Disney Travel Guide

Disney theme parks are truly a magical experience for everyone from the smallest child to the adult. Disney sets its standards high and their main purpose is to make your dreams come true. They have accomplished this goal and beyond. Below we provide an in-depth look into each Disney Park. We have been to every park with the exception of Disney Hollywood Studios and the water parks of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. However, we do provide a glimpse into these parks for you to get an idea of what they are all about.

Consider these tips before you go:

• Traveling with Infants: For those of you traveling with infants, Disney parks have you in mind. They offer exceptional Baby Care Centers which provide a perfect atmosphere for nursing, feeding, changing and taking a "time-out" with your infant. Each Baby Care Center also provides the little extras (for a charge) just in case you run out or have left something behind, from diapers, formula to baby food and medicine. There is usually one Baby Care Center in each park. However, every restroom area also provides changing facilities.

• Fast Pass: A Fast Pass is an opportunity to by-pass the long lines and reserve a spot at a future time to wait in a shorter line. The downside to the Fast Pass is that you can only reserve one time slot for one ride at a time. So once you reserve your time slot you cannot do another Fast Pass for another ride until you have completed the ride you reserved the Fast Pass on. For example, let's say there are two rides you want to use a Fast Pass for, a rollercoaster and a boat ride. You first go to the rollercoaster and get a Fast Pass for a time slot between 10am-10:40am. That means you can do something else and come back anytime between 10am-10:40am and get into the shorter line to ride the ride. However, you cannot get another Fast Pass for the boat ride or any other ride until after 10:40am. This prevents people from having multiple Fast Passes to use all day. Be careful when and what you use your Fast Pass for, they do eventually run out, especially if the park is crowded.

• Early Birds: Those who get to the parks as it opens will get more out of the parks. If you can arrive at the park as it opens you are more apt to ride a few rides without much wait time. Many times you will also see more of the characters without any crowds. Staying at select Disney Resorts also gets you into the park before it opens to the general public. Use this opportunity to ride all the major rides. On any given day, the lines at most of the attractions can be at least an hour long, especially on the popular rides. By entering the park early, we have been able to ride popular rides, such as roller coasters, multiple times without ever waiting in line. Many of the parks also offer breakfast for those of you who can get up and go straight to the park. Special reservations can also get you breakfast with the characters if you are staying on Disney properties.

• Transportation: When staying at a resort inside the Disney complex, there is transportation by bus that will take you to the parks. Check your hotel for the scheduled departures. If you will be traveling by car, reserve time for parking. The parking lot is massive but luckily you are guided exactly where you need to park. After you park, head over to the tram that will take you to the park entrance. Mark sure you have everything you will need for the day because coming back to the car is a waste of valuable park time. There is a parking fee required at every park.

• Characters:  For those parents who have never been to a Disney theme park, be prepared for the star like quality of the characters. The characters can be seen in various areas around the park, either as they are walking and greeting guests or at their designated viewing area. The kids are awe struck when they see these characters as if they were movie stars (which they are in a sense). So reserve time to stop and greet these characters for pictures and autographs. Yes, we said autographs. So do not make your child feel left out and spend the 10 bucks (or whatever it is now) and buy them an autograph book. They may never look at it again after you leave Orlando but they will have a great time filling it up with each characters signature.

• Strollers: Every park has a stroller rental service. You can rent either a single stroller or double stroller. The price is roughly $10 per day. These strollers are a hard plastic stroller that really does not look very comfortable and they do not recline. We knew we were going to spend a few days at the parks and so we opted to buy a $40 umbrella stroller instead. The stroller we bought is much more comfortable, has a tray, a cover for shade and reclines (for those small but much needed cat naps). Since our umbrella stroller has lasted, we have continued to use it on other vacations so now it is known as the "vacation stroller." If you must rent the stroller in the park then you have that option, however, for comfort and ease we suggest bringing your own cheaper stroller that is comfortable and reclines. No need to worry about your strollers while on rides or enjoying shows, because there is plenty of stroller parking around every corner of the park. We have never had a problem leaving a few items in the stroller either. However, I would make sure you carry your purse, wallet and camera on you just in case.

