Lessons Learned

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Hi everyone,

I've been seeing a few lessons learned in different threads, and thought I would start this thread where we could combine things we've learned the hard way while visiting a Disney park.

Lessons I have learned:

1. Do not put your AP/Disney park ticket in your shirt pocket when riding California Screamin'
My son had his pass in his pocket and lost it on the ride. We went to Guest Relations and reported it. It never was returned and I had to pay for a replacement

2. White pants is not really a good idea if you plan to sit on the ground for the parades or get on a water attraction like Grizzly River Run

3. Do not purchase a tour for a group of people unless you are pretty sure that group will all want to go on it
I purchased the Discover the Magic Tour for 5 adults and 2 children, and both children decided 15 minutes into the tour that they wanted nothing to do with it.

4. Do not park in Downtown Disney thinking you are going to just stay a couple of hours in the park and then go. It's better to just park in Mickey and Friends so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about going over the 3 hour limit.

5. When planning to eat at Storytellers and valet parking at the Grand Californian, don't change your mind and choose a restaurant in Downtown Disney. Valet parking is only gratis for dining at the hotel itself.

I'm sure I will think of more.

Who else has learned some lessons when visiting the Disneyland Resort?

 

[Babybears]

1. If you are driving and staying at the PPH, unload your luggage at the front entrance "before" you park. It is a bit of a hassle to bring your luggage from the parking garage, even though it is just behind the building, as there is no elevator in the parking garage.

2. If you are fussy about how tidy your children's hair looks for Meet & Greet photo ops, skip California Screaming, Grizzy River Run, etc. just before the picture. This one is actually kinda funny........our kids looking spiffy leaving hotel room, then the picture we got they look like banshees! LOL

 

[Huff]

Never tell your kid 'right after one more ride' when she asks to use the bathroom. She was happy she got all new clothes from Disney though!

 

[skiingfast]

Hats and sun screen no matter the weather when you head out the door.

 

[I'm mikey]

If you take pictures while on a ride, wrap the camera strap around your wrist or you just might lose your camera. (happend to me on ToT)

 

[HydroGuy]

1. Bring along ziplock bags in your pocket or backpack. Nice to have for phones and cameras for Splash Mtn (and GRR if you want to skip the locker)

2. You can take your luggage across the Esplanade without having to open it up to security. Just tell them you are passing through and not going into the parks and they will get an escort for you to take you across.

 

[ZanderMan]

1.Never assume you'll get into the Blue Bayou for lunch or dinner with out a reservation!*
2. Not a good idea to wear flip flops to Disneyland.*

 

[isisisme]

1. Don't waste your one MM for only 10 mins (if staying offsite). If you are late getting to the park, save the MM for another day.

2. Take a change of shoes if you will be there for long days, even if you take a mid-day break. It helps your feet and back.

3. Don't plan too many big meals in one day. If you plan 2 character meals in a day..it will be too much.

4. Don't sweat the small stuff. Things do not always work out exactly right. Go with the flow. You are there to have a good time.

 

[mydisneymoney]

1. Bring along ziplock bags in your pocket or backpack. Nice to have for phones and cameras for Splash Mtn (and GRR if you want to skip the locker)

It is also a good idea to take along a ziplock if anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, especially if they have never been on that ride before and you don't know how they will do on it.

 

[Disney Dreams]

- Take a photo of your PhotoPass card so you can still get the photos in case you lose it.

- Take a photo of the bar code on your ticket, in case you lose it.

- Spare camera batteries shoved in a pocket are a LOT cheaper than buying them in the Park when yours die ten minutes before parade time.

- Even with cell phones, plan an "if all else fails" meeting place at some point during the day when meeting others just in case. Cell phones die, get lose, fall in water more than you can imagine.

- Don't wear your absolutely favorite pin that you love and have a great story about on your lanyard at the Park, no matter how well you think it's secured.

- Dreams

 

[motherhoodandmickey]

Don't take your new-to-Disney toddler or preschooler straight onto Peter Pan just because you have MM. Give them a while to absorb everything around them first (even just on Main Street) and accept the longer wait at the attractions later. Or risk a child in tears on every attraction for the rest of the day.

Don't buy different shoes just for Disney. I wear high heels (caveat: comfort shoe brands and perfect fit) daily, and they are just as comfortable all day in the park. Go with what you know works for you, and always 'schedule' some time off your feet. If your feet are prone to swelling (especially in warm weather), I actually recommend not taking them off in the afternoon if you need to put them back on in the evening. Unless you are switching to a different, wider pair, or going swimming (water usually reverses the swelling).

 

[mystic_path]

Don't put your camera or cell phone on the seat of a ride like Buzz or the Haunted Mansion for a split second, the motion of the ride can rock it off onto the floor and out of the cart without you even knowing about it, and you will be lucky enough to get it back at the end of the night when the do their nightly ride cleanup if you report it to guest relations and the ride itself. This happened to me on Buzz. I am not that careless as I thought I had put it in my pocket, but apparently I had not. I was lucky to get my cell back.

 

[miss.potatohead]

- Take a photo of your PhotoPass card so you can still get the photos in case you lose it.

- Take a photo of the bar code on your ticket, in case you lose it.

Similar to what's said above, if you've purchased your ticket online, make sure you have a backup copy of the print out, or the pdf saved or it in your emails, as if you lose your ticket, they can often reissue one providing you've got proof of purchase

 

[Lissame]

You cannot force people, even members of your own family, to enjoy Disneyland. Knowing this, do not purchase plane tickets and park tickets for adult children who have made it clear they do not want to go. They just might pack it in after one day and fly home on their own.

Big lesson learned, won't do that again! (Can laugh about it now)

 

[subtchr]

You cannot force people, even members of your own family, to enjoy Disneyland. Knowing this, do not purchase plane tickets and park tickets for adult children who have made it clear they do not want to go. They just might pack it in after one day and fly home on their own.

Big lesson learned, won't do that again! (Can laugh about it now)

Wow, I am glad you can laugh now, and I certainly hope there is "more to the story", as they say. Because I can't IMAGINE anyone, much less one's own offspring, being this rude/ungrateful/self-centered. More power to you for being able to laugh about it!

 

[nannyz]

1. Carry an extra shirt with you; otherwise you may be walking around DL all day with a big splotch of ketchup on your shirt.
2. Don't forget to put sunscreen on the backs of your ears (learned the hard way).
3. Don't wear shoes on Splash that will not dry out quickly. Putting on wet shoes the next morning is really yucky (another one learned the hard way).

 

[Eeee-va]

If rain is predicted for part of your trip, make sure you see any parades (and outdoor shows that involve performers) on non-rainy days. (Sounds obvious, but parades often won't run if there's even a small amount of rain.)

 

[lcasa]

Don't spend money on face-painting and then go on Grizzly Rapids or Splash!
Always double-check under your seat on Star Tours and Soarin'
Don 't stand right in front of a little kid during the parades

 

[Lissame]

Don 't stand right in front of a little kid during the parades

To add to this--it would be wonderful to NOT put your child on your shoulders during WOC unless you are positive there is no one behind you.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Do not wear hats, sunglasses, or mickey ears on top of you head when riding Goofys sky school.

My daughters friend had on the light up mickey ears. They were not loose but they flew right off her head as the ride went up the hill and made that first turn.

We did report and they did send them back to her but they were broken beyond repair.