The best advice we ever got...

epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
...was to slow down and enjoy the experience. Smell the roses, people watch, take in the shops and enjoy the architecture, see more shows and most of all realize you can't do it all so savor what you can do.
That changed the way we approached the parks and WDW in general, and as repeat visitors it made a tremendous difference in how much we enjoyed our trips.
For the first five years or so we would come home exhausted...now we come home relaxed, entertained, and well fed.
Is there any tip or advice that has changed how you vacation at WDW?
 
Figgy1

Figgy1

Well-Known Member
I rember my first trip back in the 80s somebody got me Birnbaum's as a gift and said read it and you'll know what your getting into! So my first trip was 4 park days I rode every ride saw all the shows parades etc. found the French bakery, saki, beer, wine, etc. didn't have a bad meal so since then I've become the crazy planning lady!! It was easier back then 2 parks and no ADRs to worry about! One thing hasn't changed I see and do everything on my family's list and have fun doing it!
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
bethymouse said:
I have always used fastpass in some way to get the most out of my days in the parks! We also make sure to spend lots of time at the resort pools instead of the hustle and bustle of the parks all day and all night!:)
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Over the years, pool and resort time, and DTD time has become increasingly important to us. Priorities change and touring the parks has less urgency than it once had.
 
olinecoach61

olinecoach61

Well-Known Member
disneysince71 said:
oh... You do not have to have a ADR for every meal... You may go nuts if you do! :)
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I absolutely agree. We overbooked last summer and after a couple of days we just canceled two or three meals, it was too much! If you not careful those ADRs will run your vacation. We had breakfast at crystal palace then went to poly for a nap then went to Epcot for dinner. It felt like we rushed through the day to get to meals. Lesson learned!
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
disneysince71 said:
oh... You do not have to have a ADR for every meal... You may go nuts if you do! :)
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A few years ago we decided ADRs took away some of the fun of our trip and now we rarely make them at all...but we do go during slower times of the year, and without children, and that makes walk ups easier. We also drive and if we want to eat off-site, like at Columbia or Thai Thani at Celebration, or some of the many places on International Drive or City Walk, then we just hop in the car and go. Now, I don't think I would try this during more crowded times.
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
disneysince71 said:
ok this may sound nuts... but if you do not go in with an open mind/ flexible/good attitude... You may not ever get/understand/or feel the magic... :)
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It is not nuts at all. Many years ago we went with another couple who were our neighbors...they went there convinced they would not like it and left with the same attitude. They actually left a few days early saying there was nothing there they liked. Maybe it was the company they could not tolerate, who knows. Now this was when there was only MK and Epcot, but they decided to not enjoy themselves and it became a self fulfilling prophecy. Sad for them and the last I heard, as we have not kept in touch, is they never went back.
 
D

DisneyDebNJ

Well-Known Member
epcotisbest said:
...was to slow down and enjoy the experience. Smell the roses, people watch, take in the shops and enjoy the architecture, see more shows and most of all realize you can't do it all so savor what you can do.
That changed the way we approached the parks and WDW in general, and as repeat visitors it made a tremendous difference in how much we enjoyed our trips.
For the first five years or so we would come home exhausted...now we come home relaxed, entertained, and well fed.
Is there any tip or advice that has changed how you vacation at WDW?
Click to expand...
Exactly this... I have not done Disney *commando style* in over a decade. I relish every moment. I wake up I'm in Disney, I go to bed Im in Disney, everything in between in a definate plus!!!!
 
D

DisneyDebNJ

Well-Known Member
epcotisbest said:
And if you are like me, slowing down completely changed, for the better, they way to do Disney.
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Oh no doubt about it. My DH hates schedules on vacation, the few breakfast ADRs I make are after 10am and dinner ADRs are scattered. We do a pool day, and Mom (me) gets her "OMG Im at Disney" day, with a loaded Disney gift card... everyone is happy!!! LOL
 
EOD K9

EOD K9

Well-Known Member
In my earlier statement, I said to get out of the parks. To some extent, I think for some of us it is easier said than done. If we've been multiple times, it is so much easier to get out as most of us have seen everything. I am doing one night on each end of my Disney Cruise. I'm not worrying about hitting everything. If a family has only 5 days or so, it may be tougher...especially if not on property. To them I would still say to get out, but go mini golfing, hit DTD, or go to the resorts so you can still be in the magic.
 
luv

luv

Well-Known Member
Stay offsite in a condo or house. I had no idea how the extra space would make the trip SO much more relaxing.

I resisted going off the WDW property for so long because so many people said it was terrible. Wish I'd done it sooner. :)
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
luv said:
Stay offsite in a condor house. I had no idea how the extra space would make the trip SO much more relaxing.

I resisted going off the WDW property for so long because so many people said it was terrible. Wish I'd done it sooner. :)
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We have stayed off site at some amazing places including The Peabody, Hyatt Grand Cypress, Orange Lake, Marriott and Hilton timeshares and others. Some are nicer than any place we have stayed at Disney...I think both on site and off has their own merits...I sometimes feel sorry for people who say they will only stay on site...That is surely limiting choices.
 
mickey2008.1

mickey2008.1

Well-Known Member
I totaly agree with the op, but unfortunately, wdw is shoving nextgen down our throats. If you dont plan in advance, you will not get on this attraction, show, or dinner. If we do not plan a dinner at cali grill in advance, it is not going tonhappen. I love to take my time and take it all in, but disney is making it difficult. It's ashame. We should not have to plan attractions, parades, and firework seating. Just show up or wait, and what we get is what we get.​
 

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