Top Ten Tips

[Cinderellabride]

Hey all,

On one of the other threads it was mentioned by someone that they would like to hear everyone's top 10 tips. I thought that sounded like a fabulous idea. I hope I'm not stepping on toes, but it didn't seem to be going anywhere in that thread, so I thought I would start one specifically designated to that. I think it would be cool if everyone would post their top ten tips for visiting WDW. Then we would all have one thread with lots of tips on it. (I'm sure there are others like this on here too, so I'm sorry if this has been done before). I'll start.

My top ten tips:

1. Make a plan, but be prepared to vary from it if the mood strikes you to do something else.
2. Make ADRS. If you want to get into the good table service restaurants you are going to need reservations, or else you will either have to wait a long time or you won't be able to get in at all.
3. Don't be too upset if it rains. Lots of people leave the parks or congregate in stores and restaurants, which means that the ride lines are really short. If you can handle getting a little wet (you won't melt) it's actually a really great time to go on rides. Although some of them will be closed if there is lighting.
4. Fastpass, Fastpass, Fastpass.
5. To get a great spot for viewing Spectromagic and Wishes go to the corner on main street by the crystal palace. You will have to get there really early to get a spot on the street, but if you eat at Crystal Palace you can come out and sit on the sidewalk and relax, then after spectro you can either stay where you are or walk a little towards the castle for an even better view of Wishes. It's a great way to end a day at MK: character dinner, and a great view of the parade and wishes.
6. Take advantage of EMH, but make sure you know which rides are open for it. It really stinks to expect to do a favorite ride during EMH, so you don't do it during the day, and then find out it's not open for EMH.
7. If you are planning on going on any water rides (eg. Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids) do not wear jeans or jean shorts. Chafing. Ouch.
8. Wear comfortable shoes. Even if they don't match your outfit. It's better to not get blisters.
9. If you do the dining plan you can use your snacks to get light breakfast foods at your hotel food court.
10. Drink a lot of water. Dehydration is something that can sneak up on you while your busy running around in the heat having fun. Make sure you take breaks and drink a lot of water.

So those are the top ten tips I can think of right now. Now let's hear yours, please.

 

[wilde_oscar]

I have a top #1

Free water... ask for tall cup of ice water at counter service locations and poof, they give you water. It is of course florida water, but cold water is better than nothing.

 

[ILuvPoohBear]

I always take off my shoes for a water ride and wear sandles. It's very uncomfortable to wear wet runners for the rest of the day.

 

[tndisneyfan]

If the kids (or spouse) are tired, it's better to sleep in or plan some down time than to drag a tired cranky kid (or spouse) around the parks.

 

[BYC]

If the kids (or spouse) are tired, it's better to sleep in or plan some down time than to drag a tired cranky kid (or spouse) around the parks.

I would leave my tired and cranky family sleeping, and get some alone time in the parks! They can call me when they are ready for breakfast !

 

[WaltD4Me]

If you don't have to see the parade it is a great time to do a ride or see a character. Last year we couldn't get anywhere near the characters in Toon Town, but during Spectro the line for the Princesses and Mickey was only about 10 minutes, then when headed over to Fantasyland to ride Dumbo and Peter Pan with no wait at all.

 

[Cinderellabride]

If you don't have to see the parade it is a great time to do a ride or see a character. Last year we couldn't get anywhere near the characters in Toon Town, but during Spectro the line for the Princesses and Mickey was only about 10 minutes, then when headed over to Fantasyland to ride Dumbo and Peter Pan with no wait at all.

That's a good one. Another good idea if you want to see the parade and take advantage of the short lines is to go on two days when they have the parade. One of the days you watch the parade and the other day you hit the rides with low lines. I think on some days during busier times they have the parade twice (at least they used to) so hit up the rides during the earlier parade and then watch the later one. (I think the later one is usually at park closing).

 

[MomofKatie]

My top tips:

1- get to the parks at rope drop.
2- Make ADRs for any TS places you really want, even during "slow" times
3- have a plan, but don't be a slave to it
4- plan r&r downtime- if you don't, you'll "hit the wall" after a few days
5- eat CS meals at off times (11am lunch, 5pm dinner) to avoid long waits
6- Crocs (or other super comfy shoes of your choice) and Body Glide= happy feet
7- bring ponchos for unexpected rain and water rides
8- research WDW before you go to minimize meltdowns and unexpected problems
9- set a meeting spot in case anyone gets seperated, and everyone carry cell phones
10- have fun!!!

 

[loco4dis]

My Top Ten (for trips in the summer):

1. 1) Bring sunscreen from home, and remember to take it to the parks (it's really expensive there!).
2. 2) Buy cheap rain ponchos at home, in multiples, and throw them away after you use them.
3. 3) Buy cheap misting hand-held fans at home and bring them. They're a God-send and they're nearly $20 at the parks.
4. 4) Plan a trip long enough that lets you take things at a slower pace (I'd say at least 6 days instead of 4-5).
5. 5) Bring "moleskin" for blisters; it doesn't fall off like Band-aids do.
6. 6) Bring over-the-counter motion sickness meds in case anyone (like me!) suddenly finds out they get sick on some rides even if they never have before.
7. 7) Wear a hat that shades your face.
8. 8) If you don't want to do laundry, bring everyone 2 shirts for each day.
9. 9) Take lots of pictures.
10. 10) Be nice to your kids. They're not naughty/spoiled/demanding, they're just excited…and exhausted!