Tips about Disney Cruise Line and Epcot
ALL PARKS - For those following the "10,000 Steps" type program, I averaged 22,000 steps per day during a four-day stay last week, visiting each park. No wonder we were exhausted! - Michele
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EPCOT - I wanted to share an idea I came up with. When my husband and I visited Disney this past November, I was concerned about losing our active 6-year-old in the dim lighting following IllumiNations at Epcot. Then I remembered that he liked glow necklaces and purchased a few from our local Walmart (party supply department). After the show, which we were lucky enough to watch from the outside dining area of the Rose & Crown, I took the necklace from my fanny pack and gave it to him to wear. He thought it was great because no one else had one and we could keep track of him in the low lighting. Because the necklaces are packed in protective tubes, they shouldn't break during travel. When we return in 2-3 years with our daughter (now 20 months) I plan on bringing glow earrings and bracelets. - Terry Heist
EPCOT - I wanted to share an idea I came up with. When my husband and I visited Disney this past November, I was concerned about losing our active 6-year-old in the dim lighting following IllumiNations at Epcot. Then I remembered that he liked glow necklaces and purchased a few from our local Walmart (party supply department). After the show, which we were lucky enough to watch from the outside dining area of the Rose & Crown, I took the necklace from my fanny pack and gave it to him to wear. He thought it was great because no one else had one and we could keep track of him in the low lighting. Because the necklaces are packed in protective tubes, they shouldn't break during travel. When we return in 2-3 years with our daughter (now 20 months) I plan on bringing glow earrings and bracelets. - Terry Heist
Alea Laughery shares some of her favorite "kids" tips:
-- In a zipper-type bag, we pack an easy to rinse bib and kid-sized plastic "silverware" and take them to the parks each day for our little guy. You can also pack a plastic table cover. Forks at Disney restaurants can be huge!
-- I bring special glow stuff (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) for every night we are going to be at the parks after dark. It's so much cheaper, and the kids love it just as much. Often people will ask us where we found it.
-- Find something fun to take pictures of in each country at Epcot. For example, I took a picture of my 3-year-old in a different hat that reflected the type they would wear in that country. We looked for hats in each gift shop as a family challenge.
-- Bring a small bag of toys for the kids so that they can play in their downtime at the resort. Kids need time to just play! Toys that can be played with in the tub are great because you can kill two birds with one stone! You can bring matchbox-sized cars to the park in your bag for the kids to drive around while waiting for shows, parades or in lines. Small posable plastic figures work well, too. Four crayons and a tiny dollar store sticker/coloring book are also great for a long wait.
-- At 10, my daughter feels too big to dress like a princess, but I found a cool tiara headband that she agreed to wear and she loved being recognized as a princess. For our breakfast with the Princesses, she wore an outfit we put together that I called a modern-day Belle. She wore a blue, ruffled skirt, and a white ruffled shirt, and completed the look with her hair in a ponytail of curled ringlets off to the side, a blue bow in her hair and a French-inspired necklace. I let her wear makeup and sprayed her hair and outfit with glitter spray found in the party section at a discount store.
-- In a zipper-type bag, we pack an easy to rinse bib and kid-sized plastic "silverware" and take them to the parks each day for our little guy. You can also pack a plastic table cover. Forks at Disney restaurants can be huge!
-- I bring special glow stuff (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) for every night we are going to be at the parks after dark. It's so much cheaper, and the kids love it just as much. Often people will ask us where we found it.
-- Find something fun to take pictures of in each country at Epcot. For example, I took a picture of my 3-year-old in a different hat that reflected the type they would wear in that country. We looked for hats in each gift shop as a family challenge.
-- Bring a small bag of toys for the kids so that they can play in their downtime at the resort. Kids need time to just play! Toys that can be played with in the tub are great because you can kill two birds with one stone! You can bring matchbox-sized cars to the park in your bag for the kids to drive around while waiting for shows, parades or in lines. Small posable plastic figures work well, too. Four crayons and a tiny dollar store sticker/coloring book are also great for a long wait.
-- At 10, my daughter feels too big to dress like a princess, but I found a cool tiara headband that she agreed to wear and she loved being recognized as a princess. For our breakfast with the Princesses, she wore an outfit we put together that I called a modern-day Belle. She wore a blue, ruffled skirt, and a white ruffled shirt, and completed the look with her hair in a ponytail of curled ringlets off to the side, a blue bow in her hair and a French-inspired necklace. I let her wear makeup and sprayed her hair and outfit with glitter spray found in the party section at a discount store.
Alea Laughery shares some of her favorite "kids" tips:
-- In a zipper-type bag, we pack an easy to rinse bib and kid-sized plastic "silverware" and take them to the parks each day for our little guy. You can also pack a plastic table cover. Forks at Disney restaurants can be huge!
