Trip Tips from DZ Visitors

Christine, from MA, wrote: My best planning tip for postcards home: create mailing labels for each postcard before you go. Buy stamps before arrival in DW. Slip them in your fanny pack or bag. When you buy a postcard don't wait 'till you're back in your room. Take a minute during lunch or standing in line to fill it out with a few lines of "Wish you were here!", apply your mailing label and stamp and pop it in the nearest box. We did this on our trip last October and our friends and family truly got a kick out it. I was happy because it saved me time and my 11 year old daughter loved it because it saved her some writing.

Julie, from Illinois, wrote: Start planning your trip wardrobe at least a couple of months ahead. We are going in November and were able to get each of us brand new wardrobes when all of the summer clearance sales started.

Barb, from Indiana, wrote: Bring easy breakfast food with you to eat in your room before heading to the parks. We bring little cereal boxes, juice boxes, cereal bars, etc. It saves money and time - especially if you are trying to take advantage of Early Entry days!

Kathy, from PA, wrote: Before you leave, have your child/children decorate and envelope for each night of your stay
with a "Thank You For Cleaning Our Room" clearly written on the front. You can enclose your tip for each evening, seal, and all you have to do is lay one out each morning before you head for the parks!

Alicia, from CT, wrote: read and research but not too much some things should surprise and delight

Amy, from PA, wrote: Call and check Annual Pass rates before your trip. You can save tons of money by getting an Annual Pass if they offer discounts and you are staying on-site. You don't need to have the pass when you call, only for check-in. You might be able to take two trips with the money you are able to save on the room price

Shelly, from New York, wrote: Start early and Read everything you can.

Laura, from PA, wrote: Roll each outfit together, then pack. Saves time!

Debbie, from NY, wrote: Have everyone in your family make a list of their "must see" attractions, characters, etc. and incorporate it into your itinerary for each park. Give everyone a copy and try to get to those things you really want to see first.

Kim, from South Dakota, wrote: 1. Plan ahead so that you are not overwhelmed at the site of the castle or "golf ball"
2. Use both an "official' and an "unofficial" guide book in making you plans, both have different views on different things. I would go so far as to recommend a third book, one meant for your specific life situation such as ...with kids, ...couples, ...older adult, or the for kids buy kids one if your child is old enough for his own!
3. I like to line up meals and work the rest of the day in around them.
4. If you choose a value or moderate resort (or even if you go with the others or are off property) plan meals at the other resorts. It does take some planning to get there using Disney transportation but you get to experience the atmosphere and think about where to stay the next trip! Best of all worlds!
5. Always leave one day with no parks planned. This way you can do a "park hopping favorites" day, a day of r & r or do the water parks, miniature golf, etc. without feeling you have to readjust your "schedule" too much.
6. Enjoy every minute of the trip, from the early morning drive to the airport, people watch while standing in line to get checked in or just soak up the atmosphere, check out the country side and views while shuttling to and from parks, don't get all stressed out and try to do too much, just enjoy every bit of it!
7. Always schedule in rest time no matter what the age of the travelers, if you are not tired then think of it as bonus time but the more busy your schedule is the more tired you will be, at least mentally!
8. Take lots of pictures but be sure to get some of the group at every park! I have come home many times to find lots of Disney pictures but not mant of us enjoying ourselves. Ask other disney fans or cm's to take pics and always be on the lookout for the perfect candids, especially of the kids!

Michelle, from Florida, wrote: My tip is...don't do a theme park on your first day at WDW. Relax, get to know the resort you are staying at. You're paying enough money to stay there, so see what it has to offer. You can also take in Downtown Disney. It's much better to visit during the day, since most everyone is at a theme park.

Rosemary, from Pennsylvania, wrote: 1. Make an itinery of your must-sees! Make sure you get those in and everything else will be icing on the cake!
2. Ask! Ask! Ask! Find websites (like this one) where real people love to give good advice to people new to Disney!

Angela, from Virginia, wrote: Dont overplan--be flexible once you get there. You may change your mind as to what you want to see.

