Things I wish I knew...

[Blackadder337]

If you're on the meal plan and eating at a resort, know that your refillable mug does NOT count as your meal drink. We took our mugs to each meal at a resort, filled them with water/juice etc. and also grabbed a bottled drink for the room / park etc.

 

[BudgieMama]

I agree with all the other suggestions.

Personally, I wish I'd known I'd definitely get to go back. My husband insisted it was a once in a lifetime trip, and it put a lot of pressure on it for us. Going this year for our second visit with my third visit already booked for 2017 made for a much more relaxed experience!!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Well I haven't been since 2011 so things have def changed since I was last there but I will say I wished I had known to slow down a little bit.

My husband and I can go go go but we did WDW and USO for 8 days straight (5 at WDW and 3 at USO) and even alternating the days we didn't take as much time to slow down in the parks. At this point (with no kids yet) I can't see using a relax day at the resort/doing something else, other than when I go in 2017 I'm doing Disney Springs rather than a theme park on my arrival day but that's because I'm building in an extra day for the vacation.

We didn't even doing restaurants we just did Quick Service/Counter Service places. I'd like to slow down a bit and not worry AS MUCH about getting from place to place to place even with us adding Table Service restaurants to our plan for our next trip.

We'll see how it goes because last time in 2011 they had paper fast passes and now they have magic bands and pre-selected fast pass+ so that could either make the go go go worse or allow us to slow down a bit.

 

[GoldenPamplemousse]

We've always lucked out on reservations -- but keep in mind that reservations for things like the Royal Table and such go fast especially on holidays.

SHOES. I (and many others) cannot stress this enough. You will walk MILES and may not realize it at the time until you sit down and suddenly your feet are throbbing. If you get new shoes break them in thoroughly. If you are a bit heavy set or have problems with "chub rub" (skin rubbing on skin and getting irritated) GET BODY GLIDE. It was originally for runners to prevent chafing and will work wonders anywhere you experience that.

Use your fast passes every day and for the thrill rides that have long lines or the slow loaders like Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh.

+1 for slowing down, especially if you are there multiple days... you will get to everything you want, I promise! Staying in the resorts aregood too and taking a break during the afternoon when its hottest and most crowded will allow you to go back for the evening and/or extended magic hours.

 

[andyw715]

...that ADR for Cinderlla Castle is nearly impossible to get but you can always just go up and see if there are any cancellations. We ended up getting a late (1:30) lunch reservation!

 

[linana514]

If you're on the meal plan and eating at a resort, know that your refillable mug does NOT count as your meal drink. We took our mugs to each meal at a resort, filled them with water/juice etc. and also grabbed a bottled drink for the room / park etc.

Oh my goodness, this never occurred to me! Sure wish I'd known it when we went last year, but will definitely keep it in mind for the future. Thank you!!!

 

[nursejackie]

One thing I realized during our first trip was to not have so many ADRs! We spent way too much time eating. Since then we have only done a few per trip and then go with the flow of our day and it's so much better. There are a lot of days that we just end up not wanting to leave the pool in the evening so we just eat there or somewhere else at the resort.

I agree with you about ADR's. We don't do the dining plan so we are not under pressure to have full meals, we like to have lots of snacks, especially in Epcot and MK. I may start a thread...........snacks (as meals) around the world

 

[linana514]

I agree with you about ADR's. We don't do the dining plan so we are not under pressure to have full meals, we like to have lots of snacks, especially in Epcot and MK. I may start a thread...........snacks (as meals) around the world

I would love to read this thread! It would be most helpful for the trip I'm planning for just my DD & me.

 

[Shrfleen]

Table service meals are great but do eat up some of your park time.
We brought in filtered water bottles with us and filled them up at the water fountains, it was great way to stay hydrated.
Getting to the park before it opens/as it opens is a must.
We loved our mid day breaks. Staying on property has its perks.
Have a general idea of what you want to accomplish. Our goal was to meet characters, ride a few rides and enjoy our time.