-- I bring special glow stuff (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) for every night we are going to be at the parks after dark. It's so much cheaper, and the kids love it just as much. Often people will ask us where we found it.
-- Find something fun to take pictures of in each country at Epcot. For example, I took a picture of my 3-year-old in a different hat that reflected the type they would wear in that country. We looked for hats in each gift shop as a family challenge.
-- Bring a small bag of toys for the kids so that they can play in their downtime at the resort. Kids need time to just play! Toys that can be played with in the tub are great because you can kill two birds with one stone! You can bring matchbox-sized cars to the park in your bag for the kids to drive around while waiting for shows, parades or in lines. Small posable plastic figures work well, too. Four crayons and a tiny dollar store sticker/coloring book are also great for a long wait.
-- At 10, my daughter feels too big to dress like a princess, but I found a cool tiara headband that she agreed to wear and she loved being recognized as a princess. For our breakfast with the Princesses, she wore an outfit we put together that I called a modern-day Belle. She wore a blue, ruffled skirt, and a white ruffled shirt, and completed the look with her hair in a ponytail of curled ringlets off to the side, a blue bow in her hair and a French-inspired necklace. I let her wear makeup and sprayed her hair and outfit with glitter spray found in the party section at a discount store.
-- In a zipper-type bag, we pack an easy to rinse bib and kid-sized plastic "silverware" and take them to the parks each day for our little guy. You can also pack a plastic table cover. Forks at Disney restaurants can be huge!
-- I bring special glow stuff (necklaces, bracelets, etc.) for every night we are going to be at the parks after dark. It's so much cheaper, and the kids love it just as much. Often people will ask us where we found it.
-- Find something fun to take pictures of in each country at Epcot. For example, I took a picture of my 3-year-old in a different hat that reflected the type they would wear in that country. We looked for hats in each gift shop as a family challenge.
-- Bring a small bag of toys for the kids so that they can play in their downtime at the resort. Kids need time to just play! Toys that can be played with in the tub are great because you can kill two birds with one stone! You can bring matchbox-sized cars to the park in your bag for the kids to drive around while waiting for shows, parades or in lines. Small posable plastic figures work well, too. Four crayons and a tiny dollar store sticker/coloring book are also great for a long wait.
-- At 10, my daughter feels too big to dress like a princess, but I found a cool tiara headband that she agreed to wear and she loved being recognized as a princess. For our breakfast with the Princesses, she wore an outfit we put together that I called a modern-day Belle. She wore a blue, ruffled skirt, and a white ruffled shirt, and completed the look with her hair in a ponytail of curled ringlets off to the side, a blue bow in her hair and a French-inspired necklace. I let her wear makeup and sprayed her hair and outfit with glitter spray found in the party section at a discount store.
EPCOT - When I was researching for my family's trip to WDW, I was always checking out what people listed as their favorite spots to view IllumiNations. But, when my family and I were trying to find a spot, it seemed nearly impossible. My father, who was becoming rather impatient at this point, was ready to head back to the resort. But, being the headstrong and stubborn teenager that I am, I was determined to find a good spot. Just as we were leaving the United Kingdom and entering Canada, there was this trail that led off to the side. Only three other people were standing in this area, since there were quite a few trees. I sat down with my two little sisters, and started to enjoy the show. My father came back a few moments later, and he had snacks for all my family to enjoy. We could see the show perfectly. The family sitting next to us said that they had seen the show the previous night from France, with a perfect view, but preferred this little-known path better! I would definitely recommend this spot to anybody who is going to see IllumiNations! - Kristen Novak Editor's Note Sometimes there are private parties in this area so you can not access it.
EPCOT - When I was researching for my family's trip to WDW, I was always checking out what people listed as their favorite spots to view IllumiNations. But, when my family and I were trying to find a spot, it seemed nearly impossible. My father, who was becoming rather impatient at this point, was ready to head back to the resort. But, being the headstrong and stubborn teenager that I am, I was determined to find a good spot. Just as we were leaving the United Kingdom and entering Canada, there was this trail that led off to the side. Only three other people were standing in this area, since there were quite a few trees. I sat down with my two little sisters, and started to enjoy the show. My father came back a few moments later, and he had snacks for all my family to enjoy. We could see the show perfectly. The family sitting next to us said that they had seen the show the previous night from France, with a perfect view, but preferred this little-known path better! I would definitely recommend this spot to anybody who is going to see IllumiNations! - Kristen Novak Editor's Note Sometimes there are private parties in this area so you can not access it.
