The Disney World Magic Kingdom was the first of the Florida Parks to be built. It was planned to correct some of the problems that cropped up with Disney Land in California. Since then, the other Disney Parks have been designed using what was learned from the planning of the previous two Magic Kingdoms. Out of the four Parks, I think that the Magic Kingdom has been the worse for changing diapers. This being Disney, however, their worse is still above and beyond everyone else's best.
But...consider this dismaying observation. There are no changing tables near the Haunted Mansion. The closest restroom is in the Columbia Harbour House. You will sense a disquieting dread when you walk in, finding no baby change area, when of course, you will really desperately need to change a diaper.
The handy Companion Assisted Restrooms in the Magic Kingdom are more spread out and due to this Park's much higher attendance, tend to be in higher demand than elsewhere. So use discretion when deciding to use one of these. One is located outside of the Park at the Transportation and Ticket Center. The ones inside are located at the Caribe del Sol gift shop, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Toontown and in the Castle.
The busiest bathrooms are the one outside of Cosmic Ray's in Tomorrowland (which also has a very narrow space between the stalls and sinks) and the ones that lie between Frontierland and Adventureland. I tend to avoid these. However, inside Cosmic Ray's the facilities are very roomy with a large changing area, it’s well worth having to endure the loud animatronics in order to get there.
Inside the Castle, the restroom is small, but wonderfully themed to keep a toddler distracted enough to make changing fast. Next to Pinocchio Village Haus is one of the biggest, easiest to navigate restrooms in the World. Pirates apparently love quiet, as the one located at the Caribe del Sol gift shop outside of Pirates of the Caribbean and the one inside the dining area of the usually closed El Pirata y el Perico are very calm. Luckily, the dining area is connected to Pecos Bills making this a nice little haven away from the chaos.
If you are on Main Street nothing beats the Baby Care Center, so just head there. I cannot stress how wonderful the Baby Care Centers are in general and they have saved my sanity on more than one occasion.
As for the chilling challenge of the Haunted Mansion problem...there’s always my way... Go to the point where Liberty Square and Fantasyland meet. You’ll see an interesting metamorphosis as the two lands change into the other...and you’ll find a restroom with a decent changing area.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Moderate Resorts
I have stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort and the Port Orleans Riverside resort multiple times. I really like them both.
Moderates have slightly larger rooms than the Value Resorts but still have the basic layout. You have a large room with two Queen size beds, a table and chairs, an armoire with a T.V. in it and drawers for your clothes. The bathroom consists of the tub/shower and toilet with the two sinks and vanities in the area just outside the bathroom. There is a coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, a safe etc. It’s my understanding that all moderates now have small refrigerators in them as well.
I have always found these resorts to be rather quiet and convenient. They both boast multiple bus stops around the resort, themed food courts, and ‘quiet pools’. Quiet pools are close to the buildings and are less crowded than the main pool at each resort. In addition, Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter have a ferry boat that takes you to and from Downtown Disney. It’s a nice scenic ride and a good change from traveling by bus.
Caribbean Beach has a series of buildings with names like Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad North and South. They are painted different pastel colors and each have a bus stop near by. The Old Port Royale houses the gift shop and food court and a sit-down restaurant called Shutters at Old Port Royale. I have found the food court menus to be pretty much the same whether it is a value or moderate resort. The moderate’s food courts can get crowded at times and Caribbean Beach is usually the home to the Cheerleader contestants and can be pretty noisy and crowded at that time of year.
Riverside has two sections; Alligator Bayou , which are rustic log cabin like buildings, and Magnolia Bend, which is reminiscent of the old plantation mansions. I prefer the latter although I have never tried the Bayou. Maybe I feel like I’m just a mansion type person. They also have a nice sit-down restaurant called Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Like Caribbean Beach they have multiple bus stops close to the various buildings.
I like these moderates. It always feels like I’ve come home whenever I’ve stayed there. The buses can still get crowded at times with SRO, but not as often as I experienced at the value resort. The cost is only slightly higher than the value and well worth the extra money.
You can get more detailed information including pictures on both of these resorts by going to wdwig.com and clicking on Accommodations.
Moderates have slightly larger rooms than the Value Resorts but still have the basic layout. You have a large room with two Queen size beds, a table and chairs, an armoire with a T.V. in it and drawers for your clothes. The bathroom consists of the tub/shower and toilet with the two sinks and vanities in the area just outside the bathroom. There is a coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, a safe etc. It’s my understanding that all moderates now have small refrigerators in them as well.
