I got these tips form another forum.
General Tips:
16. Ask for a late check out at your resort. It usually does not cost extra (it does not cost extra at a Disney Resort) and you may get to keep your room up to 2 hours longer.
John
This isn't completely true. If it is granted to you (it needs to be approved by housekeeping in order to happen) then if is free up until 12:59. 1 - 2:59 it is half of a room nights stay and 3 and beyond is a full nights stay. To request a late checkout, just hit the housekeeping button on your phone.
Here are some others I've gathered from my days as a CM:
1. When you get a confirmation from us, READ IT. All of it. Please. We really mean what we write in those things and it will only be to your benefit to make sure it's right. Also, bring them with you when you come to visit. We usually don't need them but if there are any problems, it'll save a lot of hassle having some proof in what you booked.
2. Do your research. If you book a preferred view room, make sure you know what it means. It'll save you (and us) a lot of hassle and heartache during your stay. This includes block out dates, closures, etc.
3. We will do everything in our power to make your stay magical but please remember that we are a all only human. Please remember that when you talk to us. We really appreciate it and you'd be amazed how it will work to your benefit if you do.
4. The best time and place to see "unique" characters is the animation courtyard in HS on the nights that Fantasmic is showing. Everyone from Goofy and the Incredibles to Jafar and Mary Poppins and her penguins might show up. You just never know!
5. If you're not really hungry when it comes time for a whole meal, the kids meals are a great bang for your buck. Grab one and have the entree when you order and the snack(s) for when you're (inevitably) hungry later!
6. Download the mobile magic app for your smartphone. It's a great way to book quick dining reservations, check wait times, FP return times, etc.
7. If you don't need to see the parade(s)/fireworks, its the best time to ride the rides.
8. You can go on rides up until the moment the parks close. That means even 1 minute! Take advantage of that!
9. If you're planning on going to a variety of places outside of Disney property (Universal, SeaWorld, etc.) it may be cost effective to rent a car vs. use Mears or a taxi service.
10. Buy a case of water (or order it from Garden Grocer) and leave it in your room. Bring them with you in the parks vs. paying for bottles in the parks. Same goes for small snacks which are great for the little kids sweet cravings.
11. Don't buy ponchos, sunscreen, camera products or anything of that nature while you're in Disney. It's way less expensive if you buy it prior to coming.
12. Bring multiple colored sharpies with you for character signatures to brighten up your autograph book.
13. Head to fantasyland later at night ones many of the kiddies have gone to dinner or to bed. The lines will be significantly shorter than during the heat of the day.
14. Never leave the parks if it's raining. Head to a store or indoor attraction to wait it out. When it does, head to an E-ticket for a (usually) much shorter wait time.
15. Disney giftcards are a great way to help your kids (or yourself) budget spending during the trip.
16. When the park exits after the nighttime spectacular, hang back and wait a good half hour or so to let it clear out. Then leisurely make your way to the exit.
17. Become an expert at the afternoon nap. Get up early and head to the park at park open until around 12:30. Then head back to your resort and swim, nap, have lunch, etc. Head back to the park around 4 for the rest of the night ready and refreshed!
18. Don't wear brand new shoes. You'll be sorry.
19. Make use of the photopass service. If you take enough pictures, the photo CD will pay for itself!
20. If you're traveling with multiple rooms (especially if the reservations have different last names) MAKE SURE YOU TELL US! We can't guarantee that you'll be together either way but your chances of being in a room near each other multiples 10 fold if you let us know well in advance.
21. Try not to let the little details bother you. Remember the big picture. Remember the magic.
22. Don't overplan. It'll only frustrate you when things don't go exactly how you thought they would. Go with the flow.
23. On a completely rainy day, head to Hollywood Studios. You'll be able to ride the most rides with the shortest walk between them.
24. The resorts monorail also stops at the TTC. Just a hint. =)
25. Make all your dining reservations in advance.
26. If you're ever looking to eat something specific in a park. Ask any CM you find to check. They all are supposed to carry around a piece of paper with that information on it.
27. Epcot Character Spot is one of the best places to meet the Fab 5.
28. If you're on the dining plan, make sure you use all of your points. You've already paid for them so make sure you get the most bang for your buck!
29. If it applies to your party, make use of the rider swap so everyone gets a chance to ride everything.
30. Resort hopping is a great way to spend a day not at the parks. They're all unique and fun to visit. And you never know, you may figure out where you want to stay on your next vacation!
Ok, I'm sure I have more but that should be good for now. Hope they help!! =)
I noticed he does better with park breaks since his perception on things is a bit skewed compared to us adults and DGD who is 7. If anyone has been able to turn that magical place a bit miserable it is him but when we finally slowed down a bit during our last visit it definitely helped!
