Planning a trip to Walt Disney World

Cruises

There's hardly a Florida tourist market that WDW hasn't successfully tapped. Ocean-going vacations are no exception. Disney Cruise Line (tel. 800/951-3532; www.disneycruise.com) launched the Magic, Wonder, and Dream in 1998, 1999, and 2011, respectively, and will debut the Fantasy in 2012. It didn't take long before the line made it all the way to the top of the family cruising market.

The Magic is Art Deco in style, with Mickey in the three-level lobby and a Beauty and the Beast mural in its top restaurant, Lumiere's. The Wonder's decor is Art Nouveau. Ariel commands its lobby, and its featured eatery, Triton's, sports a mural from The Little Mermaid.

Subtle differences aside, these are nearly identical twins. Both are 83,000 tons with 12 decks, 875 cabins, and room for 2,400 guests. There are some adults-only areas, including Palo, an intimate and romantic Italian restaurant; however, both ships have extensive kids' and teens' programs that take up almost an entire deck. They're broken into four age groups: the Flounder's Reef Nursery for ages 3 months to 3 years; Disney's Oceaneer Club and Disney's Oceaneer Lab for ages 3 to 12 (on the Wonder) and 3 to 10 (on the Magic). Ocean Quest (on the Magic) is the newest addition; filled with activities for almost every age, it features video games, plasma TVs, and a simulator that allows kids to steer the ship in and out of ports of call. Additional children's activities are now offered by interest rather than by age -- allowing your kids to choose exactly which activities they wish to participate in.

Restaurants, shows, and other onboard activities are extremely family-oriented. One of the line's unique features is a dine-around option that lets you move among main restaurants (each ship has four) from night to night while keeping the same servers.

Debuting in January 2011, the Dream is reminiscent of the grand ocean liners that sailed in the 1920s and '30s, oozing elegance and stylish sophistication, accented by whimsical Disneyesque touches. Practically dwarfing the Magic and Wonder, the Dream stands two decks taller and features 1,250 staterooms (and a capacity for up to 4,000 guests). Innovations on board include a first-of-its-kind water coaster (located on the upper deck), along with imaginative tech-y touches such as virtual portholes, an interactive play-floor, living characters, and enchanted art (think real-time animation). Like its older siblings, the Dream offers numerous dining options and an extensive array of onboard activities (including supervised childcare); the difference here, however, is that activities are arranged by interest rather than by age. The Dream sails out of Port Canaveral (at least for the next few years), with cruises to The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

In 2012, the Fantasy will set sail, bringing with it even more innovative touches and experiences than the Dream -- an AquaDuck water coaster, magic portholes, and enchanted artwork (all on the Dream as well) will be complemented by unique dinner shows and dining experiences, an adult entertainment district with chic clubs and lounges, and even a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (among plenty of other kid-friendly entertainment options and activities).

Sailing out of Port Canaveral, which is about an hour east of Orlando by car, 3-night voyages visit Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island; 5-night cruises add Key West. There are also 7-night eastern Caribbean (St. Thomas, Tortola, and Castaway Cay) and 7-night western Caribbean (Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Castaway Cay) itineraries. If you buy a land-sea package, transportation to and from Orlando is included; 7-night land-sea packages include 3 or 4 days afloat, with the rest of the week at a WDW resort. Prices depend on your choice of stateroom and resort. Packages are available that add round-trip air and unlimited admission to the WDW parks and other Disney attractions. You can get discounted fares if you book well in advance and go during nonpeak periods; specials or "Magic Rates" run periodically as well. Call for details and rates, or check with a travel agent.

From other ports, Alaskan cruises (5-, 6-, and 7-day), cruises to the Mexican Riviera (7-, 8-, and 10-day), and transatlantic Mediterranean cruises (8-, 10-, 11-, and 14-day) are offered as well. Mediterranean cruises (aboard the Magic) feature stops in such ports of call as Ajaccio, Corsica; Barcelona, Spain; Naples, Italy; Madeira, Portugal; and Gibraltar, U.K., among several others. Northern European cruises (8- to 14-night cruises aboard the Magic) feature stops in such ports as Cherbourg, France; Oslo, Norway; Helsinki, Finland; and St. Petersburg, Russia, among others. For more information on these and other sailings, call tel. 888/325-2500.

