Tips about Epcot, Kids, Miscellaneous, Planning and Souvenirs

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

We are planning a trip to WDW this December-January. I was surprised to find out that some tours do not take place the last two weeks in December. We were interested in Backstage Magic, which is one of the tours that does not go when the park is that crowded. Readers might want to check on available tours when planing their trips. - Sue Lykins

On a recent family trip to Disney I soon found out that a bottle of hand soap should have been on my list of things to bring. With five of us sharing a hotel room, the bar soap can be not so nice to share. - Susan Riedling

We have been Disney Vacation Club members since 2004 and have been staying in villas since, often times for 7-14 nights. Finally, during this last trip it dawned on me that it would be really nice to have magnets to put on the fridge to hold park hour schedules, ADR schedule, etc. So we did manage to find some magnets that we loved and used them for the remainder of our time. It made it so much easier for all to be able to see the ADR schedule along with park hours! Now I have added those magnets to future packing lists! - Lisa Fredsbo

I recently read a tip about notifying your credit card company if you are going to be using your card outside of the country or state. I would add you need to do the same for your local bank if you are using a debit card. On our recent trip, our card was denied the first time I tried to use it in Florida. Because of recent debit card "skims" our bank does not allow any charges from certain states without the card holder's authorization. Florida is one of those states, and I didn't think to call before we left. As soon as I did, the hold was lifted for the duration of our trip and to be on the safe side, I called as soon as we got home to put the hold back on. - Lorie M.

On our last trip we brought a couple of the battery-operated tea candles. Used one in the bathroom as a night-light. - Brenda

Not sure if this has been brought up before, but I would highly advise anyone traveling from out of the country or state to Disney World to be sure you notify your credit card company about where you intend to be on vacation. When I just recently came to Florida from Texas I purchased several expensive items at Hollywood Studios. Chase Bank tried calling me at home to confirm I was using the card in case fraud was present. They wound up cancelling my credit card four days into my vacation. I was very upset as everything was on that card. Luckily, I always bring a back-up credit card and keep it in the safe just in case. With more fraud occurring on a daily basis, abnormally large purchases in another state could get your credit card cancelled if they aren't notified about your vacation plans. Also, be sure they have your cell phone number just in case. - Ronny Taylor

Many seemingly "innocent" attractions have brief moments of darkness (Carousel of Progress and PeopleMover come to mind). Have your younger children wear "glow in the dark" type shirts to help avoid any darkness issues. - Julie from NW Florida

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.

Pick up some 3M Command hooks with the removable adhesive and put them, along with some extra adhesive, into your suitcase. We are a family of six, and I have the problem of too many wet things and not enough room, too, and this seems to solve the problem. They're easily removed when you leave and don't take paint off the walls. - Beth McMeekin

The last trip to Walt Disney World, I brought three plastic hangers with me -- handy for drying bathing suits or any hand wash things. They can be hung on the shower rod or in the closet. - Gaylin in Vancouver

My way to dry bathing suits when there are a few of us in a room: I bring a bungee cord in my suitcase, then string it up on the balcony outside my room. Instant clothesline! - ckjrn1959

Epcot - I wanted to make people aware now that Soarin' is closed that Sunshine Seasons closes at 7 p.m. We were going to Epcot for the evening and were hoping to have dinner at Sunshine Seasons because they are so great for people with food troubles. Oh well, we will just have to go in earlier now. - Pam Sigler

Epcot - I wanted to make people aware now that Soarin' is closed that Sunshine Seasons closes at 7 p.m. We were going to Epcot for the evening and were hoping to have dinner at Sunshine Seasons because they are so great for people with food troubles. Oh well, we will just have to go in earlier now. - Pam Sigler