Disney World Tips and Tricks

Visiting Disney World in Orlando Florida can be one of the greatest family vacations possible.  However, there are also a good number of things that can go wrong during a Disney family vacation.  The only way to avoid catastrophe is to:

• Thoroughly research the park and learn its secrets (reading this guide is a good start).
• Plan ahead, and remain flexible enough for things that can go wrong.
• Keep notes of all of these tips with you so that you don't forget them!

The following tips will ensure that your family Orlando Florida Disney vacation goes smoothly, and becomes a lasting memory that your family will cherish forever.

Magic Kingdom Tips

The major events at Magic Kingdom include the major "Magic Moments" parade and a large fireworks display.  There are also a huge multitude of places to eat, shop, and just have a lot of fun.

• Grab a spot in Frontierland near the shooting gallery about 30 minutes before the parade.  Get a spot near the gold circles on the ground that holds the rope-off posts.
• The best views for the fireworks are at the garbage cans just outside Casey's Corner restaurant, and also in front of Crystal Palace along the rail where the strollers are stored.  This spot provides the kids a perfect view of Tinkerbell flying by overhead!
• You can get these spots for firework viewing if you get there before the parade is over.  The crowd congregates near Main Street to watch the parade - providing you choice spots for firework viewing.  After all - you can come back the next day to watch the parade if you want to.
• Best place to eat - Crystal Palace where you'll see Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore (but make reservations early!).
• Best counter eateries include Peco Bill's and Yankee Harbor.
• Make use of the fast pass!  Take a close look at the park map, and make note of fast pass locations.  Use them wisely.  For example, just before grabbing lunch, take a look at the fast pass times near you.  Grab a ticket, make a note of the time and come back after lunch - you'll be able to walk right in!

Epcot Tips

Epcot is a relaxing, clean, and well organized park that is always a pleasure to visit.  It is a large park however, especially when taking the time to walk around The World Showcase - so plan an entire day to explore and enjoy the World Showcase, and at least a portion of another day to visit attractions like Innoventions and Test Track.

Some of the most popular attractions around The World Showcase includes:

• Mexico's boat ride
• China's acrobat shows
• America's fife and drum show
• Miyuki the candy artist (get to her booth early!)
• Japanese drummers
• Morocco belly dancers
• Italy's "The Living Statues"

Always make sure to see Illuminations - one of the best night shows at Disney.  The best spot to view it is in China along the rail just beside the cement benches to the right. 

MGM Studios Tips

Hollywood Studies is slightly smaller than other parks, in terms of attractions, but it is still a lot of fun to explore. Some helpful tips for this park:

• Show up an hour early for Fantasmic - as it can fill up quickly.
• All of the shows are fantastic; try to see them all including Indiana Jones, Beauty and the Beast, Playhouse Disney, and all the rest.
• Good restaurants include Hollywood and Vine, The Brown Derby, the Sci-Fi restaurant, and Mama Melrose's.

Animal Kingdom Tips

Animal Kingdom is a very large theme park with areas such as Dinoland that branch off from it.  Make sure to plan the day well at Animal Kingdom, because it's easy to get overwhelmed by the size and the crowd.  Some helpful tips include:

• The Safari is always a great hit with kids and adults alike.
• Go early in the morning (preferably during extra magic hours), and start all the way at the back side of the park and work your way back toward the entrance.  This way you won't be trying to get on the same rides as the morning crowds.
• The shows at Animal Kingdom are wonderful, including The Lion King show and Finding Nemo.
• Dinoland is fun for kids, but beware the Dinosaur ride which can be a little scary for younger kids.
• Good restaurants include the Rainforest Café, The Dawa Bar, and the Tusker House in Africa.

Enjoying Disney

A Disney vacation can be a dream to remember for many years - however, an unplanned and unorganized Orlando Florida vacation can quickly become a headache and a financial nightmare.  A bottle of soda can cost up to $3, and eating at the wrong place and paying full price (instead of using the dining plan) can cost a fortune.  Do your research, take advantage of money-saving discounts and deals, and you will find that Disney really is a dream vacation - where you will have more fun with your family than you ever imagined.