PassPorter s Disney Speed Planner. 1 Today. 2 Calendar. 3 Parks. 4 Passes. PassPorter Reg.: Cut, trim at dotted line, and insert in PassPocket.

Transcription

1 Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today

2 1 Today 2 Calendar Page 2 PassPorter s Disney Speed Planner: The Easy Ten-Step Program to a Perfect Walt Disney World Vacation by Justine Fellows by PassPorter Travel Press, an imprint of MediaMarx, Inc. P.O. Box 3880, Ann Arbor, Michigan Visit us on the World Wide Web at 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks PassPorter is a registered trademark of MediaMarx, Inc. Photographs on cover and pages 13 and 31 Chad and Nikki Larner; photographs on pages 4, 11, 17, and 27 Justine Fellows ; all other photographs MediaMarx, Inc. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, except as permitted under sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act. PassPorter s Disney Speed Planner: The Easy Ten Step Program to a Perfect Walt Disney World Vacation is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this book, the passage of time will always bring changes, and consequently, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors that may occur. The author and publisher of this book shall not be held liable for any information (valid or invalid) presented here and do not represent The Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney World is a registered trademark of The Walt Disney Company. This book makes reference to various Disney copyrighted characters, trademarks, marks, and registered marks owned by The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., and other trademark owners. The use in this guide of trademarked names and images is strictly for editorial purposes, and no commercial claim to their use, or suggestion of sponsorship or endorsement, is made by the authors or publisher. Those words or terms that the author and publisher have reason to believe are trademarks are designated as such by the use of initial capitalization, where appropriate. However, no attempt has been made to identify or designate all words or terms to which trademark or other proprietary rights may exist. Nothing contained herein is intended to express a judgment on, or affect the validity of legal status of, any word or term as a trademark, service mark, or other proprietary mark. PassPorter s Disney Speed Planner: The Easy Ten-Step Program to a Perfect Walt Disney World Vacation is authored by Justine Fellows and edited by Jennifer Marx. The information presented is for entertainment purposes. Any stated opinions are ours alone, unless otherwise noted, and do not represent The Walt Disney Company or anyone else. Materials submitted and credited by persons other than ourselves are used here with their permission, and any associated rights belong to them. Any and all written messages, suggestions, ideas, or other information shared with the author in response to this guide shall be deemed and shall remain the property of PassPorter Travel Press. Special Sales: PassPorter Travel Press publications are available at special discounts for bulk purchases for sales premiums or promotions. Special editions, including personalized covers and excerpts of existing guides, can be created in large quantities. For information, write to Special Sales, P.O. Box 3880, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Resale of this guide is strictly prohibited without the copyright holder s permission. If you purchased this publication from someone other than PassPorter Travel Press, please call ISBN-13: ISBN-10: Version 3.0 (March 2016)

3 1 Today PassPorter s Disney Speed Planner The Easy Ten-Step Program to a Perfect Walt Disney World Vacation Authored by Justine Fellows Edited by Jennifer Marx PassPorter Travel Press An imprint of MediaMarx, Inc. P.O. Box 3880, Ann Arbor, MI WAYFARER 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar

4 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Page 4 About the Author Rumor has it that Justine s love of Walt Disney World stems from being deprived by her non- Disney parents. Much to their dismay, she has made up for it with 15 trips under her belt, including a trip with 17 family members. Justine lives with her husband Cris, a fire fighter, and two daughters, Kallie and Emma, in Connecticut where she works in education. Be careful she s been known to turn even the most unenthusiastic Disney traveler into a fan. Her parents even managed to enjoy almost every minute of their trip! She is passionate about travel, having enjoyed trips around the U.S. and to Africa, India, Europe, and the Caribbean. Seeing the difference that research and organization made in the success of her own trips inspired her to write an easy stepby-step planner that will help to bring a little magic to yours! About the Editor People Behind the Planner Jennifer Marx is the co-author of PassPorter s Walt Disney World Resort, PassPorter s Disney Cruise Line and Its Ports of Call, PassPorter s Disneyland Resort and Southern California Attractions, PassPorter s Disney 500, PassPorter s Cruise Clues, and several other titles. She s been to Walt Disney World well over 100 times, and the majority of her trips have been with kids of various ages, including her stepdaughter Allie and son Alexander. Acknowledgments Thanks to everyone else who puts up with my incessant Disney planning, especially my family and saint-like husband. And a special thank you to Jennifer Marx for her incredible Disney knowledge and editing skills! A special thanks to these important folks behind the scenes at PassPorter Travel Press: Publishers: Jennifer Marx and Dave Marx Online Coordinator and Newsletter Editor: Sara Varney Printer: Edwards Brothers, Ann Arbor, MI

5 Luck favors the prepared. Edna Mode, The Incredibles Are you too busy to obsessively plan your vacation? Are you looking for the best advice on what to do and what to avoid? Do you just want to go and have fun without all the fuss? Then this is the planner for you! When I talked to friends going to Walt Disney World, I noticed that most were not like me when it came to their trips. They hadn t psychotically planned and researched up to a year in advance; I ve been told that I need a therapist. My friends had their accommodations in order (they were either in a hotel or staying with relatives), their flights booked, and that s it they were done. Often, just a few weeks out from the trip, they would casually mention to me that they were heading to Walt Disney World. In my excitement, I would start rattling off all the great things I assumed that they had completed, such as dining reservations, park schedules, adventures, and childcare. The stunned looks on their faces summed it all up. My friends had no idea what I was talking about. I tried not to scare them with lectures on advance planning, but the thought of sending them into the World without some kind of itinerary just freaked me out. So I wrote a short guide with ten easy steps to help those without a lot of time have a great vacation. Due to the time constraints, I ask that you trust me. You have little time and I can t give you a lot of choices I can only lead you in the right direction to make this a smooth and magical trip! If you decide that you have Disney fever when you get back, I have included additional information, a list of recommended books and web sites for the advanced planner. Special Notes: This planner is best suited for those staying at one of Disney s resorts (to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours and transportation) and for families with children, though everyone will find helpful tips. Also, I make many recommendations and warnings in this planner based on my personal experiences. Feel free to prove me wrong. I will be extremely happy if you are the lucky one who gets reservations to Be Our Guest two days before the trip when I have gloated that only advanced planners can do this that s part of the magic! I hope that taking advantage of the Speed Planner will open up extra time for spontaneity and relaxation. Enjoy! About the Planner I would love to hear from you! Contact me at justine@onvacation.us 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today

6 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Page 6 Table of Contents Ten steps to creating your perfect vacation! Step One: Start Today!... 7 Step Two: Create Your Base Calendar... 8 Step Three: Plan Your Visits to the Park Step Four: Choose Your Park Passes Step Five: Pick Your Dining Step Six: Add Kids Adventures, Tours, and More...30 Step Seven: Pack Your Bags Step Eight: Travel From the Airport...34 Step Nine: Add the Magic Step Ten: Soothe Your Psyche Also included: So Now What? (What to Expect When You Get There) Calendar Templates...48 Dining Plan Worksheet Reservations Worksheet What the Heck Are They Talking About?...54 My Kid Won t Do That! (Activities Your Kids Will Want to Do) For the Advanced Planner Important Phone Numbers...60 Notes I went to Disney once when my children were young. I planned nothing, it was complete chaos, we were miserable I can definitely see how a plan would have made the difference. Nancy Fishkin You re in good hands!

7 Things to do today: o o o o o Step One: Start Today! Read this Speed Planner. I suggest you read it and any other sources of information in small doses. Too much information can be overwhelming and counter-productive. When you feel overwhelmed, step back and remember the basics: meet Mickey, see the castle, enjoy family time! Put a big box somewhere in your house and start collecting the items that you ll need for the trip (more on that later). Create a My Disney Experience account at You will need this to book restaurant reservations and FastPasses. Buy the latest copy of PassPorter Walt Disney World not only does it allow you to reference height restrictions, maps, an entire list of restaurants, etc., it also serves as a great place to keep your paperwork and plans. If you haven t booked your hotel yet, use PassPorter to pick a Disney resort hotel and book at 407-WDISNEY. Booking an onsite resort allows you to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, Disney transportation, and many of the tips in this planner. Not staying onsite? Don t worry you will still find the planner helpful! Full Speed Ahead Checklist o Create base calendar (see Step 2). o Decide on park plan (Step 3). o Buy park passes if they aren t included in package (Step 4). o Choose and book restaurants (Step 5). o Review shows, kids adventures, and more to see if there are any you d like to book (Step 6). o Review the Packing List and buy any missing items (Step 7). o Reserve Disney s Magical Express or a car service (Step 8). o Learn tips (Step 9) and relieve tension (Step 10). o Relax and read the Extras. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today

8 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Page 8 Step Two: Create Your Base Calendar Before you begin, I highly recommend that you find a quiet spot to work; I like to lock myself in the bathroom. Putting together your Disney calendar is a lot like putting together an intricate puzzle don t expect to do it in one sitting and do expect to get confused and sometimes a bit frustrated. You ll find as you get more familiar with how it works that it becomes part of the excitement of going to Disney and less like work. a. Use the calendar templates on pages 48-51, PassPorter s trip planning tools at DisneyPlanner.com, or a spreadsheet on your computer to plot the days of your vacation. b. Get online and check Extra Magic Hours (EMH) during your visit at Disney s web site: (click on the Parks & Tickets/Park Hours link). Also, it s helpful to check if you are travelling during low, moderate, or high attendance times you ll find this information at and in the Best of Times chart on page 14 of the PassPorter guidebook. c. In your calendar, plug in the morning EMH times for the parks. I know you want to sleep late, but I m sorry, you can t. EMH are the best way to experience fewer crowds, happy kids, and a chance to come back to your hotel for a nap in the afternoon. So suck it up. If you are going for a longer trip (more than five days), I ll give you a day or two to sleep in. P The average Disney guest arrives at a park mid-morning if you arrive earlier, even on non-emh days, you ll have an advantage! Those not staying onsite should try to arrive minutes before park opening. A Grand Gathering at Disney s Animal Kingdom

9 1 Today d. Now plug in the evening EMH hours if you think your kids can stay up late. Add sleep-in days where you will enjoy the resort, a trip to Downtown Disney, and do something later in the evening. This may not be a possibility if you are on a short trip and want to visit as many parks as possible. I guess you can sleep on the plane. Here s what your calendar may look like at this point: Morning EMH Breakfast Morning Lunch Afternoon Dinner Evening Evening EMH Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Arrival day no EMH Magic Kingdom 8:00 am Disney s Hollywood Studios *** Disney s Hollywood Studios 8:00 am no EMH no EMH Animal Kingdom 8:00 am Epcot 12:00 am Kingdom Animal *** Epcot 8:00 am Magic Kingdom 1:00 am Magic Kingdom *** Return home *** Indicates an EMH that is not being used. Kids can t always stay up that late and you shouldn t feel like you have to use the EMH. It s okay to relax. Congratulations! You have your base calendar. You may not have early or late EMH times for all of the parks during your stay. This is not a problem it will give you more flexibility. P Younger kids often get anxious about where they are going and what they are doing each day. Avoid endless questions by creating a Family Calendar so that they feel in the know. If your children aren t reading yet, use pictures. I love to have my youngest work on this project about a week before we leave she loves to put together her very own calendar and it s the first thing we put up when we arrive in our hotel room. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar

10 1 Today 2 Calendar Page 10 Step Three: Plan Your Visits to the Park Walt Disney World has four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney s Hollywood Studios, and Disney s Animal Kingdom. There are also two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), Downtown Springs, and many resorts. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks P How will we make it to see everything? You won t. There s just too much to see on one trip, or ten for that matter. Looking through the rides and ratings in the PassPorter guide will help your family to decide which parks are priorities. My Ideal Schedule for a Visiting Parks With Young Kids 7:30 am to 2:00 pm Go early to a park (take advantage of EMH when possible), eat lunch, and get back to your Disney resort by 2:00 pm. 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Nap and snack. 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm Refreshing swim. 5:30 pm Head out for dinner at a park or a fun resort. 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm Enjoy a few more rides, possibly see fireworks or parades. 9:30 pm Head back to your resort. If you use the above schedule, plan to visit a park on the day it offers EMH mornings, if available. Sleepy Head Schedule (for Longer Trips) Morning Sleep in and head to the parks for lunch. Make sure to take advantage of booking FastPasses online! They will run out quickly for the most popular rides. 12:00 to 4:00 pm After lunch, explore the park and take advantage of younger kids heading back to the resort for naps. 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm Take a break, find a cool, quiet ride, and have a snack. 7:30 pm Head to dinner. Rest of evening Take advantage of late-night rides, especially during the parades. Close the park and head back to your resort. If you use the above schedule, visit a theme park on the day it offers EMH evenings, if available. P ALERT! The new FastPass system allows you to book passes as early as 60 days before your trip (if you re a Disney resort guest) or 30 days before (if you re not staying at a Disney resort). The passes will automatically connect to your MagicBands/park passes and can be updated easily via the MyDisneyExperience Mobile App or kiosks throughout the parks. I highly recommend that you take advantage of this.

