I am going to Disney World this week for the first time. Does anyone have any special insider tips for me?

Answer 1

You don't say if you are staying in Disney or outside. I could go on and on with tips. I LOVE the place!

Make sure you bring your camera. They also have employees that take your pix. They will give you a card with your "special" number on it and whenever you see these people you can have your pix taken, just give them your card and all your pix will be put on there. It's free...unless you want to buy a pix off there. You are under no obligation to buy though.

You also don't say how long you'll be there...but if more than a couple of days, make sure to get the "hopper" pass. This way you can go to see more than one "world" at a time (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, etc.).

You want to make sure to see the fireworks show at Epcot at night. It's fantastic! If you're only going to see one, see this one. The magic kingdom has one too that if you want to see it in a romatic light, go to the Polynesian Hotel and go out to the beach and sit there to see it (you might even find an empty hammock to lay in and watch it!).

Most of the popular rides offer Fast Pass (I don't think you have to pay for it, but not sure). You swipe your ticket/card in a machine and it will print out a time for you to go and ride that ride and it will be a minimum line. What we did, if it wasn't too long of a line, we'd get the fast pass and then get in line to ride and we'd get 2 rides in a short time. If the line is extremely long, then don't waste the time waiting in the line, just do the Fast Pass. Here's a link to info on the FastPass: http://allearsnet.com/tp/fastpass.htm

In the evening (and even during the day) over at the Boardwalk they have some bikes called Surey's. They are like a buggy, but everyone can pedal the bike around the lagoon. Lots of fun and you rent them for the hour, if I remember correctly.

Here are some other things to see or do (remember, with this being your first trip..and probably not your last..you can't do it all...pick out things that interest you and do them all...then if you have time, go to your next in line)
At Epot there is:
Over at Innoventions West, you can pick up a cool and, believe it or not, FREE souvenir. After a three-minute show, the Cast Members at the Pixography station in the Xerox exhibit will take a digital color photo of you and your group, then mount it on a calendar or other Epcot-related design, so that you can take it home.

Feeling homesick? Or do you think the folks back home are missing *you*? You can let them know how you're doing by emailing them a picture cyber-postcard of yourself from the IBM exhibit in Innoventions West -- there are three email kiosks set up there. There's usually a line, but it's still worth the time it takes -- you can even send an email to yourself, so you can reflect on your happy times once you're back home!

Even better than a still photo is the video clip (complete with audio!) you can send from the Internet Zone presented by Disney.com over at Innoventions East. Best of all, both the IBM email and the video clip are free!



Hidden Mickets abound! You just have to look!Adventureland is also a great place to practice your Hidden Mickey spotting ability. Did you know that there are about a dozen Hidden Mickeys in the Pirates of the Caribbean alone? Don't know where to begin to look for these little images of Mickey that the Imagineers have disguised in the theming of the attraction? Start with some obvious ones, like the cannonballs in the ride's loading area (they form a tri-circle Mickey head!), and move on to the more obscure -- for example, there are supposedly three weld holes that form a Mickey head on the plane in the Jungle Cruise, but I've never been able to see them! (Check http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/ for a full list of Hidden Mickeys throughout Walt Disney World!)



At MGM Studios:

A little further along Echo Lake, just before the entrance to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular on your left, is something that looks like an abandoned well. You'll see a weathered old sign that reads "Do not pull!" but the NOT is crossed out. Give it a pull for a very funny surprise!

Just across from the Backlot Theater, where the Hunchback of Notre Dame show was performed, is one of the most whimsical overlooked attractions in the Studios. There you'll spy an umbrella attached to one of the streetlights. Grab the crook of the umbrella and step on the square embedded in the cement underneath it for a refreshing surprise, ala "Singin' in the Rain" and Gene Kelly! (Note, though, that during times of water restrictions, this effect may be turned off to conserve water.)

Finally, Andy Mation, a "balloonimator," performs in the Animation Courtyard of Disney-MGM Studios weekdays, creating elaborate balloon sculptures. Teaching as he goes, he enchants the audience with his knowledge of Disney animation trivia and quick wit. Wearing a bright yellow costume and surrounded by a smiling crowd, he's easy to spot! Be sure to look for him when you're back in that area.



