Sunday, June 19, 2011

Tips to Visit Disney World

Visiting Disney World is a very exciting adventure but deciding which Disney theme park to visit first can have you scratching your head. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios make up the four Disney theme parks and if your stay is at least seven days, you should have no trouble visiting them all. But just like any other vacation, there are a few do's and don'ts you should keep in mind before trekking off into the "Magic".

Tips-1: Do take advantage of Extra Magic Hour
If you are staying at the Walt Disney World resort you can take advantage of Extra Magic Hour in where Disney opens one park one hour early. So if you want to avoid lineups you'll want to get up early. The same holds true for Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach water parks. Arrive at opening time for any parks that aren't having an early opening. And don't forget, most animals at Animal Kingdom will probably be sleeping in the afternoon; therefore it pays to go earlier in the morning.

Tips-2: Do Use Backpacks
Carrying a backpack is a great way to travel through the parks. Everything can be tightly zipped in so even if you get wet, which is likely if you visit any of the water parks, you can be sure your belongings will be kept nice and dry. Bringing a change of clothes for yourself or your children is always a good idea and if your children are old enough, they can have their own backpack.

Tips-3: Don't Forget the Snacks
Dining at Disney can be expensive, especially if you're feeding a family. Take lots of snacks and don't forget the bottled water. It can get very hot in the parks and you don't want to become dehydrated so be sure to have plenty of water along for you and the kids. If you are staying at one of the Disney Resorts, use a bus to take you back to the resort for a mid-day break. Return to the park after the kids have had a rest so you can take part in the evening activities refreshed and ready for some more fun.

Tips-4: Do Use Fastpass
Use fastpass whenever possible. Using fastpass eliminates standing in line for a ride. Just go to one of the Fastpass machines nearest your intended attraction and insert your admission ticket. The machine will spit out a fastpass ticket with a return time. You have an hour in which to use it, that allows you to visit other attractions and return within the designated time. When you come back, simply show your fastpass ticket to the Disney employee and he/she will allow you into the line. Hold onto your ticket until you have completed the ride should another employee ask for it before the ride begins.

Tips-5: Do Use Hopper-Passes
If you plan to visit all of the parks or most of them, you're best bet is to purchase Park Hopper-Passes. It is not only more economical but also allows to you to hop from any of Disney's four theme parks for every day of your pass. The price is much more affordable than buying Magic Your Way Tickets which allows you to enter only one park. If you decide to purchase a Magic Your Way ticket and change your mind later, you can always upgrade to the Park Hopper option.

Tips-6: Finally Don't Forget the Weather
Orlando, Florida can be very warm, depending on what time of year you decide to visit. Certainly hotter in July and August than October to December, so pack accordingly. Be sure to take along lightweight jackets or sweaters if you are visiting in the winter months. It can cool off considerably in the evenings. Lightweight clothing is certainly recommended in the summer but winter days can also prove to be very warm. Don't forget the sun screen. Wear proper footwear when visiting the parks, as it requires a lot of walking. And the main thing to remember when you visit Disney is to have fun.