Tips about Epcot, PhotoPass, Resorts and Souvenirs

Wilderness Lodge - Just returned from a week at WL and they now have a photopass counter in the hotel as well as sessions (for a fee) with photographers for pictures around the lodge - Lesley

Wilderness Lodge - Just returned from a week at WL and they now have a photopass counter in the hotel as well as sessions (for a fee) with photographers for pictures around the lodge - Lesley

Another use for the flashing hoops, other than hanging them around your neck -- We attracted smiles and positive comments when we attached the light-up/flashing hoops to the wheels of my husband's wheelchair. We fed them through the spokes and as he wheeled along they added a bit of fun and uniqueness. As an added bonus, when moving around the parks after dark (we used them in the Studios and Epcot) they make the chair very visible, especially in crowds. Because they can be turned off, the power cell is fairly long lasting and we have been able to reuse them on our second visit. We're taking them with us to Hong Kong Disneyland in early September, which we are very much looking forward to. - Jo Cowan

As regulars to WDW with two children (12 trips and counting), we have amassed quite a collection of light spinners and Disney lights. Many of these we acquired off eBay, consignment stores, and yard sales, often for a dollar or two each (versus the park prices of 10-15 times that much). My tip is to always bring DIFFERENT light spinners than what are being sold in the parks. The older the better. Here's why: 1) They get lots of attention from kids and fellow Disneyheads, 2) they prevent impulse buying, and 3) they are VERY easy to see! I have actually spotted my wife and children from almost all the way across the Seven Seas Lagoon just because of the light spinners they had. If you only have the new ones sold, you "blend in" with the rest. If you bring unusual ones, you stand out! My favorite is a Sorcerer Mickey standing on a pile of gray stones that I got at a consignment store for $1.50. He says "Allekadabra... AllekakaZAM!" then spins. He seems to be the children's favorite as well. Another nice vintage one is the Mickey with an old-fashioned light bulb and spinning mirror that throws the light like old-fashioned police cars. Spinning lights make GREAT collectibles, too! If you start looking at yard sales, you'll be amazed at how many you will find. - Dwayne Owens

Epcot - We are currently planning a trip to Disney. There are two pieces of information I discovered while making reservations that I would like to share, one about the spa and one about diving in The Seas in Epcot. Being a plus-sized woman, I asked about robe sizes available at the spa, and was delighted to learn that they have robes up to size 5X. In the past, I have brought my own robe so as not to be surprised by a robe that wasn't comfortable. Also, when making reservations to dive in the Living Seas, I was informed that wet suits were available to size 5X. Another wonderful surprise! Good information for visitors who may have ruled out this experience for fear of not fitting into a wet suit! - EL

Epcot - We are currently planning a trip to Disney. There are two pieces of information I discovered while making reservations that I would like to share, one about the spa and one about diving in The Seas in Epcot. Being a plus-sized woman, I asked about robe sizes available at the spa, and was delighted to learn that they have robes up to size 5X. In the past, I have brought my own robe so as not to be surprised by a robe that wasn't comfortable. Also, when making reservations to dive in the Living Seas, I was informed that wet suits were available to size 5X. Another wonderful surprise! Good information for visitors who may have ruled out this experience for fear of not fitting into a wet suit! - EL

We happened to go to Typhoon Lagoon on our first day and they use a smaller Photopass card with a springy bracelet. It was great, I wore my Photopass to all of the parks and never had any problem finding it when it was time to have the card scanned. - Joy Palmer

For those who hate using all of those plastic bags that you get every time you go to buy another souvenir at the gift shops, Disney is now selling a reusable option. For $5.95, reusable tote bags (that come in a variety of colors) are now an option. I saw them being sold at multiple parks and at Disney Springs. These tote bags come in a small pouch with a clip attached for when the bag isn't in use. It's easy to keep with you, and it's a way to reduce your plastic waste. Go Disney! - Jennifer B

Since dresser drawers are few in the rooms, bring along one of those hanging closet organizers for each child with at least seven slots. You can place your child's shorts, t-shirts, socks, underwear, etc. in the cubes thus saving on drawer space. - Barbara D.

Going through the metal detectors at the park entrances, you have to remove celebratory buttons and put them in the little bins with other metal objects. This can be a pain, especially if you're park-hopping! Consider wearing buttons on a lanyard or bag strap to make it easier to take them on and off. - Gilly R.

Going through the metal detectors at the park entrances, you have to remove celebratory buttons and put them in the little bins with other metal objects. This can be a pain, especially if you're park-hopping! Consider wearing buttons on a lanyard or bag strap to make it easier to take them on and off. - Gilly R.

Going through the metal detectors at the park entrances, you have to remove celebratory buttons and put them in the little bins with other metal objects. This can be a pain, especially if you're park-hopping! Consider wearing buttons on a lanyard or bag strap to make it easier to take them on and off. - Gilly R.

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