Last Minute Tips
Claim your seats early for parades. Curbside seats begin filling up as much as an hour or more before parade time. Just be prepared for people wanting to step over you, or asking if their child can sit in front of you.
If renting a car have proof of insurance to show when checking in at the rental counter.
If you are waiting to get into an attraction that does not have a single file queue, such as the Haunted Mansion or Muppet Vision 3-D, do not let lagers waste your time, step around them. Do not feel like you are cutting in. Disney cast members will periodically ask guests to fill in all available space. You will be amazed at how much faster you will get in.
If you can plan to do at least one load of laundry while you are there you can cut down on the amount of clothes you need to pack by taking mix and match outfits. Ask the reservationist or your resort’s front desk where laundry rooms are located.
If you did not make advanced dining reservations, go directly to the restaurant and request an early seating time, about 5:30 p.m. The earlier seating times will often still be available.
If you want to try your hand at acting or you just want to be part of the fun, take note of times and locations of street shows such as the one at the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. Before the show begins performers enlist audience members to play bit parts.
It is a good idea to have something to sit on while waiting for the parades to begin; the sidewalks and pavement can be extremely hot.
Just before and during parades is a good time to do attractions that are geared more toward younger children and, typically, have longer lines.
Know where restrooms are located. Many restrooms are tucked away inconspicuously. Even though they are marked on the park maps, unless you know exactly where they are they can be difficult to locate. When you have a child who needs to go now you don’t want to hunt for the restroom or stop to ask for directions. It may be a good idea to know where two or three restrooms are and make scheduled stops there. This could help avoid those emergency situations.
Measure and weigh luggage before you leave home to insure your bags meet airline baggage allowance rules.
Measure your child before leaving home so that you will know if they meet the minimum height requirement before you queue up.
Pack reservation confirmations in your carry-on bag so that they are immediately available when you arrive at your destination. Include your Disney Magical Express Vouchers if using this service; you will need them when checking in at the Disney Magical Express counter on the transportation level of the Orlando airport.
Put sunscreen on before you leave your hotel. Sunscreen works best if it has a chance to soak in. If you wait until you are in the parks, standing in line you are probably already too sweaty for the sunscreen to do its job. Remember to use a greaseless, waterproof sunscreen with the highest SPF number.
Remember, most shops will gladly ship purchases home for you; you pay the shipping charges of course. This is a great service for getting any breakable items home.
Restaurants have restrooms inside, but they may have fewer stalls and are usually more crowded.
Take a sweater or light jacket on the plane; airplanes are notoriously chilly. It’s also a good idea to pack a few snacks.
Take advantage of package delivery to your resort. Understand though that your purchase may not be delivered until the next day. So, if you have bought a toy your child will want later, get a locker or have your purchase delivered to the front entrance for you to pick up on your way out. Lockers are located near park entrances and can be rented for a $7 deposit, $2 will be refunded when you return the key.
While waiting in line, send one person to the nearest ice cream vendor to buy frozen strawberry bars. They are popsicles with bits of strawberry; delicious and refreshing. Don’t forget the wet wipes in your fanny pack for the inevitable drips.
Winter Florida temperatures can be unseasonable. Highs may be in the 50’s or they may be in the 90’s. Be sure to check the extended Orlando weather forecast before packing.
You may not want to do the Magic Kingdom on your first full day at WDW. The Magic Kingdom is the largest and most grueling of all the parks. Disney Hollywood Studios is the easiest and is best for your first day. If you have time to split them up, either Epcot’s Future World or World Showcase can be good first day choices.
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