List your greatest tips ever!!!!!

[mum4jenn]

It is almost impossible to list just ONE tip so go for it.... give it your best shot and tell us several of your best tips.

Take time to "smell the roses". There are lots of spots to sit and rest while you people watch. Your small children can take short naps or you can share a snack.My favorite spot is the rose garden area in MK.

Do not leave your small children with granny. That is if you have a well behaved child and you know they will appreciate WDW. My dd was 18 months old on her first visit and LOVED it. She is now 3 1/2 and we have taken her 5 more times. She has the magic in her soul and every visit is magical. Many are mistaken when they feel you should not take you child until after they are 5 or 6. You know your child and if you tour WDW at their pace everyone will have a magical time. I could go on and on about how much my dd loves wdw and how much she is awestruck by it all EACH time but I will skip that
If you do bring your small children bring a stroller or rent one. EVERY small child deserves to ride in a stroller because they tire out much faster than larger children. They should not be denied a trip to WDW just because they need to be in a stroller. Do let them get out and walk to stretch their legs and to be able to run up to their favorite character.
If you do use a stroller be considerate of everyone and try not to run into anyone else. Be aware though that the folks not using a stroller will be dashing and darting in front of you at all times and therefore getting hit by your stroller ( they are going to blame YOU no matter who is at fault) Just try to smile and go on your merry way because those are the same ones that still think strollers should be banned for healthy children and nothing is going to change their minds!!!
Try to eat at off times. Do not try to get into a place to eat right at noon for example.
Take snacks into the parks with you. They will help keep you from getting grumpy from being hungry!!
Make plans but do not plan every second of every day. Some of the best times come when you take the time to go with the flow instead of trying to do EVERYTHING.
There are so many more but I would like others to post their ideas also. Don't forget... Go for it... list more than one!!!

 

[pumba]

putting your dirty laundry in them as you dirty them......and also if the clothes are damp for bring them back home.......no need to get the suitcase wet and damp too.......hubby always packs two of these in our suitcase.......bring an extra set of glasses......two or three pairs of different type of shoes.....lets your feet be happy.........I also bring a few dozen clothes pins......they never have enough to hang up my clothes.......also I bring the hangers with us too......I like to hang up even my shorts......these are my favorite ones........also almost forgot.......bandaids.....had to pay three dollars for four bandaids one year..........

 

[jennylynn]

johnson's baby powder......

I read these boards and almost used up an ink cartridge printing out all of the tips and didn't see this one once......

DS-6 got chafed from all the walking (uh...lower body problem, Mom ) and the parks only have one first aid station far far away from where ever they decide they can't go on......

Powder!

 

[TSI_Fan]

1. FastPass your way to a happy day at the parks
2. Parades are a great way to get most people away from the good rides that you want to go on again
3. When the crowds are heading one way, go the opposite. Chances are you won't be waiting as long for something.
4. Don't think you can visit MK or EPCOT in one day and expect to see/do everything. It's not possible.
5. Wait until later at night to visit characters at Mickey's Starland / Toon Town. Mickey was still there at 9p when most people were headed out, and the wait was less than 5 minutes! Same goes to see other characters in that area.
6. Never underestimate the happiness and joy a mid-day break can bring!
7. Relax, have fun, and remember..YOU'RE AT DISNEY WORLD!!

 

[Super Mom]

I always try to do at least some laundry before we come home. The laundry rooms are usually near the pool, so it's not that hard. It is sad enough to come home from WDW, but to come home with 6 loads of dirty clothes is even more depressing.

 

[Debi]

I agree with the poster that reccomended a mid day break. Never underestimate the imporntance of mid day breaks, even for adults! Even an hour nap can rejuvinate you. Most of all, relax, have fun, and remember that you're on vacation!

 

[deena]

Don't leave home without the ponchos or the small travel size umbrellas; they have always been lifesavers year after year!

 

[luvmy2sams]

<font face="Comic Sans MS">*Dittos here...mid-day breaks are lifesavers!

*Spraying antipersperant on your feet will prevent blisters and keep your socks from stinking up the room.

