What did you do on/for your last trip that you will never do again?

[Aurora]

We're leaving tomorrow --great time to ask this question, right? I'm not talking about attractions but other things -- like overpacking, underpacking, too many ADRs, not enough ADRs, going to the parks every day, not going every day, using PhotoPass, not using PhotoPass, etc.

I'm looking for specific things that YOU have learned by experience that you won't bring/do again on your next trip. Again, not looking for advice on attractions but for trip planning.

Thanks in advance!

[bshaw96]

Stayed offsite and did not add the park hopper option.

[kakn7294]

Not packing more shoes and socks for DD 13. She packed her own and only took 1 pr of flip-flops and no socks. Of course, she got bad blisters and I had to buy her some Crocs. Well, she wore the Crocs without socks and got some more bad blisters. I had to spend $11.00 on a single pr of socks in Norway which I then washed out in the sink at our resort every night. From now on, we each have at least 2 prs of shoes and several prs of socks. This is NOT a problem with DD 8 who would bring one suitcase full of shoes if I let her pack.

I've found that making DD's carry their own stuff cuts down on the amount of stuff that I carry, it cuts down on the stuff they bring in general. Our rule: you want it, you carry it. The only exception to this is when DH wears shorts without pockets (which he tries not to do) so I have to carry his cell phone and wallet in my bag. The same rule applies for DD's when packing a carry-on or travel bag: if it doesn't fit in your backpack, it doesn't come along.

[teambricker04]

The best thing I did... send a couple of boxes down ahead of time with extra food and toiletries and shoes.

The worst thing? Trying to get to DTD from MK. IMPOSSIBLE! Plus, when we tried to get back to the BC, it took FOREVER. We'll plan DTD better next time!

OOoh. The second best thing? Doing an in room babysitter for a night!!! Highly recommend it!

PS We love going to the parks every day, even if it is only for a while

[tundramom]

I've learned not to bother with taking makeup, it's just a waste of time (I will be taking it on the cruise however). Best new thing I've learned (from cruiser tips) an over the door shoe organizer- took one last time and kept all of are toiletries, belts, socks, whatever fit in the pockets, handy and organized. I just had it on the closet door nearest the bathroom which made it super convenient to grab stuff coming and going, I'll never travel without it again! Have a magical trip!

[andreallybadeggs]

Never go w/out a pkg or 2 of $ store rain ponchos.
Use them during those afternoon showers and they take up no room at all.

[Texas Tinkerbell Too]

It's funny you should ask this...my friend just reminded me how I had said last September that I would not do the dining plan again because ADRs took too much of our time from playing in the parks. Well we're scheduled for free dining again this Sept. I realize now we need those ADRs to make us slow down and take a rest every now & then.

[PNWmom]

I won't over plan or go with too many expectations. Learn to go with the flow and figure there is also next time. If people get cranky, stop figure out the problem and solve it early. Don't let kids skip meals.

[5fromabove]

We'd have more pool time--each trip we say we are going to have more--each time we end up spending more time in the parks and not having enough time at the end of the day for the pool. We love the parks...but the pool is a nice escape too.

By the way, HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!!

[drhama]

Don't take mother in law. Other than that, can pretty much go with the flow.

[busterthebronco]

go home.
next time i swear i'm not going home!

[barnaby]

2 things:

1. Won't go on spring break again, every park was crowded all the time.

2. I won't stay in MK until 3AM with 9AM ADRs at Chef Mickey the next day.

[jodijo]

Don't take mother in law. Other than that, can pretty much go with the flow.

So true!!!! We must have the same mother in law!

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

We would change two things from our last trip:

#1 - not getting the Deluxe Dining Plan again. Just too expensive, too much time spent eating and way too much food.

#2 - not planning a resort and pool day. On our next trip we'll plan an extra day or two to just relax, DTD and enjoy the resort.

[mook3y]

we will never again try to get from one resort to another by bus.

Taxi's for us.

Way faster and way less stress if your on a time frame.

[Young@Heart]

Decided to drived to GF for our ADR-in the pouring rain-BIG mistake! The walk from the parking lot was at least as far as it would have been at TTC. We got SOAKED and were late b/c we sat in the car so long waiting for it to let up.

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

Take an empty suitcase for souvieners! We've learned to take one with us. That way you pack less and have room to bring stuff home. On our last trip....we filled it completely.

[sillyolbear]

Don't take mother in law. Other than that, can pretty much go with the flow.

Been there!

[HndrdPrcnt]

Honestly, our last trip was close to perfect. The only thing that we plan on changing for our next trip is this.....take time to explore the fun outside of the parks.

We saw a special that focused a LOT on Fort Wilderness. We really want to go and check it out. We want to take a day to just enjoy each other doing some bike riding, maybe some horseback, and the campfire with Chip & Dale. That sounds like a nice fun and relaxing day. It will be nice to get away from the lines and crowds for a day of the vacation.

For those of you who said not take your MIL, I am so sorry!! I would LOVE to have my MIL on a trip with us. We just can't convince her to come. God has truly blessed me with a most amazing MIL!! She's the best! I guess I am the lucky one!

[pink]

I would have to say overpacking. No matter how hard I try I always do this and then I never have enough room for lots of soulveneirs.

I always think well it would be great to have extra shirts to choose from and such or I never wear them at home maybe I could wear it there but I never do. If you don't usually wear it it doesn't mean you're going to want to wear it or feel comfortable in it on vacation.