scarlet_ibis
"GET UP AND GET ON THE BUS!"
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2005
OK, what is Ridemax? We're going during Spring Break and I hate the thought of spending all day in line and only getting to ride 3 things.
OK Experts: What's the biggest Disney mistake you have made?
- Thread starter scarlet_ibis
- Start date
OK, what is Ridemax? We're going during Spring Break and I hate the thought of spending all day in line and only getting to ride 3 things.
cfmarie79
Can't Win If You Don't Play!
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2010
Staying off property to try and save money. The transportation was so bad that we ended up taking taxis back to our hotel quite often and those fares really add up!
Over booking ADRS
Taking my 15 month old niece
Not having a touring plan, just a park map and a dream
Eating at the Rose and Crown
Over booking ADRS
Taking my 15 month old niece
Not having a touring plan, just a park map and a dream
Eating at the Rose and Crown
emptynestr
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2010
Ridemax is a great program that allows you to enter in the rides/events you want to do in a park on any given day (a touring plan) and they will schedule your day for you. You can redo your Ridemax plan as many times as you wish prior to leaving. They tell you when you get there, when to ride, when to get your FPs, etc. I purchased this plan because we were taking our 9 year old granddaughter for the first time and I wanted to make sure she got to do EVERYTHING and was not disappointed. I really wanted to make sure she was able to ride TSM and we did everything - it was amazing.
I hope I was able to explain this. I actually found out about Ridemax on The Dis Board and thankgoodness I did!
reindeer
Reindeer
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2010
Once I learned to slow down, It's okay if you don't do it all I haven't made too many oops
. But last year we decided we really didn't need the fass passes we had in our pockets to ride Toy Story, line didn't appear to be too long, light crowds that day, we had not had to wait long on other rides. So we jumped into line. MAJOR MISTAKE 
You can't tell from the start of the line how it winds through the building, after about an hour we were ready to attack Mr. Potato Head. Took almost 2 hours. Great ride, so much fun, But never again without a fass pass.
. But last year we decided we really didn't need the fass passes we had in our pockets to ride Toy Story, line didn't appear to be too long, light crowds that day, we had not had to wait long on other rides. So we jumped into line. MAJOR MISTAKE You can't tell from the start of the line how it winds through the building, after about an hour we were ready to attack Mr. Potato Head. Took almost 2 hours. Great ride, so much fun, But never again without a fass pass.
kddill
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2007
My biggest mistake is similiar to another post I read on this thread earlier...not slowing down enough to really take it all in. 2005 was my first year back to WDW after nearly a 5 year absence and I had forgotten how overwhelming crazy I can get when I want everyone in the family to get to see/ do it all. In the end, I realized a little too late to slow down and smell the roses meant we would all be happy and not exhausted. DUH! I made up for it in 2006, 2007, 2008. Oh and 2009 and yup, 2010. LOL! Now, I make sure to really notice the special moments we are sharing together- and not get so caught up in "what are we gonna do next??" 
The biggest mistake I have made was on our last trip on the last day. We decided to go to Hollywood Studios, which happened to be the early EMH park (which I always avoid), on a Saturday, at the end of School Vacations, on a day the MK had Grad Nights and was closing early. It was the perfect storm. Needless to say it was the most crowded I have ever seen any of the parks (including Thanksgiving weekend) and we got almost nothing done. The line at Starring Rolls bakery was 30 people long and they couldn't keep the cinnamon rolls coming out fast enough.
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2008
That could be very easily solved if they had a paid parking program at DTD--here in California you get three hours free automatically and can get another two hours free if you dine in a TS restaurant. Does anyone really need to be at DTD more than five hours at a time?
PIERCEDRN
I Bleed Eagles Green
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2007
Worst mistake on a Disney trip?
Disney transportation.
Magical Express, aptly named because it was apparently invisible, took 50 anxious mins to arrive.
Buses were a disaster they took way too long to arrive, and those dreaded ECVs took over 20 mins to load and unload. The drivers sure earned their money that week pushing those unwieldy things around.
If you like WDW buses, more power to you, but for me, I kept thinking "if I paid $20 for a rental car I'd be there by now."
For all the money I spend on my disney time, a few more dollars to have the freedom to come and go at my own pace are priceless.
Second worst?
Tony's - Pukey food, total chaos, and a waiter that dropped F-bombs.
Truly magical.
bob
BOB
Disney transportation.