Jean, from Florida, wrote: Take two pieces of heavy cardboard to pack all of your valuable souvenir items and purchased photographs. Then as you accululate them, place items between the two pieces of cardboard and place anywhere in your suitcase, even in the middle between clothes. Your souvenirs and photos
will arrive home in perfect condition for scrapbooking. Simple and cheap!

Sue, from New Jersey, wrote: 1.)One of the things I like best is to get a drink and go to the beach at the Polynesian and watch the electrical water parade!
2.)Make sure to stay at teh MK at least one night and watch the goodbye. It is a special moment on every trip.

Becky, from South Carolina, wrote: I type an itenerary which includes which park we plan to visit each day along with PS numbers. This is all on one sheet which you can easily carry in your camera bag or fanny pack.

Molly, from North Carolina, wrote: Go in the fall; the weather is great and the ride lines are short- We always go this time of year!

Tom, from Florida, wrote: Make PS 's early
Be prepared for bad weather

Kelly Anne, from CT, wrote: If traveling with children, keep in mind their daily routine and schedules. The vacation will run more smoothly if you try to have a similar schedule to what they are familiar with.

Christine, from MA, wrote: Make sure to get the leftover days on Parkhopper passes marked. There is no other way to find out what is left except for the Parks!

Patricia, from Oklahoma, wrote: Prepare for the unexpected - jacket,rain-gear,
antibotics and label everything.

Geri, from Pennsylvania, wrote: To do a daily itinerary with must see attractions and PS confirmation # on a 3 * 5 card for each member of your group. Get it laminated. That way everyone knows what time their eating and rain won't ruin your card!

Kelly, from Louisiana, wrote: Include you children in the planning. They understand the cost, it defers their questions and they totally enjoy and appreciate your efforts

Maxine, from North Carolina, wrote: Because my mother is mobility disabled, it is imperative that we have everything planned out to a tee.
I called Disney ahead of time and asked them to send me actual maps of the park and the transportation guide itself. Using these and the comments I have found online about busses with lifts we hope to avoid delays and hassles at the busses and even in ride queues.

Alisa, from Ohio, wrote: Read and research via the internet, library...
1.Talk to other people who have been there.
2.Take laundry soap in a ziploc baggy (I didn't have enough quarters).
3.Be at the parks before they open.
4.Take extra shoes & rain ponchos.
5.Make a list of "must sees" because it is all so overwhelming it's easy to forget some things.
6.Relax and have fun.

Wendy, from NC, wrote: Visit disneyzone often to get the most up to date information possible. Call ahead for character meals and Chef Mickey's is awesome

Stacey, from MI, wrote: 1. When making reservations ask if a Flex feature(character breakfast,9 holes of golf,t-shirt,etc...)is included.
2. If you plan on a character breakfast call way ahead for reservations(especially the Cinderella's Royal breakfast in the castle and Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort!)
3. If traveling with children under 5 yrs. old plan on spending MOST of your time at the Magic Kingdom and greeting characters!!
4. If traveling with husbands,grandpa's,son's- let them golf while you take the kids to greet MORE characters. Everyone enjoys their own vacation that way!! :)

Tommy, from Kentucky, wrote: 1. If you're going to the parks,wear comfortable shoes.
2. Be patient. You won't see everything in a day so don't rush but take your time and enjoy.

Marni, from PA, wrote: Take an empty water bottle, & in ziploc bags place powdered drink mixes enough when mixed with water, fill them up at water fountains in the park. Great way to save extra money!!

Lewis, from Indiana, wrote: Start planning long in advance of your arrival to the Vacation Resort

Bob, from Idaho, wrote: Buy your tickets and prepay for your room and airline prior to the trip. That way you will only have to worry about food and souvenires when you get there

Allison, from Maine, wrote: Bring your own umbrella stroller if you have a young child. Otherwise you will not have a stroller for around your resort and waiting for the buses and everything. Plus the ones in the park are not as comfortable.

