Top Ten Disney Lessons Learned

Jason & I kept talking about our 'top ten' things we'd do differently next time we do this trip. So we thought we'd share it all with you!

1) Buy a good stroller. The cheapo umbrella strollers although lightweight, have no storage, hardly any shade and don't handle great. Spend the money.

2) Don't spend the money on a new hair cut before going to Disney. Hmmmm. I got a great new cut & colour two weeks before going, then did my hair the first day and within one hour the heat and the sweat got to it and well that was the end of that. I didn't bother after that!

3) Don't go in May. Apparently October is the best month for weather.

4) We've said this before - but take days off in between park days to relax, swim, shop, etc. This 'go-go-go' vacation that requires a vacation after to recover from is not fun!

5) Stay on the resort - but explore your resort too! And the rest of DisneyWorld and the other hotels. DisneyWorld property is twice the size of Manhattan - there is lots to explore other than the parks. We didn't get past one pool at our hotel - and there were at least 4. And we hoped to get in the pool every day and we sure didn't.

6) Save some time for Outlet Mall shopping.

7) We sure enjoyed our 'value' hotel but felt a bit 'nicked & dimed' with the extra charges - HS internet & a fridge were over and above! Watch for hidden charges, a cheap hotel room might not be worth it if for a little bit more you can get it all in a nicer, bigger resort.

8) You don't need a full day for Downtown Disney. A few hours tops. It would be a good place to go in the evening too, especially if you like lounges & clubs. You need two days for Magic Kingdom. One day was enough for each of Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

9) The Disney transportation system is awesome. I don't know why anyone would want to rent a vehicle. It costs $14/day to park at each of the theme parks, plus your car rental. One day rental to get out of the park is a great idea, lots of great beaches within an hour!

10) Be sure to do at least one character dining experience. We did Crystal Palace with Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet, but if you can, try to get into Chef Mickey's. Or if your little people are into princesses you can eat with Cinderella and friends at the castle. Even the big kids feel young again!