What Disney Tip Are you really glad you listened to?

[DisneyDreamer0610]

HOLY SMOKES! I'm finally done! I thought I'd never finish! Such awesome tips here! I have 22 pages and counting! Thanks everyone! Been many times myself but this will be my husband, MIL and 3 kids - DS(11), DS(9) and DD(3)'s first trip to the world...I'm trying to maximize the magic!

 

[GirlOutlaw]

wristband cards.

Do they offer these anywhere else? I alway use a lanyard but would prefer a band.

 

[Buzzfan1966]

One of the tips I got here was to get souvenir pennies everywhere we went. The boys loved it and they really weren't interested in getting anything else. When we went through the gift shops after rides, they were too busy looking for the penny machine so they weren't looking at other stuff to buy.

I didn't want to waste the pennies so I thought I would post what I did with them.

I just thought I would share. The boys helped me put the pennies on the pictures so this just might become a tradition.

 

[pony2wild]

One of the tips I got here was to get souvenir pennies everywhere we went. The boys loved it and they really weren't interested in getting anything else. When we went through the gift shops after rides, they were too busy looking for the penny machine so they weren't looking at other stuff to buy.

I didn't want to waste the pennies so I thought I would post what I did with them.

I just thought I would share. The boys helped me put the pennies on the pictures so this just might become a tradition.

Love these ideas!

 

[robertandalyssa]

There is one thing I have yet to read anywhere in all of the searching for tips and tricks that I plan to try on my (hopefully soon to be) next trip.

I have heard from a few people that have gone on cruses who before their trip have their doctor proscribe them an anti-nausea patch or other Rxn medication. Taking it from the get go before there is even a hint of an issue of motion sickness tends to keep it from ever occuring and (hypothetically) gives you more freedom to enjoy the rides in the park.

Any other tips or tricks for dealing with Motion Sickness at WDW?

Sea-Bands. (Sold at Walgreens near me) The concept seems odd, but they work wonders. I have a friend who used to get sick in any vehicle, and nothing he took seemed to work consistently. He hasn't had a problem since he got Sea-Bands and he travels about 42 weeks out of the year, flying domestically and internationally, and has been on a few cruises too.

Just my $.02.

 

[itsmeamanda]

I will second the Sea bands suggestion. I used them midway through our first cruise after I spent the first night sick in the bathroom. They work!

 

[Iloveeliot]

If you think you will do pin trading buy many pins from a Disney outlet store as cheap as you can. It doesn't matter what they are pins of because you will be trading them anyway. You can have an outlet ship them to you and even with paying shipping you will come out ahead. I had mine shipped to me from an outlet out of state. It worked out great, the only problem was I didn't get enough of them and still paid full price for more at the parks.

Also it isn't worth it to buy pins on ebay unless you are positive they are real. I bought a batch and they were all scrappers I would never be willing to trade as official Disney pins.

If you have an EXTRA bag you can easily pack bring it! I had planned on carrying my big back pack with the padded straps but decided to throw the little bag I got from my travel agent in my suitcase. It was a life saver! My normally comfortable backpack was killing my back and I had something nice and light with straps that landed in a different place to use!

Take the drawing class in DHS! It is so awesome and I think lots of people don't know about it. I took 4 times and was one of my favorite things we did at Disney.

Bring a water bottle with a filter like a bobble or a Brita. There is no reason to spend money on water when you can get it free anywhere you go in the parks. It killed me to watch people throwing their money away on water when I know how expensive a trip to Disney is.

Pre-buy the photopass CD and/or photobook. It saved us tons of money and we knew we would want it anyway. If you do pre-buy it let the photographers know. They may take some extra photos since they know you will be getting them. We had one photographer who took tons of extra magic shots for us since she knew we ordered the cd. She was an amazing photographer who called me princess and made me feel so special!

Stop at one of the photo kiosks and make sure your magic shots are there. We checked our photos and noticed some magic shots missing. I spoke to a cast member who insisted they couldn't give me the shots because they weren't taken properly. When I pushed to get them they did add them and they looked awesome!

 

[lwells523]

I didn't want to waste the pennies so I thought I would post what I did with them.


I just thought I would share. The boys helped me put the pennies on the pictures so this just might become a tradition.

See thats awesome. Thats kind of what I was thinking for the pennies as well. I have some from other parks from years back and never quite knew what to do with them. This will help remind the kids of their trip once we are back home.

