You're doing the right thing by parking at a hotel-check to make sure their shuttle is free-some are not. Some also charge extra for the parking.

Security will let you take an empty water bottle through, then you can fill it from a water fountain after clearing inspection. All your cleaning aids have to be 3 oz or smaller and enclosed in a ziplock bag.

Security isn't all that bad, I went to Germany in 1997 and their security was much more stringent even then, well before 9/11.

Keep track of your ticket stub, if there is a luggage problem it helps to have flight #, etc. handy.

Where are you going? Take lots of pictures!!(And post them here for us)