Animal Kingdom:

One of the most enchanting, yet most overlooked, experiences at Disney's Animal Kingdom occurs about 15 minutes before the park even opens -- The Awakening. Rafiki, the wise old baboon from The Lion King, rewards early risers with a greeting of the new day and is soon joined by many costumed characters, such as Terk, Timon and King Louie, as well as real creatures and their handlers. All this great start to the day costs you is a little early morning sleep -- it's worth it!

Another crowd-pleaser that you may walk past without realizing it is DeVine -- creeping kudzu never looked so good! DeVine is really a performance artist dressed in foliage from the top of her green-painted head to the bottom of her stilt-wearing toes. She rests unobtrusively against a tree or a wall, suddenly springing to life to tease an unsuspecting passerby or chase down disrespectful teenagers or others who dare make light of her art.

Want to wreak revenge on someone, anyone! after getting drenched on the Kali River Rapids? Be sure to stop on the bridge after exiting the ride. You'll find two elephants whose trunks will spout water at the unsuspecting riders below if you push their buttons.

If you like looking for Hidden Mickeys, you won't be disappointed here. There's one in Mr. Panika's back yard (look for the Mickey shirt!) at Kali River Rapids, as well as several in the beautiful gilded murals along the Maharajah Jungle Trek (check out the one prince's earring).

Skip the Wildlife Express Train here...remember it was the petting zoo and you had to walk forever to get there after getting off the train. It had some 'interactive" booths, but there was long lines and they weren't worth it.

The hotels and parks offer "refillable mugs" Here is everythin you need to know about those!
Everything you wanted to know about refillable mugs!

Refillable Mug: About $12 at the hotel. It's only refillable at the hotel and refills are free. You can take it to the water park with you and buy a barcode to be put on it for $6 and it will be refillable there all day too.

Of course. There is one exception to the only-in-that-food-court rule: the All-Stars. The three All-Star resorts (Music, Movies, and Sports) all share a mug design and are the only resorts where you can "beverage hop". Again, this is just for the length of your Resort stay, and the other Value Resort, Pop Century, is not included in this privilege.

There are two mug styles: one that is tall and skinny with a smaller base that will fit in most vehicle cup-holders and the other that is a tad shorter but much squatter and appears bigger. Believe it or not they both hold the same amount (14oz), so it just depends on which you prefer. Again, if you routinely take drinks in your car you may want to opt for tall and skinny to prevent accidents, but that is completely a personal preference. One note on the seemingly larger of the two designs: due to the lid's design you lose about an ounce of fluid to make room for the lid, so while it does hold the same amount of liquid you might want to take a few sips before adding the lid on!


Want a henna tatto or a hair wrap, here's info on those also!

How About A Henna Tattoo From Morocco?
By Tammy - May 2, 2002

In TheMouseForLe$$, Tammy wrote:

Here is some info if you want to get the henna tattoos at Morocco:

There is one CM who does these. Her hours are posted by the tent in Morocco. She has a book (about 2 inches thick) of designs. You can do a wrist design, an anklet design, or any number of "icon" designs anywhere (upper arm, hand, etc.)

You pick out the design and she notes the price on a handwritten receipt. You'll then take that into the little gift shop next door where you pay. Then, you take your paid receipt back out to her and she will create your tattoo.

After the tattoo is done, she asks you to come back in twenty minutes. She then sprinkles it with lemon and sugar (makes it darken). She'll give you printed instructions on how to take care of it.

Some tips:

1. This area is very popular with teenagers! Again, she is the only one who does this so you will probably have to wait in line. If time is an issue, you may not want to take the chance.

2. Knowing the procedures helps. Walk up, browse through the book, get her to write your ticket and proceed to the gift shop. I've seen potential customers hang around and watch her do 2 or 3 people before asking where to pay. Some designs take 20 minutes so this can really mess up your Epcot touring.

3. If you're going to swim, do this late in your trip. Chlorine wreaks havoc on henna and your $$ will be left in Disney's swimming pool!