Jack, from Michigan, wrote: pack one bag to carry on the plane with you with a change of clothes for each of you and essential toiletries and medications. If your luggage gets lost that will hold you till the next day.

Barbara, from Georgia, wrote: always remember that you are on vacation and you need to make sure you dont try to stuff in too many activities. You can save some for the next trip.

Ed, from Canada, wrote: get your entire family involved in the planning. It lets everyone hava a say and lets everyone be as excited about it as you.

Tim, from Montana, wrote: select the parks for each day ahead of time so you dont waste time arguing about it. Just buy a guidebook and let everyone decide ahead what they want to do each day. We give each child one day to plan, and then we do the others.

Sara, from Oregon, wrote: bring shiny pennies in empty film canisters for the pressing penny machines. Supply each person in your party with their own. And quarters too. It costs 50 cents and a penny for each one. Altho some are $1 for the pressing quarter machines.

Elisa, from Alabama, wrote: visit all the websites you can find and gather lots of information that will help you find all the cool things to do.

Mark, from New Jersey, wrote: dont wait untill the last minute to pack.

Samantha, from Iowa, wrote: 1. preaddress sticker labels for postcards and have them ready. 2. bring prepackaged laundry soap, one bag for each load. It is $1 per small box at Disney. 3. Pack a fun pack of new little toys and books for kids on the airplane

Douglas, from Illinois, wrote: dont stress on all the planning. Everyone will have fun no matter what you do or dont do on your vacation.

Rose, from PA, wrote: get lots of rest before your trip,you won't get any on vaction,and you will need lots of energy

Linya, from Louisiana, wrote: Plan ahead. If you are taking a video camera buy at least one 6 hour battery. Take a backpack with you to the park everyday (easy on the back) throw in some first aid supplies (bandaids and Neosporin, etc.), a couple of bottles of frozen water and some snacks for the kids

Kimberly, from Kansas, wrote: The moment you start planning, get a notebook and write down all of your stray thoughts about your trip. Then walk away from it for a few days and come back. You'll be surprised what you once thought sounded appealing now longer seems like a good idea. And the notebook is a good momento of your trip. I was cleaning the other day and found my notebook from our trip to Disneyland 2 years ago. It was entertaining to read it and remember how things actually went (not according to plan) and also to read it in light of our upcoming trip.
Start a Disney box (or suitcase or in my case a closet) that is your central location for all the small things you want to remember to take with you on your trip. Over the months I have picked up extra toiletries and travel entertainment. I just put it in the closet and don't have to worry about accidentally using it before we go. I also have put our summer clothing in the closet rather than into storage because we will be needing it for our trip. Every month or so, I take inventory of the contents and make a list of what we still need to purchase for the trip. With a little over a month to go, our list is short and we're well prepared.

steve, from new jersey, wrote: have fun

Cathy, from Iowa, wrote: Buy a small keychain-type flashlight for your young child and attach it to their fanny pack. If they get scared during a dark ride, they will have easy access to a light that they can shine at their feet without disturbing the other riders' enjoyment of the ride.

Jane, from North Carolina, wrote: If you have a HMO and are traveling with family members make sure you have contacts for medical emergencies. That way insurance is sure to get the right info and you don't spend months trying to straighten the bills out

Kate, from PA, wrote: Keep a list of all medications and allergies handy. You never know when you may need it.

Wendy, from Texas, wrote: A great idea for Creative Memories scrapbookers - use the small "Sentiments" album for Disney character autographs. Not only is this album compact AND lightweight, but you can get the characters autographs AND later put your child's picture w/the character in their album! This is one of the best things you can bring home - a lifetime of Disney memories for your child to relive over and over each time they look at their album!

Brenda, from MS, wrote: My tip is to sit down and make a list of everything each person will need on the vacation. Then check them off when you are packing.