 

[nhmommy]

Last time we went to WDW my son was 17 months old. I brought a bunch of light-up toys and glow sticks and bracelets(you can get a package of 10-15) at the dollar store.) When we were waiting for the night entertainment such as the Electric light parade we would break out a bunch of bracelets and he would give them to the children around us. My son made fast friends and everyone in our circle were in great moods after the random act of kindness from my son it defiantly made our wait more enjoyable.

 

[nhmommy]

We also brought a Mommy clip for our stroller it was a great thing to clip our mugs,bag or whatever to the stroller and know it wasn't going to fall off. You can get a cheeper version of this in the camping section at Wal-mart or Target.

Small cooler for all of our rain gear just big enough to fit everything in made it so we didn't have to rummage past the gear when the weather was dry and when we had wet gear to store it all went back into it's bag and didn't get anything in our other bag wet.

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Sea-Bands. (Sold at Walgreens near me) The concept seems odd, but they work wonders. I have a friend who used to get sick in any vehicle, and nothing he took seemed to work consistently. He hasn't had a problem since he got Sea-Bands and he travels about 42 weeks out of the year, flying domestically and internationally, and has been on a few cruises too.

Just my $.02.

Is that what they are called? I've heard of bracelets that stop nausea. Saw them work for the Duggars on 19 kids and counting but no matter what I did I could never find out the name of them! Thank you!!!!!

 

[lucifie]

Is that what they are called? I've heard of bracelets that stop nausea. Saw them work for the Duggars on 19 kids and counting but no matter what I did I could never find out the name of them! Thank you!!!!!

Yes, they're called Sea-Bands. I found them in CVS near the Dramamine when I was pregnant. I didn't have severe morning sickness, but they helped a lot with that queasy feeling. I meant to bring them to WDW because I had a bad experience with a tilt-a-whirl a few years ago, but I forgot them and didn't need them.

 

[Ashley0408]

Packing For Trip
Includes money saving tips that you can buy at home instead of the park. You can also ship these things to your resort but just remember you'll need space to bring what you want home.

Don't overpack on the children's toys
Pack less clothes, more money-You can coordinate outfits and put them in ziploc bags. Allows kids to decide what they what to wear without the hassles.
Put spare set of clothes for everyone in carry on.
Ziplocs/Collapsable containers; multiple sizes-Great to store snacks, wet clothes in park or to keep things dry. Containers are great for when kids don't eat all their meal and you're going back to the resort where they can eat then.
Staying Healthy- Bodyglide to help with chafing, moleskin to help with blisters (some people use medical tape or even duct tape!), bandaids, cold meds, ibuprofen, sunscreen, Gold Bond powder, and other needed things. If you go to the medical station in the parks, they will provide some of this stuff for free one time. If you get sick at Disney, talk to a CM and they can help you with directions to a doctor or pharmacy
Pop-Up Hampers- can be placed in the bottom of the luggage. Some also suggest just bringing a couple trash bags for this reason as well. That way you can keep your laundry separate from clean clothes on your way home.
Laundry- little boxes of detergent (if doing laundry), shout wipes
Fabric Softener Sheets- Helps keep clothes smelling fresh in luggage.
Flip-flops/Crocs- for rainy weather or water rides. Change into to prevent soggy sneakers.
Hat/Sunglasses- Be sure to bring an extra set
Hand soap with pump
Sponge pieces with soap- Cut pieces of sponges and add dish soap to wash sippy cups and resort mugs. Make sure to dry them out before putting them in a ziploc
Nightlight/Mini Flashlights- Help you see your way in the dark hotel room.
Surge Protector- not many available outlets in hotel room. This allows you to have all your stuff charging where you can see it.
Plastic Shoe Holder- Hangs over your bathroom door and organizes toiletries.
High quality socks- make sure they provide moisture wicking. Also bring enough for changes at least once during the day.
Two pairs of shoes- wear a different set of shoes each day. Also do not buy new shoes for Disney. Bad idea
Disney Apparel and Souvenirs- Buying these outside the World is cheaper.
Ship whatever you can to the resort- Coffee, Snacks, water bottles, toiletries, or anything you don't need to take home. Also order any groceries online and have them delivered.
Oil Absorbing Sheets- Great to wipe the sweat off your face.
Spray antiperspirant, any brand- Spray on your feet, in between toes, soles, sides. Prevents your feet from sweating which results in friction and blisters. Reapply if you go back for afternoon break.
Chewing gum- Not sold in the Parks so if you want it, you have to bring it
Hole punch- Punch hole into room key and photo pass. Hook on keyring and attach to bag,
Folding fabric basket- Use in the hotel room to drop keys, wallets and other small things to keep organized.
Tape Rollers- Use this to get hair off of clothing, but also on the edges of the bed to check for bedbugs.
Baking Powder- Mix powder with enough cold water to make a slightly runny paste. Apply liberally to sunburned area and allow to air dry on your skin. Take a cool shower followed by motrin.

