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iVillagers' Top Tips for Disney World, Florida

Find out how to enjoy it without overspending or overtaxing your family.

Food and Lodging

• When planning a trip to Disney World, the All Star Resorts will be your least expensive option. Or try out some of the moderately priced hotels. Dixie Landings Resort, Port Orleans, Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs are all reasonably priced and have bus service available to the theme parks. Some even offer character breakfasts with your stay, so you can eat your eggs with a Disney friend.
• Birnbaum's Walt Disney World, available in the U.S., is an extremely helpful guide. It gives you tips on everything from when to visit attractions to the best food. It tells you how expensive the restaurants are so that you can plan in advance, as well as where the best character meals can be found. Keep in mind that Birnbaum is paid by Disney.
• Another helpful guidebook is the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. There are good tips on waiting in lines, restaurant reservations, etc.
• Check out the official Walt Disney World site.

Before You Go

• Buy inexpensive Disney-themed gifts (try your local Disney store, Pick-n-Save or Kmart) and give them to the kids at the end of each day. It's something to look forward to if they are good, and is much cheaper than buying souvenirs in the park.

In-Park Tips:

• If you're staying at one of the Disney World Resorts, ask about an E-ticket. These are around £8 and are good for an extra three hours after the park closes. No lines and all the fun.
• Walking around the Disney parks can exhaust anyone. Plan on going back to the hotel in the afternoon for some break time. The children can swim or nap; adults can just take a break.
• Check for baby care areas in every park. There are usually places for you to change the baby, nurse and feed, and use a high chair.
• For rides that the children are too small for, but the adults want to try, you can 'baby swap.' Enter the line together. One adult gets on the ride while the other holds the child. When the first adult's ride is over, swap the baby for a seat on the ride.
• For waiting in theme park lines, take bubbles for the kids.
• Purchase a five-day pass. Plan for one late night, because the parade should not be missed! Ask someone where the best spot for character interaction will be and find your parade place early.
• When visiting a Disney theme park with a young child, plan on bringing or renting a stroller. The days consist of quite a bit of walking, standing and playing. It gets very hot and humid in Florida during the summer, so consider a spring or fall vacation.
• If your child likes Disney characters, the best place to see them all is at MGM Studios courtyard.
• Even toddlers can have a great time at Disney World. Try a character breakfast at the Vacation Club and Fantasyland at The Magic Kingdom (the Snow White ride and the Lion King Show may be too scary). Enjoy ice cream treats at Beaches & Cream (The Beach Club) and the Beauty and the Beast show at Disney Studios. The parades are also fun. At many Disney specialty meals (character breakfasts and dinners) there is no charge for kids under 3, but you do need reservations before heading down. The baby care centers are perfect for a break.

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