AAA WDW DISCOUNTS

WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT IS CLOSED?

Renovations go on constantly at WDW.

Rides close down, restaurants change menus or are being renovated, and shows may be only seasonal.

If you are going to WDW for specific events, rides, and/or attractions, check well in advance at the WDW website to make sure what parts of the park are not open during your anticipated vacation time. Recently, Pirates was closed to be updated, Spaceship Earth was not open, and the Haunted House was being updated.

There has to be something closed at all times - otherwise the park would not stay "current.?"

Newbies may not relize this and be disappointed.

Be prepared and check out the closings so you do not have to ask,"What do you mean it is closed?"

NOT ALL ROOMS ON SITE ARE EQUAL (EVEN WITHIN THE SAME HOTEL)

It is obvious that rooms in the high end hotels such as the Poly, Yacht and Beach Club, and the Grand Floridian are going to be bigger, more plush, and closer to the Kingdom. However, rooms within any of the Disney on site hotels, can vary.

For example, within the same price category at the Poly all the rooms are not the same size. They also are not always renovated at the same time. So, you have to ask when booking about the rooms in your price range. In addition, a garden view at the Poly may give you an actual garden view, or can offer you a view of the Castle if you can get the right room. The trick is to scout out the rooms in advance when you are there in preparation for your next trip. The desk will allow you to see some rooms, give you information on room sizes, and you can check out the balconey views by just wandering the grounds.

You cannot reserve a specific room in advance, but you can request a building or location (such as a floor or area within a floor plan). Then upon arrival, get to the hotel early in the morning, request a specific room, and if it is available (and you had requested it in advance) the hotels will do their best to give you the room for your stay.

Don't make a request, and you get anything that pops up on the computer. If you can't get the room you want the first night, it still may be available the next day (and the hotel will allow you to switch rooms).

The Coranado Springs has rooms in many buildings. Staying there? It is the same deal. Check out which building you want. Something close to the pool, near the restaurants and shops, or further out on the property. Again, don't ask and you will not receive.

But, this works best if you get there early - not later in the day. It is a first come, first serve option.

This brings up another point. So many people wander in late in the day because of the posted check in time. Forget it. You just wasted most of a day. Get there early, they will hold you bags, and you can run into the parks to take advantage of day 1.

Check out. Request a late checkout, and again stay as long as you can - they will also hold your bags until you leave. Don't waste two days and turn a seven day vacation into a full five day trip with two wasted days used maintly for traveling.


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SAVE A FEW DOLLARS ON YOUR NEXT TRIP

Just a list of a few suggestions when booking for on property hotels:

Go during a slow season - special rates and packages are available

Shop around before you book, there are deals offered through AAA and other agents

Book your entire stay and packages in advance - adding days to your trip once you are staying at a property resort is full price once you are there - no discounts for rooms, etc.

Bring drinks and snacks to your room if you have a frig. It is much cheaper than using vending machines or snack shops.

Have deserts at concessions rather than at high end restaurants.

Set a limit for yourself (and your kids) on purchases. Having a budget limit in advance will reduce spending on "toys, trinkets, and other articles" you may never use again after you leave the property. Avoid impulse purchases.

Want to eat at high end restaurants for dinner, then grab a quick breakfast and less expensive lunch. Eating three large meals isn't really necessary.

Be careful to not book "expensive packages" that offer services and options you will not use. The high end packages are a good deal only when you can take part in all the items offered. Not golfing, going to spas, riding horses, going hang gliding, then you should book a package that doesn't include these offerings.

Again these are just a sample of money saving tips - more are on the way.

ALLEARS.NET

If you need general information (and there is a great deal of it) from a professionally produced website (not owned and/or operated by Disney) then ALLEARS.COM is the place to visit.

Unlike this blog which offers our personal information and links to other visitors videos, etc., ALLEARS also has links to companies selling anything from collectibles to vacation packages.

We think it might be somewhere for you to checkout - but we are not promoting this site, there advertisers, or any of their blogs. Just wanted to link you to another site that could be helpful.

ENJOY THE WORLD - HINT 2

Do not wait in long lines.

This is one of the most frustrating parts of Disney particularly for those who do not stay on the grounds. For someone, or a family, who is not able to get back to their hotel for a midday rest, staying at the park all day long can be exhausting.

Everyone wants to get the most for their money since the parks are not inexpensive, but this is one of the major reasons visitors must plan everyday of the trip. The trick is to get to the parks early, rest during the busiest hours, and visit attractions during the times they are least crowded. Will you see everything in one day - not hardly. Disney is so large now, even a week's vacation is not long enough to get everything done (at times).

So it is important to pick and choose what is really important to see, and try to find out when these attractions have shorter lines. The Disney employees can be helpful, but it is easy to find such information in books that are available at most bookstores.

