H. D. Dodson

Here I am again with my non-writing (but really writing) related posts on Disney World!

What?

  So, today I’ve got some tips on venturing through the parks.  I’ve been about eleventy billion times, so maybe this’ll be useful for…someone…somewhere.

Anywho, on with the show.

Tip #1 – Wear sunscreen.  Oh my gravy please, please wear sunscreen.  I don’t care if it’s cloudy and overcast or chilly or whatever.  You WILL get a sunburn.  And so will your kids.  SUNSCREEN.  (Don’t make me shout, I really don’t like to.  My family calls me the sunscreen nazi for a reason.)

Tip #2 – If you go in the summer, it will rain.  Just embrace the idea.  It won’t last long — probably thirty minutes from storm onset to sunny skies.  Buy a poncho and enjoy the shorter lines.

Tip #3 – If you’re going with small children, plan on an afternoon break at the resort.  The parks are HUGE.  There is tons of walking, and the kiddies are going to get cranky by 2pm.  You watch, I’m right.  (Also, Disney rental strollers?  So not comfy for sleeping.)

Tip #4 – Animal Kingdom is not an all day park.  If you plan to visit AK, I suggest you buy the park hopper option so you can morning in the AK and then jump over somewhere else for the evening and fireworks.  OH and for the safari, be there first thing in the morning to see the most animals. 

Tip #5 – Yeah, so I know you’re on vacation and all, but if you want to deal with less crowds, get to the park at opening.  For real.  I’m going to try and get some pictures for proof on this one (I may have some from the HP World trip, actually.). 

Bonus Tip #6 – Buy the water.  So, my senior year in high school my graduating class went to Grad Night at Disney.  For several days actually.  And I’ll tell you, the prices in Disney are not cheap — for anything.  So my bestie refused to pay their ridiculous prices for bottles of water.  Can you guess where that got her?  She collapsed on the sidewalk and wound up in an ambulance, and then the hospital.  I don’t care how much the bottled water costs, buy it.  Stay hydrated.  It’s incredibly important, especially in the summer months. 

There you have it — Disney from a regular’s perspective.  (Also, shoes — don’t be crazy, wear something comfortable.  These people in high heels in the parks just kill me.)

As they say in Disney, “Have a magical day!”

I thought to occupy you while I’m in the Happiest Place on Earth, I’d share some of my knowledge of Disney World and Florida in general.

What does that have to do with writing?  Ummm…  Well, to be a good writer you’ve got to get out and experience stuff.  Live life.  Dream and then dream bigger.  That’s what Disney is all about.

Plus, I write fairy tales, so I’m calling it research.  HA! 

Tip #1 -  It is freaking hot down here.  Plan accordingly.  From June through September the temperatures will range from about 92 to 110 during the day.  The highest temps in July and August.  But just because you come in December, don’t think you’ll escape — for New Years we wore light jackets in the mornings, and t-shirts all day.  (Although it’s obviously much cooler than July, but you’re not gonna find any snowflakes around here.)  Also, highest crowds are during summer vacation, spring break, and around major holidays.  Just an FYI.

Tip #2 – Don’t get ripped off.  When you buy your Disney tickets, buy them through someone reputable.  You cannot buy someone’s ticket who has only used 3 of their 5 days.  Disney uses a biometric scannery thing when you enter the park, and tickets are not transferable between people.

Tip #3 – Move to Florida.  What?  We get discounts just for living here. 

Tip #4 -  If you scroll to the bottom of the Disney World webpage, there’s a link called Special Offers.  Right now I think they’re offering a free dining plan if you come during certain dates.  Free!  Woopie!  You’re welcome.

Tip #5 – Don’t worry.  Disney never disappoints.  If you’re going with someone with food allergies or special needs, Disney will bend over backwards to accommodate you.  The bakeries are even stocked with allergen-free goodies for the kids!  (I was SO excited to learn this.  Super Spawn is never able to get bakery treats because of his nut allergy.)