Post by Bryant "MegaDisney" McVey on May 4, 2014 19:07:31 GMT
Here are some great tips to use when planning your Walt Disney World Vacation. Do you have any to add?
Planning/Preparing Tips
Get children see-through backpacks to bring to the parks each day. You will zip right through the security check points at the gates and the kids can see all the contents and find their autograph book, pen, or other items very quickly.
There is no problem bringing in water or snacks to the parks so pack some to save money and keep kids happy while waiting in lines.
Check out the Pocket Breeze available at places like Wal-Mart and online for about $10. It is a palm-sized, battery-operated fan with water mister and is a lot easier to carry than the larger sized bottles.
In each child’s pack include a slip of paper with their name, parents names, hotel, medical info, and resort ID card (without charging privileges), in case they are separated.
If you like to chew gum, stock up on plenty before your Walt Disney World vacation. Why? Three reasons: 1. Chewing gum works great to relieve ear pressure on the airplane. 2. Chewing gum is not always sold in airports. 3. Chewing gum is definitely not sold on Disney property.
Take a current, wallet-sized school picture of your child(ren) with you on your trip. Keep this in your wallet or other water-proof place that you will have with you at all times.
On the back of the picture, record the child’s name, age, height, weight, hair and eye color, and identifying information (glasses/contacts, braces, birthmarks, moles, scars, etc). Also record any chronic illness, medication, allergies or disabilities. You’ll probably never have to use it, but just in case your child became missing/lost you would have a good picture and detailed information with you to help in the search.
Touring Tips for in the Parks
If you have paper tickets, be sure to take a picture of the back or at least copy the numbers on the back. Guest Services can reissue a ticket if you have the ticket number. If you lose your Key to the World (which is your room key and park tickets and dining credits, when applicable). Guest Services can cancel it and reissue a new one.
Discuss with members of your group what you will do if you are separated from each other. A pre-designated spot will help in the event that this happens.
Turn your socks inside-out before putting on your walking shoes at Walt Disney World. Having the smoother side of the sock against your foot reduces friction, and it may make your shoes fit tighter, thereby preventing moving and rubbing which is what causes blisters.
A quick way to get to Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom is by way of Adventureland. Cross through near the restrooms between Swiss Family Treehouse and Liberty Tree Tavern. One side is Adventureland and the other side is Liberty Square.
When visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom with young children, be sure to bring some kind of sippee cup with you. No drink lids or straws are provided in the park for the animal’s safety.
Planning on visiting a water park…get there early and you might get chosen to be Ski Captain or the Big Kahoona for the day! At Typhoon Lagoon, you get to “turn on” the wave pool to open the park. Blizzard Beach requires you to go down the Summit Plummet first to open the park. Each provides a medal to wear throughout the day, a refillable mug, towels for the whole party, locker rental for the day, and a shaded spot reserved just for your group. Being the first in line to enter the water park (and knowing to ask about this), helps a lot!
Dining Tips
Since the portions at Walt Disney World are so large, have at least one person order something you have never had and then share it. If no one likes it, there is plenty for all from the other dishes. This way the kids (and their parents) are exposed to different dishes with no threat of not eating.
Beaches n' Cream soda fountain at Beach Club has an amazing cheeseburger!!! Split one between two people and you will have a little room left over for the Kitchen Sink sundae.
Other Tips
In children’s packs bring things to entertain them while they wait in lines. Nintendo DS/PSP, MP3 players, bubbles, etc.
Let Disney take your family photos. Disney has wonderful photographers planted all over—they will take your photo and scan your MagicBand. These photographers are set up in the best spots and are happy to take a photograph with your camera as well!
Take your children to see characters during the parades. This is extremely helpful with lines. If you time it just right during the afternoon parade you will have a shorter wait.
To create a Disney growth chart, take a picture of your child standing next to the same thing on every vacation. I’m fond of the “you-must-be-this-tall-to-ride” signs myself. Pick your favorite!
Go to the Contemporary and take a family photo in the huge Mickey ears behind the resort. It’s easy to do since they have a stand that holds your camera and you can take the picture by yourself using the remote button (or timer) on the camera! It’s a wonderful way to have your Disney memories shared and remembered all year long!
Get a wake-up call instead of using an alarm clock. You’ll love who calls! I actually have the alarm clock wake us up and then I have them call once the kids are awake. This way they aren’t confused and enjoy the call!
Instead of Autograph Books, take a photo mat or collage mat from home and have your child’s favorite characters sign it then put in frame with a picture of them with the character.
Pack a backpack with Ziploc bags; 1 for diapers/wipes, 1 with a change of clothes, 1 with snacks, 1 for drinks, 1 with a towel to dry off with, 1 with toys, 1 with extra camera cards or batteries, etc. Less time digging around looking for stuff! Also Band-Aid makes special blister bandages that work great.
Bottle straps...while cheesy and $4, are worth the money (a one time purchase as long as you don't lose them at home and remember to pack them for your next trip).
