Need advice on what valuables necessary to bring to parks

[Morgalla]

Do you need to bring your driver's license into the parks with you in order to use your Visa? I had difficulty at Silver Dollar City, because we left our valuables (e.g. driver's license, purse, cash, keys) in a locker or in the car trunk. Some merchants insisted I show them my license when trying to charge souvenir items, despite Visa's policy of requiring signature comparison (not license presentation). With the possibility always present of losing a valuable at the park, the most difficult one to replace that would cause the most trouble on your trip (making return plane trip problematic) is the loss of one's license. Thus I always felt it wisest to just not bring it into the park at all. We are planning our WDW vacation for Monday May 4-11, and are planning to see 4 parks. It is our kids' first visit, and my second. My first was with a group, no plans, no organization, and no money made it less enjoyable than I had liked. I am hoping to have all the bases covered this time.

Also, if you bring a backpack in- to carry bottled water and snacks for instance- what do you do with it for rides? Do you leave it with a stroller at some designated pick up spot outside the ride exit? I would feel uncomfortable leaving my digital camera and cell phone in such a thing. Should I just plan on wearing bulky cargo shorts to carry all the valuables?

We are planning to bring an umbrella stroller for our 4 1/2 yr old as we know his little legs will tire. Does anyone know how far it actually is across the parks? Just to get a clue of what kind of distance we should be physically prepared to traverse.

If it rains, do they close all the rides for the duration, or just until the rain stops?

I know I have asked a lot of questions here, but I am confident that everyone on these boards has more experience than we do- and good advice for us.

Thanks all!

 

[DisneyTiger]

Let's see... here's what I bring with me into the parks...

When you check in, you can set up a credit card of choice for room charges. You will get a room key that they call your "Keys to the kingdom". It serves not only as your room key, but also as your park ticket and credit card. You can use this card to make any purchase inside the parks and at the resorts. Therefore, bringing along your credit card or check card is not necessary. I always bring my ID with me wherever I go. I have this phobia about not having it in case there is an accident or something. It's also handy to have it in case you would like to have an adult beverage while in the parks. They ID!

As far as bringing items onto the rides, I feel comfortable leaving our bag on the stroller (there are designated areas for these) but I would not leave valuables such as a camera. I know it's Disney, but you just can't be too trusting. You'll feel like a pack mule, but you'll get use to it

I think a stroller is a must even for older kids. Walking around Disney is a workout for sure. I've read before that a person can walk on average 9 miles a day at Disney, but I think it's more. Here's an interesting article about walking at Disney...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/03/11/TRG5FOH4LR1.DTL

 

[Morgalla]

Can you set up the room charge thing if you aren't staying at a Disney hotel? We are staying at the Hyatt. I wasn't planning on drinking anything other than water I bring with me while I am there, but I am paranoid too about bringing my license and other stuff.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Staying on grounds we used the KTTW to charge to the room rather than fuss with credit cards and cash for purchases. We also had the DXDP so only had to worry about $ for tips. DH kept his wallet with him, but we locked my wallet, extra cash, and our passports in the room safe.

We had a stroller and left the backpack in it most of the time. Of course there was nothing of real value. We did also have a lock to lock the backpack to the stroller so it wouldn't walk away. We were also able to lock the zipper of the backpack so no one would be able to get in it. Most of the rides have room for a backpack and a pouch for bottle water and sun glasses.

Strollers are left in designated stroller areas around the rides. Some resturants have stroller parking areas, others just allow for stroller parking against the building. The areas are not "secured," but there is usually at least one CM arranging strollers to maximize space and (I would guess) be a deterent to theft.

If it rains some of the rides shut down depending on the weather. Remember there are a lot of indoor attractions and shows too. Many people leave the park if the rain lasts more than *probably* 1/2-1 hour...when it stops you have a much emptier park if you can wait it out...maybe get a snack or roam through the shops.

Anywhere in WDW is a lot of walking. Some times during the day DD3 and DS5 were all about wlaking, but other times both were riding (sit n stand). The stroller is very useful when you get into crowds or for leaving at night...times when you don't want to run the risk of getting seperated.