Yarby, from Texas, wrote: buy some glow-in-the-dark necklaces for the kids before you leave, they will love them during the fireworks shows

Phillip, from MI, wrote: Use the waiting time boards posted at each park to see how long the line is for the rides. It helps a great deal, especially if you are looking forward to one specific ride. Try going to the ones with the shortest waits.

Tanya, from Oklahoma, wrote: Bring lots of film with you, way more than you think you will need. If you run out and have to buy it at Disney it is very expensive.

Robin, from Nevada, wrote: wear worn in shoes to keep your feet from hurting.

Larry, from Wyoming, wrote: call and confirm your flight, your car rental and your hotel room 2 days prior to leaving. Make sure the dates and times and special requests are as you planned.

Mike, from New Jersey, wrote: spend some time ahead planning and that saves time later from arguing about what to do.

Amy, from Alabama, buy DVC so you can go to Disney often without spending a fortune on rooms

Lizzy, from Arkansas, wrote: check the prices on flights for a while before you buy them. they go up and down often and you can save money if you buy them when they are down.

William, from PA, wrote: schedule a character meal early in your trip so you can photos and autographs and spend some time with the characters. If you have little kids it is good to get them use to the characters first.

Terri, from California, wrote: buy snacks that are not perishible, such as granola bars and fruit snacks and things like that. Pack them in a suitcase to take with you. As you eat them you will free up space for souvenires that you buy.

Louise, from Massachusetts, wrote: even if you go in summer bring a windbreaker or sweatshirt for evening events. It cools off at night.

Mark, from Delaware, wrote: go often and enjoy everything Disney has to offer.

Sharon, from Florida, wrote: Because we camp at Fort Wilderness, I make sure that we stay enough days to not get to worn out. We will visit a theme park one day and then take a day off and swim, ride bikes, etc. Also, I make sure that I make my dinner ressies way in advance and my campsite ressies in advance, then I'll call a week before we arrive to confirm them. Alot of times, I will even get the exact campsite I want by calling a few days before we are to arrive and just be friendly with them and just ask if I may have a certain site. And they connect me with the person who actually puts you on the sites. :) We have always been happy with our sites.

Kristin, from Iowa, wrote: Gather all the information on the sights you and your family will want to see then we do a family vote to narrow down our choices. This way everyone gets to do at least one thing they really wanted to.

Judy, from Georgia, wrote: be sure to bring a child's leash or pair young children up with an older buddy to avoid the tragedy of losing them. Also attach an ID label on their person somwhere so they can be identified if they get lost from you. Include their name, your name and the place you are staying.

Virginia, from Minnesota, wrote: My first tip is to plan, plan, plan! I have discovered that those last minute trips aren't always as fun as those that are planned.
My second tip is get as much info on where your going before you get there. I for one have been reading up on disney world for a good 2 years now and swear I could give you an inch by inch account of where everything is. It makes more time for actually seeing the sites instead of wondering around aimlesly trying to find things :

Renee, from ME, wrote: When planning a big trip like one to Disneyworld, you should read, plan and be as well informed as you can. The worst thing to do on a vacation like this is to say "I don't know, what do you want to do" There is so much to see and do and believe it or not the planning and reading about it is almost as much fun as acutally going. Our whole family gets into the planning. Everyone makes suggestions and reads different guide books and web sites.

Lori, from ?, wrote: my tip is very simple, but effective. When planning an itinerary everyday, I include everyone in the planning. For example, when planning our time at Magic Kingdom, I ask each person in the family what they want to see most or where they would like to eat the most. I combine all of the answers and try to come up with the perfect day for everyone. Also, we try to make our large meal lunch. We try to take snacks in our backpacks and eat a lunch around 3 or 4. The crowds are way down and the prices are still lunch prices. This way everyone gets to relax.

Angela, from Virginia, wrote: Get the book "Passporter Walt Disney World 2000" by Jennifer Watson and Dave Marx. We are getting ready to take our 4th trip. I wish we would have had this on the others. It is the most comprehensive book I've ever seen. The pockets for reciepts, tickets, etc are a God-send

Monika, from Texas, wrote: My tip has to do with packing- put each days clothes in a seperate ziplock bag. Every morning each person just grabs a bag and gets dressed without alot of hoopla. The clothes do not get wrinkled in the suitcase and everything stays organized. The empty bags can then be used for wet stuff at the parks, and to keep dirty clothes seperate from clean when re-packing for your trip home.

