Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
182
Tighter Security
Tips
Guards at the gates at all Disney parks check a variety of carry-ins, including
backpacks, diaper bags, and pocketbooks and purses. They also have been
known to check guests' IDs, so be sure to bring a government-issued photo iden-
tification card. All this, of course, means it may take a few minutes longer to get
through the entrance and to your first ride of the day.
For Internet information, try
www.disneyworld.com
, which features extensive, enter-
taining, and regularly updated information on the parks. The website will also let you
design customized park itinerary maps that Disney will mail to you (though you'll have
to do these several weeks in advance if you want them in time for your trip).
Also try the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau site (www.
orlandoinfo.com). Another good site,
www.floridakiss.com
, is sponsored by the Kissim-
mee Convention & Visitors Bureau.
GETTING TO WDW BY CAR
The interstate exits to all Disney parks and resorts are well marked. Once you're off I-4,
there are signs directing you to individual destinations. If you miss your exit,
don't panic.
Simply get off at the next one and turn around. It may take a little more time, but it's
safer than cutting across five lanes of traffic to make the off ramp, or worse—risking a
fender bender. Drive with extra caution in the attractions area. Disney drivers are divided
into two categories: workers in a hurry to make their shift and tourists in a hurry to get
to the parks before anyone else (and trying to drive while looking at a map).
Upon entering WDW grounds, you can tune your radio to 1030 AM when you're
approaching the Magic Kingdom, or 850 AM when approaching Epcot, for park infor-
mation. Tune to 1200 AM when departing the Magic Kingdom, or 910 AM when
departing Epcot. TVs in all Disney resorts and “official” hotels also have park informa-
tion channels.
6
PARKING
All WDW lots are tightly controlled; the Disney folks have parking down to a science.
You park where they tell you to park—and there's no room for discussion.
Remember to
write your parking place (lot and row number) on something so you can find your vehicle later.
Parking attendants won't be there to direct you to it when you leave the park, and, at the
end of the day, you'd be surprised how many cars look alike through tired eyes. And
though you might think that catchy character name on the pole above your car will ring
a bell when you return to your vehicle, what will really be ringing will be your ears with
all of the names you've heard so many times throughout the day—was it Minnie . . .
Donald . . . Goofy . . . Pluto?
Visitors should generally ride the free trams that travel the massive Magic Kingdom
lots, but it's often easier to skip them and walk to the gates at Epcot, Disney's Hollywood
Studios, and Animal Kingdom. You may not even have a choice. Disney has cut service
to some parking areas near the entrances to its parks. Guests who can't make the hike
have to park in special lots for travelers with disabilities (see below) or have a driver drop
them at special unloading areas outside the entrances. If you're walking,
be careful!
These
