Now before we get into these tips for Disney power visitors, lets do a quick recap of the timesavers from the first two installments. You should be well versed in these before you attempt to implement the tips in part three. If any of these sound unfamiliar, just refer back to the appropriate post.

Basic:

• Get there early.
• Maximize your FastPass.
• Work from most to least popular.
• Don’t go to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday.
• Don’t bring a bag unless you have no choice.
• Sunblock and light colors.
• Bring or buy a bottled water (and keep it filled with the numerous water fountains).

Intermediate:

• Skip the complimentary transportation.
• On the subject of transportation, don’t forget about the ferryboat.
• Take a break.
• Bring a couple of empty zipper bags.
• Ask the PhotoPass photographers to use your camera.
• Dining Options (Snack, Counter Service, Reservations, or Off Site)

And now, on to the Expert Time Savers:

Use the stores as a path. Many of the stores lining various streets (especially in the front of the parks) are connected. If you aren’t likely to get distracted by the variety of items for sale, this is an excellent way to get through the crowded entrance areas while everyone is looking around and taking pictures. This is especially useful if you arrive prior to the park’s official opening since they’ll use this are as a holding area until the park opens, and by using the connected stores, you can slip past most of the crowd (but you may have to pretend to shop).

Single rider lines are your friend. Though they aren’t employed in many rides, if you want to get on the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Featuring Aerosmith, Expedition Everest, or the GM Test Track, and aren’t worried about who you sit next to, skip the FastPass (save it for another ride), and use the single rider line. They use this to fill seats that otherwise would go empty, and with the large quantity of odd numbered parties, these tend to move really fast.

Don’t shop in the parks. Yes, they’ve got tons of great shirts, toys, candies, etc. in the stores in the parks, and if you are looking for something specific to a park (like a safari hat or an Aerosmith tee) you may not have a choice, but Downtown Disney has just about everything you could find in the parks, and it’s usually less crowded than the park stores (not to mention it may be still be open after the parks close, depending on the day and time of year). If you are looking for a bargain, you can get park merchandise at Character Premiere, a Disney outlet store, at the Orlando Premium Outlets in Lake Buena Vista or the Prime Outlets St. Augustine (if you are taking I-95 home). I’ve actually bought a shirt at Walt Disney World and seen the same exact one for half the price at the St. Augustine outlet the very next weekend.

Know when to go. If you really want to beat the crowds, think of the most inconvenient times for most people to go, and that’s precisely when you should go. In my experience, the ideal times (for both good weather and small crowds) are late January, all of February, March (avoid the weeks on either side of Easter), late September, early November, early December. You should do your best to avoid the summer, it gets ridiculously hot, much hotter in the parks than the weather forecast for the area (asphalt and concrete soak up the heat, then radiate it out). Also, try to avoid Christmas. yes, it’s pretty, but it’s also their busiest time of year. If you want to see the Christmas decorations, go in the first two weeks of December (or in November, as most of it is up a couple of weeks prior to Thanksgiving).

Don’t buy without a ticket strategy. They’re going to try to get you to load yourself up with all the extras. There are things you need to consider before you buy your tickets. I’ll assume that your time is limited (that’s why you are reading this), but if you are planning four or more days at the parks, don’t spend the money on a park hopper. You have the luxury of being able to spend a full day at each park. If, like me, you’re on something of a time constriction, think carefully about how much time you actually want to spend at each park, or if you even want to go to all four. If your there for three full days, and don’t really want to go to Epcot, there’s no reason to go the park hopper route. If you’re there in the summer, you might want to consider the waterparks option, but be realistic. Chances are if you are in town for two days, and want to hit three parks, the waterpark option is unreasonable. Also there’s the no-expiration option. This is good if you know that the people whose names are on the ticket will return at some point. They now match a fingerprint to each ticket at first use, so little brother can’t use big sister’s ticket on the next visit. Also remember, that if you aren’t a Florida resident, your ticket expires 14 days after the first use if you don’t get the no expiration option (FL residents get six months). Keep in mind, all of this information was accurate at the time it was posted, but you should always read Disney’s ticketing policies carefully, because they could change.

