The best advice ever . . . .

[momto2js]

I actually have 2 but can't pick between them so here they are:

#1. You must manage everyone's expectations. It may be the most crowded place you have ever been, it may be hot and sticky, you may wait in line 30 minutes to use the restroom. You will likely have a fantastic time but if you go expecting to do the disney you see in the commercials where everything goes off with out a hitch and everything is magical you MAY be disappointed. Try to avoid promising your kids anything, things break, time flys, and lines can be long it is easier to avoid disappointment if you as a parent have not promised the world that you can not deliver.

In order to work on expectations, have you kids help make the plan. This way you will have a better idea what their must do's are.

#2. Be proactive!!! You need to be able to tell when they have had enough before they have had enough. You need to leave the park before your 8 year old is so tired they can't make it back to the car. You need to anticipate sibling issues before they are big problems. The family needs to eat before they are starving. If you let small issues continue they become big issues and they are harder to solve.

 

[MNTwinsMom]

The first time we took our kids (who were 7 at the time) I scheduled the first 4 days. We planned ahead which park we would be at and I had a touring plan for each day. But we left the last day open and let the kids pick what we did that day. They called the shots - decided what attractions we went on and what we ate. An entire day where we said "yes" to everything. We all loved it and had an awesome day!

 

[Carnie]

Sunscreen and ADRs.

 

[estherhead]

Go when it's raining. It clears the parks of people a bit, it cools things down, and there is still lots to do when it's raining. Pack or buy a nicer poncho (not just the dollar store ones, but not thick ones as they'll be annoying to drag around.)

I take a small backpack with the ponchos rolled as tiny as possible, anti-bacterial gel (clipped on outside of bag), wipes (to wipe down tables) in a ziploc baggie, and a little first-aid kit.

 

[disneymember2000]

Buy pins to trade. The kids love them and they bring back memories for a long time!

 

[walkdmc]

I read someone's trip report here on the DIS where the author took over 700 pics on her trip. After reading her report, I made it a point to try and take as many photos as I could and also signed up for the Photopass CD. Looking for good photo ops just led to fun situations and character encounters.

Also, plan for a lot of down time. We didn't have a formula but if I thought about what worked for us....we'd take a big break right after lunch, chill at the resort and pool, then return to the parks for dinner and the evening.

Don't miss nights at the parks. Nighttime was our favorite time at all of the parks.

 

[soxyes]

We found that simple breakfasts in the room (cereal, bagels, granola bars) keep the kids happy in the morning, save time, and money. We also have water/pop/snacks delivered to the room. Some of it we bring to the parks, some we drink there.

Enjoy!

 

[soarinup]

Get the ultimate packing list, [somewhere on this board] INVALUABLE

 

[cdnmousegirls]

If staying on resort and you see something you like in the parks or downtown disney, buy it:

1. You can have it sent back to your resort

and

2. if you find something that you like better, you can actually return any purchase at any gift shop location including the resort gift shop.

Our first trip I did not know this and I saw an item I wanted but did not want to carry it and wondered if I would see something else when I went back for it, it was gone

 

[redrosesix]

You didn't say where you were staying so I'll assume you're staying at a Disney resort...

take advantage of your key to the world card - you can use it to charge everything in the parks or DTD and leave your cash and credit cards in the room safe. While it would only take minutes to replace your KTTW card, it could ruin your trip if you lost cash or credit cards. You can also have any items you purchase in the parks or DTD sent back to your resort so you don't have to carry them around.

When we go to the parks or DTD, I carry only my KTTW card - in a plastic cardholder that you can buy at the resort gift shop, either a lanyard or another style - if I carry any cash, its only $20 max.

 

[sohappy]

Take as few things as possible into the parks. Backpacks get very heavy and hot.

I also like having kid earplugs in my bag. They don't take up much space at all and can mean the difference between watching a very loud parade and leaving early.

 

[momofrrr]

It has been so long since we needed a stroller that I forgot this one. I don't know if you are thinking of using one but if you do, take an old scarf or bandana or even a bright colored wide ribbon to tie onto the handle so that you can spot your stroller in the giant sea of strollers in a stroller park area.

 

[Tosie]

For a FIRST trip don't bother getting park hoppers. Pick a park and spend the day (although a midday break is a really good idea - especially in the summer. A nice swim in the afternoon really helps recharge!) There's so much to do and see (and you can't do it all)!

Just a side note - we've done trips with and without hoppers. Our non hopper trips have been much more relaxed and enjoyable because we're not worrying about getting to our next destination.

 

[cydswipe]

1. Invest in Tour Guide Mike... $20... very well worth it! (can get $3 off coupon by clicking the sponser link here on the DIs)

2. Do not buy bottled water... they will give you cups of ice water for FREE anywhere you can walk up to that sells fountain drinks.

3. You may want to look into Garden Grocer to have food/ supplies shipped to your resort.

4. If you're going resort to resort for lunches/ suppers... look into taking a taxi!

5. Ask all your questions here! Even if you think it's small, silly, or stupid... ask! You are right where you need to be with planning!!!!

 

[l_mccafferty]

My main tip would be to get there at rope drop and first thing, grab a map, sit for 5 minutes and decide a plan of action. You might feel differently on the day than if you plan in advance!

Also, drink plenty of fluids. I nearly passed out once from forgetting to drink as I was moving from ride to ride or show!

 

[kstgelais4]

Rope Drop - Get there as early as possible on as many days as possible to hit all the big ones when lines are shortest.

ditto. this really makes all the difference in the world. Seriously, gettig there 15 minutes after rope drop can cost you 45 min. to an hour.

 

[v.t.]

Bobble water bottle. It is a water bottle with a built in filter. It makes the free CS ice water taste so much better. We carried them in empty and filled as needed.

 

[momto2inKC]

1. Invest in Tour Guide Mike... $20... very well worth it! (can get $3 off coupon by clicking the sponser link here on the DIs)

Yep, worth every penny for the park charts alone!

 

[krcit]

I got this tip from these boards and I loved it. I packed my kids clothes in ziplock bags. one for each day..a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, socks and undies in each gallon bag. In the morning, they would just grab a bag and get dressed.

 

[mrsr2ro]

Someone already said Fast Passes but wanted to share the tip about it being ok to come back after the time on the pass in MOST cases. Some may think this is breaking a rule but the CM we've asked say it's ok and have never stopped us. Basiclly, if you get a FP and it says to return between 10am and 11am - you can come back anytime the rest of the day and use it. You can also get other FP after 10am - it doesn't matter what order you use them in.

Again - this is based on advice I read here and what I expereinced at the park but someone may swoop in and call me a rule breaker

Also, if you have some FP and realize you won't be able to use them (leaving the park, going to ADR, etc) you can hand them to someone else to use. We did this with two TT FP's on our last trip - My mom and DS4 chickened out and we were headed out of EP. I gave them to 2 ladies all decked out in matching WDW gear and they were thrilled.

I often notice people giving us the stink eye when we go through the FP queue -- I think there are a lot of people who really don't understand how they work / what they are etc.

So become an expert and you'll be set!