Tips about Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Strollers

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

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

We just returned from Walt Disney World after a week's visit. Although we had rented strollers on previous trips we were asked this time if we wanted to rent for "multiple days" instead of a "single day rental." You save 10% per day and -- the real bonus -- you don't have to wait in the stroller rental line every day! You just show your ticket to the cast member who actually gives you the stroller. At the end of your last day, you turn in the receipt and you still get the $1 refund for each day, without the hassle of returning your stroller each night. Wonderful! We also used the new preschool brochure for the Magic Kingdom. It has a few items for each area of the park. It was nice to have, especially for someone who doesn't want to do the research on what rides are appropriate for young children. It would be nice if they were displayed with all of the maps of the park. We found ours at the stroller rental. - Lori

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

Another opinion regarding the tip about covering the strollers to protect against rain: stroller covers cost $7-$9 at most stores and can also be used safely with the child in the stroller, as it has a mesh for air to circulate. More (or at least equally) important, it's made of a stiffer plastic, which truly keeps the rain off the stroller. Ours was used during the rains before Hurricane Jeanne and the stroller stayed perfectly dry. We saw others with the rain ponchos covering the strollers. They would blow off, or the heavy rain would weigh them down and the accumulated water would drain in through the head opening. The humid air makes drying take a long time, even using a hairdryer (although that is the best way to get them dry before morning). If it's of importance to have a dry stroller (or a dry child in your stroller), an "authentic" stroller cover is definitely the way to go, and worth the money you pay for it. - Rhoda Smith

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

We rented a stroller while we were in Disney World, and I brought a loud yellow plastic bag and tied it to the stroller handle. That way I could spot my stroller in the stroller parking lot. It was inexpensive and practical because if it got lost then it was OK. If it got wet, it was also OK because it was plastic. - Jho Tan

All Resorts - We always buy the refillable mugs at our resorts, the only problem is how to carry all the mugs you just filled to the park each day. Well, you need to buy the plastic "S" hooks that go onto the baby style gyms. They work great and secure the mug perfectly. You can get them at your local "dollar store." They also work great attaching packages and many, MANY other things to your stroller. - Rene Hogan

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.

If you didn't follow the excellent advice on covering your stroller with a plastic tarp and you encounter one of Florida's sudden storms, use your blow dryer for a quick dry back at your room. (One of Disney's famous ponchos makes a great stroller guard, too!) - D. Briante