Tips about Health and Magic Kingdom

ALL PARKS - The last time we went to Disney World, we took along the cards from Trivial Pursuit Junior. My wife kept some in a zipper-type bag in her purse and when we had a long wait in line or were waiting for the buses to take us back to the hotel, she would get them out and we would have an informal trivia game. Many times we would involve other kids in line or on the bus and it was a great way to pass the time. Of course, Disney trivia cards would be a natural alternative. - Dave Ference

ALL PARKS - While standing in lines for rides that might have a long wait, my children bring along a deck of cards and take turns playing magician and guessing which card the other one picked. They also have a note pad each to write on and I get them to write down their favorite part of the day so far. Having some small snacks on hand also helps to keep them from getting bored. We bring animal cookies, crackers etc. -- nothing that is too messy. - Jackie Pluim

I think it would be a good idea to mention that it's possible that the chemicals used to produce the aromas included in the Soarin' ride may induce asthma attacks if you suffer from asthma. My wife had this happen and the attack was bad enough that she will no longer ride on this attraction. Personally, I love the ride and am disappointed that I can't share it with her. - Joseph Orosz

I am writing in response to the people who had asthma attacks in Walt Disney World. Just a warning to others -- my daughter had a bad asthma attack in Magic Kingdom after Wishes. I'm glad she didn't have one in Soarin' because we loved that ride! - Diane

In response to the tip regarding asthma triggers on Soarin' and during It's Tough to Be a Bug, your readers with asthma should know that not everyone has this reaction. My husband has asthma (triggered by allergies, among other things) and rode Soarin' three times in one day with no problems. We also saw It's Tough to Be a Bug the same day, and again, no problems. Your readers with asthma would be wise to bring their inhalers just in case, but should also know that the sprays or mists do not affect all asthma sufferers. - Ken and Barbara

This is in response to the tip of the week from the reader whose wife had an asthma attack riding the Soarin' ride because of the smells they pump in. I also experienced a similar attack when I was in Animal Kingdom this summer. We went to see It's Tough to be a Bug and when they "sprayed" the bug spray, a cold cloud of mist came into the audience -- I could not breathe or catch a breath and had to look for the exit. I think that Disney needs to be aware of this so they can post warning signs to this effect or change the content of the stuff they use in the mist and smells. - Donna Blatz

CHRISTMAS - My one tip would be for anyone who is thinking about going to the taping of the Christmas Parade -- DON'T, unless you want to totally waste a day of your vacation. They bring the first group in and don't make them move. The second group comes in and they are way in the back. I stood there from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and was not in any film. I even wore my red Christmas party sweatshirt and Minnie Santa hat. It was certainly hot! If you don't want to stand around and get pushed around don't go. - Bonnie Lock

MAGIC KINGDOM - For you Disney Princess enthusiasts, to ride Cinderella's particular horse on Cinderella's Golden Carrousel, look for the white horse with a gold ribbon tied around its tail. To help locate this mighty steed, ask a Cast Member. - Dee Dee Scarborough

On our trip to WDW last week, my sister and I took some of the inexpensive cold packs along with us that we had purchased at dollar stores and other chain stores. These were great to have on hand after a few hours in the hot Florida sun. They are compact, last for about 20 minutes, and are easy to use. You just shake the contents of the pack to the bottom and "pop" the inner bag for an instant cold compress. We used them when we felt as if we were just too hot, and one cold pack also helped one poor guest who'd had too much of the rides at Animal Kingdom and had become motion sick. From now on, I'll be taking these handy cold packs with me on every trip. - Laura Ebersohl

I am lactose intolerant but have found lactose tablets (available from Wal-Mart and Walgreens) much more convenient than trying to find suitable milk products, especially while traveling. They have been a lifesaver! I always carry some with me. Any time I have something with dairy, such as cream cakes, cereal, sauces, etc., I can take one tablet and I am fine. Check with your doctor/pharmacist for a suitable dose for children. - BP

My 3-year-old had "stomach problems" due to all the fruit juices and snacks he does not have frequently at home. Most stores and carts in the park do not have children's chewable Pepto-Bismol, nor does the First Aid Station. I was in the WONDERFUL Baby Care Center with my 6-month-old and found that this and many other lovely items may be purchased there. (Next time, I will know to pack it in our park backpack!) - Karen

ALL PARKS - When a Cast Member asks you how many people are in your group, tell them the ENTIRE number in your group. The Cast Members are trying to group your entire party onto the ride at the same time. If you tell them a number less than your party, don't be surprised when your party gets split up. (You might be asked by up to three different Cast Members for your party size.)

I noticed in a recent Anita Answer column (http://allears.net/aa/anita.htm ) someone had asked about insulin storage. I have found a wonderful way to travel with my daughter's insulin. It's called a Frio Cooling Wallet. All one does is soak the wallet in cool water for 10 minutes or so, and it stays cold for hours, even days, depending on the temperature outside. There's no need to worry about ice again, and it's very stress-free, which is wonderful for traveling. It also comes with an outer sleeve that keeps everything dry when storing in a bag. They even have headbands and wristbands made of the same material, to help stave off body heat. - Elizabeth Shannon

EDITOR'S NOTE: ALL EARS(R) Editor-in-Chief Deb Wills uses the Frio Cooling Wallet when traveling and has found it quite handy and functional!

Go to Amazon.com and search on FRIO for a listing of products: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002262E4/debsunoffiwaltdi

Magic Kingdom - If you ever walk past Space Mountain and it's been shut down for maintenance for a few minutes, jump on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. As the ride passes by Space Mountain, the lights will be turned on and you can see what the coaster actually looks like. As a repeat visitor to Disney World, I thought it was just about the coolest thing I'd seen all day, and it made the idea of going on the ride a lot less scary. - Allie

ALL PARKS - As a teacher I have found the park maps to be a wonderful way to teach map skills to my first graders. I always make sure to pick up a handful for my students. I also laminate them and put them in our reading basket. Even laminated, they get a lot of wear. Too bad...I guess I'll have to go back for replacements! - Rae Vautrin