What Disney Tip Are you really glad you listened to?

[Bigpaw]

The tip about carrying extra pennies and quarters was a big hit for my kids. The way Disney sets up merchandising at the attractions makes it hard when your kids hound you for gifts after each one. So this is an inexpensive way to let them collect souvereirs

Can someone tell me what souveniers people are referring to. I can't imagine anything only costing a penny or a quarter!

 

[Bigpaw]

I was there last month with my 5 yr old son & if I had not had a stroller, it would have been terrible! Their little legs just can't keep up that pace and since most fireworks/night shows are over past his normal bedtime, he was tired! I also liked the fact that when it was busy during parade times/exiting the park at night, he was sitting safe, right in front of me.

We fly down from Indianapolis and have never had a problem gate-checking a stroller. Check your bags, take it with you thru security, be sure to get a tag from your airlines counter when you're waiting to board. The person that takes your boarding passes will tell you where to leave the stroller. Then it's waiting for you after you land as you exit the plane.

I also found several umbrella type strollers on Walmart's site for around $40. The one I bought was by First Years and holds up to 50 lbs. It folded up easy to get on the bus back to our resort, and helped to have it again at the resort for walking back to our room from the bus stop at the end of the night. Also cheaper than renting if you're there more than 3 days.

We just snagged an umbrella stroller that is in excellent condition online from the Yahoo Freecycle group! Can't get any cheaper than free!!

 

[Gymbomom]

Can someone tell me what souveniers people are referring to. I can't imagine anything only costing a penny or a quarter!

They are talking about the penny press machines. ALL over the World there are penny and even quarter press machines. Pretty much at every attraction, resort, etc.... They even have penny press books for you to keep them in.

I worked hard at finding older nice looking pennies before we went. We had a blast with it.

 

[sammyjo1871]

Can someone tell me what souveniers people are referring to. I can't imagine anything only costing a penny or a quarter!

These are a huge hit with my son! A nice, shiny penny and 2 quarters go into the pressed penny machines, out comes the themed penny souvenir. They have them all over all 4 parks, and we found a bunch at the Contemporary while waiting for our Chef Mickeys ADR. So I'm guessing other resorts have them as well. We've even seen a pressed penny book for sale in some of the shops. It has these little plastic clear sleeves to display all the pennies you've collected along the way.

 

[jennykay]

A lot of people mentioned bringing individual mix ins for the water. My husband is a Gatorade fan and I don't believe they have individual packages (could be wrong, but haven't seen them). So I'm planning on using a formula divider and dispenser for him. Hopefully it will work well.

Gatorade makes an individual serving powder packet - we took them with us when we went.

Here's a link to some on Amazon - but I just got them from the grocery store. The formula powder divider is a good idea, though, if you can't find the flavor you want in individual packets!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=10AS6QFF3XA1D6YB20MQ

 

[ssjones]

I read somewhere on the disboards about the Bagellini being the best bag for the parks. Well I bought one before our trip last year and haven't been able to give it up yet. It wears like an over-the-shoulder sling so I can wear it on my back, but I can also spin it around front at the drop of a hat to pull something out or in crowded places. It's waterproof so no worries on water rides. It held everything we needed for 6 people last year...ponchos, bottled water, camera, money, tickets, you name it, it fit without being very heavy or bulky. When it wears out (IF it wears out), I'll def be buying another.

Other tips...

**Rent a locker at the water parks.
**Always take a poncho...ALWAYS!
**I'm not a fan of credit cards, but the Disney VISA gives great great rewards. Plus you can get one-on-one time at EPCOT with major characters and a FREE 5X7 picture.
**Take drink powder packets to add to the free ice water that you can get in the parks.
**I know this isn't a tip, but the Peter Pan Family Magic Tour was AWESOME, especially for young children.
**Take a nap in the afternoon if at all possible.
**Take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours at night. Some of our most surprise MAGICAL moments have happened during these times.

Which Bagellini did you buy and where did you get them from??