More tips from the editor: First, no needles are involved! The design is painted on and is completely painless. Bring a small bottle of olive oil with you if you plan on getting a tattoo (or plan to ask for it at a local restaurant). A crust forms over the design which slowly flakes off over a 24 hour period revealing the semi-permanent skin tattoo underneath. The final instructions are to apply olive oil over the next few days to darken the tattoo. The semi-permanent tattoo usually last about 1 to 4 weeks. There is a wide range of prices for the tattoos based on the elaborateness of the design and how much time it takes to do. The general range is $12 to $45 with even more expensive tattoos available. To learn more about henna tattoos and see an examples of designs check this out (How About A Henna Tattoo From Morocco?
By Tammy - May 2, 2002

In TheMouseForLe$$, Tammy wrote:

Here is some info if you want to get the henna tattoos at Morocco:

There is one CM who does these. Her hours are posted by the tent in Morocco. She has a book (about 2 inches thick) of designs. You can do a wrist design, an anklet design, or any number of "icon" designs anywhere (upper arm, hand, etc.)

You pick out the design and she notes the price on a handwritten receipt. You'll then take that into the little gift shop next door where you pay. Then, you take your paid receipt back out to her and she will create your tattoo.

After the tattoo is done, she asks you to come back in twenty minutes. She then sprinkles it with lemon and sugar (makes it darken). She'll give you printed instructions on how to take care of it.

Some tips:

1. This area is very popular with teenagers! Again, she is the only one who does this so you will probably have to wait in line. If time is an issue, you may not want to take the chance.

2. Knowing the procedures helps. Walk up, browse through the book, get her to write your ticket and proceed to the gift shop. I've seen potential customers hang around and watch her do 2 or 3 people before asking where to pay. Some designs take 20 minutes so this can really mess up your Epcot touring.

3. If you're going to swim, do this late in your trip. Chlorine wreaks havoc on henna and your $$ will be left in Disney's swimming pool!

More tips from the editor: First, no needles are involved! The design is painted on and is completely painless. Bring a small bottle of olive oil with you if you plan on getting a tattoo (or plan to ask for it at a local restaurant). A crust forms over the design which slowly flakes off over a 24 hour period revealing the semi-permanent skin tattoo underneath. The final instructions are to apply olive oil over the next few days to darken the tattoo. The semi-permanent tattoo usually last about 1 to 4 weeks. There is a wide range of prices for the tattoos based on the elaborateness of the design and how much time it takes to do. The general range is $12 to $45 with even more expensive tattoos available. To learn more about henna tattoos and see an examples of designs look here: http://tattoo.about.com/cs/hennamenu/

All you want to know about Hair Wraps! http://themouseforless.com/tripplanning/articles/reppucci052101.shtml

If you want pix with the charaters, check in at the info desks when you enter into the "worlds" and they can tell you who will be where and when.

In Frontier Land they have movies at night along with campfires and roasting marshmellows. The buffet there is excellent also. It's kind of out of the way, but worth the trip (less expensive than some of the others are). There is the Hoop-de-doo Revue too, but you need ressies for that.

The buses, monorail and boats are a great way to get around Disney. FYI, the ferry can take more people onboard than the monorail so if you're in a bigger hurry to get to the Magic Kingdom, the ferry is probably quicker...but the monorail is cooler! It has air conditioning.

I fyou are at the Boardwalk and want to get to Epcot, take the boat that leaves from the lagoon. Much shorter ride than the bus.

Pleasure Island is fun at night too. Each night is New Years there at midnight and they set off fireworks too.

I've not even touched on the water parks (each has their own "specials" and are fun. Don't waste your time with the mini golf...it's expensive and even though they have water surpises at some of the holes, it's not really worth it unless you have nothing else to do.

If you are very pushed for time, unless you are very into animals and zoos (even though most of the animals were "hiding" when we were there, twice) I'd not worry about Animal Kingdom. The best thing we found was the tree of life and then the "3D movie that was inside it" was great too. Other things were nice, but just not so much our "cup of tea".

If you have a child with you, when you go to Epcot, go into the souvineer shop and buy a World Passport. As you walk around all of the countries, you have your passport stamped at each place and most will write a message to you in that language. Fun for the kids to say they've now been around the world! Each area usually has some kind of "craft" for the kids to do too.

In Epcot on the ride called Fast Track, if you are willing to ride without your friends (each ride seperately) you can go much quicker and more often if you like it. They are always looking for "singles" to fill in the additional seats.

Well, sorry you asked? I have so much more but I think they will ban me from the site if I continue!

Just have fun..pick out what you want to do the most and do all of that first..then "fill in" with the rest. Just know, you'll not be able to do it all (we've been there 10 times now and still have not done it all). Don't make it a vacation that you have to have another vacation when you get back just to relax. Relax and have fun there!