I have always found these resorts to be rather quiet and convenient. They both boast multiple bus stops around the resort, themed food courts, and ‘quiet pools’. Quiet pools are close to the buildings and are less crowded than the main pool at each resort. In addition, Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter have a ferry boat that takes you to and from Downtown Disney. It’s a nice scenic ride and a good change from traveling by bus.
Caribbean Beach has a series of buildings with names like Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad North and South. They are painted different pastel colors and each have a bus stop near by. The Old Port Royale houses the gift shop and food court and a sit-down restaurant called Shutters at Old Port Royale. I have found the food court menus to be pretty much the same whether it is a value or moderate resort. The moderate’s food courts can get crowded at times and Caribbean Beach is usually the home to the Cheerleader contestants and can be pretty noisy and crowded at that time of year.
Riverside has two sections; Alligator Bayou , which are rustic log cabin like buildings, and Magnolia Bend, which is reminiscent of the old plantation mansions. I prefer the latter although I have never tried the Bayou. Maybe I feel like I’m just a mansion type person. They also have a nice sit-down restaurant called Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Like Caribbean Beach they have multiple bus stops close to the various buildings.
I like these moderates. It always feels like I’ve come home whenever I’ve stayed there. The buses can still get crowded at times with SRO, but not as often as I experienced at the value resort. The cost is only slightly higher than the value and well worth the extra money.
You can get more detailed information including pictures on both of these resorts by going to wdwig.com and clicking on Accommodations.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Changes I: Epcot
This isn't about how Epcot no longer has Captain EO or how Nemo was added to the Living Seas. When it comes to traveling with infants and toddlers, it's all about the diapers.
The most obvious choice when it comes to diaper changing is the Baby Care Center located in the Odyssey building of Future World, a hop away from Test Track. A glorious place furnished with large padded changing tables, towels and lots of quiet. You can almost hear a soft angel chorus as you enter this air conditioned haven of peace and your own Hallelujahs will join them.
But then sometimes you'll be in the center of the World Showcase, literally miles away from the Baby Care Center.
It's unfortunate that most changing areas in restrooms in the rest of the park are lacking. Oh, they exist, but they are hard counter tops that even the most laid back baby hates. But...they are easy to clean. A plus, since you'll need to wipe it down after a screaming struggling infant, who hates the counter, thrashes their way all around it. Doubly so when the counter hater is a toddler. They can also be in the way of people entering and exiting.
That's why when I sense there is going to be a struggle, the second best place to perform the quick-change is with someone else's help in a Companion Assisted Restroom. My husband and I double team the changing. The changing area is always the bigger full sized kind and a smaller sized room reduces the amount of echo a screech produces. These restrooms are also good for little kids who are too young to go alone, but don't want to go into the restroom of the opposite sex.
Apparently, Vikings were all about restroom comfort as the World Showcase Companion Assisted Restroom that I favor is in Norway, opposite the Viking ship. Spaceship Earth's are predictably as spacious as Earth. Test Track has a CAR as well as cars. But if you're that close, you might as well go to the Baby Care Center. In Future World West, you'll find one across from The Land. For the World Showcase, there's also Morocco, Germany and slightly before Canada.
When going it alone, the United Kingdom restroom is large and the changing table is nicely out of the way. The regular restroom in Norway is smaller, but the changing table is out of the way similarly to the UK. While the restroom in Mexico is small and strollers aren't allowed in the Pavilion. Forget about using the one in Canada even for just yourself. For Future World, the one near the Electric Umbrella places the changing station right in front of the incoming traffic and the handicap accessible stalls. However, to the left of Spaceship Earth you'll find a very large changing table and lots of maneuvering room.
Most of the men's restrooms also have changing areas, which I imagine are similar in size and layout to their female counterparts. However, usually my husband prefers to take our daughter into a Companion restroom. So I sit back and let him. It seems to come out okay...figuratively speaking.
The most obvious choice when it comes to diaper changing is the Baby Care Center located in the Odyssey building of Future World, a hop away from Test Track. A glorious place furnished with large padded changing tables, towels and lots of quiet. You can almost hear a soft angel chorus as you enter this air conditioned haven of peace and your own Hallelujahs will join them.
