Walt Disney World Vacations - What to Know Before You Go
Some people wait their whole life and spend every dime they have to go on a Walt Disney World Vacation. At least that's what they told us at orientation.
I used to work at Walt Disney World for years. Some people think that it would be a Dream Job. Then there are the folks that are allergic to pixie dust and think it would be the worst job on the planet.
I tend to fall right in the middle. I am not a Disney nut but I must say I made some really good friends there and 95% of the people that come to Disney are in a good mood since they are on vacation. In general, you really want to help them and make the Disney Magic a little more special.
This is the first of a series of Travel Lenes written to help all of us navigate the pitfalls of going to Walt Disney World, making it extra special and getting what you paid for.
To see exactly where we are right now Check out Road Warriors
To see the latest updates check out the Travel Blog
Ride Shotgun to Some of the Best Places In the United States
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWalt Disney World Vacation
Disney World is one of the most beloved theme parks in the United States. Located in Orlando, Florida, it sees visitors from all over the world each and every day. Here, we will discuss many different aspects of just what you should know before you head off to the Most Magical Place On Earth. Save Money on Where You Stay
The biggest expense you will have at Disney World is where you stay. The best deal is to stay off property at a Vacation Home Rental. I will explain all of the in another lens but here are some rentals you can check now.
Disney Vacation Homes
Save a Ton of Money On Your Disney World Vacation
After doing a ton of research I found one lady that gets it right. Check out her info to save you a bunch of money.Disney World Vacations
Don't Leave Home Without It
No it's not your American Express (you need to bring that too)
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2008 (Unofficial Guides)
I have recommended this book to too many people to count. If you are looking for a book to give you the scoop this is the best one out there right now. I should know I have seen them ALL.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 11/21/2008) 
List Price: $19.99
Used Price: $7.90
Usually ships in 24 hours
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids 2008 (Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for Kids By Kids)
Just knowing your gong to Disney works up the kids into a frenzy all by itself. This will keep them calmed down and let them plan a little bit for themselves. This is great book to get them into the Disney adventure.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $10.36 (as of 11/21/2008)
List Price: $12.95
Used Price: $3.18
Usually ships in 24 hours
SunX SPF30 Sunscreen Towelette wipe by Coretex, Bulk Case of 100
Your are going to need some sunscreen. Getting a Sunburn in the STRONG Florida sun will ruin your vacation faster than losing losing your Lunch on the Tower of Terror.
This may seems like overkill but it's not the only time you will spend in the sun is it? These little toweletts have saved us on many trips!!!! You never know when you are going to get wet or spend some time outside that you were not planning. My wife always has a few of these in her purse. I keep a few in the Camera bag. It's MUCH better than dragging around a bottle of Sunscreen. We like to travel light and these fit the bill perfectly.
The best part is you won't have Sunscreen all over you Clothes in the suitcase if the bottle explodes at 30,000 feet.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $51.75 (as of 11/21/2008)
List Price:
Used Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
SUN X SPF30 SUN SCREEN INDIVIDUAL WRAPPED TOWELETTES 25/BOX
If your not sure and just don't want to drop the cash on a case of these just yet here is the same as above but not as many. You DON't want to buy these at Disney once they have you a captive audience you will pay through the nose once you get there.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $18.62 (as of 11/21/2008)
List Price:
Used Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Motorola SX700R Talkabout GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radios with Charger, (Pair)
These are a necessity at Walt Disney World. Even if you plan to stay together the whole time there is still the bathroom trip while someone grabs seats for the next show you just can't miss, or grabbing seats for lunch while someone stands in line to get the food plus 100's of other things that come up while on Vacation. Ours have saved us many fights and let us work as a team to beat the crowds.
The great thing about these is you can adjust them so you and the other unit have a clear channel to talk on.
TIP: Cell phone reception is spotty in some locations at the parks. And although they deny it some buildings block cell phone signals all together.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 11/21/2008)
List Price: $69.99
Used Price:
Which Disney Park Is The Best To Visit On Vacation?
Each Disney Park is full of its own different wonder and excitement. I advise that you try to visit all of them, as you will experience something new in each and every one of them. However, if you just want to focus on one do so with you and those accompanying you in mind. For instance, if you have young ones, a the best Disney Park to visit might be Magic Kingdom. This is where Cinderella's castle is located and many rides and attractions are based in this park. However, for the Sci-Fi or futuristic fan, Epcot Center may be more enjoyable.Disney has four parks, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, and MGM Studios. Animal kingdom is based on the many wonders of the world. Magic Kingdom is somewhat geared towards the younger audience. MGM Studios is perfect for the movie buffs, and Epcot Center is great for those who enjoy Sci-Fi experiences. Choose based on your own preferences and those that are going with you to Disney World.
