Tips about Countdown, Kids, Mousecellaneous, Resorts and Souvenirs
Come up with a souvenir budget and stick to it. On my last solo trip to the World, I gave myself a $50 souvenir budget -- it was a fun challenge to stick to the budget and find great stuff. In fact, I had souvenir money left over! (If you've been several times, you might consider a trip taken without purchasing souvenirs.) Or, skip the extras, like Photopass photos, spa treatments, special tours, etc. I would always prefer to go all-out, but I find a trip to Disney on a budget is better than no trip to Disney at all! - Hilary Sommer
We discovered by accident that it's a good idea to take your little one to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique early in your trip. They really work hard to slick back the hair into a sleek, fabulous pony tail. Even after the "do" was done -- the next day or so -- our daughter still had that slicked back pony tail, which saved us tons of time the next several mornings getting ready for the parks. We just left her pony tail alone after taking out all the pins and doo-dads from the boutique. - Rachel Bruce
Just a comment on the sale of shuttle launch tickets. Any follower of the shuttle program knows that tickets can sell out quickly. NOT TO FRET! If you don't have a ticket to get onto the Cape Canaveral grounds, you can stop anywhere along the river at any parking area, or park and see the launch. You will see the shuttle as soon as it crosses your horizon and you will hear it. It is an amazing sight! You might even be better off not getting a ticket, because there is always a chance the launch will not happen for some reason. Go to a park, bring a blanket, some coffee (early morning launch) and enjoy the time. Go early and you will meet some interesting people along the way! - Geri Preisser
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I just finished reading my newsletter, and was especially interested in the letters from families with infants concerning diapers. It reminded me of a lesson that I learned the hard way a few years ago. We were traveling to WDW with our two children, the youngest of whom was 6 months old at the time. In order to save space in our luggage, I decided to only carry with me enough diapers and formula to get us through the day. Whenever we arrive in Orlando, our first stop is always at a local grocery store, where we stock up on bottled water, fruit, snacks, etc. I figured that I would just pick up a large bag of diapers and more formula when I was doing my shopping. I wasn't concerned about finding our particular brand of formula, because it is a very commonly used formula. I didn't have any trouble getting the diapers, but I couldn't find the formula anywhere. I asked a manager for help, and she had never even heard of the brand that was so common at home. I had to read the labels, and pick out another formula that appeared to be similar to what the baby was used to. Luckily, our daughter adjusted well to the new formula, and we all had a great trip. If she had not adjusted well, it could have ruined our trip. Tip for parents: Never assume that the baby items you need will be readily available at WDW or in the Orlando area. This may especially be important if your child must use a specific formula, or needs a certain type of diapers. If your child has sensitive skin, or allergies, you may also want to pack a specific sunscreen, soap or detergent. It's much safer to bring these items from home, or mail them ahead of you to your hotel. - Shannon Barrett
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
Be careful while driving on Disney property. We were there this past weekend and they had a speed trap set up right before the Contemporary resort. There were four or five sheriffs and one had a radar gun. They had a car pulled over and that person had a ticket in his hand and did not look too happy. The next day we saw two sheriffs over by Pop Century. Just drive the speed limit. - Suzy
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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
Before going to Disney, I started collecting a few "knick knacks," like Disney pencils, pads, small cars, etc. (even had some Happy Meal toys). I wrapped each one separately. Each night after our grandson had gone to bed, we put one "gift" on the table for him to see in the a.m. Imagine his face when we saw that Mickey Mouse had come by during the night and left him a present because he had been so good! We did this each night of our trip (sort of a Santa thing) and of course, each day he had a little gift to play with. - Debbie Tummel
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 know you have an impending trip, purchase a Disney desk calendar. Each day you get to see a friendly Disney face. And you can keep the pages, take them to the parks and get characters to autograph them for you. Bring them home and scrapbook them and you have a wonderful piece of Disney magic! - Michelle
In addition to free Wi-Fi at McDonald's, the Chik-Fil-A restaurant on Route 535 (Apopka Vineland Road), just south of I-4 also has free Wi-Fi. - JohnH
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