That about covers it. I’m sure after my next trip I’ll remember things that I forgot this time around, so check back in the comments from time to time, and feel free to add in your own suggestions. I’d love to hear some of your ideas.

As mentioned in my previous post, I’m all about getting the maximum amount of Disney into one trip, and this post will feature tips for those of you who have are planning a return trip to Walt Disney World (or those of you who have already committed my previous post to memory). These suggestions aren’t more difficult than the basic ones, but they are intended for someone with a more ambitious schedule (and some will be hard if you are traveling with small children).

But let’s dispense with the preliminaries and move on to the reason you came here.

Intermediate Timesavers:

Skip the complimentary transportation. Yes, the Disney buses and monorail system are terribly convenient, but the price you pay is in time. I won’t diverge into a discussion of public transportation here other than to say I’m for it, unless your time is tight, and if you’re trying to make it to all of the parks efficiently, then your time is tight. Your parking pass (a “bargain” at $11.00) is good all day at all four parks, so use it. If you arrived early you should be within walking distance of your car, or at the first tram stop. Drive yourself to the next park, and you won’t need to wait for the bus to arrive, fill, and slowly drive to your next stop. If you have a need to ride the monorail, you’re in luck, because you will need to ride it to the Magic Kingdom (which you won’t be visiting on a Saturday, right?).

On the subject of transportation, don’t forget about the ferryboat. This is an if ___ then ___ type of tip. If, upon arrival at the Ticket and Transportation Center (the place where the monorail takes guests to the Magic Kingdom), the line for the monorail extends down the ramp, and the ferry is at the dock, take the ferry (on your left as you enter). The ferry makes the crossing slower than the monorail, but if you have to wait for the next monorail train the ferry is your better option. If the line for the monorail has gone beyond the platform to include the ramp, then you won’t be on the next train.

Take a break. Seriously. The single biggest obstacle to completing an ambitious, park-hopping schedule is fatigue. Whether or not you are staying close to Disney, like at (apologies for the obvious plug) Ginn Reunion, get out of the parks for two to three hours at the peak of the day. The weather is the hottest and the crowds are the largest from around 12:30 until around 5:00, so carve out some time in there for yourself. Go back to your hotel for a nap, or some pool time, or just do some shopping, or have a nice meal. You’ll recharge your batteries a bit, and you’ll be able to return to the parks stronger, and stay until late (which with the fireworks and all rides in the dark is probably the coolest time to be there).

Bring a couple of empty zipper bags. Why? Because you want to ride Splash Mountain, and you have your cell phone and camera with you. Yep, I just saved you like 400 bucks. No need to thank me, just knowing that your electronic devices are safe helps me sleep better at night.

Ask the PhotoPass photographers to use your camera. This one may come as a surprise, but the PhotoPass photographers will usually gladly take a photo of your group with your camera, saving you money that you might spend the very pricey PhotoPass service. (But if it’s your first visit, or you are willing to pay for the convenience, the PhotoPass service can be very handy.)

Dining is kind of a strange animal because everyone has different preferences, so I’m going to offer several strategies for you to use as you see fit. I should point out that Disney offers a dining plan that I’ve heard good things about, but I’ve never used it myself, and therefore don’t feel comfortable recommending it. If you have tried it, please share your experience in the comments.

Snack all day. Neither the healthiest nor the least expensive way to go, but park food is fun and you’re on vacation. All of the parks have concessions stands around with goodies like turkey legs, McDonald’s fries, churros, ice cream bars, hot dogs, etc. It’ll bring out the kid in you, but don’t expect everyone in your party to be on board for this dining option.

Maximum efficiency for full meals; counter service restaurants. If speed is your primary goal (as it usually is for me on day one), eat at counter service restaurants at off times. This may seem obvious, but you’d be amazed at how easy it is to walk into the Columbia Harbor House in the Magic Kingdom (between Peter Pan and the Haunted Mansion) at 2:30 and find a short line and tons of open tables. These restaurants offer a pretty decent value, and if you find one that is either out of the main traffic flow or has easily missed signage, you’ll be in and out quickly. Also, some of these restaurants have second floor seating. The second floor is almost always less crowded, and therefore quieter.

