Jim’s Travel Tips

I’ve talked several times about the different shows, parades, firework displays, etc… at Walt Disney World but have yet to mention anything about MGM Studios. “The Sorcery in the Sky” is the best fireworks display in all of Walt Disney World. It does not run very often so if you are lucky enough to catch it don’t miss this great opportunity. “Fantasmic” is a show that runs nightly at MGM that includes some fireworks in it – it is a must see as well.

If you are thinking about eating at one of the many great restaurants on Walt Disney World property, dinner reservations are definitely a must. Character meals and some dinner shows are extremely popular. If you want to go out to dinner during your trip but aren’t sure where to go, make the call to the hotline. The guest services people on the dinner hotline are exceptionally helpful. They will help you choose a venue based on any criteria you want to give them; kids vs. no kids, theme, price range, food selection, etc… Just tell them the experience you want and they will try to make it happen. TIP: Make your reservations well in advance – even prior to your trip up to about six months. Call 1-407- WDW-DINE.

Walt Disney World has a variety of hotels and resorts in many price ranges. There are several advantages to staying within the Disney reach. You can enjoy these additional “perks” by staying on property:

• The unlimited use of the Disney bus transportation system (get a map at your resort) - you park free at the resort. The daily parking fees at the park or at other hotels are getting a little pricey.

• If you have ever gone to the Magic Kingdom, part of the experience is the boat ride across the Seven Seas lagoon or taking the monorail from the parking lot to the entrance. This can take at least 20 or so minutes. You save this time by taking the WDW transportation system. The bus from your resort bypasses the lagoon and the monorail, and delivers you right next to the entrance. Also if you stay at some of the Magic Kingdom resorts around the lagoon you will have a direct boat to the Magic Kingdom entrance.

• Any gifts or souvenirs you buy can be delivered to your room for free.

• Staying on Disney property allows earlier entry into certain parks on certain days. Be sure to find this information out and then take advantage of it!

• Disney has had a promotional program where you get free bus transportation from the Orlando airport to your Disney Resort, if you want a “car free” vacation. (which, given the size and variety of Walt Disney World, it can certainly be done.)

• Disney has a group of resorts in the “budget” category – The All Star group. These are a wonderful group of hotel rooms, reasonably priced and full of Disney magic. Don’t let the category steer you away. They have good food courts and great pool areas.

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.