Tips about Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Kids, Magic Kingdom and Mousecellaneous

EPCOT - During the Flower and Garden Festival, the path leading to Test Track has a beautiful Butterfly Garden that features plantings designed to entice the winged beauties. It's a quiet spot not too far from Cool Wash misting station on the way toward World Showcase.

EPCOT - During the Flower and Garden Festival, the path leading to Test Track has a beautiful Butterfly Garden that features plantings designed to entice the winged beauties. It's a quiet spot not too far from Cool Wash misting station on the way toward World Showcase.

EPCOT - As you're crossing the walkway from Future World to World Showcase, you'll spy special lights and spouts built into the concrete on your right. Upon closer inspection you'll discover a spontaneous water fountain that sends water 20' straight up into the air. On hot days especially it's the perfect spot for kids (and adults) to cool down.

EPCOT - As you're crossing the walkway from Future World to World Showcase, you'll spy special lights and spouts built into the concrete on your right. Upon closer inspection you'll discover a spontaneous water fountain that sends water 20' straight up into the air. On hot days especially it's the perfect spot for kids (and adults) to cool down.

EPCOT - Outside the Imagination Pavillion. you'll find a whimsical *leap fountain,* where the water jumps from "pad" to "pad." It's not a play fountain, but children (and sometimes adults) can be seen trying to catch the water as it leaps around.

EPCOT - Outside the Imagination Pavillion. you'll find a whimsical *leap fountain,* where the water jumps from "pad" to "pad." It's not a play fountain, but children (and sometimes adults) can be seen trying to catch the water as it leaps around.

EPCOT - Take a look at the beautiful fountain outside the Imagination pavilion, it's slightly out of the ordinary. It's actually a *reverse* waterfall, with the water flowing up! Just watch it!

EPCOT - Take a look at the beautiful fountain outside the Imagination pavilion, it's slightly out of the ordinary. It's actually a *reverse* waterfall, with the water flowing up! Just watch it!

Whenever we traveled with the children we would make up "airplane bags". I would pack snacks and small surprises for them and things they could do during the flight. The rule for the bags was that they could not open them until the seat belt sign went off. This kept them attentive during takeoff and patient for the first part of the trip which was always the hardest. We kept seat belts on during the entire flight and if there was in issue with unusual turbulence so the sign would remain on we would pick an appropriate time and let them open the surprise bags. They loved it and so did we!

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Flights of Wonder - Do not rush out when the show is over. The bird handlers will bring one or two owls or other birds to the edge of the stage for you to get an up close look at, ask questions and photograph!

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Rafiki's Planet Watch - While aboard the Wildlife Express train, pay close attention as you pass the first animal housing area. Pride Rock (home of Animal Kingdom's lions) can sometimes be seen in the distance.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - - Rafiki's Planet Watch - Regarding the train ride to Conservation Station -- great accessibility for the wheelchair, my son simply rolled right on in his power chair, but if you have a stroller you must park it at the train station (TIP: if you have your own collapsible stroller you are allowed to bring it along... a good idea since the hike in Conservation Station is a long one with a few hills). After the train ride, we looked around and started the hike to Conservation Station, but turned around since we no longer had our strollers (carrying two 40 lb boys in 100 degree heat depleted our energy!). (The Belcher Family)

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Pangani Forest Exploration Trail - Be sure to ask the Guides any questions you might have about the animals you encounter during your trek. Many of the guides are native to Africa. There are plenty of viewing areas for kids and lots of educational opportunities too.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Kilimanjaro Safari - The ride is very bumpy and even though our driver took care to avoid some of the bigger bumps, our son was still jostled around quite a bit in his wheelchair. Smaller children will actually come out of their seats on some of the bumps. (The Belcher Family)

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Kilimanjaro Safari - If you don't want a bumpy ride, ask to sit in the front of the truck. The ride feels bumpiest in the back. Some drivers will hit EVERY pothole in the road, but most will warn you before you leave the dock.