Tips about Animal Kingdom, Food & Beverage, Mousecellaneous and Souvenirs

Just to touch on those wonderful pressed pennies: Don't forget to leave them out of your luggage when going through airport security. We lost some precious time and almost missed a connecting flight because our coin rolls had to be pulled out of our carry-on luggage for further inspection. Having them out of the luggage and accessible prior to going through the scanners makes it quicker and easier to get through the security check points. - Julie Wagner

Want to get prepped for your Hidden Mickey hunt at WDW, Disney style? Just watch Lion King 1 1/2. There are so many Hidden Mickeys in this movie that I lost count! - Alea L.

ANIMAL KINGDOM - If you plan on enjoying Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, note that you are required to keep your shoes on during the ride due to safety concerns. It doesn't matter what kind of shoes you wear, but you must have something on your feet. You might want to consider bringing flip-flops or water shoes (don't wear them all day -- your feet will thank you) to change into just before getting in line. Be sure to put your regular shoes and socks in a Ziploc style bag to put in the ride's center protected area. This way, you won't be stuck wearing soggy sneakers all day in the Florida heat. - Jen

My 8-year-old daughter loves her pressed penny collection, and this year we discovered that you can get a complete listing of all pressed penny machine locations in WDW from Guest Services. This gave us a great "excuse" to go resort-hopping! For those folks with a little time on their hands and their own transportation (WDW bus transportation is not a viable option for this activity), pressed penny "scavenger hunts" can be an excellent activity to save a rainy day, and a wonderful way to decide which resort you'd like to stay in on your next visit to WDW! - Susan Hughes

On www.mcdonalds.com, there is a trip planning feature that will map your route and give you the locations of all McDonald's within even .5 miles. It also tells you if there is a PlayPlace and Drive-Thru. This is invaluable for those of us driving two 4-year-olds for 24+ hours. Go to the restaurant locator and scroll down to Trip Planner. - Laurie

I think a lot of times people forget (or do not know) that there is a Wal-Mart pretty close to WDW, in Kissimmee. We have been there on many of our trips, and they have a lot of great Disney T-shirts and souvenirs, not to mention that they're one of the cheapest places to buy food and sunscreen. - Christy R. Tripp

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you're driving from the airport and want a grocery stop, be sure to check out our directions page, which includes area stores: http://allears.net/pl/directions.php

Food & BeverageSouvenirs

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I think a lot of times people forget (or do not know) that there is a Wal-Mart pretty close to WDW, in Kissimmee. We have been there on many of our trips, and they have a lot of great Disney T-shirts and souvenirs, not to mention that they're one of the cheapest places to buy food and sunscreen. - Christy R. Tripp

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you're driving from the airport and want a grocery stop, be sure to check out our directions page, which includes area stores: http://allears.net/pl/directions.php

Food & BeverageSouvenirs

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ALL PARKS - We read complaints about some of the attractions being too loud so we carried a set of earplugs in our fanny packs and found that they helped tremendously! We could still hear well, but our ears were much more comfortable. The earplugs don't take up any room at all either! - Diane Taylor

I have been going to WDW for the last 25 years... Three years ago I took my children for the first time when they were 7, 3 and 6 months. We are going back this year in June and I have already started the planning. The best thing I have found are the Disney Deals on eBay. Last time my kids loved the souvenir light-up Pooh bears. In the park they were around $7 each. They have long since disappeared. I found them on eBay for only $2.99 each and have ordered three. I also bought T-shirts for around $5, candy, ball caps, etc. I have put all this in a suitcase the kids have not seen. When we get to Disney, I will give them a new treat each morning. This way, we have already saved more than $150, and we haven't even left the house yet! - Aimee F.

ALL PARKS - You will only move at the pace of the slowest person in your group. Accept this, be patient, and do what you can to help that slowest person - under certain circumstances, it might be you! (Jen Kitchen)

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)