Tips about Epcot, Food & Beverage, Kids, Planning and Tickets

We are annual passholders and try to go often to Disney and stay at an onsite resort. The convenience of that is worth the extra money. The night before we check into our Disney resort, however, we stay at one of the Disney Springs within walking distance to Disney Springs. We usually don't get there until after 6 p.m. so it seems like a waste to pay for the Disney resort for just a few hours of use. The hotels in Disney Springs aren't very expensive compared to the Disney resorts and we feel that is a good use of our less than half-day at the World. Plus Disney Springs is the best place for things to do. They usually have some sort of fun going on, like a dance party for the kids, or performers of some kind. There are fabulous goodies to eat and great shopping. The Guest Services here is the best place to buy tickets and passes because it's hardly ever crowded. You can take care of so many things the night before and then wake up at the crack of dawn, drive to your choice of Disney resort, drop off your luggage with them and start right out for the parks having had a good night's sleep and fun the night before. It's really a great idea to consider, especially if you live in Florida and have your car with you. - Lisa Dunne

EPCOT - In Epcot, keep yourself cool and hydrated by visiting the Coca Cola-sponsored Club Cool. Inside are free samples of sodas from around the world. The two I enjoyed most were the Lychee Mello from Thailand and the Vegitabeta from Japan. - Kathleen Walsh

EPCOT - In Epcot, keep yourself cool and hydrated by visiting the Coca Cola-sponsored Club Cool. Inside are free samples of sodas from around the world. The two I enjoyed most were the Lychee Mello from Thailand and the Vegitabeta from Japan. - Kathleen Walsh

When my wife and I took our nieces (ages 7 and 9) to Disney World two years ago, they especially wanted to meet Cinderella. I had already made reservations for the Cinderella breakfast in the castle, but I didn't tell the girls right away. Instead, I said only that if we were very lucky maybe Cinderella would invite us to meet her in her castle. In the meantime, my wife, Kathy, purchased some invitation cards at one of the shops, with Cinderella and the castle on the cover. She filled out the invitation from "Princess Cinderella," and, the day before the breakfast, secretly left them on the girls' pillows as we left the room for the day. When we returned, the girls found the invitations and were thrilled that Cinderella had personally invited them to breakfast! Also, don't give up if you can't get reservations for breakfast in the castle or for other popular character meals. If the meal is all booked up, try calling again for reservations just a day or two before the meal (or even the day of). Often there are cancellations. It worked for me! - Dennis Driggers

My husband and I took a trip to Disney for 13 days in November. The cheapest tickets for that amount of time were Annual Passes. We used them ahead of the trip to secure Annual Pass rates on our hotel rooms and a tour, and wanted to pick them up before we checked in just in case the Cast Member wanted to see them. We had rented a car, so we drove to Disney Springs first to their Guest Relations. No one was waiting in line, so it was extremely easy and quick to get our tickets. - Suzie

When you start adding up all the "extras" booking your Disney trip, it might seem like a good idea to waive the No Expiration option on the Magic Your Way pass. If you are like our family, there is no way you would not spend at least part of every day of your passes at one of the parks. Unfortunately, on our recent trip, I came down with a severe case of food poisoning after eating at a popular chain and found myself unable to get out of bed most of the following day. My family used their tickets at the parks while I wallowed in self pity, but I realized that ticket option is worth considering because you truly never know what might come between you and your plans! (By the next day, I had recovered and had a terrific time the rest of the week.) - Peggy Zambrano

EDITOR'S NOTE: Even if you don't initially buy the "No Expiration" option, you can add it on at any time before the ticket expires. Note that the amount you pay will be based on how many days the original ticket was for, not how many days are left. You can purchase the add-ons at any Guest Relations location in the parks or Disney Springs, or at Lobby Concierge at any Disney resort.

EPCOT - Walking through Epcot this past weekend, I saw lots of folks taking photos of family and friends through the Goofy frame, located just past the Canada pavilion and the Refreshment Port, on the way to Showcase Plaza. If you are looking straight at the frame, you will get a lovely photo, with the water in the background. However, for an even better shot, move slightly to the left and crouch down a bit. You can capture Spaceship Earth in your photo as well! - AllEars(R).Net Photographer Dotti Saroufim

EPCOT - Walking through Epcot this past weekend, I saw lots of folks taking photos of family and friends through the Goofy frame, located just past the Canada pavilion and the Refreshment Port, on the way to Showcase Plaza. If you are looking straight at the frame, you will get a lovely photo, with the water in the background. However, for an even better shot, move slightly to the left and crouch down a bit. You can capture Spaceship Earth in your photo as well! - AllEars(R).Net Photographer Dotti Saroufim

Do not assume that all ride reviews apply to your child. Our 10-year-old son, who will ride any thrill ride again and again, got off the Haunted Mansion (one of my favorites) and was very upset. - Beth

EPCOT - We always enjoy visiting with piano player Pam Brody at the Rose and Crown. Pam was the piano player aboard the Queen Mary for years, and met almost every movie star from the 1940s until the shipped was docked. She is a fascinating lady and great entertainment. Also, an entertainer does card tricks at the same pub throughout the day. Add that with the best ale in Disney and you have a winner. - Lynn K.

EPCOT - We always enjoy visiting with piano player Pam Brody at the Rose and Crown. Pam was the piano player aboard the Queen Mary for years, and met almost every movie star from the 1940s until the shipped was docked. She is a fascinating lady and great entertainment. Also, an entertainer does card tricks at the same pub throughout the day. Add that with the best ale in Disney and you have a winner. - Lynn K.

I recently planned a birthday dinner for my fiance at the California Grill to correspond with fireworks time. When I made the priority seating a month prior to dinner, I was given a 10 p.m. fireworks time, so I made the priority seating for 9 p.m. When we arrived for dinner, we were told that fireworks would be at 9 p.m. and we couldn't be seated before the fireworks. I don't know if Disney Dining told me a wrong fireworks time, or if the time was later changed, but always confirm the fireworks times in the weeks leading up to your visit if you're planning on dinner, a cruise, or any other activity that involves Wishes or IllumiNations. - Kim Button

EPCOT - As an avid newsletter reader and fan, I thought I'd give you guys a little tip. In the Soarin' ride, there's a Hidden Mickey besides the obvious one in the ending fireworks. It's on the golf ball that's hit in Palm Springs. - Sue Murphy

EPCOT - As an avid newsletter reader and fan, I thought I'd give you guys a little tip. In the Soarin' ride, there's a Hidden Mickey besides the obvious one in the ending fireworks. It's on the golf ball that's hit in Palm Springs. - Sue Murphy

On a recent trip to WDW we elected to eat at 'Ohana at the Polynesian. We had a table right on the corner of the room facing the Magic Kingdom. To our surprise, the lights dimmed and the music for the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom started. What a delight! We had front row seats for the fireworks, music and all, and a wonderful meal to go with it. I would highly recommend this for people with small children who hate the noise of the fireworks like my 2-year-old son does. He was able to enjoy the fireworks and the music that went with it without the noise that frightens him so much. - Jody McElroy