 

[Ashley0408]

Packing for Parks
**Be sure to pack your things the night before. Get your “game plan” together and set out everyone's clothes so that way in the morning you can have less of a fight. Have your bags packed and ready to go with everything you need. Take this bag with you every day. Better to have it than have to buy it in the parks. Make sure cameras and phones are charging and set up your wake up call.
**There are bag checks at all the parks that you must go through. Some people prefer not to carry anything and avoid these lines. Best thing to do is get there before Rope Drop so you'll have plenty of time to go through. You're also allowed a soft-sided cooler in the parks but check with exact measurements. To make the process go faster, have all bags ready and unzipped. Also the security guard will first check the person with the bag on his left. Try to go to the shortest line.

• BAGS- fanny packs, nap sacks, anything that is large enough to carry essentials. If you have a stroller, get one that has a strap wide enough to go across the handle bars (more of a concern in double strollers)
• Stroller- Even if you don't think your child needs one, get one anyways. Probably at some point your child is going to want to take a break—at least the kids that are about 8 and under. You'll also have a basket underneath to store your stuff. Bring along a D-Clip to hook water bottles, hats, bags to. Also tie a scarf or some other colorful object around the handle of your stroller to easily find your stroller among the sea of identical strollers. Disney offers stroller rentals but you can also rent strollers from outside sources for 1/3 the price. They will be left for you at the desk when you arrive and you leave it there when you leave to be picked up.
• Earplugs-For young children and loud, scary attractions
• Misting Fans- Cheaper when you bring them compared to buying them in the park
• Ponchos- Buy them outside of the park. Cheaper- But if your Disney Poncho rips, Disney will replace it for free.
• Filtering Water Bottles- All places will give you FREE water inside the park but people still recommend bringing in a Filtering Water Bottle because Disney's water could taste strange.
• Water-flavoring packets/MiO- great to flavor water when you get bored of water.
• Pin Backs- For your disney pins, preferably screw backs for the ones you don't want to lose.
• Pins/Lanyards: Buy on eBay, get the cheap ones to trade for the ones you want with the CM
• Glow sticks and other glow toys: Much cheaper to pick them up at the dollar store than to pay for them from the street vendor during parade/fireworks (Street vendors are CASH only. Be sure to plan for this as they are one of the few things you can not use your Key to the World card or Debit/Credit card)
• Wallet Inserts: For Drivers licenses, Key to the World, paper money, etc.
• Extra Memory card/Batteries
• Disposable Cameras for Kids: get the cheap disposables for the kids to use. Its wonderful to see Disney from a kids POV. Bring enough because Disney's are ridiculously priced for something that will have mostly people's rear ends. Plan on 2-3 per child.
• Child Safety- Temporary Tattoos, Bracelets, or Dog Tag for children in case the awful event occurs and they are separated from you. People also said they even wrote on the child's back or arm with permanent marker. Include YOUR name and cellphone number. Don't include your child's name because unfortunately the people who would steal your child would use that to their advantage. Also snap a picture of your children EVERY day so you can remember what your child is wearing (be sure to get shoes in the picture). Child harnesses are also a great idea for those little guys who want independence.
• Autograph things- Whatever you want autographed, bring with you along with sharpies. Big Retractable ones in multiple colors are best.
• Pennies and Quarters for the penny presses!
• First Aid- bandaids, wipes, moleskin, sunscreen (be sure to apply often, not just first thing)
• Travel Locker
• Baby Wipes/Antibacterial wipes
• Lip Balm with Sunscreen
• Swimmers Towel- To wipe up water from seats
• Shower liner- Throw over stroller during one of Florida's famous down pours.