Beginning in 2012, the Disney Cruise Line will set sail from three new ports (in addition to its existing ports): New York, Seattle, and Galveston, Texas.

The Disney Magic, once repositioned from Port Canaveral to New York, will sail 20 cruises from New York -- including 8-night cruises to The Bahamas and 5-night cruises along the New England coast to Canada. It will also include 2-night cruises for those wanting to cruise for only a short time (with rates starting at $370 per person). Cruises to The Bahamas will, as always, include a day at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and a stop at Port Canaveral (all guests receiving a 1-day Park Hopper ticket and round-trip transportation between the ship and their Disney resort). Rates for the new 8-night Bahamian cruise (departing from New York) start at $1,240 per person. Five-night cruises up the New England coast will stop at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick. Rates start at $715 per person. Seven-night cruises from the Port of Galveston to the western Caribbean will also be offered. Ports of call include Grand Cayman and Mexico's Costa Maya and Cozumel. Rates start at $840 per person.

The Disney Wonder will sail a total of 14 7-night cruises from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Rates start at $917 per person. The Wonder will continue sailing Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles, as well as 7-night Pacific Coast cruises that stop in San Francisco, San Diego, and Ensenada, Mexico. Rates start at $707 per person on either route. In addition, the Wonder will set sail on a 15-night voyage to Hawaii (departing from Los Angeles) that stops in Hilo, on the Big Island; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai; and Ensenada, Mexico. Rates start at $1,800 per person.

The Disney Dream will sail 3-, 4- and 5-night cruises from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Five-night itineraries include two stops at Castaway Cay. Rates start at $471 per person.

The Disney Fantasy will make her maiden voyage in March 2012, sailing out of Port Canaveral on 7-night Caribbean itineraries (alternating eastern and western routes). Rates start at $959 per person.

For more information, call Disney Cruise Line or check out its very informative website, which also allows you to plan and reserve shore excursions before you go. Another excellent source of detailed information on both cruising and the Disney line is Frommer's Cruises & Ports of Call.

Avoid the Ups & Downs

Nothing spoils a cruise like a storm -- or worse. In the first case, consider avoiding hurricane season altogether (June-Nov, though the peak is July to mid-Oct). These unpredictable storms can both spoil your fun and upset the strongest of stomachs. The stormy seasons aside, pack a few motion-sickness pills or patches just in case.

Speaking of spoiling a cruise, several cruise ships, including the Disney Magic, have had outbreaks of a virus that caused stomach flu-like symptoms in the past. This is no ill reflection on any one line: Cruise ships are closed environments, and sometimes a passenger brings the illness on board. For an Internet rating by the Centers for Disease Control, go to www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/default.htm. Note, however, that the site is often weeks out of date.

Package Deals

The number and diversity of package tours to Orlando is staggering. If Disney is on your agenda, head to www.disneyworld.com (where you'll find loads of information and can book a package as well). Disney's array of choices can include airfare, accommodations on or off Disney property, theme-park passes, a rental car, meals, a Disney cruise, and/or a stay at Disney's beach resorts in Vero Beach or Hilton Head, South Carolina. Some packages are tied to a season, while others are for special-interest vacationers, including golfers, honeymooners, or spa aficionados. For more information, or to book a Disney vacation package, call tel. 407/939-6244.

Although not on the same scale as Disney's options, Universal Orlando packages have improved greatly with the addition of the Islands of Adventure theme park, the CityWalk food-and-club district, and Universal's Loews-run hotels (along with several off-site hotel partners added in recent years). The options include lodging, VIP access to Universal's theme parks, and discounts to other non-Disney attractions. Some include round-trip airfare. Contact Universal Vacations at tel. 877/801-9720, or go to www.universalorlando.com.

