Disney World

We've taken our family to Disney World twice. One year on the 4th of July, and the next year on the 3rd of July.

If you have young children, please consider using harnesses with the children. Disney World has an excellent program to handle children who are separated from their parents; but since the crowding can be extreme, these can be real sanity savers. They don't need them all the time; but when in an overly-crowded situation, they are just a bit of insurance. There were times when the crowd was so thick, we could not leave the children on the ground for fear they would be trampled. During the fireworks on July 4th, the crowd was so thick that we were packed shoulder to shoulder for as far as one could see. Movement was extremely limited.

There are rides that are available even for younger children, and they are spread out through the park. Characters roam the park and are happy to pose for pictures with your children (and you!). Riding the train around the park is a great way to make a rest time to keep the little one's from getting too tired.

When you have the option, use the fastpass ride reservation system. It's like waiting in two lines at once.

Food prices in the park are comparable to area family restaurants. The kids' meals were about $5. Not bad. We ate at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland, and were quite pleased with the choices and prices. An adult meal of 1/2 chicken with sides was about $10, and is really enough to share. Sodas are a bit pricey, but no more that you would pay at an Applebee's or Ruby Tuesday. I just think that charging $2 or more for a simple beverage is ridiculous. There are more expensive restaurants, too, where you can enjoy a buffet or a meal with various characters.

Consider buying souvenirs outside the park. There are a good number of shops where you can pick up souvenirs at a fraction of the cost at the park, and you don't have to haul them around with you. Also, as you head east from the park entrance, about 5 miles away is a *huge* WalMart. They are often the same ones as at the park, but at 1/3 to 1/2 the cost. For example, the licensed spray water bottle was about $20 at the park, about $5 at WalMart.

In that same general area on the same road are a handful of flea markets. These are well worth visiting. Last year, we bought mens leather belts for $3.

Lots of places offer "kids eat free" deals, and early bird specials are common. You can save gobs of food money that way. Be sure to pick up coupon books to save a little more.

Don't forget to pack your preferred headache meds. By the end of the day, you just might need them.