really appreciate them!! Jen

 

[ButterflyJen]

I have no tips for you, but just wanted to say Hello! and Welcome to the DIS!

 

[byoung]

You might want to take the DVC tour while you are there. Who knows it might be right for you. Have a great trip. Only 17 days left for us.

 

[canwegosoon]

We bought 7 day w/exp. We are going to do 2 days at MK,MGM,EP and 1 at AK. Half days with relaxation poolside and some shopping and some dining plans. We have rental cars.Chef Mickeys sounds great!! Hpe we can get to try it. Thanks for advice!
We went the last 2 years but probably going to go on a Disney Cruise next time. How is Saratoga Springs?

SSR is really nice, I loved the location(also not far from DTD), we had a straight on view to Fultons....My kids loved the pool, I loved the rooms. I really liked the toaster and microwave...I hate to cook on vacations, but it was helpful to make bagels, waffles, and other snacks. I really like the Queen beds...my friend (the Vistanna ) came over to see us when we were at BWV (she had swithched over to Swan, free stay...on points), and she loved the facilities. We are finally trying BCV and VWL on our next trip...we go annually for at least 8 days. Do you own at Vistanna? My friend raves about it, and it looks really nice on the web. You should do a tour, you can use your points to do a cruise (although you do get better point usage staying at a DVC property). And at least you could compare the 2 resorts...I can rattle on for ever...pm me if you have any questions. HAve a wonderful trip!!!
Do you have a great packing list? and we like to do Chef Mickey as a brunch at one of the last breakfast seating. My kids Love the bacon and waffles!!! There is tons of fresh fruit , breakfast pizza etc be sure to check out the menus at www.allearsnet.com. Other place we like to eat at MK is The Plaza Restaurant...across the street from Caseys...nice small sitdown restaurant, much less harried than other places. ALso I think your kids would LOVE the Crystal Palace...they have Pooh, Tigger etc. Good Food Too. The good thing is you wouldn't have to pay for the baby!!!

 

[WDisneyW4Us]

All this sounds so great you all are soo nice !! We dont own just my mom in law picked it . She recieved the timeshare for the week as a gift and we are greatful!!
I do have a packing list and hope i dont forget anything! Get this last year like a complete dope I forgot the Disney tickets!! Dumb huh! I bought them and put them up where I figured I would remember and well I didn't. Out of sight out of mind is what happened. Thankfully Disney was real helpful and my mother was able to find them to get the #'s off them and DW re- issued new ones!! THat wont happen again this year thats for sure. A HUGE THANKS TO ALL YOUR THE BEST!!

 

[Frantasmic]

1. Bring ponchos or rain gear. It is still rainy season there.

2. Get maps of WDW BEFORE you leave if you are planning to drive from hotel to parking lot each day.

3. Buy water when you buy the diapers. Freeze them at the hotel and take them with you.

4. Don't know if you plan on going back to take a nap at the hotel or not. If not, ride the monorail at nap time and give your kids air-conditioned place to rest.

5. Mark your strollers in some way (goofy colored tape on the handles or something like that).

6. Be familiar with the counter service places at each park before you go.

7. Pack/buy swim diapers if youngest isn't potty trained yet.

8. Use the Fast Pass

9. Use the kid swap if needed.

10. Have fun.

 

[Unregistered]

We will be there for Halloween but I do not want to spend an extra $175 to take the family to the Halloween night at Mk. I was wondering if there is trick or treating in downtown disney. Thanks.

 

[imaaagination]

Wow, you are getting so close to leaving!!

I don't have any tips for you besides hanging out here on the DIS boards to get all the info you can before you go!

Also...remember to relax, and have a blast!

 

[WDisneyW4Us]

WOOOO HOOO!!!

4 Days 15 Hours 30 minutes Till we Leave for Disney!!!!
I am siked
Thanks for all the input!
Have a blast to all those going or in waiting!!!
TTFT

 

[Huntava]

We also have two little ones, so if you get a chance post a trip report after you return so we can read how they did, and the things they enjoyed. Hoping you have a wonderful trip.

 

[speakupjc]

Get a Dining reservation at a Resort Hotel, When you go in tell the guard that you are going in to the resort to eat, After eating ride the Disney Monerail System or other mode of transportation to the park. You do not have to go through the TTC (just buy your park passes before leaving home) and you do not have to pay for parking.

 

[RCBlackburn]

Please remember this!!! Every park has a baby center/First Aid Station - you can change your baby in an air conditioned clean environment, buy baby aspirin or other common over-the-counter items and formula if you need it. Its also a nice place to go and just let them have some quiet time to relax - I was a nursing mother so it was nice for me and DH to go inside and he'd watch tv while I took care of the baby. The attendants are very nice and go out of their way to make your visit special!

Also - these baby centers know the numbers of the pharmacies that deliver to your hotel - its not a bad idea to just get that number on your first day in case you need it in the middle of the night!!!! Unfortunately, we learned the hard way but the service was very well worth it!!

 

[imaaagination]

Get a Dining reservation at a Resort Hotel, When you go in tell the guard that you are going in to the resort to eat, After eating ride the Disney Monerail System or other mode of transportation to the park. You do not have to go through the TTC (just buy your park passes before leaving home) and you do not have to pay for parking.

I would be careful with this...when I was there at the beginning of May (a not too busy time), the guard gave a 3 hr parking pass when going to eat at a resort hotel. I've heard that sometimes they enforce the 3 hr limit and sometimes they do not...but I wouldn't want to risk it!

 

[canwegosoon]

I know you are leaving tomorrow...but wanted to tell you that if you do a DVC tour (I hope you do)...there is a $8 pp credit if you are refered by a DVC member. Please feel free to give my name..please pm me. Have a great trip!!! Enjoy Vistana!