![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/MFL-FIrst-Time-Main-400x215.jpg\")
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Walt Disney World<\/a> is an exciting vacation for anyone, but for first timers it can be the experience of a lifetime. \u00a0It can also be overwhelming and stressful. \u00a0Previously we looked at things first timers don’t know before going, and in this post we will look at what first timers don’t know while in Disney.<\/p>\n Enjoy those snacks whenever you want<\/strong><\/p>\n Dining credits <\/a>are based on your nights of stay at a Disney resort. \u00a0A five night stay means each person in your traveling party with a dining plan would have five credits each for either table service, quick service and snack credits depending on which dining plan you are on. Understand that your dining credits<\/a> are all lumped together throughout your whole trip. \u00a0This means that all of your snack credits<\/a> for your whole traveling party are in one big pool to be used by your traveling group. \u00a0If you have five credits per person and there are four in your traveling party, this means you have 20 credits to spend for the whole group and it allows you to use these credits whenever and wherever you want. \u00a0It does not specify which people or which days credits can be used throughout your trip. For example, Dad can use all 20 snack credits if he wants to.<\/p>\n Decorate those MagicBands<\/strong><\/p>\n Prior to heading to Walt Disney World, you will receive MagicBands for your traveling party, if staying on property. (If staying off property, you able to purchase MagicBands at arrival to a park). \u00a0So what are these? \u00a0These small, watch-like bands are your tickets to magic.\u00a0 The bands allows you access into your room, gets you into the parks, as well as use your dining plan credits, and of course charge things for your trip, like that wonderful Mickey plush. \u00a0Many people will decorate their MagicBands before heading to Disney to make them more unique.<\/p>\n Know before you go that the Walt Disney World Resort does not sell gum anywhere on Disney property. \u00a0Make sure to pack some with you if you are one that needs gum throughout the day.<\/p>\n Mickey Mouse Ears Everywhere<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the many pieces of magic spread throughout the Walt Disney World property are what are called Hidden Mickeys. \u00a0Hidden Mickeys are the famous Mickey ears that can be found hidden throughout the Disney landscape.\u00a0 Hidden Mickeys can be found in queues, on buildings, at resorts and in restaurants. \u00a0You can pass the time looking for this hidden piece of magic while waiting in line or just walking around the park. \u00a0There are books and sites that will guide you to where you might find these if you want a little help along the way.<\/p>\n Daughter loving the benefits of rider swap<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Those traveling with small children need to be aware of rider swap. \u00a0Rider swap<\/a> allows for parents and older children to ride thrill rides without having to waste time waiting in line twice. \u00a0How does it work? \u00a0All traveling members head to the ride entrance and let the Cast Member know they want to use rider swap. \u00a0The party will be given a tag\/pass that indicates that they are using this system.\u00a0 At least one adult and the younger child will stay back while others ride the ride first. \u00a0\u00a0When the first group comes back, the adult and normally two other riders can head back to the Fastpass entrance with the tag\/pass and they are able to move through the ride queue easier and faster avoiding the long stand-by line. \u00a0Make sure to take advantage of this option provided for families.<\/p>\n This was a surprise to me when we started to head to Disney. \u00a0I am so used to visiting sporting venues where you aren\u2019t able to bring in anything that I was surprised by Disney\u2019s policy. \u00a0Disney allows you to bring in food and drinks<\/a> into the park for your convenience. \u00a0Water, fruit snacks, sandwiches, and fruit are all able to be brought into the park. \u00a0There is a size limit regarding coolers and bags, so make sure you take that into consideration when planning. \u00a0Take advantage of this opportunity by throwing in some snacks to help when the hungry bug hits quickly while waiting in line.<\/p>\n\n Florida is hot. \u00a0Disney Theme Parks are steaming. \u00a0Make sure you stay hydrated while in the parks. \u00a0As mentioned before, you are able to bring in your own food and water bottles. \u00a0Even though this is an option, sometimes it is hard to keep that water bottle filled and cold in the hot months. \u00a0To help guests stay hydrated, Disney offers cold, ice water for free at quick service locations. \u00a0Just ask for a cup of cold water and you don\u2019t have to pay the high price for a bottle of water.<\/p>\n Get everyone in the photo<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Throughout Walt Disney World, professional photographers called Disney PhotoPass<\/a> photographers are scattered around to take pictures of your magical moments. \u00a0Although these photographers are connected to Disney\u2019s Memory Maker<\/a>, they can also will take your picture with your camera. \u00a0Take advantage of these photographers to get everyone in your party in on those magical moments.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/MFL-Snacks-225x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDining credits are lumped together<\/h2>\n
MagicBands<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/MFL-MagicBand-400x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNo gum anywhere<\/h2>\n
Hidden Mickeys<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/MFL-Mickey-400x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRider Swap<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/MFL-Rider-400x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\nYou can bring in food<\/h2>\n
Free water at quick service places<\/h2>\n
Photographers<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/MFL-Photos-258x400.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBaby Care Centers<\/h2>\n
![\"First](\"https:\/\/www.themouseforless.com\/blog_world\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/MFL-Stop-300x400.jpg\")
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