Well our annual or not so annual trip to Disneyworld has come to a conclusion. After all the resort picking, dining plans, general planning, payment plan (through Disney) Airline tickets (miles old and new) our trip was booked. Then came the packing for whatever Florida weather may present you with, hot and humid, rains, blistering heat so that the top of your head hurts!. Oh, yeah it’s Florida. This time we went in September (low season) to capture any bargains and still enjoy swimming weather.
Also, this time we joined one of the many Disney Resort Facebook groups to get tips/current members reviews of the resort. It is also a great way to ask general questions and get some current information from people on site. It is not sponsored by Disney but I found it useful especially when sharing stuff before we left. I pictured two items that I bought but didn’t want to take back. Both were left at the location I disclosed and taken and used by members that were on site at the resort. (Both were in excellent to almost new condition).
Tip One: never pack strictly from memory. My memories were late Spring and early November all which offered more pants then shorts. I did bring a pair of shorts but found I needed at least another pair as the weather was 90’s all the days. Also, our activity level on this vacation was totally different so what I actually needed for more resort days was not always in stock with my size when on property.
Tip Two: pack less and plan on doing laundry while on vacation. I know you are saying “what the heck” do laundry on vacation. Believe me you will value the break from the activities and again save a lot of space in your suitcase. Remember you will likely buy at least one to two items of clothing each when you are on location. Pay by phone app about $3.50 per load USA and about same Dryer for 60 mins. For detergent you will need a Credit Card if you buy on site. Entry is by magic band or room card.
Tip Three: Buy a Brita Water pitcher (comes with one filter) Florida water taste different from what you are use to and water in the bottle will set you back at least 3 bucks per bottle. If you need flavors consider powered add in or get a lemon etc. We both have carry water bottles with a clip and used them everywhere and everyday. Saving big on drinks.
Tip Four: Get some groceries especially bananas/fruits which are great for you anyway. Water alone will not hydrate you and some of the hydration drinks either taste bad or are super expensive. While Eating foods rich in hydrating ingredients is super helpful and beats eating sweets. Watch for fees from the resort if you get deliveries and or have them delivered by bell services to your room. Food from urber or grubhub can be picked up by you outside the main resort lobby at no cost from the resort.
Tip Five: Plan a resort day or even many resort days. On these days we chose to visit other resorts for a booked SPA appointment, to eat a brunch and shop. It is really rewarding to admire the unique ambience of other resorts and take pictures of their lobby. We really enjoyed 1990 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian Resort. The brunch was all you can enjoy and they really worked hard given all my dietary restrictions. Plus you get to meet specific characters as well. Two meals in one!
Tip Six: Use early entry (if staying at the resorts) but know you ride priority and be flexible with back up’s because rides maybe delayed in opening. We were very magically blessed on our Hollywood Studios morning. We never could make it to the Star Wars rides due to wait times on the past 2 trips to DW but did early morning on a mid week (non vacation week) day and when ROR had a delayed opening we did SR and then made the first group for ROR. My Son was thrilled! Mom stayed outside talking to other mom’s who were forgoing rides that were perceived as just to much! LOL.
Tip Seven: Plan you meals (dining plan excluded) how many at resort, how many at parks, how many at other resorts, how many at Disney Springs and how many in the room. Take back leftovers from your dinning experiences. The in room frig is small but will keep the food cool and most if not all food courts have toasters and microwaves for quick reheats.
Tip Eight: While noise of other guest has not be a big problem for us as we ask to stay in areas away from the lobby, main pools and nightly activities provided at the resorts many people prefer a white noise machine or use a phone app for white noise.
An aside: I bring a small room air purifier that plugs in with a USB outlet. There are at least two regular USB outlets on the night stand at our resort.
Tip Nine: Bring an outlet extender with USB compatible for all your electronics. Also, if a TV viewer see if your resort offers share screen from your phone to the in room TV. As of this writing CBR did not have all their TV’s set up with picture feature. You could share audio but no video.
Tip Ten: Plan on walking and waiting a lot! Break in your shoes before going and bring sneakers, walking sandals that are waterproof. Bring band aids, anti chaffing and feel free to stop to sit down and rest when you can.
Remember: if you are experiencing something chances are so is someone else, so go with the flow.
- Leave a ride if you need to not every ride is for everyone
- Try something different or new
- Take a nap and reenter the park later in the day
- Be resolved in the fact that: It is not possible to do everything within the park so be easy on yourself and others
- Use the internal buses and skyliner where applicable
- Stay at a Disney Resort at least once! The bubble offers benefits that save time and steps.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to and from your locations – get use to being in a que! It is a great way to meet people.
- Carry snacks, water bottle, foldable rain gear, sun glasses/sunscreen and phone battery as you will use the Disney experience app to check wait times and order food while in the park.
- Mobile order at quick services restaurants where you can. We mobile ordered and took the food back to the resort-Note: you will need to carry a container if you want to do that as quick services do not have or give food boxes.
- Mail your purchases home instead of carrying them back in your luggage. Note: Disney resorts will mail your Disney Store purchases (from Disney Springs) but you have to carry them back to the resort. The cost of mailing them at the UPS store in DS can be higher then from the resort. Please note that purchases from 3 party vendors will not be mailed from the resort. “keep your receipt” . It took a week for our stuff to arrive to Massachusetts from DW in Florida. Not bad.
- Pick the resort that best fits your family size and needs whether on or off property
- Try to dine where their are some shared tables because we have always met the nicest people while dining this way! Some living in Florida and other across the Globe!
Remember Magic is what you make it and Disney Vacations are a great place to start!
ERP