Little things that will make a difference

[Aliceacc]

In the year that I've been planning next week's trip (That's right... it's 7 days away!!!) I've learned a LOT. Some are big things, like the importance of making those ADRs or the AAA discount.

But I've also learned a lot of small things that will most certainly add to our enjoyement of this long awaited vacation. Here are a few:


- You can get "First time at WDW" pins for free for you &/or your kids to wear. Ask at City Hall in the MK, or at Guest Services in the other parks.

- At the top of this forum, there's a Fairy Godmother sticky. People who are going to WDW soon will send your kids a postcard, anticpating your trip. You're asked to "pay it forward" by returning the favor when you hit WDW. We got ours the other day and it MADE my 8 year old's day.

- Places like Staples or Costco will deliver water to your resort. Both www.wegoshop.com and www.gardengrocer.com will deliver water &/or groceries for you to have in your room. Whether or not you're on the DDP,it's not a bad idea to have some breakfast/munchie items on hand.

- You can get your kids (and yourself and spouse) fannypacks at www.beltoutlet.com The small $4.95 one is SMALL; kids ages 6 and over are probably better off with the $5.95 one.

- Pin trading is a big deal. We got a nice selection from www.mousepinsonline.com for about $2 per pin.

- You can find shares for everything from a stroller to a fridge to photopass. Check the budget board.

- Get rain ponchos ahead of time. Check your dollar store and/or Walmart. They're a LOT cheaper at home than at Disney.

-Disney does NOT sell gum. Stock up ahead of time if you're a "chewer"

- Consider bringing a power strip for your room if you're going to have to recharge cell phones and such each night.

- A brightly colored bandanna might make your stroller easier to identify. Also, consider a spare poncho for that stroller in the event of rain.

- A chamois cloth in your bag will dry off anything from a ride seat to a stroller seat.

- Pick an off time and ask if you can be the family that gets to "drive" the monorail. It's lmited to 4 people (and no strollers), so I think I'll let the other 4 drive and I'll go in the back.

 

[intownfarm]

All are great tips, thank you for sharing. I hope you have an awesome time!

 

[cam&phoebsmom]

also-if you are using a poncho for your stroller cover get some clothespins or large clips to hold it onto the top. We got clear ponchos to take with us and I know my DD will prefer being able to see out of her stroller while still keeping dry, and the clips will ensure that we are not fumbling around with the poncho as we walk along. I will also use the clips to make the poncho a bit smaller for my son (7) so it is not dragging around him to much and the neck is not tooooo big (a problem we had last time).

The clips/clothespins can also hold a map to the top of your stroller, and hold curtains closed in your hotel room to keep out extra light.

 

[intownfarm]

All are great tips, thank you for sharing. I hope you have an awesome time!

 

[aspry]

Great tips, thanks so much!

 

[ilike2decor8]

the clothespin/clips idea is a great one. I will absolutely be bringing some with me. thanks

 

[Lesley Mahler]

We stayed at Pop Century for our first trip this June and they gave us our First Time at WDW pins when we checked into our hotel...don't know where you're staying, but it's worth asking when you check in!!! Have a great trip!!!

 

[mom-mom2three]

Thank you for the tips about the power strip and the bandana . I will be using them this november

 

[parith1114]

I'm not sure if it has changed, but we were able to take our double stroller in the front of the monorail last year. It was my mom, my two kids, and me + the stroller. No one said we couldn't and there was plenty of room in the cab up front. Just thought I'd post to see if anyone knew otherwise.

 

[chillcoupons]

Don't forget the paint brushes that CMs hide in the morning on Tom Sawyers Island. If you find one you get fast passes. But your child must turn the paint brush in to the Cms.

 

[mrstomrice]

Great idea to organize the tips! Here's one that may help. I bought a disposable plastic table cloth to cover the stroller. I got 2 for .49 each. I plan to cut them in half and keep 1 at a time in the bottom of the stroller. At Target this week I found magnetic clips that are bigger than clothespins (4 for a dollar). The master plan is to cover the stroller as we take cover with ponchos and throw away the plastic after the rain so it won't make a mess of my room. Hopefully it works!

 

[ALittleDisneyFan]

Thank you! The "first timer" sounds fab for my sweet 2-year-old!

 

[jewelshouse]

Wow I had no idea about the Coral Reef thing. Thanks I will be calling