We wanted to give back to the board some of our helpful hints we used for our Disney trip. Seven of us went, 2 adults 3 teens and 2 kids. We stayed offsite at a villa in the Lindfields area (US 192 West).
1. Plan. We signed up for TourGuideMike (www.tourguidemike.com) as a service to help us plan for Disney. It was wonderful and well worth the $20 investment. If you don't do this, get a guide, read the boards, etc. Have a plan.
2. Budget. Make a budget. We reserved our villa and bought our tickets all online. Because we were driving in, we planned for gas, meals, etc. And because we were staying offsite, we planned for meals, etc. All in all, we spent $4,000. We purchased AAA travelers checks and did not use credit cards to avoid overspending.
3. Staying offsite. This was our first experience in staying at a villa. For us, it was wonderful. We had a four bedroom home with a pool. We came back from the parks in the afternoon to swim and nap and went back in the evening. Getting to and from the parks to the home was never a problem. Again, we used Tour Guide Mike to plan.
4. Avoid SuperWal-Mart on 192 E. We like shopping at WalMart. But getting to the world's busiest one was a headache. We had to fight the traffic on 192, then the road construction by WalMart and then the busy store. Forget the few dollars you will save at WalMart...save your time and sanity...go to a local Publix, etc.
5. Figure out FASTPASS. In our trip, no one was using the FP machines. For the rides we used FP, our longest wait was 10 mins. At Splash, the standby line was 75 mins...we got on in 5. We were almost embarrassed at passing up all the crowds. Figure our and use FP!!!!
6. Free IceWater. It's true. You can get all the free ice water you want at any counter service restaurant or snack bar. And the water tastes fine. You get a large cup and can take it with you.
7. Backpacks. Yes, you will have to have your backpack, camera bag, fannypack checked before getting in. I suppose they are checking for guns, bombs, knives. They don't care if you bring in water, drinks, snacks, etc. No one, ever, said a thing. Pack lightly. In our first day, we packed lots of snacks. But no one ate any. With the heat and humidity, you really don't want to eat that much...just drink lots of water.
8. Panchos/Fans. Yes, buy them in advance and bring them. We got rained on one day. Also, bring an extra for your stroller so it won't get wet too. We also brought ziplocs to place the wet panchos in and to put our camera, cell phone, etc. it to keep it dry. The cool fans are $17.50 at Disney. We got ours at Target. Not everyone needs their own...you can share. Remember, you have to carry all this stuff around.
9. Stroller. Get one if you have small kids. They are a lifesaver. They may be all rented by noon, so get one early. We saw many with clip on fans (not the water fans) to help keep junior cool.
10. Meals. It can be expensive at Disney. We ordered water with every meal and often split items. I even ordered a kids meal (some are huge). Again, the meals for the most part are big!
11. Buffets. We did purchase a buffet at Hollywood and Vine and Crystal Palace. The meals were expensive...but we planned for that. The food was all self-serve and was pretty good. Even if you are on a lo-carb diet, you can get plenty to eat. For us, the H & W meal set us back $150 (including tip). Expensive....but we planned for it.
12. Snacks. Because we ordered water for lunch, we got snacks in the early afternoon, or evening. These can be expensive as well. But, in the heat...a frozen lemonade ($4 each) does taste great.
13. AAA Diamond Pass. We got one. It was a mixed blessing. The Diamond lost is up front, but still a 10 to 15 min. walk to park entrance. And the lot trams don't stop at the Diamond lot. For most days, we found it better to park near the tram pick up and ride it in then use the AAA lot. Remember, you have to minimize your walking.
14. Sherbeth Road Shortcut. Since we were at 192 West, we used this everday. It is great and easy to use. It brings you from 192 to the Disney "turnpike" to get to all the parks. To get back from the parks to Sherbeth, follow the signs to AK Lodge. Right before you get to AK, the AK Lodge exit is to the left. As you come over the overpass, get in the left turn lane (at the light). There is no street sign showing Sherbeth, but this is it. On the far right is a small arrow sign showing 192 to the left, but you won't see it in time to get in the left turn lane.
15. FANTASMIC. One week before we left, we got a PS for Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic supper. This option gives you a reserved seat in the arena. We got to the arean an hour before showtime and even with reserved seats we had to sit far to the left. Even with the dinner option, suggest you get to Fantasmic early for a middle seat (if you want).
16. Restrooms. If you have kids, make sure you have them use the facilities before standing in line or getting on a ride. We got stuck on Splash (in the log) for 1 hour. After 5 mins. the kids in front were complaining they had to go. Hmmmm.....
17. It is hotter than you think. Drink lots of fluids, wear comfortable clothing and powder up all areas which will chaff. We saw people in tight blue jeans and long sleeve dress shirts. Be comfortable...wear what you want...no one knows you anyway.
18. Be Cool. We say so many parents screaming and yelling at their kids. Just waiting to get into AK, one four year old boy was crying "hold me Daddy". Dad yanked him out of line and was reaming him about whinning...all before they got into the park! Disney is about creating memories for you and the kids. You don't have to conquer the place or get your money's worth...enyoy yourself and your kids. You may not see it all...but what you do experience, make sure that memories are fun.