Cindy, from Indiana, wrote: Be flexible! Some of our best Disney memories occurred by pure happenstance.

Ron, from Hawaii, wrote: Take your medications and glasses and important items with you in your carryon. If your luggage gets lost it could take a few days to get it and you would be without your important prescriptions.

SallySue, from Mississippi, wrote: Dont overplan. So many people plan so much into each day that they are too concerned with seeing it all and not enjoying what they are seeing. There is always the next trip to see things you miss.

Andy, from Kansas, wrote: bring a hat because the sun is very hot in Florida.

Michelle, from Illinois, wrote: Plan early!
Eat meals early.
take a mid- day break.
Take snacks throughout the day.
Remember extra film....very expensive in parks

Pam, from Washington, wrote: Bring a recent wallet sized photo of the family. Then if someone gets lost, you can show the Cast Members what that person looks like.
- When putting luggage tags on your bags, put the address of the hotel/motel you'll be staying at on the tag instead of your home address. Then if the bag gets lost, it will have a better chance of finding you. It also discourages thieves that may hang around the airport looking for someone's house to ransack while the owners are away.
- I've kept all my DisneyWorld printouts from all the wonderful DisneyWorld websites in one folder. It's the kind with pockets front and back and a middle three-ring binder place. It will come with us on our trip and will be where all the paper souvenirs will go. It will also be a keepsake and a help for planning future visits!

Lana, from Illinois, wrote: Bring bottled water with you and when they get empty you can fill up in the water fountains around the park

Shelly, from NY, wrote: After I've made all of our priorty seating ressies, I prepare an itinerary for each day of the parks we are going to on that day, the breakfast, lunch and dinner spots, times and p.s. number. Then, I prepare a packet for each member of the family. They place it in their fanny packs. It works great for 2 reasons: 2, if we get separated, everyone knows when to meet and where for the meals, and 2. I dont have to answer 20x per day - "so where are we going for dinner?" It takes a little extra planning, but it works great! And its a great scrapbook item when we return!

Lorraine, from MA, Wrote: be prepared and read the vacation guidebooks

Suzanne, from PA, wrote: Be on time for the flight
Always use travelers checques

Loretta, from Georgia, wrote: Stay at one of the Disney Resorts, and take advantage of the extra hour in the park that you get with your stay.

Cindy, from Canada, wrote: If traveling through disney with children, make sure they are wearing a brightly colored hat, that way if you get seperated, you may find them easier.

Denise, from WI, wrote: Take along sandwhich baggies with you to the parks. Then when you have leftover food from a vendor, you can put it in the baggie and save it for later!

Bryce, from Virginia, wrote: Bring an extra pair of sneakers. You'll be amazed how the little aches and pains go away simply by changing into another pair of shoes.

Susan, from California, wrote: Alot time EVERYDAY to go back to your hotel to rest, regenerate, and recooperate! This is a must when travelling with little ones

Faith, from New Jersey, wrote: Disney will do their very best to make you happy so if you insist on something enough, they'll make sure you get what you want.

Lisa, from Kentucky, wrote: My tip is don't go to a park on its early entry day. It is the most crowded place! Go to a different park for the day...you'll be surprised at how less crowded they are..we should know..we go in July, very,very busy at that time of year!

Diane, from MN, wrote: watch tip boards and parade times

Lisa from CT, wrote: More uses for Ziploc bags....Put toiletries, such as shampoo, soaps, makeup, medications, toothbrushes, hair gel, etc. In sperate, labeled bags. When you need a Band-Aid or dental floss, you just grab the "First Aid Bag", or the
"Teeth Bag". This also makes packing that much easier. You know where to look
to see if you remembered to pack your shaving cream..... the "Shower Bag!" I
make up silly names for some of the bags... i.e. "Bad Hair Day Bag" :)

Linda, from Illinois, wrote: have your children make and decorate a autograph book at home to take for disney characters autographs. Also, have your children make and decorate a autograph book at home to take for disney characters autographs.

