More Lessons from Disney

Last year after Disney I posted some Lessons from Disney. I have some to add after this trip seeing as I wasn't pregnant this time and we traveled with a baby.

1. Two single strollers was much better than one double stroller. Much better.
2. Get proficient at folding said strollers BEFORE the first bus ride. That includes every adult in your party. They make you take down your strollers on every bus or boat (but not the monorail...fyi).
3. If you are celebrating a birthday wear the birthday badge proudly...you will get lots and lots of freebies throughout the week.
4. The Disney Dining Plan is totally worth it if you want to do a lot of character meals and you plan to eat at the parks. Even though it costs a small fortune to do the dining plan if we were to feed my entire family at the parks for 7 days and do all the character meals we did we'd have to take out a second mortgage. It was easy, convenient and plenty of food.
5. The 2nd week of March is not as busy as Spring Break. But...still busy.
6. Use your fastpasses wisely. Know which attractions are super popular and get those early in the morning so you won't get a time that is too late for you to use it. Especially Toy Story in Hollywood Studios and Soarin at Epcot.
7. If you do have to wait and you have kids that have to sit the ride out because they are too small ask about the Rider Switch. It's like a Fastpass but good for the whole day and good for up to 3 people. We used one on the Rapid ride at Animal Kingdom and saved ourselves a 25 min wait. The Rider Switch basically lets one parent take 2 kids on a ride while the other parent waits with the too small kids then the parent who waited gets to go do the ride with the kids.
8. If you want to see the Fairies at the Magic Kingdom - go early! There was at least an hour wait for them every time we went to Toontown (and remember it wasn't that busy). Sadly my girls did not get to meet them.
9. By doing a lot of character dining meals we avoided a lot of time waiting to see them in the parks. That was nice.
10. The lines for characters were less in Epcot than anywhere - in fact, we saw Sleeping Beauty in France with no line at all. They aren't always easy to spot though so be on the lookout.
11. Remember..everything at Disney is overpriced but you are also paying for great memories.
12. There were a surprising number of sales on Disney merchandise at the parks and shops..apparently even Disney isn't immune to the economic downturn..
13. Again..the same merchandise is available at every theme park, hotel and Downtown Disney store. Though I must admit the merchandise has been updated since last year.
14. Seven days in a row at theme parks was probably too much. Five days would have been plenty.
15. Disney is way more fun when you aren't pregnant and it's not 90 degrees outside.
16. Disney claims to have Baby Care Stations around the parks..truth is they have 1 per park. Though they are nice - air conditioned, nursing room, changing table, high chairs - they just aren't always convenient. Thankfully I threw a receiving blanket in my diaper bag and I was able to feed and change Jacob wherever I needed to. Also they do have all kinds of baby supplies at the stations - you'll just pay triple what you do at any other store.
17. I still love, love Disney and I love seeing how much fun my kids have there. I love they are at the ages where it's still magical and wonderful. I am very thankful we got to go and have such a great time as a family!