Do you have last minute plans to travel to the most magical place on Earth for spring break this year? Although large crowds are expected, don’t let that deter you from adding this wonderful destination to your travel itinerary. From four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom), two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) and 24 themed hotels to a bevy of restaurants, shops, recreation and entertainment venues, it’s no wonder now -The 39-year-old mecca for Mickey Mouse fans is the world’s largest and most visited recreation complex. Read on for tips to help make your Walt Disney World vacation as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.
1. Book fast!
With sizable crowds continually pouring into the theme parks during spring break, it’s no wonder many hotels are full or near capacity. But don’t despair! If you book now, you can still lock in great rates at select hotels located just minutes from Walt Disney World. Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, located just 1.5 miles from the main gate of Walt Disney World, combines the grandeur of a turn-of-the-century Florida mansion with the modern conveniences and luxurious accommodations of a world-renowned luxury hotel. Among its many attractions are a 4.5-acre glass-domed atrium and a 20,000-square-foot spa with salon and fitness center. There’s also the Royal Plaza Hotel at Downtown Disney, where guests enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center, four lighted tennis courts, preferred hours at all 4 Walt Disney Resort golf courses, and complimentary transportation to all theme and water parks. of Walt Disney World. .
2. Plan your day carefully.
Travelers staying at select Walt Disney World resorts, such as the Swan and Dolphin, can enjoy Extra Magic Hours. Each day, one of the four Disney theme parks opens an hour earlier or stays open up to three hours after regular closing time, allowing guests to enjoy select attractions a little earlier or a little later than most attendees to theme parks. If your property is a hotel that is not owned or operated by Disney, you can take advantage of the ever-popular free FASTPASS. All you have to do is insert your park pass at a nearby kiosk and you’ll receive a voucher for a certain period of time, usually an hour or two later, in which you can come back, bypass the waiting line and get on the ride with little to no waiting. (Note: FASTPASS tickets are not issued during Extra Magic Hours.)
Not only does this cut down on hours of waiting time, but it gives you time to shop, grab a bite to eat, or even wait in line for a different ride. It’s also convenient for travelers with kids in tow who might otherwise fret about having to wait in line for long periods of time. There are restrictions on the number of FASTPASS tickets you can have at one time. Even tickets to popular attractions like Splash Mountain and Space Mountain can sell out in the afternoon, so you’ll want to snag them early.
3. Consider making reservations for lunch and dinner.
After a busy day walking through one or more parks, you are sure to work up an appetite. There is nothing more frustrating than discovering that you have to wait two hours to be seated at the restaurant of your choice. Make priority seat reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE; this will leave you more time to shop, take pictures and enjoy the rides. Reservations are free and can be made up to 180 days before the stay. Remember, various vending carts and snack bars are dotted throughout the park, making it easy to grab a snack on the go. If you’re not packing snacks for the road, it might be wise to stop by the grocery store for some shopping before you head to Orlando.
4. Stay aware of the weather and dress accordingly.
As we all know, Florida weather can be quite erratic. Stay on top of weather conditions by checking the local forecast each morning and evening, either on TV or in the newspaper. Not only will this determine the best time of day to head to the theme parks, but it will also help you choose appropriate clothing for the weather. You don’t want to be caught wearing a sweater on a sweltering morning or without a rain poncho on a cloudy afternoon.
5. Don’t miss out on the fun Holy Week events.
Why spend your spring break at Walt Disney World and not join in the Easter festivities? The Magic Kingdom will host the Celebrate A Dream Come True parade on April 4, 2010. Two parades will be held March 28-31, 2010 at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, so be sure to choose place an hour or more before parade time. If you’re planning to stop by Epcot with the little ones on Easter Sunday, you can have them participate in an Easter Egg Hunt (ages 3-9) in the Heritage Garden at American Adventure. There will be an egg hunt every 30 minutes from 11:40 am to 5:40 pm Kids ages 6 to 12 can participate in an Easter Egg Relay at Future World West Garden, just outside the Character Spot at Innoventions West. Relays will take place 40 minutes past the hour from 10:40 am to 4:40 pm A spring break at Walt Disney World doesn’t have to be hectic or stressful. With a little planning, you can beat the crowds and walk away with a truly unforgettable experience. What are you waiting for? Mickey Mouse awaits you!