What We Learned from Disney in 2009

On the way down to Fort Lauderdale, Brian and I decided to list everything we learned from our Disney experience this time, . . . to remember for NEXT time (which will be in exactly three years, because Leia turns into an "adult" at 10, so we'll beat the system, . . . again). Here is our list:

• Disney castmembers are required to give you free ice and/or water from any fountain drink station/kiosk
• Unless you stay in the monorail resorts, just stay at the all-star resorts: they are cheapest and give you the same amenities in regards to the parks
• Drive EVERYWHERE but the Magic Kingdom (because you can't park close to the MK, you have to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center)
• Allow at least one full day for each park
• Allow at least two full days for the Magic Kingdom and at least 1 1/2 days for Epcot
• Always get the Standard Disney Dining Plan (it saved us SO much money)
• With the Disney Dining Plan, make the most of your reservations by booking things like the fancy restaurants at Japan and Ankersus (Norway), . . . not lower class places like the Prime Time Cafe
• NEVER go to Prime Time Cafe again: it's WAY too loud and obnoxious
• Pick QUIET restaurants for dinner. Suggestions? Canada (E), Citrico in the Floridian, Ankersus (E), and the Sci-Fi Drive-In (HS).
• NEVER go on a special event weekend (like a Star Wars weekend).
• NEVER go to the Magic Kingdom on a Monday or a Tuesday because it will be crowded! (Most people start their vacations then, and always want to start at the MK.)
• Absoultely buy "Ride Re-Entry" passes on ebay, and then exchange them for the current ones at City Hall on Main Street. Even in the summer, we bypassed every single line.
• Always ask for a "Rider Switch Pass" on every Fastpass ride (then your whole family can go again in the Fastpass line).
• Take only non-melting snacks into the park like goldfish, oyster crackers, & wal-mart animal crackers.
• Always take 1/2 gallon of water.
• See the fairies when they first open (if you want to see them) or you'll be waiting for hours!
• Make lots of your sit-down meals be character dining! It's just the best way to see the characters, . . . especially the princesses at Ankersus in Norway and Pooh at the Chrystal Palace on Main Street.
• If you miss out on character dining, then go see the characters at Epcot or the Animal Kingdom (where there are less lines).
• Buy ALL souveniers before you go to Disney, . . . all shirts and stuff can all be found at wal-mart.
• The best time to ride Kilamanjaro Safari is right when the park opens! The animals are all out and about (and not too hot yet).
• To buy a cool family keepsake (crystal block of the family & mickey/minnie) go to either Image Works of Epcot, Downtown Disney, or the place where they melt glass on Main Street.
• If you need a rest from the parks, don't take a whole day, . . . take two afternoons (from 12-5 is when it's sweltering), . . . a great time for the pool, . . . with time to return for the light parade & fireworks!
• Beware of the Disney Pixie Stick Stations!!! You WILL be buying at least one! : )
• NEVER use the Disney Bus System. Any handicapped person (either "fake" or "real") means a delay of 10 minutes on / 10 minutes off.
• Video a few seconds of the kids actually watching each ride for a GREAT complation movie later! (And don't forget shots of the ride signs!)
• Make sure your camera is put to "fine" quality video and only "3 megs" per picture, . . . and even then, bring all three memory cards!
• The times to beat the system are when the youngest is 2 1/2, when the oldest is 9 1/2, and then when the youngest is 9 1/2.