Do you still use the park maps?

[joonyer]

We pretty much have the parks memorized as far as paths and attraction locations, but I usually carry one and consult it to find the nearest restroom on occasion.

[Hull-onian]

No maps here. Just show schedules.

[CU Tiger]

I can draw the park maps in my mind. I cannot tell you the last time I even looked at one of those maps.

[homeschool mom]

We get maps on every trip, BUT it's not because we need to know locations of anything (except maybe bathrooms at AK and DHS). We use our maps to keep track of what we have done each day. They become our journal. Myself or oldest DD always gets a map, writes the date and time we arrive at a specific park on the front of the map and then write numbers beside the attractions in the order we go to them. For example, from the trip DH and I took last week, I have a map of MK and on the front is written 4/18, 10:30 (our arrival time at MK) and there is a number 1 beside Space Mtn. along with a note that we got our FP for SM the first thing on 4/18. We rode it much later in the day so it has another circled number and the time we wrode it. When we leave the park, I put the time of our departure on the front of the map.
This may seem like a lot to some people, but when it comes time to journal about our trip or scrapbook it, my older brain can't remember details. I just pull out the trip maps and everything is there. We have done this for several trips now and it works great for us.

[AllyMonkey]

I don't actually need the maps any longer to find my way around, but now I pick up the maps in a foreign language. My niece and nephew were amazed that I could still point to the right place on the map (and find my way there) when it wasn't in English.

[LudwigVonDrake]

No maps for a loooooooong time now

[dteed]

We go 2 to 4 times a year and know the parks very well but I always grab a map and times guide. I take themfrom the lobby upon arrival to glance over in the room.

[DizNee143]

i always take a map each visit we are there..but i never use them...expect in AK..we rarely go to that park..so when we do go i have no idea where anything is..

[yjgirl32]

I am still new to Disney and still need to use the maps. Plus I also scrapbook and add them to my books when I get home. It's nice to look back and see how the parks have changed. I order the custom maps once I get home and my son & I sit down and he tells me all the places/rides he liked best.

[syndrome]

We always get a map b/c my DS7 loves to look at it when we are in line, taking a break, or eating. He likes to look at everything that we have done and everything that we are going to do. We don't need them to find our way around but it just adds to the experience.

[g8rgirl29]

Ok, I now feel like a total Disney Nerd!! I laminated park maps that I found online before we left 2 years ago (they can be used for a couple of years, saving a tree and all) and put them on a clip to hang off the stroller!! Buzz Lightyear loved them and couldn't stop playing with them last year. He gave us a 2 thumbs up!! My young child can play with the map all she wants without tearing it up. We don't really need the maps except for where is the closest bathroom or nearest quick serve restaurant. They are like a security blanket to me.

[Mushu11756]

I don't need a map either for MK or Epcot but I always seem to grab one anyway out of habit! The other parks I still use them from time to time especially for potty breaks!

[grumpyguy]

we still use the maps,mainly as a check list,making sure we've done everything we want.
i usally get one to fold and keep in my velcro pocket and then one to keep.

[CanadianWDWFan]

Our DS5 tells us where EVERYTHING is! No need for a map with him on tow.

[4ubie1]

I honestly don't use the maps very often in WDW. I love to just roam around and see what there is. If there is a certain place I need to be or a certain ride I want to check out, then I locate it on the maps. Otherwise, I like to be able to just wander around...enjoying my time there

[Lisaj13]

Last time we were at WDW we got into the habit of my youngest being "mapped". Whenever she was being silly she got whacked with a map over the head, which she found hilarious. Think Gilligan and Skipper.

And I can't go to the parks often enough to memorize anything. I have a terrible memory (or forgettery as my kids say), so memorizing locations is impossible.

Even with a map I can get lost. Trying to function without it is unthinkable!

[BluewaterBrad]

We always get one,but we dont always use it!! Need a times guide though!!

[handmaidenofprincesses]

I still like the security of the maps now and then, but in DHS I need a GPS. Does anyone else find that layout counter-intuitive?! Not to mention the desperate need for schedules there! I do find that I know how to find my favorite spots in all the parks!

I believe I read somewhere that the setup of DHS is because, when it was opened, it was a functioning film studio. The layout which tourists find so irritating was designed specifically to make it easy for CMs to block off sections of the park at a time, in case of filming.

[PrettyMinnie]

I believe I read somewhere that the setup of DHS is because, when it was opened, it was a functioning film studio. The layout which tourists find so irritating was designed specifically to make it easy for CMs to block off sections of the park at a time, in case of filming.

That's really interesting and it does make sense.

[merlinmagic4]

Ok, I now feel like a total Disney Nerd!! I laminated park maps that I found online before we left 2 years ago (they can be used for a couple of years, saving a tree and all) and put them on a clip to hang off the stroller!! Buzz Lightyear loved them and couldn't stop playing with them last year. He gave us a 2 thumbs up!! My young child can play with the map all she wants without tearing it up. We don't really need the maps except for where is the closest bathroom or nearest quick serve restaurant. They are like a security blanket to me.

That's actually a really great tip/idea, especially for new people. Will Disney send maps to people ahead of time if they call and request them?