ALL PARKS - My husband and I pass the time waiting in lines by playing handheld Yahtzee. We take turns setting a score for one another to beat and keep track of who is ahead in wins. When one of us is 10 games ahead, the other person owes the winner a favor. We've been doing this for several vacations and it still helps to pass the time. Next time we plan to get a similar game for our kids. - Pam Lau
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ALL PARKS - We all LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing the kids in costume (Belle, Cinderella, etc.). We try to make a big deal about it when we see them dressed up and, truthfully, it is fun seeing them think they have fooled the adults into believing they really *are* the characters they are portraying. If your child is a sticker collector, bring a special book for all the awesome stickers they can get at each of the parks and hotels. Most places have their own special stickers that they give the kids. In the Magic Kingdom there are at least 6 different ones the kids can get (and there are probably many more. The kids all love getting stickers, but by the end of the night most stickers have gotten wet or wrinkled up. Ask the Cast Member for an extra one for the child's book. Chances are they will be *more* than happy to give an extra one, just for the sticker book or for your scrapbook! - Tip from a Magical Magic Kingdom Cast Member
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ALL PARKS - For those who have little ones who don't like the "line ride" at the beginning of most attractions or for those who hate waiting in queues themselves, spotting Hidden Mickey's is a wonderful diversion. We made small index card booklets listing all "confirmed" Hidden Mickey's in each park, organized by lands and attractions. They fit easily in a pocket or daypack and can be decorated with character stickers. We took the one for the park(s) we were in each day and looked for HM's in line or checked to see where we could find them once on the ride. An added benefit was getting to meet the numerous other guests who asked what we were reading and pointing at. This decreased the frustration of line-waiting even more. I think we made many other HM fans and also took the opportunity to mention ALL EARS® to them. Hopefully we helped (in a small way) your goal of making the 25,000 subscriber mark! - Gavin Adams
EDITOR'S NOTE:: To learn more about Hidden Mickey's, go to: http://allears.net/btp/hiddenm.htm
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EPCOT - My favorite "overlooked attraction" in Epcot is the talks given in Seabase Alpha (in the Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion). They are free, last about 15-30 minutes and are very informative. The fish feeding one had a diver waving to my 10-year-daughter and the zoologist explaining and answering questions. - Alan from the UK
EPCOT - My favorite "overlooked attraction" in Epcot is the talks given in Seabase Alpha (in the Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion). They are free, last about 15-30 minutes and are very informative. The fish feeding one had a diver waving to my 10-year-daughter and the zoologist explaining and answering questions. - Alan from the UK
EPCOT - An excellent article about Overlooked Attractions at Epcot. I was pleased that you hit most of my favorites, and that I knew about all the ones you had listed. I was surprised, however, that two of my absolute favorites were missing.
The first are the Milestones of Invention. They're located in the ground as you pass through the west portal on your way to The Land. Although there are some inaccuracies in it, it still can be kinda neat as you see where some of history's inventions fit.
The second are a collection of photographs and pictures that adorn the corridor outside the exit to Club Cool. Make a right out of Club Cool and through the doors and look to your right. There are photographs of things ranging from the first multi-plane camera to Walt presenting The Florida Project to the world. The latter includes a fairly good map of his plans. Overhead are banners that illustrate the evolution of ideas, using various Epcot icons as examples. - Allen Firstenberg
EPCOT - An excellent article about Overlooked Attractions at Epcot. I was pleased that you hit most of my favorites, and that I knew about all the ones you had listed. I was surprised, however, that two of my absolute favorites were missing.
The first are the Milestones of Invention. They're located in the ground as you pass through the west portal on your way to The Land. Although there are some inaccuracies in it, it still can be kinda neat as you see where some of history's inventions fit.
The second are a collection of photographs and pictures that adorn the corridor outside the exit to Club Cool. Make a right out of Club Cool and through the doors and look to your right. There are photographs of things ranging from the first multi-plane camera to Walt presenting The Florida Project to the world. The latter includes a fairly good map of his plans. Overhead are banners that illustrate the evolution of ideas, using various Epcot icons as examples. - Allen Firstenberg
EPCOT - I really loved your article on overlooked attractions at EPCOT - we've actually managed to see most of the ones that you mentioned, but we'll be looking for the ones that we've missed. However, while you mentioned the butterfly garden, you didn't mention the rose garden. It's nothing other than a small, alternate path between Innoventions and the World Showcase Lagoon (on the right as you face the World Showcase Lagoon), but it's usually fairly deserted, and it is lined with hundreds of rose bushes, all different varieties.
My husband and I like to walk along this path (OK, I probably enjoy it more than my husband), stopping and looking at the beautiful roses and smelling the different fragrances. Most of the varieties are marked with a small plaque, so if you find something you really like, you could write it down. There are one or two benches along this path (although, there is NO shade), and I've sat and enjoyed the morning while watching families rush along the path completely missing the beautiful flowers. - Jill A. Neill
