One day more...any words of wisdom?

[Torjohnson]

Well, it looks like our trip, planned last year at this time in a pool in Hawaii, has finally come to one day away from getting up pre dawn, and moving towards Orlando. It is our first trip, nine days at the pop. I have reservations(CM Thor told me they are no longer advanced dining reservations) ,panchos, sunscreen,knowledge of the heat,crowds....concept of hitting the parks early(dubious of that after the three hour time change...but we wil see).
Anyone have any advice about how to insure (you are not liable) a fun, somewhat relaxing, magical trip?

this time tomorrow we are on plane 1

 

[mickeymousemom]

I have reservations(CM Thor told me they are no longer advanced dining reservations)

I have a friend that's a CM at the Front Desk at POP...she told me a few months ago that the CM's never call Advanced Dining Reservations "ADR's", they're just called "reservations"....She also informed me that many of the CM's tend to make fun of the guests who come in and talk in computer speak about "ADR's", staying at P-O-R, etc.....I think some of us tend to forget that much of what we say here is abbreviated for the ease of posting. I think the only thing abbreviation I have ever taken from here and used in the real world is "ADR". I won't do that again....

Okay....NOW....my rambling is finished...


I think a good tip is just to relax and not try to see everything at once. If you've never been, you cannot get a grip on how big the whole WDW complex is until you're there. Take your trip one day at time. Enjoy(and look for) the little details around each park that Disney has put in. Read and reread the Unofficial Guide or something similar. Utilize Fastpass as much as is allowable. Enjoy your trip, take your time, stop and smell the WDW roses, and don't let any grouchy, frustrated guests ruin your day. I have learned to smile at them and move on. This goes for grumpy CM's as well(though we rarely encounter those).

Have a wonderful, magical time and make sure you check in when you get back!

 

[Sonno]

Take care of your feet, and keep a smile on your face.
Have a great time!

 

[Hollyster2]

Have a Wonderful Time!!!!
The main thing I would suggest is to roll with things, because that can be when the most special memories are made- when things don't go exactly according to plan.

I am an over planner, but was completely new to the realization that Disney will have everyone take cover during some rain storms. We enjoyed the fun things my kids said or the wonderful people we met while huddled under an overhang or shelter. A great time to talk about how great the trip has been so far!

Everything that happens will give character to this particular trip. There will never be another one like it and take all your plans and know you did an awesome job of cutting out as many of the snags as you possibly could! My mother in law would constantly ask me "If I knew the line would be this long" "or if I knew the restaurant would be this chilly" I am trying to not be so sensitive to things like that. It is definitely a product of the build up of the trip! Remember the "planner" is NOT responsible for every little element of nature, or every little thing that might not go everyone's individual way.

I have a big family and did the planning for another family going with us and it will all work out great for you and for me!!! If I can just remember my own advice.

Again, Have the most incredible vacation!

 

[horner5]

The best advice I have for a first-timer is:

To have a game plan everyday, but make sure you have wiggle room.
Make sure you have at least one Mickey ice cream bar.
Take it all in stride...you're on vacation!
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Watch Fantasmic, Illuminations and Wishes at least once....and don't forget Spectromagic!
Have a down day at your resort, or take the time to visit other resorts (for possible future trips!)
Stay on the monorail for the complete loop around the MK resorts.
Just relax and have fun-you'll be at the happiest place on Earth and it will consume you!!!

We'll see you there!

Amy