• Separating:  If your family will be separating, be sure to designate a meeting spot for meeting up for lunch or if one should get lost. You may consider using walkie talkies to communicate with your family at various times during the day. For smaller children, have your cell phone number written either on them (in erasable ink somewhere it will not wash off) or on a paper in their pocket. So if a Disney "Cast Member" does find your lost child, they will know who to contact.

• Holidays at Disney: The most amazing time to visit Disney is during the holidays. We try to go every year just for the holiday experience. Every park is decorated and extras are added to the park just to spread the holiday cheer. Beginning around Thanksgiving until the end of December you will find every Disney hotel and park decked out in holiday style from moving gingerbread carousels at the Beach Club to the Very Merry Christmas Parade complete with lights, music and snow! Even the characters are dressed in their holiday best. Feel the spirit of Christmas throughout the parks as you make your child's dreams come true.

Parks:

Magic Kingdom:

The first of all Orlando Disney parks is still one of the most beloved by children. Many of us have great memories when we went to Magic Kingdom, which will continue as you explore the park with your own children. Walt Disney really knew magic when he created this park. Although he never saw its completion, we imagine it was everything he dreamed it would be and more.

As you walk into the main entrance you will go down Main Street USA. There is really not much to do here except take a picture of Cinderella Castle, eat and shop. You can also board the railroad which takes you to one of two lands or catch it later to head out of the park. Once you approach the castle you have five directions in which to go, all leading to magical lands. You have two options, either go directly to the popular attractions and do them first or start with one land and make your way around the circle doing all there is to do in each land.

• Adventureland: Climb your way through the Swiss Family Treehouse for a fun child and adult experience all within a tree. Catch a kid friendly boat trip on the Jungle Cruise for a tour of the jungle. One of the most popular rides in this area has to be the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. A boat experience lets you see if a pirates life is for you.

• Frontierland: Splash Mountain is a favorite log flume ride for the whole family. Be prepared to get wet as you take a ride on the fastest drop in all of Magic Kingdom. For the thrill seekers, head over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Ride this roller coaster train ride that takes you through mountains from the Wild West. There are height restrictions for both rides.

• Liberty Square: The best ride in this part of the park is the Haunted Mansion. Take a ride through the rooms and halls of a haunted mansion while ghosts dance and fly by you. This is a classic ride within Magic Kingdom. They try to make it fun but at the same time thrilling. It was the only ride that scared our toddler but not for too long. So just a word of caution you may not want to take your 1-3 year old on this ride if they scare easily.

• Fantasyland: Every ride here is a blast for all ages, especially smaller children. From the quintessential Its a Small World to the Dumbo the Flying Elephants to Cinderella's Golden Carousel, you and your child will enjoy Fantasyland. There are a few areas set up for character visits as well.

• Mickey's Toontown Fair: Here you will find perfect opportunities to meet with the characters and get their autographs. Take a quick tour of Minny's house!

• Tomorrowland: Tomorrowland is home to two classic rides, even from way back when we were kids, Space Mountain and the Tomorrowland Indy Speedway. For the older children take a rollercoaster ride inside a dark building where you see no tracks, only flashes of lights from the coasters in space or what Disney calls Space Mountain. Next head over to the Indy Speedway for a ride in a car around a race track. This ride is definitely made for kids so parents don't worry, it really does not go Indy speeds. Also catch Buzz  Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin for a few zaps of those alien creatures. The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor is a cute and funny show that engages the audience from young to old.

• Cinderella Castle: Who can forget the most glorious spectacle of all for every little girl, Cinderella Castle. From the base of the castle it really is an amazing site. But unfortunately, there is no ride or special tour of the castle. However, if you have made prior reservations you can dine at the most famous restaurant in the park, Cinderella's Royal Table. Located just inside the castle is the dining room for Cinderella's Royal Table where you can have breakfast or lunch with the characters and give your special princess the royal treatment. Be sure to make advanced reservations and be prepared to spend a "pretty penny."

