Tips about Disney Cruise Line, Epcot and Kids
Epcot - I just wanted to let you know there is now an additional place to get kosher food in Epcot. It is at the Electric Umbrella restaurant in Future World. This is helpful, because if you need the kosher food, you don't have to go all the way to the American Adventure's Liberty Inn in World Showcase. - Michael Lorch
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We were in Disney World over New Year's with my daughter, her husband, my 9-month-old grandson and 2-year-old granddaughter. Between naps, waiting on lines, going on rides and just enjoying ourselves we found we didn't change our grandson as often as usual. We realized later on that we should have used an overnight diaper during the trip so we didn't need to worry about leakage issues. We thought it was a good tip to share. - Debi Johnson
Most floral departments at grocery stores carry a plastic clip resembling a small clothes pin. We use these with the park balloons. You can attach the balloon strings (with the Mickey weights) to the clip and then clip to the stoller or the child. That way you are not fussing with tied on balloons at the bus stops! - Natalie
Epcot - If the crowds are large and you didn't get to a good spot three hours early to watch IllumiNations, there is a restroom as you enter Norway. Across from the restrooms is a bench that provides a nice place to sit and watch IllumiNations. You can't see everything, but you're away from the crowds and you can see the globe and fireworks away from everyone on a comfy spot. - Anthony
Epcot - If the crowds are large and you didn't get to a good spot three hours early to watch IllumiNations, there is a restroom as you enter Norway. Across from the restrooms is a bench that provides a nice place to sit and watch IllumiNations. You can't see everything, but you're away from the crowds and you can see the globe and fireworks away from everyone on a comfy spot. - Anthony
If you're going to have different sleeping arrangements in the hotel than you do at home (two kids in a bed, the whole family sleeping in one room), start preparing your kids in advance. Let them figure out who they're comfortable sleeping next to and if it will work, so they are not miserable at bedtime. Of course, they'll be so tired they may not care, but a little prep may help! Our 2-1/2-year-old pretty much only sleeps well in his crib, with a dark room, silence, and no one else in the room. So, we have to get him used to having one other person next to him in bed and other distractions in the room during the wind-down time. (Dad's snoring, too, yikes!) - Kara
Regarding last week's passport photo tip: Be very careful if you plan to take your photos at home. There are very specific requirements for clothing, hair, jewelry, lighting, size of photo -- some you may not expect. For example: no white shirt, or any shirt with a white collar or edging! If your photo doesn't meet the requirements to a "T" your application may be rejected. And, with the regular passport processing time, you don't want to find yourself with immediate international travel plans and no passport... Also, if you are travelling right away and can produce proof that this is the case (an airline or hotel reservation), it is possible to get a same-day passport at any number of regional passport offices. There is an expedited fee of course, but it isn't unreasonable given an "emergency" passport situation. The website is http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for all information on passports. The folks at the toll-free number indicated on that site are terrific. - Donna
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My family is getting ready to apply for passports for our upcoming cruise aboard the Disney Dream. While researching the application process, we came across some upsetting information about getting passport photos. The post office in out hometown DOES take photos but charges $15. You can get passport photos taken at various stores, but not for much cheaper -- all for them to print out four photos, chop up two of them to the appropriate size and toss the remainder of the sheet in the trash. FOR FREE, the U.S. Department of State has a photo cropping tool on their website! You take your photos with a white backdrop (my family used a white shower curtain draped over a door), upload them on your computer and make sure they're the perfect size at home, and then print them wherever you prefer to get your digital prints! It was exceptionally easy! Just go to travel.state.gov, click on passports, click on photo requirements, and scroll down to the photo tool! It cost the three of us less than $1 to get all of our passport pictures printed rather than the $30 it would have cost at the drug store or $45 at the post office! - Tonya
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On previous trips to Walt Disney World, my preschooler would never leave her 3-D glasses on during Mickey's PhilharMagic or other 3-D movies in the parks. However, we just went to see The Lion King in 3-D at the theater, and she left those glasses on the whole time. They are smaller and shaped more like sunglasses. AND, the kid's glasses are special Lion King gifts for the kids to keep. If you see the movie in the next two weeks, save your kids' glasses and take them with you to WDW! They are a fun Lion King reminder, are much better fitted to their little faces, and might actually stay on! - Rhoda Smith
This is a tip for anyone who is traveling to Disney World with first-timer children. We all know that the Magic Kingdom is usually children's favorite of all of the parks. How many times have I watched as miserable children are being dragged into Epcot crying that they would rather be at the Magic Kingdom? My suggestion is to consider NOT visiting Magic Kingdom on the first day of the trip. This way, the children will be free to enjoy each park without comparing it to the Magic Kingdom. I suggest Animal Kingdom the first day, then Hollywood Studios, then Epcot, then Magic Kingdom. I have suggested this to several friends who have taken children on their first trips and they were very grateful. The children appreciated the other parks so much more and plus it makes finally getting to the Magic Kingdom that much better. - Kevin
If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or toy he or she can't part with (like my son with his Duffy bear), try placing a tracking device in or on it. Most are small enough so your child won't notice and the device can be linked to your phone. We have used Tile, for example, and it works great! - Rachel
Epcot - As a cast member who used to work at Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions East, I wanted to say that if you want the most thrilling ride available there, ask a cast member if they have any high score cards. They sometimes have a few available, and if not, someone might be able to help you design it. - D.
Epcot - As a cast member who used to work at Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions East, I wanted to say that if you want the most thrilling ride available there, ask a cast member if they have any high score cards. They sometimes have a few available, and if not, someone might be able to help you design it. - D.
