Disney discounts?

OK here is the skinny on the possibility of discounts at Disney!  You probably will get a deal of some kind direct from Disney.com however after my years of going I have discovered one thing and that is all the discounts are about the same for our family of four.  What I mean is we have done free dining, 4+3 free deal, 35-40% of room only deals and many more and guess what happens?  Our trips varied maybe a $100-$200 difference in all these different promotions.  Your best way to save money is to go when it is value season because the demand is less and thus the trip cost a little less.  Other than that no matter what kind of promo you get the monetary difference in my opinion is rather insignificant.  Pick when you can go and never pay full price because that would be crazy and book as soon as you get a deal in your travel time.

If you are timid and would like to use a travel agent then by all means do so.  The travel agent will make all the reservations for you and the best part is it doesn't cost you a dime.  Their commission is paid by Disney so let them sit on the phone for hours and deal with all the hastle that is what they get paid for.  Also if a better deal comes along then they can handle the transfer of the promotion and get you the lower price.  Be careful who you use because like in any business there are good and bad agents!  I have used an agent before and probably will for my upcoming trip in May 2010 because it is less stressful.  The agency I use is called Magical Journey's and they were super to work with and everything went perfect on the trip as far as reservations go!  Do some research and find the agency that works for you best and one you trust!!!!!

Occasionally you will receive an e-mail or postcard that offers a deal that is not a public offering.  These deals will have a pin number tagged to your name and address so they cannot be used by someone else but sometimes these can be quite good.  How do you get these pin codes is a huge mystery and only the powers that be at Disney seem to know?  There are varying theories about being registered at Disney.com, ordering a free travel video, or simply not going in a while when you have been in the past but no one is really certain!  If you get one congratulations and take advantage of it if you can because it is usually a pretty good deal and often in a time before there is a public offering!

Fastpass and Baby Swap Information!

Ok today we are going to discuss time saving measures with regards to standing in line and adults riding when the kids cannot.  The beauty of Disneyworld is that there is plenty to see and do for everyone to never have to sit out if you do not want too.  However, there are a couple of attractions I recommend every adult ride if the kids cannot especially if this is a once in a lifetime trip.  So here goes my tips for both of these instances.

The fastpass is an ingenious invention by Disney to control crowd flow and wait times.  Basically anyone who has a ticket even if they are not staying on property has the ability to use the fastpass machine so the advantage here is only maximized if you arrive at park opening while staying on property.  The fastpass basically functions like a reservation time to ride the big attractions.  The guide map will tell you which attractions have fastpass available but I would suggest a little research ahead of time to ensure that you know in advance.  When you get inside the gate head to an attraction that has a fastpass machine available and get one.  There will be fastpass machines clearly marked for the attraction so stand in line and feed your ticket in and out comes your fastpass.  In order these are the most critical information you need for this option.

1.  You may only hold one fastpass at a time so do not even think you are going to go in the park and gather a fastpass from each ride available.  It will only disperse on every so often and on the bottom of the ticket it will tell you when you may get another.  The machines will spit out a fastpass that says "NOT VALID FASTPASS" if there has not been enough time in between.

2.  Everyone in you party must have a fastpass for the attraction or you will not get on!  This rule is strictly enforced so if you try to sneak on in they will catch you and ask you to leave the line.  I have seen this firsthand many, many times and applaud Disney for enforcing the fact everyone (not just you) paid alot for this vacation.

3.  The ticket will print a time to return to get in a separate line from the stand-by line which is usually very short.  The Disney cast member will not allow you in the line until after the beginning time allocated on your fastpass and this is also strictly enforced.  The beautiful thing is if you do not get there in the hour time slot on your ticket as long as it is after the beginning time they will let you on the attraction anyway.

4.  You have to have in your hands and physically place the ticket in the fastpass machine for every member in your party to receive a fastpass.  Once the time on the bottom of your ticket says you may get another fastpass even if you have not used your old fastpass you may still get another.

The last information is called baby swap and this is basically how it works.  Let's say we have a mom, dad, five year old, and a baby in a family that want to ride Splash Mountain.  Go to the fastpass machine as discussed earlier and get a fastpass for each member of you party which in this case is 3(baby's do not have a ticket).  Go to the fastpass return line and tell the Disney cast member you would like to do baby swap.  The cast member will give you a special fastpass.  Then mom and the five year old go through the fastpass line, ride, and return to the fastpass return line.  Here dad and the baby have been taking a break and when mom and the five year old get to him they simply switch.  Now the dad and five year old ride and mom stays with the baby.  This has two major benefits mom and dad both get to ride everything and the five year old gets to go twice.  It is like a bonus fastpass!

Take advantage of these tips and even with a small child you should be able to do and see everything!  If you only have a mom, dad, and baby you can still go to Disney as long as the adults do not riding by themselves.  In this instance single rider lines are available and many do not even need to utilize the fastpass option!

Disney's Animal Kingdom for kids

This one is a tuff one for one big reason.  Anyone who has ever visited this park in the summer can attest to the fact that I think is averages 120 degrees here.  Not really but it always seems to be especially hot, humid, and little air flow at this park.  Therefore, small children and parents lugging them around feel a little overwhelmed here.  There are however some fantastic attractions and a couple of amazing show to see here which are definitely worth the wait.

1.  The first must see is Kilamanjaro Safari which is probably one of the most impressive attractions you will ever see.  Go first thing in the morning preferably around park opening when the animals are active to get the biggest wow factor.  Basically you board a vehicle and travel through the ride where animals appear to be roaming free and alot actually are.  If you are lucky you will have an incredible view of animals in their natural habitat standing right next to you.  On two seperate occasions when we visited we could literally reach out and touch animals if it was allowed (it is not!).  Once it was a large rhino and the other it was a mother and baby giraffe and both instances were incredible.  You can view elephants, hippo, rhino, and many other grassland animals in a habitat representing an African Plain.