Sara from LA, wrote: Plan in advance with Disney. Take travelers checks with you on every vacation you take because money can not be replaced. Take your vacation with your family and friends because time waits for no man ,woman, or child.

Jama, from Illinois, wrote: Plan to stay onsight for your Disney vacation. The transportation ease alone makes it worth it!

Charles, from Tennessee, wrote: buy plenty of small snacks at home and put them in a backpack to take with you each day. A small snack here or there will save you a fortune rather than buying them at the parks or eating 3 big meals.

Rick, from New York, wrote: bring prescription medications that you may need. Dont pack them though because if your suitcases get lost you will lose them. Put them in a carryon bag. Also Bring aspirin and alka seltzer and bandaids and general medical needs.

Erin, from Delaware, wrote: if you have kids bring things for them to play with while you wait in lines. We give them each a fanny pack and put small toys inside. Also include a disposable camera for the kids. They like to take their own pictures. Put a small notepad and pencil so they can take notes of the things they liked and draw pictures or whatever.

Tiffanie, from Texas, wrote: visit all the websites you can find and read everything you can to get tips on things not to miss.

Ellen, from Massachusetts, wrote: dont plan too much. Leave some time in each day to just enjoy the sights.

Danny, from Louisiana, wrote: prepare ahead of time and start by writing down notes to double check as time gets nearer to leaving

Angela, from California, wrote: When we traveled with our children when they were young, I'd take along a bag full of home made trail mix. Peanuts, cereal, raisins, dates, whatever sort of mix you like. It kept them occupied and curtailed the pleas to stop at every fast food place they spotted

William, from Massachusetts, wrote; MAKE DINING ROOM RESERVATIONS AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE YOU VISIT THE PART. CHECK THE WEB PAGE TO SEE WHERE THE CHARACTERS WILL BE AND WHEN. THEN CALL TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION. WE WERE GLAD WE DID.

Cheryl, from PA, wrote: put cameras in ziplock bags so they do not get wet . put used film and camers in ziplock bags in suitcases keeps it all together. take extra ziplock bags you may need them to keep littel stuf in

Sheri, from MO, wrote: Plan in advance by several months or a year. Make a trip or two each payday to your local Disney Store to purchase Disney Dollars. We have saved $1400.00 in 14 months to take a major surprise Christmas trip the day after Christmas with our children. This is a fun way to save, and the dollars are good for all things Disney at WDW. The beautiful part is if you don't use all of them, you can cash them in for your money!

Paul, from PA, wrote: When flying put a little bit of everyone's clothes in each suitcase so that if any are lost no one will be entirely without something to wear.

Pam, from WA, wrote: Write down your ticket numbers! We managed to leave one ticket behind when we went to Animal Kingdom, but fortunately it was in the middle of a number sequence and they gave us a new park ticket. But write them down just to be safe!
- But your name in your backpacks, fanny packs, and purses. We left two fanny packs behind in two different parks and identifying them would have been easier if we had had our names in them or on them. Same goes for cameras and videocameras. Maybe even go the trouble of engraving your name before you leave on your vacation.

Kim, from Chicago, IL wrote: 1.) Here is one thing we did....and what a great idea it was - we KNEW that we'd be buying souvenir shirts at Disney, so to lighten our packing, we under-packed on shirts, then when we were there, we wore the shirts that we bought.

2.) We learned from this one -- we bought too much junk and had to buy 2 'carry-on' bags to get the stuff home. So I suggest packing one or two extra tote bags that you can fold up. Then, when you bring home all of your treasures, use the tote bags so you don't have to do any 'creative' packing (like we did!) to get them home.

3.) Ladies -- do not not not bring a purse. Bring a waistpack.