Travel Tips: Know Before You Go Disney Travel

Are Disney travel package deals worth the money?
Disney Packages can be overpriced during the busy season, but during the off-peak periods, your travel agent can get great discounts on packages at WDW hotels. They include hotel, all meals, and theme park tickets - for about the same price as an offsite hotel room without all the extras. Packages also include free perks like Character Breakfasts, and a choice of nice restaurants.

Avoiding long lines
Crowds are inevitable during the busy season at Walt Disney World (WDW), but there are tricks that will help. Guests at WDW hotels get early admission to the theme parks. Be sure to double check opening time upon arrival, because Disney fluctuates opening times during the year, often with little notice. Usually the park staff will actually let you in up to half an hour before the 'stated' opening time, to avoid bottlenecks. Suppose official opening is 10 am for the public and 9 am for WDW hotel guests. If you're there at 8:30 am you'll get in. Take advantage of this quirk to maximize your fun!

Which Disney World character meals are the best?
The character meals at the 'Ohana at the Polynesian Resort and Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary resort include parades of Characters and children singing and waving napkins, and other mayhem. They are the most fun.

How can you save money at Disney hotels?

More money-saving tips from FAQ Farmers:
• Book the "room only" during peak period. Although off-peak Disney packages are frequently a good deal, during the busy season the package price is frequently more than purchasing each item separately. This is because Disney frequently discounts passes, meals, etc. Deposit and cancellation fees are higher with packages, too.

• Use discount codes to get reduced prices. Some are for special groups like residents of Florida or Annual Pass holders, but others are available for anyone. Disney uses discount codes to unload rooms at reduced rates during slower periods. Normally they are not available until 2-6 months prior to arrival.

• Be flexible. If you insist on the Grand Floridian Hotel during peak season, you will pay a fortune for it. If you aren't fussy about which Disney hotel you use, you'll save up to 40%.

Does Disney World allow pets?
Pets aren't allowed inside any of the parks. But, leaving your pet in a hot car in the Florida sun (even with a window cracked) can be fatal.

More Disney Travel Tips

- Some hotels and travel agents offer discounts to nurses, teachers and government workers, as well as AAA, AARP and Entertainment Book members.

- Make sure to purchase your tickets before you get to the park, so you don't have to stand in line when you get there.

- Read your tickets and passes and make sure you understand what you are paying for. Remember, too, that some rides have certain height requirements for children.

- Walking the parks may be fine for the grown-ups, but you may want to either bring your own stroller or rent one for your child.

- If you have a child who is too small for a particular ride, take advantage of the Disney "Baby Swap" option. All you need to do is tell the attendant. When you reach the front of the line, one parent will be able to ride while the other parent holds the child. When the ride is over, you switch. That way, neither parent has to sit out.

- The weather can be unpredictable so don't be caught off-guard. Make sure to bring an umbrella, ponchos and some cool weather clothing. Plan ahead for rainy days by having a list of indoor activities you want to do in the area, as well, just in case of an extended downpour.

Though a Disney vacation may seem overwhelming during the planning stage, rest assured that a little bit of planning now will make for a more relaxed, memorable - even magical - vacation that you and your children will remember for a long time to come.