11 1 Today Ideal Park Visits I like to use the term visits, which refers to a 4- to 6-hour block of time. This amount of time is usually perfect when you are with kids. Obviously the number of visits will be determined by the length of your stay the visits below are based on a 6-night/7-day trip. Magic Kingdom: 2 or 3 visits Epcot: 2 or 3 visits (1 for Future World and 2 for World Showcase, especially for dinner) Disney-MGM Studios: 1 visit Disney s Animal Kingdom: 1 visit Disney Springs: 1 visit Based on your needs and length of stay, pick the Ideal Schedule or the Sleepy Head Schedule (or mix and match). Then decide how many visits of each park you ll be able to fit into your trip. Now match up the park s morning or evening EMH hours to your schedule choice, pencil in park visits in the Morning, Afternoon, and Evening sections on your calendar, and voila... you have a park plan! See page 24 for a sample of how your calendar may look at this point. P The bigger the crowds, the more important it is to get there early! Remember to plan at least 45 minutes in for transportation from your resort to your destination. All forms of transportation - monorail, boats, buses and cars! 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar

12 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks Page 12 Time Saving Tips Split Epcot into two visits; one visit for Future World and one or two for World Showcase. Nibble around the countries at night and watch IllumiNations this is one of my favorite things to do on our last night! Skip Disney Springs if your time is limited, unless your kids are major LEGO fans, virtual reality fans (DisneyQuest), or you REALLY love to shop. Plan a longer day for Disney s Animal Kingdom. Consider your resort a theme park in its own right. Put time aside to explore the pool, playground, activities, and theming. Ask the front desk for special guides, activity times, Hidden Mickey sheets, and coloring books. Use FastPass. It s free! Booking FastPasses online is HIGHLY recommended even if you are unsure of what rides to choose. If you are not staying onsite, go to a FastPass kiosk immediately upon entering the park and ask for help and recommendations if you need them! P Don t ignore MyDisneyExperience because you think it is confusing or will be easier to do when you arrive. You will be happy to have dining, FastPasses, etc. in order trust me! Slow down to see the magic. The rides are fun, but the true excitement is in everything around you the details, shops, first haircuts at the barber shop, unexpected character meetings, and spontaneous shows. Make sure to check the daily schedule ( Times Guide ) when you head into the park or before arriving on your MyDisneyExperience App. Take five minutes to check which shows and characters you would like to fit into your day you ll be happy you did! Go left if there is a choice between lines and you can t tell if one is shorter. Use Rider Switch on rides. For example, if you have a three- and an eight-year-old, and the older one wants to ride an older kid s ride, ask the attendant to do a rider switch. One adult watches the three-year-old while the other parent rides with the eight-year-old, and then you can switch. The eight-year-old gets to ride twice, and you don t have to wait in the long line twice! Just ask the cast member at the start of the queue! There are times when taking a taxi/uber makes sense. If you need an extra hour of rest before heading to dinner or a quick way home if you stayed too late, it s well worth the money! Taxis are available at all Disney resort entrance (ask the bellperson to call one for you) and outside park exits. I ve also had great success with Uber (see uber.com). Try not to feel rushed there will always be another bus coming, another monorail on its way! Keep an eye on your watch when waiting for the bus, boat or monorail - you will be surprised by how long 20 minutes can feel when the family is anxious to get going. Bring some stickers or bubbles to play with while you wait or get to know some fellow vacationers.

13 1 Today Sometimes the best place to be during the fireworks is outside of the parks, away from the crowds. Ask a cast member to suggest a good location. PPhotos: You can have your photos taken professionally wherever you see a Disney cast member photographer! They will scan your MagicBand or provide you with a Photo Pass card. You can then retrieve the photos online for a fee. Even better, hand them your phone/camera and they will take your photos for you they don t mind at all! 2 Calendar 3 Parks Park Prep I m often overwhelmed by the feeling that I will forget something when heading to the parks. Included in the Packing List (page 32) is a list of Park Prep items. Here are some tips: Prepare your stroller and/or backpack the night before. Make sure that MagicBands are in one place for easy access. You will need all of them each day. Consider some type of see-through bag for easy access and less time at security. Keep a drawer or suitcase filled with park refills diapers, wipes, sunscreen, etc. for easy access. Check your Lines Without Whine bag (see page 37) to see if it needs refills. Keep autograph books, pens, cameras, and pins handy (if you pin trade, see page 57). Expect to forget something. Disney will most likely have a place you can buy it. 5 Dining 4 Passes

14 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks Page 14 Magic Kingdom Touring Cheat Sheet If you have a princess or pirate addict, it may be a good idea to plan many visits to this park. Schedule your visits based on Extra Magic Hours, if possible. There is no perfect way to manage the parks, but because most young kids love Fantasyland, I would head there first to beat the crowds. Magic Kingdom is also a great park to visit in bits and pieces. Got two hours, head over to explore Adventureland, and come back another day for Tomorrowland. You don t have to do it all at once! P Don t rush through Main Street enjoy it! Look at the details and don t race by performers and characters! Quality really is better than quantity at Disney. My Favorite Magic Kingdom Tips: Keep an eye out for added magic. We recently discovered the Pirates Adventure - Treasure of the Seven Seas and it was amazing! Need to cool off with a snack? Try a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle (Adventureland). Don t even think about skipping it s a small world you know you want to hum that song all day! Use the Walt Disney World Railroad it s an easy way to beat crowds and get from one side of the park to the other. Need a break from the crowds and a chance to sit down and cool off? Tomorrowland Transit Authority hits the spot! Try riding popular attractions during the fireworks! If you want to beat the crowds for the bus, head out before the fireworks or wait until the crowds die down afterward. If you are stuck trying to get out during a parade, head into the stores on the right side of Main Street, U.S.A. They are all connected and you can get out much faster! Some areas of the park usually open later check the Times Guide before or when you enter. Plan to visit Fantasyland first, as it is almost always open with the park opens. Attractions and Rides With FastPass+: Barnstormer (Fantasyland) Big Thunder Mountain (Frontierland) Buzz Lightyear s Space Ranger Spin (Tomorrowland) Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Fantasyland) Enchanted Tales with Belle (Fantasyland) Haunted Mansion (Liberty Square) it s a small world (Fantasyland) Jungle Cruise (Adventureland) Mad Tea Party (Fantasyland) Magic Carpets of Aladdin (Adventureland) Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (Fantasyland) Mickey s PhilharMagic (Fantasyland) Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (Tomorrowland) Peter Pan s Flight (Fantasyland) Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland) Princess Fairytale Hall (Fantasyland) Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Fantasyland) Space Mountain (Tomorrowland) Splash Mountain (Frontierland) Tomorrowland Speedway (Tomorrowland) Town Square Theatre (Meet Mickey) - (Main Street) Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid (Fantasyland) Height Restrictions: Barnstormer: 35 Big Thunder Mountain: 40 Seven Dwarfs: 38 Space Mountain: 44 Splash Mountain: 40 Stitch s Great Escape: 40 Tomorrowland Speedway: 52 to drive solo The Baby Care Station is next to the Crystal Palace (Main Street, U.S.A.).

15 My Magic Kingdom Sample Touring Plan P Planning what rides, shows and attractions to visit makes for a perfect family night! Get out the PassPorter and sit down together to pick and choose who wants to see what and familiarize yourself with the parks! 1 Today 2 Calendar Touring Plan Heads Up: This is just a sample guideline be sure to choose rides that fit your family s interests and keep your eyes open for last minute opportunities! And check the Times Guide to add parades and fireworks! Morning Visit Plan: Arrive as early as possible Pick up a Times Guide or check the MyDisneyExperience App for special shows. Visit a FastPass+ Kiosk if you have not booked FP+ (FastPasses) yet! Take note of your FastPass times and weave other rides in between. Head to Fantasyland. Ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (FP+ Recommended) Ride Under the Sea (FP+ Recommended) Check the Times Guide to see if you can see a show near the castle Ride Dumbo Visit Mickey s PhilharMagic Ride Peter Pan s Flight Ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Ride it s a small world Ride Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (skip if not enough time) Head to Frontierland Ride Splash or Thunder Mountain FP+ Recommended! (If you have little ones too short to ride, use Rider Swap and look for the Laughing Place playground near Splash Mountain.) Lunch at Columbia Harbour House If you have extra time before heading back to the resort for a swim/nap,take the time to visit my sentimental favorites: Country Bear Jamboree and The Enchanted Tiki Room Take the Walt Disney World Railroad from the Frontierland Station back to the front entrance and head back to the hotel. Afternoon/Evening Visit Plan: Ride Buzz Lightyear s Space Ranger Spin - FP+ Recommended! Visit Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Ride Space Mountain - FP+ Recommended! (intense) or Tomorrowland Transit Transit Authority (relaxing). Head to Crystal Palace for a character dinner (reservations highly recommended) Ride Barnstormer or Thunder Mountain during parade or fireworks (multiple times if no line) Visit Mickey and Minnie at the Town Square Exposition Hall (FP+ Recommended) Stay for the Wishes fireworks show (try to find a spot near the front of the park for a quick exit to the busses or wait until the crowds die down and head back to your resort. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks

16 1 Today Page 16 2 Calendar 3 Parks My Magic Kingdom Sample Touring Plan (continued) P The more time you spend familiarizing yourself with the parks, the less time you ll spend with a your head in a map when you get there. Even those with a lot of experience will pull out the map the night before to review their plan. 5 Dining 4 Passes Justine Fellows Take a moment to try your strength can you pull the sword from the stone and prove you re noble? Located right next to the carousel.

17 Epcot Touring Cheat Sheet (My Favorite Park) I highly recommend tackling Epcot in two to three visits. It s a lot of walking, and there is much to explore. The park is split into two large sections: Future World and the World Showcase. In Future World, kids will love Finding Nemo and Turtle Talk With Crush, Living With The Land, and Journey Into Your Imagination. I am a sucker for Spaceship Earth. We love Test Track (my youngest started riding at age 4) and Soarin is wonderful! Kids love getting their very own passport in the World Showcase (available in the gift shops) and visiting the Kidcot fun stops to enjoy a craft, get their passport stamped, and talk with natives from the country. Taste lots of food! It s tempting to drink your way around the World Showcase, but you re not 21 anymore try candy instead! Make sure to catch the cheesy ride in Mexico (Grand Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros) and to look for the new Frozen-inspired ride in Norway. Check the schedule and make it a point to see some of the short, wonderful shows throughout the park! My Favorite Epcot Tips: Look for Jammitors, rhythmic musicians dressed like janitors playing trash cans. The path leading to Test Track has a beautiful Butterfly Garden. Need a break from the sun? Try Innoventions East for great family fun! Head into the Stave Church in Norway for a little more Frozen immersion. Check out the hedgerow maze in the United Kingdom the kids love it and you may run into the British Invasion, a Beatles cover band! Leave time to explore the wonderful shops in each country. Take a tour Epcot is a great place to try something new. Take the Behind the Seeds garden tour, or even SCUBA dive. Plan a night at Epcot for dinner and IllumiNations (fireworks and light show). Attractions and Rides With FastPass+: Frozen Ever After (World Showcase) Journey Into Imagination w/ Figment (Future World) Living With the Land (Future World) Mission: SPACE (Future World) The Seas With Nemo & Friends (Future World) Soarin (Future World) Spaceship Earth (Future World) Test Track (Future World) Turtle Talk With Crush (Future World) Height Restrictions: Mission: SPACE: 44 Soarin : 40 Test Track: 40 Onboard Test Track The Baby Care Station is on the back side of the Odyssey Center on the walkway from Test Track to Mexico. Chad and Nikki Larner 1 Today 2 Calendar 3 Parks 4 Passes 5 Dining

18 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks Page 18 Step Three: Plan Your Park Days (continued) My Epcot Sample Touring Plan Morning Visit Plan (Future World): Get a Times Guide or check the MyDisneyExperience App on your way into the park check show times, character meet and greets, and more Head to a FastPass+ kiosk if you haven t booked them on line Ride Soarin (FP+ Recommended) Ride Test Track (FP+ Recommended or use Single Rider Line) Ride Living With the Land Go to The Seas with Nemo & Friends and visit Turtle Talk With Crush - explore the aquarium Ride my sentimental favorites Journey Into Your Imagination and Spaceship Earth Head to England to enjoy Fish & Chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop for lunch and then head back to the hotel Late Afternoon/Evening Visit Plan (World Showcase): Grab a Times Guide or check the MyDisneyExperience App on your way into the park Explore World Showcase (it usually opens at 11:00 am) where you go is dependent on what countries you want to visit and what shows fit your schedule. Start by looking at the schedule of performances to determine what countries to visit before dinner. I like to choose two or three countries to explore in depth. Here s one example: Go to China and catch the acrobats performing; head into Yong Feng Shangdian department store it s almost like a museum; stop by the Kidcot fun stop; and explore the Temple of Heaven Head to Japan, check the schedule to catch Taiko drummers, stop in Mitsukoshi to buy oysters (for the pearls), visit the gardens, find the Kidcot fun stop, and enjoy the architecture of the buildings P Feel like Kidcot stops are a waste of time? Kids don t! They love them. Take a rest at Kidcot fun stops to sit down for a bit, take turns shopping, or take a bathroom break. If you have extra time before dinner, visit my sentimental favorite: Grand Fiesta Tour (Mexico) and enjoy a margarita at La Cava del Tequila! Eat dinner at Le Cellier in Canada (you ll need advance reservations) be sure to check out the waterfall in the back of the Canada pavilion P Want an amazing adventure and tour wrapped in one? Try Agent P s World Showcase Adventure. Kids of all ages will love the interactive, high-tech treasure hunt! Watch IllumiNations Let the crowds die down after the fireworks before you exit for a more leisurely walk back to the bus or your hotel

19 Disney s Hollywood Studios Touring Cheat Sheet Disney s Hollywood Studios is a bit different than other parks because most attractions are shows, not rides. The shows allow large groups to enter at one time, so be sure to check show times and ask cast members if you will make it into the show if the line is long. With kids, you will probably want to head to Playhouse Disney, Beauty and the Beast, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid (a little scary). Try not to miss my sentimental favorite Muppet*Vision 3-D. My Favorite Disney s Hollywood Studios Tips: If you have little kids who love Playhouse Disney, the show is a must. Princess fans will appreciate Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage! If you have Toy Story fans, make sure to get Toy Story Midway Mania FastPass! Also, visit the Toy Story and Cars characters at Pixar Place. P If the lines are too long to see a character, kids can still stand to the side and just enjoy watching their favorites! The 50s Prime Time Cafe is a great place for lunch. The wait staff pretends that you are family sense of humor is a must! Star Tours: The Adventures Continue is not very intense this is a great ride to test whether your child is ready for the BIG rides! Star Wars fans should check out Jedi Training Camp and plan to ride Star Tours multiple times to experience different versions (there are 53 total) Fantasmic! (nighttime show) is tempting but may be too intense and a bit too late for little ones. If you are at the park later, be sure to catch this amazing mix of fireworks and Disney characters! Need a thrill? Use a Rider Switch at Tower of Terror or Rock N Roller Coaster. Attractions and Rides With FastPass+: Beauty and the Beast - Live On Stage Disney Junior - Live On Stage! The Great Movie Ride Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Muppet Vision 3-D Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Toy Story Midway Mania! The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Voyage of the Little Mermaid Height Restrictions: Rock n Roller Coaster: 48 Star Tours II: 40 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: 40 The Baby Care Station is to the left of entrance by the information booth. 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks

20 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks Page 20 My Disney s Hollywood Studios Sample Touring Plan Morning Visit Plan: Pick up a Times Guide or check the MyDisneyExperience App on your way into the park to check for special shows and parades Ride Toy Story Midway Mania (FP+ Recommended) Ride Star Tours (FP+ Recommended) See Muppet*Vision 3-D Eat lunch at 50s Prime Time Café See Disney Junior Live on Stage! (elbows off the table!) Enjoy Beauty and the Beast See Voyage of the Little Mermaid Are they real? Toy Story soldiers make their way through Disney s Hollywood Studios Late Afternoon/Evening Visit Plan: Pick up a Times Guide or check the MyDisneyExperience App on your way into the park to check for special shows and parades Ride Toy Story Midway Mania (FP+ Recommended) Ride Star Tours (FP+ Recommended) See Muppet*Vision 3-D Have dinner at the Hollywood Brown Derby (make advance reservations) See Disney Junior Live on Stage! and/or Beauty and the Beast See Fantasmic! (arrive early to get good seats) Let the crowds die down and head back to the hotel

21 Disney s Animal Kingdom Touring Cheat Sheet P Did someone tell you this park wasn t worth visiting? Think again. Disney s Animal Kingdom is wonderful, but more than any park, it requires planning and a willingness to enjoy your surroundings. Take it slow and enjoy the spectacular theming and zoo-like atmosphere! Disney s Animal Kingdom is a wonderful mix of live animals, rides, and shows. It allows you to explore nature and cultural experiences, throw in an occasional thrill ride, and then sit back for an air-conditioned performance. It is a great park to slow down your pace, open your senses, and enjoy the little things. Don t rule out what you may think to be boring, such as a nature walk or bird show. This is Disney, folks and they do it right! I recommend heading to the Kilimanjaro Safaris (Africa) first thing! Make sure to bring a bathing suit for Kali River Rapids you will get wet, but it is so much fun. Take your time exploring Discovery Island and keep a look out for Devine the Tree Lady if you see people staring at something in the bushes, that s her! My Favorite Animal Kingdom Tips: Don t miss Festival of the Lion King (Africa). Have the kids sit up front if possible, as they may be chosen to participate. This is my favorite show! In The Boneyard (DinoLand), go up across the bridge that leads over the walkway to discover the dinosaur graveyard and dig site. Expedition Everest is very intense but amazing! (My daughter loved it at seven and we now try to ride multiple times) Look for the buttons on the bridge over Kali River Rapids push them to make the elephants squirt the riders passing by. Take the train to Rafiki s Planet Watch to visit the a wonderful petting zoo! If you go early you may be able to witness live animal care which sometimes includes surgery! Vets are often available to meet and talk with park visitors. Across from the Dawa Bar (great mojitos!) is what appears to be an old fort go in and you ll find a nice, quiet spot to relax. Disney s Animal Kingdom involves a lot of walking and time in the heat. To cool off, try riding Kali River Rapids mid-day it s refreshing! Even if the line looks outrageous for Finding Nemo The Musical there is a good chance you ll get in the theater is huge! Keep an eye out for a new nightime show Rivers of Light and the highly anticipated Avatar Land! Attractions and Rides with FASTPASS: Adventurer s Outpost (Discover Island) Dinosaur (DinoLand U.S.A.) Expedition Everest (Asia) Festival of the Lion King (Africa) Finding Nemo - The Musical Kali River Rapids (Asia) Kilimanjaro Safaris (Africa) It s Tough to Be a Bug! (Discovery Island) Primeval Whirl (DinoLand U.S.A.) Height Restrictions: Dinosaur: 40 Expedition Everest: 44 Primeval Whirl: 48 Kali River Rapids: 38 The Baby Care Station is near the Creature Comforts gift shop on Discovery Island on the left side of the Tree of Life. 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks

22 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks Page 22 Step Three: Plan Your Park Days (continued) My Disney s Animal Kingdom Sample Touring Plan Morning/Afternoon Visit Plan: Arrive 15 minutes early for The Awakening (music, live animals, and characters outside the park before opening) Get a Times Guide or check the MyDisneyExperience App on your way into the park and check for special shows and parades Head to the FP+ kiosks if you haven t already booked FastPasses Head directly to Africa and board the Kilimanjaro Safaris Explore the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail Head to Asia Enjoy the Maharajah Jungle Trek Ride Expedition Everest (little ones can watch and enjoy the animals nearby) Eat lunch at Tusker House Get FASTPASSes for Dinosaur Ride Kali River Rapids P Change into your bathing suits before riding Kali River Rapids you ll get very wet! See the afternoon parade Head to DinoLand, U.S.A. Expedition Everest Ride Dinosaur Play at The Boneyard playground Check out Finding Nemo The Musical If you have the energy, explore the Tree of Life and Discovery Island Late Afternoon/Evening Visit Plan (includes dinner): Get a Times Guide or check the MyDisneyExperience App as you head into the park Head to the FastPass Kiosk to see what is available if you haven t booked them already Ride Kiliminjaro Safaris Enjoy the Maharajah Jungle Trek See the Festival of the Lion King Ride Expedition Everest Catch the afternoon parade if possible Eat dinner at Flame Tree Barbecue Head to The Boneyard Ride Dinosaur If you have time, explore the Tree of Life and Discovery Island Head back to your hotel

23 As If That Weren t Enough! (Please ignore this page if your brain is about to explode!) Trying to stretch your dollars with a non-park Hopper Pass? Here is a list of noentrance-fee places to visit that are almost like a theme park in themselves: 1 Today 2 Calendar Disney Springs: Shop, Shop, Shop Eat, Eat, Eat Kids love the LEGO Store, the buzz and liveliness of the area, and the many cool shops and restaurants. Bring a change of clothes for the great fountains at the entrance. Stop by the huge pin trading store to see some lively pin trading in action! Drinks at the Polynesian Village Resort: Head over to the Polynesian Village (you can take a boat ride from the Magic Kingdom) to walk around the grounds and enjoy drinks at Trader Sam s or the Tambu Lounge. This relaxing resort is a perfect place to spend the evening and Ohana is very popular for dinner! Catch the Electric Light Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon or top off the evening by watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Polynesian beach. Visit the BoardWalk: Nestled behind Epcot is the BoardWalk, reminiscent of a Jersey boardwalk complete with entertainment, restaurants, and shopping. Surrey bikes are available to rent and nice walkway brings you right over to the Yacht & Beach Club, another great resort to explore and visit. Make a night of the Animal Kingdom Lodge: With it s stunning lobby and animalfilled savannahs, Animal Kingdom Lodge is an amazing place to explore. Enjoy drinks at Victoria Falls. Jiko, Boma and Sanaa (Kidani) are wonderful restaurants. Spend some time talking with the informative guides. As the sun sets ask to view the animals through night vision glasses and enjoy stories by the fire. P Be warned: Animal Kingdom Lodge is not walking distance from Animal Kingdom you will need to take a different bus to get to this resort. Head over to Fort Wilderness for a wild west experience. Activities include carriage rides, trail rides, and lots more to explore. Guest can enjoy a campfire with Chip and Dale that includes s mores and a movie! Pick any of the deluxe resorts and head over for drinks, walks and a relaxing experience! If you don t mind spending a bit of money, visit one of these fun spots: Typhoon Lagoon (Water Park) Blizzard Beach (Water Park) Cirque de Soleil (Disney Springs West Side) Fantasia (Miniature Golf) Winter Summer Land (Miniature Golf) Disney s Wide World of Sports Plus golf, fishing excursions, boat rides the list goes on and on. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks

24 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks Page 24 Sample Vacation Schedule With Park Plan Morning EMH Breakfast Morning Lunch Afternoon Dinner Evening Evening EMH Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Arrival day Travel & check in to Port Orleans Riverside Magic Kingdom Main Street Relax and unpack at hotel no EMH Magic Kingdom 8:00 am Magic Kingdom Pool/nap Explore Explore Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney s Hollywood Studios *** Hollywood Studios 8:00 am Hollywood Studios no EMH - sleep late Sleep late Animal Kingdom 8:00 am Animal Kingdom Pool/nap Epcot Animal Kingdom and pool/ nap Disney Springs (childcare) no EMH Illumi- Nations at Epcot Epcot 12:00 am Fireworks at Contemporary or head back early Animal Kingdom *** Epcot 8:00 am Epcot Future World Pool/nap Magic Kingdom parade & fireworks Magic Kingdom 1:00 am Magic Kingdom *** Sleep late Pool/ pack Airport Return home *** Indicates an EMH that is not being used. Kids can t always stay up that late and you shouldn t feel like you have to use the EMH. It s okay to relax. In this six-night/seven-day example, we have three visits to the Magic Kingdom, two visits to Epcot, one visit to Disney s Hollywood Studios, and one visit to Disney s Animal Kingdom, as well as plenty of pool/nap times and some extra things like exploring the Polynesian and a adult s night out at Disney Springs. Your schedule will look much different, as it will be based on your family s needs and the Extra Magic Hours, which vary week by week. Just be sure to schedule downtime, whether it be naps, sleeping in, or an evening by the pool.

25 4 Passes Step Four: Choose Your Park Passes Disney recently introduced MagicBands, a rubbery, waterproof wrist band that allows you to connect to many systems throughout the parks and resorts. You will receive complimentary MagicBands if you are staying at a Disney resort or if you are an annual passholder. If you are not staying onsite, you will receive a plastic card as your ticket that will work in the same fashion. You can purchase a MagicBand and associate the card with it if you prefer. Bands can be customized through MyDisneyExperience and can be mailed directly to you or picked up when you arrive at your hotel. The band connects with your MyDisneyExperience account and allows you to: 1 Today 2 Calendar 3 Parks 4 Enter the theme parks. 4 Unlock your hotel room door. 4 Access and use your FastPasses. 4 Pay for food, drinks and merchandise in the park. 4 Connect to Disney s PhotoPass. 4 Check into Magical Express. The bands connect you to Disney and gives your information to Disney employees. Is this a problem? For some, it is disconcerting. For me, bring it on! It is another way that Disney customized your vacation and can add some magic touches. Some MagicBand tips: 4 Don t forget to pack your MagicBands in your carryon luggage just in case! Have them handy for easy check in to Magical Express. 4 Peel the outer piece off the band for a much better fit for smaller wrists. 4 Write your cell phone number on the inside of the band in case it gets lost. 4 Each member of your party needs their band with them. 4 If park passes are not included in your vacation package (if you have one, that is), visit these sites (or the official Disney World site) for the most recent park options, check or My Pick for Park Passes If you can afford a Park Hopper it gives your more flexibility with planning. If not, NO PROBLEM! We often do not buy hoppers because we find it more relaxing and it gives us a chance to explore all of the non-park options listed on page 23. Park passes are expensive up to three days, and then it is a minimal amount to add more days (as seen in the chart). If you stay six nights, you may want to get a 7-day ticket. Where to Buy Buy tickets in advance at the Disney site ( Also make a quick call or trip to AAA and to compare prices. DO NOT search everywhere for the best deal. There really aren t many discounts. The discounts that are there are often minimal and sometimes scams. It s just not worth it, especially when you don t have a lot of time. P Planning on going to Walt Disney World for more than 10 days in one year? If so, purchasing an annual pass can save you money! Also, if you are a Florida resident, call Disney to ask about discounts on park tickets. 5 Dining 4 Passes

26 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining Page 26 P Should Step Five: Pick Your Dining I get a Disney Dining Plan? Does each member of you family have a hearty appetite and are they willing to figure out how to use the plan and track dining credits? Will you be eating every meal at a sit-down restaurant or quick-service location? If you answer yes, one of the dining plans may work well for you. If you answered no, your best bet may be to pay as you go. Based on our family s needs, we have found that financially it works out better for us without a plan. Disney s dining plans do help to budget by allowing you to prepay, and if you don t use one, you will need to mentally prepare for a big bill at the end of your stay. If you think that you will be stuffing yourself with junk food at Walt Disney World, you re in for a very pleasant surprise! Disney offers and incredible selection of snack, walk up, and sit down restaurant choices in both its parks and resorts. Before we get started on our dining journey let s learn the lingo. Let s start with the type of dining -- there are a number of different dining options: Snacks Snack carts are located throughout the parks and offer anything from ice cream, popcorn, and cotton candy to fruit, smoothies, and even crepes. There are also stores within the parks and resorts that offer packaged snacks. And let s not forget the wonderful candy store on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and the very famous giant, smoked turkey legs available in the parks. These suckers bring out the carnivore in anyone. Disney refers to the next level of dining as counter or quick service. These are walkup locations, also at both the resorts and parks, which usually offer seating nearby. They sell heartier meals ranging from traditional park fare such as hamburgers and hotdogs to more innovative items such as barbecue, diverse cuisine, wraps, pizza, and more. Quick service locations often offer dessert selections, soups, salads and drink options. Table service or sit down restaurants throughout Disney World have their own categories. Many have themes, entertainment, or something special that sets them apart from the restaurants that you can visit near home. Disney s most popular options are referred to as Signature Dining and require more dining credits and are often more expensive. Here s how I differentiate: * Character dining These sit-down establishments offer walk around visits by characters such as Winnie the Pooh, the Princesses, and of course, Mickey and Minnie. There are many choices for character meals in both the parks and resorts. * Other restaurants offer theming or entertainment such as belly dancers, science fiction films while eating in cars, and underwater views. There are also dinner shows such as a full Hawaiian Luau, Mickey s Backyard Barbecue and my family s personal, cheesy favorite, The Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Some of the sitdown restaurants are buffet style where you serve yourself, or family style, where they bring the buffet to you.