Magical Express, aptly named because it was apparently invisible, took 50 anxious mins to arrive.
Buses were a disaster they took way too long to arrive, and those dreaded ECVs took over 20 mins to load and unload. The drivers sure earned their money that week pushing those unwieldy things around.
If you like WDW buses, more power to you, but for me, I kept thinking "if I paid $20 for a rental car I'd be there by now."
For all the money I spend on my disney time, a few more dollars to have the freedom to come and go at my own pace are priceless.
Second worst?
Tony's - Pukey food, total chaos, and a waiter that dropped F-bombs.
Truly magical.
bob
BOB
Ress76
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2010
Several....
*"Saved" snack credits...and then wound up runnign around the gift shop buying stuff I really didn't want just to ude them up. Lesson: use snack credits first, pay later.
*Made dinner ADRs too early, it caused too much down time in the late afternoon. Dinner is at 5, so I don't want to walk to the otehr side fo the park and see a show, no, I don't want to get in a 30 minute... Lesson: plan dinner ADRs as late as your party can reasonably handle and treat them as the end of the day, instead of trying to schedule around them.
*from last trip...when possible, tour with people who have the same internal clock you do. As an early bird among night owls, I was ticked in the morning because I was up and rarin' to go an hour or more before anyone else, and at night, I was dragging, and all I wanted was a bench to camp out on!
*also from last trip...it really is worth it to have a little emergency "I never need _____ but I'll get some anyways" pack. I packed aspirin, bandaids...but no one in our group packed Pepto or Tums and a couple of us were pretty hurting puppies. And that stuff is crazy expensive at the gift shop!!
*"Saved" snack credits...and then wound up runnign around the gift shop buying stuff I really didn't want just to ude them up. Lesson: use snack credits first, pay later.
*Made dinner ADRs too early, it caused too much down time in the late afternoon. Dinner is at 5, so I don't want to walk to the otehr side fo the park and see a show, no, I don't want to get in a 30 minute... Lesson: plan dinner ADRs as late as your party can reasonably handle and treat them as the end of the day, instead of trying to schedule around them.
*from last trip...when possible, tour with people who have the same internal clock you do. As an early bird among night owls, I was ticked in the morning because I was up and rarin' to go an hour or more before anyone else, and at night, I was dragging, and all I wanted was a bench to camp out on!
*also from last trip...it really is worth it to have a little emergency "I never need _____ but I'll get some anyways" pack. I packed aspirin, bandaids...but no one in our group packed Pepto or Tums and a couple of us were pretty hurting puppies. And that stuff is crazy expensive at the gift shop!!
Praise2Him
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2000
Our first trip after I found the DisBoards I thought we HAD to do early morning EMH / ropedrop every day, plus all the nighttime shows/fireworks. After a few days we were all exhausted and cranky from lack of sleep, plus we aren't morning people at all. Now we get there later and stay until the parks close and everyone is much happier.
JessiLynn015
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2010
I learned from my mom's mistakes.
First trip we made we stayed off property. I hated driving back to the hotel after being in the parks all day.
From now on I'll ALWAYS stay on Disney property! Nothing like a long day at the parks and having someone else drive you home. Granted sometimes you're squished up against the window or sitting on someone elses lap, but it's nice not having to drive!! Plus during the summer when you get a sweaty you just hop on a bus back to your resort to take a shower & refresh clothing.
First trip we made we stayed off property. I hated driving back to the hotel after being in the parks all day.
From now on I'll ALWAYS stay on Disney property! Nothing like a long day at the parks and having someone else drive you home. Granted sometimes you're squished up against the window or sitting on someone elses lap, but it's nice not having to drive!! Plus during the summer when you get a sweaty you just hop on a bus back to your resort to take a shower & refresh clothing.
I have been going to WDW since I was 7, now at 25, trips are way more laid back and relaxing. Things that we have learned over the years are as follows:
When traveling in a group..people get crabby...even if its no one's fault. Everyone needs a little space and alone time. Some time just splitting up for a swim break or a nap or a walk around the resort is a quick fix for crabby people. Especially whe you travel in a group of 6 or more with combined familes..my family, my sisters family and inlaws and some friends..lol
Not everyone is on the same page when it comes to morning or night schedules. I my self am a night person. I work 2nd and 3rd shift jobs. I'm a EMT wich has me up all hours of the night. I like to sleep till noon if I can. On vacation I don't sleep the day away but I also don't like getting up before at least 8am. SO We plan our days around each other. My mom usually gets up around 7 very quitely and goes for her morning walk and then gets coffee. Im usually up or getting up when she gets back and then we get going.