Get a wallet insert for pictures. $0.50 at Claire's Boutique or Icing accessory shops in most malls. Put Driver's license, room card, park card and a little cash in each of four pockets...neat and compact in your pocket.
Take plenty of extra batteries, battery chargers and multiple memory cards. Get great ones at a low price on eBay. If you don’t have multiple memory cards and need to make room on the one you brought Disney can copy your photos to a CD for a fee.
Rides and Dining Specifics
Rides
Rides not to be missed are:
Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear
Haunted Mansion
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Epcot
Soarin
Mission: Space (if you are prone to motion sickness, they have a “green” entrance where you can experience the ride without the motion. Also, it is a giant centrifuge so do not look to the side when you are on the ride)
Test Track
Spaceship Earth
Innovations
Coca-Cola Cool Station
Kim Possible Adventures
Hollywood Studios
Tower of Terror
Rock n Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Lights, Motor, Action
Honey I Shrunk the Playground
Muppets 3-D
Beauty and the Beast Show
Jedi Training Academy
Animal Kingdom
Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
Safari
Dining
If you want to do any of the sit down meals reservations need to be made in advance, especially for any of the character meals. Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey, Le Cellier, and California Grill all will book up about 5 months in advance. www.allears.net has a great listing of all the restaurants and menus to help you decide which restaurants you want to visit. Some of my favorites are listed below. TS = Table Service and needs a reservation and CS = counter service no reservation needed. Some of the TS I have listed should have availability and you can always try to walk up since sometimes people book multiple reservations and just don’t show.
Magic Kingdom
Cosmic Rays (CS)
Columbia Harbor House (CS)
Cinderella’s Royal Table (TS)
Liberty Tree Tavern (TS)
Crystal Palace (TS)
Epcot
Electric Umbrella (CS)
Sunshine Seasons (CS)
Princess Storybook at Akershus (TS)
Coral Reef (TS)
Nine Dragons (TS)
Biergarten (TS)
Teppan Edo (TS)
Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (CS)
Pizza Planet (CS)
Sci Fi Dine In (TS)
50’s Prime Time Café (TS)
Animal Kingdom
Flame Tree BBQ (CS)
Donald’s Safari Breakfast (TS)
Others (at Resorts)
California Grill at the Contemporary Resort (TS)
Beaches and Cream at Beach Club (CS)
Chef Mickey (TS)
Whispering Canyon Café at Wilderness Lodge (TS)
1900 Park Fair (TS)
Planning/Preparing Tips
Get children see-through backpacks to bring to the parks each day. You will zip right through the security check points at the gates and the kids can see all the contents and find their autograph book, pen, or other items very quickly.
There is no problem bringing in water or snacks to the parks so pack some to save money and keep kids happy while waiting in lines.
Check out the Pocket Breeze available at places like Wal-Mart and online for about $10. It is a palm-sized, battery-operated fan with water mister and is a lot easier to carry than the larger sized bottles.
In each child’s pack include a slip of paper with their name, parents names, hotel, medical info, and resort ID card (without charging privileges), in case they are separated.
If you like to chew gum, stock up on plenty before your Walt Disney World vacation. Why? Three reasons: 1. Chewing gum works great to relieve ear pressure on the airplane. 2. Chewing gum is not always sold in airports. 3. Chewing gum is definitely not sold on Disney property.
Take a current, wallet-sized school picture of your child(ren) with you on your trip. Keep this in your wallet or other water-proof place that you will have with you at all times.
On the back of the picture, record the child’s name, age, height, weight, hair and eye color, and identifying information (glasses/contacts, braces, birthmarks, moles, scars, etc). Also record any chronic illness, medication, allergies or disabilities. You’ll probably never have to use it, but just in case your child became missing/lost you would have a good picture and detailed information with you to help in the search.
Touring Tips for in the Parks
If you have paper tickets, be sure to take a picture of the back or at least copy the numbers on the back. Guest Services can reissue a ticket if you have the ticket number. If you lose your Key to the World (which is your room key and park tickets and dining credits, when applicable). Guest Services can cancel it and reissue a new one.
Discuss with members of your group what you will do if you are separated from each other. A pre-designated spot will help in the event that this happens.
Turn your socks inside-out before putting on your walking shoes at Walt Disney World. Having the smoother side of the sock against your foot reduces friction, and it may make your shoes fit tighter, thereby preventing moving and rubbing which is what causes blisters.
A quick way to get to Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom is by way of Adventureland. Cross through near the restrooms between Swiss Family Treehouse and Liberty Tree Tavern. One side is Adventureland and the other side is Liberty Square.
When visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom with young children, be sure to bring some kind of sippee cup with you. No drink lids or straws are provided in the park for the animal’s safety.
