We returned 9/27 from a 6 day trip to WDW. We are a family of 5 and this was our first trip to WDW. I have been on these boards for months, read all guidebooks I could get my hands on and researched anything I could think of. I think all of my efforts paid off. My hubby even commented on how "in the know" I was. I felt very prepared and felt that preparation helped make our trip a fantastic experience. Listed below are some tips that I found useful and a couple of things I would do differently next go round.
*We flew because we found very reasonable airfare and were willing to pay for that luxury. We used Disney transportation exclusively while there and all went off without a hitch. 2 in our party had to stand on buses twice during the week, once after Illuminations and once on the way to Magic Kingdom in the morning. DME worked very smoothly. Lines looked long, but we waited only about 5 minutes until being served and another 10 or so for DME bus to resort. We stopped at 2 resorts before ours, no big deal. Touchdown to check-in was about an hour and 40 minutes.
*I packed one entire suitcase full of snacks and breakfast items. We brought about 1/2 of it back. We did not eat as much as anitcipated. I did order bread, water, milk and juice, etc from gardengrocer and they delivered as promised. Cold items were cold and in a separate bag marked as such. Make sure to bring filling snacks such as peanuts, trail mix, pb crackers so you don't have the sugar high and crash.
*We stayed at POR and loved it. We were in building #18, Alligator Bayou section, room #1834 and it was the perfect building. A quiet pool was located behind building as well as the laundry. We were about 1 1/2 minute walk from the foodcourt to refill those mugs and about 2 1/2 minutes from the bus stop (south stop) and boat landing. My only comment would be that we were on second floor with no elevators. Getting our bags downstairs at 5am for airline checkin woke us right up! Maybe consider a ground level if this would bother you. We were fine with it. Room was VERY quiet!
*Room was a comfortable size for 5 of us, (2 adults, 3 kids). Kids took turns sleeping on trundle. Room was not huge, but there were some well thought out storage options. Beds were high so suitcases were stored under after unpacking. Ledge at the end of bathtub provides nice storage for shower toiletries.
*Took lots of zip lock baggies and used all sizes. Took clothespins for retractable clothesline and to keep curtains completely closed. Curtains do a great job of blocking light, by th way! Took pop hamper and it was great for keeping room tidy. Dirty clothes went in to be carried to laundry and returned clean and folded in hamper. I purchased 2 $ Tree over the door shoe organizers and used these to keep tidy as well. I had to be a bit creative when I discovered the hook that came with them was square and I needed it to be round to attach to the closet rod. I simply took the hanger with the clothepin like pants hanger and clipped the organizers back to back. We then had revolving storage and it held them all week. I tossed the organizers before leaving as they were beginning to rip on some compartment edges, but I hadn't planned on reusing them anyway.
*No lines, no lines, no lines!!! I don't think I could ever visit during a busy time.
*Autograph book is a great, inexpensive souvenir, about $7.
*Bus drive gave my kids transportation trading cards with hidden Mickeys. They were part of a set of 18. Kids had fun asking drivers for more and trying to find Mickey's.
*Guest relations in Downtown Disney - two cast members came up to my girls and sprinkled pixie dust over hair and told them to "Make a wish, Princess!" It was really sweet and we still have remnants of pixie dust in scalp after several hair washings.
*We won dream fastpasses coming off Expedition Everest. It was great to win, but we didn't even use the fastpasses because, have I mention NO LINES!!
*Food was pricey. Kids meals are a great value for an adult that doesn't require a huge meal. There is some variety too. I had turkey pinwheels and baked chicken leg. Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney is a GREAT value!
Free refills too!
*See the fireworks at Magic Kindom and Illuminations at Epcot. See the Liberty Singers at United States in World Showcase. They are the pre show for the "America" themed show (can't remember the name) and they are phenomenal! Truly breathtaking!
*Things I would not take again if visiting during the same time period. Misters, we just didn't use them. Not so much food. Not so many ponchos. Not so many shoes. 1 pr sneakers, 1 pr crocks could last all week.