The full-on experience, make reservations. If you’re looking for the full Disney experience, you probably want to eat in one of the more elaborately themed restaurants (like anything in Epcot’s World Showcase). This means you have to create a bit of a schedule for yourself, and make reservations in advance. If you are interested in lunching at one of these spots I highly recommend going for a noon reservation, rather than trying to get an off-time. The restaurants open at noon, and if you have an early reservation, you are less likely to arrive on-time only to have to wait for a table to open. Don’t worry, the kitchen can handle the rush. They do it every day.

Lunch recovery, off-site. Okay, you’ve made the smart move to leave the park for a few hours in the early afternoon. Obviously there are tons of places to eat in the Orlando area, from your hotel to countless fast food joints to theme restaurants, but if you still want a bit of the Disney experience in your lunch break, head over to Downtown Disney. If your goal is to escape the crowd, things are pretty quiet (by comparison) at Downtown Disney in the early afternoon, and there are several great places to eat and shop, and some amazing sundaes at Ghirardelli (they may look pretty basic, but trust me, they are awesome!). This area gets packed at night, so early afternoon is really the ideal time to come anyway.

That’s it for now. Please share your own tips in the comments, and look for part three next week!

As a Florida resident, I have the luxury of being able to visit the parks several times a year, meaning that I’ve gathered together quite a few time savers for my own personal use, and now I feel like I should share them with the world at large (or at least those of you who have found this blog).

This is going to be a three part post. The second and third parts will come over the next week or so. I’m going to break these down into three categories. The “Basic” category is for first timers. It covers things that you’d learn on your first visit, but will be helpful to know prior to your first visit. The “Intermediate” category is for everyone, but these are tips that may not be obvious until after several visits. And finally we’ll have the “Advanced” category. This is for three park a day folks like me.

Basic Timesavers:

Get there early. I can’t stress this one enough. In fact plan to get there a half hour before opening so you have time to park and get into the gates before the rides open (yes, you can, they’ll just keep you in the front park of the park until 9:00). You’d think that there isn’t much difference in arriving at the park at 10:00 vs. 9:00, but you’d be wrong. The difference that one hour makes is easily three rides (at less crowded times, you can squeeze in five rides in that first hour). By 10:00 the major influx is rolling in, and you can have the marquee rides already knocked out.

Maximize your FastPass. Disney’s FastPass system is a virtual line. You go to the ride, pick up a ticket, return to the ride at the time printed on your ticket, and go to what is basically the front of the line. To make the most of this system, you should go directly to the most popular ride/attraction that you want to do and get your first FastPass. At this point you need to make a decision regarding your next ride. There will be a time printed on the FastPass ticket that you can get another one, if you’ve arrived early enough, and expect to still be in the same park for some time after that, you should plan to get a FastPass for the second most popular ride that you want to do. If you are trying to hit multiple parks, you should go to the second most popular ride on your list.

Work from most to least popular. When selecting your ride order, you should try to work backward from most to least popular. The lines for all rides start out short, then get longer. The lines for the more popular rides (e.g. anything with the word “Mountain” in it) will get longer faster, and stay that way until about an hour before the park closes (and by then you’ll be worn out, or in a different park). You’ll spend less time in line if you hit the big rides (that you don’t have a FastPass for) immediately when the park opens.

Don’t go to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday. I make this mistake myself, because it’s so tempting. If you’re there for the weekend (as so many are), you want to go to the Magic Kingdom first, because it’s your favorite, but it’s also everybody else’s favorite. I do recommend going to the Magic Kingdom in the morning, but on any day other than Saturday.

Don’t bring a bag unless you have no choice. There is a bag check, and it’s a huge log-jam every single morning. There’s a spot for those without bags to breeze right on through, and you can save a lot of hassle by just making efficient use of pockets, and risking looking like dork by carrying your camera on your belt (trust me, there will be a thousand people that look dorkier). Obviously, if you’ve got a little one (child, not camera), this may not be doable.