 

[APB513]

Which Bagellini did you buy and where did you get them from??

This is Baggallini I have and I love it!!! I had one in pink but it got dirty so I bought another one in black.

eBags has the bag on sale for $29.99 (regularly $44.95)!!! If you go through ebates.com first you get a 12% rebate which saves you another $3.60 so the final cost (before taxes and S&H) is $26.39!!

Here is the link:
http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/messenger-slingbagg-rip-stop-nylon/18644?productid=66039

 

[APB513]

Spent 2 days reading all 90 pages, thanks for all the great tips. The one thing mentioned that a few asked about that was never answered (unless I missed it) is a "wine pass" at Epcot. I am interested and did some searching and finally found some info on it here:

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2009/10/22/epcots-world-showcase-wine-walk/

WOW! As many times as I've been to Epcot never knew about this...thank you! Love drinking around the world.

The blog referenced that EPCOT offered other passports. I'm not a wine drinker so I was wondering if there is a "drink passport" similar to the wine passport?

I've done "drinking around the world" at EPCOT on my own but I was wondering if EPCOT offered something similar to the wine passport for other alcoholic beverages (ex. Grand Marnier Orange Slush).

 

[ssjones]

This is Baggallini I have and I love it!!! I had one in pink but it got dirty so I bought another one in black.

eBags has the bag on sale for $29.99 (regularly $44.95)!!! If you go through ebates.com first you get a 12% rebate which saves you another $3.60 so the final cost (before taxes and S&H) is $26.39!!

Here is the link:
http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/messenger-slingbagg-rip-stop-nylon/18644?productid=66039

I was hoping it was big enough to hold flip flops for water rides. Can anyone tell me this?

 

[familyfirsttimer]

The blog referenced that EPCOT offered other passports. I'm not a wine drinker so I was wondering if there is a "drink passport" similar to the wine passport?

I've done "drinking around the world" at EPCOT on my own but I was wondering if EPCOT offered something similar to the wine passport for other alcoholic beverages (ex. Grand Marnier Orange Slush).

Oh, that sounds interesting! We always drink around the world...now we share a drink from whaever country we are in but that would be a really neat concept. I am staying tuned for info

 

[fadingjamie]

The blog referenced that EPCOT offered other passports. I'm not a wine drinker so I was wondering if there is a "drink passport" similar to the wine passport?

I've done "drinking around the world" at EPCOT on my own but I was wondering if EPCOT offered something similar to the wine passport for other alcoholic beverages (ex. Grand Marnier Orange Slush).

I think the drink passport is more for keeping track of each country you drink in while still paying for each drink individually. The wine pass is one fee and you get however many wines that are included in the program.

 

[Muslickz]

I think the drink passport is more for keeping track of each country you drink in while still paying for each drink individually. The wine pass is one fee and you get however many wines that are included in the program.

I second and third that.... It was the most interesting and helpful also fun to read

-M

 

[ericalynn1979]

I was hoping it was big enough to hold flip flops for water rides. Can anyone tell me this?

I have this bag and it can definitely hold a pair or two of basic flip flops. Unless you have Goofy sized feet.

 

[amomma23]

Love the post about going out of your way to be nice to others and spread a little pixie dust. People often forget their manners and a little extra politeness when everyone is hot and tired goes a long way. Nothing wrong with putting out a little good karma either... On our last trip, we pulled fast passes for Soarin', but ended up just walking on and using baby swap. We passed them on to another family just as the window was opening up... A few hours later my husband and son went to ride Test Track and the cast member working fast pass gave them each a pass to walk right on.

 

[NY Disney fan]

I got rid of my Baggallini sling bag after a trip to Disney because the buckle kept sliding down and I couldn't keep it tight to my body. But the bag itself was great for storing everything without being bulky. I loved the way it just slid to the front if you needed something. Well, after searching for the perfect bag for my upcoming trip to Universal I ended up buying....guess what? Another Bagallini sling. I'm giving it another chance because it just works so darn well.

