Going to Disney .. Any Tips????

Get the dining plan if you haven't already! It made things so much easier. We went one year ago with our 4 year old and 2 year old girls. We had a blast!!! Go to the Luau at the Poly- it is fun and your child will like it, too. If you shop at the gift shops they will send it to your hotel at no charge so you don't have to carry it around. Just ask. Rent a double stroller at the parks and take a soft blanket with you so your little one can crash and you don't have to leave the park. We had planned on going back to the room for naps, but she always fell asleep on the ride and wouldn't sleep once we got to the room. We just started letting her nap in the stroller and it was so much easier. I would just park her out of the way and we would relax for a little while. Have Fun!

go to www.mousesavers.com---it's a great website for money-saving tips and ideas to make everything run more smoothly. have fun!

I have been several times. The best help I found was in a book about "insider Disney information". The tips I found most helpful were: to stay on the property; Go early and take time in the afternoon to go back to the hotel and rest during the hottest part of the day; Give each child a fanny pack to put snacks in to carry in the park so that you don't have someone who is too hungry to enjoy a ride after waiting an hour in line; and have breakfast foods in your room so that the kids can eat right away and you don't have to pay high park prices for a meal they will be too excited to eat. On my own I observed that parents often push their little ones too hard and too long to "have fun". There are plenty of unhappy, overstimulated, tired children in the park who spend the day crying and making parents miserable. RELAX and everyone will enjoy the experience so much more. One last thing: Buy some Disney toys at home (Target, Disney Store) They will be cheaper and you can hide them in your suitcase. Pull them out when your little one wants a toy that you could find at home at a fraction of the price. It's a souvenier and you will have more free cash for other fun around Orlando!
Good luck!

OMG...my daughter is 13 and we started going to Disney when she was 2 and went every 2 yrs until she was 8. We always stayed at the Polynesian and LOVED it. It is fantastic to be on the monorail line to zip over to Magic Kingdom and still be able to zip to your room for a nap or whatever you might need. Last time we were there, they also had a boat in the lagoon that would take Polynesian and Grand Floridian guests to Magic Kingdom.

I could have stayed at the Polynesian and never left because I loved the feel there. We stayed in all types of rooms. Last time we stayed in the Conceirge facing the water and it was perfect. The fireworks at night were perfect. I loved the beach and we enjoyed the regular Luau vs the Mickey Mouse one. We did enjoy the Character breakfast at Polynesian. Chef Mickey at Contemporary (just a zip on the monorail) was a lot of fun too.

Have fun!! I know a lot has changed by now but we have wonderful memories and pictures from the Polynesian.

Susan

PS....we did get a hopper pass at the hotel when we checked in that was good for our arrival time through midnight on the day of departure for any park. Also, if you are on the monorail line (as you are) everyday 1 park opens early just for the people at the Polynesian, Contemporary and Grand Floridian. That is when she got most of her personal autographs/pictures from the characters.