Jim’s Travel Tips

The Pooh character breakfast at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom is one of the best of its kind. The breakfast buffet is very good and reasonably priced. The Pooh characters give each table special individual attention so you are sure to see who you want. You are allowed to take pictures, etc… with each character as they make their way to your table. Plan on at least an hour – there is no rushing you out. The service is good and they understand that you will be staying awhile, especially depending on how many kids are at your table!

Here is another simple but rewarding travel tip about Walt Disney World.  When there are two night parades at the Magic Kingdom, skip the first one. They are both exactly the same and everyone seems to go to the first one. Meanwhile the rides continue to run during both parades so lines will most likely be shorter for key attractions during the first parade.  Also, people tend to leave the park after they watch the parade.  Since most people watch the first run, you can generally find a great viewing spot for the second parade much easier.

Disney invented it – use it; it is not a gimmick. It can save you many hours of waiting in line. All you have to do is walk up and take a Fast Pass ticket. Your ticket will show you a range of time to come back to the ride and skip the line of people. This is just a part of the park, but not everyone uses it. Actually, I would say most people do not use it for some reason (hence the long line you are trying to avoid!). It doesn’t cost extra; it’s just a part of the regular Disney experience. TIP: Just smile at the people you walk by who are waiting in the “regular” line.

The Chinese may have invented fireworks but Disney has perfected the night display. Every night at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Orlando, FL there is a great fireworks show. Besides the fireworks themselves, Tinkerbell will actually fly through the air towards the end of the show at Cinderella’s castle. If you have a desire to view both the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom and Tinkerbell’s flight*, the best place is near the castle. Don’t stand in front of Cinderella’s castle; the castle will block your view of the fireworks.When looking at the castle you want to be on the right side near the entrance to Tomorrowland. You will see Tinkerbell fly right over your head. If Tinkerbell is not your thing, than the best spot to view the fireworks is in Fantasyland – between the Carousel and the Tea Cups.

* Tinkerbell does not always fly – weather is a key factor, wind/rain etc. will cancel her flight. However the fireworks always go off.