• Parades: Disney makes sure that the fun does not stop with their attractions. Every afternoon look out for the Disney's Dream Come True Parade where you will see all your favorite characters going by in various floats. During the evenings in the summer, there is also a parade but of a different sort. Stick around after dark to see the most magical light parade you have ever seen, SpectroMagic Parade, where the world of lights comes to life. The SpectroMagic Parade is a lights, music and fun spectacular with all the characters included.

Little Known Magic Kingdom Facts:

• If you have been to the Magic Kingdom several times over and want to see something new, try the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. Let a tour guide take you on a behind the scenes tour of  the park and learn all there is to know about Disney's Magic Kingdom.

• Out of all the Disney parks you get more bang for your buck, as they say, at Magic Kingdom when you have small children. This park is loaded with rides that keep the whole family entertained. Any child of any height can ride any ride with the exception of the rides that have "Mountain" in the name, Indy Speedway and Stitch's Great Escape. If your child is too young to ride but you want to feel the thrills you may be able to head to the front of the lines without too much wait while your spouse waits with the little ones and then switch off.

• The Year of a Million Dreams continues on for 2008. The Dream Squad is out in full force to make your dreams come true. If you are approached you may be the lucky family to receive fun souvenirs, Fast Passes or best of all, a night in the Cinderella Castle Suite!

If you think Epcot is a slow paced park, think again. There are plenty of things to do and see for every age from toddlers to grandparents. All will enjoy this amazing park.

When walking into the park you are hit with the amazing round "disco" style ball, which actually houses the ride, Spaceship Earth. Most of the rides are on the left and right of the ball. If you are entering the park as it opens, we suggest you do the rides first then tour the 11 wonderful countries in the World Showcase.

• Future World: Take advantage of the most popular rides first which include Test Track, Soarin' and Mission:Space. Test Track is an amazing ride where you board a car that takes you through various tests that a real car manufacturer might perform. Travel through rough roads, curves and extreme climate changes until you reach the best part of the test- the race track. There are height restrictions for this ride. Soarin' is one of our personal favorites within Epcot. Once we saw the line for this ride we did not think it was worth the wait, but we stuck it out. Surprisingly the lines go fairly quickly and it was definitely worth the wait. Soarin' is a simulated flight through the air. You watch a movie on a large screen as your chair lifts up in the air and takes you on a flying adventure. It is a ride that attacks your senses. As you go through orange groves it seems as though your feet will touch the trees and you can even smell the oranges. Disney really captures a fantastic flying experience as real as it can ever be without actually flying on your own.  Mission:Space is another thrilling ride, however you can choose a milder version depending on how you feel. Take off to Mars on this ride and you will feel like an astronaut. Four people can enter various cockpits at once and take command of the controls to man the ship. It is a thrilling ride but a bit shaky so go for the milder version if you get sick easily.

There are so many other great rides especially for the little ones. Board a clamshell on the Seas with Nemo and Friends ride. There is also a moving theater that is very tame on Ellen's Energy Adventure. This ride does have a few dinosaurs so it can be scary for the very small ones. We entertained our daughter with a snack while aboard this ride, just as a distraction for that portion of the ride.

• World Showcase: Once you have had a chance to ride some of the rides or grab a few fast passes, make your way to the World Showcase for lunch. Every nation serves lunch or dinner so you have a large and varied selection of authentic meals. Some of the dining experience can range from low budget fast meals to a more elaborate dining experience. For example, in Mexico, you will find a small cantina on the lake that serves very good nachos, tacos, etc. for those who want a quick and easy meal. However, if you want a more elegant dining experience head inside the Mayan temple to dine under the stars and along the river for a full coarse meal at San Angel Inn Restaurante. By the way, while you are in the temple take a ride on the river boat. We really enjoyed this calm ride through Mexico.