We've also learned it is worth the extra money to get seperate rooms when traveling with a group of 4 or more. We usually travel with my mom, my self, my sister and her fam (BIL and NIECE) and its hard to have all of us in one room, even a big room. They need space for Keegan and getting her ready and putting her to bed. My mom and I like to have a drink or watch tv before bed and I like make some phone calls to friends and so on and when we would share a room we couldn't do that till after we had the baby in bed. Also its hard with only ONE bathroom.
Also a mistake I see people make and that we used to make was being RUSHED. WDW is huge and there is a lot to do, but if you don't take a second to take it all in and relax you're going to need a vacation from your vacation! Plan out your days and know what the park hours are and where and when your ADR's are so that you can try to have time to do what you want and still enjoy some pool time or even a half hour to sit in a hammock.
I guess what I can say for mistakes I personally make is getting irriated with the people I'm traveling with. Wich is why I stated above.. that alone time can do wonders. We are on vacation at THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH.. so try to stay calm and pack your patience.. or as the BIL say's drink a mood adjuster.. (MMMM RUM!
)
Learn from your past mistakes and everyone's that have shared.. and have fun!!!!! Don't "sweat" the small stuff..
SPEAKING OF SWEAT.. a mistake we USED to make but shortly leared after say our 3 trip.. over pack a bit so you can put on FRESH clothes after an afternoon swim and shower! Now we just do laundry halfway through the trip.. and always check the weather and plan accordingly.. Were going in Jan so i'll have a bit of everything just incase..won't make that mistake agian.. We went in Dec back in say 98 and BRRRR..Poor dad spent over 200$ getting all of us sweatshirts and hats.
Oh and last but not least..if you have questions ASK.. there are always CM's around to answer and if they don't know the answer they can help find some one that does!! It will save you time and frustration. Beeing a seasoned Dis Vet. I've even stepped in and helped a few "lost souls", they just had that look on their faces so I knew they needed some guiding!
When traveling in a group..people get crabby...even if its no one's fault. Everyone needs a little space and alone time. Some time just splitting up for a swim break or a nap or a walk around the resort is a quick fix for crabby people. Especially whe you travel in a group of 6 or more with combined familes..my family, my sisters family and inlaws and some friends..lol
Not everyone is on the same page when it comes to morning or night schedules. I my self am a night person. I work 2nd and 3rd shift jobs. I'm a EMT wich has me up all hours of the night. I like to sleep till noon if I can. On vacation I don't sleep the day away but I also don't like getting up before at least 8am. SO We plan our days around each other. My mom usually gets up around 7 very quitely and goes for her morning walk and then gets coffee. Im usually up or getting up when she gets back and then we get going.
We've also learned it is worth the extra money to get seperate rooms when traveling with a group of 4 or more. We usually travel with my mom, my self, my sister and her fam (BIL and NIECE) and its hard to have all of us in one room, even a big room. They need space for Keegan and getting her ready and putting her to bed. My mom and I like to have a drink or watch tv before bed and I like make some phone calls to friends and so on and when we would share a room we couldn't do that till after we had the baby in bed. Also its hard with only ONE bathroom.
Also a mistake I see people make and that we used to make was being RUSHED. WDW is huge and there is a lot to do, but if you don't take a second to take it all in and relax you're going to need a vacation from your vacation! Plan out your days and know what the park hours are and where and when your ADR's are so that you can try to have time to do what you want and still enjoy some pool time or even a half hour to sit in a hammock.
I guess what I can say for mistakes I personally make is getting irriated with the people I'm traveling with. Wich is why I stated above.. that alone time can do wonders. We are on vacation at THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH.. so try to stay calm and pack your patience.. or as the BIL say's drink a mood adjuster.. (MMMM RUM!
)Learn from your past mistakes and everyone's that have shared.. and have fun!!!!! Don't "sweat" the small stuff..
SPEAKING OF SWEAT.. a mistake we USED to make but shortly leared after say our 3 trip.. over pack a bit so you can put on FRESH clothes after an afternoon swim and shower! Now we just do laundry halfway through the trip.. and always check the weather and plan accordingly.. Were going in Jan so i'll have a bit of everything just incase..won't make that mistake agian.. We went in Dec back in say 98 and BRRRR..Poor dad spent over 200$ getting all of us sweatshirts and hats.