 

[Ashley0408]

Organization and Itinerary

• Makes copies of park passes and photo passes. Keep one with you and one in hotel room. Also you can snap a picture with your cellphone.
• Snap a picture of your information with your camera just in case you misplace it.
• OR
• Put address labels on all electronic equipment (camera, phone, mp3 player, etc). Guests often leave small items behind and CMs will turn them into Guest Relations. They check to see if you are a guest at their hotels, and if not, they will mail your gadget back to you, if they know where to send it.
• Fill out an index card for each day (or each park), laminate each card, hole punch and put them on a key ring. You can even color code them to each park.
• Include information such as: parade and firework times, ADR with confirmation number, time and resort with phone number, park hours (including magic hours if any), suggestions for counter-service and snacks
• Also can include list of must see/must do for that day/park
• Also include any other tips you've picked up.
• Another option is to print information on 4x6 pieces of paper and insert them into a cheap photo brag book. Can also include your reservation information, copies of park and photo passes.
• If you like to journal your experience, this is a great idea! Bring long letter envelopes with you. Use one for each day. You can keep the receipts inside the envelopes. Write your memories on the outside of the envelope. So when you get home, you can read what you have done/ate that particular day. Also read that you can take photos of all your meals. Now probably don't care about those counter-service meals but your sit downs would be fun!
• For picky children, find menus for the CS eateries at the park and write the name of the restaurant, location and suitable items on index cards or post it nots to color code them. Laminate and hole punch in the corner with a keyring. Carry this with you in the parks and when you find yourself needing a place to eat, you can pull this out and know exactly where to go.

Resort Tips

• Research- Find out where on your resort is the best place to be and call before hand to request that building. If possible, ask for a room looking towards Magic Kingdom to see the fireworks. If at Port Orleans Riverside, take the boat to Downtown Disney. At Animal Kingdom Lodge, do not park near the high grassy areas because of ants.
• Bus Transportation- Buses start running about 2 hours before the park opens. If you want to make it to the park in time to be at the front of the line, you need to get on a bus at least one hour before the park opens. That will give you time to make it through security and still get up near the front of the park’s entrance.
• Shipping Packages- Resorts will accept packages on your behalf two weeks prior to your arrival. (Call and verify this with hotel to be on the safe side)
• Visit other Resorts- You can take a bus or the monorail to any resort and browse. You can eat at their restaurants, shop their gift shops, walk their beaches—you just can't use their pool. You can also drive their, just let the guard know what you're doing and they usually give you 2hrs.
• Electric Water Pageant- Every night starting at 9pm, Electric Water Pageant makes its way around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. It can be seen from any of the 5 resorts. You could go for dinner at 1900 Park Fare (located at The Grand Floridian) and then walk down to their beach and see the Pageant and the fireworks at Magic Kingdom.
• Chip n Dale Campfire w/ Smores- Enjoy a FREE campfire sing-a-long with Chip n Dale at Ft. Wilderness. It is usually at 7pm during fall/winter and 8pm during spring/summer. You can enjoy a FREE Disney movie, make smores (don't worry, if you don't have the fixings, they sell them by the campfire) and hang out with Chip N Dale. This event is located near the Meadow Trading Post.
• Animal Kingdom Lodge- view of 100 of grazing animals for free. You can then visit the gift shop while your kids play with the musical instruments from Africa set up by Disney.
• Mousekeeping- Disney's version of Housekeeping. Be sure to bring tips along in premade envelopes with a tip. Rule of thumb is to tip $1 per person a day plus a $1 extra. So a family of 4 would tip $5 a day. Sometimes Mousekeeping leaves you magical touches such as towel animals, turn down service, extra towels or shampoo. If there is anything you need, leave a note with your tip.
• Decorate room window- Bring Disney themed window stickers, stuffed animals to decorate your room with. Plus Mousekeeping will sometimes have fun with it by arranging the stuff animals in certain ways.

