[Reiko]

My tip for the parks to PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Do your research BEFORE leaving home. I keep a piece of paper, one for each park, with special notes for myself that I can keep in my pocket. I note what things I don't want to miss, and little tips I come up with during my research.( ie: lines to the left tend to go quicker.) I also note what restaurants interest me, and have a "sketch" of a route (ie:go straight to Adventureland and work your way around the park clockwise), noting what things Not to miss along the way. I also carry my "bible", Birnbaum's Walt Disney World, in my backpack. It is great to flip through while in a line or at a meal. I always read outloud to whoever is in line with me about the ride we are about to board. We also use it to flip through and discuss throughout the day where to have lunch or dinner. Trying to plan the next day at nite after a long day at WDW does not work. I find myself to tired, and having this done before you go will be a big help. And probobly one of the best things you could do is what you are doing, pick everyones brains here at Disney Central. As knowledgeable as I think I am, I'm always learing new things here, not to mention how it will psych you up for your trip! Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah!!:)

[soxmets]

Birnbaum has been invaluable to me as well. A great book. My family always turns to me at Disney, because I also plan everything. One extra tip, buy disposable rain coats before you go and carry them with you. It rained a few days on our last trip and we just pulled them out when we needed them. Also, when it rains, go to the parks. The lines are a lot shorter when it's wet. :)

[ArielBelle]

Originally posted by soxmets
One extra tip, buy disposable rain coats before you go and carry them with you. It rained a few days on our last trip and we just pulled them out when we needed them.

I just saw them at Walmart for under four dollars. They come in these little plastic pouches about the size of a notebook.

[JOANN]

Hi, My DH has a "VACATION LIST". I laughed, but actually it comes in handy. It's everything we have to do before we leave, plus eveything we need to bring. It does take the stress out of worrying if we forgot anything of importance, and by that I mean our Annual Passes. One year, we ALOMOST left home without them.
Of course, it's planning. I mean making reservations , especially if you know you want to do something specific. It's always better to make those reserv., and in case you change your mind you could always cancel.
Our family has been going to DW many years now, but I never assume we know everything, because things at DW can change in a heart beat. It's planning and keep tuning into DC. It's a great place to become more knowledgeable!!!!! :D :) JOANN

[mickaholic4077]

I also highly recommend The Unofficial Guide to Disney by Bob Sehlinger. He calls a spade a spade,so to speak. If he thinks a ride isn't worth your time,he will spell it out why he thinks so. Or if something is too expensive,he'll tell you why. I may not always agree with him,but he tells you like it is,not the official party line like the Birnbaum guide does.

[Cinderellafifi]

My DH has a "VACATION LIST". I laughed, but actually it comes in handy

wrote Joann

We use one, too. It is very handy! Especially when you get down to the last moments and need a checklist to remind you of those essentials. :)

[JOANN]

fifi,
So glad to hear you also, have a Vacation List.
My DH will tell me , "see I told you it's something good to have"!!
I will make sure he reads your response. He's on DC quite a bit, but lately he's on mouseinfo.com. I told him he needs to come back home to DC. His intentions are to one day see his best friend "Mickey" on the west coast. :dazed I guess we all need a change at times!!!! :hmmm JOANN

[BDavis932]

Originally posted by ArielBelle
I just saw them at Walmart for under four dollars. They come in these little plastic pouches about the size of a notebook.

We get the ones at Wal-Mart that are folded into the the size of a business card. They are $.97 cents and can fit nicely in a fanny pack or even in your back pocket!

We use them on rides, too. It seems like whenever I do actually make it in to one of our photos...its right after I've been drenched on Kali River Rapids!!! So, with the poncho, I can avoid that "wet look" !!! Of course I can never fold them back up the same way....:dazed.

[BDavis932]

Originally posted by Cinderellafifi
VACATION CHECKLIST....We use one, too. It is very handy! Especially when you get down to the last moments and need a checklist to remind you of those essentials. :)

I keep a vacation itinerary as an icon on my desktop at all times. Everytime I think of something that I don't want to forget, I just open it up and add it to the list. I also have a large suitcase in my closet that I keep all the stuff in that we NEVER use, unless we are vacationing. So that stuff is all ready to go when we are!!

[KarenWDWCP]

mickaholic, i would recommend the sehlinger guide too. i think he goes into a lot more detail than the birnbaums and like you said, he tells it like it is. he is also much more detailed with the restaurant info - the readers comments and ratings are a real help! i have never used his commando touring plans but i am still a real fan of the book for a more objective view!


Karen

[Reiko]

Will be looking up Bob Sehlinger's book asap- thanks for the info!!