We just got back from Disney World, so here are nine Disney World tips that I hope help someone out.
1.
Yes. The “magic bands” are waterproof to take and wear in the pool. And yes, after a week at Disney World you will swipe your wrist at the first cash register back home.
2.
Wait times for most rides are posted out front of each ride. And that five-minute wait is not always five minutes. With a posted wait time of 5 minutes, we waited 30 minutes to see Mickey Mouse. The next day, with a posted wait time of 20 minutes, we walked straight onto The Na’vi River Journey with no wait at all.
3.
If a new section of the park has only been open three months, don’t go. A pushy, power-walking, mob nearly ruined Toy Story Land for me.
4.
Six days at Disney World will teach you that you need to read another parenting book. As your children have their third meltdown of the day, the young Chinese family standing in front of you will remind you with their pleasant smile, as their three-year-old waits calmly and quietly – not needing to be held – for 30 minutes in line.
5.
Stop putting your kids on your shoulders during shows. There are a million of us that also paid five thousand dollars to be here. And guess what? Half of us are standing behind you. For a second. Just for a second, try to think about someone other than yourself.
6.
Disney employees will flat out move your stroller. You are tired and you finally made it across the park to the ride you wanted. That nearest wall has five other strollers parked on it, so you quickly roll yours in line and duck into the next building. Well, guess what? That place against the wall is not a “designated stroller parking area.” And now that your ride is over, you have a 10-minute search ahead of you. Save the time and park your strollers where you are supposed to.
7.
The shoes you wear at home for your little two-mile treadmill jogs might not be the shoes you want for a 12-mile urban hike while pushing a 50-pound stroller.
8.
Your spouse will need to go #2 at some point. I suggest asking the nearest Disney cast member for a “rider swap pass.” Ha.
9.
And a frozen lemonade can save an afternoon. The kids liked the frozen raspberry better, but plain lemonade is the way to
BONUS TIP: Use Jenny Daves at Glass Slipper Consierge to plan your next trip.