Disney's Magic Kingdom Orlando Florida

By Steve Sewell

No matter how old you are, this place will enchant you from the moment you enter Disney World property. As you drive toward the transportation and ticketing center, along Disney's highways, you see Mickey Mouse on the road signs. At first just his gloves over the top of the sign and as you get closer more and more of him is revealed.

You have to go to the Transportation and Ticketing center to get to the Magic Kingdom, either by ferry across the Seven Seas Lagoon or by Monorail. I always find it quicker to go to MK by Monorail and return by ferry as it carries more passengers. This would only really apply if you left the park when either the park closes or a Firework Display has finished. You can also get the monorail to EPCOT from here if you wished.

This is the first time you will get a glimpse of Cinderellas Castle. It sends a tingle down your spine and I have had grown men say "It brought a lump to my throat". It never does it again, just that first time. Once you arrive at MK you then need to queue (Get in Line) for security and the turnstiles for admission.

On entering MK the first place you come across is Main Street USA. Main Street is designed, through forced perspective, to look as if it's much longer than it is when you're walking towards the castle. In the mornings, you are all excited and have the energy to walk. When you're walking away from the castle towards the exit, it looks shorter. Also, it is believed that most people walk on the right side of the street, so, all the food shops are on the right as you enter for those wanting breakfast, while the shops are on your right on the way out! When you are coming out, all the shops on your right have gifts and souvenirs. Towering in the distance is Cinderella's Castle in all it's glory. This is where everyone gets to grab that first photo opportunity. There are also Disney photographers on hand to take your picture.

If you have arrived early, just as the park has opened it may be a good idea to go right through to the back and go on those rides first as most people will work there way to the furthest point visiting rides and attractions as they go. Some of the attractions for older guests are there too, such as, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain. A tip if there is a bit of a wait for both these rides, take a fast pass for one and queue for the other. Normally by the time you have done one ride it will be about time to ride the next one. A thing to note about fast passes, you can only use one fast pass at a time. So if you get a fast pass for a ride that says you should return between 10:00 and 12:00 you can't get another fast pass till after 10:00.

Try and avoid EMH (Extra Magic Hours) unless of course you are staying on a Disney property, this is when the park opens earlier and closes later for Disney Guests. The parks tend to be more full on these days.

The day time parade starts around 3pm and the sidewalks tend to get busy 1 to 2 hours prior to that. It does get very congested and it is difficult to cross the parade routes around that time too.
One other tip, if it is your birthday, anniversary or your first time visiting call at guest relations and tell them they will give you a badge and listen to the cast members say "Happy birthday Steve" or "How are you enjoying your first Visit Steve?"

MK can be one of the busier parks in Orlando but is well worth the visit. I wont go into all the rides that they have there you can find information about those sort of things quite easily. Try http://www.perfectfloridavillas.com/main/orlando-guide.aspx

Steve Sewell is a Orlando Villa owner and is part owner of http://www.perfectfloridavillas.com and also owns the informational guide website http://www.perfectfloridaguide.com he has been traveling to Florida for the past 16 years and has built up a wealth of knowledge.

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Disney Cruise Ships Offer Something for the Entire Family

By Richie Wells

If you are looking for a different type of vacation that the entire family can enjoy, a Disney cruise is certainly one to consider. Of the many cruise lines that are on the ocean today, few can cater to every age and preference as well as the Disney Company can. Disney Cruises makes it possible for even families with young children to enjoy a vacation at sea with complete comfort and entertainment available for everyone. You can take a quick trek to the Bahamas or spend a week in the Caribbean and Mexico. For longer vacations, there are Mediterranean and transatlantic itineraries available as well. No matter where you want to go, Disney Cruises will get you there in plenty of style and fun.

The Ships of Disney Cruises
Currently, Disney Cruises has two ships in its fleet; the Wonder and the Magic. These two ships are sister ships meaning that they are similar in size and structure. The ships were created in the style of the classic cruise liner, and this timeless elegance is found throughout the interior and exterior of the ships. The only difference between the two ships is primarily the itinerary that you choose. In 2011 and 2012, Disney plans to add two more ships to its fleet that will be considerably larger than the current ships. While the Wonder and the Magic hold about 2400 guests, the new ships will hold up to 4000. There has not yet been information about what the itineraries will be for these new additions, but you can bet that there will be considerable excitement when these new Disney cruise ships make their debut.

Unusual Dining on Disney Cruises
One of the features that makes Disney cruises unique is their rotational dining system. Instead of one large dining room, or two matching dining areas, Disney provides three unique dining experiences that are all completely enhanced with the Disney magic. Each night, you get to try out a new dining room to enjoy the ambiance and menus that each area offers. The really exciting part of this rotational dining idea is that your wait staff travels with you to the various locations. So while you are checking out the splendor and beauty of each dining area, your wait staff will come right along side you, remembering your drinks of choice and exactly how you like your food cooked and served. It is truly an advantage for families traveling with children, since the kids never have time to get bored at meals with new things to look at every night!

