Doing Disney

May 12, 2008

By Liz Fleming

Sign up for my Monthly Newsletter at lizfleming@softhome.net great advice , deals and stories from all over the World.

Is this the year you're going to 'do' Disney? If it's on the calendar for March Break, you'd better start planning now!
"Too many people arrive at Disney World unprepared," says Tracey, a V.I.P. tour guide with a big smile and wealth of knowledge.  "They don't realize that some things have to be booked well-ahead of their arrival and they're disappointed."

Things like special character breakfasts, for example, need to be reserved as much as a couple of months in advance.  If you're heading down in March, book now.

"If you put together a list of the things you most want to do and see at Disney before you arrive, you'll have a much better experience.  It's a huge place and just getting around can take precious time," explains Tracey.

And we all know there's nothing like standing in a long line in the midday heat to wring the fun out of any holiday....so don't do it.

"Get fast passes," says Tracey.

Beside each of the most popular rides, you'll find the fast pass dispensers. Push the button and out will pop a 'fast pass', printed with a time later that day.  Come back at the appointed time and you'll sail past the long line-up and get in quickly.

"The best way to do it", says Tracey, whose strategic planning skills would impress a five-star general, "is to arrive early in the morning and get a copy of the day's schedule for the shows and parades as well as listings for each character's appearances. Have the kids choose the rides they'd like to do, get fast passes for the most popular ones, and then fill in the waiting time with shows and photo ops with their favorite characters."

Timing is everything, according to Tracey.

"Disney is expensive," she concedes, "so people feel they have to make the most of every minute.  They arrive early and plan to stay until things shut down at night...but that isn't always the best plan."

It's possible to have too much of a good thing, and it's not uncommon for kids to beg to go back to the pool at the hotel...right in the middle of an expensive day.

"Plan for it," says Tracey. "If your children are six or older, arrive early in the morning with the idea that you'll stay through lunch and see the Grande Parade at 3pm.  Then head to your hotel for a swim and a couple of hours of down-time before coming back for dinner and the fireworks show. If your kids are younger than six, you might just want to call it a day after the parade."

Tracey's right.  While there's certainly a frugal inclination to spend every expensive moment on site, the magic doesn't really work if everyone is tired, cranky and teary,

Tracey has other great tips for making the most of your Disney time.

"Bring snacks and drinks with you in a knapsack and give each child a budget for extra treats before you arrive each day. Then stick to it!  If their whole budget is spent on popcorn and soda in the first couple of hours, they'll be wiser the next day.  And you won't constantly be pestered to buy this or that."

Note: Be sure to look for Disney's healthy new fruit stands where you can buy bananas, apples, oranges, sliced pineapple and trays of fruit and cheese.

Tracey's final suggestion?

"Make planning part of the fun. Visit the website with your kids and explore everything so you'll be ready to make the most of your time here."

Right again.  Anticipation is always more than half the fun!

For more information, visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com