Your NUMBER 1 TIP

[marivigi]

If you could give a person just one tip for WDW... what would it be???

It can be related to ANYTHING!

Mine would be to Stay Onsite, there are just so many advantages to this.. Disney transportation, EMH, having your purchases delivered, Disney touches everywhere..... :D

[candyman]

read the guide books before you go

steve

[OKWTink]

Get maps of the parks and at least know what there is in each park and have a general idea of where it is. Plan to see the things that interest you most.

[lisaw]

:iagree: with Steve

Do some research definitely either books or right here :D , I have a friend going this year and she wasn't even aware that Universal wasn't in Disney grounds!, she thought that the Disney transportation would take her there and her included disney tickets gave her entrance to US/SW etc.

[Jenna]

Wear comfy shoes :)

[Melfuzz]

Where can you get the park maps before you go?

[SorcererMickey]

In addition to staying on-site...

Take advantage of the "Single Rider" option whenever possible.

[tushypat]

During hot weather take a break around mid-day to recharge your batteries. A swim or nap will refresh you for the evening!

[SorcererMickey]

Where can you get the park maps before you go?

You can order a "Media Package" from the Orlando Tourist and Information Bureau.

Orlando Tourist and Information Bureau - Media Package (http://www.orlandotouristinformationbureau.com/discountcoupons/brochures&coupons.htm)

Here is the information contained:

Package includes: Almost 4 Pounds of Brochures, Maps & Coupons

Theme Park Brochures - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM, Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens, Silver Springs, KennedySpace Center.

Half Day Attractions Brochures - Fun Spot, Ripleys, Airboat Rides, Gatorland, Titanic, Guinness, Pirates Cove, Skull Kingdom, Dinosaur World, Jungle Land, Congo River Golf, Fantasy of Flight.

Water Park Brochures - Wet N Wild, Water Mania, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, River Country.

Dinner Show Brochures - Pirates Dinner Adventure, Medieval Times, Arabian
Knights, Slueth's, Capone's.

Shopping Brochures - Belz Outlet Mall, Florida Mall, Mercado, Premier Outlet Mall, 192 Flea Market, Sanford Flea Market, Visitor's Flea Market, Lake Buena Vista Outlet Mall.

Forty + Brochures are only part of your Media Package.
Also Included are 9 Guide Books filled with detailed area maps.

Guide Booklets & Maps - The Best Read Guide, See Magazine, Orientation, Restaurant Guide, Enjoy Florida, Welcome, I Love Orlando, Inside Kissimmee, Vacation Stretchers.

Magazine Guide & Maps - May be substituded to provide the most current information available.

Guide Booklets have coupons for restaurants, 2 for 1 offers and much more.
See Magazine has over $3,500 in money saving coupons.

Restaurant coupons have shelf life of 3 months.
These restaurant coupons have been placed in 100's of hotels, shops, restaurant, info booths and in free take one racks located on all major streets in tourist corridors for your added convenience.

Pricing:

$14.95 Continental Us Shipping (Allow 7-10 days delivery time)
$23.95 International Shipping (Allow 7-10 days delivery time)

[Morgan8]

Take your time and try not to rush :) There is so much to see :)

[JacksDad]

I'm with Morgan here.
Just let the magic take over.
No itineraries.

[american idol]

drink lots of water and wear sunscreen

[JuniorMickey]

1 Tip, 1 Word

RELAX

[JacksDad]

1 Tip, 1 Word

RELAX
There! She said it!
You're on the ball today JM. http://www.wdisneyw.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Must be all those New England wins.:wink:

[Tammi]

READ THESE BOARDS DAILY PRIOR TO TRIP :D

[Josette]

Too bad they don't make food bibles anymore.

I would have to say..be spontaneous, don't stick with a plan, because most likely, it's not all gonna fit into a day.

[SorcererMickey]

1 Tip, 1 Word

RELAX

FRANKIE
SAYS
RELAX!

I just had a flashback from the 80's :rotfl: .

