What Disney Tip Are you really glad you listened to?

[Ashley0408]

Merchandise and Souvenirs

• Pick up souvenirs before your trip- If you buy your souvenirs before your trip you can save money rather than buying them in the parks. You can even have Tinkerbell or Mickey leave them after you leave (be the last one to leave the room and set them out for them on the bed). You can also wrap them before you leave.
• Pin Trading- Most cast members wear lanyards with Disney themed pins. You can trade up to two pins per cast member. Before heading to Disney, order pins from eBay for cheap pins to trade (they also have starter kits at the parks). When shopping on eBay for pins, check the seller's ratings and make sure they have the disney seal on the back.
• Disney will replace your souvenirs during your stay- If any of the items you purchase at the parks during your stay happens to break, bring it to a shop that sells that item and explain the issue. They will also replace your Disney purchased poncho
• Pressed Pennies- There are over 175 machines throughout the Disney resorts where you can create this inexpensive souvenir. You'll need two quarters and one penny (mix together vinegar and salt and soak pennies before you leave to clean the grime off. If you're at the park, Sprite works just as well). Gift shops also sell books to keep the organized.
• http://www.presscoins.com/listings/#newlistings
• http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XhgLfD6VjE/TpfYuBMeu3I/AAAAAAAAAjw/5AU9joegryg/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG
• Make your own autograph books-Characters will sign just about anything as long as you're not wearing it.
• Some ideas include: shirts, hats, pillow cases, canvas, etc.
• Another idea is use a matted frame for autographs. Take just the matte with you to Disney. Make sure you point to where you want them to sign. Draw lightly with a pencil where the frame would cover the matte. Also be sure to bring many color sharpies.
• http://www.plan-a-magical-vacation.com/disney-character-autograph.html
• Buy souvenirs as you see them- This way you don't have to go searching for it. It could be possible that it is only available in that one park. You don't want to go back just for the souvenirs. If you decide you do not want that item you can return it to ANY gift shop, including the resort gift shops.
• Souvenir Pick up- If you are staying at the resort have them send the purchase back to the hotel. If you do this, be sure you are not leaving within 24 hrs just in case it takes a while for it to get to the resort. If you're not staying on Disney, you can ask them to hold it until the end of the day when you can pick up as you're leaving.

Disney Magic

• Be adventurous and try new things
• Take a tour
• Inform Disney if someone in your party is celebrating something special—birthdate, anniversary, honeymoon
• Slow down and enjoy the magic; take time to notice WDW's details.
• Talk to people, including CM—Could always find out or learn something new
• Take lots of pictures
• Coordinate outfits each day for better looking pictures
• Spend a day touring all the Disney resorts
• If you buy your child a Mickey ice cream bar and they end up dropping it, pick it up and take it to the nearest cart and they will replace it.
• Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom- You can sign up for it at the firehouse on Main Street. Its an adventure game that takes place all around MK. You must follow clues around the park and use the cards they receive to battle villains in several locations around the park.

 

[Ashley0408]

Phew. Sorry it took me so long to get it posted, but these are tips I've collected for myself reading all these pages plus other threads and websites. Three months from today we leave for our Disney trip

 

[ForMyBoys]

Ashley, Thanks for posting the Summaries, Very helpful!!

 

[gracer9977]

Phew. Sorry it took me so long to get it posted, but these are tips I've collected for myself reading all these pages plus other threads and websites. Three months from today we leave for our Disney trip

WOW!!!!! Nice job compiling all the tips!!!! Totally going to print off your posts and use them for my planning.

Thanks for doing this!!

One of the tips though in Epcot about meeting the Beast - I read recently that he is now located at his castle in Fantasyland and you can no longer meet him at World Showcase.

 

[hcipi]

Use your smart phone for:

1.the great disney apps for park wait times for rides

2.finding what gluten free options are in the disney parks

3. Take a picture of your photo pass...if lost you just need your number to get your pictures!!

4. take pictures of tickets etc.

5. small ziploc to keep smart phone in- to prevent water damage on certain rides.

6. use photo pass often-they get the whole group! We have tons of pics without me in them because I am always taking the picture!

7. Make ADRs....you will regret if you don't and when you are tired and hot and need a refresh...they come in handy. If you choose not to use them cancel (remember to cancel-some charge for no shows)

8.Stay on-site. there is a big difference. Take it from someone who has done both.

9. I get each kid a "loaded" disney card for their own purchases. They have to plan what they want and it gets them off my back.

 

[Ashley0408]

One of the tips though in Epcot about meeting the Beast - I read recently that he is now located at his castle in Fantasyland and you can no longer meet him at World Showcase.

Thanks!! I'll edit it!!

 

[PinkBudgie]

General Information about the Parks

• 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.

Not sure I understand this one. Why would you want to follow the crowd? At DLR, when a line splits, I go to the one that is least full (right or left) because most people tend to stay on one side thinking they have to.

Also surprised that half of Epcot isn't even open at 8am, and then the other half closes early???? Is that just during the off season? I assume in the summer it would be in full swing, right?


Thanks for the tips. I'm gathering info for our first trip in July 2014.

