Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [48]
Insider’s Secret
If your older kids want to go on a big-deal Disney attraction such as Expedition Everest or Space Mountain over and over, use the theme-park tickets of younger siblings to obtain multiple Fastpasses. “Our twin 4-year-olds just wanted to hang around the play areas and meet the characters,” said one father of four. “So we used their tickets to get Fastpasses for our older two children, who were determined to ride the coasters as many times as possible.”
Also, as an Ohio mom said, “Be careful when you’re getting your Fastpass to make sure you retrieve your park ticket. We left our multiday tickets in a Fastpass machine in Epcot and didn’t realize it for hours. Disney eventually got it straightened out, but it took awhile and it was very stressful.”
“We copied the backs and fronts of our tickets when we got them,” added a mom from Canada. “And this turned out to be invaluable when we realized on day three that we had somehow managed to lose one of our seven-day passes! The lady at Guest Relations was very kind and because we had the numbers written down she was able to reissue us a new ticket in minutes. She said we probably left one of the tickets in a Fastpass machine and that it happened all the time.”
There are ways to max out the power of Fastpass. Get the Fastpass for the attraction you most want to see as soon as you can. You can get another (a) once you’ve used the first one, (b) after the time indicated at the bottom of your first Fastpass ticket, or (c) after the time on your first Fastpass ticket has expired, so clever families keep them rolling. For example, if you’ve gotten a 10:30 Fastpass for Kilimanjaro Safaris the bottom of your ticket will indicate you’re able to get another Fastpass around 10:15. Grab a Fastpass for another big-deal ride like Expedition Everest at 10:15 and then return to ride Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Tips for Big Families
Disney offers plenty of help to groups, such as family reunions. If you have more than eight guests over the age of 3 in your party, a specialist can help you arrange rooms, tickets, and dining for the whole party, and they handle details such as individual payment. Call 407/934–7639 or visit Magical Gatherings on the Web site (disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides) for details. Note that some groups may qualify for swell extras such as fireworks cruises, behind-the-scenes-tours and VIP park escorts.
The following tips may also make things a little less hectic.
If you’re all on the dining plan, there are certain special experiences designed for dining-plan groups of eight or more. These experiences vary but in the past have included an IllumiNations reception at Epcot, a safari-theme meal at the Animal Kingdom, and a character breakfast at the Magic Kingdom. Your options will be explained to you when you add the dining plan to your package.
It’s approximately, um, three times harder to get a table for twelve than one for four so make dining reservations early. If you have trouble getting bookings, eat at off times (say 3 PM for lunch or 5 for dinner or stick to resort restaurants, which are generally less crowded than those in the parks. Note: A gratuity of 18% is added for parties of eight or more—even at buffet restaurants).
Consider renting a villa or condo. Many have kitchens so you can save on eating out. On-site resorts with villa-style lodging include Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, BoardWalk Villas, the Beach Club Villas, and the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. There are also plenty of off-site condos and villas for rent; check out the Off-Site Hotels section in Chapter 2 for ideas.
Money-Saving Tip
If the adults plan to head out for a