Tips about Epcot, Keep The Magic Alive, Kids, Magic Kingdom, Mousecellaneous and Resorts

ALL PARKS - I just returned from a trip to WDW. The 3M Company now has a new Post-It Flag Highlighter that includes both a highlighter and Post-It flags in one. It was PERFECT for marking the maps to the parks. I would circle the attraction number with the highlighter and then put a Post-It flag on the number on the map. They are see-though, so they don't cover up the number. The "pen" fit perfectly in my fanny pack! - Leah Price

My 4-year-old son has a real problem with loud noises, but refused to wear ear plugs. We would put a pair in and he would pull them right back out. Before we left I contacted a store that specialized in hunting equipment and ordered a pair of the smallest child-sized headphones used at target ranges to muffle sound. They fit him perfectly and when we were in the parks, if there was even a hint of loud noises coming, we would just slip them on. My son actually went through the Haunted Mansion four times without a hitch. It was the best $17 I ever spent and I got quite a few comments of, "Oh, I wish we had thought of that." - Bonnie Schweizer

Coronado Springs -At the Coronado Springs Resort, if you want to be assured a seat on the bus, do not go to the main entrance to catch the bus. Go to stop 2, which really is the first stop on the bus route. The main entrance stop is the last stop for the resort and during peak times, the bus is often full by the time it gets to the main entrance (since it has already stopped at three other bus stops). - Rebecca

Recently, on a trip to WDW, the screw to one of the arms of my sunglasses came out. Luckily it happened in my purse so I had the screw but I didn't have a tool to screw it in with. My friends and I went through our purses trying to find something we could use (we weren't at our hotel at the time), but we came up empty-handed. Then my friend Gina came up with the idea to try one of her pressed pennies. It worked! Pressed pennies are just the right thickness for tightening eyeglass screws, and they are big enough to make it easy to turn them. Even if you don't have a pressed penny, the machines are everywhere you turn, and the cost (51 cents) is much cheaper than buying an eyeglass repair kit in a vacation destination. - Karen Zayas

The small Disney shopping bag is perfect for holding a raincoat. It packs easily into backpacks and can also even be threaded through a belt. Like others, I always save every shopping bag until we go home just in case we need it for something, but when we have to purchase a new raincoat, I'm always glad there is a little one stored in our room. - Lori Wedeking

I use the Disney shopping bags as gift wrap. If the item does not fit in the bag I cut the bag at the seam. I have even taped several bags together for a large box. Teamed with curly ribbon, kids love the Mickeys all over a package. - Patricia Towsley

If you travel with any individual, especially children, who is afraid of or does not like loud noise, purchase disposable foam ear plugs from a hardware store before leaving home. These are easy to take in and out, cheap (less than a $1.00 a pair) and can be kept in a pocket or fanny pack. Don't forget to purchase several pairs, just in case one pair is lost. - The DeHoff Family

EDITOR'S NOTE: We've mentioned this tip before, but it bears repeating

I also have another idea for the Disney bags that you get when you buy something in the "world." I bring home all the bags and when I put my photo album together I use one of the bags for the cover of the album. That way I know exactly which album I'm looking for. - CapeGoofy5

On a trip to the World in 2001, we found a CD by Mannheim Steamroller named "Mannheim and the Mouse." It has turned out to be one of our favorite CDs -- jazzy/new age classical renditions of Disney classics. This is a wonderful way to remember and look forward to visits to WDW! Anyone who hears the songs goes "ahhh," smiles or sings along to the music. It's a great pick-me-up! - Cindy Low

In response to those looking for Disney radio stations, DirecTV Channel 804 is Radio Disney, if you can't pick it up locally. My daughter loves it and it keeps her from staring at the screen all day. - Yahdayaduh

I am 35 and made my first trip to Disney two years ago. It was spectacular, and we are going for our fourth trip in October. I always get a gold charm for a charm bracelet I have had for years. I have a Mickey, Tigger and Tinker Bell charm. This year I am going to put the charms on their own special Disney bracelet. I hope it will become a family heirloom one day. - Lucretia German

A game my sister and I play is "20 Questions". Usually one person has 20 questions to find out what the other person is thinking of in one of three categories - person, place, or animal. You ask yes or no questions, and if you don't get the answer by question 20, you lose. We play this Disney style. We call it "Disney 20 Questions" (original, huh?), and our categories are "Attraction, Restaurant, or Character". Attractions include anything from Voyage of the Little Mermaid to Mission: Space. We have a blast (no pun intended) playing this, and it helps us relive our favorite Disney memories. - Jenny Beck

We live in Australia and only make it to WDW every 4 years. Both of our children (8 and 5) have visited twice and love to remember the trips. When it seems like it is too long to wait for our next trip we pull out some of the paper plates and cups from our last trip and cook something like chicken strips and mjacaroni cheese which we usually only eat at WDW), and have a Disney dinner. We also like to make s'mores for our friends just like we learnt at the Port Orleans campfire. - Sandie Morthen

I was at a Lenox outlet store last week and guess what I found? A necklace with Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer! On the back is engraved "Keep the magic alive". A perfect daily reminder right around your neck. - Tiffany Bailey

Kingdom Hearts. This PS2 video game allows you to actually become a character in some of your favorite Disney films. Your character actually gets to explore the scenery of films like "Alice in Wonderland", "Tarzan", "Nightmare Before Christmas" and many others. Along the way, you battle Maleficent, Hades, Jafar and other Disney Villains with Goofy, Donald and several Disney heroes at your side. - Mike