WDW Essentials

For those who want a simple planning approach, the WDW for Grownups Planning Page is one of the best planners I have seen. I will expand on these tips below at a high-level and provide detail in separate blog entries.

Before you go:

1. Stay on Disney property if you ever get the chance. This offers an entire list of perks within itself.
2. Decide your method of transportation. With Disney's Magical Express, you can rent a car on property for only some of the days of your vacation, if you wish.
   
3. Buy your tickets ahead of time. Do the math to see what is best for you. If you aren't planning on going to the parks every day and can afford it now, purchase 10-day park hopper tickets that never expire. If you plan on going more than once a year, an annual pass may be more in line with your budget.
4. Plan your on-site dining reservations as soon as you are able (confirm timelines on WDWs reservation timeline checklist page), months before you leave. If you aren't planning on going to the parks every day, check the park calendar to plan your on-site dining reservations. Don't forget you have to use park tickets to eat at restaurants inside the parks, and you might want to eat in a park that has Extra Magic Hours at night. My wife has a general rule not to do back-to-back Disney Dining Plan table services (e.g. Chef Mickey's early in the morning after eating a big meal the night before).
   
5. See if any promotions are available. For example, Disney offers free tickets (or a Disney gift card for an equivalent amount) on your birthday.
6. Prepare your cell phone. There are 2 essential phone numbers: Disney Dining (407-WDW-DINE) and WDW Information (407-WDW-MAGIC). If you want to, also check maps, apps, browser bookmarks for new sites and GPS coordinates.
7. Research. For more research before you go, check the various WDW planner sites and forums for Q&A. The sites have much of the same information you will find in the official/unofficial WDW guide books.

While you are there:

1. Buy a case of water and take what you need to the parks.
2. Take advantage of the Photo Pass and Fast Pass inside the parks.
3. Learn how to Park-Hop. Buses, boats and the monorail. Yes, you CAN walk between two of the parks.
   
4. Research. If you are staying on Disney property, get familiar with the Disney resort perks. Pick up the latest WDW Times Guide. Check your favorite WDW news web site or forum. Prepare for the weather.
   
5. Call Disney Dining if you need to change Disney dining reservations. Last-minute reservations "can" be done, but keep your expectations low.
6. Spice-up the trip. Yes, you have seen WDW before, so do something different. Bring pins for trading with cast members and pin boards. Search for Hidden Mickeys. Collect pressed pennies or Disney transportation cards.
   
7. Visit Downtown Disney for shopping, dining and entertainment.
   
8. Shopping discounts. Check the big Disney stores (e.g. Emporium, World of Disney) for promotional offers (e.g. rolling duffel bag for $20 with any $50 purchase). Offers generally vary store to store. Take a trip to a Disney outlet store to buy discounted park merchandise.
9. Check other activities that are outside the parks, but still on Disney property. Don't forget Kissimmee, Orlando, and the beaches within an hour's drive.