Tips about Epcot, Kids, Magic Kingdom, Resorts, Security and Souvenirs

ALL PARKS - On some of the rides, it was easier to stand up slightly when pulling the lap bar down (so that it actually fit closer to my lap than my belly) and then sit down properly for a snug fit. This worked especially well when I went on the rides with my younger children -- they felt more secure with the lap bar closer to them. I can honestly say that large-sized folks are easily accommodated at WDW -- so go, have a great time and don't worry! - Grace

ALL PARKS - On some of the rides, it was easier to stand up slightly when pulling the lap bar down (so that it actually fit closer to my lap than my belly) and then sit down properly for a snug fit. This worked especially well when I went on the rides with my younger children -- they felt more secure with the lap bar closer to them. I can honestly say that large-sized folks are easily accommodated at WDW -- so go, have a great time and don't worry! - Grace

Port Orleans Fench Quarter - We had several problems with our room at Port Orleans French Quarter, the worst of which was being locked out three straight days due to a malfunctioning lock. Readers should know that there is a courtesy phone in the vending areas at each hotel that can be used to reach the front desk. This could have saved us the long walks back to the lobby had we been told! - Andrew from Boston

Our 7-year-old daughter lost a tooth while on vacation at WDW. She is a pin collector, so we bought her a Blue Fairy pin and put it under her pillow in exchange for the lost tooth. She was thrilled that the Blue Fairy visited her and left her a special gift. - Michele Sickler

Magic Kingdom - Some people don't realize that many of the table service restaurants in the parks seat until park closing. We have found it's nice to have a late lunch, and then after watching the evening parade at the Magic Kingdom, go to the Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. We've always been able to get seated as soon as we go in, even without reservations. When we've finished our wonderful meal, the park is practically empty and we can take our time walking down Main Street and not fighting a crowd. It really makes a nice, stress-free ending to an enjoyable day. - Stacey Kiefer

Save those receipts! Twice our receipts from food service locations at Walt Disney World included a 20 percent off total merchandise purchase (from store opening to 1 p.m.) coupon at the bottom, good at select locations, good through January 5. This happened at both Pizza Planet in Disney's Hollywood Studios and also at the Electric Umbrella at Epcot. - Cheyenna

EDITOR'S NOTE: This promotion usually runs several times a year. Be sure to check if your receipt is one that has the coupon.

Save those receipts! Twice our receipts from food service locations at Walt Disney World included a 20 percent off total merchandise purchase (from store opening to 1 p.m.) coupon at the bottom, good at select locations, good through January 5. This happened at both Pizza Planet in Disney's Hollywood Studios and also at the Electric Umbrella at Epcot. - Cheyenna

EDITOR'S NOTE: This promotion usually runs several times a year. Be sure to check if your receipt is one that has the coupon.

When my son and I fly he likes to bring both his Leapster and VideoNow Jr. Even though we use rechargeable batteries and I put fresh batteries in before we leave for the airport, they both eat batteries like there's no tomorrow. To change the batteries, I have to unscrew a couple of screws. Since screwdrivers are not allowed on airplanes now, I unscrewed the screws and used a piece of clear packing tape (the kind you use to close boxes that are being shipped) to hold the battery cover on. It is so much easier I never went back to using the screwdriver. - Julie Skinner

POLYNESIAN RESORT - I had read on your wonderful site that you could watch Wishes! from the beaches of the Polynesian Resort. On a recent trip to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, we decided to go check it out one night. We were sitting outside of 'Ohaha when we heard Jiminy Cricket give the 10-minutes-until-showtime announcement. We were almost hesitant to go out to the beach, thinking that we could hear the score inside the lobby, but to our surprise they were playing the score on the beach also. We had to sit by a speaker to hear the music as it was played very quietly. Get down to the beach early, sit near a speaker, and it will truly be magical just as it was for my family. - Shelley Leagan

EPCOT - While at Epcot recently (in Future World, near the Mouse Gear entrance), I noticed that the soda/ice cream carts had a new item: chocolate/vanilla swirl push-up pops for only $1.00! That will be a great low-cost treat when it's hot! - Carol Kelley

EPCOT - While at Epcot recently (in Future World, near the Mouse Gear entrance), I noticed that the soda/ice cream carts had a new item: chocolate/vanilla swirl push-up pops for only $1.00! That will be a great low-cost treat when it's hot! - Carol Kelley

FORT WILDERNESS - When staying at Fort Wilderness campground we always rent a golf cart. When it's time to see the Electrical Water Pageant, we take our carts and go back to a little lane (which used to lead to River Country), and off to the right you can take your carts onto the beach. This way you can have a nice spot that's not crowded and you are on the water. The kids can play in the sand until it's time for the parade. It's so peaceful. - Michelle Gates EDITOR'S NOTE: Carts are not allowed off paths or on beaches so you might need to park it and walk to a more remote spot.

I have two girls, ages 4 and 2. We travel to Disney World once a year. Each time we go I bring something from the local Disney Store where I work. One year I brought along an Ariel nightgown for my oldest daughter Courtney. When we got to the Magic Kingdom we never made it to see Ariel and Courtney was very sad that she didn't get to see her favorite princess. When she returned to our room there on the bed was a nightgown from Ariel with a note saying she was sorry she missed us. Courtney still talks about it to this day. Now each year I bring something from a character and leave it on the bed with a note. I usually bring something from one of their favorite characters or someone who we just had a character meal with. I think I get as excited as they do when they see something on their bed from a character. - Nikki C.

My husband, 4-year-old-daughter and I go to WDW at least once a month. We bring a bathing suit and towel for our daughter and head for the water fountain in between Mission:Space and Test Track. We take turns watching our daughter play in the fountain and riding those two thrill rides. She gets to cool off and so do I -- I take off my sneakers, put on a cheap pair of flip-flops and cool off my feet. Plus she is entertained while we ride. - Holly Kilkelly

All Resorts - On our last trip to WDW we had a fridge in our room -- very handy! However, our fridge was too cold and it froze 12 bottles of water solid. At first I was mad but I took two of the frozen solid bottles to the park with me and it actually worked out great. It took a good part of the day for them to totally un-freeze, so we had cold water almost the whole day. If you have a fridge with a freezer, put bottled water in the freezer instead of the fridge and you'll have cold water much longer throughout a day at the parks. - BEARWIFME

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a great tip, but if you try it, don't fill the bottles up to the very top -- leave an inch or two, since the water will expand as it freezes.