Random Tips for First Time Travelers

Well, I survived the first week of "back to school."  On one hand, I think I  got a lot more done now that my kids are back at school.  On the other hand, this first week seemed pretty hectic with work.   Not that having a lot of work to do is a bad thing.  It just makes me want my vacation that much more. ;-)

One of the things I absolutely LOVE is being asked to help plan a Disney vacation. One of my college friends happens to be on Facebook.  She posted on Thursday, "Help!  I think I'm going to Disney World on Oct. 1."

She booked her family for 10 day trip (she has 3 days where she's at a conference in the middle) for Free Dining at Pop Century. It's the first time she's been there since 1989 and neither her kids nor her spouse have been there ever.

I LOVE helping this type of vacation traveler!  Rookies are so much fun to help! Not that we veterans are like old dogs, but someone who's never been is so much fun to guide along the way.

So, in honor of Janet's family trip in less than a month, here are my random tips for first time travelers to WDW:

1. Don't be a park commando.
No matter how long you have, you'll never see it all.  I've been to Disney nearly 20 times and I still haven't done everything there is to do there.

2. Make a list of "must do's."
This goes along with #1.  Use a guidebook.  Look on the internet. Watch a video.  Do what works best and find out what each person in your party really wants to see and do.  Then make sure you hit everything on that list.  Anything else after that is gravy and just make the experience that much more fun.

3.  It's not just about the rides.
Disney is not just about rides.  There's so much more to it than that.  Not only are there shows, but it's the whole immersive experience.  Yes, I will say it; you should live and breathe the Disney Magic while you are there. 

4.  Look for those small things that can be so easily overlooked.
Pressed penny machines are everyone.  In the parks and on the property. Sword in the Stone? Jedi Academy? DeVine? Mulch, Sweat & Shears? Sum of All Thrills?  The Jammitors?  If you haven't experienced all of these things, you are missing out on some pieces that make up the experience!

5. Make Dining Reservations
There have been times where I have planned the rest of my vacation around my dining reservations. Even if you aren't doing that, you'll want to take time to make some reservations.  Walk-up reservations can be hard to get in many table service restaurants.  Some of the most popular placed won't even take walk-ups. I understand wanting to be on vacation and not be "scheduled", but if dining is important to you, then take the needed steps to enjoy it.

6. Take a break.
This goes along with #1, too.  We always go out in the morning, come back to the resort for a pool and rest break and then we might go out again in the evening.  It's a great way to manage everyone's stamina, especially in the hotter months of the year.

7. Pack outfits for kids
When my kids were younger, I'd pack outfits in large ziploc bags.  Then in the morning, when it was time to get dressed, we'd just pull out one bag and go for it.  So much easier than picking out a shirt and shorts and arguing about it.

8. Use that camera
Not just for the scrapbook.  Take a picture of the kids each day before you head out to the parks. That way, if by some strange chance you do get separated and the Cast Members ask you, "What was Johnny wearing?", you can pull out that digital camera and show them rather than go, "Huh?"

9. Get a Passpouch
Don't mess with fanny packs.  And unless you really need to carry a lot of crap with you, leave it in your room. Disney has security outside each of its parks.  If you have a camera bag, diaper bag, backpack...any kind of bag, you have to go through security before you even reach the turnstiles.

We all have something similar to the Passpouch that Passporter offers.  It's goes around your neck, has space for your ID, room key, cash, and a pen. Hands-free so you don't leave it on a ride. Love it.  Won't travel without it.

10.  Get a water bottle strap
We have several.  You can wear it over the shoulder and across the body.  Instead of hauling a bag to carry a beverage for each person in your party, give everyone a strap and they can carry their own water, soda, whatever. 

Bonus: With a water bottle strap and a Passpouch, you can skip security and go through the "Guests with no Bags" entrance.

Well, I hope this has been helpful.