A Disney Primer
By Michele Blandino
In the lexicon of many Americans, there are two types of vacations: the regular kind, where you pack your bags and head to your destination and the Disney kind, where you pack your bags and head to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
While aside from the ultimate destination, there doesn't seem to be much difference between these two types of vacations they are indeed, very different experiences.
See, the folks at Disney have spent the better part of the last fifty years making sure that every single aspect of their theme parks, resorts and other properties live up to the Disney name. And, between the impeccably groomed grounds, the unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and the unmistakable desire to remain the nation's number one tourist destination, it is apparent that they take this mission quite seriously. In the process, however, they have also managed to create a sort of sub-culture which takes a bit of study to fully understand. As a result, first-time visitors may find themselves hopelessly overwhelmed by the entire Disney experience and spend the majority of their vacation aimlessly wandering throughout the park.
While it is recommended that any first-time visitor take the time to read one of the many "official" and "unofficial" guidebooks that are widely available, sometimes this is just not practical. As a result, the following list has been compiled which provides the basic information that is needed to help make your first trip to Walt Disney World as memorable - and painless - as possible.
Take a Map
As you enter any of the Walt Disney World parks, you will find a kiosk containing park maps and an events guide that lists the times for various performances and attractions. Be sure to take several copies of each and use them to help navigate your way through the park.
Make Reservations
If there is a particular place you would like to dine or if you have opted for a package plan that includes meals at select restaurants, you should make reservations. While some people balk at doing this - after all, vacations are supposed to provide the opportunity to escape the structure of the every day routine - failure to make reservations will likely result in your being left without a place to eat. Restaurants - particularly those featuring "character meals" - tend to fill up quickly and it is not unusual for "walk-ins" to endure waits of 90 minutes or more to be seated.
Parade Viewing
The Magic Kingdom has two parades: the afternoon "Share a Dream Come True" parade and the nighttime "SpectroMagic" event. The precise times and routes are found in the park maps. For both parades, it is recommended that you pick your viewing location at least one hour before the published start time and be prepared to defend it. About one hour before parade time, park employees will erect a rope fence that defines the boundaries behind which guests must stay. For the best view, you should choose a spot directly behind the rope; if you opt to stand a few feet back to take advantage of a bench or other surface on which to sit, you can be assured that someone will take the spot directly in front of you just as the parade is about to begin.
FASTPASS
Perhaps one of the greatest amenities ever created, FASTPASS allows guests to avoid long wait times for select attractions. To use FASTPASS, you simply enter your park admission ticket into a special FASTPASS machine. You will receive a ticket which gives you a return time - usually a 50 minute period. When you return to the attraction, you use the separate FASTPASS entrance and hand your ticket to the attendant. Typically, you will be allowed to board the ride within just a few minutes of getting on line.
Shop Early
Do not wait until the end of the day to buy your souvenirs; the closer it gets to parade time, the more crowded the stores become. If you don't want to carry your purchases with you for the rest of the day, most of the shops will deliver them to your room - assuming you are staying at a Disney resort. Otherwise, you can rent a locker at the park entrance and store your items there until you are ready to leave.
Finally, if you approach your vacation with as much flexibility as possible, chances are you will greatly enjoy it. Try to resist the urge to carefully script each day; the ability to quickly change direction - and plans - are needed to help you make the most of your Florida Disney vacation.