What Disney Tip Are you really glad you listened to?

[bringin_em_up_proper]

After reading so many great tips, here are ours:
- Use a hard-shell medium-sized cooler as one of your checked bags. With 4 going, we don't need 8 pieces of luggage. We packed ours with dry cereal, snacks, juice boxes and baggies. When we got there, filled the baggies with ice and got some half-gallons of milk from the resort. When we left, the hard shell (stuffed with the baggies now full of air)was great for protecting breakable souvenirs.
- Go to the dollar store and buy spiral-bound, unlined index cards (3x5). We bought some Disney stickers and letters to spell their names, and voila - personalized (cheap) autograph books.
- Take a few of the fat, push-button Sharpies for the characters to sign with. No tops to loose, and they really appreciated the easy use (at least, they sure looked happy).
- Echoing others - everything in plastic zipper bags.
- Take an umbrella stroller with a basket/net on the bottom, even if your kids are beyond strollers. My back thanked me often for not carrying the water, camera, snacks, etc.
- Decide how much you want to spend on souvenirs in the parks, then buy that many Disney Dollars from your local Disney Store. Use these as good behavior incentives for months before the trip.

We are going to use so many of the tips on this board on our next trip! See you in September!

 

[willful]

It's true I had no problem getting a cup or 2 of ice water, medium drink size, even when I do not make a purchase! I like to bring in powder mix-ins to help with flavor

We've done the same. Except for the flavor mix. We actually don't mind the Orlando water. Now that we have our hydration packs we only get the free water at lunch/dinner time to help refill the packs. But you're right that CMs/Disney doesn't seem to care about whether you purchase something as they are fine about giving you most of the time a good sized drink cup of ice water.

bringin_em_up_proper - We recently switched to those push-button Sharpies as well...but at times it confused the characters because they were so used to the regular kind. But, you're right that they seemed to appreciate it once they knew.

For autograph book, we took a sketch book from Michael's and printed out past pictures of us with the characters, pasting them on one side and left the other side for the autograph. For some characters we added stickers and such. Most of the characters and CMs thought it pretty cool. I liked it because it was something creative to do. Plus it made for a fun interaction with Buzz, when he noticed my wife had the same shirt on as in the picture. ;-)

 

[LuvsTig]

I picked up this tip before my first trip and was very glad for it. Buy it at your local CVS/WALMART/etc before leaving home. (it's pricey at the resorts). This past trip I cut several pieces into different sizes and carried them all with me in a film cannister. They really came in handy! I wore Croc flip flops that were very comfortable but depending on the weather, even a little humid weather can change everything. Blisters can make a trip to park end really early so keep the moleskin handy and apply as soon as you feel one coming on.

 

[livndisney]

We have always used Mears and my DH hates the waiting. How did you book a town car?

This is the car service I like to use:

http://www.tiffanytowncars.com/rates.html

And I second the moleskin!!!!

 

[Fairyntraining]

Livndisney, I appreciate the tip. I can't wait to do the town car on our next trip.

 

[willful]

I third the moleskin!!

 

[Echo queen]

I third the moleskin!!

I forth the moleskin

I wore a pair of new peep-toe sandle shoes for the first time last weekend. They were rubbing really bad on the back strap area on one foot, I remembered the moleskin that I have never used but allways have (tip from the dis) and used it. It was great, I taped a small square to my skin in the problem area, the discomfort was gone and I did not a blister.

 

[SassyFrassy]

I was curious if anyone has tested the Monistat chaffing gel vs. the Bodyglide? I bought the chaffing gel already thinking it was the better route to go because of the cost difference, but now wondering if it's the better choice. Also does anyone know where to buy the over the door shoe organizer with the clear see through plastic? I'm have a heck of a time trying to find such an item, all I find are the canvase or net and they run anywhere from 12-16 dollars. I've tried the "Dollar" stores and can't seem to find them. Help! Thanks you.