*Buy more film &/or camcorder tape than you think you'll need before you get to WDW. It's way more expensive onsite.

*Have a gameplan and be willing to throw it out the window.</font>

 

[BevS97]

if you are worried about overspending, divide your money up into envelopes and just take out 1 envelope per day - this worked really well for us.

If you have a little one, ask how scary the ride is before you get on, and be persistent, our dd was terrified on Cat in the Hat on day one, on day 2 we asked about Hanna Barbara and was told it's ok, (it's not) and it took 5 or 6 days before she would get on anything else.

It took a number of trips through 'Its a small world' to regain her confidence.
A glow in the dark Pooh Bear is also a good buy - we got ours at Spectromagic, and then took it into any dark ride and it made her much more relaxed.

If you have a stroller, then a small cooler bag with soft drinks in is very useful, and one evening I just plunged my tired feet straight into all that melted ice - bliss.


Make a PS for 7.30pm at the Rose and Crown, and you will have the best seats in the house for Illuminations. We picked this tip up from these boards and it was the highlight of our holiday.

Bev

 

[Desnik]

Here's a tip for ya: Target has Purex laundry Tabs, a box of 24 for $2.99!! These will work great for doing laundry at the resort.

 

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

Definietly bring your own drinks to the parks! I know you're not supposed to bring coolers in, but freeze water bottles and throw them in your bag or get an insulated bag for some pop. I will never again be caught in the park without drinks and have to pay $2 and $3 just for a bottle of pop or water.

 

[BevS97]

I know you're not supposed to bring coolers in

I didn't know this - we have a small soft-sided cool bag that fits in the basket of our stroller, we took it everywhere and found it a lifesaver. We carried soft-drinks, water, snacks and a damp wash-cloth.
We did also buy plenty of drinks and snacks in the parks, and not once were we questioned about it - in fact it never occured to me that it would be an issue.

Bev

 

[bres@westernMA]