2.  The two main shows to see are "Festival of the Lion King" and "Finding Nemo - The Musical" and both are fantastic.  The pageantry, costumes and sheer energy of the performers will make you forget you are sitting on benches for 28 minutes. There are no backs on the benches so if you have health concerns this may be an issue for you.  However, if you can enjoy the show you should because each number is more colorful than the next as you listen to some favorite Lion King songs.  Finding Nemo - The Musical gives guests the chance to be literally immersed in the story of Marlin and Nemo through the combination of puppets, dancers, acrobats and animated backdrops.  Both shows are indoor and air conditioned so they make an excellent break from the heat.  These shows are spectacular and kids and parents will both enjoy their brilliance.

3.  We also enjoy Mickey's Jammin' Jungle parade that runs through the park at 3 each day.  You get a wonderful mix of an island street party and Disney characters which is a first an odd combination but it works so go enjoy.

4.  The other major attractions are fantastic including Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, and the 3-D show called It's Tough to Be a Bug are amazing masterpieces but definitely not kid approved.  You must be 48" tall to ride Everest and if you parents love roller coasters then this is a must do but it will be too much for most kids.  Dinosaur is extremely loud, dark, and scary so unless you want you small kids having nightmares the rest of your trip I would advise not to attempt this one!  Bug's Life is kind of a grey area because it doesn't seem scary at first and some kids love it.  However, everytime we go to this show there are tons of screaming kids so just use caution and make a good decision.

5.  There is also a water ride called Kali River Rapids which will get you soaked as it is a typical whitewater adventure.  We love the ride and your kids might as well but when you are wet in a very humid park you never seem to dry out again.  If you have some dry clothes or are going back to your resort after you ride I say go for it and have fun.  The air-conditioned bus will be cold on the way back!

All in all we typically only spend about half a day here but we could do a full day if it wasn't too hot.  If your kids love animals then the Jungle Trek and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail which are walking trails to see numerous species of animals similar to an elaborate zoo.

Disney's Hollywood Studios for kids

This park was formerly known as MGM Studios at Disney but after their existing contract was up Disney opted out and went with the Hollywood Studios name.  Therefore in your searches online you might find some useful information by searching for MGM in Orlando because the park other than the name is the same.  This is typically a half day to one full day park for us and definitely not as much to do as Magic Kingdom or Epcot but still some really fun stuff.  Let's presume the same criteria as my previous theme park posts with kids under the age of 10.

1.  If you have boys or adventuresome girls Star Tours is a must do at this park.  It is modeled after the famous Star Wars saga and the ride is a virtual simulator ride that never moves but gives the appearance of riding a light speed space ship.  If you are motion sensitive at all take a pass on this one and your kids must be 40" tall or they will not allow you on.  In the early summer they have Star Wars weekends which is a blast and I will cover this topic another day!

2.  If you have small kids especially girls The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a cute little live show and my kids love it.  Smaller children will also really enjoy Playhouse Disney live onstage which is a super interactive show with some of you favorite Playhouse Disney characters and lots of singing and dancing.  The 3-D Muppets is a blast and one of our family favorites, very kid friendly, but fun for all ages.

3.  For the boys and men this place is for you because it has two shows made for guys.  The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is loads of fun and they pick people out of the audience to go on stage and perform.  My wife and I have both been chosen on separate trips and it was hysterical.  Then there is Lights, Motor, Action which is a live stage show with fast cars, jet skis, fire, and explosions (need I say more)!  These are both must sees for everyone but especially the boys who desire lots of action.

4.  The characters to see here are wide and diverse from CARS, Power Rangers, Kim Possible, and all the latest characters from the newest Disney movies (UP, Bolt, etc.).

5.  A nighttime spectacular known as Fantasmic is also a must do for everyone but here is something most will not tell you.  The show gets very dark at times and can frighten little kids so be careful and know your child's personality.  If they are small and frighten easily be prepared.  It is not intended to be a scary show but Disney does everything to the extreme and it can be loud and dark at times.  However if they can get passed that this show is incredible!!!!!  I recommend reserved seating by doing the Fantasmic dining package.

6.  Hollywood Studios also gets an honorable mention for two of the best thrill rides anywhere.  Rock 'n' Rollercoaster is where insane speed meets Aerosmith music via a roller coaster.  One of the best first five seconds of your life.  Holllywood Tower of Terror is simply a free fall ride disguised as an elevator shaft with a theme of "Twilight Zone".  I consider both Disney masterpieces, but as far as this article it is not kid friendly (although my 10 year old loves it and has for a couple of years) most children would be intimidated by these rides.  You must be 40" to ride Tower of Terror and 48" to ride Rock 'n' Rollercoaster.

This is last but should be first and it is Toy Story Mania.  This is the longest and hardest attraction to see at Hollywood Studios.  You must arrive at opening to get on this attraction and if the line is too long grab a fastpass to ride later.  Typically by lunchtime all the fastpasses for this ride are dispersed and your stand by time will be pushing 2 hours easily if it is a crowded day!  The ride is 3-D and is modeled after a Midway arcade.  It is a blast and the kids and adults will love it.

The only drawback to this park is the food.  Most of the counter service meals are average at best and the table service meals are also very average.  However the atmosphere at Hollywood Studios is fun and exciting definitely worth the day trip.