 

[Ashley0408]

General Information about the Parks

• Breaks, Rest, Naps- During peak season when the parks open earlier and close later, get to the park before Rope Drop and leave the park by 11-12pm. Go back to the resort and take a nap or swim in the pool. Have lunch and head back for evening hours. This doesn't work when parks close earlier so you'll have to decide what is better.
• If driving, use your cellphone to snap a picture of the lot and row number you are in- a CM can help you locate your car easily this way.
• FASTPASS- This is a must use at all the busiest rides. It saves you a spot in line at a certain time of the day. Best way to use FastPass successfully is to head to the rides you want to ride later and grab a fastpass and then jump in line (if the line isn't long already). That way you can ride twice. If one adult doesn't want to do that particular ride, move on to the next ride to grab the next fastpass. As of March 2012, you must use the FastPass within an hour after the time given. You are unlikely to get a fast pass for rides after the first few hours the park in open.
• Rides that are the busiest: At Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and Fantasyland (Mainly Dumbo and Peter Pan). At EPCOT, Soarin' and Test Track. At Animal Kingdom, they head straight to Kilamanjaro Safari. At Hollywood Studios, the main attraction is Toy Story Mania with some people heading to Tower of Terror and Rocking Roller coaster.
• Rider-Swap- Great program with young kids. Basically when you get in line, you tell the first CM you see that you want to do the Rider Swap program. They will direct you from there. What this program does is allow you and three other people in your party to ride the ride while someone else stays with the child who can not ride. Once you ride it once, the adult who rode gets off to stay with the child while the other adult can ride WITH the people who already rode without waiting in line again.
• Rope Drop- Refers to arriving at the park approximately 45 minutes before the park opens. Many parks have a show they give the guests who arrive early. Arriving early allows you to ride more rides, enjoy less crowds and lower temperatures.
• Baby Care Stations- Every park has one. They include nursing rooms, changing stations, high chairs, toys and more! Great place to escape the heat with the little kids for a few minutes.
• Disney Photopass CD- Buy before your trip and save money! Regularly priced (at the World) is 169.95 but if purchased before your trip you get the special price of 119.95! It gives you access to ALL your photos from your trip taken by the Photopass Photographer, including the magic pictures. They are placed at all the perfect locations throughout the park for a photo-op. Don't want to buy a photopass, no problem. They will take a picture using your camera. Just be sure it has a strap on it or they won't touch it. http://www.disneyphotopass.com/specialoffers/wdwphotocdlearnmore.htm
• Characters- All characters meet and greet times are listed in the Times Guide available to you when you first enter the park. You can also find them at many of the souvenir shops throughout the parks.
• Ask a cast member in a blue shirt if you need help finding the location of the meet and greet.
• If you see a photopass photographer just lingering in a random location, most likely they are waiting for a Character. Don't be shy, ask them and they will gladly let you know.
• When you get in line, ask the handler how long he'll be available so you don't waste your time in line. And can go back at a later time.
• Only face characters like the princesses speak. You can explain this to your child saying the other characters have to save their voices for parades or shows.
• Closing Times- Even though the park has closing times, not everything shuts down right then. Usually the shops are open for another 1-2 hrs afterwards.
• You can get in line up until the park closes. So if you get in line at 8:59 and the park closes at 9, you'll be able to ride.
• Times- Each park has a wait time board that is manned by a cast member. This board will have up to the minute wait times and FastPass return times.
• Extra Magic Hours- There's two minds sets to these and I'll provide both so you can decide which is better for you.
• Do Magic Hours: Whether you have the extra hour in the morning or the extra hours in the evening, it gives you extra time to see everything you want to see. You have the park to only resort guests (but remember there is 20 resorts). Its only good if you plan on taking advantage of the extra hours. If you don't plan on staying for the extra hours, its best to avoid that park.
• Don't Do Magic Hours: The park with the magic hours is usually the busiest (except for special occasions). Its better to hit the park thats not having magic hours and you'll avoid the crowds and have a chance to ride more rides.
• Left Lane- At Disney, always go to the left. Whether its the left line of a ride or going left instead of right when walking the park. Most people will travel left so you'd be following the crowd.
• Guest Assistance Card- Disney offers this card to those with special needs. It allows guest to fully enjoy their vacation by offering alternative entrances or waiting areas for attractions.
• Park Hopper option- this option allows you to visit more than one park in a day. If you are unsure if you'll use this option, wait until you get to the park before adding it. You can add it at any time during your vacation and pay the same price as you would if you had purchased it before you arrived.
• Cast Members- These people are there to help you in any way they can. Strike up a conversation with them and you can learn tid bits about things that you may not know. They can give you the best place to watch the parade or firework show. Also I was there back in '05 and the CM running Rockin' Roller Coaster handed out free fast passes to any ride. So be nice, smile and they will share their magic.
• WiFi- Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios now have free wi-fi in the parks. This is great so you can bring other electronics for inline entertainment and apps to help you navigate the parks. The only thing is you have to agree to terms and conditions each day and sometimes the internet connection is a little iffy.

