Making Reservations
Stay on Site
Staying at a Disney resort is convenient and saves time, according to Nalani Yoshida of Waikele, Hawaii. "You save time because you don't have to travel to and from your hotel just to get to Walt Disney World. We stayed at a resort on the monorail line, it was very convenient." Call (407) W-DISNEY or go to www.disneyworld.com to make reservations.
Eating Out
Greer Leisz of Greenwood, Indiana, made dining reservations before her family's trip. "We had an itinerary and knew which park we would visit on any given day, so we picked places to eat in or near those parks. You can always cancel the reservation, but it was nice to know there would be a table for us every night."
Call (407) WDW-DINE for reservations.
Know Before You Go
Julie Jackson of Brownsburg, Indiana, recommends knowing age and height requirements for rides before you go. Reader Kathryn Severson of Lexington, South Carolina, notes that the park gave her not-quite-tall-enough-to-ride child a future rider certificate (shown here) as a consolation. (Call (407) W-DISNEY or go to www.disneyworld.com).
From "Disney" magazine
Vacation Planning Checklist
Walt Disney World reservations agent Nanette Decker cites five things everyone should do before leaving home:
- Buy a guidebook. (our suggestions include "Birnbaum's Walt Disney World")
- Make a "don't miss" list.
- Check out tips on the Internet.
- Call (407) W-DISNEY and ask for the free video and answer books.
- No matter what time of year you're traveling, pack a light sweater or jacket.
When to Go Decker recommends three relatively quiet times at the parks: October (generally a month of good weather), the two weeks before Thanksgiving, and the last three weeks in January.
Ticket-holder Tip To keep the magnetic strips on the back of Walt Disney World tickets from becoming unreadable in the Fastpass machines, Guest Relations host Frank McIntosh advises that you keep the strips away from credit, phone, and bank cards.
Editor's Note
Many of you wrote us about the convenience of Surprise Mornings, early entry days for Disney resort guests. Unfortunately, these mornings are no longer being offered. In their place, Walt Disney World is now treating guests to Disney's Character Caravan: On select mornings, Disney characters will make surprise appearances at participating resorts.
Quick Tips
On the Water "Everyone knows about the buses, but don't forget about the boats," reminds Lynn Behan of Oakland Park, Florida. "Several resorts offer boat transportation to destinations throughout Walt Disney World. "
Web sites recommended by readers to help you plan and save
Updated March 2003
