Tips about Mousecellaneous, Resorts and Transportation

I found out last week that distilled water is available to purchase upon request at the Everything Pop food court (at Pop Century Resort). Distilled water is important to the many guests who use CPAP machines. It was as easy as going to one of the cashiers at the Everything Pop food court and requesting it. They keep it stocked in the back. I'm guessing many/all of the Disney Resorts carry it, too. Next visit I won't have to pack small bottles of distilled water in my luggage! Thanks, Disney! - Catherine Ryan

In last week's tips, Gretchen Foster wrote about the difficulty of finding birthday cards on Disney property. The Japan pavilion in Epcot has a wonderful selection of all types of greeting cards. One of my grandsons has a summer birthday and I was able to find the perfect card there and slipped in a Disney gift card. - Carol Trainor

I loved your article last week on birthday trips. However, people should be aware that it's difficult to buy greeting cards, wrapping paper, gift bags or ribbon on-property (I don't know why). If you are going to bring gifts that need to be wrapped, bring your own cards and wrapping from home. Also, don't bring pre-wrapped packages if you are flying as they will almost always stop you at security and make you unwrap it. - Gretchen Foster

If you are in the World now or will be soon, keep your eyes open. We saw two bald eagles last week on World Drive, between Buena Vista Drive and the Epcot exit. The next day I saw one at the entrance to the Wide World of Sports complex. Beautiful birds and my phone's camera did not do them justice. - Michael S.

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When booking, my travel agent said that the package included onwards travel to Walt Disney World. I said yes, as I understood this to mean Disney's Magical Express. A few weeks before our travel date, I received the final travel vouchers, which included a voucher for travel with a separate coach company from Orlando International to our Disney resort. Upon checking, we had paid extra for this service. As frequent visitors to Walt Disney World, we are aware of and have used Disney's Magical Express service, which is included for free with all on-property stays! Thankfully, I was able to cancel this and made use of the Magical Express. You do need to book this yourself. Being from the UK, we do not get the extra baggage tags, so it is important that we take our luggage with us to the Magical Express check-in. Hopefully this can reiterate to overseas travelers the services on offer from Disney, which aid to a smoother start to the magic! - Jason Herrick

Remember, if you forget where you parked your car, tell a parking attendant about what time you parked. They can then usually tell you about where you parked within a row or so. - Fred

We recently visited Fort Wilderness for the Campfire Sing-a-long. We headed over early, and were surprised to find that they were playing games and Chip and Dale were there. My daughter was able to play with Chip for more than five minutes all by herself. She was in love! - Robin Tater

At many of the Disney Resort rooms the drapes don't always come together enough to ensure privacy, especially the ones that are right next to the entrance door or the ones on corner rooms. I always bring along a couple of clothespins to clip them together at night. Then I can use them to hang up wet bathing suits on the line over the tub, too. - Marlene Culver

Magic Kingdom - I have a tip for the WDW At Large section. I am a 5' 5'' female weighing 315 lbs. I fit comfortably in all of the rides at Magic Kingdom except the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster in Fantasyland. The restraint must fit over the top of and around your thighs. The width is not adjustable so you must squeeze your thighs together and force the restraint down around them. I barely, and I mean barely, was able to squeeze my legs together enough to fit and was uncomfortable the entire time. I also recommend saying you are a 'party of one' so you can ride solo, because the width of the car is slim. I loved the ride -- very smooth -- but won't ride again unless I lose weight. - Annabelle

When I called to book Lilo's Playhouse (the children's activity center at the Polynesian Village Resort), I was originally told that it was completely sold out already for the period of July 14-18. However, I tried calling Lilo's myself directly. I was told that since they changed their system some cast members do not yet know that they must select a reservation time of 4:30 p.m. to midnight for the system to show availability for the date, otherwise it will show as fully booked. I thought this would be helpful for people looking to use this service when they stay at the Polynesian. We are now booked after calling back a second time. - Mark

So I get home and save the MagicBand we got in March, but I'm not really sure what to do with it. Then my brilliant boyfriend came up with a great use. Since it snaps into various sizes he suggested using it to hold extension cords or electrical cords. Great way to recycle! - Grandeb from NJ EDITOR'S NOTE: You can bring your Magic Band back for your next visit. They last approximately two years.

I know a lot of people get caught up in the Fastpasses and waiting in line is horrible, but some of my fondest memories were waiting in line at Disney. I think sometimes you need to just take a moment and chill. Enjoy yourself and not worry about long lines. Often those can be goofy/funny moments with your family -- whether it be a time where you play a silly game or talk about how much fun you're having. - Cristen P

When we stayed at the French Quarter in December, we were delighted to find a refrigerator and put in some fresh fruit we purchased at the on-site store, as well as some water bottles. Unfortunately the guests who were there before us turned the temperature knob so cold that everything froze solid and was wasted. This is a reminder to check the temp setting before putting anything in the refrigerator. - Carol Berube

Recently stayed at Old Key West for Marathon Weekend. Upon check-in, my room was not ready. I do not have text messaging on my phone so was given a phone number to call later in the day. I found out at Bay Lake Tower that I could receive an email instead of a text. I called Old Key West and requested this. Since Walt Disney World now has wireless internet throughout, I enjoyed my day and received my room number via email through my Kindle. - M. Hoyt