 

[Ashley0408]

Magic Kingdom Tips

• Rope Drop- Magic Kingdom has a wonderful welcome show that starts about 12 minutes before the park opens. Make sure you stand in the middle of the queue where you can see the clock at the top of the train station. The show will involve the train, so make sure you can see it.
• If you time it just right, your walk down Main Street could be with a few characters as they head to their meet and greet locations.They won't stop for autographs but its fun to walk along side them.
• Dining Reservation Before park opens- Make a dining reservation at either Crystal Palace or Cinderella's Royal Table before the park opens and you should be able to get a picture of Cinderella's Castle without any other guests in the photo. Sometimes the photopass photographers are out to capture the moment for you.
• Characters- Most characters can be met in other parks. So only meet the characters that do not meet in any other park. This includes Rapunzel, Tiana, The Fairy Godmother, Wendy and Peter Pan
• Fantasyland- Most appealing to little ones. Be sure to go first thing in the morning. Crowds start increasing around lunch and will stay crowded for the rest of the day.
• Parade- Figure out where the 3pm parade will start. If it starts in Frontierland, you can get a spot there. There will be fewer crowds and once the parade is done you can hop on a ride whole everyone else is still watching the parade
• Avoid seeing parades on Main Street. Head towards places near Liberty Square or Frontierland.
• If there are two evenings parades, the second one will be less crowded.
• Wishes- If you are planning on leaving as soon as the fireworks are over, try to find a seat towards the entrance to the park instead of near the castle. Also, head inside the shops on Main Street on the left hand side and you can cut through all the shops and avoid the crowds on the street
• You can also view the fireworks from the Polynesian Resort on the beach. Take the monorail over and head to the beach. Some people have commented they could hear the music others said they couldn't.
• If you've seen Wishes a couple of times before try watching it from fantasyland behind the carousel- Fireworks explode right over your head.
• Resting- Best attractions for napping: The Hall of Presidents, The Tomorrowland Transit Authority
• If you need a quick bite and recharge, take the monorail over the the Contemporary Resort and eat at Contempo Cafe.
• Walk over to the Grand Floridian and grab a hammock on the beach
• You'll find a Rose Garden between Cinderella's Castle and the entrance bridge to Tomorrowland. While relaxing you may find baby ducks walking through the gardens. Also a great PhotoOp
• PhotoOps- The sled outside Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square. Great for Christmas card Photo
• At the MK Hub there are some classic characters statues. Take a picture of each member with their favorite characters. Every time you go back take a picture with the same characters
• Get a dining reservation before the park opens and take a picture with the castle without any people in the way. If you're lucky, a photo pass photographer will be there.
• Magic Moments- Things that you may overlook or special opportunities to make the magic even better.
• Harmony Barber Shop- Located on Main Street, you can go and have your baby's first haircut. Your package will even come with a pair of commemorative ears. You can also get a gel style for just $5 with mickey shaped confetti.
• Head over to Tom Sawyer Island first thing in the morning. Cast members hide paint brushes throughout. If you can find one, your entire party will receive a FASTPASS.
• Ride in the back of the MK Railroad train.
• Play place beside the entrance of Splash Mountain for little ones to play on while their siblings ride Big Thunder or Splash.

 

[Ashley0408]

