Tips and Advice for Making the Most of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks

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Walt Disney World® Theme Parks

Explore the Enchanted Cinderella Castle

You've heard the story of Cinderella, her Prince, and her fairy godmother ... now see the splendor of her story come to life at Cinderella Castle. Your entire family will delight at finally seeing this enchanting symbol of magic, fantasy and imagination in person at Disney's Magic Kingdom® Park! (as to Disney artwork, logos and properties: ©Disney)

For most guests, a visit to the Walt Disney World_® Resort theme parks is a dream come true. To make the most of your Disney adventure, consider these helpful tips to avoid surprises and to maximum the experience for you and your family.

General Walt Disney World_® Resort Theme Park Tips

Bring along a spray water bottle on hot days in order to cool down.
Consider bringing along water bottle to make sure you drink plenty of fluids.
As brief but intense rain storms can often pop up in the afternoons, be sure to pack a poncho, umbrella, or raincoat. Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm are also a good idea.
Bring along a small chamois cloth to dry off strollers, cameras, or anything else that might get wet.
Don't forget to bring a camera as you'll want to capture these lifelong memories.
Keep in mind that lockers, strollers, and wheelchairs are all available for rental.
If you are staying at off-site lodging, a dry change of clothes for the trip home is always a good idea.
When people enter the theme parks, they generally walk to the right. Try heading left to start with in order to avoid the rush and possibly enjoy shorter lines.
Take advantage of Disney's Fastpass_®Service, which allows you to avoid lines by receiving a specific time to enjoy a popular attraction without the long wait.
Look at the nametags of the Disney cast members you encounter. Many are fluent in more than one language, and flags on their nametags will let you know what languages they speak.
Review a map of the park you are attending before arriving to ensure you spend more time enjoying the rides and attractions, and less time searching for them.
Most parks feature a Tip Board that display the current wait times for the most popular rides and attractions.
If your party decides to split up, make sure to determine a pre-arranged meeting place that is away from the main high-traffic areas of the park.
Wear comfortable, casual shoes and clothing.
Pack lightly as bags are subject to search at the park entrance.
Take advantage of the Package Pickup service offered by Disney, which will deliver your park purchases to designated areas near the exits. Purchases can also be shipped back home via UPS or FedEx.

Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World_® Resort Theme Parks With Children

Bring your child's Disney autograph book to designated areas in the parks where Disney characters will sign autographs and meet with your child.
Determine your child's height before entering the park so that you know whether or not they meet the height requirements for certain rides and attractions.
Plan to take a midday break and return to your hotel for an hour or two to allow everyone in your party (especially the little ones!) time to rest.
All restrooms include baby-changing stations, and Carnation^®Comfort Baby Centers are located in each park with kitchens and supplies available (charges apply).
Adults may switch out to ride attractions that children may be too young to ride, without having to wait in line twice.
Rest assured that healthy meal options and milk are available at most restaurants within the parks.