This list was copied from a forum last year. Some of the tips are gems.
1. Bandanas- tie on the antenna of your rental car, and on your suitcases making it easier to spot in the crowded parking lots or airports.
2. Buy the refillable mugs!!!
3. Bring spray mister fans and wear hats to help with the heat and always have sunblock on and with you and reapply often.
4. Use the ski lift at Blizzard Beach, the line moves quickly and it prevents you from having to climb a huge amount of stairs to get to the top to ride the slides!
5. Ladies- bring some face wipes- like Pond's. It was nice to wipe off our faces in midday and helped prevent breakouts etc. from all the heat and sweat and was refreshing!
6. Put powder in your socks to help keep feet dry and prevent blisters.
7. Use the resort delivery service. We would make sporadic purchases throughout our vacation, and used the resort delivery service each time. No having to carry around a huge bag full of souvenirs- it will be waiting for you in your room the next afternoon!
8. Monorail- riding in front, they only let you ride in front when leaving from the resorts, so don't bother asking from the TTC or MK. WE asked about 5 times from MK and TTC and the answer was always the same. So plan on trying to stop at a resort and get off and then ask!
9. VIEW THE FIREWORKS FROM THE TOP OF THE CONTEMPORARY! We had dinner at Chef Mickey's then viewed the fireworks on the 15th floor observation deck! It was a great way to start our first night and didn't require us to get into the parks to do it!
10. We are huge Disney fans and thought 10 days in WDW would be heaven, but by the last few days, a few of us were just ready to go home. So take that into consideration- don't make your trip too long.
11. PIN TRADING...if you have any interest in this at all- do it!! It was great fun and quite a surprising positive addition to our trip! Don't be shy and just approach the cast members when you see a pin you like!
12. DO THE LATER SHOWS.....When trying to catch a parade or show, always try and see the later/latest one. The Main Street electrical parade ran at like 9:30 and 11pm, the first one was jam packed, and we avoided it, but caught the second one and the crowds were gone and we enjoyed a great view. The same is true with the shows at MGM and elsewhere. We caught the later shows for Hunchback and Little Mermaid and there was plenty of seats empty- and we got a great view!
14. DO E-NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!
15. Buy a refillable mug at Blizzard beach and share it among your party. They cost about $9, but are very big, just share one and keep refilling!
16. Wear water shoes at the water parks, the cement gets very hot!
17. Get to the water parks early if you want to get a picnic table or chair! They go fast!
18. Buy a souvenir when you see it, don't just hope you will see it somewhere else, because you might not and then you will regret not buying it then! Have it shipped to your room.
19. Ask for early housekeeping if you plan on taking a midday nap, that way your room is clean when you come in for a nap!
20. Tip housekeeping and leave "toys or stuffed animals" out for them to arrange for you. We left a envelope labeled "housekeeping tip" on our pillow each day.
21. For kids- buy a passport in Epcot, it is great fun to go around the countries and have the CMs sign and stamp it!
22. Take time to watch the performances in World Showcase at Epcot- they are one of the best kept secrets! The Chinese acrobats are great! and don't miss the living statue in France! When you see a band or any musician, stop and enjoy it.
23. A great place to catch characters is in the World Showcase! There are hardly ever lines for them either! You can find Mary Poppins and Pooh character in the UK, Hunchback and Beauty and Beast characters in France, Aladdin and Friends in Morocco, Mulan in China, Donald in Mexico, and Snow White in Germany, and even more!!! They are usually towards the back of each country so not many people see them when they come out.
24. Use a fat pen for autographs, it is easier for the characters to grab and write with.
25. Scrapbooking- if you enjoy doing this- then pay close attention when taking photos, take photos of things like the front sign at your hotel or signs of favorite rides etc.
26. Shop at the marketplace in the morning. The evenings at the World of Disney Store can be a nightmare!
27. Setup a meeting place in each park, in case you get separated! This also includes World of Disney- we spent a great deal of time just trying to find each other again in there!
28. Do a character meal.
29. Use Dreams Unlimited. Although I did most of the itinerary planning myself, Dreams was wonderful in getting my Priorty Seating for us! They got 4 character meals including Cindy's for us, at the exact times we wanted! It was great not to have to hassle with it!
30. Use Priority Seating! It definitely helps not having to wait for 30minutes to an hour for a meal!
31. CAST MEMBERS......Don't be afraid to approach any cast member with any question, that is what they are there for! Also - don't be shy about asking them to take a picture for you of your whole group! A nice thing to do for them, is to take the time to look at their name tag and actually call them by their name, you will be surprised at how well they will respond to such a small gesture!
32. Bring wet cloth in zip lock bag to wipe down with and cool off during the day.
33. Mini flashlights for the dark rides. I never realized how pitch black almost every ride is at one point or another. Little kids were so scared, but the flashlights made all the difference.
34. Pack a days worth of clothes for each kid in sep. ziplock baggies.
35. Watch TON (parade at Epcot) from Japan then turn around and watch fireworks. Perfect viewing point for both. Make sure you have the kids stand up when the puppets come by during the parade. Almost every puppet came up to my sons.
36. If you can't get up for Early entry, Go to park on NON EE days and use Fast Pass. I just don't get it, how so many people just stand on 60 min. lines while watching others just walk in. Don't they think to question this.
37. Sit in front of the castle at the MK for the Fireworks and watch Tinkerbell's flight. Our favorite.
38. When at AK, ask about the vine lady. Worth the trip just for her alone.
39. Have the kids wear their bathing suits to every park. There is the opportunity to get wet at every park, squirting sidewalks, spitting totem poles, etc. They'll be much more comfy in quick drying bathing suits.
40. Bring lots of wipes, even if you don't have babies. It's amazing how quickly that ice cream melts.
41. HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!

 

[mum4jenn]

WOW!!!! Those were GREAT TIPS!!!!! Thanks!!

 

[jaletu2000]

Here's a tip worth trying especially if you are a day guest. Get a locker for the day. You put down a deposit and then get most of your money back when you turn in the key. We did this last time and enjoyed having a place to leave extra clothes, ponchos, and even souvenirs. Beats lugging it around.