Tips about Food & Beverage, Magic Kingdom, Mousecellaneous, Resorts and Travel

Recently stayed at Disney's Old Key West Resort. If you ever end up being the "lucky one" to draw the pull-out couch, remember that you can always call Housekeeping to request an egg-crate mattress cover. Wow! What a difference! - Dan Murphy

Recently stayed at Disney's Old Key West Resort. If you ever end up being the "lucky one" to draw the pull-out couch, remember that you can always call Housekeeping to request an egg-crate mattress cover. Wow! What a difference! - Dan Murphy

In addition to taking out all electronics bigger than a cell phone, TSA at the Orlando airport recently made everyone in my line and the security lines around me take out all food items --- every granola bar, every bag of Mickey treats --- and lay them in a single layer in the security bins. One lady had a whole duffle bag full of snacks and it took several bins and extra time for a TSA person and her to lay them all out in a single layer. I will definitely change the way I pack my carry-on! - Sally Schneider

I have an advantage to share concerning staying onsite as opposed to offsite. Guests are able to use Chase Visa Disney Reward points to pay toward their resort stay. - Mickie Gibbs

My tip for any park, in regard to parking, is to take a photo of the parking row (ex. Goofy 12) so that you don't forget where you are. As a bonus you'll have a unique photo collection when you get home. I had all of my parking row photos printed out and put in a collage. - Jacquie Peskett

My tip for any park, in regard to parking, is to take a photo of the parking row (ex. Goofy 12) so that you don't forget where you are. As a bonus you'll have a unique photo collection when you get home. I had all of my parking row photos printed out and put in a collage. - Jacquie Peskett

Be prepared if you're doing The Pirates' League. Our dear son finally was old enough to participate in the Pirates League. We were gung-ho to select the Zombie Pirate look. The day of the reservation the cast member at the registration was steering many of the guests away from the "full make-up" because of the heat/humidity. We were so glad she did. Not only was my son constantly touching his face the whole afternoon, but the dark eye make-up was a bear to remove before bedtime. I had purchased travel-size make-up remover wipes before our vacation since I knew my son was going to have make-up on. The make-up artists do give you one wipe and make-up removal tips, but it took almost a whole package of wipes plus a lot of elbow grease to remove the black eyeliner, etc. I wish I had packed cold cream or Vaseline in addition to the make-up remover. - Judi Sifuentes

Did you know that you can use your MagicBand to pay at the Global Marketplaces during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival? If you are staying at a Disney resort hotel and have the Disney Dining Plan or have some sort of payment associated with your MagicBand, you can simply tap it for any eligible food or beverage item. There is a place to tap your MagicBand at each register. The payment will be processed as a room charge or as a dining plan snack credit. - Rick

Here's a tip if you're staying in a Disney resort hotel. If you decide to take a nap or a shower, and some members of your group are still out and about but may return while you're unavailable, do NOT lock the deadbolt on your room door. The Magic Bands will not open the door if the deadbolt is engaged and your family or friends will be left standing in the hall until you hear them pounding on the door to get in! Ask me how I know! - Deb

Here's a tip if you're staying in a Disney resort hotel. If you decide to take a nap or a shower, and some members of your group are still out and about but may return while you're unavailable, do NOT lock the deadbolt on your room door. The Magic Bands will not open the door if the deadbolt is engaged and your family or friends will be left standing in the hall until you hear them pounding on the door to get in! Ask me how I know! - Deb

Here's a tip if you're staying in a Disney resort hotel. If you decide to take a nap or a shower, and some members of your group are still out and about but may return while you're unavailable, do NOT lock the deadbolt on your room door. The Magic Bands will not open the door if the deadbolt is engaged and your family or friends will be left standing in the hall until you hear them pounding on the door to get in! Ask me how I know! - Deb

Did you know that many of the Disney Springs restaurants have their own mailing lists that alert you to special deals and offers? I just received a mailing from Blaze Pizza and right now there is a sweet summer send-off special. Print out the email with the QR code (it can only be used once) and you'll receive a free dessert when you turn it in at the restaurant. You can also download the Blaze Pizza app, which has other specials available. - Deb Wills

If you are an oyster lover as I am, be sure to stop by The Boathouse at Disney Springs. In addition to their great daily lineup of fresh oysters, they now have a proprietary oyster grown and harvested exclusively for the Boathouse. The Lucky Dux oysters are AMAZING! If you like a crisp brine, with a clean finish and buttery texture these are for you! - Linda E.

With the MagicBands, you don't get a "key folio" anymore. I found that it was sometimes confusing to remember the room number -- especially for kids, or older folks. So, now I take a picture of the room number outside the room as soon as we get there. I repeat the process for everyone in our family who has a phone. This way, if you forget what room you were in, just look in the phone. - Carol Berube

In a recent newsletter a reader asked where to find Disney apparel in larger sizes. I have had REALLY good luck at the gift shop in the Beach Club Resort. It's worth a special trip or visit the shop while having a great meal at Cape May Cafe. - Debbie Wilk