SUPER great list, Tim. Thanks!!
]]>Thanks for making this post even better by sharing your wisdom, Dave!
]]>Thanks for the tips, Angela!
]]>Good tips, Lynn! And a great example of the importance of learning and adapting as you go!
]]>Stay at a “Disney resort” hotel on the property. This entitles you to two great perks – early admission to at selected Disney theme parks each morning AND a Disney Fast Pass Magicband. The early admission is a perk for on-property hotel guests that lets you in to the particular theme park of the day before anyone staying off property can get in. There are no lines even for the most popular attractions. To get the best use of this privilege walk to the back of the park and start working your way towards the front. Focus on the attractions that usually have the longest lines. When you first encounter to big crowd at official opening time coming towards you … walk to the front gate, exit, go back to the hotel AND TAKE A NAP! Late in the day the crowds start to thin out.
The Fast Pass Magic Band will get you “line jumping” priority privileges for the most popular attractions during the rest of your day at all theme parks you paid for along with your hotel reservation. The band also does pretty much the same thing as credit privileges on a cruise ship – you can bill all of your food and beverage purchases on property to your room
If you DO go in the summer – using early entry, taking a mid-day siesta, having lunch, and going to indoor attractions in Downtown Disney (like the DisneyQuest indoor theme park) and returning to the outdoor theme parks at dusk will keep you out of the “Mad Dog and Englishmen” midday sun.
One last thing: DO YOUR RESEARCH! There are tons of official and unofficial guides you can buy – and every one of them will save you money and aggravation. Take note of rides the reviewers say are too scary for children. I’m not just talking about thrill rides – there are tons of stories of even adults getting freaked out by “Alien Encounter” in Tomorrow Land. Plan an agenda for each day – and follow it. Schedule your nap times and meal times. Also schedule reasonable bedtimes for both your kids – AND yourselves. Vacations are supposed to be stress-free and restful! So pace yourselves and come back home well rested.
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