Sunblock and light colors. Obvious to anyone who’s spent time in Central Florida, it gets hot down here, even in winter. I can’t remember the last time I wore long sleeves to Disney. Expect the park to be five degrees warmer than the local forecast, and be sure to put on some sunblock before you leave your hotel.

Bring or buy a bottled water (and keep it filled with the numerous water fountains). I generally am not a fan of bottled water, seems like a waste most of the time, but there are occasions when it’s good to have a disposable bottle of water, like at Disney. The reason I say bottled water, and not a water bottle, is that you may find yourself in a situation where you need to dispose of it. Most of the rides have a place for you to put it (or you can hold it during the ride), but I’ve had to throw mine away once or twice (yes, they do have recycling bins scattered throughout the parks), so having a nice Sigg or Nalgene bottle could be a problem.

That’s it for now. Look for my next post on this topic in a couple of days!

You see, several years ago, when Ginn started developing Tesoro in Port St. Lucie they came across an eagle’s nest right in the middle of what was supposed to be a construction site. Knowing that this simply would not do, Bobby Ginn took it upon himself to have the entire community redesigned to accommodate what would eventually become Tesoro’s most famous family.

At a cost estimated in the millions, not to mention lost revenue from additional homesites, Ginn set up a special preserve just for the eagles in the hope that they would return year after year, and they did.

Ginn in association with Audubon of Florida had a webcam set up so that interested parties could keep tabs on these two magnificent birds, and a couple years later, those two birds decided it was time to start their own family. In early 2008 they thrilled countless bird enthusiasts and others alike when two baby eaglets hatched from the eggs that the mother had been tending to so carefully. Now the eaglets are reaching maturity as well and have begun to fly. Tune in to the Audubon of Florida Eagle Cam to check in on this famous family, and please feel free to add your own eagle stories and sightings in the comments below.

Click here for the Audubon of Florida Webcam.
Click here to see NBC Nightly News coverage of the Eagles at Tesoro.

There is never an end to the fun at Disney. It is very possible to spend two weeks at Disney theme parks and still not have seen everything. The most shocking part is that after two weeks the “Disney thirst” would still be unquenched. With four theme parks for families to choose from, there is something sure to make everyone’s “wish” come true. The little ones just love getting their pictures taken with their favorite Disney characters like Snow White, Cinderella, Aladin, Tinkerbell, Goofy, Donald and of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse! And for families on a budget, they offer an array of different ticketing options ideal to suit your needs. So, make sure you don’t miss out on the adventures your entire family can take at Walt Disney World and make sure you grab those famous Mickey Mouse ears!

For starters, the price was great, especially compared to the Disney theme parks; $55 for a basic ticket online $65 at the gate (Florida residents get an even better deal), and for $10 more, it becomes a Fun Card, valid for admission for the rest of the year!

The rides were great, 3 big steel coasters (including a floorless dive coaster called SheiKra), 2 smaller steel coasters (one for grownups, one more kid sized), 2 wooden racing coasters (under one name, Gwazi), and 3 water rides (awesome on a hot day). On top of all that they have two really great rides that incorporate the animals of Africa (the theme of the park) called Rhino Rally, a safari race, and a more traditional safari ride that you book in advance (extra charge).

The animals and animal shows are amazing from elephants to great apes, and since the kids’ trip Busch Gardens has added a brand new area called Jungala (opened in April 2008) with more animals and more rides.

They said the food was great, in fact they said “much better” than at the Disney parks. And the souvenir selection is very good, and very reasonably priced. My daughter came home with two adorable stuffed animals of high quality for $12.99 each.

All in all, I would highly recommend Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for a day trip from the Orlando area, especially with bigger kids who like the big rides.

A group of friends and I were looking for a new place to satisfy our “Friday Night Spectacular: Dinner and Drinks” (I know, I know… We name our weekly rendezvous, but just go with it.). None of us had been to Taverna Opa before, but had heard good reviews. From the moment we stepped in the door, we were having a blast! The atmosphere is like “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” meets “Cheers.” Guests and employees alike are throwing napkins and yelling “Opa!”, dancing on the tables (Seriously! It’s encouraged by the staff!), and singing to the music. You can’t help but get caught up in the excitement and join in.