 

[islangrl]

Re. Credit cards/ID... Only once was I ever asked to show I.D. to use a card and that was because it was new and had no signature. So make sure you sign the back. I think the Disney merchants are a little more knowledgeable about CC policies.
Lots and lots of walkingespecially at Epcot.

 

[Colleen27]

I carry my ID, room key/ticket, and a few bucks cash in case we run across a snack stand that isn't set up for the room charge in a little ID pouch necklace that I used to use for work.

In my backpack, I have the kids' gear, autograph book, pen, maybe a bottle of water, and on this trip, a few diapers, wipes, and finger food for the baby.

Then I have my camera bag, which holds my dSLR, two extra lenses, and a small point & shoot digital.

For the most part, I keep everything with me on rides. Most have space to stash things under the seat or near your feet. If someone in our group isn't riding (like on the thrill rides, which my mom always skips), that person will hang onto the bags, but I've never had a problem keeping them with us either.

 

[RN4Babies]

Do you need to bring your driver's license into the parks with you in order to use your Visa? I had difficulty at Silver Dollar City, because we left our valuables (e.g. driver's license, purse, cash, keys) in a locker or in the car trunk. Some merchants insisted I show them my license when trying to charge souvenir items, despite Visa's policy of requiring signature comparison (not license presentation). With the possibility always present of losing a valuable at the park, the most difficult one to replace that would cause the most trouble on your trip (making return plane trip problematic) is the loss of one's license. Thus I always felt it wisest to just not bring it into the park at all. We are planning our WDW vacation for Monday May 4-11, and are planning to see 4 parks. It is our kids' first visit, and my second. My first was with a group, no plans, no organization, and no money made it less enjoyable than I had liked. I am hoping to have all the bases covered this time.

Also, if you bring a backpack in- to carry bottled water and snacks for instance- what do you do with it for rides? Do you leave it with a stroller at some designated pick up spot outside the ride exit? I would feel uncomfortable leaving my digital camera and cell phone in such a thing. Should I just plan on wearing bulky cargo shorts to carry all the valuables?

We are planning to bring an umbrella stroller for our 4 1/2 yr old as we know his little legs will tire. Does anyone know how far it actually is across the parks? Just to get a clue of what kind of distance we should be physically prepared to traverse.

If it rains, do they close all the rides for the duration, or just until the rain stops?

I know I have asked a lot of questions here, but I am confident that everyone on these boards has more experience than we do- and good advice for us.

Thanks all!

You can only charge items/food to your room if you're staying onsite. As you're staying offiste, you'll need to bring your credit card. I would strongly advise you bring your driver's license as well.

I lost my driver's license at the Orlando Airport when we landed (I think I left it at the counter when we were at the counter for our rental car.). If you should happen to lose it, it's really not that big of a deal. I had to report it with the Orlando Police as a lost license, and as they had it on file that I had reported it, I was still able to drive while in Florida. I got a replacement license when we got home....and a few days later the license I had lost showed up in my mailbox in an enevelope from the Orlando Airport, saying it had been turned in to the lost and found. Even with having gone through losing it, I still would not feel comfortable going to a WDW park without it (unless it was misplaced ).

Instead of a backpack, I bought a Baggalini messenger bag to take on our trip; it worked great! It had all kinds of pockets for my camera, camcorder, water bottles, snacks, wet wipes, cell phone, autograph books and pens, etc etc. I took it with me on every ride/attraction, and either put it by my feet or in a pouch on the seat in front of me, if there was one. I bought a lanyard to wear around my neck from my office supply store that had zippered pouches; in there I carried my debit card, our park tickets, some cash...and my driver's license would have gone in there, if i hadn't lost it....

There's a ton of walking at all of the WDW parks (maybe a little less at DHS). I think a nine mile per day estimate is about right...or maybe a tad on the low side. My sister wore her pedometer while we were there, and she said according to that we logged 9 to 10 miles of walking a day (not including walking to and from the parking lots). Standing in line (especially for POC)
was actually more taxing than the walking was.

