The Fine Details of Walt Disney World

1. First thing you need to know is that Disney World Parks are full of Hidden Mickeys. Look High, Look Low, and you will see them.

2. Check out the Carousel of Progress, Keep an Eye on the Dog! You will also see him in Pirates of the Caribbean.

3. Make sure you use Fastpass in the Disney Parks for shorter wait times for rides

4. Always go to the left in the early morning in the parks to get on some of the best rides with little or no wait times, Head to Splash Mountain!

5. Stop by the Barber shop and get a hair cut. Great for little ones getting a first hair cut, the cast members are great and your little one will receive a Mickey Mouse Hat and First Hair Cut Certificate. For both Boys and Girls. Take lots of photography's.

6. Take a ride on the Jungle Cruise look for the Hidden Mickey on the silver plane which has crash landed.

7. Need a break take a ride on the People Mover, and if the line is short you can ask the cast members if you can ride again as the ride comes back into the station.

8. If you travel to Disneyworld all the time it is wise to become a Season Pass Holder and this will save you money on food, merchandise and more.

9. The Tower of Terror, What a ride! But check out the details, find the Hidden Mickey on the Concierge Desk in the Hotel Lobby.

10. You must eat lunch or dinner at the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater, Lots of fun and great milk shakes! Don't forget the Movies.

11. It's Tough to be a Bug is fun for everyone, the bugs will get you, Make sure that when you are in line that you check out the "Tree of Life".

12. Check out on the windows on Main Street USA, Look for Walt Disney's window.

13. Did you know that Walt Disney World has more land than most US Cities.

14. Great place for lunch in Epcot Restaurant Marrakesh.

15 Great place for dinner in Epcot Tutto Italia Ristorante.

16. Check out Engine Company 71 on Main Street USA.

17. If you are staying at a Disney Resort you can park the car, and take a Ride on the Disney Transportation System. You can travel to all of the Parks, Hotels and More. The transportation system includes, Boats, Buses, the Monorail and more.

18. Rider Swap is when Guests take turns waiting with youngsters too small to ride a certain attraction , then "swap" with another adult Guest from their party to experience the ride without standing in line twice. Feel free to ask a Cast Member at an attraction for additional information on Rider Swap.

19. Check out the Head Stone for Leota at the Haunted Mansion, she maybe looking right at you.

20. If it's hot and the humidity is high go to the parks early in the day, then take a break and go swim in the pool or go to Blizzard Beach! After you are all refreshed go back to the parks in the late afternoon.

21. Take lots of photos in every park, It is wise to have a extra digital storage card.

22. Use Photopass, pick up a Photopass card from any Disney Cast Member Photographer, the Card is free, then every time you see a Disney Photographer hand them them the card and they will take your pitcher. When you get home from your vacation you can view your photos on line and order the ones you like.

23. Since there is so much to see and do, it helps to plan out the days you have. This helps to get the most out of your vacation.

24. Get a park hopper ticket this way you can go between the parks all day long. IE spend your day in The Magic Kingdom and then have dinner in Italy at Epcot.

25. Take the Keys to the Kingdom tour lots of fun and you will get to see the back stage of the Magic Kingdom. Did you know that under Main Street USA is a small underground City full of Cast Member Services, Supply Areas, and more, That is just one of the great things you will see on this tour.

26. Plan your meals, with 100's of places to eat you may what to plan your meals in advance, Call Disney Dinning to save time and this way you will be able to eat at all the great restaurants.

27. Did you know that you will always see lots of US Flags, along Main Street, In Frontier Land and everywhere. But did you know that most of the US Flags are not the real thing they are banners, this way they can stay up all the time where as the US Flags go up in the morning and they come down at night.

28. If you are a Disney Visa Card holder you receive a free perk Character Meet 'N' Greet Photo Opportunity, Meet, greet, and have your personal photo taken with some of your favorite Disney Characters and receive a complimentary 5" x 7" keepsake photo Where to go: Innoventions West at Epcot

29. Disney World can be very hot in the summer, drink lots of water, and make sure you take a break midday.

30. One of the best times to go is after Thanksgiving and Before Christmas, Christmas in the parks is for everyone, Lots of fun and the weather is very good.