For example, lines at attraction are shortest during parades, fireworks, and special events at each park since these draw large crowds. That is when to go to popular rides such as Space Mountain, Pirates, and others.

Lines are also shorter early and late. Another option.

Restaurant lines without reservations - go in off hours. Eat lunch at 11:00 am - or take an early dinner at 3:00 or 4:00 pm.

If you do not mind riding alone on some attractions, have everyone in your group go into the single rider lines. You will be put on rides in the order you are in line, so you will all be getting off the rides in order also - just meet up at the end of the attraction.

But, if you decide wait in 50 minute lines all day long, you will actually see less in the long run - and really be discouraged about your visit to WDW.

Keep coming back - more hints are one the way.

DISNEY YOUTUBE VIDEOS

I felt it would be helpful to post (below this blog section) a series of connections to YouTube videos from others who have visited Disney World. These are not our videos and we cannot control the connection or content of the posts. But, we requested video connections that hopefully will contain useful and appropriate content. I have screened these as they pop-up, but they change constantly and are linked through "Blogger."

I hope "Blogger" has removed any that are inappropriate regarding their content, but I wanted to included this "warning-disclaimer" prior to anyone logging onto any of the video links below.

ENJOYING DISNEY - HINT 1 - THE OPEN MIND

Never gone to WDW? Thinking it might not be fun? Try not to visualize this negatively before you go. Even if you do not think you will like the Mouse, there is something there for everyone.

Kids will love most everything about WDW except long lines and heat. And these two items can be avoided easily if you plan carefully in advance (See other posts).

Teenagers love the water parks, and more daring rides. But, some just love every aspect of the parks. Again, it is in the planning. Teens do not want to wait in lines, so use fast passes, plan other attractions or shopping while the fast pass is coming due, or grab something to eat at these times. Also, teens will find snacking sometimes more fun than taking times for sit down meals - so keep in touch by cell phone if the family decides to go separate ways for a while. Also, there is Downtown Disney with movies, and Disney Quest - lots of fun!! And do not foget water sports, horseback riding, and other available teen favorites. Disney's website has updated suggestions for teens on vacation at WDW.

Sports minded? There are water sports, golfing, miniature golf, "driving" real race cars, and the sports complex. Catch an Atlanta Braves pre-season game, or go to other events being held at the complex.

Older? Shows are always available. Great restaurants are everywhere. There are clubs, and nightspots.

The trick - get as much information in advance as humanly possible. Call AAA or travel agents. Ask those who have already visited. Go to the website. Plan your trip based upon weather, and events that are taking place at WDW. Go during the garden show in the spring, of the food festival in the fall. Plan carefully and go with an open mind - and everyone should be happy - except maybe the Grinch!

NEWS LINKS ADDED

We have added links to news items at Disney World, general Disney news, and Florida area news. Also, there are connections now to YouTube Disney related videos. Please note that we do not control the videos (they are not ours), nor do we post the news items. These are just immediate links to sites that will hopefully keep you aware of what is happening.

FUTURE POSTS

In the immediate future, posts will deal with how to save cash on your Disney World vacation, choosing a vacation plan, and how to not be disappointed with your visit.

If you have any questions about WDW or want specific topics addressed, feel free to make suggestions.

WINTER WEATHER AT DISNEY

Going to Disney this winter?

Check out the weather in the park before you depart. It can be variable and packing the wrong clothing can be an issue after you arrive.

One thing for sure though, is it isn't going to snow.

Click to get Orlando weather: http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USFL0372.html

AAA IS OFFERING SPECIAL PRICES IF YOU BOOK IN JANUARY 2008

Just noticed that AAA is coming up with some special prices for members who book this month. Might be worth a call.

Have medical issues?

Just some advice.

Disney has refrigerators for your meds.

When checking in let the valets know if you have meds in your suitcases - they will store them in special locations or keep them refrigerated until you check in.

Call the desk if you have a medical emergency or need help.

First aid stations are available in all the parks.

Celebration has a great hospital (at least in my opinion). And it looks like a Disney high class resort also.

If going to Magic Kingdom, stop at City Hall and you can obtain your handicapped access pass there so you do not have to wait on the regular lines for attractions.

Don't be afraid to get on most rides. They workers will usually stop the rides to assist you on and off.

The heat can be excessive (along with the humidity), stay hydrated and out of the sun.

Remember some meds react with sunlight - so know your prescriptions well.

Lose your meds. Have your resort use their fax machines to get prescriptions to you.



These are just a few words of wisdom - more to come

More First Time Visitor Information (or information for those not regularly visiting the World)

We have been getting more requests for first time visitor information and for information to help those who only visit WDW infrequently.

We will soon add some more information to help you make the most of your visit.

