Tips about Magic Kingdom, Planning and Travel By Car

Magic Kingdom - I have found a way to beat the huge crowd leaving the park after the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. I delay my exit by visiting the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (it stays open late even if the park is closed) and getting an ice cream cone or hot fudge sundae. Then I find a bench (or a wall) and watch the crowds go by. When I am close to finishing my ice cream, I begin walking toward the exit and the crowds have thinned considerably. Also, when staying at a Disney resort, the line for either the bus or the boat isn't very long anymore and you aren't squished in like sardines. It is an enjoyable way to finish your evening at the Magic Kingdom. - Susan VanVleet

All Star Resorts - My husband, 4-year-old son and I just returned from a fantastic 10-day WDW trip and one of the best things we did was ship a small coffee pot with filters and coffee packets to our All-Star resort ahead of time since they do not provide coffee pots in those rooms. What a treat it was to just wake up and make our own personal pot of coffee each morning. The 4-cup pot at Walmart was only $19.99, and the filters/coffee were inexpensive. - Laureen EDITOR'S NOTE: The Family Suites at Art of Animation and All Star Music have coffee pots.

Regarding your latest newsletter's warning about increased traffic enforcement in and around WDW, those of you driving to the airport via the southern entrance should pay special attention to your speed when driving along Boggy Creek Road. This is not a good place to exceed the speed limit, especially if you are concerned about getting to the airport on time. - John Hayes

Please advise your readers that the local county sheriff's office has been aggressively handing out speeding tickets, particularly on the exit ramps to the hotels at Walt Disney World Resort where the speed limit is 25 mph. Increased sheriff presence and ticketing has also been noted on World Drive leading to the Magic Kingdom from US Hwy 192. - A Good Neighbor to WDW

We tried to book a room for the first week of December. Not a single room was available at any Disney resort. The Disney representative suggested looking at a resort that was still on Disney property but not an actual Disney resort. She said the Buena Vista Palace had rooms available. They are located across from Disney Springs and offer bus service via Mears shuttles. I called them directly and because I'm a firefighter was able to get a greatly reduced rate that isn't offered at Disney resorts! (It's called the "government rate." I just had to show my firefighter ID when I checked in.) - Alexiss from MA

ALL PARKS - If you have kids, bring a change of clothing for them to the parks! I know this must seem like something everyone knows, but we didn't! During our first trip ever to WDW last December my then 4-year-old daughter found the water sprinklers at Pooh's Playful Spot in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom. She went in to play and the next thing I knew she was soaked from the water! It was tough, too, because it was a tad chilly and we didn't bring a change of clothing for her. Finding young kids' clothes at Disney is not easy! I did manage to get a pair of Mickey sweatpants, a T-shirt and a pair of socks for my daughter at one of the shops in Fantasyland. So my tip is to bring a change of clothes even for the 4-5 year olds! - Jennifer K.

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

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

For those driving south to WDW via the Florida Turnpike, you might be interested in Walt Disney World's Western Way, which allows you to shorten your drive and bypass the busy Interstate 4. Directions: As you drive south on I-75, take the Florida Turnpike, and you'll eventually approach a collection of several overpasses and exits. Look for and take 429 West Toll Road (Tampa) to exit the Turnpike. You'll find yourself on a quiet four-lane toll road and in approximately 14 miles, you'll take the Walt Disney World exit. This is Disney's Western Way and in just a few miles, you'll soon enter the WDW Resort area to the west of the Coronado Springs Resort onto Buena Vista Drive. Turning left will take you directly toward Disney Springs and the rest of the WDW Resort. - Al Williamson

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.)

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

ALL PARKS - When visiting the Disney parks, I usually like to pick up an extra guide map or two. I use them to decorate my cube walls at work and will also give extra copies to friends and family who may be planning their own trip in the near future. This helps them get a better idea of the park layout and make plans. - Kerry Kollasch