Oh and last but not least..if you have questions ASK.. there are always CM's around to answer and if they don't know the answer they can help find some one that does!! It will save you time and frustration. Beeing a seasoned Dis Vet. I've even stepped in and helped a few "lost souls", they just had that look on their faces so I knew they needed some guiding!
billybobblockhead
Kiiiiiiids, listen to your mother!
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2009
Our mistake?? Saying that "this trip, we're gonna take our time." After the first day, when our legs are about to fall off, we always look at each other and say, "but I thought that we were going to take our time on this trip?" Our first couple of days, we go like crazy, then we slow down. I guess that it's the excitement of just being in WDW for us. I think, though, on our last trip this past June, we finally got it right. Started slow, took breaks every day for swimming/naps, and went back to the parks in the evening for more fun. DW said that it was her most relaxed trip ever. However, we have a 3 day trip coming in January, and I'm anticipating a full blast attack for those 3 days 
Elliesmommy
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2010
I am no expert, however, my no-no/big mistake is important...
My 1st Jan. visit was nice an warm... in the 70's so the next time I went in Jan. I decided it would be a waste of luggage to pack lots of clothing for frigid temps because it does not get cold in WDW. I turned into a popsicle that trip since temps were in the 30's the WHOLE time!
My tip for winter travel is to pack layer-able clothing. Some mornings can be near freezing while the afternoons are comfortable warm. The next day may be freezing and the day after that... warm. You just don't know what to expect for weather.
This Jan. I am wearing yoga pants, a tee, and then a sweatshirt that I can tie around my waist if needed. I am also bringing a pair of cotton stretch gloves and a stretch headband made for covering ears. The gloves and headband are lightweight and small.... virtually take up no packing space
My 1st Jan. visit was nice an warm... in the 70's so the next time I went in Jan. I decided it would be a waste of luggage to pack lots of clothing for frigid temps because it does not get cold in WDW. I turned into a popsicle that trip since temps were in the 30's the WHOLE time!
My tip for winter travel is to pack layer-able clothing. Some mornings can be near freezing while the afternoons are comfortable warm. The next day may be freezing and the day after that... warm. You just don't know what to expect for weather.
This Jan. I am wearing yoga pants, a tee, and then a sweatshirt that I can tie around my waist if needed. I am also bringing a pair of cotton stretch gloves and a stretch headband made for covering ears. The gloves and headband are lightweight and small.... virtually take up no packing space
Donaldswife
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2009
The biggest mistake I have made was on my last trip, going to Epcot on our last day, a SATURDAY DURING F&W. Not a good decision on my part! 
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
Our mistakes seem to center around ADRs. One year we had a large, extended family trip and I made quite few ADRs for all of us. It just seemed like too much travel and too much food. However, one of the teenagers said that the food was his favorite part of the trip.
On another trip, our FP for Kali River was expiring shortly before our ADR for Yak & Yeti. We opted to go on KR and came to the restaurant soaking wet. The air conditioner was set quite low and we froze the entire meal and the rest of the night, even though it had been hot during the day. Now I know that I can use the FP anytime after the expiration time on the same day.
On another trip, our FP for Kali River was expiring shortly before our ADR for Yak & Yeti. We opted to go on KR and came to the restaurant soaking wet. The air conditioner was set quite low and we froze the entire meal and the rest of the night, even though it had been hot during the day. Now I know that I can use the FP anytime after the expiration time on the same day.
biggest mistake
after pirates I came out and grabbed our funky little stroller and realized that someone had stolen our bag which we had a camara hidden in!
I was mad, we marched all the way down to town square to put in a report and complained the whole time and blah blah,
and then when we walked out giving up on our stuff, realized "I" must have taken the wrong muliti colored stroller with the Continental airline carryon sticker on the handle.
I sprinted all the way back to Pirates to find a very nice and understanding mother with an identical stroller with my bag in it.
OOPS!
I am telling you they were identical in every way.
after pirates I came out and grabbed our funky little stroller and realized that someone had stolen our bag which we had a camara hidden in!
I was mad, we marched all the way down to town square to put in a report and complained the whole time and blah blah,
and then when we walked out giving up on our stuff, realized "I" must have taken the wrong muliti colored stroller with the Continental airline carryon sticker on the handle.
I sprinted all the way back to Pirates to find a very nice and understanding mother with an identical stroller with my bag in it.
OOPS!
I am telling you they were identical in every way.
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