27 1 Today Disney is excellent at helping you with special dietary needs or picky eaters so don t be afraid to ask. There are over 200 dining choices at Disney World. Choosing your dining can be an exciting, as well as an essential part of planning. Since the inception of the dining plan, restaurants book quickly. At Disney, you can make advance reservations up to 180 days before your trip begins. This is helpful for advanced planners, but don t feel overwhelmed if you are only a few weeks out and haven t yet made dining reservations. You may have to settle for later or earlier reservations and I recommend having second and sometimes third choices ready. While you can be spontaneous, table-service restaurants get very crowded, and there have been many times when I have seen frustrated patrons without reservations turned away because the restaurant is at full capacity. I highly recommend booking through reserving online in MyDisneyExperience, or calling 407-WDW-DINE to book advance reservations (you can also book reservations by visiting Guest Relations at the parks or the Lobby Concierge at the resorts), even if the reservations are for the same day. If you re using one of the Disney Dining Plans, make sure to track your credits to get the most out of your plan. With the Basic Dining Plan, each person on the plan receives one snack option (snack or soft drink), one quick service option (entree or combo meal, dessert, and soft drink), and one table-service option (entree, dessert, and soft drink) per day. You can save up options to use for dinner shows, signature restaurants that cost two credits, or breakfast. Use the Dining Planning Worksheet at the end of this guide or PassPorter s Disney Trip Planner Tools to track your meals it can get confusing! If you are not using the Dining Plan, refer to the dining section in the PassPorter guide book and/or Disney s web site and check out the menus at to check prices. To save money, eat table-service meals at lunch and quick service meals at dinner. Also, share when possible Disney restaurants are known for their large portions. Note: Magic Kingdom currently has limited restaurants that serve alcohol. My guess is that this will soon change. Wink $$ Wink. Coral Reef at Epcot 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 5 Dining

28 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today 5 Dining Page 28 Step Five: Pick Your Dining (continued) My Dining Picks: Please refer to your PassPorter for complete eatery descriptions, ratings, pricing, and a listing of all restaurant choices. Magic Kingdom Cinderella s Royal Table Breakfast (Character Princesses, Table)* Columbia Harbour Haus (Quick Service) Crystal Palace (Character Pooh & Friends, Table - Buffet)* The Plaza Restaurant (Table) Epcot (the park to dine at!) Biergarten (Table with show, Buffet) Coral Reef (Table) The Garden Grill (Character Mickey & friends, Table - Family Style Buffet) Les Chefs de France (Table) Restaurant Marrakesh (Table with show) Yorkshire County Fish Shop (Quick Service) Tangierine Café (Quick Service) Disney s Hollywood Studios 50s Prime Time Café (Table) Hollywood Brown Derby (Table) Backlot Express (Quick Service) Disney s Animal Kingdom Flame Tree Barbecue (Quick Service) Tusker House (Table - Buffet) Picnic Lunches - check availability at Guest Services Disney Springs Fulton s Crab House (Table) Ghirardelli Soda Fountain (Dessert) Resorts Beaches & Cream Beach/Yacht Club (Table) Boma Animal Kingdom Lodge (Table - Buffet) California Grill Contemporary (Table) Cape May Cafe Breakfast Beach Club Resort (Character Mickey & Friends, Table - Buffet) Citricos Grand Floridian (Table) Flying Fish Café BoardWalk (Table) Sanaa - Animal Kingdom Lodge (Kidani Village) (Table) Whispering Canyon Cafe Wilderness Lodge (Table activities for kids) * VERY popular - call early to get reservations Justine Fellows The entertainment doesn t end when you dine! Kallie and Emma can t get enough at Hoop-Dee-Doo!

29 1 Today Dining Tips Dress is casual except for some of the upscale restaurants, particularly Victoria & Albert s. If a restaurant has a dress code, it is mentioned in the PassPorter book. Head out early for dinner. Make sure to leave at least an hour to travel if you are leaving from your resort, especially when traveling to another resort, which will require a transfer at a park. You can always spend any extra time exploring the fantastic properties! If you re willing to pay, this is a great time to use a taxi/uber. For those of you on the Dining Plan, here are some tips: Make sure to ask a cast member (employee) to explain what you can get with your snack, counter-service, and table-service meal. It s usually is a bit confusing until you get the hang of it. Print two copies of the Dining Plan Worksheet on page 52. The first copy is to use while planning out your meals before you leave. The second copy is for when you get there so that you can keep track of meals used. You can use your Dining Plan options however and whenever you want. It is fine to have two table-service meals in one day or none. Whatever works for you. If you think you may have to spend money on additional meals, do it at the end. You may be surprised that you have some left over, especially if you use the next tip. Share! Each table-service meal includes an entree, dessert, and soft drink. The portions are very large. I like to remind myself of this option by marking PS? (Possible Share?) below meals at which we might share. Please note: You cannot share at buffet or familystyle meals (meal types are noted in the PassPorter guidebook). We have had one or two quick service meals left over on both trips that we ve used the Dining Plan, even after planning! Both times we bought an unsuspecting family their meal! Disney magic. You can also trade them in for snacks for the ride home. Advance Dining Reservations You can make advanced dining reservations for all table-service meals, character meals, and dinner shows. Before you make your reservations, plug your dining choices into your calendar, keeping in mind the parks and other locations you ve planned for each part of the day. For example, a good day to do the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue dinner show is when you are going to do a half day at a park, as this leaves time for a nap, swim, and early departure to Fort Wilderness. Reserve a breakfast in a park before it opens. Try to match evening Extra Magic Hours of the park (if possible), just in case you want to take advantage after dinner. Once your dining choices are in your calendar, call Disney at 407-WDW-DINE ( ) or visit to book online. Remember to take your time and be flexible. Record your reservations in the chart on page 53, then note the actual times of your reservations in your calendar (see sample on page 31) or PassPorter s Trip Planner PTools at You ve done it! If you have finished steps 1 5, you are in great shape. Now on to the fun stuff! 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 5 Dining

30 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids Page 30 Step Six: Add Kids Adventures, Tours, and More Most Disney visitors don t venture into these until they have had a few visits under their belt, but I believe they are truly what makes Disney special. Each of these activities comes at an extra cost. Here are a few of my favorites refer to your PassPorter guide, call Disney (407-WDW-DINE), or visit for more information. Tours are constantly changing. Kids Adventures (drop-off) Pirate Adventure Cruises (multiple resort locations) Note: Children must be ages 4-10 (and potty trained) for the kids adventures. The Pirate Adventure and Adventures in Cooking are drop off so you should be comfortable with leaving your child. The Wonderland Tea Party requires that an adult attend with the child(ren). Tours (reserve at ) Behind the Seeds (Epcot) Family Magic Tour (Magic Kingdom) Keys to the Kingdom (Magic Kingdom) Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage (Contemporary Resort) Wild Africa Trek (Animal Kingdom) World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered (Epcot) Adults Night Out There are great options for a adult night out. Your best bet is an adult evening at a restaurant such as Raglan Road in Disney Springs, a romantic stroll on the BoardWalk followed by dueling pianos at Jellyrolls, or evening a quiet dinner right at your resort. Childcare If you are staying onsite, potty-trained kids ages 4 12 can attend any of the children activity centers located at the Polynesian Village, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club, and Dolphin Resorts. For more information and reservations, call In-room babysitting is available through Kids Nite Out ( or ). They bring activities for the kids and will take the kids anywhere in the resort arcade, playground, even for a meal except for the swimming pool. Don t forget to add any special activities to your calendar. Kallie points out the boat for their Pirate Adventure A private treasure hunt on the Family Magic Tour

31 Step Six: Add Kids Adventures (continued) 1 Today Here s what a calendar looks like with dining and kids adventures included: Morning EMH Breakfast Morning Lunch Afternoon Dinner Evening Evening EMH Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Arrival day Travel and check in Riverside Mill at Port Orleans (counter) Magic Kingdom Main Street Tony s Town Square (6:30 pm) PS? Relax and unpack at hotel Magic Kingdom 8:00 am Cinderella s Royal Table (8:00 am) Magic Kingdom Columbia Harbour House (counter) PS? Pool/nap Explore Polynesian Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge (7:00 pm) Night Vision Goggles at Animal Kingdom Lodge no EMH Studios *** Hollywood Studios 8:00 am Eat breakfast in room Hollywood Studios 50s Prime Time Cafe (12:30 pm) Pool/nap Riverside Mill at Port Orleans (counter) Disney Springs Adult Night Out (childcare) no EMH no EMH Sleep late and eat breakfast in room Pirate Adventure at Grand Floridian Gasparilla s Grill at Grand Floridian (counter) Pool/ Nap - Head to Epcot Le Cellier at Epcot (6:00 pm) PS? Illumi- Nations at Epcot Epcot 12:00 am PS? = Indicates that you can possibly share a meal Animal Kingdom 8:00 am Eat breakfast in room Animal Kingdom Flame Tree Barbecue (counter) Animal Kingdom and pool/ nap Chef Mickey s at Contemporary Resort (6:45 pm) Fireworks at Contemporary or head back early Animal Kingdom *** Epcot 8:00 am Eat breakfast in room Epcot Future World Coral Reef at Epcot (12:00 pm) Pool/nap Sassagoula Floatworks (Counter) Magic Kingdom parade & fireworks Magic Kingdom 1:00 am Magic Kingdom *** n/a Sleep late Riverside Mill at Port Orleans (counter) Pool/ pack Airport Return home 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids

32 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids Page 32 Step Seven: Pack Your Bags Casual clothing in layers, one to two outfits per day (especially in the hot summer months) Pajamas Underwear/socks Any dressy outfits for special nights out Costume/princess gear if necessary Toiletries, especially liquids Medication (liquids) Comfortable shoes Flip flops, water shoes or Tevas Swim gear - googles, small toys Swimsuits Bug Repellent (small bottle) Hats Light jackets/sweatshirts/sweaters Collapsible bag for return souvenirs Rain coats or ponchos (by at $1 store) Stain Stick Breakfast items - juice boxes, small cereals, granola bars, etc. Ziplocs for dirty diapers, wet suits, etc. Warm, layered clothes for the way home (if you come from the cold) Camera charger/extra memory cards Carry On The Plane Personal identification Money/Credit Cards/Cash for Tipping MagicBands, maps, guidebooks, etc. Phones/Chargers Pen or pencil Beach Bag for the pool when you get there, but also for easy access to items on plane Clothes for one full day, including PJs/ underwear/sweaters/swimsuits Medication Hand Sanitizer, sanitizer wipes for armrests and tray Backpack/Bag for parks Small change purse to hold hotel cards/tickets Hair Brush ipod/headphones for airplane Jewelry Sunglasses Meal/Snacks Books, toys, games, crafts, blankets Swimsuits Tissues Snuggle toys/blanket Books/magazines Traveling With Little Ones Reclining stroller (for young kids, so they can nap anywhere) Small diaper bag Diapers and wipes (enough for entire trip) Baby bottles Sippy cups Paper bibs (i.e., Bibsters) Extra Helpers If There Is Space Tip envelopes/cash for Mousekeepers Reusable water bottles Pop-up laundry basket(s) Rain cover for stroller Flashlights for late night reading and dark rides Little stuffed animals/gifts Post-It notes to stop the automatic flush toilets (especially for kids potty training) Return address labels for back of Photo Pass and tickets (in case of loss) Nightlights Light sticks and necklaces much cheaper to buy at home Over the door shoe holder to hold toiletries, receipts, and small items Small power strip for charging devices Once You re There - For the Parks Each Day MagicBands Maps/Itinerary Backpack for parks Sunscreen/Sunglasses Rain ponchos/sweaters Juice boxes and snacks Autograph book(s) and fat pen(s) ones that the characters can hold/pins/pressed Pennies Lines Without Whine survival bag (chalk, stickers, bubbles) see page 37 Camera/Cell phones in ziplock to keep dry Stroller/Clips for stroller (to hold jackets, blankets, rain ponchos secure) Hats Diaper Bag if travelling with infant/toddler

33 Step Seven: Pack Your Bags (continued) Questions About Traveling With Little Ones Should I rent a stroller? The strollers in the parks are nice, but my pick is to bring your own. Your own stroller is much less likely to get taken by mistake when this happens, you have to find a stroller rental area to get it replaced. Bringing your own stroller also means you have it available to and from the bus (a huge help with tired kids), you can get the stroller prepped before you leave (though you often have to remove things from it to break it down for the bus), and you won t have to wait to rent a stroller as you enter the park. Not sure if your child will need a stroller? You can always rent older kids a stroller at the park if they need one, but it is a good idea to have one for kids 4 and under. Why a reclining stroller? It s tempting to bring a lightweight umbrella stroller, but reclining is the key to allow your child to nap anywhere. [Editor s Note: If you really prefer an umbrella stroller, you can find lightweight strollers that recline if you look carefully. I used a Maclaren Quest reclining umbrella stroller that was perfect for travel, and my son slept in it easily.] Should I bring the Pack n Play? All Disney hotels offer a Pack n Play crib in the hotel room (if it isn t there upon arrival, just call housekeeping to request one free of charge). If you re not staying at Disney hotel, call the hotel in advance to see if they provide one. Can I buy diapers there? Yes, but I like to bring them along they are cheaper, the right brand, and when I use them up, I have room to pack goodies that we have purchased and collected. Where can I nurse my baby? Legally, anywhere you like. If you prefer privacy and a place to sit, the Baby Care Centers have private nursing areas with rocking chairs. [Editor s Note: I nursed my son all over Walt Disney World outside on benches, at restaurants, on attractions, and of course, at the Baby Care Centers and encountered no problems at all. I do suggest you bring a sling for nursing ease.] Can I buy formula there? Yes, formula is available at all of the Baby Care Centers (they sell Gerber Good Start brand) as well as at most general store markets at Disney resort hotels. Will it be too hot for my child? It can get very warm in the summer in Florida if your child is not used to it, it may be uncomfortable. Infants and toddlers are also unable to regulate their body temperatures as well as older children and adults, and special attention should be paid to the temperature. If you have concerns about the heat, you ll find it works best to tour in the morning and evening, using the afternoons for naps and pool time. Be sure to keep your child well hydrated (use a stroller with a cup holder to keep it handy). Am I crazy to bring my little one? Not at all. A very young child may not remember the trip, but you will... and you ll have the photos to show them later. Young children still benefit from the time with family, the new stimulating sights and sounds, and the opportunity to try new things. Go for it and don t doubt your desire to spend time with your child. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids

34 1 Today 2 Calendar 3 Parks Page 34 Step Eight: Travel From the Airport My Pick: Take Disney s Magical Express it s free for all Disney resort guests. This service allows you to bypass the baggage claim in Orlando (after you have put the appropriate tags on your luggage) and head right to the hotel when you get there. Pack a carry-on with all of the essentials, just in case the bags take some time to get to your room some vacationers report that their bags arrived at the hotel before them, while others say it took six hours for them to arrive, so it is better to prepare. You must reserve Disney s Magical Express at least 10 days prior to your arrival in Orlando at Dining 4 Passes Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids Magical Express Tip: When you get to Orlando and are faced with a long line at the Magical Express counter, don t panic and run for the taxi stand. The line moves with amazing efficiency. But do expect some time for the bus to arrive and collect enough passengers to head out. Magical Express- How Does it Work? Magical Express was introduced in At first, most Disney fans thought it was a nice free promotion that would soon turn into another way for Disney to snag up a few bucks. But, fortunately and let s hope permanently, this service is offered to all guests staying at Disney s onsite resorts. If you think this just means you get a ride on a bus to your hotel, you re in for a pleasant surprise. Not only will you get a ride, but you won t have to deal with your baggage at the Orlando airport, it will be whisked away to your hotel for you. This is an incredible convenience and a great way to start off a magical trip. So let s walk through a typical trip with Magical Express. As soon as possible- during or after booking your hotel reservations, you will need to provide Disney with your flight information. About 45 days before you leave a nice little packet will arrive with your Magical Express vouchers and large yellow tags, complete with Mickey ears, to attach to your luggage. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and stick to the airlines baggage guidelines, so that you are not charged an additional fee. Disney s Magical Express bus Chad and Nikki Larner

35 Step Eight: Travel From the Airport (continued) Now here s the key to Magical Express success make sure to carry all paperwork, MagicBands, medication, and anything you will need for at least one full day including swim suits, pajamas and a change of clothes with you. We have always had great success with our bags arriving to the room within a few hours after us, one time they were even there before us. But, be prepared, Disney warns that it may take up to six hours and it is important to read over the instructions carefully as they do change. At the airport you will check in as normal. Your baggage will now have an airline tag as well as the Magical Express tag. 1 Today 2 Calendar 3 Parks In Orlando, upon exiting the plane, you will head toward baggage claim but no need to claim your luggage (unless you arrive after 10:00 pm). There will be signs for Disney s Magical Express bus service. There are also directions in the Magical Express voucher book that you received. You will follow signs to the counter, check in, and cross the aisle to the line designated for your hotel. It s all timing here buses run frequently, but you may have just missed one. I would estimate about a 15- to 20-minute wait inside and minutes on the bus before it departs. Don t worry if the line is long, this is your first introduction to the fine efficiency of Disney World and make sure to have your Magic Bands out this will be your first chance to put them to use! The bus is clean and comfortable. On the way, the excitement will grow with a video highlighting the parks and features of Walt Disney World. The ride to Disney is about 40 minutes, and your bus will most likely need to make a couple short stops at different resorts, so be patient and enjoy the scenery. The Magical Express bus will drop you off at the entrance of your hotel. The lobbies are comfortable there is usually a spot where weary kids can relax and watch Disney movies, nice bathrooms to change into appropriate clothing, and a gift shop or dining area nearby if you need anything. Enjoy your trip and get ready for my favorite Magical Express bonus. Most airlines allow you to check in at the hotel and they handle your baggage on the way home as well. The night before you leave you will receive instructions for your trip home. Ahhhh, if they only could be at every airport, now that would be truly magical! If you cannot use Disney s Magical Express, I highly recommend a car service. I like Florida Tours ( ). Cost is about $109 $125 roundtrip, plus tip. If you have two or more young kids, you will need to get the luxury van so that they can fit the car seats. As a bonus, they provide free car seats just ask them when you make your reservation! There s no need to lug the car seats around because you won t need them on Disney transportation. This car service takes you right to your resort and even stops for a 30-minute grocery stop at no extra charge on the way to pick up snacks, breakfast stuff, diapers, etc. P When you arrive at your hotel, have one family member head to the check-in line while the other hangs out with the kids and carry-ons. 5 Dining 4 Passes Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids

36 1 Today 2 Calendar 3 Parks Page 36 Step Eight: Travel From the Airport (continued) To Rent or Not to Rent - Do You Need a Car at Disney World? If you are staying offsite, at a non-disney World hotel, the answer to this question is a bit easier. Renting a car makes sense, especially if the shuttles from your hotel are not at convenient times, you re at a condo and want to head to the grocery store, or you want to visit more places than the hotel shuttle offers, such as local restaurants, shopping and theme parks. Make sure to ask your off-site hotel about their shuttle service before deciding. Also, most off-site hotels do not provide transportation from the airport, so a rental car is an easy selection. 5 Dining 4 Passes Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids The dilemma in choosing comes when you are staying onsite at Disney World because they provide a free Magical Express shuttle, to your hotel, as well as free transportation to all of their parks, resorts and Downtown Disney. First, let s talk about who you are? Are you not into riding a bus with the crowds? Are you coming from far away and want to make a grocery stop for snacks and diapers? Answer yes to either of these questions and Disney s Magical Express may not be for you, though I would argue it s one of my favorite perks from Disney. You may want to consider renting a car or hiring a car service, at least to get to your hotel. Most car services, will give you a free, 30-minute grocery stop. It s like playing that game show Supermarket Sweep, so get your list ready! Those of you who answered needing a grocery stop, may want to also consider having the groceries delivered, there are a number of stores that provide this service. I m a fan of not paying for car services, not dealing with my luggage and not worrying about yelling at my husband about his sub-par driving techniques. Therefore it s Magical Express for my family! But what about once you get to the hotel? Is Disney transportation quick and easy or slow and frustrating? The truth is, it just depends. It seems the worse my mood, the hotter I am, or if a kid is asleep in my arms, Disney transportation is slow. If we are in a great mood, chatting with fellow vacationers, sipping a coffee, the transportation is perfect. So the moral of transportation is to take it easy and keep your expectations low and it is well worth not having the aggravation, extra cost, and parking hassles of renting a car. If you re antsy and impatient, renting a car may be worth it. The last thing to consider when making your decision is where you are staying and where you are going. If you are staying at a monorail resort you probably don t need a rental car. Planning a trip over to SeaWorld, a rental car may be a necessary investment. Left up to me, I ve always opted for Disney transportation. I take it slow and make sure to plan lots of time to get to my destination. Disney World is more than 40 square miles. Plan at least 45 minutes to get from one place to another. And remember, sit back and enjoy the ride it s Disney after all!

37 Step Nine: Add the Magic If you have a few spare minutes, you can add a little magic to make your vacation an extra-special trip. Here are some of my favorite tips: Put some small, stuffed animals on the bed when you leave your room. In most cases, the housekeeping staff (Mousekeepers) will arrange them in wonderful poses watching TV, waving in the window this is Disney, so tame your dirty mind. Get a wake-up call instead of using an alarm clock. You ll love who calls! I actually have the alarm clock wake us up and then I have them call once the kids are awake. This way they aren t confused and enjoy the call! Order a fruit basket or flowers for your room by calling or visit disneyflorist.com. During Mickey s PhilharMagic, a wonderful show at Magic Kingdom, 3D gems come flying at the audience. My two kids about lost it when I actually plucked colorful, real gems (ok, plastic ones) out of the air and handed them out. You can find them at most craft shops! Look for Hidden Mickeys! These are images of Mickey s head hidden all over the place at Disney. My favorite is in it s a small world look in the vines. See page 56 for details. Borrow life vests at the pool for younger kids they re available at all the Disney pools. Buy a cheap digital camera for the kids to use. Their photos are fascinating. Can you find the Hidden Mickey in this Animal Kingdom Lodge photo? Try pin trading! Ask any cast member to explain how to get started. Pin trading is great fun and an easy way to talk with different cast members. But be warned it can be expensive to get started. See page 57 for more information. If you are visiting during the holidays, which seem to last longer and longer each year, be sure to take some time to visit the wonderful displays at the Disney hotels. My favorites are Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, and the Grand Floridian. Enjoy lines without whines! In our stroller or backpack, I like to bring along what I call my Lines Without Whine survival bags. I include one for each kid, I keep them small and light, and I load them with stickers, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and little surprise goodies. I can t tell you how many times the bags have saved me when the kids are squirming, either on line or during meals. When I pulled out the bubbles in the line for Festival of the Lion King (Disney s Animal Kingdom), I soon had a gaggle of little ones enjoying a little bubble fun. Their parents were very grateful for the time-filler! 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids

38 1 Today Page 38 Step Nine: Add the Magic (continued) 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids Lesson Learned: Letting Go and Living It Up at Disney Kids can see right through you. If you haven t learned that yet, let me tell you. I have been working hard on my oldest daughter to try and get her to loosen up. Enjoy life. Live for the moment. She has a tendency to want things perfect and if they aren t she will clam up and get grumpy. A great example is whenever we come across an outdoor fountain with kids splashing around and having a great time. If she isn t in a bathing suit she is not going near the water. We had a major breakthrough; outside the Museum of Natural History in New York she fought us for about 30 minutes as our youngest happily soaked herself. And then after a long discussion, she gave in, completely. She just let go, jumped in and had an amazing time. A week later, I was confronted with an almost identical situation, only this time it was me without the bathing suit in a lake near our house. My daughters and mother were happily swimming, prompting me to come in with just shorts and a t-shirt. I wanted to go, but it went against every obsessive compulsive bone in my body. My daughter said, Mom, you made me do it! And she was right. She saw right through me. I let go and went for it and had a wonderful swim as well an important life lesson, it s ok to enjoy yourself. So how does this tie in to a trip to Disney? It s probably obvious, this is the time to let go, to let your kids see the kid side of you, to enjoy. I recently saw some photos of my friends ex-husband in Disney almost 25 years ago. In every picture he could have easily been mistaken for Grumpy from the seven dwarfs. She said that he was miserable. I started to wonder how many parents go to Disney because it seems like some item on their checklist, things they have to do with their kids before they graduate from high school. How many parents think of it as a responsibility, like vaccinations, not a family vacation? To me, Disney is not a prison sentence but a true family vacation. It s a place where we find something for everyone, that we take time to share in each others joy. So here are a few things to think about before your trip. 1. It will not be perfect, but the way you react to imperfection will make it enjoyable and memorable. Easiest example: rain. If you run back to your hotel annoyed, so will your children. If you decide to throw on a poncho and take advantage of short lines and splashing in puddles, I m fairly sure your kids will always remember that moment. 2. If you are worried about embarrassing yourself, spare me. This is Disney. We all look like big kids. Hug a character, participate in the banter at 50 s Primetime Café, volunteer to be a character in Snow White s story your toddler will look at you in awe, your kids will find you heroic, and your teens will cover their faces and laugh. 3. Wear a little Disney? When my daughter s bought me a Minnie Mouse T-shirt with Sassy written on the back, how could I resist? I love it.

39 Step Nine: Add the Magic (continued) 1 Today 4. Plan. Even if you are just a few days out, get together as a family to plan your trips to the parks, activities at your resort, and other special excursions. Let everyone have a say. While you are there, step back and share their experience. If it s something they do alone, ask questions, look at pictures, buy them something special to remember their excursion. If it s something that is not your cup of tea, give it a try. Let yourself go. If it s a ride on the Tower of Terror with your teenager. Do it. Even I can bare almost every ride at Disney. 5. No whining. We have a rule in our family, whenever a kid whines we stop, all sit down and work on changing our voice. This pretty much means take the whine out of what you are saying. What s the issue? Hunger, need a nap, heat? Take the time to find the root of the problem and then make sure you take care of it even if that means leaving the park early. It will make everyone happier in the end. 6. Do something different. Try the Segway tour at Fort Wilderness, rent a boat to see IllumiNations at Epcot, or pick something that you never imagined doing. 7. Do something you love. We took the Behind the Seeds tour for our 7-year-old who loved gardening, we planned an hour to play in the new Winnie the Pooh play area for our then 2-year-old, my husband will occasionally enjoy a round of golf, and I like to read and have a fancy drink at the pool. Maya Angelou once said, I ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Our children learn too, so stop before you react, let go and enjoy! Justine Fellows Letting Go: Hoola Hooping 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids

40 1 Today Page 40 Step Ten: Soothe Your Psyche 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Resist the urge to feel rushed, even if you are late it doesn t matter. Relax and everything will fall into place. You may miss a dinner reservation only to find out that they can accommodate you later with the best table and a view of the fireworks. Enjoy the Disney transportation. The excitement to get to the parks, or desire to get back to your resort after a long day, can make that long line at the bus stop or extra stop on the way seem excruciating. Be aware of this and plan ahead expect time on lines, enjoy meeting fellow passengers, use the time to talk about your day or just enjoy some quiet reflection. Don t let rain get you down my husband and I, along with our then one-year-old, had a ball riding every ride while everyone stayed away because of the rain. Don t get yourself too freaked out about losing your child. I know that isn t easy, but losing a child in the park rarely happens, and preparation will relieve your worries. 1. Make a meeting place, change it as you move around the park, and make your child repeat it back to you. 2. Take a photo with your camera or smart phone each morning so you know exactly what everyone is wearing! 3. Write your cell phone number with a Sharpie on the inside of each child s Magic Band. 4. Teach your child to go to a Cast Member (Disney employee) or another Mom to ask for help. 5. If your child is missing, immediately contact a Cast Member, then go to your prearranged meeting place. Add important Disney and travel numbers to your cell phone before you leave. Then if you need to change a reservation or call your hotel, you ll have quick access. Lose something? Don t worry Disney has an amazing Lost & Found department that catalogs everything. Ask Guest Services or call the hotel lobby to get connected! They will even ship to you if you realize you have lost something once you are home. Have an adult night out. Use Disney resort childcare clubs or Kid s Nite Out (see page 30). Have your kids use their own savings for purchases. Our kids start saving a few months before and they know that once the money is gone, they re done shopping. They really budget well and have now made it a tradition to by a little something for each other. We also tell them that no one is allowed to buy anything on the first day. This works very well for us and avoids the constant whining to buy things. Buy discounted Disney items at the Disney Store or dollar store to leave as surprises it s cheaper. Use the fantastic Baby Care Centers in each park. Check my Park Cheat Sheets for locations (or check the PassPorter guidebook s maps). They are a great place for a cool break, diaper change, and feeding.