I've only seen WDW close down rides if there's thunder/lightening....not for just rain, even if it's pouring outside. IMO, it's one of the best times to go to the parks; there's NOBODY there! Throw ponchos on and you're set!

Some of the best advice a friend gave me was:

-Accept that you won't be able to do and see everything.

-Have everyone list what their three "must dos" for each park are (including you; this is your vacation too!) and focus on those.

-Familiarize yourself with the fastpass and know how it works before you to to WDW.

-Relax! This is supposed to be fun!!!!

I hope you have a great time!

 

[txloopnlil]

Stroller yes! It really makes it much more enjoyable for everyone - that is if you aren't fighting the stroller. Some cheap umbrellas have such short handles that it really is a pain (in the back) to push. I'd take a stroller that you could reasonably push for a mile or more without backstrain. Having one big enough you can have some storage or at least hang a bag off the back without it tipping, would be important to me. A sunshade is a must and being able to recline it, so the little one can nap when needed would be other must haves for me.

I was told to expect to walk about 6-8 miles during a typical day in MK and while I didn't take a pedometer, the swelling of my bad knee-ometer tells me I did at least 5 miles+ most days. Ours was a last minute trip so I didn't have any time to get back in a walking routine before the trip, but it would have helped.

I took a small waist pack,with our keys to the world cards, and some cash and quarters/pennies, in a small outer pocket; and sunglasses, small bottle of sunscreen, ziplock with wet wipes in it, and ziplock with some basic first aid (bandaids, neosporin packets, wound wipes, analgesics, antihistimenes, etc), pens, maps and planning sheets, in the larger pocket. I had hand sanitizer hanging from a d-ring on the outside. I did take my secondary credit card and my DL in a hidden inner zippered pocket. All this could have fit in cargo shorts too, but I liked being able to take it off when I sat down to eat, or took room breaks. My cell phone was in my pocket so I could feel the vibrations - it was often too loud to hear it ring.

While I charged most things on the key card, the cash/credit card came in handy when twice our fastpass runner had all the room keys across the park getting fastpasses, and the kids were starving NOW! I also tried using a lanyard with an ID pouch, but my pouch was difficult to get the cards in and out of, so the key cards ended up in the easier to get to waist pack. The ID holder was great however for the photopass card - they could scan it right through the clear plastic.

I left the big expensive camera at home and got a smaller pocket size digital camera (Cannon A470, on sale $89) that would fit in a pocket or small camera pouch on my belt. My quality of pictures wasn't the same of course, but overall I was pleased with the outcome. My 5 y.o. twins really enjoyed taking pictures and I would have been too paranoid to let them use the good camera, but I was so much more relaxed with a less expensive point and shoot. I would recommend downloading pics each night or taking multiple cards and putting in a new one each day. That way if you did happen to lose the camera you wouldn't lose all your vacation pictures -this had happened to a very upset person in line with me at City Hall one day!

I had a small backpack for snacks, water, change of clothes for everyone in ziplocks, jackets and ponchos, autograph books, etc. This stayed with the stroller. You can bring a cable lock to attach the bag to the stroller, but (knock on wood) it seems like theft is not a big problem with either the bags or strollers themselves. I wouldn't leave anything expensive in the stroller though. Be aware the CM's will rearrange strollers, so don't panic if it is not exactly where you left it.

 

[naomi78155]

Good questions and great answers. Thanks.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Hi Neighbor
Definitely take a stroller. My friends always tease me about it....but I wear a fanny back. I don't even have to take it off for rides....I wear it in front (I actually call it a belly bag as far as that goes) You will definitely walk a LOT. I would definitely say anywhere from 5-10 miles a day. You'll be walking a lot....but nothing like the hills you walk at SDC
My last trip to Orlando started off horribly. I left my wallet on top of the luggage cart rental thingy when we arrived. The only good thing is that I had my drivers license in my pocket - but my wallet had my credit cards and a couple hundred dollars cash. Believe it or not someone turned it in. It had everything in it, including the cash. I was absolutely amazed.
Have a great trip!