Well that's all for now. If I can think of anything else, I'll post. I hope someone finds this info helpful!
*We flew because we found very reasonable airfare and were willing to pay for that luxury. We used Disney transportation exclusively while there and all went off without a hitch. 2 in our party had to stand on buses twice during the week, once after Illuminations and once on the way to Magic Kingdom in the morning. DME worked very smoothly. Lines looked long, but we waited only about 5 minutes until being served and another 10 or so for DME bus to resort. We stopped at 2 resorts before ours, no big deal. Touchdown to check-in was about an hour and 40 minutes.
*I packed one entire suitcase full of snacks and breakfast items. We brought about 1/2 of it back. We did not eat as much as anitcipated. I did order bread, water, milk and juice, etc from gardengrocer and they delivered as promised. Cold items were cold and in a separate bag marked as such. Make sure to bring filling snacks such as peanuts, trail mix, pb crackers so you don't have the sugar high and crash.
*We stayed at POR and loved it. We were in building #18, Alligator Bayou section, room #1834 and it was the perfect building. A quiet pool was located behind building as well as the laundry. We were about 1 1/2 minute walk from the foodcourt to refill those mugs and about 2 1/2 minutes from the bus stop (south stop) and boat landing. My only comment would be that we were on second floor with no elevators. Getting our bags downstairs at 5am for airline checkin woke us right up! Maybe consider a ground level if this would bother you. We were fine with it. Room was VERY quiet!
*Room was a comfortable size for 5 of us, (2 adults, 3 kids). Kids took turns sleeping on trundle. Room was not huge, but there were some well thought out storage options. Beds were high so suitcases were stored under after unpacking. Ledge at the end of bathtub provides nice storage for shower toiletries.
*Took lots of zip lock baggies and used all sizes. Took clothespins for retractable clothesline and to keep curtains completely closed. Curtains do a great job of blocking light, by th way! Took pop hamper and it was great for keeping room tidy. Dirty clothes went in to be carried to laundry and returned clean and folded in hamper. I purchased 2 $ Tree over the door shoe organizers and used these to keep tidy as well. I had to be a bit creative when I discovered the hook that came with them was square and I needed it to be round to attach to the closet rod. I simply took the hanger with the clothepin like pants hanger and clipped the organizers back to back. We then had revolving storage and it held them all week. I tossed the organizers before leaving as they were beginning to rip on some compartment edges, but I hadn't planned on reusing them anyway.
*No lines, no lines, no lines!!! I don't think I could ever visit during a busy time.
*Autograph book is a great, inexpensive souvenir, about $7.
*Bus drive gave my kids transportation trading cards with hidden Mickeys. They were part of a set of 18. Kids had fun asking drivers for more and trying to find Mickey's.
*Guest relations in Downtown Disney - two cast members came up to my girls and sprinkled pixie dust over hair and told them to "Make a wish, Princess!" It was really sweet and we still have remnants of pixie dust in scalp after several hair washings.
*We won dream fastpasses coming off Expedition Everest. It was great to win, but we didn't even use the fastpasses because, have I mention NO LINES!!
*Food was pricey. Kids meals are a great value for an adult that doesn't require a huge meal. There is some variety too. I had turkey pinwheels and baked chicken leg. Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney is a GREAT value!
Free refills too!
*See the fireworks at Magic Kindom and Illuminations at Epcot. See the Liberty Singers at United States in World Showcase. They are the pre show for the "America" themed show (can't remember the name) and they are phenomenal! Truly breathtaking!
*Things I would not take again if visiting during the same time period. Misters, we just didn't use them. Not so much food. Not so many ponchos. Not so many shoes. 1 pr sneakers, 1 pr crocks could last all week.
Well that's all for now. If I can think of anything else, I'll post. I hope someone finds this info helpful!
Since then I've been leary of them, but the one at AKL worked fine. My advice? Pack yours if you have room. If not, I'm sure you'll be fine with the ones at the resorts. When in doubt, wear a hat! Enjoy your trip!