[Meezers]

Have someone with really long legs take all your tickets and walk really fast to get the fasts passes!

Then relax!

[Wendy]

Remember: you won't do everything in one trip .....and you can see more next time! :)

[ukwdwnut]

Where can you get the park maps before you go?

i got some for isafari and posted them to her, so you could ask another member who is go shortly to get them for you, like i did for issy :D

[WendyHG]

1. PLAN PLAN plan every day before you go so as not to miss anything

2. Go to a water park every 3rd or 4th day to rest your legs and feet

3. Wear very very comfy shoes

4. Get a park map as soon as you get into the park (or before if you can)

5. Make sure you have a good rest or long lunch mid day

[ukwdwnut]

I'm with Morgan here.
Just let the magic take over.
No itineraries.


we do this JD and it works real well for us, the only thing we plan is what parks we want to goto then do them as and when, ie, get up in the morning or decide the night before, theres never any arguing oh i wanna go here today sulk, sulk, i will ask, who wants to go where and thats it we go :D we never plan this day we go here that day we go there.

[kradatz87]

Dont sweat the small stuff, dont be so worried about catching a parade that you forget to have fun, if you are later then when it starts, oh well they dont move that fast and you can atleast catch part of it.

[Cindernaenae]

You won't see EVERYTHING, so stop killing yourself trying to.

[foreverducky]

Ask for a glass of water and you shall receive one for free!

[Bambi]

I have a tie and here they are :

#1 Tip is if you have kids don't over tire them in the parks.

My other #1 tip would be wear good comfortable shoes.

[Gwendolyn]

I've never been to WDW but my advice would be:

Buy a Pal-mickey!

[uscwest]

The most important tip, IMHO --- HAVE FUN!!!

[JacksDad]

Ask for a glass of water and you shall receive one for free! LOL!
Now that is Disney Zen!:rotfl:

[Ilovetink]

Be flexible. If the park seems crowded, hop to another. If one plan doesn't work out-go to plan B. You have to go with the flow and remember to enjoy yourself .

[andrea9873]

If you're staying on-site take the time to enjoy your resort. :)

[Dawn]

Get up and out early.

[Chris/Lisa]

I was going to write relax :D

Take time to sit with an ice cream and people watch

[Goofy Girl]

Buy autograph books, pens etc. at one of the numerous shops outside the parks - you'll save so much by doing so. We got lovely t-shirts, disney mugs, princess jewellery, etc. etc. at Walgreens for a fraction of the price. (It added to the joy when we say the same items for sale inside the parks for $$ more!):D

[Chris/Lisa]

Despite everything everyone tells you - still do - Its a Small World :D

[MystikPiglit]

Most of what would have been my choices have already been said :thumbs: .

So -

If it is your first ever visit don't go during a busy/holiday period. Try to pick the least crowded time of year :) . Then you can take the time to really see all that WDW has to offer. Enjoy!

[windbag]

Drink plenty of water, pace yourself - its not a race, give in to the magic and relive being a child - enjoy.

[MystikPiglit]

Was just reminded of this:

If you are in a Park at closing time and need to get a resort bus - Stay in the Park until most of the crowds have gone.

Just take your time and slowly wander out. The Parks are lovely at night and you may see things you would have overlooked in the daylight.

By the time you reach the busstop the lines will have died down.

[Kate2005]

Try to have lunch a bit earlier than usual. We did this and found if we had lunch between 11.30 and 12 the queues were much smaller, and by the time we finished the queues for the rides were smaller as everyone else was having lunch!:lol:

[Goofy Girl]

Try to have lunch a bit earlier than usual. We did this and found if we had lunch between 11.30 and 12 the queues were much smaller, and by the time we finished the queues for the rides were smaller as everyone else was having lunch!:lol:
Good tip. :thumbs: If you've been up since 7am, you're ready for lunch by then anyway. :)

[luvalab]

Where can you get the park maps before you go?

This site has maps. Just go to the top it's the third column over, fifth one down.

