What would you do differently?

[epcotty]

Not the first time, but was the first time in a long time....

When going back to Epcot with my brother several years ago, neither of us had been there in a long time so didn't know what fastpasses were so didn't get them, spent too long in Innoventions including doing this trash truck attraction that was there at the time, I lost my hat on Test Track (should've sat on it), went on Mission Space and Test Track in a row which made me feel kinda bad. But it still was a fun day anyway, and lessons were learned

 

[whiporee]

1) avoid construction. We stayed at the Poly last December and the construction ruined the trip. There was no recovering from it, and it wasn't worth it (WDW has been generous to us to compensate, and I can't even get my wife to take them up on their offer).

2) Go to the beach and if everyone's up for it, hit a park when you get home.

3) I know this sounds crazy, but the next time I go I'm buying the VIP tour. My guess is that would turn a mandatory 7-day trip into a 4-day one if you can get the stuff done in a day.

4) I hate everything about Fantasmic, but even if I didn't, it's just far too much chaos getting in and leaving. I almost got into a fistfight last year because someone was yelling at my wife.

5) Skip character meals. My kids are older now, but even before, they create a lot of pressure. If you're willing to forgo them, ADRs get a lot easier to come by. The one exception might be Crystal Palace, but that's never been real hard one to get.

6) It would only work this year -- and I'm not going this year so it's a moot point -- but I'd go to DHS as late as they'd let me in for the Osbourne lights. I really dig them, but going during normal park hours was jut too crowded and really diminished the enjoyment. But if you go late and stay after official closing, it can be really lovely and a really neat way to spend a later night.

7) Again, it seems like I'm throwing money away, but I'd take a cab to and from the resort and skip Magical Express. Waiting for a half hour or more just to get on the bus is not a great way to start a vacation.

8) and I'd avoid Club Level. it's a bunch of money and I don't think the value is really there.

As for what I would do, I think I might rent a car and drive to the resorts rather than relying on WDW transportation. We stayed at Monorail resorts the last time, and it just gets too crowded trying to get onto them at peak times. So if we go back, I think I'd stay at Beach Club and walk to Epcot, boat to DHS and drive to MK and AK.

 

[buzznina]

Some things we learned to do differently since our first trip with our 1st DD.
We realized that you do not have to stay at a monorail resort when having a child OR 2 with stroller(s) to have a great time.
We learned that (for us) trips seem better when we do not spend so much time at ADRs.
What doing parks with an infant/toddler has taught me Trips seem to be much more fun and relaxing when you do not have everything planned out and are not rushing around. I learned to be more laid back and not get upset with lines, or if the bus is late etc. I will admit, I still get peeved at rude pushy type people though, I am only human
Take a resort day or two during an 8-9 day trip.
I am sure there is more, but that is it off the top of my head