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Post by photomom74 on Jul 15, 2010 13:18:56 GMT -5
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Post by cupcakeninja on Jul 16, 2010 1:18:29 GMT -5
This is just my personal opinion but I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with the Dollar Tree ponchos. Don't get me wrong, I love the Dollar Tree and they frequently have my business, but their ponchos aren't worth the money...not for an active WDW vacay. They are nothing but thin trash can liners that just don't last. We went to WDW last May and it rained...no POURED every single day of our trip. Knowing that, I'd bought the cheapo $1 rain ponchos with us figuring I was being frugal and smart. I was better off saving those $4 (I bought 4, one for each member of my family) and using a trash can liner for free from our hotel room because those were even sturdier than the $1 ponchos. They tore easily, got caught in our stroller wheels, it was a mess. We ended up dropping $8 on a poncho for one of my kids at Animal Kingdom...they're the same quality as the Walmart ones for $3. The fact is, it rains in FL. Spend the little extra initial cost to get some decent quality ponchos and reuse them for future trips. Save the money and save the environment by generating less trash with one use ponchos that tears after not even a day. I saw so many people with tearing Disney ponchos that they paid upward of $15 for...remember they're the same quality as the Walmart ones so don't expect those to hold up too well either.
Clip coupons, watch for sales and clearances, try scouting around camping and outdoor equipment stores for some good quality lasting ponchos for a bargain. It'll save you money in the long run. Dashing for the Monorail with kids and gear in tow in a pouring thunderstorm, while being tangled up and mummified in a big yellow trash bag that's supposed to be a poncho was not exactly Magical. I'm glad I thought to pack some umbrellas from the Dollar Tree too. Now those...those were cheap and helpful.
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Post by photomom74 on Jul 16, 2010 11:41:53 GMT -5
Dashing for the Monorail with kids and gear in tow in a pouring thunderstorm, while being tangled up and mummified in a big yellow trash bag that's supposed to be a poncho was not exactly Magical. LOL!! So True! I definitely agree that the Dollar Tree ponchos are no more than trashbags with a hood and tear easily, but for whatever reason they lasted all week for my 2 kids. The one I wore from Dollar tree tore within 5 mins of me putting on but I had another poncho that I used the rest of the time. |
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Post by photomom74 on Jul 16, 2010 12:03:01 GMT -5
Does anyone usually take your own snacks and/or juices etc into the Parks? I know Disney says you can't but the past couple of years I took a soft sided lunchbox with juice pouches and crackers, fruit snacks, etc and when they checked our bag at the entrances to the Parks, they told me that was fine. I've even seen some people bring in smaller coolers on wheels??? Wouldn't want to have to keep up with that! Did you know that gum is not for sale anywhere at Disney World? I'm sure they don't want to encourage the goopy sticky mess from people that just spit it out on the ground in the hot Florida heat, but apparently Cast Members are instructed to give clever answers like "Mickey doesn't chew gum" if you ask why they don't sell it!  |
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Post by tanya on Jul 19, 2010 14:42:47 GMT -5
We ALWAYS take snacks into the park. I usually pack enough for 2 snacks during the day. It helps to have something when the kiddos start whining and you are in line for a ride. We also take water bottles with us. You can fill them up for free and we usually add Crystal Light to the water. It also saves money because we all know how much a drink can be at the park.
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Post by tazmindog on Jul 20, 2010 20:47:41 GMT -5
Take in a plastic reusable cup/mug with a lid and straw. Go to a counterservice restaurant (not sitdown, not kiosks usually) and ask for a cup of ice - don't stand in line if the lines are long, just go to the end of the counter. You can fill it at any water fountain and if you take in a Ziploc baggie of drink flavor powder (Gatorade for those hot days!), you've got a tasty, inexpensive drink. I used to work at WDW and we had people doing this all the time.
