What Disney Tip Are you really glad you listened to?

[PrincessTiffany]

The best tip I have EVER received from the Disboards is that Fastpasses don't expire! Changed my life forever!!! lol!!!

 

[smithmom]

These are great - I'm going to read through all of them tonight (I can't wait!).

One of the best things I read on the here is about the Illuminations Cruise. We went in 2003 and booked one - shared it with people on here and had the best view I've ever seen for Illuminations. And we met some amazing people! A can't miss. I'm doing another one this September!

 

[poohbear95]

There are some an amazing ideas on here and I can wait to use them.

 

[doodlesmommy]

I use the M&M tube tip as well, I am stopped every time by security. I guess it looks rather odd on the x-ray machine.

I couldn't find the M&M tubes last year so I went to the pharmacy and asked for an empty prescription bottle. The quarters fit perfectly inside. We stacked it to the top for each kid and it bought enough to fill up half of their coin books....we will go back in Oct. to fill up the rest.

 

[Malibelle]

The best tip I have EVER received from the Disboards is that Fastpasses don't expire! Changed my life forever!!! lol!!!

Where did you read about Fastpasses not expiring? I would like to read more on this as I was not aware and I have several fast passes from a recent trip. Can I use these?

 

[thebeesknees]

Where did you read about Fastpasses not expiring? I would like to read more on this as I was not aware and I have several fast passes from a recent trip. Can I use these?

I think what the PP meant was that they don't expire for that day. For example, if it says to come back between 11:00 and 12:00, you can come back that day any time after 11:00. I've never heard of being able to use Fastpasses from another trip.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

I think what the PP meant was that they don't expire for that day. For example, if it says to come back between 11:00 and 12:00, you can come back that day any time after 11:00. I've never heard of being able to use Fastpasses from another trip.

That's correct, Fastpasses do not expire until the end of the day. Sorry should have clarified. And actually that just started this year, before that there was no expiration at all.

Here's a a quote from one of threads that talks about Fastpass expiration:

Originally Posted by Disboard Member Dawgdad
WOW! This just always seems to rear it's ugly head. Now we have people wanting the "rules" enforced. Where do I start??? I always try to respond to these posts because I do feel like I have some worthwhile info that comes from actual Disney management (see below). First of all, if you don't believe you should use the FP's past the time, then don't. The fact is this: If I choose to not ride during the 2 hour window, it only means that someone else will fill my magical spot on the ride (someone from the standby line). If I did enter during the 2 hr time, that same person (theoretically) will ride AFTER me. You see, when I use my FP does not affect 1)the number of people in the park, or 2)the number of people who choose to ride a certain ride. This is not a rationalization, it is just basic theme park logistics. FP's do not expire (on that day, of course) and I know that for a fact.

My cousin, Scott Bowden works in Anaheim as a Senior Vice President in the Department of Planning, Revenue Management and Strategic Pricing (how would you like that on your business card?) We have spoken so many times on this subject that many times when I call him, the first thing he says is "Wassup, Fastpasses don't expire"

Remember, FP's are not intended to move you to the front of the line, they are to allow you to spend your waiting time somewhere else (like buying food or merchandise). Disney is a business and people can not spend their money in line. FP is a win-win idea that reduces your standing in line time. When you use it does not affect the flow of the ride or the dynamics of the wait for ANYONE else. Now, there is one more thing. When we adopted our child from China 2 years ago, one of the other fathers in our travel group works for the company in Buffalo that (among other things) worked with Disney on the design and implementation of the fastpass. Trust me when I say that the idea was not to reduce your wait time, but to reduce your "non-buying" time in the parks. It is not an accident that the Fastpass does not specifically prohibit late arrivals. In the original patent for the fastpass (and machine), there is a specific statement that details this "late" use. It is not only OK, it has zero bearing on the flow of the park or the wait times for anyone. Yes, you could argue that if everyone held their fastpass for 1 hour then flooded the ride, there may be some fluctuations in wait times, but that is simply not realistic. Additionally, if everyone did that, many more standby riders than normal would get to ride earlier. Remember, how or when you use your FP does not affect the number of people in the park or how many people ride the ride.

