Tips about FastPass+, Magic Kingdom, Planning, Resorts and Souvenirs

Going to a sit-down, outdoor presentation on a cold winter's night? Here's a simple, easy-to-carry way to keep your rump from freezing: bring one of those bubble-wrap filled envelopes of an appropriate size to sit on. The bubble-wrap insulates your nether regions from that cold, cold seat, is light as a feather and is easily carried in one of those many Disney World plastic bags you've acquired. It makes quite a difference! - Mamayama

At Magic Kingdom, there is a small bench big enough for two kids at the very back of the WDW train, where my kids love sitting. You might have to wait for someone to get off at a stop to get a turn. And, if the cast member/conductor in the back doesn't ask, don't be shy to ask if your child/children can help out by saying, "All aboard!" And then ask for the "Railroad Guest Conductor" card. - Annette Reifsteck-Chalk

We have always saved all of our "major" shopping for World of Disney where we can use our Annual Pass to received a 10 percent discount. Imagine my surprise, when on our last trip when I was checking out at MouseGear the Cast Member asked me if I had any discounts. I said, "I don't know, do I? What qualifies?" It turns out that I was able to get an Annual Pass discount there. I was also able to use it at the stores at Hollywood Studios, and even at our resort. I wish I had known that earlier in the week! - Tanya Thomas

EDITOR'S NOTE: The 10 percent Annual Passholder discount is being offered at many merchandise locations around Walt Disney World now through January 10, 2011. Premium Passholders can save 20 percent on select merchandise at Walt Disney Resort stores while this offer lasts. Be sure to ask about its availability when checking out. This offer has already been extended twice and may be extended again. It always pays to ask.

When we visit the World. we usually spend about 12 days there. We "shop" the entire trip, jotting down what we want to buy and a couple of days before heading home we head to the World of Disney store at Disney Springs to buy all our MUSTHAVES. We use our annual pass for the 10 percent shopping discount and then ship everything home. The shipping cost offsets the Florida sales tax that we would have to pay if we took everything home ourselves. Also, packing to go home is a lot easier and when the package arrives, and we open each treasure. It's like we are still there! - Bobbie Ann Young

At the parks in Walt Disney World, there are numerous gift shops that sell princess dresses for little girls. Well, let me just tell you, I purchased an Elsa dress at the Disney Store beforehand for $45.95. A similar dress was $104 in the parks, for what I thought was a lesser-quality version. I suggest you buy your own in advance! - Vanessa

To survive large crowds, I suggest that you go out early, at the time the parks open. Bring just a snack for breakfast if you can't manage to get up early enough to eat breakfast at your resort. You then will have 3-4 hours of park time before lunch. Since lunch is when the crowd volume really picks up, this is when you should go back to your resort to refresh and relax by the pool, or you could go shopping. Then go back to a park after you eat dinner. Leave the park before any fireworks shows to avoid long waits at the bus stops. Of course, if you want to experience more, then you will have to get out in the crowds. I've been so many years (at all times of year) and I've learned my lesson. The one thing that will drain your energy and make you more ill and fussy, is fighting a crowd daily. That's no vacation. Find time to rest and relax. - Melody Moore

Magic Kingdom - My son is afraid of fireworks, but we wanted to stay in the Magic Kingdom. A cast member directed us to the Baby Care Center. The walls are soundproof for nursing moms. There was a TV and lots of books to entertain him. My son didn't hear a thing, and the rest of the night was tons of fun! - Mary Locker

Polynesian - We recently returned from a six-night stay at the Polynesian. We stayed in the Tokelau House and found that walking to the Transportation and Ticket Center when going to Epcot was a timesaver versus taking the Resort Monorail through the Grand Floridian, Magic Kingdom then to the Transportation and Ticket Center. - Lori C.

Free Dining is sometimes offered with a resort package. My trip dates didn't include all of the free dining dates. I called Disney reservations to ask how I could take advantage of the free dining that is being offered and got a wonderful agent who checked into it for me. When she came back on the line, she had booked my trip for free dining for all 10 days. My tip is even if your dates are only partially covered, CALL! You may be able to get the whole trip included. It definitely made for a magical day in my house. - Stefanie

Magic Kingdom - I read about another reader having problems making reservations for the Harmony Barber Shop. I called 407-WDW-PLAY and the cast member helped me immediately, there was no confusion. She also told me that there are some appointments available BEFORE 9 a.m., some days as early as 8:05 a.m. Might give you a head start on your Magic Kingdom day. - Marianne

Magic Kingdom - I read about another reader having problems making reservations for the Harmony Barber Shop. I called 407-WDW-PLAY and the cast member helped me immediately, there was no confusion. She also told me that there are some appointments available BEFORE 9 a.m., some days as early as 8:05 a.m. Might give you a head start on your Magic Kingdom day. - Marianne

Shopping in the World is an adventure in itself! We have found some shops offer discounts that are not always advertised. My solution is to ask whenever I am making a purchase. Since we are DVC members, have a Disney Visa and have been Annual Passholders, it never hurts to ask if there are any shopping discounts. Most times, the cast member will ask to see the card before the purchase. It's much easier to ask before the transaction, than to remember when you're walking away. - jsbow

I have two little Disney fans, 2 and 4 years old who love the night lights. Buying new light toys at each park can get expensive, not to mention they take up room in the luggage when we have to leave. To save money and room, I started bringing our own light toys. I bought a pack of 10 light bracelets from a discount store for $1. The container hides nicely in the diaper bag, and the kids don't know I have them. When the kids see the light carts on the streets, I bring out my surprise and they love it. They each get four bracelets, one for each arm and leg, and one left for Mom and Dad. The kids get so much attention going home on the bus, because they have something different. We've even had people ask us where we purchased them. We have also saved our light sticks from Halloween and used them at Disney. As long as they stay sealed they are good for up to a year. - Kelly Pride

All Resorts - Disney resorts themselves have a limited number of wheelchairs, which they will allow you to use for free for the length of your stay. I found this out when a member of my party fell and broke her ankle on property. If you go to the main desk, they'll ask you to "sign out" the wheelchair like a library book. It can be taken anywhere: your room, the parks, Disney Springs, off property. Best of all, unlike rented chairs, it doesn't need to be returned and picked up again daily. You just need to make sure it is returned before you leave. - Melody Townley

EDITOR'S NOTE: Please note, you can not check into the resort and expect a free wheelchair for your stay. The loaner chairs are for unexpected accidents as described above. If you need a wheelchair, push or electric, during your stay, AllEars recommends

http://www.buenavistascooters.com/

Another helpful hint to those parents whose children like to collect rocks. My kids each bought rocks at the store next to Country Bear Jamboree. While my 7-year-old daughter put hers in the checked luggage, my 11-year-old son put his in his carry-on (and in the mild chaos of making sure everything was packed, it never occurred to me to not have him pack it there). Well, a fist-sized round rock will get you extra time in the security area! Due to its size and shape, they had to pull the carry-on to open it up for extra screening to see what the unidentifiable object (the rock!) was. Amusingly, the security officer asked before he even opened it up if my son had bought a rock as a souvenir... evidently he's seen many come through. So save yourselves the extra time getting through security and pack any rocks in your checked luggage. - Vickie