EPCOT Tips

• Future World opens at 9am and World Showcase opens at 11am. Most of Future Wold closes at 7pm, but a few rides remain open including the Character Spot
• World Showcase is an excellent place to meet Characters. Be sure to check The Times Guide when you enter the park for exact Meet n Greet times.
• Kidcot Stations have been added to each country and staffed by people native to that country. Kids can get their Duffy Bear stamped as well as their names written in a foreign language (Bring autograph mat from Michaels and have them write something, whether it be their name or a word such as family, love, etc in their own language.)
• Kim Possible- You can get you Kummincator on the bridge that leads into the World Showcase and then complete the missions at your pace
• Eating around the World: at each country, buy something for everyone to share.
• Drinking around the World: Order one drink from each country. You can get a Wine Pass and enjoy 6 wines from 3 different countries. http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2009/10/22/epcots-world-showcase-wine-walk/
• Other games around the world: http://www.partythroughtheparks.com...round-the-world-at-epcots-world-showcase.html
• Illuminations- Best place to watch illuminations is the bridge leading to the UK. Also if you have time and you're up to lots of margaritas and nachos you can go really early (7:30ish) and grab a place in Mexico (Cantinas) on the water. Keep ordering things periodically to justify your presence there and wait.
• If you don't care to see the fireworks, you can use the time as an opportunity for Character Meet n Greets or get on some rides with shorter lines.
• After show, if you're not in a rush, take a stroll around the lagoon.
• Characters- Send one member of your party to fastpass Soarin while everyone else heads to the Character Spot to meet Mickey and his friends. If you can be the first one there, you'll get a picture with all 5 characters.
• Club Cool in Innoventions building- Test coke products from around the world for FREE! There is one bitter drink called Beverly. Trick your family into trying it but avoid drinking it yourself.
• Disney Chase Visa- If you have one stop by the Innoventions West building between 1:30 and 4:30 and get a private meet and greet with Mickey and his friends. You'll also get a free 5x7 photo.
• Play Place- located in the Mission Space building that is great for kids 5 and under. You'll need to enter the exit of Mission Space (technically the gift shop). Great place for little kids while parents ride Mission Space or Test Track
• Magic Moments- You can call the pay phones located in the United Kingdom.
• Here’s the numbers: 407-827-9861* Right Booth; 407-827-9862 Left Booth; 407-827-9863 Center Booth
• Boardwalk- If you plan on visiting the boardwalk you can plan on to do it on an EPCOT day so you can take the boat there. Much more pleasant that having to take two buses.

 

[Ashley0408]

Animal Kingdom Tips

• Kilimanjaro Safari- When arriving first thing in the morning, head straight back and grab a FASTPASS. The safari is best first thing in the morning, right after the park opens. Animals are more likely to be closer and more energetic as they would in the afternoon when its hot.
• Even on EMH days, it may not open right when the park does.
• Kali River Rapids- Use ponchos and sandals on this ride. You WILL get wet.
• Plan on some rides closing before the park does, around 4-5 o'clock.
• Characters- Animal Kingdom is one of the best places to meet the characters. Many people don't think about meeting characters here so the lines are fairly short. Be sure to check the Time Guide for the Meet n Greets
• Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade- Starts and ends in Harambe. Head back to Harambe and enjoy the Safari or explore the tails then make it back to the parade route about ten minutes after it started. You'll have your pick of viewing and there won't be much of a crowd
• Kids Discovery Club- Purchase one of the Safari journals for 10.95 at the gift shop. As you tour Animal Kingdom, Look for the Kids' Discovery Stations. Each station has a different activity and your child will receive a special stamp in the book when you complete the activity. When you receive all your stamps, you can turn it in for a special surprise.
• Magic Moments- At the Affection Station be sure to grab one of the brushes on the side
• There is a semi-secret path located off the trail to Harambe Village. Its the very last path to the right after the Tree of Life and just before the bridge to Harambe Village. Its entrance is somewhat covered with vegetation so it can be easily missed. Because very few people know about this path, you can take your time and get up close to the Tree of Life. And if you see rocks with holes in them, be sure to look through the holes for a nice surprise.
• If you go through the Rainforest Cafe's gift shop and out the doors at the back, there is a fun garden type area with oversized vegetation. There is also a working turnstile with a CM that can get you into the park. A lot of people don't know about this so its never really busy
• Animal Kingdom has a playground for kids 10 and under called The Boneyard. Its a great place for the younger kids to hang out with mom while the other people ride Dinosaur, Primeval Whirl, Expedition Everest or Kali River Rapids.

