Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
37
mind that the line opens for calls at 7am
EST). Also, in any park, check the daily
schedule for character appearances (all of
the major ones post them on maps or
boards near the entrances), and make
sure the kids know when they're going to
get to meet their heroes. It's often the
highlight of their day. (Be wary, however,
of promising specific characters, as
schedules and character lineups can
change.) Advance planning will help you
avoid running after every character you
see. The “in” thing of late is getting char-
acter autographs. The lines can be quite
long, so you may want to pick and
choose just a couple of favorite charac-
ters to do this with.
Packing Although your home may be
toddler-proof, hotel accommodations
aren't. Bring blank plugs to cover out-
lets and whatever else is necessary to
prevent an accident from occurring in
your room. Most hotels have some type
of crib available; however, they are usu-
ally limited in number. Some hotels can
also supply bedrails, though they are
not as readily available as cribs are.
Outside of hotel supplies, your big-
gest packing priority should be sun-
screen. Locals can spot tourists by their
bright red, just-toasted sunburn; both
parents and children should heed this
reminder: Don't forget to bring and use
sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least
30. If you do forget it, it's available at
convenience stores, drugstores, and
some theme-park shops. Young chil-
dren should be slathered, even if they're
in a stroller, and be sure to pack a wide-
brim hat for infants and toddlers.
Adults and children alike should drink
plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Accommodations Kids younger than
12, and, in many cases, those as old as
17, stay free in their parent's room in
most hotels, but to be certain, ask when
you book your room. Most hotels have
pools and other recreational facilities
that will give you a little no-extra-cost
downtime. If you want to skip a rental
car and aren't staying at Disney, Inter-
national Drive and Lake Buena Vista
are the places to stay. Hotels often offer
family discounts; some offer “kids eat
free” programs, and some provide free
or moderate-cost shuttle service to the
major attractions. International Drive
also has the I-Drive Trolley, which trav-
els the length of the road and makes
numerous stops along the way.
Ground Rules Set firm rules before
leaving home regarding things such as
bedtime and souvenirs. It's easy to get
off track as you get caught up in the
excitement of Orlando, but don't allow
your vacation to seize control of your
better judgment. Having the kids earn
their own money or at least allotting a
specific prearranged amount for them
to spend works wonders. Making them
part of your decisions also works won-
ders. They're far more accommodating
and cooperative when they understand
that everyone in the family gets a say in
the plan for the day and that they will
eventually get to do something or go
somewhere that they want to.
At the Parks Getting lost is unfortu-
nately all too easy in a place as strange
and overwhelming as the theme parks.
Toss in the crowds and it's amazing it
doesn't happen more often. For adults
(yes, they get lost too) and older kids,
arrange a lost-and-found meeting place
before you arrive in the parks, and if
you become separated, head there
immediately. Make sure your kids know
to find a staff member (point out the
special name-tags staff members wear)
to help them. Attach a name-tag with
the child's first name and your cell-
phone (or hotel) number to the inside
of younger kids' T-shirts and tell them
to find a park employee (and only a
park employee) immediately and show
them the tag if they become lost.
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