Eight Quick Tips for Disney World

1.  Be prepared for rain in the afternoon!  It has been a reoccurring theme for our four days at Disney!

2.  If you have a larger stroller, use the front row of the parking lot trams.  The front row is a double row and significantly wider, allowing you to fit your stroller in the tram seat.

3.  Plan in advance what rides you want to ride (or attractions you want to see).  Once you know what you want to ride (or see), get the Fast Pass.  Each person in your group can only have one Fast Pass at a time, so make it count.

4.  If you are travelling with a small child, be sure to get Rider Swap tickets from the ride attendant.  Regardless of whether you have a Fast Pass or not for this ride, you will be able to enter the Fast Pass line.  The Rider Swap ticket allows for up to three people total to return at any time of the day (they are dated).  Be sure to show proof of child (see below) when doing so to eliminate potential hassle.

"Proof of Child"

5.  Wireless data availability is inconsistent, subject to carrier.  The two carriers represented on our trip were AT&T and Boost Mobile.  AT&T had no problems whatsoever.  Boost Mobile had problems at Magic Kingdom and Epcot.  I did not try my Boost phone at Animal Kingdom, after two consecutive days of frustration.  Then, I tried it again at Hollywood Studios, where there were...wait for it...no problems at all!

6.  If you have a baby, each park has a baby care center.  On the maps, they are marked by a little pacifier.  They are really great.  Each one has a central lounge flanked by a semi-private changing area and a private nursing room with rocking chairs.  The one at Epcot had four rocking chairs to a room with no dividers, though.  They also sell diapers and baby food, and offer high chairs to feed kids in the baby care center.  In the central lounge, there is at least one sink, one microwave, and a TV for cartoons.  I was able to go into the nursing room at Hollywood Studios because it was a private room with space for only one family.

7.  Free water!  You do not have to buy their overpriced Dasani (or as I call it "da nasty") bottled tap water!  You can ask for a cup of water from most of the quick service restaurants, and yes, it's no charge.

8.  You can bring your own food into the park!  You read that right.  Just make sure it all fits into a small soft-sided cooler and they will not give you any grief over it.