Planning on visiting a water park…get there early and you might get chosen to be Ski Captain or the Big Kahoona for the day! At Typhoon Lagoon, you get to “turn on” the wave pool to open the park. Blizzard Beach requires you to go down the Summit Plummet first to open the park. Each provides a medal to wear throughout the day, a refillable mug, towels for the whole party, locker rental for the day, and a shaded spot reserved just for your group. Being the first in line to enter the water park (and knowing to ask about this), helps a lot!
Dining Tips
Since the portions at Walt Disney World are so large, have at least one person order something you have never had and then share it. If no one likes it, there is plenty for all from the other dishes. This way the kids (and their parents) are exposed to different dishes with no threat of not eating.
Beaches n' Cream soda fountain at Beach Club has an amazing cheeseburger!!! Split one between two people and you will have a little room left over for the Kitchen Sink sundae.
Other Tips
In children’s packs bring things to entertain them while they wait in lines. Nintendo DS/PSP, MP3 players, bubbles, etc.
Let Disney take your family photos. Disney has wonderful photographers planted all over—they will take your photo and scan your MagicBand. These photographers are set up in the best spots and are happy to take a photograph with your camera as well!
Take your children to see characters during the parades. This is extremely helpful with lines. If you time it just right during the afternoon parade you will have a shorter wait.
To create a Disney growth chart, take a picture of your child standing next to the same thing on every vacation. I’m fond of the “you-must-be-this-tall-to-ride” signs myself. Pick your favorite!
Go to the Contemporary and take a family photo in the huge Mickey ears behind the resort. It’s easy to do since they have a stand that holds your camera and you can take the picture by yourself using the remote button (or timer) on the camera! It’s a wonderful way to have your Disney memories shared and remembered all year long!
Get a wake-up call instead of using an alarm clock. You’ll love who calls! I actually have the alarm clock wake us up and then I have them call once the kids are awake. This way they aren’t confused and enjoy the call!
Instead of Autograph Books, take a photo mat or collage mat from home and have your child’s favorite characters sign it then put in frame with a picture of them with the character.
Pack a backpack with Ziploc bags; 1 for diapers/wipes, 1 with a change of clothes, 1 with snacks, 1 for drinks, 1 with a towel to dry off with, 1 with toys, 1 with extra camera cards or batteries, etc. Less time digging around looking for stuff! Also Band-Aid makes special blister bandages that work great.
Bottle straps...while cheesy and $4, are worth the money (a one time purchase as long as you don't lose them at home and remember to pack them for your next trip).
Get a wallet insert for pictures. $0.50 at Claire's Boutique or Icing accessory shops in most malls. Put Driver's license, room card, park card and a little cash in each of four pockets...neat and compact in your pocket.
Take plenty of extra batteries, battery chargers and multiple memory cards. Get great ones at a low price on eBay. If you don’t have multiple memory cards and need to make room on the one you brought Disney can copy your photos to a CD for a fee.
Rides and Dining Specifics
Rides
Rides not to be missed are:
Magic Kingdom
Space Mountain
Buzz Lightyear
Haunted Mansion
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Pirates of the Caribbean
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Epcot
Soarin
Mission: Space (if you are prone to motion sickness, they have a “green” entrance where you can experience the ride without the motion. Also, it is a giant centrifuge so do not look to the side when you are on the ride)
Test Track
Spaceship Earth
Innovations
Coca-Cola Cool Station
Kim Possible Adventures
Hollywood Studios
Tower of Terror
Rock n Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Lights, Motor, Action
Honey I Shrunk the Playground
Muppets 3-D
Beauty and the Beast Show
Jedi Training Academy
Animal Kingdom
Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
Safari
Dining
If you want to do any of the sit down meals reservations need to be made in advance, especially for any of the character meals. Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey, Le Cellier, and California Grill all will book up about 5 months in advance. www.allears.net has a great listing of all the restaurants and menus to help you decide which restaurants you want to visit. Some of my favorites are listed below. TS = Table Service and needs a reservation and CS = counter service no reservation needed. Some of the TS I have listed should have availability and you can always try to walk up since sometimes people book multiple reservations and just don’t show.
Magic Kingdom
Cosmic Rays (CS)
Columbia Harbor House (CS)
Cinderella’s Royal Table (TS)
Liberty Tree Tavern (TS)
Crystal Palace (TS)
Epcot
Electric Umbrella (CS)
Sunshine Seasons (CS)
Princess Storybook at Akershus (TS)
Coral Reef (TS)
Nine Dragons (TS)
Biergarten (TS)
Teppan Edo (TS)
Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (CS)
Pizza Planet (CS)
Sci Fi Dine In (TS)
50’s Prime Time Café (TS)
Animal Kingdom
Flame Tree BBQ (CS)
Donald’s Safari Breakfast (TS)
Others (at Resorts)
California Grill at the Contemporary Resort (TS)
Beaches and Cream at Beach Club (CS)
Chef Mickey (TS)
Whispering Canyon Café at Wilderness Lodge (TS)
1900 Park Fair (TS)