Tips about Keep The Magic Alive, Mousecellaneous, Planning, 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

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

Forgive me for recycling these old tips I learned a few years ago. I am a planner and before I leave home (UK), I prepare all my "mousekeeping" tips in separate envelopes with a little message of thanks and the date to be given. This saves a great deal of time -- more time for the World -- and a lot of scrabbling in purses and wallets for the requisite amount. Before travelling and when changing my currency I always ask for small denominations so I am prepared for those immediate gratuities (luggage, valet parking, etc). I am already writing my envelopes for our next trip, September '08 -- Boardwalk Villas!

Our teenage girls came up with a neat way to remember Epcot. We took pictures of them in every country with the hat of that country! Italy and Japan did not have any, so in Japan they tried on kimonos... and in Italy they posed with masks. We put the pics in a large frame in a circle with the order of the countries along with the country name and a few keepsakes from there as well. It is so nice to remember our trip around the world! - Kathy Jones

We took a short trip to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and it rained quite frequently. We have two children in strollers, and the best thing we bought prior to the trip were two $10 stroller covers. Our girls were comfortable and dry, even when it was pouring and windy. There were a lot of people using ponchos, but we noticed that they did not stay on the strollers like ours did. When it stopped raining, we put them in the storage area under each stroller (ours are the larger umbrella strollers). - Angie

If you're a teenage girl (like me) and you're going to Disney, bring your cellphone or iPod with you! It's nice to be able to listen to your music while waiting in line. Another thing: make sure you put your name and address on everything -- with iPods or mp3 players, stick some white tape on the back and write your info with a pen or marker, because Disney will return items if they find them! - Stephanie

If you're a teenage girl (like me) and you're going to Disney, bring your cellphone or iPod with you! It's nice to be able to listen to your music while waiting in line. Another thing: make sure you put your name and address on everything -- with iPods or mp3 players, stick some white tape on the back and write your info with a pen or marker, because Disney will return items if they find them! - Stephanie

If you're a teenage girl (like me) and you're going to Disney, bring your cellphone or iPod with you! It's nice to be able to listen to your music while waiting in line. Another thing: make sure you put your name and address on everything -- with iPods or mp3 players, stick some white tape on the back and write your info with a pen or marker, because Disney will return items if they find them! - Stephanie

I saw the tip in the June 3 newsletter about the reusable tote bags Disney now has in stores for those who don't like getting all the plastic bags. However, I have a tip about those plastic Disney bags. I have a Disney-themed bathroom and the medium-sized bags fit perfectly in the wire wastebasket I have in there, so I take them home and store under the cabinet to use in my wastebasket to keep it clean. The neat Disney design shows throught the wire and goes great with my decor. - Sharon McMurray

While visiting Walt Disney World recently I made it a point to thank the cast members who were stuck in the bathrooms, keeping them clean, and/or those picking up the garbage in the park. I let them know that we really appreciate them keeping things clean. The smiles from these often-unappreciated workers made my day, as you can see how much they appreciated being recognized. - Bonnie Lorenzetti

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.