General Tips

From the literally red-alert news desk: Once you arrive, you're bound to see a lot of folks sporting the boiled-lobster look. These people have ignored one of the most important survival rules of an Orlando vacation: Use sunscreen! Pour on one with an SPF rating of at least 30 or more, especially for kids, who need protection even more than you do. Florida's sun can deliver a dangerous burn year-round, or even cause sun poisoning. Even on a cloudy day the sun can provide a powerful punch, so don't be fooled into thinking you can leave the sunscreen and hats behind. Other ways you can protect yourself include wearing wide-brimmed hats, airy clothes, and sunglasses. If you have a child in a stroller, a light blanket will help to protect infants or sleeping toddlers from the sun's rays. Also remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration, and have your kids do the same, even if they say they aren't thirsty. Last but certainly not least, don't forget to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for those days spent pounding the theme-park pavement.

Don't miss out at mealtime. You can make same-day or day-before reservations in most Orlando eateries, but there are some exceptions to the rule, among many others include Emeril's and Victoria & Albert's. In fact, any Disney restaurant -- especially those serving character meals -- can have a waiting list a mile long in peak periods. To avoid disappointment, be sure to use Walt Disney World's version of a reservation, Priority Seating (tel. 407/939-3463), which lets you stake a claim to a table up to 180 days in advance in some cases. Call as soon as possible to arrange for your Priority Seating as some of the more popular restaurants and shows get booked within hours -- sometimes even minutes -- of the time they start booking seating times.

Many visitors come with their hearts set on (and days planned around) specific attractions, hotels, or restaurants. But some dreams don't come true. All of the parks have reduced their hours, limited the days certain shows are staged, and temporarily closed certain restaurants and attractions to cut expenses in response to the weakened economy. Before you promise your family or yourself anything, make sure your dreams can come true by calling or checking the websites provided throughout this book. Also note that in the best of times, theme park rides occasionally break down or have to be shut down for routine maintenance (though you won't get a break on ticket prices when your favorite rides or shows are dark). Some of the websites listed, including Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Information Guide, have "rehab" schedules and update them almost daily. The parks can change their hours not only seasonally, but weekly -- even daily -- so check the week's schedule when you arrive so you'll know if you have to adjust your itinerary because of a just-scheduled closing.

If you purchased traveler's checks, have you recorded the check numbers and stored the documentation separately from the checks?

Did you remember to pack your camera, an extra set of camera batteries, and purchase enough film? If you have a digital camera, remember to bring the recharger (if your batteries are rechargeable ones of course), and extra memory storage.

Did you bring ID cards, such as AAA and AARP cards, student IDs, the Orlando "Magicard," and so forth, that could entitle you to discounts?

Speaking of identification, did you bring a photo ID? That's a necessity at the airports, among other places, so keep it handy.

Did you bring emergency drug prescriptions, any prescription medicine you are currently using, and the phone number of your Doctor, pediatrician, and insurance company along with an extra pair of glasses and/or contact lenses?

To check in at a kiosk with an E-ticket, do you have the credit card you bought your ticket with or a frequent-flier card?

Did you leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home? Do you have your own copy, including your hotel, car, and airplane information, as well as any reservation numbers for shows or restaurants?