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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Dreaming of Disney - hot tips, part 1

This post goes along with Shelly's highlight for me today. Thanks, Shelly!

Writing about Disney always perks me up! I could talk your ear off about it, but I know your limitations, so I'll be brief...

Now that you have a room and reservations booked and you have a general idea of which parks you will visit, you can sit back and relax until your trip gets closer. That's what I'm doing!

Here are some "hot tips" from BIRNBAUM'S GUIDE TO WALT DISNEY WORLD 2010 (plus my valuable comments):
  • Are you driving? or renting a car? Don't forget where you parked! Before you jump on the tram (one of my favorite rides) make a mental note of your section character and row. Daisy 50, Daisy 50, Daisy 50 - writing it down might be better.
  • On your way back to the airport, arrive at least 60-90 minutes early. I concur that Orlando airport security is one of the busiest I've seen!
  • When packing, get some ponchos at Walmart for 50 cents each, they're worth it for the spontaneous Florida showers. (10 bucks at the park!)
  • Label stuff, like your camera. I haven't lost mine yet, but we have left school books, sunglasses and earbuds. Some things are worth labeling, just in case.
  • Don't know what to do with Fido? He can come along for the ride and stay at one of the nice kennels. We did that when we lived in FL and went for a long weekend. We took our Lady for walks and fed her at dinner time.
  • If your youngest seems too big for a stroller and you decide not to pack it, then you see the little guy isn't going to make it, you can rent one at the parks for a reasonable rate. (it happened to us, he hadn't taken a nap in 2 years and took 3 on our trip)
  • One last item, for parents who want to ride the big rides but have little ones that can't/don't want to, you can "rider switch" - all wait in line, then the parents take turns riding when you get to the front.
Now here are some of my extra hot tips:
  • On our way to our resort from the airport, we stop at Publix and pick up some groceries, like snacks, drinks, breakfasty stuff and water. Worth it!
  • Getting a resort mug is also a good idea. The refills are free or cheap and they are nice souveniers.
  • We also like to plan an excursion outside the parks, like a ball game - lots of close spring training in the area (Atlanta Braves right there at the Disney Sports complex) or a day at the beach (only an hour drive) or Sea World or Universal Studios
  • Finally, if you go on someone's birthday, make it known and wear the button they give you. My son got free stuff all day (a balloon, a cookie, a dessert, and a couple of songs, plus they all wish you happy birthday =)
at Sea World for a day
I said this last time, but didn't get to it...the next Disney posts will be about the best rides and features of each park.

Countdown to next trip (Nov 2011): 98 days 8=)
TTFN!
My references are my years going to the parks, the Disney website and Birnbaum Guides to Walt Disney World (2010) which I use for much of my planning.
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6 comments:

  1. FirstTimeMomAugust 9, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    I also love the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World if you haven't picked it up yet. I didn't think it would tell me anything I didn't already know but I read it cover to cover and learned so much and loved reading it! Good tips!! Also, on the resort mugs, if the design hasn't changed since you got one last time, bring the ones you already have then you won't have to buy more! So free drinks and not having to pay for the mug again I say is a win in my book! :) I need to send you a PM about our trip. We had to change our dates :(

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  2. Theresa MilsteinAugust 9, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    I wonder what you do if you forget where you're parked?

    Good tip about the ponchos! And the snacks.

    I'm not surprised your child napped so much. Those are long days!

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  3. Nicki ElsonAugust 9, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I would totally forget where I parked! So...no car for me. I'm so excited about this series---we're going in October AND Disney just offered FREE Dinig!!! I can hardly stand how excited I am about that. I'll add Wal-mart ponchos to the list.

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  4. Tara TylerAugust 9, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Carla, I gathered that from some of your posts. no big deal, we'll get together soon =)

    Thanks, Theresa. I guess you could wander/ride around on the tram pushing the panic button...

    Nicki, I know you'll have a great time. I'd love to hear your plans! I heard about the free dining too - I need to look into that!

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  5. Rhonda @Laugh QuotesAugust 9, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    Good tips, maybe someday. We have been to the one in California a few times. The birthday button tip is a good one, my daughter got picked to do something on stage because she had one.

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  6. kjmckendryAugust 9, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    We stay in the resort condos which have kitchens and make breakfast which saves a lot. :)

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