What I wish I would have known BEFORE getting to WDW!

[mum of two pirates]

for all the tips.

 

[metsno1]

What I wish I had known......

That there was absolutely NO WAY I was going to use all of the dining credits on the DDP! Two CS credits were way more than we needed for two adults and two kids, and that was without skimping!

What I would have done differently is simply this.....order exactly what I wanted when I wanted it, and not try and conserve credits early in the trip! I ended up with about 16 counter service meals left over!!

 

[MeLady]

subscribing!!

We never leave home without the general medications and if you don't have a digitial camera, BUY Disposables at home!

 

[Tikitoi]

What I wish I had known......

That there was absolutely NO WAY I was going to use all of the dining credits on the DDP! Two CS credits were way more than we needed for two adults and two kids, and that was without skimping!

What I would have done differently is simply this.....order exactly what I wanted when I wanted it, and not try and conserve credits early in the trip! I ended up with about 16 counter service meals left over!!

I would have made a visit to Earl of Sandwich for some take home food. Or just the Food Court at your resort.

 

[BarbieGal457]

I'm not sure if this has already been mentioned but..

BRING BUG SPRAY!! My friends and I were completely (and painfully) chewed up during our trip in June of '06 and I found it nearly impossible to find it anywhere in the parks/hotels. When I finally found some in MK it was a day before we left for home, and about $15!! I definitely learned my lesson!

 

[Chipmunk89]

I don't know if this was already mentioned or not, but we always buy Crystal Light On the Go Packs for our trips. They come in a box (don't remember how many) and they are individually package. Each packet can be mixed in with a bottle of water. Beats always buying soda, and a nice refreshing change from water. Finished with your drink, fill up with FREE water and an another packet.

 

[Chipmunk89]

Oh yeah, I always bring disinfecting wipes to clean down the room. And air freshener.

 

[pskorf]

We found them in the toy section. I think they had braclets and necklaces in a few different colors. They come 2 in a pack, and they're really just skinny sticks, with connector pieces if you want to make them into hoops. They were with the inexpensive small toys, like Slinky and packs of jacks. Hope that helps!

I also did this - found that at a local party supply store!!

 

[pskorf]

A simple "first aid kit!" I have a small one in my purse that goes everywhere with us. There are band aids, cold, allergy and headache meds, a tiny sewing kit, etc. It goes to theme parks every day and fits in a pocket. On our honeymoon, DH got a horrible headache and we bought 2 tylenol tablets for $2 at a gift shop at MGM. Now we bring our own! I also have a tiny pot I put sunblock in so I can reapply during the day without carrying around a big jug. We also bring our own ponchos-disposable ones for "just in case", and sturdier ones for days it's actually raining all day. The disposables fit in a pocket and do the trick if you get caught in an afternoon shower. I wouldn't trust one to wear all day in downpours, though!

If you go to the first aid station at the park they will give you free ibuprofen or tylenol for that headache! I know I had a horrible headache (not used to teh strong Florida sun I guess) that nearly ruined our first trip and did not bring along anything for it. Someone told me to go to the first aid station and they gave me two tylenol and some more for later!

 

[pskorf]

is that all for free or do they charge you?

Free!!!

 

[mommy2aprincess4]

subscibing! This is a great thread!

 

[DznyDreamz]

I wish I knew how much of a blast Typhoon Lagoon was going to be!! We got there later in the morning and had to leave by 3:00 in order to make our ADR. Next time I know to plan for an entire day at the water parks.

 

[Andrea]

wow i just read all 23 pages!!!!! great tips a lot of them are doubled but that's ok!!!!

 

[carcam51]

Me too...read all 23 pages and I'm so surprised by how many people bring bottles of water into the park. I have a camelbak fanny pack that holds 45oz of water. There is a tube that you drink from, and the water stays cold. In addition to the water, I am able to carry with me my camera, wallet, cell, sunscreen and a first aid kit. It's awesome...I won't go to the World wihtout it!

 

[ashleypmo]

take an extra camera--even if it's just a disposable, so that if your group splits up, both groups can have a camera with them!

 

[wenzdae]

not sure if this has been mentioned before. But if you are a tea fan, bring tea bags. In addition to giving iced water free, you can ask for a cup of hot water to steep your tea. This will save you over 2 bucks. And if you liked iced tea, just ask for a cup of ice, and there you go (you can ask for a larger empty bigger cup to if you want). And at the QSRa there is always a condiment bar where you can get sugar if you like sweet tea.

 

[planetcaravan19f]

Bump!!

 

[planetcaravan19f]

bump!!

 

[FLA NUT]

That even the magic of Disney can't make your grumpy, moody 11 yr old into that sweet little boy you once knew! lol

We just got back, and if you were there and saw a mom telling her son that if you can't be nice just don't say anything at all, or telling her child that she just wanted to go back to the room cause his mood was spoiling the magic for her it was me talking to my son!!!

Yes it was magical and great but not ALL great. But aside from that at least he was grumpy and arguing with me in Disney. I tried not to let it ruin my trip but sometimes I wondered what the heck did I do this for??? How can you be grumpy at Disney????

Aside from that I had a great time and loved it and didn't want to go home.

I felt like I was the only one who had a grumpy child in the "Happiest Place on Earth". Guess there wasn't enough pixie dust to go around that day.


Stephanie

I know exactly how you feel. My DS11 is moodier than any woman with PMS. I will be so glad when his hormones level off. I have been told that it will get better.....I didn't know that I would have to go through this with boys, I thought it was only girls who were moody and argued with moms.

 

[Eeyore Excitement]

Subbing