SeaWorld also offers packages that include rooms from a choice of a handful of SeaWorld-area hotels, car rental, and tickets to SeaWorld. Call tel. 800/557-4268, or go to www.seaworldvacations.com.

For linksters, Golf Getaways (tel. 800/800-4028; www.golfgetaways.com) and Golfpac Vacations (tel. 800/327-0878; www.golfpacinc.com) offer play-and-stay packages.

For more information on package tours and for tips on booking your trip, visit www.frommers.com/planning.

Package Deals -- Just about everybody seems to be in the business of package deals these days. Although Disney itself offers a handful of package options, the discounts aren't usually that considerable. However, do ask reservations clerks about the latest and greatest promotion, or what may be running at the time you intend to visit. Promotions tend to run for a limited time, so be sure to get all the details -- when it runs, what it includes, what it doesn't, and so on. You should also search the Disney website (www.disneyworld.com) for special deals and promotions.

For up-to-date coverage of promotional offerings and discount codes good at Disney World, check out www.mousesavers.com. The site also offers its own slate of Disney specials.

The Peril of Disney Packages

Disney lures you into overpurchasing. Anytime you call it and ask for reservations, operators will suggest adding perks. You’ll ask for tickets, and they’ll suggest they throw in, say, the meal plan. The instant you accept, you’re purchasing a “package,” and that will often force you to pay more than you would have a la carte. Always, always know what everything would cost separately before agreeing to a Disney-suggested package. If you must, hang up the phone and do some math before deciding to accept or reject the offer. That’s the only way to ensure you’re not paying more. Yes, I know that means you’ll have to do lots of advance research, but this is the reality of visiting Walt Disney World today.

We go into the warnings about this—and how to avoid getting trapped by a bad Disney package, in our Tickets section.

Getting Married

A Mickey Mouse Affair: Getting Married at Walt Disney World

Want to fly up the aisle on Aladdin's magic carpet? Arrive in a glass coach pulled by six white horses? Or take the plunge, literally and figuratively, on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?

If you've always dreamed of a fairy-tale wedding, Disney is happy to oblige for a price (though often a large one). Recognizing WDW's popularity as a honeymoon destination—each year, more honeymooners head here than to any other spot in America. Disney, in 1995, cut out the middleman and officially went into the wedding business. And, oh, what big business it is!

Disney's first step was building the multimillion-dollar nondenominational chapel in the middle of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The next step was letting the world know the Disney wedding chapel was open for business. The first nuptials were televised live on the Lifetime television network. (Construction was still in progress at the chapel, so the bride and groom wore white hard hats.) Since it opened, tens of thousands of couples, hailing from every state and a number of foreign countries, have mixed matrimony with Disney magic at the chapel, which resembles a Victorian summerhouse.

When you plan a Disney Wedding, every aspect of the party will have to meet minimum attendance requirements. Park guests also come first, so you probably find that if you can book a ceremony in front of Cinderella Castle at all, it will have to be in the wee hours, when the park isn't open. Bookings for locations open one year ahead, but you'd be wise to get the ball rolling at least 18 months ahead.

You'll have to cough up at least $3,500 just to have the ceremony here (not including the minimum expenditure of $15,000 required for a custom wedding—or the minimum 4-night stay that's also required). It costs at least $30,000 to have your ceremony after hours in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom—and that's just to use the venue, because minimum food, beverage, and hotel expenditures are required and are at an additional cost. Disney lists its available wedding locations and estimates of their rental fees (before ceremony costs) at www.disneyweddings.com/florida/pricing/.

The introduction of the Disney Couture wedding collection (by David Tutera), a unique honeymoon registry, and a line of princess-inspired designer wedding gowns bring additional elements of elegance that only Disney could create to the wedding mix. If you can imagine it, Disney can likely do it—as long as your wallet can back up your imagination.

For details, call tel. 321/939-4610 or go to www.disneyweddings.com. The email address is ContactUs@DisneyWeddings.com.