[thistle1314]

Wear golf / sport socks inside well broken in trainers. They have thicker soles and your feet will thank you.

[Eeyore1974]

All great tips - and I can't think of anything different. Except perhaps take one day to sleep in a little later and go a little slower! Remember it's a VACATION!! Have fun!

[roebuck]

Be Brave

Try every ride/attraction you are able to. There is nothing worse than not trying something and then when you get home saying if only I had gone on that ride etc. and regretting it ever since.

:) :wiggle: :thumbs:

[Nikdimps]

Bring plenty of film. It's expensive at the parks.... But what isn't...


Nik :wink:

[Vikki]

Get a water bottle carrier. However, do not put a water bottle in it (stay with me here, there is reason in my madness.......perhaps :rotfl: ). Instead, buy a thermos. Fill your thermos with ice in the morning, top up with water from the water fountains. You will have icy cold water all day.

Just be careful when you drink from it, use the cup. On many occasions I tipped it a bit too far, and ended up with freezing cold water down me.....

[uscwest]

Another, often overlooked tip. If you are staying on site, don't buy stuff and lug it around with you all day. Have it sent back to your room for free, or if you are leaving the next day, have it sent to the front of the park to pick up before you leave the park.

[Goofy Girl]

Bring plenty of film. It's expensive at the parks.... But what isn't...Nik :wink:
On that point, I would also say (for the UK/Irish visitors) to get your film developed out there. I didn't and regreted it afterwards when it cost me €100 to develop my photos!! :eek:

[spike]

Tip 1: The first place we visit on every trip is the Magic Kingdom, It is the heart and soul of the place and starts the holiday off with a bit of magic.

Tip 2: Spending money, before going to WDW we give our DD disney dollars as pocket money or for little jobs she may have done around the house, this adds to the excitement and also gives her money to spend around the parks.

[Johnie]

If your going to spend a lot of money on vacation, pick up a guidebook or at least do an internet search. I cannot beleive the things I have heard people say. Just the other day this family bypassed The Enchanted Tiki Room b/c they said it was a restaurant :confused: I did speak up and let them know it was an attraction (didn't tell them annoying though :D ). Alysia and I joked the rest of the day wondering what kind of food they serve in the Tiki Room :rotfl:

And if your kid usually takes a nap, then keep up that tradition while on vacation. Don't make yourself and everyone else miserable with cranky, overstressed kids.

[wdwgrandma]

Alysia and I joked the rest of the day wondering what kind of food they serve in the Tiki Room :rotfl: Bird seed??? Plant food??? Polynesian???

[marivigi]

Just the other day this family bypassed The Enchanted Tiki Room b/c they said it was a restaurant :confused: I did speak up and let them know it was an attraction (didn't tell them annoying though :D ). Alysia and I joked the rest of the day wondering what kind of food they serve in the Tiki Room :rotfl:


It isnt??? :shrug: I was so sure they served Vegetarian! :sigh:

[Mouselander]

#1 tip? Its been said :blush: ....relax and do not try and do everything (it is impossible) the first trip.

So how about...remember to take lots of photos with family and friends! We always take a ton of pics but sometimes accidently miss a family members reaction to a ride or parade or cm.

Have fun! :wiggle:

[DisneyDot]

All great ideas! In my old age I've learned to take a good chunk of time to do Disney (this year 11 days) so I don't feel stressed/rushed to see everything. Go with the attitude that you'll be back, so just enjoy what you DO get to see/experience! Also, try new restaurants/attractions/resorts every trip so it's always fresh.

[Watchinherskip]

Wow, really great responses. What can I add. Oh yeah, volunteer EVERY time they ask! It is great fun to do something that your family will always remember (embarrasement is a rather strong memory don't you think?). I was fortunate to be in the Indiana Jones show, a cop on "Goldern Girls" Totally Television, and I think it was The Great Sound Stage..it was years ago. DD volunteered to dance with characters during the parade at MK. Lots of good memories there.