Mental notes

[Chip Endale]

Hi all.
Based on your experiences touring the world and all of its attractions ( most many times) what are your tips for maximizing the magic. I mean to ask, for example, which seats do you find are the best to view, which line is fastest, where is the best place to stand? The things you note to yourself for "the next time" I hope I am being clear about this as I would love to hear about those notes you may have made.
Thanks.

 

[Tank]

My advice would be to get there at opening. do all your favorite rides early, what these are depends on whether you have kids or not. Then when the parks start to fill up slow down and soak in the magic. Don't just rush around for the rides but take your time, my favorite things in Disney are all the little touchs that they add to everything.

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to the DIS, <b>Chip Endale</b>. I'm very glad you found us and I hope you can visit often.

I agree with Tank. Get there early

 

[Mike Jones]

Bits and pieces, in no particular order..

.. one thing we didn't do first time was to arrive at a park until after dark... (we'd been with small kids, early starts etc, and had ended up there tired in the evenings.).. but when we went to Epcot and subsequently MK in the evening, you should have seen the kids faces! The atmosphere is enhanced by at least a factor of 10 for me at night!

General tip: dont go to MK first, as the kids will assume that all the parks are full of rides etc to the same degree... i suggest Epcot first, then AK, MGM and last... (drum roll, please..) MK.

Don't drag the kids around after they get tired.. a dog trainer friend says it's called 'negative re-inforcement'!! Go for a sleep or a swim.. her's the news.. the parks will still be there tomorrow!

The balcony around the restaurant (above the large store) at Epcot is great for the fireworks.

Have the best time! Mike

 

[ZerasPride]

I would also like to add (the anal planner in me) to carry around a mini park touring 3x5 card for each day. I find this to be invaluable and I average 1-2 trips to Disney per year for about the last 4 years. I have my priority seating confirmation numbers on them as well as rides that are "must dos". Nothing beats getting back to your hotel, or worse yet, getting back home, and realizing you really wanted to ride (fill in the blank) and missed it because you were so distracted with all the wonderful sights and sounds that will overtake you.

Also, stake out your parade spot early. We wanted to see the Share a Dream parade at MK and about 2:15 we just happened to be sitting on a bench enjoying an ice cream treat by the train station. I realized the parade was about 45 minutes away and we were in a great spot. My sister didn't want to stay. She felt it was too early. I told her to watch how fast the crowds press in on us and that is exactly what happened about 15 minutes before hand. We were on a bench (4 of us) and a family of 4 tried to sit on the bench with us - we made room for them which really cramped us up but we didn't mind sharing. Only a small corner spot was left on the bench (a very tiny corner) and a lady with several bags came out of no where and attempted to sit there. It was hysterical. Anyway, as the crowds pressed in on us and stood right in front of us, I started to get dismayed because I am short and my nieces are 1 and 5 so they would not have been able to see over the crowds but since we were sitting on a bench, we were able to have them stand on it and they were able to see over the crowds! It was great.

Also, utilize fast pass, it is a great system if you know how to work it. Finally, have a great time. Try to relax, you won't see it all on one visit. Have a fantastic trip!