 

[APB513]

Oh, that sounds interesting! We always drink around the world...now we share a drink from whaever country we are in but that would be a really neat concept. I am staying tuned for info

I think that's what I'll do next time. Sharing a drink would save money and keep me from falling over after 5 countries

I think the drink passport is more for keeping track of each country you drink in while still paying for each drink individually. The wine pass is one fee and you get however many wines that are included in the program.

Oh, OK. Well I will still try to find the drink passport. It will be good to keep track. Do you know where I can get a drink passport? Thanks!

I got rid of my Baggallini sling bag after a trip to Disney because the buckle kept sliding down and I couldn't keep it tight to my body. But the bag itself was great for storing everything without being bulky. I loved the way it just slid to the front if you needed something. Well, after searching for the perfect bag for my upcoming trip to Universal I ended up buying....guess what? Another Bagallini sling. I'm giving it another chance because it just works so darn well.

Just a word of caution about Universal. They don't allow you to bring bags on some of the rides (ex. The Hulk, The Mummy, The Forbidden Journey). You will have to put your Baggallini in a locker before you get in line.

When I go to Universal I wear a fanny pack. I know it's not a stylish fashion statement but it holds what I need and keeps me from having to get a locker.

BTW if you do take your Baggallini and have to put it in a locker make sure to keep some cash on you. The lockers are free for the first 30 minutes. If you leave your things in the locker longer than that you will have to pay to get them out.

Have fun!!!

 

[cpfolk]

Go to Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom as early as possible on your MK day. The pictures you get inside the park with no crowds that early in the morning are worth it!

Also, head to the back of the park and don't start doing the things in the front. Always good tips

We have taken your advice....8:10 breakfast ressies at all 4 parks during our 9 day stay. Do you know if photopass photographers are taking pics or will I have awesome family photos without me?

Thanks!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

My favorite tip so far was for the Character Autographs. I read on someone's site to buy the matted frames for autographs and it holds a 5x7 or 4x6 (Depending what style you get) instead of the autograph books. Once you get the books they really serve no purpose and quickly forget about them. The picture frame w/ autographs around it is such a neat idea. I bought one for each of my kids.
Here is the link to show how it looks: http://www.plan-a-magical-vacation.com/disney-character-autograph.html

 

[lnh'smom]

My favorite tip so far was for the Character Autographs. I read on someone's site to buy the matted frames for autographs and it holds a 5x7 or 4x6 (Depending what style you get) instead of the autograph books. Once you get the books they really serve no purpose and quickly forget about them. The picture frame w/ autographs around it is such a neat idea. I bought one for each of my kids.
Here is the link to show how it looks: http://www.plan-a-magical-vacation.com/disney-character-autograph.html

Ok I am so not a crafty person but I love this idea! What part did you carry around? Just the mat? Is it hard enough for them to sign? In case you can't tell, I've never bought a picture frame like this!

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

Ok I am so not a crafty person but I love this idea! What part did you carry around? Just the mat? Is it hard enough for them to sign? In case you can't tell, I've never bought a picture frame like this!

LOL I am not a crafty person either but this is easy. I got my frames from Michael's Art and Craft store. You only bring the matted part that the characters will sign; leave the rest of the frame at home. I have 2 for both my kids, place them in a folder so they don't get bent; and stick them in your bag. We are doing Character Dining and some meet and greets the first couple of days, that way it'll get filled quickly and we won't have to carry it around all the days we're at the park. Also, bring different colored sharpie pens for the different signatures so it looks nice. Bring the thicker sharpie pens for the characters that have the big paws to sign; a reg. sharpie will work for the princesses and basically any that don't have a costume covering their hands. Make sure you point to where you want the character to sign, for me I want Mickie Mouse to sign the top center part..and for the part on the side of the frame where it could get cut off by frame, make sure you turn it sideways and have them sign it like that. You can even draw a thin penciled (lightly) line to show the cutoff where the frame will cover that section.