Tips about Christmas and Kids

Please share with your readers that they will only find diapers in size 3 and 4 on Disney property. We were staying for 8 days and I decided that bringing all of the diapers I would need would waste valuable luggage space. I figured I would pay a premium price but would just resupply at the gift shop in the hotel. When I realized they only had size 3 or 4 I went on an exhaustive phone search to find something bigger (my 2-1/2 year-old is in size 6, or size 5 in an emergency). I was finally told by the woman at the child care center in Magic Kingdom that I would not find them anywhere - Disney properties only stock sizes 3 and 4. I finally had to take a taxi to Walgreens where they were nearly out of size 5 and 6 as well! I had to buy a brand I wasn't familiar with -- although they worked just fine. - Holly

I have a tip for anyone traveling with a child in diapers. I didn't want to take up space and weight in our suitcases, so I sent a box of diapers and wipes to Pop Century three days before we traveled to Walt Disney World. I called Pop Century and I was told to address the box to my attention with our reservation confirmation number and arrival date and they would make sure it was waiting for me when I checked-in. When I checked-in, I told the Cast Member that I sent a box via UPS, she retrieved the box and told me it would be delivered to our room when the room became available. I plan on doing the same thing when we travel to Walt Disney World in September 2009. - Dan Szczepaniak

In these difficult economic times, a trip to the World can be a difficult goal to accomplish, even without adding in all the extra expenses like a trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. On our recent trip we decided that this was one of the extras we would have to forgo. Needless to say, my nine-year-old daughter was very disappointed! On the advice of a cast member, we took her and her younger brother to the Main Street Barbershop instead. My daughter had her hair pulled back and striped with colors of her choice, topped off with a liberal sprinkling of pixie dust for less than $20. Plus, she got at least as much, if not more attention than if we had gone with the traditional Boutique style! - Christie Lamphier

We live near Jacksonville and are self-diagnosed Disney addicts. We visit frequently and came up with a game we play for the day we arrive. The Monorail game is played by each family member picking a different color monorail and a favorite ride in the Magic Kingdom. As we drive onto Disney property we search for monorails. If your color of monorail is spotted first, you win. The attraction you picked becomes the first ride of the day. We usually start picking the color and ride months in advance, planning around closures. Selections can't be changed once we back out of the driveway. We love it. - H. Johnston

For small children who are not used to a double bed, but are too big for the pack-and-play, a great solution is a "nap mat" or blow up bed that can be packed and taken to the World with you. We honor the room head count restriction, of course, but instead of making them sleep together in an unfamiliar double bed, each child gets their own familiar blow-up bed, and the extra bed becomes our gear sorting/storing/organizing area. We have done this on more than one trip, and have never had a problem. - Naomi

If you have limited time and have a park hopper ticket you can enjoy the Osborne Spectacle of Lights in Hollywood Studios right around 6pm. Then hop on the boat and take it to the International Gateway entrance to Epcot. Enjoy the sights of the World Showcase and if you are lucky see the Candlelight Processional by at least standing in the back. Grab a caramel treat in Germany's Caramel Kuche and find a spot for the 9:30 Holiday Illuminations which you just don't want to miss. (Kay)

One of the smallest lines in general to see Santa and Mrs. Claus is at the American Adventure in the World Showcase at Epcot. They normally are available starting around 4pm but check with the Times Guide or the concierge at your resort. (Kay)

CHRISTMAS - When people think of Florida, they think of warm, humid, tropical weather. But Florida does get cold fronts, as we experienced firsthand a couple years ago during the holidays. We brought those packet hand warmers that you shake to activate. We put them inside the kids' gloves to keep their hands warm. The kids loved them, and they really came in handy in the evenings when it got chilly. They're very inexpensive and can fit into a purse or pocket until you need to use them. - Jones Family

CHRISTMAS - I consider myself to be one of the very fortunate people to have been to the Candelight Processional almost every year for the past 15 years. As a birthday gift my great hubby sends me to see this spectacular event. That aside, I have seen the show many different ways, but the best way to get a seat without having to wait in line for 90 minutes is to purchase the dinner show package. I have often stood in line for the first show knowing that I would not get a seat, but I enjoy the show so much I stand in the back and watch it -- and then watch it again when I get a seat. Or if I get a seat for the first show, I sit outside of the American Adventure and listen to it a second time. The only problem with the dinner show package is that they sell out very quickly, especially at the lower price level. But, if you have never seen this show before I highly recommend it, any way you can get to see it --sitting or standing! - Geri Preisser

CHRISTMAS - My family has adopted the tradition of watching the parade right from the comforts of our family room. The kids of course get us up very early on Christmas morning. Once the gifts are opened, and we've completed the typical assembly, we're all ready to relax and enjoy the day together. So we stay in our Christmas pajamas and enjoy watching the parade of all our favorite Disney characters and sites. It's like a special present to our whole family. - Michelle from New Jersey

CHRISTMAS - For many years my wife and I have given up going to the Candlelight Processional for keeping to more "kid happy" events and rides. Last time we made dinner reservations with the reserved Candlelight Processional package for the four of us. When it came show time we let the kids out of it and looked over the long line of standby people hoping to get in. We spotted someone wearing a WWII veterans' insignia, so we handed the kids' passes to that older couple and wished them a Merry Christmas. - Mark Benjamin

CHRISTMAS - If you happen to be in the Magic Kingdom anytime after December 20th and find yourself anywhere near the back of the park (Adventureland, Frontierland, or Liberty Square) near the time of Wishes and wish to exit the park, TAKE THE WDW RAILROAD FROM FRONTIERLAND TO THE PARK EXIT! There is literally a sea of people down Main Street with no access through the crowd. - MJK813

CHRISTMAS - One of my favorite times to visit WDW is at the holidays. We never miss the Candlelight Processional. Try going to the early show. Stop by and see Santa and Mrs. Claus first in the USA Pavilion. Santa and Mrs. Claus are usually there until 5 p.m. Then grab a hot dog and wait in line to see the early showing of the Candlelight Processional. Both Santa and the Processional are worth the wait. - reenmch

CHRISTMAS - We are frequent visitors of Disney, but it wasn't until December 2006 that we experienced the Disney Christmas spirit. What we did to add more fun to our trip (and actually help locate our stroller) was we purchased some battery-powered Christmas lights before our trip and we cable-tied them to my then 4-year-old's stroller. I also purchased some big jingle bells with holly and some thin bendable gold garland and also attached it. During the day our stroller was easy to spot with the decorations and the sound of the bells, but at night it was awesome! I cannot tell you how many comments we received even by cast members! People wanted to know where they could buy that! We actually put the lights on it this year in February when we were there just for the fun of it. It was brighter than the glow necklaces that they sell at the parks. - Jackie Nylen

CHRISTMAS - We didn't know about this on our trip, but I really wish I would have taken a tour of the mobile homes at Fort Wilderness campground. Apparently, there is much competition between the residents to outdo one another. Be sure to go to American Adventure in Epcot if for no other reason but to hear the Voices of Liberty (the a cappella group that performs in the lobby before the American Adventure show). They are always good, but especially so during the holidays. - Shirley