Fastpasses DO NOT expire. If a castmember tells you otherwise, politely ask them to speak with a supervisor - you are not asking for a favor, you are asking for something that is specifically allowed under the fastpass.

Fastpasses DO NOT expire.

Disclaimer, this post is a couple of years old and Fastpasses do now expire at the end of the park day.

 

[StefnMike]

These tips are awesome.

Although reading the thread from the beginning (started in 2005), I am amused by how changes in technology have changed the tips.

Quarters - the tip used to be to put them in a film container. Now it is an M&M mini's container or an empty RX bottle.

Kids daily pictures - the tip used to be take a polaroid. Now it's on your cell phone.

I'm sure there are more.

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

*Baggalini-geat bag!
*Teva mush-yay, I feel so much more stylish without crocs
*fastpasses don't expire for the day-DH believes me now!
*preorder photopass-saved money!
*make my own treats at Goofy's-YUM!
*International Gateway-yay! took me to my fav places to see!
*I have learned almost every transportation possibility on the DIS!
*Lastly, before my last trip I was told to check for seating at
T-Rex and Rainforest even if there was a crowd standing around-
glad I did, got in each in under 5 minutes!!
I'm sure there are many more things I could think of!
LOVE the DIS!

 

[Diznejen1]

*Baggalini-geat bag!
*Teva mush-yay, I feel so much more stylish without crocs
*fastpasses don't expire for the day-DH believes me now!
*preorder photopass-saved money!
*make my own treats at Goofy's-YUM!
*International Gateway-yay! took me to my fav places to see!
*I have learned almost every transportation possibility on the DIS!
*Lastly, before my last trip I was told to check for seating at
T-Rex and Rainforest even if there was a crowd standing around-
glad I did, got in each in under 5 minutes!!
I'm sure there are many more things I could think of!
LOVE the DIS!

If you are a smaller party(like 2 or 3) make sure the people at the stand know that. We(a party of 2) stood outside of T-rex for 45 minutes watching huge parties go in before us that were in line after us. I finally spoke up and we were sent to the front of the line. It was obvious we were not on the list to be seated. At some locations on property it feels like if you are not in a party of 4, you kinda get pushed aside. Make yourself known!

 

[doodlesmommy]

These tips are awesome.

Although reading the thread from the beginning (started in 2005), I am amused by how changes in technology have changed the tips.

Quarters - the tip used to be to put them in a film container. Now it is an M&M mini's container or an empty RX bottle.

Kids daily pictures - the tip used to be take a polaroid. Now it's on your cell phone.

I'm sure there are more.

What is film and polariod? HA HA!

 

[lovndisney]

awesome tips. I am definitely subscribing and starting from the beginning...we leave on the 10th ....so excited.

 

[bratmomma]

It took me 3 days to read this post, an hour or so at a time. I FINALLY finished.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread. I got three pages of notes, and several good laughs from this topic!

I am subscribing so I can keep track of any new tips that come along between now and our visit.

 

[ZoZo]

Ooooh, what a great thread. Thanks for bumping it up to the top again!

My favorite tips are:

* Use fastpass whenever possible.
* Arrive at the parks at opening.
* Eat breakfast in the room to save time and money.
* Drink tons of water; I got dehydrated before I realized it last trip.
* Shoes are very important - bring several different types, if possible. I ended up getting blisters from a pair that I thought was broken in, and was so glad I brought my comfy flip-flops as a back-up.
* Use moleskin and bodyglide to prevent blisters.