41 Step Ten: Soothe Your Psyche (continued) 1 Today Stop by a First Aid station if anyone is sick in the parks. If you re at your resort, call the Front Desk to be connected with an on-call doctor or see the Important Phone Numbers on page 60. Our oldest child once had the flu and strep at the same time. They sent a doctor with an assistant to our room with a mobile lab and all medicines. They took our insurance. They were amazing! We are still grateful. Know that you can t do it all. Leave the parks before everyone is tired and cranky! Let Disney take your family photos. Disney has wonderful photographers planted all over they will take your photo and connect it to your MagicBand or park ticket so that you can access them all later online. These photographers are set up in the best spots and are happy to take a photograph with your camera as well! Check your watch! You may start to freak out because it seems the Disney bus will never come. Remember buses arrive every 20 minutes (in general), but when you are anxious to get to the parks one minute can feel like five. Remember to check your watch and take some bubbles to keep the kids amused while you are waiting. Who should do what? A recent discussion with a close friend led me to start thinking about the role of vacation responsibilities and expectations. After this friend booked her Disney trip, she immersed herself in planning - dining reservations, check. Park plans, check. She had a great time creating little surprises for her daughters, reading tips and tricks online, getting outfits and swim suits ready, making sure everything was as perfect as she could make it before they left. I was excited right along with her- this was their first big family trip! When she arrived back I couldn t wait to see how it went. I ran up to her office only to see a rather disappointed face. She looked exhausted. Now, don t get me wrong, Disney World can be tiring, especially without a good plan, and lots of time to relax built in to the schedule. But my friend s exhaustion looked more like disappointment. What went wrong? She was so prepared. This got me thinking about how a great plan can go wrong and after some conversations with previous Disney World travelers and a lot of my own experience, I ve come up with five tips that will hopefully help everyone to come back refreshed and satisfied. My first tip: Change Your Expectations! Are you kidding me? I spent big bucks, I ve planned every detail, I m staying at a freaking deluxe hotel- how dare you tell me to lower my expectations! I ve been dreaming of the moment my little princess sees the castle since before she was conceived, not to mention that wrap around hug she will enjoy with Mickey. OK, folks, hate to burst your expectation bubble BUT the reality is this: The second you walk through the dreamlike gates of the Magic Kingdom after a bus ride, security check, and some trouble with your finger print working at the turnstile, you reach the moment you have been dreaming about and waiting for there she is, your little princess, her eyes about to look down Main Street and yelp with delight, and what, are you kidding me, she has to go potty, now? 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar

42 1 Today Page 42 Step Ten: Soothe Your Psyche (continued) 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Then to top it off she sticks herself to the back of your sweaty leg at the site of Mickey, only to reappear when that large-headed mouse is safely tucked behind the scenes. Does this always happen? Absolutely not, there are going to be dozens of magical moments, but the reality is that they most likely aren t going to be the ones that you expected. Some of my favorites: the joy my 10-year-old took in watching an opossum trained at Animal Kingdom, my youngest learning to dive under water to gather a sinking toy, enjoying a Dole Whip ice cream float while people-watching, a great conversation on the bus ride to our hotel, and watching my daughters belly dance in Epcot. Changing my expectations has taking some real mental training for me. Instead of expecting my bags to be waiting in the room, I now plan on a six-hour delay. I m delighted when they arrive any earlier. Changing expectations is like tricking yourself into being happy! The next tip, and this is a big one: Dole out the responsibilities! Here s an attitude I have seen over and over: Hey, you planned it, you booked it, you took care of the packing, details, transportation, and now you are in charge when we get there! I ll hang back and relax. Since you did all of that work, obviously you like the planning and prefer me to have a perfect, relaxing trip. Thanks for watching the kids, thanks for knowing where we are supposed to be and when. I m going to take a wee little nap while you talk to the front desk about transportation. No problem, you review those maps while I take a swim. OH MY GOSH!! This drives me crazy! So, beware you may love to plan, you may be the Type A who wants to be in control but you most definitely want a vacation! So, here is what you need to do. First, involve everyone in the planning. Layout maps and books to interest them in the trip, review the rides and shows at each park, ask for their opinions for dining options, discuss the hotel and how the days are planned. Next, delegate! In our family, I take care of dealing with check in, organizing the schedule, packing and unpacking, as well as dining times. My husband is the coffee/drink fetcher, sunscreen applier, stroller organizer, FastPass guru, and transportation figure-outer. Both of my girls have a calendar with pictures that they can check to know what s going on each day. They are in charge of their personal items such as pins and money. They also help with basics such as keeping the hotel room clean and putting their clothes away. Speak up, if your spouse doesn t know your expectations, my guess is that they will be happy to relax and leave you to the vacation work. The next trip saving tip is to make time for you. We often stay by Epcot and my getaway is to shop in the World Showcase stores by myself. I like to start with a champagne drink in France and then meander through the shops at a turtle-like pace. This usually takes me a few hours. My husband on the other hand likes naps. I try to give him at least an afternoon or two off to take a long midday nap. My kids need a break, too! Their break is usually a pirate cruise or cooking lesson and a trip to the hotel gift shop to shop alone very grown up indeed. We are a family that travels well together, but trust me, everyone needs some alone time!

43 Step Ten: Soothe Your Psyche (continued) 1 Today So my second to last tip is you need to overcome the oh my gosh I can t take a nap there is something awesome to ride, see, buy, drink, eat syndrome. It happens to me every time. I lay my head down for a quick cat nap and BING, my eyes open I bet we could walk to Epcot and ride Test Track and then do Soarin if I head in right now before our dinner reservations in three hours. DON T DO IT. Fight the urge. Trust me. You will not be happy when you have to deal with a screaming, tired child during dinner. You will be more likely to enjoy the fireworks with your eyes open. Rest, rest, rest. It s not a waste of money it s an investment in your sanity! And my final advice is this. Expect delays and occasional disappointments. Have you ever read one trip review or heard one travel story that didn t involve a few mishaps? If all was perfect, the story would never be half as interesting. Disappointments certainly spice things up. Expect them to happen. I once missed our bus stop only to be stuck with two sleeping children, a stroller and a missing husband who got off at the right stop he was not near me in the crowded bus. Turns out this is one of our favorite stories as the bus driver announced, Would the lady with the two sleeping kids get off the bus? after a frantic call from another bus driver prompted by my husband. Some of the seemingly annoying moments can really turn out to be pretty funny if you know how to change your attitude. You deserve a vacation! Justine Fellows 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar

44 1 Today Page 44 So Now What? 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Before You Leave To-Do List: If flying, confirm your flights and check in online up to 24 hours before. Driving? Fill the car with gas, make sure to have appropriate maps, put together activities for the car ride. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, your Magical Express tags should arrive 3-6 weeks before your trip. Call Disney Magical Express at if not. If you are staying off site set up a rental car or transportation. Stop your mail at Reserve Airport Parking at or reserve a car or shuttle to drive you to the airport. Confirm your reservation online or with your travel agent. If you booked through Disney or Disney Vacation Club, check into your hotel online! You should have received your Magic Bands remember to pack them in your carry on luggage. Put the finishing touches on FastPasses, dining reservations, and any activities. Download the Disney World App if you have a smart phone! Put important Disney and personal phone numbers into your cell phone. Purchase some small toys at the Disney Store to get the kids excited about the trip! Set up care of any pets you may have. Check the Orlando weather at If you have a Disney Visa card, make sure to order a gift card at least one month before you leave and transfer dollars to it before you go. Purchase trip insurance if you feel it is right for your family. If you are traveling with someone who requires an ECV (Electronic Convenience Vehicle), reserve and confirm pick up at Pack! Refer to the Speed Planner packing list for a time-saving list. If you are using Magical Express, carefully put your tags on the bags you will be checking. Carry-on luggage does not require tags. Prepare some envelopes and cash for your mouse-keepers (housekeepers) tips. Also pack some cash for airport, valet, and general tipping. Print out any calendars, itineraries, and confirmation numbers to take along. Head to the spa for a manicure/pedicure or the golf course for a relaxing nine holes before your trip. By the way, you will be able to check in to your flight at your hotel and they will take your luggage to the airport when you leave! There is a check in stand and they will tell you what time to check in by. Make sure to check with Disney s Magical Express as to which airlines participate in this program.

45 1 Today Now that you ve got a plan, here is a quick glimpse of what it will be like when you arrive. Please note that this is only to give you an idea of the experience that my family has had circumstances and services may change. At the Airport: Once you leave the plane, you will head toward baggage claim, where there will be signs for Disney s Magical Express bus service. There are also directions in the Magical Express voucher book that you may have received. You will follow signs to the Magical Express counter, check in, and cross the aisle to the line designated for your hotel. It s all timing here buses run frequently, but you may have just missed one. I would estimate about a 15- to 20-minute wait inside and minutes on the bus before it departs. On the Bus: The bus is clean and comfortable. On the way, the excitement will grow with a video highlighting the parks and features of Walt Disney World. The ride to Disney is about 40 minutes, and your bus will most likely need to make 2 3 short stops at different resorts. Upon Arrival: The Magical Express bus will drop you off at the entrance of your hotel. I recommend sending someone ahead to check in, while someone hangs behind to deal with carry-on luggage and kids. The lobbies are comfortable there is usually a spot where weary kids can relax and watch Disney movies, nice bathrooms to change into appropriate clothing, and a gift shop or dining area nearby if you need anything. Checking In: During check-in, you will most likely receive a packet of information and your MagicBands if you haven t already. Depending on your package, your MagicBands may also be your entry to the parks and include the dining plan. If you put down a credit card on your account, the bands also have a credit limit allowing you to charge at any store or restaurant on Disney property. You can have this limit adjusted to be more or less depending on your needs. For instance, if you want to give a teen a credit limit of $100, just make sure to tell the cast member at check-in so that she can adjust the card. See the art of a smooth check in coming up for additional tips. At Lobby Concierge: Pick up the latest maps and schedules and make any last-minute dining or activity reservations here. Luggage Arrival: Your bags may or may not be there when you arrive. Also, if you arrive before 3:00 pm, your room may not be ready. I highly recommend being ready for both. If you re heading to the parks right away, have clothing and park items ready. You can transfer anything you don t need into one bag and leave it with Bell Services. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar

46 1 Today Page 46 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar So Now What? (continued) In Your Room: To see a layout of your resort and room, check your PassPorter. If your room does not come with an accessory that you need, such as a hair dryer, iron, or crib, housekeeping (mousekeeping) can provide you with one. Each room has a television and telephone, but be warned, phone calls (even toll calls) are expensive make sure to check rates and bring along your cell or a phone card if you can. Make sure to plan some time into your schedule to unpack, organize, and become familiar with your resort, including the location of the pool, dining, gift shop, and transportation. Getting Around: Speaking of transportation, make sure to check your PassPorter hotel description for information on your choices. Depending on which resort you are staying in, you may have your choice of bus, boat, or monorail. Most resorts rely primarily on buses, but if boats and monorails are at your disposal, take advantage of them. Lobby Concierge is also very A Disney launch (boat) helpful they will tell you your best options for getting around. And don t forget if you re tired and want to save some time, it may not be a bad idea to spend money on Uber or a taxi. On Vacation: Now that you re settled in, you are ready to make the best use of your calendar. Remember at this point you are on vacation relax and enjoy! Upon Departure: I m pretty sure that time is going to fly by, so here is a quick rundown on what to expect when leaving Disney. Check-out time is usually 11:00 am, and Disney doesn t often grant late checkouts (though it is worth trying), so be prepared to leave your bags at Bell Services if you have a later flight. Magical Express will leave a departure time under your hotel door the night before you leave. They will get you to the airport on time, but make sure to be ready to depart when the bus rolls around to get you; they won t wait long, because other people are also traveling. Expect a few stops on your way out of Disney to the airport. Be warned: Magical Express usually leaves three hours before the time of your flight to ensure that you arrive on time. Back at the Airport: If you are staying at a Disney resort, most airlines are now a part of remote check-in (usually located in the lobby near Bell Services). This allows you to avoid dealing with baggage and check-in at the airport. Make sure to confirm the times that check-in at the resort is available currently it is open from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.

47 The Art of a Smooth Check-in at Disney World So I have to think about checking in? Is it not enough that I have planned for hours, reserved dining, memorized the maps, pre-purchased the park tickets? I know, it sounds crazy, but you have to trust me on this one checking in the right way can make the difference between a smooth, problem-free trip and one struck with issues. Here s the biggest problem when you check in to any hotel: You re excited and in a rush! Who wouldn t be? You ve just tackled car rides, plane trips with screaming children, shuttle rides, baggage lugging, stroller collapsing, juice spilling, hours of travel, and you are psyched! You made it, you re still alive, and you only lost one child for a brief moment. You are ready to rip off the tags of your brand new shorts, don your favorite Mickey tee, slap on the sunscreen, and head out. STOP!!! Trust me. Take a breath. Hold out the anticipation for just a few more minutes. Plunk your spouse and the kids in front of the Disney movies in the lobby and prepare to spend some time perfecting your trip this is the last step in a perfectly-planned vacation. Here s what you need to do: 1. Have your paperwork ready, including hotel confirmation numbers, requests you made such as a crib in your room, your park tickets or MagicBands, your list of dining reservations, activity reservations, and any special events. A PassPorter s PassPockets are very handy for this. 2. Confirm things at check-in. Make sure to verify everything dates, room location, the crib, luggage arrival, and so on. Make sure that your MagicBands include everything in your package hotel room, dining plan, and/or park tickets. You also have charging capabilities on the bands so make sure to check the limit and set a limit for your children old enough to go off on their own. Remember that you must have all bands at all times, as park tickets are on each individual band. 3. Next stop, concierge. Don t do it later. Trust me just get it all over with. At concierge ask for a printed list of your dining reservations, and double-check them all. Pick up any event tickets such as Hoop Dee Doo. Get maps, park times, and the resort s calendar of events. There may be a craft for the kids or movie on the beach that you otherwise wouldn t know about. Ask for any coloring books, stickers, and/or hidden Mickey hunts that they might have to keep the wee ones amused. 4. If it is your first time to the resort, have them explain the transportation options, find out where the bus stops are, and make sure to take a map to find your way around your resort. 5. If you bought your park tickets separately, concierge can put the tickets right onto MagicBands to make it more convenient. 6. Lastly, ask any questions that you may have concierge will be your best friends throughout the trip! I know that not rushing to your room or out to the pool may be very difficult, but I promise you, careful and thoughtful check-in is the last step to planning a perfect Disney World vacation! 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today

48 1 Today 2 Calendar 3 Parks Page 48 Date Morning EMH Calendar Templates Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 4 Passes Breakfast 5 Dining Morning Lunch Afternoon Dinner Evening Evening EMH If you re lucky enough to stay more than a week, use the template on the next page, too!