Each nation has its own attraction so stop in to see what each one has to offer. While touring the countries be sure to check out the occasional show especially in China, where they dress in costume and have a dancing dragon and Japan, where they have a musical drum show. USA also has a spectacular patriotic show. Speaking of shows, the best show in the park has to be the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, which happens nightly. This show includes a fantastic parade of nations, music, lasers and fireworks.

Little Known Epcot Facts: 

• If you are traveling to Epcot with an infant you are in one of the best parks. The changing facilities at all Disney parks are fantastic and Epcot is no exception. If you have forgotten diapers, formula, baby food, medicine, etc., you can purchase anything and everything at the Baby Care Center, located in the Odyssey Center next to Test Track. They even have play rooms for the older toddlers to play in while you nurse, feed or change your baby.

• Epcot is also entertaining for the parent who has to be on the sidelines while the other parent entertains the older child. There are plenty of places to lounge with a great view of the lake and various Nations to explore. Hidden within the World Showcase you will also find a small playground just in case the kids get bored while touring the countries. 

 
Animal Kingdom:

You will find shows, rides and of course animals as you tour various parts of the world in one park.

First things first, immediately upon entering the park run, walk fast or stroll quickly to the Safari. This is the most popular attraction in the park. Lines get very long but if you are there from the open of the park, this is the first place you must go if you want to avoid hours in line. So what's it all about? The Safari bus takes you through the lands of an African Safari. Through forests, savanna plains and even through water, to see the animals roam free. Watch the elephants feeding or hippos swimming, all while the guide takes you on a magnificent journey. Our tour guide was funny, engaging and entertaining. What they have to say makes the ride complete.

In the Asia-Jungle see tigers, monkeys and the best new ride- Expedition Everest. Waiting in line gives you the history on the journey to come where your mission is to find the Yeti. The coaster is inside and out and goes up, down and backwards. There are height restrictions. Another popular and exciting ride is Kali River Rapids. Take a white water raft ride through the rainforest and then plunge downhill on a 25 ft slide waterfall. Be prepared to get soaked.

Every show is a must at Animal Kingdom. Our favorites are:

• It's Tough To Be A Bug: The little ones will really enjoy It's Tough To Be A Bug, located under the Tree of Life. As adults, we really enjoyed this very cute comedy. As you make your way to the doors try to find as many animals in the Tree of Life. Once in the theater you will be wearing 3D glasses. You will feel like a bug and also feel the bugs in this theater equipped with sprays, wind and smells. Some of the very little kids may get scared by the 3D effects. When walking into the theater try to head down to the far end of the row and sit near the exit doors, just in case you need to slip out to escape with your frightened child. We have seen children of every age watch the show and most enjoy it without incident.

• Finding Nemo: You don't have to spend high prices to see an amazing stage show. Forget Broadway, the Finding Nemo show is a great performance for the entire family. You will love the puppets, costumes, performers and scenery. Try to get to the show early. We have been turned away a few times due to a full theater. This really is a show for everyone.

• Festival of the Lion King: A show unlike any other, with acrobatics, dancing and singing. If you have seen the Lion King show tour in your hometown, you have seen nothing yet. Step into the story book with this African tale and get into the song and dance with Simba and friends.

Be sure to get your Disney character pictures and autographs at the camps near the Festival of the Lion King. Or if you have already seen the Festival of the Lion King, get your character pictures and autographs while a show is in progress at the Greeting Trails. Be sure to get out quick before the show ends or you might have a mob of people to go through.

 
Little Known Animal Kingdom Facts:

• If you are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge you will be amazed with the views of animals grazing in the Safari. As a guest of the Animal Kingdom Lodge you will have access to a private Safari tour at sunrise which stops when you want. This is the best time to see the animals, the weather is perfect and best of all no crowds.  

Okay, so this may be the only non-aquatic theme park we have not been to in Orlando. We chose to go to Universal Studios instead. However, our friends assure us that there is still fun to be had at Hollywood Studios. Probably the two most popular attractions are the Tower of Terror and the Rock n' Roller Coaster. Both are thrilling rides and have height restrictions. Another fascinating aspect of Hollywood Studios are the shows made for the entire family from action (Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular) to sing alongs (High School Musical 2) to fairytale (Beauty and the Beast).