But then sometimes you'll be in the center of the World Showcase, literally miles away from the Baby Care Center.
It's unfortunate that most changing areas in restrooms in the rest of the park are lacking. Oh, they exist, but they are hard counter tops that even the most laid back baby hates. But...they are easy to clean. A plus, since you'll need to wipe it down after a screaming struggling infant, who hates the counter, thrashes their way all around it. Doubly so when the counter hater is a toddler. They can also be in the way of people entering and exiting.
That's why when I sense there is going to be a struggle, the second best place to perform the quick-change is with someone else's help in a Companion Assisted Restroom. My husband and I double team the changing. The changing area is always the bigger full sized kind and a smaller sized room reduces the amount of echo a screech produces. These restrooms are also good for little kids who are too young to go alone, but don't want to go into the restroom of the opposite sex.
Apparently, Vikings were all about restroom comfort as the World Showcase Companion Assisted Restroom that I favor is in Norway, opposite the Viking ship. Spaceship Earth's are predictably as spacious as Earth. Test Track has a CAR as well as cars. But if you're that close, you might as well go to the Baby Care Center. In Future World West, you'll find one across from The Land. For the World Showcase, there's also Morocco, Germany and slightly before Canada.
When going it alone, the United Kingdom restroom is large and the changing table is nicely out of the way. The regular restroom in Norway is smaller, but the changing table is out of the way similarly to the UK. While the restroom in Mexico is small and strollers aren't allowed in the Pavilion. Forget about using the one in Canada even for just yourself. For Future World, the one near the Electric Umbrella places the changing station right in front of the incoming traffic and the handicap accessible stalls. However, to the left of Spaceship Earth you'll find a very large changing table and lots of maneuvering room.
Most of the men's restrooms also have changing areas, which I imagine are similar in size and layout to their female counterparts. However, usually my husband prefers to take our daughter into a Companion restroom. So I sit back and let him. It seems to come out okay...figuratively speaking.
On site or off site, where to stay at Disney World.
I’ve stayed off site as you found out in my first entry to this blog. My next visit to Disney World, I stayed on site and have done so ever since. The convenience of walking out your door, getting on a bus, and going to any park you want to without dealing with traffic and parking is well worth it to me. You always have the option of easily returning to your room at any time during the day and going back to the parks later. If you drive to DW you have your car to take you any other place around Orlando that you want to go, or if that is your style and you flew in, you can rent a car and still have that convenience. For my part, once I get to the resort I don’t want to leave the land of Disney.
I have stayed at All Star Music a couple of times, Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside multiple times, the Beach Club resort once, and Old Key West once. So I have experienced everything from a value resort to a deluxe resort and a Vacation Club resort.
This time I’ll talk about the All Star Music resort. Like every Disney resort the themes are extraordinary. You have the Rock and Roll building, the Jazz building, the Country and Western building etc. The rooms are slightly smaller than the moderate resorts but the layout is very similar in both the building design and the room design. The problems I had with the value resort were these:
There is one bus stop for all of the residents of the resort. You usually have to stand in line to board the bus and most times it was SRO on the bus both going to and coming back from the parks. Not a big deal if there are all adults in the party, but more of a hassle if you have small children with you. I remember standing in line to board the bus at the close of Animal Kingdom one evening, holding my 10 mo. old grandson while he slept. We had to wait while 4 buses came and went before we were able to board. This chewed up close to an hour and my arms were killing me before we finally sat down.
The food court is always extremely crowded with long lines to pay for your food, and get a drink at the drink station. It’s very noisy as well.
The pools are very crowded and very noisy and I recall nights when I could clearly hear kids running around, slamming doors, hooping and hollering until midnight outside my room.
Other than that the value resorts are an inexpensive way to visit Disney World and usually you don’t spend that much time in your room anyway, right?
Next time I’ll discuss the moderate resorts.
I have stayed at All Star Music a couple of times, Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans Riverside multiple times, the Beach Club resort once, and Old Key West once. So I have experienced everything from a value resort to a deluxe resort and a Vacation Club resort.