Besides the beautiful ships and unique dining, Disney cruises has created an entire vacation at sea with the entire family in mind. State rooms are bigger, and there are family suites available to house groups of four or five. Entertainment is consistently up to the Disney standard, and is always family friendly. You will never be at a loss for things to do, or places to see. Try a Disney cruise for your next family vacation and watch the magic come alive.
Rich Wells runs his own online travel business. His particular specialty is cru
ises. Check these great Cruise Ships ideas and info.

Walt Disney World Dining - The Basics

By Alison Meacham

The parks and resorts are full of fabulous restaurants and dining experiences. It can certainly make your Walt Disney World vacation extra special by dining at these great restaurants in the parks and at the resort hotels.

For those of us increasingly concerned about healthy eating choices Walt Disney World is taking some steps to provide more healthy options. By the end of 2007 (and 2008 for licensed foods) Disney World will have removed all added trans-fats from foods served in park and resort restaurants. Disney branded products sold in the park will meet this requirement by the end of 2008.

It is important to understand the Disney Advanced Dining Reservation system. The system is unique. Disney restaurants are popular, particularly at busy times, and you need to make reservations in advance to ensure a table at the restaurant of your choice. An Advance Dining Reservation is not exactly a reservation - Disney doesn't have those. Instead an Advance Dining Reservation is a promise that you will be given priority ahead of the walk-ins. In reality what this means is that unless you have an Advance Dining Reservation you may not be able to get a table. Built into the system though is that Disney knows that there will always be no shows.
Obviously Disney wants to fill the restaurant so the agents will seat walk ins if at all possible.
You may have a very long wait ahead of you, but it is always worth checking out.

For most sit down restaurants you can make Disney Advance Dining Reservations up to 180 days in advance by calling 407 WDW DINE. I highly recommend doing this if you are going to eat at the parks, particularly in the evenings and at busy times. I have found that as more and more people realize this facility is available, the more essential it becomes.

Some restaurants, such as Cinderella's Royal Table, will require a credit card guarantee. Be sure to make a note of this when you have made your reservation. If you forget you could be reminded when you see a penalty on your credit card statement. If you are traveling during a major Holiday or busy time plan your reservations as far ahead as possible. You also need to do this if you have a large party.

The reservation line can be very busy, and at times I have found it impossible to get through to even talk to an agent. Set aside some time to be able to do this and have some second and third options available. The Disney Cast Member will assist you to make alternative choices.

You can also make Advance Dining Reservations in person at the restaurant or at Guest Services in the park. If you have not made any reservations when you arrive at the park it is a good idea to go to Guest Services to see what they have available.

There are some unique and excellent dining experiences to be be enjoyed at Walt Disney World. Just make your Advance Dining Reservations and you will be ahead of the crowd.

Alison Meacham is the author of the Disney Vacation Money Savings Guide. She owns luxury Florida vacation rental homes within 5 minutes of Disney. You can view her resort villas at http://www.windsorpalmsusa.com Sign up for her free newsletter which gives tips, ideas and suggestions on how to save on your Disney World Vacation

Disney Resorts - Do Them Moderately

By Gail Nettles

Walt Disney World resorts come in several categories, mostly by price. And it's the Disney Moderate resorts that are the best value for the money. Sure, they cost a bit more than the All-Stars, but they are a world away. Let's see why a Disney Moderate resort is a smart place to stay on your Walt Disney World vacation.

The Disney Magic - At Last
Do you like a little extra comfort when you take a vacation? A little more fantasy -- a little more magic? Disney's Moderate resorts fit the bill.

First, the Moderate resorts are smaller and less crowded than the Value resorts. The rooms tend to be a bit larger and also quieter. The themes of the Moderate resorts tend to be more elegant, as do the lobbies and common areas of the resort.

And unlike the Value resorts, the Moderate resorts have restaurants. No grabbing something at Disney's version of fast food -- you can sit down for a meal.

It all contributes a little extra to the Disney magic (which is why you are staying at a Disney resort anyway).

Which are the Disney Moderate Resorts?
So you're intrigued and want to find out more about these wonderful resorts...but you don't know which ones they are. Here's a list, in alphabetic order.

Caribbean Beach Resort: As you might guess, it is island-themed and full of watery delights.

Coronado Springs Resort: Think colonial Spain and an elegant Mexico for this resort, with a very interesting restaurant.

Port Orleans, French Quarter: Yes, a theme of New Orleans' French Quarter, done up in Disney style, complete with horse-drawn carriages.

Port Orleans, Riverside: Think of the Old South, with stately homes and lovely gardens by a river (which does run through this resort).

Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort
If you're like most people, you wouldn't mind saving just a bit on your hotel stay at one of the Disney Moderate resorts. After all, you do want some money to play in the theme parks!
Even a week can make a difference in the cost of your stay. Sure, you can pay the standard rate, but why not get a great deal by booking in the off-seasons? Perhaps save as much as $50 a night?

For additional information about the Disney Moderate resorts and the kinds of discounts, see http://www.great-disney-vacations.com/disney-moderate-resorts.html
See you at a Disney Moderate resort!

Gail Nettles is a former Walt Disney World employee, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. She also publishes http://www.great-disney-vacations.com