 

[Kauai4life]

Not sure I understand this one. Why would you want to follow the crowd? At DLR, when a line splits, I go to the one that is least full (right or left) because most people tend to stay on one side thinking they have to.

Also surprised that half of Epcot isn't even open at 8am, and then the other half closes early???? Is that just during the off season? I assume in the summer it would be in full swing, right?


Thanks for the tips. I'm gathering info for our first trip in July 2014.

Aloha PinkBudgie,
The world showcase at Epcot always opens at 11am the other part of Epcot only opens at 8am on Early Magic hours otherwise it is 9 am or 930am. The
calander of hours will be available 6 months ahead of time. Another good tip is I know this is crazy make your dining reservations if you plan on doing any Table service, 6 months ahead some of the dining sells out.
Happy Planning.

 

[PinkBudgie]

Aloha PinkBudgie,
The world showcase at Epcot always opens at 11am the other part of Epcot only opens at 8am on Early Magic hours otherwise it is 9 am or 930am. The
calander of hours will be available 6 months ahead of time. Another good tip is I know this is crazy make your dining reservations if you plan on doing any Table service, 6 months ahead some of the dining sells out.
Happy Planning.

I can't believe it would open so late in the summer! What are they thinking??? Well, I guess we'll get to "sleep in" after all. I have heard about the crazy dining reservations though, so I'm hoping a travel agent will be able to help with that. WDW is so different from DLR where I just make a few reservations a week or so ahead of time. That's why I'm researching now! I can't wait to see WDW!

 

[DisneyDreamer0610]

Wow! I am stoked I read through all this! I am starting to buy stuff for the trip...I have bought TONS of activities for my kids to keep them busy in lines and on the air plane rides...I have ordered my bagallinni, a new stroller, I even found a portable fan that is battery operated for the stroller!! I ordered my teva flip flops, got all the blister protection stuff and antichaffing creams....I hope I have room for everything else! HAHA! So stoked about my trip...June can't come fast enough! thanks for sharing all these wonderful tips!

The best tip I have gotten is to read this thread!

 

[cowcrazy65]

WOW! WOW! Thank you so much for all the great tips...We leave in 10 days. Thanks again!!!!

Lisa

 

[pixi3ness]

Phew. Sorry it took me so long to get it posted, but these are tips I've collected for myself reading all these pages plus other threads and websites. Three months from today we leave for our Disney trip

You're amazing, Ashley! Thank you so much for compiling these lists. I'm trying to plan our first trip in 2014 and this makes life much, much easier.

I'd also like to thank everyone that has contributed to this.

 

[dizzyblonde]

@Ashley0408 - Those compilation lists are amazing - thanks for sharing!

 

[pmdeve]

Phew. Sorry it took me so long to get it posted, but these are tips I've collected for myself reading all these pages plus other threads and websites. Three months from today we leave for our Disney trip

Ashley, thanks for putting this together. It's awesome!

 

[FlaNani]

The best $10 I have EVER spent at Disney was for a Balloon as soon as we walked in on the first day. I attached it to my granddaughter's stroller, and we NEVER had a problem finding it in the "stroller parking" areas, even if it had been moved!

 

[Ashley0408]

You're welcome everyone!! I seriously don't think I slept at all while reading through this entire thread and elsewhere and then I had to get this list compiled asap. I already have a copy printed for myself and is in my Disney Binder I hope those who are heading there before me can add to these tips for when we go in May

 

[The Fox Menagerie]

Thanks Ashley, your list is really appreciated.

 

[WDWLover75]

I just want to know what kind of bag you all carry around at WDW? Some of these are really good ideas and i know that you will use them at some point, but even if you just pick and choose the ones you think will apply to you, it would be a lot to tote around. We are (hopefully) going to WDW for the first time this year (we've had 3 failed attempts). For example, i had read that, when riding the rides where you'll get wet, to bring everyone a pr of flip flops and a poncho. The poncho i might could see packing and not taking up a lot of room, they seem to get those suckers folded pretty small, but if we all took a pr of shoes, that would have to be a big bag lol. Please dont think im downing anyone by asking this, i am honestly curious!

Lisa

I actually take two bags. First I put on a very small Vera Bradley cross body. It is big enough for my camera, phone, ticket, a little cash, and a lipstick. I never take this off and can easily get almost everything I will need throughout the day. Then I have one of those string backpacks I put other stuff I might need through the day such as my guidebook, a hat, a sweatshirt. They hold more than you think they do and are very comfortable to pack. Plus they are easy on your back and take up nearly no space in your luggage.

I stay away from the water rides because I don't want to have to deal with being wet or preventing getting soaked. Hopefully you will get to take your trip this year. I think no matter what, bring ponchos, Florida weather is so unpredictable and they are quite a bit more expensive in the park.

 

[debjk4]

Thanks so much Ashley0408! June will be our first trip and we need these tips!

I printed them out to read and highlight. This makes me even more excited for June to come!

 

[lucifie]

Magic Kingdom Tips

• 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.
  

Two things... I've heard that they don't do the paintbrushes at Tom Sawyer Island anymore and we did DD's first haircut and got the other kids' hair cut there. They had "pixie dust", but it wasn't Mickey-shaped