This time I’ll talk about the All Star Music resort. Like every Disney resort the themes are extraordinary. You have the Rock and Roll building, the Jazz building, the Country and Western building etc. The rooms are slightly smaller than the moderate resorts but the layout is very similar in both the building design and the room design. The problems I had with the value resort were these:
There is one bus stop for all of the residents of the resort. You usually have to stand in line to board the bus and most times it was SRO on the bus both going to and coming back from the parks. Not a big deal if there are all adults in the party, but more of a hassle if you have small children with you. I remember standing in line to board the bus at the close of Animal Kingdom one evening, holding my 10 mo. old grandson while he slept. We had to wait while 4 buses came and went before we were able to board. This chewed up close to an hour and my arms were killing me before we finally sat down.
The food court is always extremely crowded with long lines to pay for your food, and get a drink at the drink station. It’s very noisy as well.
The pools are very crowded and very noisy and I recall nights when I could clearly hear kids running around, slamming doors, hooping and hollering until midnight outside my room.
Other than that the value resorts are an inexpensive way to visit Disney World and usually you don’t spend that much time in your room anyway, right?
Next time I’ll discuss the moderate resorts.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
It's Not a Small World
Disney World is bigger than some cities and at least big enough to qualify for its own McDonald's. You'd think that McDonald's would be called Mickey D's, but alas, it isn't.
People actually run marathons in a very small part of Disney World. There are four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. There are also water parks, over twenty resort hotels, golf courses, Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island and its own fire department. There are nearly one hundred restuarants. If you've only been to the "one with the castle" you are actually missing out on the majority of what the World offers.
I always perk up when someone mentions they went to Disney World. I start asking questions. Did they go on the Tower of Terror? What country did they like in the World Showcase? Sometimes I'm met with blank stares and confusion. They went only to the Magic Kingdom Park and most people think that the two names are synonymous.
The size of Disney World doesn't really aid anyone with clearing up the confusion. In other words, to sum up:
Magic Kingdom-the one with the castle. It's part of Disney World, not the whole World.
The Giant Golf Ball-its a ride called Space Ship Earth and it's in Epcot.
Daffy Duck-is actually called Donald.
Shrek-isn't here. Neither are Anastasia, Happy Feet, Alex from Madagascar, surfing penguins, Spider-Man, Harry Potter or Shamu.
Cinderella's Castle-not the final resting place of Walt's cryogenically frozen head (according to official documents at least).
People actually run marathons in a very small part of Disney World. There are four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. There are also water parks, over twenty resort hotels, golf courses, Downtown Disney, Pleasure Island and its own fire department. There are nearly one hundred restuarants. If you've only been to the "one with the castle" you are actually missing out on the majority of what the World offers.
I always perk up when someone mentions they went to Disney World. I start asking questions. Did they go on the Tower of Terror? What country did they like in the World Showcase? Sometimes I'm met with blank stares and confusion. They went only to the Magic Kingdom Park and most people think that the two names are synonymous.
The size of Disney World doesn't really aid anyone with clearing up the confusion. In other words, to sum up:
Magic Kingdom-the one with the castle. It's part of Disney World, not the whole World.
The Giant Golf Ball-its a ride called Space Ship Earth and it's in Epcot.
Daffy Duck-is actually called Donald.
Shrek-isn't here. Neither are Anastasia, Happy Feet, Alex from Madagascar, surfing penguins, Spider-Man, Harry Potter or Shamu.
Cinderella's Castle-not the final resting place of Walt's cryogenically frozen head (according to official documents at least).
How I Became Obsessed with Disneyworld
Disney World is definitely not just for kids. It’s a great adult experience. When I was a child growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, my dream was to go to Disneyland. I saw Cinderella’s castle every Sunday night as I watched the Wonderful World of Disney (yes, that show has been on that long!) and dreamed of a fun filled trip to California. Alas, my family was not ‘rich’ enough at the time to make that journey and I resigned myself to the fact that I would never be able to achieve that experience.
I became an adult, had four beautiful children, and unfortunately as a family we were also not ‘rich’ enough to make the journey. I no longer thought of it as being a fun time for me, but as a fun time for my kids. Eventually my kids grew into wonderful adults and I figured it was too late to enjoy that experience.
In September of 1998 my eldest daughter and her ’long distance’ boyfriend decided to meet in Orlando and go to Disneyworld. He had been there as a child and although he remembered that he had fun, didn’t remember much detail. She of course had never been there. I still don’t know why they decided to go except she has been a life long Disney fan and an aspiring Disney animator. They stayed at the Caribbean Beach resort and she came back with glorious stories about the great themes at the resort and the rides. It peaked my interest. Two young adults went to Disneyworld and had a great time? How odd!