This wasn’t just some bar for rowdy weekenders, either. While the Ouzo was flowing freely, there were families with little kids all the way up to Grandma and Grandpa dancing and having a good time. Anyone and everyone looking for a lively evening can enjoy some kabobs and hummus at this place.

So if you’re looking for some good food and a great time (Come on, who doesn’t want to indulge their inner child by throwing napkins on the floor and stomping on the table during dinner?!?), I highly suggest stepping into a whole other world over at Taverna Opa!

Fun Things to do in Orlando
Orlando, Florida is a vacationer’s paradise. With so many fun activities to choose from, it’s tough to decide what not to do! Golf, spa indulgences, theme parks, shopping, museums, nature outings, you name it. Orlando buzzes with excitement year-round and around the clock. Here are some of our favorite things to do.

Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art has provided an outlet for arts education and appreciation since its founding in 1924. The museum presents up to 12 exhibits at the museum each year and 13 exhibitions at locations throughout the greater Orlando region. The museum also offers lecture series, special events, workshops for children and special programs for teachers. The museum is closed on Mondays and major national holidays. Visit www.omart.org.[Top]

Orlando Science Center
Explore the wonders of science and its impact on daily at the Orlando Science Center. Interactive exhibits appeal to all ages and feature everything from high-tech inventions to Florida’s six native habitats to the human body. The museum’s CineDome and Planetarium show entertaining screen productions on everything from solar systems to lions roaming the Kalahari Desert. Visit www.osc.org.[Top]

AMC Pleasure Island Theatre
With 24 giant screens, you’re sure to catch the latest Hollywood release at AMC Pleasure Island Theatre located in Downtown Disney. The theaters feature stadium seating and high-tech surround sound for maximum movie-going pleasure. AMC Pleasure Island is open daily. Visit www.amctheatres.com.[Top]

Mall at MiIlenia
Shop for the finest luxury brands at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando. The mall is anchored by Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus and also features such designer retailers at Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo, Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo. World-class shopping isn’t the only thing offered at Mall at Millenia. Concierge services, a U.S. post office for shopping spree shipping, foreign money exchange and a variety of top line restaurants complete the experience. Visit www.mallatmillenia.com. [Top]

The Florida Mall
Outfit yourself, your family and your home at The Florida Mall in Orlando. With six department stores and over 250 specialty retail stores, you can shop till you drop and then some! Need a retail break? The Florida Mall offers dozens of dining choices ranging from fast food to sit-down service. Visit www.simon.com. [Top]

Prime Outlets
The Prime Outlets on International Drive in Orlando is the place to shop for designer fashions at reduced prices. The outlet shopping center features over 110 nationally recognized brands, including the only Neiman Marcus LAST CALL store in Central Florida. Other favorites include Coach Factory, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Gap Outlet and Nike Factory Store. Visit www.primeoutlets.com.[Top]

Theme Parks
The most famous attractions in all of Orlando are the theme parks. Visit family favorites such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and Islands of Adventure. There is something for everyone at Orlando’s theme parks.[Top]

Ginn Reunion Resort Waterpark
Race down slippery slides, float the meandering river or splash in the kids’ zone at Ginn Reunion Resort’s private 5-acre waterpark. The waterpark is open daily and also features shaded lounge areas, tropical landscaping and food and beverage service.[Top]

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Experience the life of an American astronaut at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center, in Cape Canaveral (about 50 miles from Orlando). View amazing collections of personal artifacts and exhibits from famous astronauts, take control in the Astronaut Adventure Room where for a true space-like journey, and view actual astronaut training simulators. Visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com.[Top]

Lake Eola
Stroll the beautiful 43 acres of Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando for a relaxing afternoon. The paved sidewalk rings the lake allowing for convenient walking and jogging. Paddle boats and electric gondola boats are available for rent. Plays and concerts are also held at Lake Eola Park, which offers beautiful views of the Orlando skyline. Visit
http://www.cityoforlando.net/fpr/net/t_ParkRec.aspx?Park=062. [Top]