Tips about Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Planning and Resorts

ANIMAL KINGDOM - 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.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Kali River Rapids - is actually one of the BEST places in all Animal Kingdom to linger! The details and thought that went into designing the queue are evident. Be sure to note the Kali Tiger Temple, the Balinese puppets, the prayer wheel and the brass gongs as you meander through the various chambers. And don't miss Mr. Panika's office -- the owner of the "business" may be "out to temple" as the signs indicate, but the two resident geckos who reside in his gecko cabinet are in all the time.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Across from the Dawa Bar in Harambe is what appears to be an old fort. Don't assume that the area's off limits -- there are actually tables and chairs in there! It's the perfect quiet spot to take a cool drink or a snack and get out of the flow of traffic.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Visit the restaurant Pizzafari, one of the most brilliantly decorated buildings in the Animal Kingdom. The bright colors are eye-catching, of course, but stop in *before* the lunch crowds gather so that you can study the different rooms with their ornate murals, walls and ceilings. Can you identify which room is which? The Home Room, Nocturnal Room, Upside-Down Room, Camouflage Room, Four Seasons Room, and Bug Room.

I don't know how many folks travel with teens but I travel with my 16-year-old son. We usually stay at the All Stars and the only place for us to change privately is the bathroom. This can cause problems if you have had a shower and it's all steamy. So to solve the problem and give us a little more privacy, I go to the dollar store and buy a cheap white or colored shower curtain. Then I get two of the 3M hooks (with Command adhesive) that have the pull tab to remove them from the wall. We then hang the shower curtain between the sink area and the bedroom area. When we aren't using the area we hang the shower curtain on one hook. But when one of us wishes to change, we just hook the curtain up and we have a nice private area to change. I discovered this about 10 years ago when I was traveling with three kids. This way the two girls could change in one room and the two boys in the other. Editor's Note: We've checked out these hooks by 3M with the Command adhesive, and they seem to really work as the manufacturer claims: they are specially designed so that they won't mark the walls or remove paint, and they don't leave a sticky residue behind.)

As great as zipper-top bags are for holding snacks, you might want to think about hard plastic storage containers for them or something equally sturdy. I've witnessed a squirrel literally rip a hole in a reusable supermarket bag to get at the chips inside, no matter how many times we shooed him away. Anytime you're in a show or a ride with a long line the squirrels and birds have PLENTY of time to mess with your stuff that you've left in your stroller or scooter. - Aren

As great as zipper-top bags are for holding snacks, you might want to think about hard plastic storage containers for them or something equally sturdy. I've witnessed a squirrel literally rip a hole in a reusable supermarket bag to get at the chips inside, no matter how many times we shooed him away. Anytime you're in a show or a ride with a long line the squirrels and birds have PLENTY of time to mess with your stuff that you've left in your stroller or scooter. - Aren

As great as zipper-top bags are for holding snacks, you might want to think about hard plastic storage containers for them or something equally sturdy. I've witnessed a squirrel literally rip a hole in a reusable supermarket bag to get at the chips inside, no matter how many times we shooed him away. Anytime you're in a show or a ride with a long line the squirrels and birds have PLENTY of time to mess with your stuff that you've left in your stroller or scooter. - Aren

ANIMAL KINGDOM - See how many animals you can find in the Tree of Life.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - View the Tree of Life at different times during the day. As the sun and the shadows move you will see different animals appear.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - As you wander into the Animal Kingdom, keep your eyes open for DeVine, the walking vine.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Two special behind the scenes tours are offered (for an additional cost) at Animal Kingdom, Wild Africa Trek and Backstage Tails. For more information visit www.allears.net/btp/tours.htm

ANIMAL KINGDOM - Don't rush through the tree roots on your way to It's Tough to Be a Bug... this journey provides an excellent up-close view of many of the animal sculptures.

FORT WILDERNESS - When we stay at the Fort Wilderness Resort, we arrange to have an hour-long carriage ride that starts at 8:30 p.m. We ask the carriage driver to find us a good spot to watch the "Wishes" fireworks show, and the driver takes us to a secluded area next to the lake. We have a great view of the show, plus it is so nice and peaceful to be all alone there and not crushed amongst thousands of people. - Darrin Brooks EDITOR'S NOTE: Carriage rides are generally 30 minutes long so if you want an hour you will need to book two consecutive reservations.

ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE - Suggestions for Animal Kingdom Lodge: Go to the Front Desk/Guest Services of Animal Kingdom Lodge and request a list of activities and the "Hidden Mickey" list. The resort's Cast Members will give culinary tours, art tours, and tell stories, depending on the time of day you visit the resort. (The Hidden Mickeys are easier to spot during the daylight hours.) You can also visit the Sunset Overlook, located in the lounge next to the Front Desk. Cast Members at the Arusha Rock Overlook will even have night-vision binoculars! I recommend the dinner buffet at Boma. It has a wide variety of foods that would satisfy picky eaters too. - Lori