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Surviving Disney

5/10/2014

 
        I’ve just returned from a wonderful week vacationing in Disneyworld, Florida, and thought I would share some of my experiences for those of you who are planning a trip to any of Disney’s theme parks. If you’ve never contemplated a family holiday at Disney, I have to say, I understand. It’s busy. There are line-ups everywhere and the crowds are huge, but it can also be a wonderful vacation that can be shared and enjoyed by everyone from grandparents to toddlers.

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          To start off, this is a walking holiday. You will walk and then walk some more and when you stop walking you will have to stand. Wear good shoes and if you have small children bring a stroller. If you have elderly or infirmed relatives, rent an electric scooter. The one we rented (No it wasn’t for me) cost about $30 a day and was worth every penny. The bus drivers and Disney staff are excellent at catering to people with special needs. And if you stay at one of the Disneyworld resorts transport to and from the parks is free. 

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All your information including meal plan, hotel, park entrance and FastPass + is held on the Magic Band.
         If you are travelling with a person with special dietary needs, whether it is an allergy, a gluten intolerance, or diabetes, the restaurant staff is excellent. We had a child travelling with us who had a peanut allergy. At every single restaurant we visited the chef came our table to discuss the appropriate menu options, not only was our child aware of the safe choices, but was also provided with a peanut free alternative dessert, something that is a rare treat.
click here for Disney's dietary policy
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A peanut free Mickey waffle
PictureGreen Mickey in the Epcot Center
          I have chronic motion sickness and am not a fan of rollercoasters, but there is so much more to Disney than theme park rides. There is always something to see and do, from shows to safari tours. Most of the attractions have long lines. You can wait for an hour to get on a ride, but Disney does have a solution. You can purchase a FastPass +. Now I can’t tell you the prices, but I would contact a Disney representative before you go for more information. I do suggest that if your budget allows you get one. It works by allowing you to schedule your rides and attractions. You book the time you want to ride and then show up at that time, there is a special entrance for FastPass + holders, so there’s no need to wait in the long line up. 

click for more about fastpass +
Disney staff are courteous, friendly, and helpful. They know that for most of us a vacation at one of their theme parks is a once in a lifetime event. For me this was a holiday full of family memories that can be cherished forever.
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The castle in the Magic Kingdom at night
Mary Magdeline link
5/10/2014 12:30:24 am

It sounds like a wonderful holiday for all ages. I have wondered which is better - California or Florida. Do you know?

Marlow
5/10/2014 12:38:49 am

I have been to both. If you're travelling from the West coast California is cheaper and you incur less travel time. But the resort in Florida is larger with more theme parks and they have two water parks where you can enjoy a lazy day lying in the sun, which I found to be a welcome change of pace.
On the other hand Disneyland in California is centralized with all the theme parks at one main entrance. In Florida there were times when we were on the bus for 30 minutes to go from one park to another.
I hope that helps.


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Photos used under Creative Commons from mararie, libertygrace0, Renaud Camus, David Holt London
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