Tips about Magic Kingdom and Special Events

ALL PARKS - My husband and I just returned from our honeymoon at WDW and had a MAGICAL time! One thing that I would like to share concerns the "Magical Wishes" pins that you can pick up from Guest Relations at the theme parks. My advice is that everyone celebrating a special event -- honeymoon, anniversary, birthday -- pick up one of these buttons. Everywhere we went in WDW we were warmly congratulated by Cast Members! We had an incredible time! I would recommend WDW to any couple who wants a truly special honeymoon! - Christina Church

EDITOR'S NOTE: There are many styles of buttons available at Guest Relations. Among the more popular: "Best Wishes,""Congratulations," "1st Visit", "Happy Anniversary" and "Today is My Birthday."

MNSSHP - We just got back from Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and it was fabulous! But even if you aren't attending the party, find out what night the parties are going on and try to see the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian. We did this for two nights when we weren't at the party, and I think it was even better from there because of all the perimeter fireworks! It's a great idea for the Christmas and Princess and Pirate parties too - Lori Jordan

CHRISTMAS - During the Christmas holidays, our family tradition is to spend part of an evening on the Fort Wilderness hayride. Cuddled up in blankets, your group sings Christmas carols while viewing the wonderful Christmas light displays and decorations of the guests staying in the cabins and campground. These displays rival any light or decoration displays you would see up north. It is definitely worth the small fee for the hayride. You can access Ft. Wilderness easily via bus from the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) or via boat from Magic Kingdom/Wilderness Lodge/Contemporary Resort. Wear warm clothes; some blankets are provided for public use. - Michelle Kocar

MNSSHP - Important word of caution! We attended the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. They should have renamed it to Mickey's Scary Halloween Party. The parade can be especially frightening for young children. I expected to see characters cutely dressed in Halloween costumes. Instead, we saw gravediggers in scary costumes, frightening dead people, etc. One villain walked up to my children (who were in strollers) and physically put his hands in their faces despite the fact that my children were screaming, crying, and covering their faces. I suppose he was just doing his job really well, but just be prepared in case you have young children. - Melissa Gonnella

For more information on the party visit: http://allears.net/tp/mk/mnssh.htm and http://allears.net/tp/mk/mnsshp.htm

MNSSHP - Each and every year we try to go on Halloween night but with school it's difficult. We are going for two nights this year as we have done in the past. Each year my daughters, ages 11 and 13, and myself, age 44, dress up in elaborate costumes. My Cinderella and Glinda the Good Witch looked so authentic, kids and parents were asking for autographs and photos. My point is, if you go to MNSSHP, DRESS UP! It makes MNSSHP so much more fun for you and your kids. We were even asked to be in the parade! This year we are celebrating Pirates of the Caribbean and dressing up as Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow. It's fun and these are memories of a lifetime for all of us! - Judi Necaise

ALL PARKS - While spending the day in Epcot in the hot weather, when my feet are hot from the pavement, I always change to another pair of socks and sprinkle on some baby powder. It's a quick refresher. - Claire Rozzi

EDITOR'S NOTE: this works great at all the parks!

ALL PARKS - If you are not going to ride an attraction with your family, meet them in the ride's air-conditioned gift shop. Most rides have a gift shop into which the ride will exit, so it's a convenient place to meet up with your family. - Angela H. Nisbett

ALL PARKS - On some of the rides, it was easier to stand up slightly when pulling the lap bar down (so that it actually fit closer to my lap than my belly) and then sit down properly for a snug fit. This worked especially well when I went on the rides with my younger children -- they felt more secure with the lap bar closer to them. I can honestly say that large-sized folks are easily accommodated at WDW -- so go, have a great time and don't worry! - Grace

Magic Kingdom - Some people don't realize that many of the table service restaurants in the parks seat until park closing. We have found it's nice to have a late lunch, and then after watching the evening parade at the Magic Kingdom, go to the Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. We've always been able to get seated as soon as we go in, even without reservations. When we've finished our wonderful meal, the park is practically empty and we can take our time walking down Main Street and not fighting a crowd. It really makes a nice, stress-free ending to an enjoyable day. - Stacey Kiefer

MVMCP - If you are going to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and wish to purchase a souvenir tee or sweatshirt, make sure to purchase one before you leave the park the night you attend. This merchandise is only available during the party. - Sue Baker

CHRISTMAS - We stopped by the Osborne Lights last night and there was a nice little picto-history of how the lights and their final home at WDW came to be. You'll find it next to the soldiers (by Major Mouse). If you look throughout the display there are a number of "Hidden Mickeys," as well as references to the Osborne family members! - Jane

MNSSHP - We recently attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World and loved it. Staying at the Polynesian for two weeks, we saw nightly fireworks over the castle, but I must say the night of the party they were the best. We planned poorly and were caught just outside Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (on the platform for viewing those riding) when the fireworks show began. WOW! What a view! Although the fireworks appear to be behind the castle, they are actually somewhere over behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We had a great view and at one point we were completely surrounded by brilliant circles of color. We were in the center of the ring of fireworks. If you don't care about the castle in front of your fireworks I advise a trip to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to be in the center of it all. AMAZING! - dollydawne

MNSSHP - The fireworks were really incredible with ghosties on the castle -- I would definitely recommend sitting towards Tomorrowland for a better view. There were even 360 degrees of fireworks around us for the finale! - Jen

MNSSHP - There are usually limited edition pins to purchase, sometimes for annual passholder too. - Dawn Shumaker

MNSSHP - I would recommend bringing a small flashlight as the programs are hard to read at night. - Patti Carlin