Hope this helps,
Doug
1. Plan. We signed up for TourGuideMike (www.tourguidemike.com) as a service to help us plan for Disney. It was wonderful and well worth the $20 investment. If you don't do this, get a guide, read the boards, etc. Have a plan.
2. Budget. Make a budget. We reserved our villa and bought our tickets all online. Because we were driving in, we planned for gas, meals, etc. And because we were staying offsite, we planned for meals, etc. All in all, we spent $4,000. We purchased AAA travelers checks and did not use credit cards to avoid overspending.
3. Staying offsite. This was our first experience in staying at a villa. For us, it was wonderful. We had a four bedroom home with a pool. We came back from the parks in the afternoon to swim and nap and went back in the evening. Getting to and from the parks to the home was never a problem. Again, we used Tour Guide Mike to plan.
4. Avoid SuperWal-Mart on 192 E. We like shopping at WalMart. But getting to the world's busiest one was a headache. We had to fight the traffic on 192, then the road construction by WalMart and then the busy store. Forget the few dollars you will save at WalMart...save your time and sanity...go to a local Publix, etc.
5. Figure out FASTPASS. In our trip, no one was using the FP machines. For the rides we used FP, our longest wait was 10 mins. At Splash, the standby line was 75 mins...we got on in 5. We were almost embarrassed at passing up all the crowds. Figure our and use FP!!!!
6. Free IceWater. It's true. You can get all the free ice water you want at any counter service restaurant or snack bar. And the water tastes fine. You get a large cup and can take it with you.
7. Backpacks. Yes, you will have to have your backpack, camera bag, fannypack checked before getting in. I suppose they are checking for guns, bombs, knives. They don't care if you bring in water, drinks, snacks, etc. No one, ever, said a thing. Pack lightly. In our first day, we packed lots of snacks. But no one ate any. With the heat and humidity, you really don't want to eat that much...just drink lots of water.
8. Panchos/Fans. Yes, buy them in advance and bring them. We got rained on one day. Also, bring an extra for your stroller so it won't get wet too. We also brought ziplocs to place the wet panchos in and to put our camera, cell phone, etc. it to keep it dry. The cool fans are $17.50 at Disney. We got ours at Target. Not everyone needs their own...you can share. Remember, you have to carry all this stuff around.
9. Stroller. Get one if you have small kids. They are a lifesaver. They may be all rented by noon, so get one early. We saw many with clip on fans (not the water fans) to help keep junior cool.
10. Meals. It can be expensive at Disney. We ordered water with every meal and often split items. I even ordered a kids meal (some are huge). Again, the meals for the most part are big!
11. Buffets. We did purchase a buffet at Hollywood and Vine and Crystal Palace. The meals were expensive...but we planned for that. The food was all self-serve and was pretty good. Even if you are on a lo-carb diet, you can get plenty to eat. For us, the H & W meal set us back $150 (including tip). Expensive....but we planned for it.
12. Snacks. Because we ordered water for lunch, we got snacks in the early afternoon, or evening. These can be expensive as well. But, in the heat...a frozen lemonade ($4 each) does taste great.
13. AAA Diamond Pass. We got one. It was a mixed blessing. The Diamond lost is up front, but still a 10 to 15 min. walk to park entrance. And the lot trams don't stop at the Diamond lot. For most days, we found it better to park near the tram pick up and ride it in then use the AAA lot. Remember, you have to minimize your walking.
14. Sherbeth Road Shortcut. Since we were at 192 West, we used this everday. It is great and easy to use. It brings you from 192 to the Disney "turnpike" to get to all the parks. To get back from the parks to Sherbeth, follow the signs to AK Lodge. Right before you get to AK, the AK Lodge exit is to the left. As you come over the overpass, get in the left turn lane (at the light). There is no street sign showing Sherbeth, but this is it. On the far right is a small arrow sign showing 192 to the left, but you won't see it in time to get in the left turn lane.
15. FANTASMIC. One week before we left, we got a PS for Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic supper. This option gives you a reserved seat in the arena. We got to the arean an hour before showtime and even with reserved seats we had to sit far to the left. Even with the dinner option, suggest you get to Fantasmic early for a middle seat (if you want).
16. Restrooms. If you have kids, make sure you have them use the facilities before standing in line or getting on a ride. We got stuck on Splash (in the log) for 1 hour. After 5 mins. the kids in front were complaining they had to go. Hmmmm.....
17. It is hotter than you think. Drink lots of fluids, wear comfortable clothing and powder up all areas which will chaff. We saw people in tight blue jeans and long sleeve dress shirts. Be comfortable...wear what you want...no one knows you anyway.
18. Be Cool. We say so many parents screaming and yelling at their kids. Just waiting to get into AK, one four year old boy was crying "hold me Daddy". Dad yanked him out of line and was reaming him about whinning...all before they got into the park! Disney is about creating memories for you and the kids. You don't have to conquer the place or get your money's worth...enyoy yourself and your kids. You may not see it all...but what you do experience, make sure that memories are fun.
Hope this helps,
Doug