In August of 1999, my youngest daughter decided to move to Orlando Florida. I wish I could say it was because of her own love of all things Disney, but it was for her love of all things Backstreet Boys (yes, she eventually tracked down Kevin and met him, she has the picture to prove it). She ended up getting a job with Disneyworld at the ESPN restaurant on the Boardwalk. She made new friends, went to the parks almost every day, and aside from struggling to survive financially, enjoyed her new life.
In March of 2000 I decided to take a trip to Orlando myself, along with my oldest daughter, her boyfriend, and my youngest son. I figured since my daughter was down there and worked for Disney it was a chance of a lifetime. We found cheap airfares ($113 round trip from Minneapolis- try finding that today!) and we stayed at a motel in Kissimmee a few blocks from where my daughter lived. I rented a car and she directed me in how to get to the various parks. Financially it was an extremely affordable trip. As a Disney employee she was able to get us free parking and free admission to the parks. She was a good guide and directed us to her favorite and not so favorite rides.
One day we were at MGM and she kept telling me I had to go on the Tower of Terror. I was a bit resistant since my impression of it was that it was just one of those rides where they take you up high and then drop you. She insisted I would love it, so I begrudgingly followed her on to the ride. Thus my love affair with the Tower of Terror began. It is by far my most favorite ride ever, anywhere! The whole hotel theme, the Twilight Zone effects, the ride itself, was fantastic. It doesn’t just drop you once, you go up and down several times before it sadly ends. I’ve been on it dozens of times now and I never get tired of it.
I’ve always been a movie buff so of course the MGM studios became my favorite of the four parks. I never thought as a 51 year old adult that I would enjoy going on rides as much as I did there. The Great Movie Ride, The Back Lot Tour, the Star Tours etc. I just loved it! The Aerosmith Rocking Roller Coaster had just opened up a few months earlier. We stood in line for 45 minutes to ride it and it was worth it. Going from 0 to 60 in a few seconds was mind boggling.
There were street actors pulling you into their skits. Old 40’s and 50’s era cars lined the streets. It truly was magic!
This was the start of what has become my obsession with Disneyworld. I have been there a dozen times over the last 7 years. That translates into twice a year in some years. I’ve experienced the trip with all adults and over the last few years with my grandchildren. It is two different experiences.
In future blogs I will talk about my ensuing trips, places to stay, rides to try and the differences in going with adults and with small children. It’s all good! We have found ways to avoid the crowds and places to take advantage of unexpected encounters with characters. Stay tuned!
I became an adult, had four beautiful children, and unfortunately as a family we were also not ‘rich’ enough to make the journey. I no longer thought of it as being a fun time for me, but as a fun time for my kids. Eventually my kids grew into wonderful adults and I figured it was too late to enjoy that experience.
In September of 1998 my eldest daughter and her ’long distance’ boyfriend decided to meet in Orlando and go to Disneyworld. He had been there as a child and although he remembered that he had fun, didn’t remember much detail. She of course had never been there. I still don’t know why they decided to go except she has been a life long Disney fan and an aspiring Disney animator. They stayed at the Caribbean Beach resort and she came back with glorious stories about the great themes at the resort and the rides. It peaked my interest. Two young adults went to Disneyworld and had a great time? How odd!
In August of 1999, my youngest daughter decided to move to Orlando Florida. I wish I could say it was because of her own love of all things Disney, but it was for her love of all things Backstreet Boys (yes, she eventually tracked down Kevin and met him, she has the picture to prove it). She ended up getting a job with Disneyworld at the ESPN restaurant on the Boardwalk. She made new friends, went to the parks almost every day, and aside from struggling to survive financially, enjoyed her new life.
In March of 2000 I decided to take a trip to Orlando myself, along with my oldest daughter, her boyfriend, and my youngest son. I figured since my daughter was down there and worked for Disney it was a chance of a lifetime. We found cheap airfares ($113 round trip from Minneapolis- try finding that today!) and we stayed at a motel in Kissimmee a few blocks from where my daughter lived. I rented a car and she directed me in how to get to the various parks. Financially it was an extremely affordable trip. As a Disney employee she was able to get us free parking and free admission to the parks. She was a good guide and directed us to her favorite and not so favorite rides.