I got some friday at Dollar Tree in the bath section near the shower curtains. Also got the 2 for $1 ponchos

 

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

Haven't read it all so not sure if its already been mentioned,

the "secret" entrance at AK worked out well for us. It's just through the back of the Rainforest Cafe.

We got there a little early but there is a little area with seats and tables and some giant fake animals that kept the kids quiet. Got straight in at park opening and walked on EE and got fastpasses for later.

We didn't miss the opening ceremony either as it was EMH and we weren't resort guests (no idea how we ended up going there on and EMH but I must have gone off my plan that day )

 

[juliana_sd]

Just back!

1. Moleskin - I brought 2 pairs of shoes to alternate, and the second pair did not make my feet happy. Thanks to the moleskin I was fine to wear the first shoes the rest of the week. And, how did I not ever think of using this before? I have so many pairs of dress shoes that I don't like to wear because they rub and now I can use them again!

2. Bodyglide - heck, I chafe after hitting the mall for a few hours. I was pain-free the whole week with this stuff!!!

3. Ziplocs for each day's outfit - this made getting DS dressed in the morning sooooo much easier.

4. Stroller - I don't know if I'd have even thought to bring one if not for all the discussion here, but our trip would have been miserable w/o it!

5. Photopass - I am so happy that I will have pics that I am in. I am really looking forward to seeing them.

6. Shoe holder - I didn't bring one with us, but I have been using one at home and my bathroom looks so much better!

7. Ironing board as table - there are not enough places to set stuff down in the hotel room. Set up the ironing board, voila, more flat surface

 

[JohnH]

Who makes the hydration packs, and where do you find them? Sounds like a good alterneative to a back pack for August.

 

[Autoeng]

I'd like to hit the Disney outlet store as we leave WDW. Where is it located?

Autoeng

 

[Twitterpated Dad]

Who makes the hydration packs, and where do you find them? Sounds like a good alterneative to a back pack for August.

You can find expensive (and high quality) packs at www.rei.com


If you haven't carried one before, I say start with one from Wal-mart. Not the best, but, for $20-$30 you may find that's all you need. My favorite came from Sport Chalet on sale for $20.

As much as I like hydration packs for hiking and biking, at Disney, I just carry a small water bottle. You can refill with ice water at any CS.

Here in CA, I carry a tiny 8 oz water bottle. Unlike Orlando's, Anaheim's water tastes fine.

I'd rather carry a 1/2-1 lb bottle in a light weight pack or even jacket pocket, than a 5-7 lb bladder in a heavy 2-4 lb pack.

 

[Mayra]

Who makes the hydration packs, and where do you find them? Sounds like a good alterneative to a back pack for August.

I have 3 hydration packs, 70oz each, all from camelbak. They have them in different sizes with and without storage space.

Camelbak you can find them for sure at any PX/BX

The last one i bought it for my son on ebay because the one he wanted wasn't available at the PX

 

[mavslab]

So many great ideas!

 

[Autoeng]

I'd like to hit the Disney outlet store as we leave WDW. Where is it located?

Autoeng

bump

 

[HappyCamperToo]

Just back!

7. Ironing board as table - there are not enough places to set stuff down in the hotel room. Set up the ironing board, voila, more flat surface

Whoa! Great idea!!!

 

[carlbarry]

I'd like to hit the Disney outlet store as we leave WDW. Where is it located?

Autoeng

The one I go to is at Orlando Premium Outlets, 8200 Vineland Avenue. Walk through the food court, and immediately upon exiting, look to your right. You will find great bargains.

 

[juliana_sd]

I remembered another one!

Bringing dollar store glow bracelets. DS had sooo much fun passing them out to other kids as we waited for Spectro to start. AND - a Dream Team CM gave him a Magical Moment certificate for being "The Best Sharer" It was precious!!

 

[WeGoDisney04]

Comfortable Shoes Definitely Ouch!!!