What is your #1 Touring Tip?

[fairytinkerbell]

What is your most clever touring tip? (anything from packing to visiting parks, restaurants, etc!)

 

[kilee]

I'd have to say, if I can only pick one, is actually sitting for the parade that 1 hr early. We grab ice cream and just sit. It's a great time to re-group, re-energize, and share some down time as a family. We love people watching and enjoy the sights and sounds so much. They are one of the precious things that are overlooked unless you can go often enough to stop commando style.

 

[RobinMarie]

My number one tip is: arrive at park opening!

 

[Serenity]

If I can only pick one tip, it would have to be at the parks before opening. Being able to be in the parks before the major crowds hit and getting to do the more popular rides before the waits really helps everyone feel better about the day.

 

[Micca]

Try to make EMH, and eat early or late

 

[danny1649]

You can get more done in that first 3 hours while park is filling up than you could do in 8 hours if you arrive at park mid morning.

 

[iluvtink]

It may not be as important in October, but if you have younger children, I think the most important thing is to take the afternoon break and go back to the pool, nap, or whatever for a couple of hours. On the days when we did that, our children were pleasant, happy people and we really enjoyed the parks. On the days when we attacked Commando Style, especially on EE days, our children were of the horrid meltdown variety by 5:00 p.m.

iluvtink

 

[GarrettJD]

I will echo the others.....

Arrive Early! Arrive Early! Arrive Early!

(with apologies to the Unofficial Guide. )

Seriously. Get to the turnstiles 30 minutes before opening, and head straight to one of the big rides. You'll be amazed at how much you can get done in the first couple of hours. At about 11 or 12, when things start getting busier, you can slow down, eat, or take a break, then rev up again in the late afternoon when things slow down a bit.

Second, plan out what you want to see. Try to see the big rides early or late, and make good use of Fastpass. If you use Fastpass correctly, you'll save loads of time.

Oh, and make sure to take an afternoon break for a couple of hours if you can. You'll last longer that way.

 

[Synonymous]

Has anyone mentioned that you should arrive early?

 

[auntpolly]

We wouldn't be caught dead in the MK in the afternoon. There are too many families with do or die mentalities that are hot and cranky but they won't leave for a break because they want to get their money's worth. (or maybe they have single day tickets or they aren't staying on site -- whatever the reason.) It is too crowded and it will clear out considerably at dinner time.

 

[Jo-Anne]

In order to arrive early at parks we always eat breakfast in our room so we don't have to deal with crowded food courts and saves a lot of time and money. We pack a soft sided cooler, bring baggies for ice cubes, take down the small cereal boxes, plastic bowls and spoons and buy milk which we keep in the cooler.

 

[Minky]

I know I am going to get flamed for this, BUT I go against the grain when it comes to touring...when I am on vacation I sleep late, so I eat a late breakfast and head to the parks about 11 or so....just when everyone is getting ready for lunch...so lines are never a problem...THEN, everyone wants to see the parade which I usually skip...so in that time I am usually able to do all the rides from between 12 and 4, then I take a break grab a snack...re do my favorite rides before the end of the day.....SO much better then feeling RUSHEd to get there BEFORE it opens with hundreds of people who RACE to get on everything....I prefer the leisurely route (more power to the morning risers) if I could I would....Im just WAY too lazy

 

[Synonymous]

Minky, what time of year do you go? That sounds like a decent strategy for slow times, but have you ever tried it at a peak season?

 

[Minky]

LOL!!

NO WAY!!! I REFUSE to go during peak season...once..ONCE...NEVER AGAIN!! Before I found mousesavers and The Dis I didnt know any better and went for THANKSGIVING ....I remember sitting on Main Street with my Giant Rice Krispy treat, balled up as tightly as possible so as not to get trampled, looking at my best friend and wanting to BEAT her with my giant Krispy...for it was her idea to go at this time since she didnt want to take a day off of work and go the week before.

So if you are going during peak times, Yes, DO go as early as you can and follow the advice of everyone here.

I am actually excited to try the evening EMH...FINALLY something I can make it to!

 

[pwcarlson]

I have a gas laughing at people's footwear. Some women and young ladies wear the darnest high heel Sandals to walk around the parks all day and nite. So my number one tip: COMFORTABLE and Supportive shoes and socks. Same goes for clothing. Nothing too tight or too short. Not very comfortable to wear in the hot and muggy days of Florida pulling and yanking on clothes.

If you are doing the park with several children, I have seen families all wearing the same color Tee shirts. Makes it easy for all to know that the family is all together.

 

[Gaiusrex]

Since no one seems to have mentioned it, I would suggest arriving early.

 

[sarahsmom73]

Did anyone mention: Arrive Early?? !!!

If you have small children you can ride everything in Fantasyland and some even twice or more during peak season if you open the MK.. We did it over Easter and were amazed at the lack of lines!

The other thing we discovered over Easter was that EPCOT is a great place to visit after 4! We were able to use the singles lines for Test Track and Mission space with only about a 15 minute wait.. Future World was pretty empty and the WOrld Showcase wasn't too busy either!

 

[binkyj826]

To save money when booking PS at restaurants - Have a light snack for lunch around 11-12 and then pick the latest lunch seating (usually around 4pm) for dinner instead! Saves you money because you are having dinner but paying lunch prices.

 

[cudworth]

Like everyone else be EARLY . We have only been at Easter so skip a sit down breakfast and sit down lunch, eat breakfast in your room and brown bag it for lunch and eat a good dinner early.

 

[debkorb1]

Really have a good idea of what you want to do before you go and perhaps more importantly what you are prepared to miss! Stick with that as far as possible.