Again, we will keep these blogs short and to the point and list the information for every age group!

Please keep asking us questions - we want to help.

DID YOU EVER TRY THE "LITTLE EXTRAS" AT WDW?

Have you visited Disney with the kids and starting to find it reptitive? Try something new. Make each trip a little different. Do the extras!

Many just take the kids to the parks, wait in lines, and see the same attractions over and over. If that is the nature of each trip, you can get tired of going to WDW.

That is why you should always change the routine - at least some aspects of it.

Try the following during your vacations. You may not be able to do all of these on every trip, but it will create a "NEW WDW" world vacation adventure during your stay.

Take more time to swim at your pool.
Go on the boats, try water skiing or parasailing, maybe even dive with the dolphins.
How about playing golf, mini-golf, or tennis?
A horseback ride at Fort Wildnerness is rarely part of most vacationers adventure.
Watch some events at the Wide World of Sports - Catch a pre-season Braves game if you go in later winter/early spring.
Ever consider riding bikes, or going fishing?
Tours are always interesting and fun, and you learn a great deal about Disney World.
A short trip to Celebration should be part of a trip.
And if you like "green" - visit the Wilderness Preserve (a good trip from WDW property)

These are only a few options.

More will be discussed later including Disney Quest, La Nouba, and special events (these vary from during the year - Wine festival, Garden festival, Not So Scary Halloween, etc., etc.)

Enjoy Disney - Don't get bored - Keep looking for those new adventures each and every trip. And go to Disney during different seasons - "there is a difference."

TRY FINDING THE TORTOISES

I just find out from my dentist who is a real "Disney" person, that he never found the Galapagos tortoises in Animal Kingdom.

You have to search the enclosures on the back side of the Tree of Life to see them. Like many things in Disney, they are in a place that is often overlooked.

Sometimes the best way to find out about the lesser known areas or exhibits in Animal Kingdom, or any park, is to ask the employees. Ask those who have been there a while if they know of any hidden remote areas of the parks that might be interesting. Many of them can lead you to very interesting places.

Did you ever search for local alligators lurking in the pond to the right of the entrance to the Shades of Green resort (near the guard house). Good place to look!

There are also warning signs about the alligators and poisonous snakes that live in Florida around the pond - so you know there really are 'gators present. There are also a large number of aquatic turtles in that pond.

Lizards are most everywhere if it is not on the hottest days of summer - or too cool as winter sets in. Just look on the sidewalks on sunny days especially where there is nearby vegetation. Anoles are hanging out! Once you find one, you will start to spot hundreds of them.

Did you ever visit the barbershop in MK? Try a haircut there in the future. But, you have to find it first.

More fun things and locations will be posted in the future.

IS IT JUST ME - OR ARE SOME MANY DISNEY BLOGS BECOMING LARGE ONLINE STORES?

Free enterprise is great, and even this site uses adsense to connect visitors to offerings that might be of some interest. But, searching through the larger blogs, it appears that most of the blog is centered around selling Disney Merchandise, Tickets, etc.

This is not to say that there is not a lot of information on the sites, but it seems to be more commercial than personal.

Please let us know if this site ever seems to be going in that direction - we will surely correct that situation immediately.

Hopefully, we can always keep this blog to relate to others our personal thoughts on WDW, and hear from you that we are helping you in some small way.

DISNEY PLAYHOUSE - MGM STUDIOS

I realize that this is an attraction for little kids, and it is listed as such in all the WDW brochures. However, if you don't have a little child with you on the trip, slip in line behind a family with little ones and make believe you are with them. This is really cute.

Yeah, you have to sit on the floor. And it is silly. But, when you watch the children dance around in the audience with the actors and puppets on stage, it really is enjoyable. Remembet that Disney is for kids of all ages, so why shouldn't us older kids have fun too.

But, if you are an adult, and feel funny about going in without kids, "just ask a family who is waiting in line" if they could adopt you for a half hour or so.

WATCH SOME OFFICIAL DISNEY VIDEOS BEFORE TRAVELING WITH LITTLE ONES

Why not take the advice of the expert on traveling with young children at Disney?

We think you should take a look at what WDW has to offer in the way to tips for your trips with kids.

Videos are just a click away!

EVER USE WDW CUSTOMIZED MAPS?

Many potential visitors, and experienced WDW travelers, often do not take full advantage of the WDW website. It is a large site, and once people zip through the specific information they were searching for when browsing the site, they simply log off.



However, checking out the site when you have time is a great idea. Not only does it have information on plans, prices, parks, attractions, etc., but it also has some unique and often missed features such as the customized maps of the four major parks.



Not only can you get an overhead view, but zoom in and out, move left - right - up - down, but also click on each attraction for a brief summary. Furthermore, you can even print these maps for later use.



Try these - interesting and fun!