Share your best tip!

[ljca79]

What is your best tip for a WDW visit? Something, perhaps, you wished you knew before your first time there, or something you were not missing the first time, but know as a veteran of the parks. This newbie (and probably many others) would appreciate your insider wisdom!

I have read just about everything I can get my hands on and also stalk this board, but I feel like there is always more to know!!!

TIA!

 

[Kirk]

Came across 101 tips at Couponing Disney the other day and was amazed how much I learned. For instance:

58. If one of your souvenirs breaks while you are on vacation, Disney will replace it for FREE! Just take it to the nearest store that carries that product and let the Cast Member know the issue. On the last trip, we had to replace 3 different items including a pen that ran out of ink and a lanyard that broke.

or

97. If rain is in the forecast, Hollywood Studios is definitely the best park to avoid the rain. Almost every single attraction and queue are indoors.

 

[GatorMama]

Buy SEVERAL dollar store ponchos. If you have a stroller, remember it will need to be covered too.

 

[minniemous]

Get a list of al the items that fall under "snack" for the dining plan. The first time we went we only went by the signs that disney would put up. They have made it easier with the symbols by the menus. However if you have not seen a list you might be surprised what counts as a snack and you can save a lot of money.

Starbucks....it does not matter what size coffee or specialty coffee you get they all count towards a snack credit. Now we do not end up with 20 snack credits still left at the end of our trip.

 

[holden]

Lots of places in the parks will give you ice water for free. Great in the heat of August!

If you stay at Bay Lake Towers or the Contemporary, you can easily walk to MK. This is especially handy after the fireworks when the crowds are headed to the buses/monorail/boats.

If you preorder your lunch at BOG, you can change any part of it when you arrive for lunch. Just change what you want at the kiosk when you pay.

The animation class at DHS is one of our favorite things to do! It also makes for a great free souvenir! Check the times schedule and arrive at least 15-20min. before the class. Seats are limited.

 

[Luv2Run]

Came across 101 tips at Couponing Disney the other day and was amazed how much I learned. For instance:

58. If one of your souvenirs breaks while you are on vacation, Disney will replace it for FREE! Just take it to the nearest store that carries that product and let the Cast Member know the issue. On the last trip, we had to replace 3 different items including a pen that ran out of ink and a lanyard that broke.

or

97. If rain is in the forecast, Hollywood Studios is definitely the best park to avoid the rain. Almost every single attraction and queue are indoors.

To the bolded: I can vouch for the validity of this tip. On my first trip to WDW, my mom bought me a double Mickey head sterling silver & CZ ring, and one of the stones fell out. I took it to MouseGear and they replaced it for free. I didn't even need to show a receipt.

My best tip (besides the obvious: be very patient, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen), is pack a compact umbrella with you. Sure, it comes in handy if it starts raining, but can also act as shade while you're traversing the parks or standing in line for an attraction/character meet & greet.

 

[fitnessmouse]

My best tip (besides the obvious: be very patient, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen), is pack a compact umbrella with you. Sure, it comes in handy if it starts raining, but can also act as shade while you're traversing the parks or standing in line for an attraction/character meet & greet.

i am liking this one!

 

[Sharpdisney]

My two best tips are:

1) Read this:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2463742

and

2) Read this:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=914274



I thought I'd reached the end of the internet in my research, but those 2000 posts kept me busy for a while!!!

 

[CAL2]

this is a tip for anyone flying. All four of us each have a suit case, but we make sure that there is a mix of everyone's clothes in each one, so if a case should go missing one person isn't left with no clothes.

cal

 

[Dan Murphy]

It's easy to not initially realize how large WDW is, and even how large the parks themselves are. It takes time to go from one location to another. If park to park, or resort, it's recommended to give yourself an hour. You may be early, though probably not late.

 

[kmorey303]

Disney requires a ton of walking! My DD daughter and I always do some type of work out 40 days before our trip to get ready! We do long walks, stairs, or bike rides! It helps us go open to close each day at Disney!!

 

[IsThatYouTigger]

Don't eat at traditional meal times! You can save yourself a lot of time by riding rides during traditional meal times and eating either before or after. This is clearly easier said than done by someone who doesn't have any children who need to stick to a schedule ;-).

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

My best tip? SLOW DOWN! Realize there's no possible way to do it all in one trip. Understand you won't get to everything and accept that fact. ENJOY your whole trip!

Way too many people--myself included as a first timer--are way too focused on getting from point A to point B. They miss out on the unplanned, spontaneous moments in between. Some of your best moments will be found in between the rides and shows.

Relax, take a breath, soak it all in.

 

[glassslippergirl]

The "street entertainment" like the Dapper Dans, Main Street Orchestra, etc. in each park are as fun as any ride. Check the times guide and make a point to see a few.

 

[Networth]

Disney is more than rides. Enjoy your surroundings. Not to many places with little to no filth, perfect manured lawns/gardens, and theming at every turn.

 

[plutoloversmom]

Go left! Everyone in America is trained from birth to go to the right. If you start on the left sometimes you can do more in your day. For instance when you go to Epcot to the WS go left over the bridge instead of right. At MK head towards Fantasy land instead of frontier land. Also when you get into a ride that has two choices for lines, go to the left. It seems to work faster.

 

[jAcKs_x0]

I used a Brita water bottle for the first time on my last trip and it seemed to take out the icky florida water taste! Super helpful for water on the go and staying hydrated!

 

[soar2014]

You are told not to bring balloons if staying at AKL.
Also if you buy a balloon and it goes flat or pops you just bring the remains to a balloon selling cast member for a replacement! Just one of the many reasons I heart WDW.

 

[DisneyHardin]

Don't be disappointed when you can't do everything you have read about on the boards and other of these type groups.

The first time DH and I went to Disney 5 years ago together, I read and read all these wonderful trips, snacks to eat, places to watch fireworks, etc. I was so disappointed when we didn't actually have a chance to do most of the things I read about.

 

[David Brent]

I guess I have a tip, but it's more for myself, lol. I need to learn how to enjoy just being there with my wife. I tend to rush through things esp when we are done w/ rides. I've been guilty of just walking through World Showcase without really enjoying each country. So, my tip would be to just enjoy every second because next thing you know, you are at work thinking about your next WDW trip.