If you had just one tip to give, what would it be?

[Debi]

Okay, here's the scenario: A familiy is travelling to WDW for the very first time, and knows nothing about it. What insider hints/tips/suggestions would you give to that family?

I'll go first: never underestimate the imporntance of mid day breaks. No matter the age of the traveller (both adults and children), you will ineviatably experience meltdown if you don't take a break. Go back to your resort to nap, swim, watch TV, or just sit on a bench in a park and people watch for an hour or so. Everyone needs a break!

Who's next?

 

[Melika77]

HI! I would suggest these few things:

**Moleskin or New Sking (aids in preventing and civering blisters and cuts)

**Bring bandaids made of Fabric (They last longer. Can be bought at supermarkets)

**Bring a fanny mid sized pack.

**Buy a small water bottle to fit into water bottle (Rubbermaid makes small one that fit.)

Melika77

 

[HenryMom]

Well, if it's a family that's going to be using a stroller, my tip is to take along a clear, waterproof stroller cover in case of rain. (I actually just read this on another board, and will be doing it myself!) A poncho thrown over a stroller just doesn't cut it in the rain, plus the child can't see anything!

Melika77 thanks for the tips, but can you please fill me in on why you would put one water bottle inside another? I am a newbie at all this, and very curious.

Thanks,

HenryMom
FQ - May 2001 First trip!!

 

[wmears13]

Only 1 tip?!?

First and foremost....read and research your trip!!!!!

Keep calling and trying to get the rooms/hotel you want.

Read the DIS.

Take a water bottle, use sunscreen and have GOOD SHOES.

Take time to appreciate your surroundings and all the Disney people have tried to create. The WS in Epcot is stunningly beautiful and romantic.

 

[ducklite]

Plan your meals and make the reservations in advance!

Anne

 

[briar rose]

Get there early, especially if you are planning to take a midday break. Some people really buck this one. "I'm on vacation, why do I need to be there for EE at 7:30?" But you can get so much done in that time! Our last EE visit at MK, we arrived at 7:30 a.m. and were able to do Dumbo, Pooh, Peter Pan, eat a light breakfast and make a restroom stop before the rest of the park opened at 9 a.m.

Do your research and have a plan. This saves a lot of time at the parks arguing over what to do next. I can't tell you how many times you see people gathered around a park map trying to decide where to go, where they are, etc.

 

[Bennet]

Have a vacation (don't over plan)

 

[pixie dust gal!]

For years we have been following the same plan.

EE, then leave the park no later than 11am.

Back to resort for lunch, swim and nap.

Wake up at 3:30 - 4:00 and out the door by 4:30 for dinner.

Back to parks.

Everyone is refreshed and ready to go w/o meltdowns.

Hope this helps!

 

[DisneyMim]

Don't overlook the little things. There's pixie dust everywhere, but you'll miss so much if you are rushing from ride to ride. Slow down and just enjoy!

 

[tink2dw]

Do an E-night at MK!! It is so cool to stay after the park is closed to Ride,ride,ride!! There are 10 rides open. It is a blast!! And you hardly see anyone else in the park!!!!

 

[sshd]

First if you have a child under the age of 3 take advantage of the fact that they eat free at the character meals. It will be a nice time to relax, the food is good, and the kids will love it.
Second, good shoes are very important. I was wearing keds type shoes on my last trip and from walking I actually tore a ligement in my heal and ended up spending the end of my trip in a wheel chair. They are important.
Third, going early is a good idea. Very early or very late the park is least crowded but starting a day off with the park less crowded is always best.
Forth, and most important, HAVE FUN. Don't beat yourself up if you can't do everything or if you have to stand in some lines. Remember you are on vacation. Enjoy it.

 

[Zoo Keeper]

Pack some Johnson's Foot Soak/Bath. After a long day of walking empty two or three packets in a tub of hot enough water. Everyone can then sit on the edge of the tub and enjoy. Ahhhhhhh!
It's a great time to relax and recap your day.

 

[Beverly Lynn]

make sure that you have id on your bags that you check in with the airline. and if possible put the name and number of the resort you will be staying at as well. this way if they get lost or don't make the same flight as you they have the correct id to contact you! return address labels work beautifully in the inside of the bag.
and if you take your stroller with you also use the return address labels on that too! put one down the sidebar, one on the bottem etc. this way you will have ID on it if someone borrows" it!

 

[Kitty 34]

Ew-w, Bev, great tip about the luggage!! I will definetly be putting my resort name on them!!

My one tip that I would give a new traveler to Disney:Read these boards!! There is SO much info here!!

 

[CanadaKid]

Debi, you already took mine!

NOTHING recharges the kids' batteries better than a relaxing mid-day rest, swim, nap etc. when the parks are hot and crowded. That's why we will always stay in a Disney resort. Convenience is everything and it becomes paramount when visiting with young kids and strollers.

CanadaKid

 

[Thumper's Dad]

1. Read these boards. Absolutely , but don't try to do everything everyone suggests. If you do, you'll probably explode or at least go absolutely bonkers

2. Research and plan your trip. You Bet!, but again, don't overdo it.

I'd add these two things: Remember why you are there--to enjoy vacation time with people you love in an environment that can be conducive to enjoyment, if you have what it takes inside yourself.

And secondly, take time periodically throughout the day, and especially before each new day, to checkout the "condition" of the troops. Evaluate how your plan has worked so far, how your group's needs are being met, and what modifications are warranted. Maybe a minor tweek will make a world of difference in enjoyment. Or, maybe a MAJOR change is in order.

Hey, and don't forget--"...it all started with a mouse."

 

[djanssen]

1. Read these boards!
2. Use Fastpass
3. Do e-night at MK

 

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

Bring your own water!!! My DH and could not get over the price of a bottle of water or coke.

 

[Dee & Greg]

Pack empty water bottles and a baggie of powdered drink mix (I love gatorade). Or, you could even pre-fill your bottle with the dry mix. Pack them in your fanny pack, and fill with water at the parks. Shake, and enjoy. Much more satisfying than soda, and a fraction of the cost of bottled water in the parks.

 

[ABBSMOM]

The best tip I got from these boards was to pack the children's clothes for each day in a ziplock bag. It worked so great. Everything in one bag, shirts, shorts, socks, and undies. Just give them their bag every morning to get dressed.