Enjoy!..and pixie dust to you!

Answer 2

Well I've been quite a bit, and here's some things I've found to be usefull. :] - If there are two rides that are really popular that you want to go on (like Mt. Everest and the Safari, for example), when you get in the park, split up your group. Let one person go to the Safari and get a fast pass, and then start to get in line for Mt. Everest. Don't go too fast, though, or you'll ride it before the one person returns! - Go on the Safari at 11-11:30, by the way. They tell you to go when the park opens, but that's a big lie. The animals are too tired to do anything. 11 is around lunch time, so you're sure to find a lot. :] - When you go to Epcot - WALK STRAIGHT TO SOARIN. Do NOT do the first tip for this ride, because the line goes riddiculously high. After soaring, you should ride the test track and mission space first. The World showcase attractions' lines never get too long, anyway. - Magic Kingdom is a crapshoot. You could either get there on a day where the lines are moderate or outrageous. Basically, just chill out, don't get mad, and go with the flow. :3 - MGM... Eh. It's not my favorite park, so I don't really have much to say about it. You'd deffinatley want to ride the Tower of Terror and the Rip Ride Rocket, but other than that... hmmm... Oh, yeah, they have a new Toy Story ride (it's aimed for little kids), and the line for that is just... wow... (in a bad way, haha). - and the water parks, I'm sure you know, are amazing. :D Now much to say there! - But mainly, my best advice is just RELAX. The LAST thing you want to do is get stressed out or mad at Disney World! Just laugh it off, have fun, and ignore the heat (and prices! XD). Have an outline of what you want to do, but make it flexible. Take time to just roam around the park and enjoy it's beautities. You'll probably find things that you wouldn't have before! Have fun! x

Answer 3

1. Bring a water bottle along. There are drinking fountains all over the park where you can fill them up. It beats paying $4 for a bottle of water.
2. Bring a poncho- it rains a lot there. We usually just buy the disposable ones and then throw them away before we leave Florida.
3. Take a camera. There are many photo opportunities there.
4. Bring lots of money. Everything there is expensive.
5. Use the Fast Pass option on popular rides like Soarin or Space Mountain.
6. Get there early and start at the back of the parks. Many people start at the front because they get distracted. You can get a lot accomplished this way.
7. Wear light colored clothes. It is very Hot there.
8. Wear comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking.
9. Bring sunscreen. You don't want to get sun burnt.
10. Get a spray bottle with a fan. You can find them at Wal Mart a lot cheaper than Disney's version.
11. The Magic Kingdom is more crowded on the weekends.
12. If you can, eat some meals out of the park. Disney's food is very expensive.
13. Have fun!!!

Answer 4

Last time I was there (couple years ago), the Fast Pass did not cost extra. Even if it has changed and now it costs, it's still worth it to save time in the lines. Be aware that not all rides have a Fast Pass. Be sure to get a map for each member of your party when you come in, and it will show which rides have a Fast Pass. If you are taking kids 9 or under, plan to have one expensive meal at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom at the end of Main Street on the left. They have all the Pooh characters walking around and the food is some of the best at Disney, plus it's buffet so that can be your only meal of the day if you time it right. Stop by as soon as you enter the park to get a meal reservation time. I suggest between 2 and 3...fewer people and you can then skip dinner. One advantage to staying on Disney property, free buses to and from all parks saves you the parking fee (about $15 last I knew) and they run every 20 minutes from all the Disney resorts. One standard tip in all the books: when you enter a park for the day, go to the back and hit those rides, then work your way to the front to avoid longer lines. Wear good comfortable walking shoes...you'll need them. And if you are not used to walking a lot, take bandaids for blisters.

Answer 5

When it's hot - stay out of the sun from about 1- 4 pm - as these are the hottest times of the day.

If you are staying at a resort on Disney property - take advantage of the shopping valet service - you can buy souvenirs and then have them sent back to your room.

At each park look for the information board...this will tell you the wait times of each attraction at the park and if there are any technical issues. also sometimes they have special events were all you have to do is ask at the information counter - check that out as well :)

Food is generally expensive at the park, but they do have some family style restaurants where it would be one price, all you can eat. So if you are hungry - those are a good bet.

