NEW TIPS! Early Check-In, Parking Fees & More

[partyof4D]

We just got back from our first Disney World vacation (2/19-2/28). It was AMAZING (in part-thanks to other Disers!). Here are a few things that I learned that I NEVER saw anywhere online during my many, many, many hours of research prepping for our first visit:
-The resort checkin system's date changes over at 3:30 AM. We arrived at 3:00 AM, after 21 hours of driving, to Pop Century. The front desk clerk was amazing! She suggested we wait 30 minutes and try to check in at the earliest possible time. We were in our room by 4:00 AM! No extra charge! She was wonderful and saved us $196! It was the morning of the Princess 1/2 Marathon, so a busy time, too. We got lucky and they had a room available.
-If you want an official First Visit pin try at the parks. They are changing the design and the resorts may be out like Pop Century was. Inside Magic Kingdom is a good place to try.
-According to the gate security at Wilderness, Disney is now starting to charge for parking even if you are staying at another Disney property. I don't know details, but keep an eye out for other posts and updates on this.
-Harmony Barber Shop now charges $25 for a first haircut package, up from $19 that I had read before (this may be old news).
-The absolute best spot to see the parade in Magic Kingdom is standing at the curb in front of the store that designs glass. The 2nd floor window says M.T.Lott Realty and has all of the names that Walt used to purchase the land. It is near the front on Main Street. Lots of princesses/characters stopped and talked to us and we got waves from almost everyone!
Aurora's fairy godmother even stopped and said to my daughters, "Oh, you changed out of your Elsa dresses!" Magic! How did she know that?!?!
-The Cars pool at Art of Animation is the warmest on property. If the weather isn't cooperating, try there.

 

[siskaren]

-The Cars pool at Art of Animation is the warmest on property. If the weather isn't cooperating, try there.

You can't swim at a resort pool if you're not staying at that resort.

 

[partyof4D]

A lifeguard who works at both resorts told me to check out the Cars pool. I was never asked for ID or my band while at Pop Century.

 

[crazymomof4]

A lifeguard who works at both resorts told me to check out the Cars pool. I was never asked for ID or my band while at Pop Century.

You didn't know, but the lifeguard should have known. Pool hopping isn't permitted. It's listed somewhere near the bottom of the "Pool Rules" sign at every resort.... but who really stops to read those? I'm really surprised the lifeguard didn't know though!

 

[crazymomof4]

Great tips and thanks for posting. Cute about the Fairy God Mother remembering seeing your daughter in another dress! We had a similar situation when my dd was 3. A CM we saw in Epcot, remembered her from the day before when we saw her at 1900 Park Fare r.... We didn't recognize her tho bc she HAD been Alice and the next day she was Jasmine!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

-According to the gate security at Wilderness, Disney is now starting to charge for parking even if you are staying at another Disney property. I don't know details, but keep an eye out for other posts and updates on this.

Wilderness Lodge, or Fort Wilderness?

For guests staying at another WDW resort: Do you also have to pay to park near the Boardwalk during the evening for a Jellyrolls visit? Or to park at Port Orleans Riverside for the Yehaa Bob show? Does having AP and TiW help with these parking situations (if you're not dining there)?

 

[aaarcher86]

Wilderness Lodge, or Fort Wilderness?

For guests staying at another WDW resort: Do you also have to pay to park near the Boardwalk during the evening for a Jellyrolls visit? Or to park at Port Orleans Riverside for the Yehaa Bob show? Does having AP and TiW help with these parking situations (if you're not dining there)?

TIW allows you to get free valet for a dining reservation.

Pay parking is still be tested so there aren't many details.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Thanks, but I was asking about parking for these evening shows, without a dining reservation. Looks like no one knows....

 

[aaarcher86]

Thanks, but I was asking about parking for these evening shows, without a dining reservation. Looks like no one knows....

I doubt POR would be an issue.

 

[hoffman1]

I really hope paying to park at another resort never becomes a real thing. I understand they are trying to cut down on the abuse but I hate it. We often like to visit other resorts to shop and eat at the counter services there.

 

[aaarcher86]

I really hope paying to park at another resort never becomes a real thing. I understand they are trying to cut down on the abuse but I hate it. We often like to visit other resorts to shop and eat at the counter services there.

I wouldn't mind some kind of pay policy for someone over a certain time limit to cut down on park goers.