One day we were at MGM and she kept telling me I had to go on the Tower of Terror. I was a bit resistant since my impression of it was that it was just one of those rides where they take you up high and then drop you. She insisted I would love it, so I begrudgingly followed her on to the ride. Thus my love affair with the Tower of Terror began. It is by far my most favorite ride ever, anywhere! The whole hotel theme, the Twilight Zone effects, the ride itself, was fantastic. It doesn’t just drop you once, you go up and down several times before it sadly ends. I’ve been on it dozens of times now and I never get tired of it.
I’ve always been a movie buff so of course the MGM studios became my favorite of the four parks. I never thought as a 51 year old adult that I would enjoy going on rides as much as I did there. The Great Movie Ride, The Back Lot Tour, the Star Tours etc. I just loved it! The Aerosmith Rocking Roller Coaster had just opened up a few months earlier. We stood in line for 45 minutes to ride it and it was worth it. Going from 0 to 60 in a few seconds was mind boggling.
There were street actors pulling you into their skits. Old 40’s and 50’s era cars lined the streets. It truly was magic!
This was the start of what has become my obsession with Disneyworld. I have been there a dozen times over the last 7 years. That translates into twice a year in some years. I’ve experienced the trip with all adults and over the last few years with my grandchildren. It is two different experiences.
In future blogs I will talk about my ensuing trips, places to stay, rides to try and the differences in going with adults and with small children. It’s all good! We have found ways to avoid the crowds and places to take advantage of unexpected encounters with characters. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Mugford for Sehlinger
When I first read this Star Tribune article by John Mugford, I was initially panicked. I don't like it when Disney World secrets are given out. Ever since the now defunct Disney magazine printed my tip regarding watching Illuminations from the steps above Mitsukoshi at Epcot's Japanese pavilion, I haven't been able to get a space there since!
I needn't have worried. Because Mugford isn't telling anyone anything that thousands and thousands of Disney newbies aren't already doing. He is merely hawking The Unofficial Guide to Disney World by Bob Sehlinger. While, I do advocate consulting guide books initially, I've never used them slavishly. Mostly because everyone else does. That's the real key to the crowds and grumpiness. Don't do what everyone else does!
Most guides and resources advocate getting up at dawn. I didn't do that when it was just me and I can't with a toddler now. I don't like the push of a rushing crowd for the rope drop anyway. Plus, with the incentives and the Internet, there is no longer such a thing as a better day to visit a park. It used to be you could plan to visit certain parks on less crowded days. That no longer holds true, especially with the addition of Extra Magic Hours in the evening. In fact, the days to avoid a park is now the day that it has any Extra Magic Hours!
As for the tours in the guide, the best thing is to consult them and then do the opposite. But, yes do use FastPasses. As this web log grows and articles are added, my strategies for the parks will become clearer to you. In no time at all you'll be way ahead of everyone, waiting in very few lines and able to make it up as you go from experience alone.
You also won't have to wake a small child before they are ready. Because if there's one thing you will hate more than waiting in line, it's dealing with a sleep deprived tantrum factory.
I needn't have worried. Because Mugford isn't telling anyone anything that thousands and thousands of Disney newbies aren't already doing. He is merely hawking The Unofficial Guide to Disney World by Bob Sehlinger. While, I do advocate consulting guide books initially, I've never used them slavishly. Mostly because everyone else does. That's the real key to the crowds and grumpiness. Don't do what everyone else does!
Most guides and resources advocate getting up at dawn. I didn't do that when it was just me and I can't with a toddler now. I don't like the push of a rushing crowd for the rope drop anyway. Plus, with the incentives and the Internet, there is no longer such a thing as a better day to visit a park. It used to be you could plan to visit certain parks on less crowded days. That no longer holds true, especially with the addition of Extra Magic Hours in the evening. In fact, the days to avoid a park is now the day that it has any Extra Magic Hours!
As for the tours in the guide, the best thing is to consult them and then do the opposite. But, yes do use FastPasses. As this web log grows and articles are added, my strategies for the parks will become clearer to you. In no time at all you'll be way ahead of everyone, waiting in very few lines and able to make it up as you go from experience alone.
You also won't have to wake a small child before they are ready. Because if there's one thing you will hate more than waiting in line, it's dealing with a sleep deprived tantrum factory.
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