Don't miss the ever popular Fantasmic! show each night. The Sorcerer Mickey battles villains as water, lights, and fire give the show a unique effect.

Look out for these new attractions coming in 2008.

• Block Party Bash: Opening in March

• Toy Story Mania!: Opening summer 

One of two water parks that belong to the Disney family of theme parks is Blizzard Beach. This park is themed after a mountain ski resort, however instead of skiing down the mountain you slide down. No ski jackets required here, bathing suits only at this fun water park.

For the thrill seekers try Summit Plummet for a 120 foot drop down the mountain. As the tallest water slide in the US, you will top speeds of 55 MPH going straight down the mountain. Whether you choose to slide down with a tube or not, you have plenty of exciting slides to bring the heart rate up.

If you're looking for a more kid friendly way to have fun, you have your choice of Ski Patrol Training Camp or Tike's Peak for the very little ones (under 48"). Don't miss all the family fun at the Melt-Away Bay Pool and the Cross Country Creek. Relax on a tube while sailing the creek that encircles the park.

Typhoon Lagoon:

Head on over to Typhoon Lagoon for a family water park that has a more Florida feel. Complete with tiki huts, shipwrecks and shark reef, you cannot go wrong with this water park.

When we hear about Typhoon Lagoon, we hear most about three fabulous water experiences. First, the Surf Pool, which is one of the largest pools in the world. Whether you go at it alone, with a tube or with a surf board, you will have a great time catching the waves. Second, the famous tube water coaster of Crush 'n' Gusher. That's right we said water coaster. While on a tube the water propels you up hill and down just like a roller coaster. Lastly, what brings the "WOW" factor into this park is the true to life inland Shark Reef. Snorkel your way through the waters while you swim past sharks (small ones, of course) and schools of colorful tropical fish.

More fun can be had throughout the park with various slides, tube rides and the Castaway Creek. Try Gangplank Falls for a family adventure all aboard your own family raft. Experience twists and turns and loads of fun. Typhoon Lagoon did not forget the little ones. They created two special places just for them. For a kid friendly body slide try Bay Slides (must be 60" or under). Ketchakiddee Creek offers a children's play area with slides, rafts and bubbling jets (must be 48" or under).

 
Little Known Typhoon Lagoon Fact:

• In the early morning (before the park opens) or late afternoon (after the park closes) you can surf at the surf pool. The park is available to book your own private surf party or catch a few lessons at the surfing school. 

If you did not get enough fun and excitement during the day, head on over to Downtown Disney in the evening. Downtown Disney is the place to be for dinner, shopping, playing or just to walk around. There are several kid friendly restaurants such as Wolfgang Puck Cafe (our favorite), Bongos Cuban Cafe, Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe. For desert you should not miss (or kids will make sure of it) the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. And if you still did not do enough shopping, Disney makes sure there is plenty more for you to buy at their enormous World of Disney Store. For that special princess, check out their Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique which caters to making every girl (ages 3+) look and feel like a princess. Visit the LEGO Imagination Center to create your own LEGO masterpiece.

If you are in search of more entertainment, you have come to the right place at Downtown Disney. There are two amazing attractions, Cirque du Soleil and DisneyQuest. Enjoy an entertaining show of acrobatics which includes children. A Cirque du Soleil show is a must and this particular show proves to be very family oriented. If action is on your mind, then join the excitement at DisneyQuest, an indoor interactive theme park. Build your own rollercoaster or take an amazing virtual ride in this five story high-tech complex. For the little ones hop on the carousel or Marketplace Train for more nighttime fun.

For those parents who still have energy and need a little fun at night, Disney did not forget about you. The fun awaits you at Pleasure Island. An entrance fee gets you into the nightclub and bar compound where you will find plenty of action. There is a comedy club, dance clubs and live entertainment to fill your evening. Have fun but don't stay out too late because you're off to the next Disney park in the morning!