Tips about Christmas, Food & Beverage, Planning and Resorts

When traveling to Orlando from the UK you tend to get to Orlando about 3 p.m. By the time you get to your Disney hotel it's about 6 p.m., so instead of rushing to the parks we head to Disney Springs, pick up our park tickets at Guest Relations (this saves doing it the next morning when you want to hit the parks), then go and have dinner and do some shopping. We are then fresh for the next morning. - Ruth

Save the little bottles of bubbles you get at weddings and bring them with you to Disney. Our daughter keeps one in her fanny pack. She has stopped many a potential meltdown by blowing bubbles for a fussy toddler as we waited in line. It's portable pixie dust! - Karen B

On a recent visit to the Magic Kingdom, I stopped in the Main Street Bakery to check out the recent renovation and treat myself to a Starbucks coffee. When I reached the counter to pay, I was pleasantly surprised to be able to pay with my Starbucks gift card. Not only did I buy coffee with my gift card, but also a bottle of soda for my son. Don't leave home without your gift cards! - Kim Chesser

When we stayed at the French Quarter in December, we were delighted to find a refrigerator and put in some fresh fruit we purchased at the on-site store, as well as some water bottles. Unfortunately the guests who were there before us turned the temperature knob so cold that everything froze solid and was wasted. This is a reminder to check the temp setting before putting anything in the refrigerator. - Carol Berube

-- I bring along suction cups to stick to the bathroom walls. This gives everyone their own place to hang washcloths or other personal bathroom items.

-- A power strip gives everyone easy access to plug in their electronic devices instead of searching for an unused one in the room.

-- Lastly, we always have a spot in the room (a table or the spot next to the door) where we put the things we take with us each day -- for example, sunglasses, backpack, water bottle, celebration pin, jacket. That way when you are ready to walk out the door, you can just grab your stuff instead of scrambling around the room trying to make sure you remembered those things. - Traci Regan

Recently stayed at Old Key West for Marathon Weekend. Upon check-in, my room was not ready. I do not have text messaging on my phone so was given a phone number to call later in the day. I found out at Bay Lake Tower that I could receive an email instead of a text. I called Old Key West and requested this. Since Walt Disney World now has wireless internet throughout, I enjoyed my day and received my room number via email through my Kindle. - M. Hoyt

Animal Kingdom Lodge - On a recent trip to Walt Disney World we had dinner at Boma. After dinner we walked around the grounds out back (as we had first-timers with us) and were surprised to find that night-vision binoculars were available to view the animals in the dark. We all enjoyed this very much and saw many animals. Also the cast members who supervised this activity were very helpful and informative about the animals and the country where they were from. We really learned a lot! - Jane Carvalho

If you have dietary concerns, don't assume you know your "safe" foods, especially at buffets. When recently dining at Cape May Cafe for dinner, I told the chef that I had a shellfish allergy. Surprisingly, he warned me not to eat the steamed corn or steamed potatoes -- they are both steamed with shellfish/fish. The chef offered to make them separately for me, saying it would take only 15-20 minutes.

Another time I was unable to have the chicken dish at Yachtsman Steakhouse because it was fried with seafood.

A friend was also at a buffet with an onion allergy and told not to eat the corn as it was steamed in a broth that contained onions.

Better to be safe than sorry! Be sure to tell the hostess, server and if needed, ask for a chef. - Deb Wills

Boardwalk - When I was at Seashore Sweets at the BoardWalk in December, there was a jar of jellybeans on the counter near the registers. If you correctly guess the number of jellybeans in the jar, you get free ice cream. I correctly guessed and got a single scoop in a cup. There were many people who never noticed the jar, so be sure to ask about it. - Joel

Animal Kingdom Lodge - Be sure to check out what is happening at your resort. We recently returned from a stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. They had many activities for kids, and most were free. Not only did they have crafts in the lobby, games at the pool, but they also had a sunset campfire with free marshmallows to roast. Also, be sure to walk around the grounds of the resort. At AKL we found savanna overlooks in many areas, and they often have someone who will answer questions about the animals. This is what makes Disney resorts so unique! - E. Horton

Epcot - NEW in 2013 is the Holiday Passport. If you visited Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival or the Food and Wine Festival you'll be familiar with this little booklet. It is available at various kiosks around World Showcase. The passport points out special holiday snacks and beverages, special merchandise, entertainment and a holiday photo op. Don't forget to get your country stamp, too! - Deb Wills

Epcot - When entering the park, be sure to pick up the Epcot Holidays Around the World Guide. - Deb Wills

Epcot - Don't overlook the Gingerbread Village set up in the upper floor of the Land Pavilion in Epcot's Future World. - Deb Wills

Epcot - The Storytellers making presentations on Hanukkah and Kwanzaa will hand out special pamphlets on those holidays -- just ask for one after they've finished. - Deb Wills

Epcot - The Epcot Storytellers will take a few minutes after the show to meet guests and pose for photos. Considering having the storyteller sign your autograph book, or your passport. - Deb Wills