10. Stay on the Disneyworld property if you can. It's a
quick monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom - and the time (and effort
- we've got a baby with a queen-sized buggy!) we saved on
getting from the here to the there was priceless. We loved the
1970's version of Hawaii at the Polynesian village, with it's lush
grounds, beach, and swimming pool with a volcano at its
center.
9. The Disney
Photopass was a lifesaver! I'm the kind of traveler that prefers
enjoying my vacation rather than watching it go by from behind a
camera lens. Grab a pass at your hotel front desk or at the
entrance to any of the lands and let the professional photographers
do the documenting job for you.
8. Bring water bottles from home and save money (and the
environment!) by refilling them at the many drinking fountains
around the park. Also keep some easy-reach and healthy
snacks on hand so you can keep rumbling tummies filled
(and avoid falling victim to the sugar highs of expensive ice cream
and other treats around the parks).
6. Make sure to book a character breakfast. For the toddler in
our group, we booked the Breakfast with Pooh and Friends
at the Crystal Palace. Our daughter squealed in delight when
meeting her fave characters and we enjoyed a delicious buffet.
5. Take time to relax: enjoy a morning or afternoon at one of
the hotel resorts' grand swimming pools. Splurge on a fun
cocktail and catch some rays while the kids slip, slide and swim to
their heart's content.
4. Get your Fast Pass on for your favorite Magic Kingdom rides
and visit with the characters (at the main entrance, near the
castle, and at other planned spots during the day -ask at an info
booth if there is a fave character that you want to meet and greet)
while you're waiting.
3. Splurge on at least one fine dining option. We took a break
from the Disney Hollywood Studios madness by stepping into the
Brown Derby for a relaxing lunch of world-famous chopped salad,
filet mignon, and an unforgettable vanilla bean creme brulee.
2. Don't try or expect to do it all. Let every kid
(and adult!) in your family choose their must-do ride/experience
and after you have met each, move on and catch what you can.
1. Disneyworld is so much more fun if you have the whole gang
with you. When you plan your trip, why not see if your sister or
brother, Grandma or Grandpa can come along? Be sure to request
adjoining room for even more fun! We had such a blast with our
whole extended family - Grandma, Grandpa, Aunty, Uncle and the
cousins, in addition to our own family of four - and made memories
that will last a lifetime.

Amy Bizzarri is a mom of two living in Logan Square. She also blogs at tiramisumom.com.
See more of Amy's stories here.

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