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Post by tazmindog on Jul 20, 2010 20:53:22 GMT -5
IMO, one of the best spots to see the MK fireworks is at the Polynesian Resort. If you go out to the pool and swing to the right a little on the sidewalk, you should see a bench with 2 speakers behind it towards the beach (just ask). You can carry chairs from the pool on over, too, just kindly put them back. You will see the fireworks over the castle but also reflected in the lake. The speakers simulcast all the music, etc. from the park. You won't be fighting crowds and the T and T is just a short walk away for your tram to the car. Or you can park at the Polynesian and let them know why you are there. Keep in mind you will not see Tink flying from the castle and you will be a bit of a distance, but truly you get such a spectacular showing that it's nearly perfection.
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Post by tazmindog on Jul 20, 2010 20:56:52 GMT -5
Sorry, one more - carry a small thing of duct tape or some really good band-aids just in case you get a blister. Remember, too, First Aid is there for all your small medicinal needs including free tabs of ibuprofen, Imodium, etc. My daughter ended up with awful blisters on her birthday, of all days, and FA saw us multiple times - retaping her blisters and providing extra band-aids, but oh for a roll of duct tape!! Very accommodating and a nice, noncrowded respite if your little one needs a break - changing tables with elbow room, microwave, bottle warmers, rockers for nursing.
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Post by pixievacations on Jul 21, 2010 7:24:02 GMT -5
Thanks for the great Disney tips.
One quick tip for everyone....
When you go to watch Illuminations at EPCOT check the wind. Make sure you set up camp up wind so you are not covered in smoke during the show.
Enjoy,
Steve and Lisa
PixieVacations.com
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Post by photomom74 on Aug 5, 2010 20:52:46 GMT -5
Has anyone ever bought an annual pass to save money?  |
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Post by tanya on Aug 11, 2010 12:57:53 GMT -5
We have and still do! We are only about 8 hours away and make several trips a year. Two trips and they pay for themselves. Also you get a discounted price each time you renew.
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Post by photomom74 on Aug 22, 2010 13:39:28 GMT -5
I wish we were able to go more than once a year! I'm hoping that after my May/June trip in 2011, I can take my kids during December 2011. We've never been in December and I'm dying to see WDW with Christmas decorations! Now that I've been couponing and doing surveys, maybe we can! New question: Has anyone been to the parks at rope drop and seen the opening ceremonies? I have NEVER done this because we don't ever make a real effort to get to the parks in enough time to see it. I already told my kids we have to get to MK before opening to see the opening ceremony there. I'm interested in anyone's experience here! |
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Post by tanya on Aug 30, 2010 15:05:55 GMT -5
We have been to the rope drop at all of the parks. It is worth the time. We love it. At MK the characters are brought to the train station and they dance and sing. They will pick out a family from the crowd on the train with Mickey and Pals. Its been a while since we have been to the rope drop at Epcot. I really don't remember what all took place. At Hollywood Studios we have experienced two different rope drops. The reg. rope drops consists of the Mayor and several other townfolk. They also involve someone from the audience. The other rope drop was during Star Wars Weekends and stormtroopers were there to greet you from atop the buildings. We were a little far back at AK and don't remember all the details but they let you go so far into the park and then Mickey and the gang come in on a bus.
Hope this helps!
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Post by sherrifl on Sept 4, 2010 21:57:42 GMT -5
Where do you go for the rope drop? Is it right inside in the center? We just said this week that next time we go (next week  we wanted to do the rope drop at MK. Thanks SherriFL |
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Post by photomom74 on Sept 4, 2010 22:14:42 GMT -5
Those who have been at rope drop will correct me if I'm wrong but as I understand it the opening ceremonies at rope drop are at the entrances to each park. If you get there early enough it seems you can't miss where it is. I heard at AK they let you into the park to a certain point (like Tanya mentions) but you can't really see much unless you are close to the front. I've never been there at rope drop at any park though. I watched a video on YouTube that someone recorded of MK opening ceremony. Here's one video of many on YouTube if you're obsessed like me and just have to have a sneak peek! www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSI4ePGCqgA |
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we wanted to do the rope drop at MK.