Tips about Kids, Mousecellaneous, Packing and Resorts

Have disposable cameras for your children to get their 'view' on their vacation experiences! - Madison

We just returned from our first trip to Disney World since having kids. I was a little anxious about how I would be able to make bottles for our 10 month old daughter at the parks--I didn't want to rely on trekking to the baby care stations every time. I found that at any counter service/quick service location in the parks I could ask for a cup of hot water to make a bottle--they must get this request a lot because everyone was ready and willing to hand over a hot cup of water (and for free of course). I just mixed in some of my own ice water with the hot and made the perfect bottle every time. It was a great time saver for us and kept our daughter happy. - Matt & Ellen Evans

When at WDW, no matter the time of year, there always seem to be a "wait" for something! We help pass the time with our 3 yr old by packing a deck of cards. While waiting for meals, Mickey's Philharmagic, parades, and even the boat back to the hotel, we'll play quick games of "Go Fish" or "Crazy Eights." She'll even make up her own games to help pass the time. It's truly been a lifesaver for an ansy little pre-schooler! - Alison Boeckman

We have just returned from a week in Disney World with our almost 4-year-old granddaughter. With the help of PassPorter and AllEars® we were able to do it up right. Our own saving grace was purchasing a pair of "earmuffs" (sound protection earmuffs) for our princess. We kept them easily accessible on the top of our knapsack. The excitement, loud noises, fireworks and scary rides were a piece of cake. We saw and heard lots of little ones crying from the noise. Our granddaughter has always been scared of fireworks and we wanted to make the whole experience positive. She enjoyed everything and was so proud of herself that she wasn't afraid of anything, because nothing in Disney World would hurt her! - Diane Russell

This summer, my family decided to give back a little to the Cast Members who make each stay even more magical. Before leaving home, we printed (using print programs that are out there on the Web) character thank you cards. Each card had a different princess or Tinker Bell on it, and said something nice like, "We put your service to the test, and you're the best!" or "Thank you for making our vacation magical!" We added our family name, hometown, and "Summer 2004." We printed them out, and each member of our family got a sheet of their own to color. After coloring, we laminated them. Once in the park, we handed them out to Cast Members who we felt had gone above and beyond the call of "normal magic." Most of the Cast Members we handed them out to were so surprised and thanked *us*! We really enjoyed doing this, and I feel sure that it will be a new tradition for our family. - Ashlee Farris

When we go down we ship down [to our resort] a variety of food etc via UPS. We send down coffee, bagels, peanut butter, jelly coffee filters, cereal (Disney themed of course), snacks, iced tea and kool aid mix to name a few things. It takes about 5 days from Vermont. We address it including our ressie number and arrival date. When we check in they tell us there's a package waiting. It sure beats hauling a lot down and beats the prices at Orlando stores. - Heidi Coughlin EDITOR'S NOTE: Resorts with convention services will issue a delivery charge for all packages shipped.

Magic Kingdom - On my last trip to WDW I had my 9 month old with me. After running out of formula, I asked around and none of the cast members knew where I could get any within WDW. After taking a $30.00 cab ride to the nearest grocery store, I found out that WDW does stock the popular brands of formula, among other baby necessities, at a small baby store by the Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom. - Cara Nelson

EDITOR'S NOTE: Each of the 4 theme parks at Walt Disney World have a Baby Care Center (usually located near the First Aid building). They have a variety of items for sale.

We Recently took our 4 year old daughter to Disney for the first time. Before we went I bought foil wrapped chocolate coins with the Princesses on them at the Disney store. Each morning I put a coin, along with a note from Tinkerbell somewhere in the room so our daughter would find it as soon as she woke up. Our last morning she found a Cinderella coin purse with the remainder of the coins and a note that said thanks for visiting Cinderella at the castle (we did the breakfast there). It was so fun to watch how excited she got when she discovered her treats from Tinkerbell each morning!! She couldn't wait to show the other family members who were there with us. - Nancy Bush

When I drive to WDW (or anywhere) with kids, I give them each a roll of quarters at the START of the trip. They can spend the money any way they want when we get there. Oh, every time they ask any question resembling "Are we there yet?", they have to give me back 25 cents. Either way, I win. - Larry Herman

We always pack a plastic garbage bag in our suitcase to use for wet swimsuits and other items that are not completely dry before you leave for home. Also, pack a suitcase inside of a suitcase if you are not taking that much so you will have something to pack souvenirs in. I usually pack a small duffle bag to use as my carry-on when I return so I can make sure my breakables get home safely. One of our larger suitcases is used just for dirty clothing and it goes right to the laundry room when we get home. We roll the dirty clothes to make more room in the suitcase. - Sonny Huffman

When packing for the children I pack a zip-lock bag for each outfit. It holds their shorts, shirt, socks, undies, etc. When we get to the resort it is very easy for them to unpack they just open the drawer and in goes a bunch of zip locks! In the morning they just pull one out and there are no issues about what goes with what etc! I iron all their clothes and they stay wonderfully pressed in the bags. They also save a tremendous amount of space in their suitcases, which leaves room for the really important things like stuffed animals and game boys!

I also bring a folding clothes drying rack and a collapsible mesh hamper, both of which can be found at Target or Wal-Mart. These items are indispensable to me. I use the clothes drying rack for hanging up wet bathing suits or laundry on the balcony or in the rooms. The mesh hamper has handles so it is easy to carry down to the laundry room--I even have one that has separators for whites, colors, etc. I can't tell you how many people have stopped me in the halls and asked me where I got it! - Tracey

Parents should remember to shorten their strides to match their child's stride. The little kids are taking 4-8 steps to your one step. - CMarlan

For our past couple of trips to WDW and elsewhere we have double labeled our bags. One set of labels we had pre-maid with just our last name on them in a bold green color. The other luggage tags we bought at the hardware store and they are in neon colors - pink, yellow, orange and green. We can't miss our luggage as it comes around on the conveyor belt. Michele M. McQuillen

GRAND FLORIDIAN - My tip is to enjoy the fireworks from the boat launch dock at the Grand Floridian. We had just finished the truly remarkable key lime creme brulee at Narcoossee's and some of us just wandered up to the dock. The lights lowered, the voice came over the speaker: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS! And with the lagoon shimmering before us, we enjoyed the wonderful sight of Wishes -- with all the music, but without the crowds of Main Street. Personally, I also love being in the big crowd, but it was truly magical, and totally free! Just hop the monorail over to the Grand Floridian and follow the signs to the boat. It was a wonderful moment! - Judy

ALL RESORTS - If you need cash and hate paying those outrageous ATM fees, simply cash a personal check at the front desk. There is no charge for this service and they will cash up to $100 a day. - Bob and Kate Salazar