 

[kcakk2]

I pack each of my daughters clothes in ziploc bags. Shirt, shorts,panties,and socks. All they have to do each morning is grab a bag out of the suitcase and they are ready to go fro the day. I also do this each night with their jammies. Jammies and a pair of pantie in a bag... they are ready for the tub.
I pack my kids this way for every event! I write their names or give them a symbol so they know what is theirs. This gives them freedom to "pick" an outfit and allows me to relax and let them "be" themselves. Several of my mom friends have stollen this trick and everybody swears by it! Give it a try and let me know what you think!
CA

 

[ncmickeyluvr]

Okay...I fess up to not reading this whole thread..but I don't have an extra 4 days to sit here Apologies if I'm repeting what's already been said.

I loved the tip about taking a picture of the kids first thing every morning. I do it with my cell and gosh forbid they are ever lost, I don't have to remember what they're wearing that day. I also take a pic of our KTTW cards...have never lost mine and not completely sure what having a pic of them would accomplish..but what the heck..make me feel more secure lol

Our last trip..and next..was in the fall. I bought several different kinds of halloween candy and packed an assortment in our park bag everyday. Just the right size to occupy the kids in lines. I'll definitley do this again this year.

 

[Hootch]

I also take a pic of our KTTW cards...have never lost mine and not completely sure what having a pic of them would accomplish..but what the heck..make me feel more secure lol

QUOTE]

I misplaced a couple of tickets last week while at the parks. (Misplaced because I found them later in one of our bags.) The photocopy of the back of our tickets was all I needed to have them replaced. This was the third trip using these tickets - just a couple of days left - and I somehow temporarily misplaced them with only one day left on them.

 

[luckymom4]

This is now my favorite thread by far. I appreciate everyone who has shared their knowledge to make things a little easier on the rest of us! Keep the good tips coming. My trip isn't until October, but if I learn any new things while I'm there I'll gladly share!

 

[bburgs]

• Utilizing the Fastpass system to the fullest.
• Hitting a popular ride during the parade. We walked in Pirates all the way literally to the boats with no wait during the parade when an hour before there was a 50 min wait
• Packing water and snacks each day. Saved lots of $$ that way

 

[emkrueger]

I'm 23 and my parents have been DVC members for about 15 years. I've been coming to Disney at least once a year for the past 12 years or so. I'm bringing my girlfriend for her first Disney trip in August before Med-School starts for myself, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for nice weather and lite crowds (wishful thinking ) Some of my advice might be geared for people my age, but nonetheless I hope some of it is helpful.

1. Get to Animal Kingdom early, ideally at rope drop, and proceed to Kilimanjaro Safari's. Obtain fastpasses. Ride it - there should be no wait because you're one of the first ones there - and once off, ride it again!

The experience is totally different each time: a different guide, the animals moving around, etc. Plus getting their early, food is put out so the animals get in good viewing and so they will be active in the morning. This is unfortunately a ride that can be a lot of fun (if you see a lot of animals), or a bit of a bust ("Just look at those termite mounds!"). Don't leave it to chance, ride it twice!

2. You can easily make a cheap and fun day at the Boardwalk area.

Take a bus to Hollywood Studios, and walk along the channel to Boardwalk (about 10 minutes). From there you can: walk to Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf (so much fun!), walk around the lagoon to Swan/Dolphin, Beach and Yacht Club or see the sights and sounds of Boardwalk. Big River Grille and the ESPN club are fun (for an older crowd) to grab some drinks or appetizers. Jellyrolls, with dueling pianos, is a fun night cap.

3. Single rider lines.

I believe these are available, at least, at Everest and Test track. More than once I have skipped the 90 minute wait and rode the ride 2-3 times in less than 20 minutes.

4. Wear sandals to the parks.

Obviously comfort is the most important thing, but if it rains or you ride a water ride, nothing is worse than wet socks/shoes all day and the wrinkly feet!

5. Dinner at the California Grille at the Contemporary.

Book those reservations in advance. Arrive 45 minutes early (or earlier and ride the monorail) to make a special table request. Hopefully you'll have a window-table, amazing food, a great view and an overall great experience as the restaurant pipes in music from 'Wishes' being played at Magic Kingdom. Don't worry, they have a balcony if you don't get your ideal table where the view is still great the and music can still be heard. It is a bit spending however, well worth it though!