Sign up for Fast track when you can...this is a ticket that will print out an appointment time for you to be at the ride, this way you will have little to no wait.

In Epcot go to Innoventions, lots to see and do there...games and sometimes the newest models of things.

Bring water with you and stay hydrated get a big covered mug and fill it with ice...then place a bit of water - about 1/3 of the cup...this will start the ice melting and keep you with water for a long time.. Do some easy rides that are cool and relaxing.

Most importantly enjoy!

Answer 6

Yes, Lots. Number 1...Take lots of water.
Get the hopper packs they have 2-4 day park hopper packs that saves you a little but allows you to go in and out the 4 different parks as much as you want. So you can spend the day at the animal kingdom and then go to Disney world that night for the parades and fireworks. Try and get there early and not stay during the heat of the day but go back to the hotel and chill in the pool then go back to the park in the evening to catch the rest of the rides. Everest is the best roller coaster. Pirates of the Carribean is closed for renovation. Use the EZ Pass system. This allows you to move ahead in lines for rides and costs nothing extra. So for example, You EZ pass Space mountain and then get on its a small world ride. So once you are done with its a small world then you head to space mountain and move up in the line. Do this for every two rides and your wait times are cut way down. Have fun.

Answer 7

Expect to pay alot for food. All food is expensive down there. If you can buy meal vouchers before you go (ask you travel agent or check out disney worlds website) then do it.

Get fast passes for the most popular rides. They're easy to use - you just insert your park pass at a machine at the ride you want, and it will give you a time to come back. This will save you lots of time, and you can visit the attractions with shorter wait times until it is time for you to use your fast pass.

If you or your child want the pin trading necklaces, buy that at the beginnning of the vacation (assuming you are staying at Disney for several days) so you can trade the whole week (or duration of you vacation)

Buy a poncho before you go, buying it at Disney is expensive.

Dont forget sunblock and water bottles.

Travel as light as possible - bring only necessities with you, and a camera.

Added note: whoever mentioned the food & wine festival in Oct was right - thats when I was there. Besides just being fun, it was really good food for great money.

Answer 8

Keep your cell phone charged and give your kids a piece of paper with your cell phone number on it to call if they get lost.

Bring a digital camera with a large memory card and a laptop to download the photos at the end of each day.

Bring an almost empty suitcase with you so you will have room to bring back your many many souvenirs.

Set up a character meal in advance... even months in advance.

Don't skip Epcot, even if you have kids, they will love the many different countries. Shoot for October when they have the Food and Wine Festival. You will get to taste food and wine from all over the world.

Allow a full day to shop, eat and hang out at Downtown Disney.

Hit 1 park a day, and after a couple days, take a day break (that's when we hit Downtown Disney or the beach) so you don't wear yourself out. Worst thing is to come back from a vacation and need another one to recover. Allow enough days.

Bring your own Autograph books if you have kids, and go ahead and try the pin trading, you'll enjoy it, especially the kids.

Answer 9

Park hoppers. Different parks close a different times.
Go around the end of October. Not as many people because school has not let out.
If you are staying in a hotel or resort not connected with Disney, try going a half an hour after the park opens to miss the crowd.
Good Luck and have fun!

Answer 10

Don't overplan. You won't get as much done in a day as you think you can.
I disagree about staying in the Disney hotels. There are many advantages to staying with Disney--including their "magical express" service to and from the airport. It's more convenient to stay in their hotels, and on some days Disney guests can get in early or stay late at the different parks. Personally, I love the Port Orleans/Riverside. (Well, I really love the hotels right on the monorail track, but those are really, really pricey.)
FastPass is great for the most popular attractions. Saves you a lot of wait time.
There are great guidebooks out there that you can buy. They're worth it because they're so full of information. They even break down which parks are more crowded on which days of the week.
Check out mousesavers.com as well as disney.com.
You're in for a treat!!!

Answer 11

Get Fast Passes at all the most poplular rides as soon as possible. They give you the opportunity to skip to the front of a line during a window of time They will say come back between the hrs of 2:00-4:30. The downside is you can only have 2 or 3 fastpasses at a time. But if you do it right you can eliminate hours of waiting each day.
At MGM you have to try Aeorsmith rockin rollercoaser and Towerof terror, they are right next to each other.
At Magic kingdom Space mountain, alien encounter,