Hollywood Studios

• If there is rain in the forecast, Hollywood Studios is the best park- Almost every single attraction and queue are indoors.
• You can get the Fantasmic Dinner package on the Dining Plan- this gets you an appetizer with your dining plan along with guaranteed seats to the show.
• Toy Story Mania- Almost everyone at the Rope Drop will be heading towards the ride. Your best option in the morning is to send one person from your group to FASTPASS the ride. You can take everyone else to meet the Characters by the Sorcerer Hat followed by Buzz and Woody (located across from Toy Storia Mania ride)
• Sorcerer Mickey is scheduled to appear 1 hr after the park opens in the Animation Building. Most people don't realize that you can get back to Socerer Mickey's meet n greet location by entering the Art of Disney store and going through the double doors located at the back of the shop (this is the exit to the Art of Animation attraction). If you can get back here by 9:50, you'll be able to meet him with little to no wait (you'll see the roped off area where he meets).
• Star Wars- Be the first ones in line to sign up for the Jedi Training Academy if you child is old enough. You must have the child you are signing up with you.
• Art of Animation class will teach you to draw a character and you can keep your sketch

 

[Ashley0408]

Dining

• Dining with Characters- Great way to collect autographs while feeding your family. Each park has at least one Character meal. At Magic Kingdom, its Crystal Palace (with the gang from Pooh) and Cinderella's Royal Table (with Cinderella, Snow White, Jasmine, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty). At Animal Kingdom, its Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House. At Hollywood Studios, its the Playhouse Disney characters at Hollywood and Vine. At EPCOT, its the Princesses at Akershus in Norway or Mickey and the Gang at Garden Grove near Soarin'
• Eat Breakfast in the Room- Great way to lower your costs. You can bring PopTarts, dry cereal, breakfast bars, donuts, etc.
• Iced-Coffee drinkers: Buy the resort's refillable mug, make your coffee the night before and add cream and sugar; chill. Add ice in the morning.
• Disney is a Coke only resort. If you must have a Pepsi fix, you'll have to order it in, or bring it with you.
• If you are a big soda or coffee drinker, you can purchase a reusable mug in the food court of your resort for $14.99. This mug will enable you to receive unlimited refills during your stay at the hotel. The major drawback is it is only 12oz and is only valid at your resort where you are staying. Try to figure out how many refills you might use to make sure it is worth your investment.
• If you're dining at a counter-service restaurant, consider buying a large soda with light/no ice and ask for a cup of ice to go with it. Once you get to the table, you can split the soda with your partner.
• Buy a double cheeseburger and an extra bun- make two burgers. Ive read since this that they did away with the double cheeseburgers but the cheeseburgers are large enough to cut the patty in half and put it on an addition bun.
• Bring Snacks and Water in with you- The water is free at all counter services with they sell snacks or food. But some people say that they don't like the taste of the water.
• Bring individual packets of kool aid, lemonade, flavored-drink mix into the park
• Animal Kingdom only has paper straws which can be difficult for children to use- Try to bring some sort of a sippy cup or thermos for kids to use. (Their cups also don't have lids)
• Dining and Parades/Fireworks- If you plan on seeing a parade or watching fireworks, consider timing your meal around your wait time. Pick up food to go from a nearby counter service restaurant and sit and enjoy it in your parade viewing spot. This will help pass time and kill 2 birds with one stone.
• Wishes Dessert Bar- a dessert buffet located in Tomorrowland. Sit and eat dessert while watching Wishes in Magic Kingdom. $30 dollars a person. HIGHLY recommend grabbing one 180 days out. They go quickly.
• EPCOT has an awesome counter serive called Sunshine Seasons- located in the Land Pavilion just outside the entrance to Soarin'. They have a variety of food choices and they offer FREE refills.
• Eat at the No Way Jose at Beaches & Cream at the Yacht & Beach Club- serves American breakfast, lunch, dinner American cuisine. Table service; reservations not accepted.
• Some vendors cannot take credit card or room keys- But really its only the smaller snack kiosks as well as the street vendors that are out during the parades.
• Dining Plan- Offered by Disney when staying at one of their resorts, it is a great way to help you save on the cost of food if you normally eat all the food that you will receive on the plan. Check out menus on AllEars.net and plan a mock day. If you would save money using the dining plan, then it is for you!
• Tipping at a Table Service restaurant is NOT included in the Dining plan, but you can use your credit card or room key to pay this, so cash is not required.
• If you are paying out of pocket for a table service meal, choose breakfast or lunch. The prices are cheaper than the dinner prices.
• You can order either the medium or the large drink on the plan at the counter service restaurants. They will not ask you if you want a large size drink, so make sure to tell them when you order.
• Disney Dining Apps- Download before you leave for the parks. At the restaurant you decide, you can sit down and figure out what everyone wants to eat browsing their menu. Then one person can reserve the table and the rest order the food. (Recommended: WDW Dining App)