Tips about Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Souvenirs and Water Parks

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

My 20-year-old daughter and I tried the new "water coasters" (Crush 'n' Gusher) at Typhoon Lagoon. Holy Cow! They were great! Our suggestion is this, though: Keep your bottom from dragging through the hole in your inner tube. The rollers that help propel you faster and onward can give you a nice little rug burn on your rear-end if you drag it. We learned the hard way the first time, and kept on going back. Just lift your bottom and fly! - Linda

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Did you forget to purchase that special souvenir? Although Walt Disney World does NOT have an Internet shopping site, nor do they have a catalog of park items, they do have a Mail Order Merchandise Department that can get most items for you. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern) and may be reached by phone, fax or e-mail.
Telephone: 407-363-6200
Fax: 407-352-6369
Email: [email protected]

Shipping charges are $8.95 to $13.95 for UPS, and $13.95, $18.95, $22.95 and $27.95 for Federal Express charges, depending on the value of the order and the service requested. - Glo from Miami