49 1 Today Date Morning EMH Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 2 Calendar Breakfast 3 Parks Morning 4 Passes Lunch Afternoon Dinner Evening Evening EMH P If you have the PassPorter guidebook, you may want to transfer your daily schedule to each daily PassPocket when you are finished. 5 Dining

50 1 Today Page 50 Calendar Templates (continued) Here are two more calendar templates in a different orientation. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Date Morning EMH Breakfast Morning Lunch Afternoon Dinner Evening Evening EMH

51 Date Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Morning EMH 1 Today Breakfast Morning Lunch Afternoon Dinner Evening Evening EMH 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar

52 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Page 52 Dining Plan Worksheet For those of you on the Dining Plan, this worksheet helps you budget your meal credits for up to six people on a seven-day trip. If you have less than six people or are going less than seven days, simply cross out those rows and columns that do not apply to you and your Dining Plan. You can use this worksheet in two ways to check off the meal options as you plan your calendar so you use them most effectively, and to check off meal options as you actually use them on your vacation. Make sure to photocopy or print two pages. Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Snacks Diner #1 o o o o o o o Diner #2 o o o o o o o Diner #3 o o o o o o o Diner #4 o o o o o o o Diner #5 o o o o o o o Diner #6 o o o o o o o Snacks SnacksCounter SnacksService Snacks MealsSnacks Snacks Snacks Diner #1 o o o o o o o Diner #2 o o o o o o o Diner #3 o o o o o o o Diner #4 o o o o o o o Diner #5 o o o o o o o Diner #6 o o o o o o o Snacks Snacks Table Snacks Service Snacks Meals Snacks Snacks Snacks Diner #1 o o o o o o o Diner #2 o o o o o o o Diner #3 o o o o o o o Diner #4 o o o o o o o Diner #5 o o o o o o o Diner #6 o o o o o o o P Your meal receipt will reflect the number of credits left, but it is a good idea to double check this. I did have one instance when the receipt was wrong, and the Disney cast member very nicely credited my card.

53 Reservations Worksheet For those of us who just feel better having them in writing use this worksheet to record your reservation times and confirmation numbers. If you are not going to use a reservation, remember to cancel 24 hours before to avoid a $10/person charge. 1 Today 2 Calendar Day: Time: Day: Time: 3 Parks Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: 4 Passes Day: Time: Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: Day: Time: Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: Day: Time: Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: Day: Time: Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: Day: Time: Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: Day: Time: Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: Day: Time: Restaurant: Location: Conf. #: Other Reservations: 5 Dining

54 1 Today 2 Calendar Page 54 What in the Heck Are They Talking About? An Introduction to Disney Terminology You can book an ADR with a cast member at concierge but you may want to just grab a quick-service in Adventureland. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks Grab a FP at the kiosk and don t miss the Kidcot Fun Stop in World Showcase. Yikes, sounds confusing, doesn t it? Don t worry! Disney has its own vocabulary and it really helps to be able to understand some basic terms before you head out. Here are a few tem to get you started. ADR Abbreviation for Advanced Dining Reservation. ADRs can be made up to 180 days before a the start day of your trip and they are highly recommended to assure a spot in Disney sit-down (table) restaurants. Cast Members A Disney employee. EMH Abbreviation for Extra Magic Hour. Certain parks either open early or stay open late for guests of the Walt Disney World Resorts only. Fantasmic! The fireworks-character-light-everything show at Disney s Hollywood Studios. FP or FastPass An amazingly efficient system that allows you to grab a no-cost pass and return to a ride at a later time with a short wait or avoiding the line completely. Guest Relations Located in each park, usually to the left as you enter. Guest Relations is a place to ask questions, book dining reservations, pick up maps, etc. IllumiNations The fireworks and light show at Epcot. Imagineers Those employees behind-the-scenes at Disney who design every aspect from the rides, sets, costumes to the restaurants, fireworks, and parades. Kidcot Fun Stops Located in Disney s Animal Kingdom and Epcot, they are places for kids to participate in a craft, learn something new, and chat with cast members. MagicBands Rubbery, watch-like bands worn around your wrist allowing you to enter parks, your hotel room, make charges and more. Tip: Peel off the extra plastic for a better fit for kids or people with smaller wrists. Mousekeepers Housekeeping in the Disney Resorts. Quick Service Counter service meals that you usually take on a tray to an outside eating area. Table Service Sit-down restaurants with wait staff. Times Guide Daily guides that are available at your hotel, on the MyDisneyExperience app, or as you enter the park. The Times Guide lists all of the special happenings for each park, i.e. parade times, fireworks times, special performances. Theming The way Disney thinks of even the smallest detail in their parks and resorts, i.e. animal and leaf prints throughout Disney s Animal Kingdom or the authentic Stave Church brought over from Norway in Epcot.

55 My Kids Won t Do That! OK, here s the warning your kids are going to want to do at least one of the following hobbies below. Trust me, Disney s marketing wouldn t allow it any other way. The good news is you will probably enjoy participating just as much as the kids! These are often great activities during down time and a nice way to make the trip extra-special with a keepsake to take home. Key to Activity Prices: $ Free or inexpensive $$ Somewhat affordable, one-time cost $$$ A bit of an investment Autograph Books and Characters $ Amazingly enough, I haven t mentioned characters too much in this planner, mainly because meeting characters is never something that I plan. Characters at Disney are everywhere. Often there will be a line of children (and adults) waiting to get a hug, an autograph, and a photo. If you think that your kid won t want an autograph book, they will! And much to my surprise, it is often the older kids leading the pack. Here are some tips for autographs and characters: 1. Purchase autograph books or notepads and a fat pen before you leave. They will be much cheaper. A fat pen makes it easier for the characters to hold and sign with Mickey only has three fingers! 2. If your child hasn t been around characters before, introduce them gently. I had two different reactions with my children at the age of two: one ran right up for a hug, one ran in the other direction, screaming. We kept the timid child about ten feet away, and she has slowly gotten very comfortable, especially with Mickey! 3. Characters can only stay out in the Florida heat for a short amount of time. If you see a long line, do not get on it. You will often have a long wait only to be disappointed when the character has to be shuffled away to take a break before you get to meet them. I tend to rely on random meetings of characters where there may be a short wait and character meals; this seems to satisfy the autograph addiction and avoid disappointments. 4. Don t worry if you have duplicate or even triplicate autographs of the same character. The kids don t seem to care. Mine have yet to question how Chip & Dale make so many appearances throughout Disney. Charm Bracelets and Necklaces $$$ Stationed in nearly every Disney gift shop is a very attractive display of just about any charm imaginable. My oldest daughter has no interest in these, which most would say is a lucky thing, being as they are expensive. But I love them. I want them all. I bought her a necklace with three charms to try to get the collection going, and nothing happened. The good news is that my youngest daughter is more like Mom! 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today

56 1 Today Page 56 My Kids Won t Do That! (continued) 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Hidden Mickeys $ Throughout Disney World, Imagineers (Disney designers) have planted Hidden Mickeys for you to find. They come in all different sizes but always the same shape! We are constantly looking for Hidden Mickeys, and your children can point out the obvious ones. I haven t confirmed this yet, but I swear I saw one flying at me on the golf ball while riding Soarin at Epcot. Keep your eyes out and if you want to become a master, purchase the Hidden Mickeys book by Steve Barrett! Kidcot Fun Stops $ Throughout Epcot, you will run into Kidcot fun stops. These are areas where kids can sit down to enjoy a craft and receive a fun-shaped tag to attach to either a necklace or mask provided at the first stop. They are free and usually have short lines. I m thinking most parents wonder why they would ever take their kids to Disney World to do crafts, but I can assure you that the kids love them, they are usually in air-conditioned spots, and they make a great place to catch a quick break. They are also a great way for kids to interact with people from different countries throughout the World Showcase. Passports $ Also at Epcot are World Showcase passports passport-sized booklets with stamps and places for autographs. As you make your way through the World Showcase, kids present their passports at special places to get a stamp and autograph from a native from each country. If you don t want to purchase an official passport, you can make booklets at home or simply use your autograph book. Penny Pressing $$ Another popular Disney hobby is penny pressing. This is the machine that rolls your penny and presses it into an elongated piece with certain characters or logos. Disney has these machines planted all over and they even sell penny pressing books to hold your collection. If you re thinking this may be attractive to your child, bring a roll of quarters and pennies! Each pressed penny is 51 cents (two quarters and a penny). Be warned that there are also quarter pressing machines these cost $1.25 (five quarters). Two of Disney s pressed penny machines

57 My Kids Won t Do That! (continued) 1 Today Pin Trading $$$ Our family first ran into pin trading at the Olympics. It was a wonderful way of meeting fellow fans from all over the world. It became quite a treasure hunt trying to find specific pins. Of course, there is the commercial aspect of pin trading, both at the Olympics and at Disney. Pins are expensive and starting even a small collection can cost you. If you have time, I recommend purchasing some pins on ebay before you leave for your trip it s best to buy ones that your kids won t necessarily be attached to and make sure that they are official Disney pins so that you can trade with park employees. If you don t have time, don t worry. You can decide whether pin trading is right for you when you get there. The hotel gift shop will have lanyards and pins to purchase. You don t need many; our total collection consists of about 15. Unlike the Olympics, Disney park employees always say yes to a trade. If your child wants one of the pins on their lanyard, they will always exchange it for whatever pin you offer no haggling. I actually had a park employee once track down a pin for my daughter because he knew she was looking for Simba. He found us in the parade crowd to give it to her! Magic! Pin trading with a Disney cast member Each year we choose a pin trading theme. The theme has changed from The Incredibles, to anything to do with horses, to dinosaurs. Now my youngest loves the baby-faced character pins she loves to trade and will stop along the way to check out pins... even refusing to leave without making a trade. For my oldest, pin trading has become a wonderful ice breaker with other fellow pin traders her age. They discuss each pin and sometimes swap with a nod from the parents. I encourage my children to go beyond the quick trade and start a conversation with the park employee or fellow trader. It s a wonderful way for kids to learn the art of conversation, manners, and as an added bonus, the ability to recognize who to go to if they are ever lost. Pin trading also gets the whole gang to slow down and look beyond the next ride. For more information on Disney pin trading, see my article online at PassPorter.com at Treasure Hunts $ I love treasure hunts! Each trip I print out pictures from each of the parks and our resort, laminate them, and put them onto a ring. As my daughters find the items on the pictures, they check them off! Every time we are on a line, they pull them out to catch up on what they have seen. This took some work but it makes for a great game and keepsake. I even allocated points to each picture and gave them a prize when they made it to a certain number. My oldest was busy calculating the entire trip, which made her teacher happy! 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar

58 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Page Days Until Disney: Ideas for Anxious Kids Save up money for spending at Disney by helping with chores. Look through our Disney guide books and websites, then fill in the park sheets included in this book or at DisneyPlanner.com. Explore your hotel online, get to know the layout, guess where your room might be, check out the pool. Create a kids calendar to hang in your hotel room. Get your appropriate clothing ready. Print packing list and help pack. Decorate colorful envelopes for the Mousekeepers (Disney Housekeeping). Check the weather online. Get any Disney pins you have and autograph books ready. Create your very own Passport to take around the countries in Epcot you should include Mexico, Norway, Japan, China, England, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Morocco and the United States. Prepare little thank-you cards for special cast members (Disney employees). Pack your backpack for the plane ride include books, stuffed animals, wipes, snacks, and toys. Help get supplies ready for your pet(s) if you have any. Make Mickey pancakes for breakfast! Have the kids pack a bag with snacks and toys for travel. Justine Fellows

59 For the Advanced Planner If you hunger for more information or get bitten by the planning bug, here are my recommendations on where to find more details: 1 Today 2 Calendar My Pick for the best planner and organizer: PassPorter s Walt Disney World by Jennifer and Dave Marx I think Jennifer and Dave Marx are the Queen and King of Disney! Their guide is the most complete and organized planner out there. It includes pockets for each day of your trip with the option to purchase refills. Their web site is also a huge resource for Disney fans. Jennifer Marx and I seem to have the same taste in everything rides, food, shows which may be why I love this guide so much, but I can assure you: If you want to be a guru, this is the guide to get! So if you didn t get it in step one, get it now. Jennifer was even nice enough to allow me to add PassPorter coupons and information at the end of this planner. Other books I like: Birnbaum s Walt Disney World: Expert Advice From the Inside Source Birnbaum s Walt Disney World for Kids by Kids PassPorter s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World: Easy-Access Trips for Travelers With Extra Challenges by Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma (great for families with infants!) The BEST Disney web sites: Deb Wills is phenomenal! Her free web site will give you tons of information! Free book updates, articles, and message boards Tip: Make sure to get on both AllEarsNet s and PassPorter s free newsletter list! Other great resources online: Disney s Podcast site! Premade plans for each park Steve Soares site for updated park schedules Official Disney World site (full web addresses): Disney s Main Page: Disney Extra Magic Hours: Disney s Dining Plan: Disney Restaurants: Note: The above addresses are subject to change at any time. If the above links do not work for you, simply visit and search on the appropriate keyword. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks

60 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Page 60 Important Phone Numbers Walt Disney World: 407-WDISNEY (easy to remember and they will connect you to anyone or anywhere in Disney!) Disney Resort Reservations: Disney Dining: Disney Babysitting: Disney Flowers & Baskets: Disney Recreation Reservations: Disney Info and Ticket Sales: Disney Lost & Found: Florida Tours (car service): EastCoast Medical: (You can also call your hotel s front desk to connect to EastCoast or visit a First Aid Station in the parks) Other Phone Numbers: Your Airline Your Direct Hotel # Extras

61 Notes 1 Today 2 Calendar 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks

62 1 Today 2 Calendar Page 62 Notes Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks

63 30% Discount Coupon Save 30% off any PassPorter guidebook (see below for title list) when you order direct from the publisher! How to order a current edition of PassPorter at your 30% discount: 1 Today 2 Calendar 3 Parks Visit to view our guidebooks and place an order (type in this discount code during checkout: speedplanner) This offer valid only for direct book sales through PassPorter Travel Press, an imprint of MediaMarx, Inc. Offer not valid in bookstores. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Discount code: speedplanner PassPorter Title List All of the following titles are eligible for your 30% discount! PassPorter s Walt Disney World The unique travel guide, planner, organizer, journal, and keepsake! (spiral, deluxe starter kit, and refill kit) PassPorter s Disney 500 A tried-and-true collection of more than 500 tips for Walt Disney World trips (e-book) PassPorter s Sidekick A companion collection of interactive worksheets, journal pages, and extra information for Walt Disney World (e-book) PassPorter s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World Easy-Access Trips for Travelers With Extra Challenges. Covers virtually every special challenge! (paperback) PassPorter s Disney Cruise Line and Its Ports of Call The take-along travel guide and planner. The most comprehensive guide to Disney cruising! (paperback) PassPorter s Disney Cruise Clues A tried-and-true collection of more than 250 tips for Disney Cruise Line vacations. (e-book) PassPorter s Disneyland Resort and Southern California Attractions The unique travel guide, planner, organizer, journal, and keepsake! (spiral, deluxe starter kit, and refill kit) More information about PassPorter s innovative guidebooks and descriptions of each of the above titles are on the following pages. 5 Dining 4 Passes Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids

64 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids Page 64 What is PassPorter? PassPorters are unique, all-in-one travel guides that offer comprehensive, expert advice and innovative planning systems. Many of our guidebooks feature built-in worksheets and organizer PassPockets. The PassPockets help you organize your vacation by building trip itineraries on the front before you go, storing maps, passes, and receipts inside while you re there, recording memories and expenses on the back to enjoy when you return. PassPorter Walt Disney World Resort It all started with Walt Disney World (and a mouse)! Our general Walt Disney World guidebook covers everything you need to plan a practically perfect vacation, including fold-out park maps; full-color photos and charts; resort room layout diagrams; KidTips; descriptions, reviews, and ratings for the resorts, parks, attractions, and restaurants; and much more! This edition also includes 14 organizer pockets you can use to plan your trip before you go, hold papers while you re there, and record your memories for when you return. The PassPockets are our readers #1 favorite feature because they make planning, organizing, and capturing your vacation very easy. Learn more and order at or get a copy at your favorite bookstore. Our Walt Disney World guide is available in a spiral-bound edition and a Deluxe Edition in a ring binder with interior pockets is also available see the next page. Don t take our word for it ask others what they think of PassPorter. Here s a letter we recently received (printed with permission). If we show it in small type, does that mean we aren t tooting our horn so loudly? Sorry, we re really shameless promoters! Listen, I m not well organized. Ok, that s an understatement. I m a mess. I don t plan either. I m more fly by the seat of my pants. However, 6 years ago on my honeymoon, my husband and I wandered aimlessly around Disney World and didn t get to see half the stuff we wanted and didn t even know about the other half. So, my first trip with my daughter would have to be different. I found the boards at and asked what book I needed to buy. Most everyone suggested yours. What would I do with pockets? I asked myself. Through the planning stages, I found myself furiously writing different phone numbers, confirmation numbers, and other important information into my Passporter. I stuffed all kinds of information and plans into those pockets. When we got to Disney, my husband could not believe how organized I was. Check-ins were a breeze. I had all the information I needed at my fingertips. I think his mouth was hanging open at one point. He d say, What s on the agenda for today? And I d whip out my book and tell him. I had touring plans so we knew exactly where to go when. The lady at the Rainforest Café could not believe I had all my info right there for her. I think she thought I am always that organized. (Can you make a Passporter for my regular life?) My vacation could not have gone any smoother and I owe it all to you! Thanks so much, Sydonie Davis

65 More PassPorters You ve asked for more PassPorters we ve listened! We re adding three brand-new PassPorter titles, all designed to make your Disney vacation the best it can be. And if you ve wished for a PassPorter with all the flexibility and features of a daily planner, check out our Deluxe Editions (described below). To learn more about new PassPorters and get release dates, please visit us at PassPorter Walt Disney World Deluxe Edition Design first-class vacations with this loose-leaf ring binder edition. The Deluxe Edition features the same great content as PassPorter s Walt Disney World spiral guide. Special features of the Deluxe Edition include ten interior storage slots in the binder to hold guidemaps, ID cards, and a pen (we even include a pen). The Deluxe PassPorter binder makes it really easy to add, remove, and rearrange pages... you can even download, print, and add in updates, feature articles, and supplemental pages from our web site, and refills are available for purchase. Learn more at The Deluxe Edition is available through bookstores by special order just give your favorite bookstore the ISBN is (2016 Deluxe Edition) and (2017 Deluxe Edition). PassPorter s Disney Cruise Line and its Ports of Call Get your cruise plans in shipshape with our updated, award-winning field guide... includes details on all new ports and the new ships to come! Authors Jennifer and Dave Marx cover the Disney Cruise Line in incredible detail, including deck plans, stateroom floor plans, original photos, menus, entertainment guides, port/shore excursion details, and plenty of worksheets to help you budget, plan, and record your information. We also include reader tips, photos, and magial memories! In its thirteenth edition in 2016, this is the original and most comprehensive guidebook devoted to the Disney Cruise Line! Our tenth edition covers the new ships and ports of call that the Disney ships visit. Learn more and order your copy at or get a copy at your favorite bookstore. Also available in a Deluxe Edition with organizer PassPockets). A new edition comes out each year. 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today

66 1 Today Page 66 PassPorter E-Books 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids Looking for more in-depth coverage on specific topics? Look no further than PassPorter E-Books! Our e-books are inexpensive (from $5.95 $9.95) and available immediately as a download (Adobe PDF format). And unlike most e-books, ours are fully formatted just like a regular PassPorter print book. A PassPorter e-book will even fit into a Deluxe PassPorter Binder. We offer fourteen e-books at press time, and have plans for many, many more! PassPorter s Disney 500: Fast Tips for Walt Disney World Trips Our most popular e-book has more than 500 time-tested Walt Disney World tips all categorized and coded! We chose the best of our readersubmitted tips over a six-year period for this e-book and each has been edited by author Jennifer Marx. For more details, a list of tips, and a sample page, visit PassPorter s Cruise Clues: First-Class Tips for Disney Cruise Trips Get the best tips for the Disney Cruise Line all categorized and coded as well as cruise line comparisons, a teen perspective, and ultimate packing lists! This popular e-book is packed with 250 cruiser-tested tips all edited by award-winning author Jennifer Marx. For more details, visit PassPorter s Disney Character Yearbook A 268-page compendium of all the live Disney characters you can find at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and on the Disney Cruise Line. Also includes tips on finding, meeting, photographing, and getting autographs, plus a customizable autograph book to print! For more details, visit : The Easy Ten-Step Program A fast, easy method for planning practically perfect vacations great for busy people or those who don t have lots of time to plan. Follow this simple, ten-step plan to help you get your vacation planned in short order so you can get on with your life. For more details, visit com/wdw/speedplanner.asp. PassPorter s Free-Book A Guide to Free and Low-Cost Activities at Walt Disney World It s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World, but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents more than 150 free or cheap things to do before you go and after you arrive. Visit PassPorter s Sidekick for the Walt Disney World Guidebook This is a customizable companion to our general Walt Disney World guidebook you can personalize worksheets, journals, luggage tags, and charts, plus click links to all the URLs in the guidebook! Details at

67 PassPorter s Festivals and Celebrations at Walt Disney World Get in on all the fun in this updated 78-page overview of all the wonderful and magical festivals, celebrations, parties, and holidays at Walt Disney World. Included are beautiful color photos and tips. Read more and see a sample page at PassPorter s Answer Book Get answers to the most popular topics asked about Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and general travel. You ve asked it, we ve answered it! The e-book s questions and answers are sorted geographically and topically. Details at answer-book.asp. PassPorter s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons This is both a guidebook and a bridal organizer tailored to the unique requirements of planning a wedding, vow renewal, or commitment ceremony at Disney World or on the Disney Cruise. It will take you through the entire process, outline your options, help you plan your event down to the last detail! Details at PassPorter s Disney Vacation Club Guide A 170-page in-depth guide to all aspects of the Disney Vacation Club, from deciding whether to join to deciding where and when to use your points. Included are beautiful color photos and tips on maximizing your experience. If you ve ever wondered what the club is all about, get more details at PassPorter s Walt Disney World for Brit Holidaymakers Brits, you can get super in-depth information for your Walt Disney World vacation from fellow Brit and PassPorter feature columnist Cheryl Pendry. This e-book is more than 250 pages long and filled with amazing detail on both Walt Disney World as well as other Orlando-area attractions. Learn more at PassPorter s Disneyland Paris This comprehensive, 204-page book covers every aspect of visiting Disneyland Paris, including traveling to France from the United States and the United Kingdom. We provide all the information you need to get the most out of your stay! Read more and see a sample page at And coming soon... PassPorter s Orlando and Beyond: Everything But the Mouse! This is the Disney fan s guide to Central Florida s numerous other theme parks, covering Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Wet n Wild, SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, LEGOLAND, Kennedy Space Center and Busch Gardens with the same helpful format and attention to detail found in PassPorter s Walt Disney World. Whether you re traveling to Orlando for the first time and want to see it all or returning for the umpteenth time and want to see something new, this book is for you! 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids

68 1 Today Page 68 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar Do you want more help planning your Walt Disney World vacation? Join the PassPorter s Club and get all these benefits: 4 All-you-can-read access to EVERY e-book we publish (see current list on the previous page). PassPorter s Club passholders also get early access to these e-books before the general public. New e-books are added on a regular basis, too. 4 New! Anyone who commits to an annual pass in the PassPorter s Club also receives free access to all our Online Editions, including the PassPorter E-Worksheet Daily Park and Reservations Coordinato one for this book! Daily Parks and Reservations 4 Interactive, customizable e-worksheets to help Use this worksheet to coordinate and plan your advance dining reservations around the places (i.e., parks) you intend to visit today. While you may only wish to stay in one park all day, space for alternate destinations are provided in the event you prefer to park hop or need to travel elsewhere for a meal because you make your trip planning easier, faster, and smoother. could not get an advance dining reservation in the same park. Today s Day and Date: These are the electronic, interactive worksheets First Destination of the Day: Hours: Advance Dining Reservations: we ve been mentioning throughout this book. The Location Time Confirmation # worksheets are in PDF format and can be printed for Transportation to Next Destination: a truly personalized approach! We have more than Next Destination of the Day: Hours: 50 worksheets, with more on the way. You can see Advance Dining Reservations: Location Time Confirmation # a sample e-worksheet to the right. Transportation to Next Destination: 4 Access to super-sized e-photos in the PassPorter Final Destination of the Day: Hours: Photo Archives photos can be zoomed in up to 25 Advance Dining Reservations: Location Time Confirmation # times larger than standard web photos. You can use these e-photos to see detail as if you re actually Transportation to Next Destination: standing there or use them for desktop wallpaper, scrapbooking, whatever! 4 Our best discount on print guidebooks... 35% off! There s more features, too! For a full list of features and current e-books, e-worksheets, and e-photos, visit You can also take a peek inside the Club s Gallery at The Gallery is open to everyone it contains two FREE interactive e-worksheets to try out! Price: A PassPorter s Club pass is currently $5.95/month, or the cost of just one e-book! How to Get Your Pass to the PassPorter s Club Step 1. Get a free community account. Register simply and quickly at Step 2. Log in at using the Member Name and password you created in step 1. Step 3. Get your pass. Select the type of pass you d like and follow the directions to activate it immediately. We currently offer monthly and annual passes. (Annual passes save 25% and get extra perks!) Questions? Assistance? We re here to help! Please send to club@passporter.com. You may also find many of your questions answered in our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) in the Gallery forum (see link above). PassPorter Spiral.: Cut, trim at dotted line, and insert in PassPocket.

69 Register Your PassPorter We are very interested to learn how your vacation went and what you think of the PassPorter, how it worked (or didn t work) for you, and your opinion on how we could improve it! We encourage you to register your copy of PassPorter with us in return for your feedback, we ll send you two valuable coupons good for discounts on PassPorters and PassHolder pouches when purchased directly from us. You can register your copy of PassPorter at Report a Correction or Change Keeping up with the changes at Walt Disney World is virtually impossible without your help. When you notice something is different than what is printed in PassPorter, or you just come across something you d like to see us cover, please let us know! You can report your news, updates, changes, and corrections at Contribute to the Next Edition of PassPorter You can become an important part of our future editions! The easiest way is to rate the resorts, rides, and/or restaurants. Your ratings and comments become part of our reader ratings throughout the book and help future readers make travel decisions. Want to get more involved? Send us a vacation tip, magical memory, or photograph if we use it in a future edition of PassPorter, we ll credit you by name in the guidebook and send you a free copy of the edition! Do all this and more at Get Your Questions Answered We love to hear from you! Alas, due to the thousands of s and hundreds of phone calls we receive each week, we cannot offer personalized advice to all our readers. But there s a great way to get your questions answered: Ask your fellow readers! Visit our message boards at join for free, and post your question. In most cases, fellow readers and Disney fans will offer their ideas and experiences! Our message boards also function as an ultimate list of frequently asked questions. Just browsing through to see the answers to other readers questions will reap untold benefit! This is also a great way to make friends and have fun while planning your vacation. But be careful our message boards can be addictive! 5 Dining 4 Passes 3 Parks 2 Calendar 1 Today

70 1 Today 2 Calendar 3 Parks Page 70 PassPorter Online A wonderful way to get the most from your PassPorter is to visit our active web site at We serve up valuable PassPorter updates, plus useful Walt Disney World information and advice we couldn t jam into our book. You can swap tales (that s t-a-l-e-s, Mickey!) with fellow Disney fans, play contests and games, find links to other sites, get plenty of details, and ask us questions. You can also order PassPorters and shop for PassPorter accessories and travel gear! The latest information on new PassPorters to other destinations is available on our web site as well. Extras 10 Psyche 9 Magic 8 Airport 7 Packing 6 Kids 5 Dining 4 Passes PassPorter Web Sites Main Page: PassPorter Online Walt Disney World pages PassPorter Message Boards Book Updates PassPorter Newsletter PassPorter Articles Register Your PassPorter PassPorter Deluxe Edition Information Address (URL)