Disney World Vacation Tips

"Magic Your Way" -- the way to buy theme park passes -- is structured as a base ticket plus options; give some thought to which type best suits your needs. Many guests like the flexibility of the Park Hopper option (so you can visit multiple theme parks on any day); the Dining Plan option is also popular. Price per day drops as your number of days increases.

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In choosing your time to visit, you want to balance four factors: crowds; weather; park hours; and special events.

Find the best fun for preschoolers, big Kids, teens, etc., above. Or try this detailed itinerary for an 8-day visit.

If you're visiting with little kids, also take the time to check out age and height restrictions in advance: you don't want your child to look forward to a particular ride, and then be disappointed! Likewise, check for Ride Refurbishments: at any given time, some attractions are closed down.

Study the park calendars for parades, live entertainment, and fireworks, to get the most from each day. During peak periods, the theme parks are open late and extra parades and fireworks are staged; there might also be an extra Fantasmic! show. Remember, distances between the parks are considerable, so so if you want to end up in a particular park for fireworks, plan accordingly!

Given that Disney World's the size of Boston, location matters! The flagship resorts near Magic Kingdom have monorail and boat access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot theme parks -- great for a quick return after late-night fireworks, or for taking an afternoon break with pool time or nap-time at the resort.

A cluster of resorts near Epcot have prime spots too, on a lakeside boardwalk with restaurants and entertainment: a five-minute walk to Epcot; or take a boat to Epcot or Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Tip: Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a terrific budget option, with boat ride to Magic Kingdom.

Disney's Magical Express is yet another perk for guests staying "in the World" at a Disney resort. This round-trip bus service to and from the airport is complimentary for an indefinite period of time. Guests also get complimentary luggage delivery; and --with participating airlines-- the opportunity to check-in for return flights right at the resort. (Check Disney World site for updates.)

They're everywhere: they're free; wherever you're going, they run at least every twenty minutes; and they are blessedly coooollll inside.

Pick your park according to where the "Extra Magic Hours" for resort guests are happening that day; get to the theme parks early; take a break in the afternoon; use Fastpass strategically... Read about these and many more tips for getting the most from your day in the theme parks.

Find out about the Dining option available with vacation packages (and typically offered for free during a promotion every year); ways to save money at resorts and other lodgings; a camping possibility right on-property; and more.

Food is expensive in the theme parks, and bringing along some snacks and drinks can save considerable dollars. Then take that money you saved and spend it on a Character Meal: you'll get entertainment by the likes of Winnie the Pooh or Cinderella, plus an abundant buffet. A late lunch can almost serve as an early dinner.

Especially during peak periods, use free Advance Reservations (which aren't really reservations) to go to the front of the line at popular restaurants.

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