31. The parks are very large is size so make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes.

32. Remember to carry a rain poncho sometimes it likes to rain!

33. Pack the sun screen!.

34. If you need a band aid or you have had a little too much sun stop by the First Aid Station for great care.

35. If you find yourself with a headache, upset stomach, most of the stores in the parks have a supply of Over the Counter
meds to help you out.

36. Great place for fireworks for the 1st timer you want to be on Main Street and as close to the castle as you can get, if you want a great place and want to be away from the crowds, go to Fantasyland and sit down near Dumbo.

37. Remember to slow down and take your time, it will be impossible to see and do everything so plan your days and nights to get the most of your vacation.

38. If you travel to Disney World all the time then you may what to look into the Disney Vacation Club, A great way to save money.....I know sounds like a sales pitch, but after several trips to Disney World with an average stay of 10 days, and staying at the moderate resorts with an average cost of 2500-3500 a stay. I checked out the DVC and found that it just right for me. I only wish I would have done it sooner.

39. So have fun and enjoy every minute.

40. Don't forget to dance to the music on Main Street USA!

41. If your stay is more than 7 days and you need a get away from the parks, try on some water sports like Para sailing, Taking out a Personal Watercraft or try on Water skiing, Wake boarding or tubing.

42. How about a round of Miniature Golf go to Disney Winter Summer Land Miniature Golf Course or Fantasia Gardens Golf Course.

43. Need a night out away from the kids (between 4-12 years old) Make a call to the Children Activity Centers They can play and have fun while you take in a great dinner.

44. Need Dinner or Lunch Reservations call Disney Dinning 407-939-3463

45. Disney World has an outstanding transportation system, you can take a bus from any Disney Resort Hotel to any of the parks.

46. Also if you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel make sure you sign up for Magical Express Bus Service which will pick up From the Orlando International Airport straight to you Disney Resort Hotel. And pick you up when you are ready to go home.

47. Take a ride down Main Street USA on a Old Fire Truck which will drop you off right next to the castle.

48. If you travel to the Magic Kingdom in December remember to check out Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, lots of fun and the park is open late. Remember to get tickets early so you don't miss out on the good times.

49. Want good Seats for the Parade, Head over to Frontierland for some really good places to watch the Parade.

50. Looking for park hours, parade times, tour times, ride information, travel information go to Disney.com

Have a Little one, Check out the Baby Care Centers in all of the Disney World Parks, a place to take a break with your infant of preschooler.

If you are a Guest at a Disney Resort, you get Extra Magic Hours each day at selected Disney Theme Parks.

Need an extra set of hands on your trip, take the grandparents and family, it just makes it more fun for everyone.

40 Years of Service
Disney Archivist Dave Smith is retiring this month, after 40 years of service. Dave created the Disney Archives, saving decades of Disney history for future generations to enjoy and learn from. He has also made himself an invaluable resource for Disney enthusiasts, sharing his time and expertise to answer trivia questions (a longtime feature for Disney Insider readers!), meet Guests at the Parks and on Disney Cruises, and create trivia and reference guides to all things Disney.

Dave and his partners at D23 have been kind enough to let us share a special farewell letter from Dave with you. As he makes it clear, he will still be very much a part of the Disney family - as he will always be!

Dear friends, fellow cast members, and Disney fans:

It has been so gratifying to me to have established the Walt Disney Archives and run it for the past 40 years, helping to preserve the history of a company that means so much to so many people around the world. When I reported for my first day of work at the Disney Studio back in June 1970, I never envisioned myself staying in the same role for four decades. But, what started out as a mere job turned into a labor of love.

From a glimmer of an idea, the Archives has turned into a department which continually proves itself invaluable to The Walt Disney Company. I am very pleased to have had the support of an ever-growing and knowledgeable staff and of every CEO of this company from Roy O. Disney to Bob Iger. If these corporate leaders had not championed the Archives, we would not have the department that we have today - one that is so beneficial to the entire Disney organization.

But I won't be going far. Rest assured, I will still be dropping by the office occasionally to help out when needed - keeping up "Disney A to Z," speaking to D23 and other groups, and advising authors that are writing on Disney subjects. And of course, I'll also be on hand to answer future "Ask Dave" questions.

So as I retire, I am comforted to know that I am leaving behind a very viable department for our new director, Becky Cline, to take over. And with your support, I am sure that the Archives will continue to serve our company for many years to come!

Yours always,

Dave

Good Luck Dave Will Love the Work You have done for all Disney Fans!
Buzz up!
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