 

[Morgalla]

Thanks so much! The idea about the multiple memory cards is excellent. Losing a camera would be inconvenient, but losing your memories would be unthinkable. I hadn't thought of the cable lock idea for the backpack. I had considered the clothing change (or at least socks and shirts) and was considering the lanyard idea. The messenger bag is also a great idea. Especially if I can take it on the rides. I was really hoping to avoid cargo shorts and fanny packs- my rear end is big enough without extra junk in the trunk.

 

[RN4Babies]

Here's the website for the bag I bought for our trip:

http://www.ebags.com/baggalini/mess..._nylon/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18644

Lots of fun colors; I got the pink one!

 

[Morgalla]

WOW thanks for the link- that looks like a great product! Just what I need. I know I'll end up schlepping all the gear around- and that is the least ugly bag I've seen.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Can you set up the room charge thing if you aren't staying at a Disney hotel? We are staying at the Hyatt. I wasn't planning on drinking anything other than water I bring with me while I am there, but I am paranoid too about bringing my license and other stuff.

Didn't read thru entire thread, but NO, I do not think you can set up a credit card in advance at Parks. We have stayed on property only and that is one of the advantages as well, charging it to room key then having PARK deliver IT to your room for you. A great guest service actually.
Personally, I do not bring my wallet, just my KTTW (key to the world) which has my admissions, charge card and if it is lost, it is easily replaced right at park.
I do bring a small backpack (girly type) for my first water bottle of the day) after that I ask for the FREE ice water anywhere in any park and save my snack credit for a YUMMY SNACK gum (they do not sell it anywhere in Disney), extra socks for kid (when feet get wet and they are in sneakers, BLISTERS , so avoid that like the plague), a snacky something, lip gloss SPF, and a poncho (just in case). I also hang a small lime green Micky Head (DIS!) on the outside and print all our ADR's on the back, nice and handy...and of course my TINK keychain for a decoration (usually throw a disposable camera (in a plastic bag) in too.
I take it on every ride and have never had an issue, there are usually little mesh areas/bags and you can place it there or place between your legs. My bag is about 11" wide by 22" long if that helps. People do steal, so do not leave any valuables in your stroller, it could ruin your day, never mind your vacation!
They have LOCKERS at front of every park entrance as well, but you'll have to walk back to them and the parks HUGE, especially when you don't know them (our family can do it blindfolded!)
Place something CHEERY and BRIGHT on your stroller so you'll see it RIGHT away, some times CMS have to move them around a bit as it gets crowded, or parades coming thru, so make it easily recognizable at a distance so you or DH can go to grab it thru the crowds rather than "all" of you trekking to get it. Just makes it easier.
Have a fabulous time and most of all RELAX and take it all in, you are going to have an AMAZING trip!!! Hope this helped a drop!
**I bought my Backpack at Walmart, white with bright pink, lime green yellow flowers on it, drawstring top with loop that locks. I added a piece of velcro inside to secure it better and I paid $10, use it every year without a hitch if you're cost conscious. Walmart has tons of cute Disney stuff for less!

 

[rwrocksme]

For our trip last year, I used this bag:

http://www.lifeisgood.com/category/bags-travel/cinch-sacks.aspx

There is only one pocket, on the outside, but it was perfect for us. It seems like bags are always so heavy just on their own, but this was light and roomy. We took a HUGE water bottle, some of those frozen pb&j (from Smucker's), a small purse, a large wallet, fruit roll-ups...you get the idea.

Plus, look at what it says on the bag. Life is good at Disney, don't you agree?

 

[NotUrsula]

If there is a problem with the finger scan on your park passes, you will need to have photo ID to show to prove that you are the same person who used the pass last. This doesn't happen really often, but it's a major PITA to have to go all the way back to parking (or your resort!) to have to get it if it does happen. Same issue if the pass itself is damaged and you need to replace it -- you would need a photocopy of the back of the pass, and your ID to prove you were the purchaser.

I put the photocopies and my ID in a little waterproof ID holder and stash them deep in a zippered pocket. I don't go anywhere in public without my license and my health insurance card -- you don't want to be without them if you get in any kind of accident (like me, falling down a restaurant staircase at USIOA), because it will be a huge hassle getting emergency medical treatment.