Let's make a "Firsts-Timers" Master Tip Sheet!

I had a hard time finding the laundry detergent tablets someone suggested:surfweb:

I found them:woohoo:

My post count isn't high enough to post the link...
 
purchase small inexpensive inflatable tub pillows (about $.79 at any drug store or Wal Mart) and pack them, uninflated of course, in our backpack. When you sit and watch the parade on the hard concrete curbside, just blow them up and have a nice soft seat. They have also been great on the metal and wooden bench seats at many of the parks' stadiums.


(tip from dw secrets)

Good Tip!!:thumbsup2
 

1. Print a schedule with your ADR's and park hours.

2. Don't bring snacks unless you are REALLY sure you are going to eat them. Otherwise you'll just end up leaving them or bringing them home, which is sad. When I'm in the parks and can smell the wonderful fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, the last thing I want to eat is a granola bar that's been in a fanny pack all day. (The suggestion reminds me of Ferris Beuller's Day Off, and the girl with the warm gummy bears. Ewww!)

3. Really be selective about which stuff you bring to the parks. The less the better. You'll have to carry that stuff all day and take it on rides, and remember to take it off rides. If you can eliminate carrying a bag altogether, you'll love it.

4. Do carry a cell phone in your zippered pocket. Put the number for CRO in your contacts list.

5. Use those Disney plastic bags. They are great for storage, extra luggage, and use as a hamper! When you are done, you can recycle them.

6. Do go commando if you can. The thrill of walking into MK when everyone else is walking out will give you enough energy to keep going until midnight! I'm not saying you shouldn't stop to look at details, but if you're in your room watching tv at night, you're doing something wrong. I also think if you feel the need to use an exercise room at WDW, you're probably doing something wrong, too. After a trip to the world you should feel toned up and pleasantly tired.
 
Here are some Tips I always give: I may be repeating some of you but hey thats cool right!

STROLLERS!!! anyone traveling with kids should bring or rent them. This will save your little ones feet and your backs and a lot of complaining.

SUNSCREEN!!! BRING it in the parks with you, reapply throughout the day.

Backpacks or some kind of Bag you can carrie things with you. Things like advil, bandaids, camera , umbrella , extra socks, chap stick, lotion you name it.

Use the magic your way package! It is a big money saver!

Take advantage of water fountains to refile your water bottles. HOWEVER you may want to carrie some crystal light packages to disguise the cholorine flavor.

I toallay agree with the mid day nap/ rest/ swim. YOu will appreciate this!!

MAKE priority seating times for sit down meals. THIS will save you wait time and you'll be able to play your day around the time you have set for lunch/dinner.

SET limits on spending BEFORE you even go. ESPECIALLY with kids. let them know this is how much they can spend on vacation. THIS way your not saying no alll the time.

Dont be afraid to over pack a little, this way if you forget something you don't have to spend double buying it on property.

If you have a medical condidiontion, carrie your meds with you and mabye a little info sheet on your self incase something happens.

try to have some what of an idea of your plans for the day so your not running around waisting time. Make sure you know what time certain shows and parades are going on and what days so if you want to see them you don't miss them.


I COULD GO ON AND ON, I've been going to Disney over 2 a year for the past 15 years!:wizard:
 
Thanks for this thread.

I'm a newbie at DIS (joined just today:confused3 ) and WDW. We just booked today for March 14-22. Our girls think we are going next summer but we will surprise them at Xmas with the March news. My one daughter will turn 10 on March 21 so we'll be there for her birthday. Any suggestions?

Also, so new to DIS How do you get the count down banner and picture and stuff under user name? Any and all help greatly appreciated. :worship:
 
Thanks for this thread.

I'm a newbie at DIS (joined just today:confused3 ) and WDW. We just booked today for March 14-22. Our girls think we are going next summer but we will surprise them at Xmas with the March news. My one daughter will turn 10 on March 21 so we'll be there for her birthday. Any suggestions?

Also, so new to DIS How do you get the count down banner and picture and stuff under user name? Any and all help greatly appreciated. :worship:

Hi and welcome!!

The stuff under your message is called your signature (mine talks about bring the kids for the first time...) Go up on the screen to "User CP" on the navy blue bar. Once you hit it, you want to adjust your signature. Type in the info you want to include. There are some restrictions about length, but as you can see, a lot of info can fit.

If you want one of the countdowns (mine is the multicolored mickey head thing) the easiest way is to find someone elses, and go to the website listed on it. Follow the directions at the site and add it to your signature.
 
Thanks for this thread.

I'm a newbie at DIS (joined just today:confused3 ) and WDW. We just booked today for March 14-22. Our girls think we are going next summer but we will surprise them at Xmas with the March news. My one daughter will turn 10 on March 21 so we'll be there for her birthday. Any suggestions?

Also, so new to DIS How do you get the count down banner and picture and stuff under user name? Any and all help greatly appreciated. :worship:

There are lots of great ideas for celebrating birthdays at the World! For a complete listing, you would be best to do a search (look for the search function in the Dis banner at top of forum page, the advanced search option seems to work best for me). But, off the top of my head:
1. Be sure to get DD a birthday button from Guest Services (in all parks). She will get special attention all day, and some have even gotten small freebies (ice cream, keychain, etc.). Many times they will direct your DD to the "phone" on the wall with a (generic) birthday message from a character
2. Mention your DD's birthday for any ADRs you may make, and remind them when you check in. Disney restaurants have been known to decorate tables, bring a cupcake with a candle, and even have all characters at character meals sign a picture or birthday card.
3. You can actually call Disney and order a personalized birthday cake for your DD that will be waiting at the restaurant. I think I read recently that prices have gone up, it may be a bit pricey but fun touch.
4. Mention DD's birthday when you book your room, or call back to let them know. I have also read reports where guests have checked in to decorated rooms or balloons and the like.
5. If your DD likes attention, make her a custom-made t-shirt for even more birthday attention and fun! Check the "Creative DISigns board" for help. These crafty Dis'ers create amazing designs for you to print up on t-shirt transfer paper and iron-on. Don't forget a special shirt for any other siblings so they don't feel left out!
6. If you are dining at the Coral Reef you can have a diver carry a sign underwater with your message on it for free (very limited availability on this, so act fast!).
 
:cool1:

I DID IT! Thanks so much.:worship:

I hope everything is visible and I'm not fooling myself. Thanks again for your help! I'm sure the novelty of this website wears off, right?
 
My tip is to get you fast pass for Soarin' your first priority when you get into Ecpot. Wait too long and they will all be gone. Then you have an hour+ wait in line. No kidding! That line fills up quick!

This year we got to Epcot at opening. Dashed directly (along with a huge crowd) towards Soarin'. Went on and got fast passes as we got off. When we got off the wait was already up to 20min. We ate some breakfast and when we were done the wait was already up to 40min.

Good to know as I definately want to try Soarin!
 
Quotes aren't working properly

One was confused by ones post because the title mentioned air fresheners but wasn't in her reply message.
 
Just found this & it is so great! I have probably subscribed/signed up for about every type of Disney info newsletter I can and by far this thread is doing it to the max! (As all of the Disboard threads have been doing for me) Thanks for bumping it up 1st! :goodvibes & to everyone who has taken time to "school" us 1st timers- :flower3: TY TY- This is going to make our upcoming trip in 2009 so great! :banana: If there are any others I find or can even begin to add that are not here, I will-
 












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