Tips about Epcot, Mousecellaneous, Resorts, Souvenirs and Travel

I just returned from a terrific stay at the Grand Floridian and wanted to share a unique experience if you're looking for something extra-special. My husband surprised me with an Intimate Dining Experience. It's a two-hour dining experience for up to four people, even if staying off-property, with a choice of locations throughout the resort, personalized menus and a butler. Ours was on a balcony of the Grand Floridian with a view of the lagoon and fireworks. It was arranged directly through the front desk at the Grand Floridian. - Denise D.

Epcot - If you've been to Le Cellier you already know there's more to the Canada pavilion than the beautiful landscaping. But I walked through the garden in Canada for years without ever noticing the wooden walkway that takes you through the waterfalls behind this wonderful setting. Don't miss it! - Emily Pickle

Epcot - If you've been to Le Cellier you already know there's more to the Canada pavilion than the beautiful landscaping. But I walked through the garden in Canada for years without ever noticing the wooden walkway that takes you through the waterfalls behind this wonderful setting. Don't miss it! - Emily Pickle

Schedule one evening to be at the perfect place and time to view a fabulous Florida sunset. Most regular visitors have their own favorite sunset view, but in the crush of other things to do, this is one of those "I wish I had done it" things you remember after you get home. It is one of those quiet moments that are most treasured later, and is a good "last evening at Disney" tradition to incorporate into your stay. Depending on your resort, cast members can usually suggest the best sunset view. One of my favorites is the point that juts into the lagoon at the Polynesian, but any western view over water is a winner. Another great place is at the Cantina in Mexico at Epcot. Get a cool drink and sit at a table by the water and just soak up the peace and beauty. - Mary Jane Walley

I have a tip about an AllEars Hears item, which said WDW wedding packages start at $4,000. You can be married at The Swan and Dolphin resorts for much less and still receive some of the benefits of a Walt Disney World Wedding, including appearances by characters like Mickey and Minnie. Packages start at around $2,200. Shades of Green is another lower-cost option (for those who have family in the military). - C. Hayward

Even if you have a rental car and aren't using Magical Express to get to the airport from your Disney resort, you can use the Resort Airline Check-in to check your bags, deliver them to the airport and through to your destination (on a participating airline). Just make sure you get your bags to the Resort Airline check-in location at the resort in a timely fashion. - Anonymouse

When we go to WDW we keep the kiddie meal Mickey-shaped plates as souvenirs. They wash up nicely (top-rack dishwasher) and have three compartments. I usually use one of the "ears" to put their cups into so that they don't tip them over. They last long, too. We've had ours since the summer! - Kari Svinarich

Epcot - For anyone with ties to General Motors, make sure to take advantage of the GM suite at Test Track. There is a great lounge with a huge window overlooking the park and you can get free drinks while you relax. You can also bypass the line and get right on the ride (better than Fastpass). You just need to present the appropriate GM identification card. - Shan Haase

Epcot - For anyone with ties to General Motors, make sure to take advantage of the GM suite at Test Track. There is a great lounge with a huge window overlooking the park and you can get free drinks while you relax. You can also bypass the line and get right on the ride (better than Fastpass). You just need to present the appropriate GM identification card. - Shan Haase

My husband and I were staying at All Star Music in October. We wanted to make sure that our luggage wasn't over the weight limit. We asked the concierge if they had a scale that we could use for our baggage. She told me that they did have one at the Magical Express check-in outside. We took our bags out to them and they had a large scale that they let us use free of charge. It's great to know ahead of time what the weight of your luggage is instead of being surprised at the airport with the fees. - Jennifer Baldovinos

When we travel to Disney World we usually worry about the 50 lb. limit coming home just like everyone else. We have learned to put a flat box with a pre-addressed label on it in the bottom of our luggage with a roll of packing tape. When we have made several purchases (non-breakable) we pack them in the box and take it to the desk at the hotel. They mail it to our home and it arrives shortly after we do. It extends the magic just a little longer when we open the box at home, and there are no worries about being over the weight limit at the airport. - Nancy Nickerson

With regard to the 50 lb. weight limit for luggage on the airlines, I now carry a duffle bag with me. I just pack it in my suitcase on the way down to WDW. If I think I'm over the limit, I just throw a few things into the duffle for the return flight. It also comes in handy if you have breakables and need a bag to carry things home on the plane. - Noreen E. Rachuba

When flying to my happy place I usually pack waaaaayy more than I need to. This means that on my return flight I am usually pushing the envelope on the 50lb weight limit per bag for air travel. What I do now is carry a fish scale with me. You can pick them up at Wal Mart or any bait and tackle shop. I elected to go with a digital one which set me back $20 but you can find others in the $5-$10 range. Basically it is a hand-held scale that has a hook at the bottom and a handle at the top. You hold it up in the air and attach your fish... I mean luggage... to the bottom hook and it weighs it for you. The one that I have only goes to 50 pounds, so if I get an error I know that I am over the limit. I find it much easier to distribute my items while still in my hotel room than standing at the sidewalk of the airport an hour before my flight. I hope this helps others and HAPPY SHOPPING! - Tom

Remember when you're purchasing merchandise at Walt Disney World and using Disney's shipping to send it out of state, sales tax should not be charged. Sometimes new cast members don’t know this or long-time veterans simply forget. Be sure to check your sales receipt. - Jack Spence

I love having Disney reminders everywhere. I think it is wonderful that even pets can get into the action. But what if you are like us and have a feathered pet? Well, we bought our parakeet, Mr. Freeze, a Mickey-shaped pet tag and hung it in his cage! He really enjoyed looking at it and playing with it. It was shiny, reflective and noisy. We then purchased a pet tag in the shape of a star with Tinker Bell, and he is in LOVE! Each time I clean his cage, he guards it with his... beak. So even if you don't have a furry pet, check out some of the pet items and see if they will work to share the magic with everyone in your family! - Kimberly K. Lawton