Special Stuff for the Kids
Everyone likes to shop while you are there and some things that can only be bought at the parks and Disney Village. Disney is very protective about their copyrights so getting a knock off is not as easy as you would think.
You can get almost anything you want while your there but prices are MUCH higher on property. If your prepared you will be able to get that something special and not blow your budget on the little things you could have gotten online BEFORE you left.
We will be scattering things like this throughout our lenses so make sure you check the other ones too.
Disney Princesses and You! (Disney's Princess Backlist)
This is a great book for your Little Princess. It is a complete keepsake for you and her. It is like her own little diary. Best of all you can use it to get all of those character autographs.
Trust me you don't want to be hunting for something to write on when you turn the corner and Mickey is giving Autographs.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: (as of 11/21/2008)
List Price: $12.99
Guide to the Magic Walt Disney World Autograph & Sticker Book
Another Autograph book for boys or girls. It has a place to fill in where you saw the character and even a spot for a photo.
If you do any scrapbooking this is great for that too.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $13.95 (as of 11/21/2008)
List Price: $13.95
Usually ships in 24 hours
8" Glowsticks Glow Stick Bracelets Mixed Colors (Tube of 100)
When the lights go down out come the glow sticks. You would not believe the prices they charge. Our kids always want them and out comes the wallet. if your smart you will bring your own.
We use ours outside the park, at the campsite, pretty much whenever it gets dark and we need to keep an eye on them.
There is nothing worse than the feeling in your stomach when one it's dark and one of the kids wandered away from your side.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $9.49 (as of 11/21/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
50 20" Glowstick Necklaces Assorted Colors
Same as above but these are the necklaces. Trust me they are a steal here compared to what you pay at the parks!!!
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $21.94 (as of 11/21/2008)
List Price:
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
What Should You Pack For a Disney Vacation?
Choosing what you should pack depends on many different factors, these include:
* If You Are Flying - Remember that airlines now have limitations on what you can and cannot take, as well as weight limits. However, keep in mind that you will likely be bringing souvenirs back with you as well.
* Comfortable Shoes - Nothing can be worse than having uncomfortable shoes and feeling the burn afterwards. Make sure you have comfy shoes and suitable for the weather.
* Food - If you are driving, it is probably a good idea to bring food and snacks. Food inside the parks and around the parks can get expensive. If you want to save some money, make sure you pack some foods. You might even consider visiting one of the stores when you get there, it will still help in saving money.
* Do Not Forget The Swimming Gear - Not only does Disney World have a water park, but many of the resorts have heated swimming pools. You and your family will love relaxing, so make sure you do not forget the swimming suits and trunks.
* Any Medication - This includes over the counter and prescription. Make sure you have the medication you need before you leave.
Tigger Attacks
If you look at where I say there are 95% of people having a good time here is the 5% left over.
One of them was looking for a big Payday from the deep pockets of Disney.
Some food for thought. It's 90+ degrees and humid in Florida most of the time. They are wearing a 20 pound costume that don't smell that great after someone is sweating in it all day.
What they are doing scares some of the kids. Some others think it's funny to hit the big stuffed animal.
They are doing this to entertain everyone they meet. Treat them like you would want to be treated if you had to do all this to make your child smile.
Say THANK YOU and have your kids say thanks too. Yes they get paid for what they are doing but they are making a little more than minimum wage.
I know quite a few of the characters and they all do it to make the kids smile and get a hug.
You have to have a big heart to do this job. Give them a break and please understand if you have been standing in line waiting for an Autograph and they have to go backstage it's most likely that they have been out in the sun and heat for too long. If you wait a few minutes there is usually another character out to replace them.
BTW - Pluto chases kids like this all the time at the Magic Kingdom. It's part of fun! Play along and you will have a great time...
Best Time Of the Year To Go To Walt Disney World on Vacation
The best times to visit are:
* Up until the week prior to Christmas
* October 1st through the week before Thanksgiving
* The Weekend of Labor Day
* The Beginning of February
* Near the end of April
* The entire month of January
* The entire month of September