Tips for Travelers with Pets

For those of us who wouldn't dream of going on vacation without our pets, more and more lodgings are going the pet-friendly route. Be aware, however, that policies vary from property to property in Orlando, so call ahead to find out the particulars of your hotel.

None of the Disney resorts allows animals (except service dogs) to stay on the premises or has its own on-site kennel (the only exception being Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground, where you can have your pet at the full-hook-up campsites), but resort guests are welcome to board their animals overnight in the new Best Friends Pet Care facility on Bonnet Creek Parkway. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld will board small pets during the day only, not overnight.

Universal's three Loews-run resorts do allow pets on the property. In fact, "Loews Loves Pets" is a program that caters to pets and their families by offering such amenities as food, leashes, bedding, toys, and more. Pet walking, pet pagers, and door hangers (to let the resort staff know that there is a pet in the room) are also available.

An excellent resource is www.petswelcome.com, which dispenses medical tips, pet-friendly lodgings and campgrounds, and veterinarians. Also check out www.dogfriendly.com, which features links to Orlando accommodations, eateries, attractions, and parks that welcome canine companions.

The Peripatetic Pet -- It is illegal in Florida to leave your pet inside a parked car, windows rolled down or not. The sweltering heat can easily kill an animal in only a few minutes. All of the major theme parks have kennel facilities available, so if you have brought your pet along, take advantage of these kennels.

Make sure your pet is wearing a name-tag that includes your name and phone number, as well as the phone number of a contact person who can take the call if your pet gets lost while you're away from home.

Kennels -- The major theme parks offer animal boarding, usually for about $12 to $15 per day. At Disney, a single facility, Best Friends Pet Care, on the Bonnet Creek Parkway (tel. 877/493-9738), opened in 2010, replacing the numerous facilities once scattered about the resort. Overnight boarding, day care, and a slew of specialized services are offered for the pampered pet set. Resort guests can board their pets overnight for $10 to $34 ($12-$37 for those not staying at Disney), depending on the size and type of pet (larger, more luxurious accommodations go for a higher price). Pets are also welcome to stay overnight at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground (at select campsites) for a nightly fee of $5. SeaWorld ($15) and Universal Orlando ($15) also offer kennels, but overnight boarding is not available (though all Universal Orlando resorts welcome pets to stay with you right in your room for a small fee). A current vaccination record is a must at all kennels.

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

Orlando is a Southern town, but the entertainment industry and the theme parks have helped in the building of a strong gay and lesbian community. Same-sex dancing won't draw any unwelcome attention at clubs in the area such as those located at Universal's CityWalk or in downtown Orlando. The tenor of crowds can change, however, depending on what's going on in town, so respect your own intuition.

The popularity of Orlando with gay and lesbian travelers has been confirmed by the expansion of the June "Gay Day" celebration at Disney World into a weekend event that includes Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. Park-goers can wear red on Gay Day to signify their support of the gay and lesbian community. Additional information on the event can be found at www.gaydays.com.

For information about events for that weekend and throughout the year, contact the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Central Florida, 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando (tel. 407/228-8272; www.thecenterorlando.org). Welcome packets usually include the latest issue of the Triangle, a quarterly newsletter dedicated to gay and lesbian issues, and a calendar of events. Though not a tourist-specific packet, it includes information and ads for local gay and lesbian clubs. Gay Orlando Network (www.gayorlando.com) is another planning resource for travelers. Watermark (tel. 407/481-2243; www.watermarkonline.com) is a gay-friendly publication that can be found in many bookstores.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Most disabilities shouldn't stop anyone from traveling in the U.S. Thanks to provisions in the Americans with Disabilities Act, most public places are required to comply with disability-friendly regulations. Almost all public establishments in Orlando (including hotels, restaurants, museums, and so on, but not including certain National Historic Landmarks) and at least some modes of public transportation provide accessible entrances and other facilities for those with disabilities.

Universal marks the times for its ASL shows on its guide map; some days they’re not automatically available, but you can request show interpretation for free at least 14 days ahead by writing SignLanguageServices@universalorlando.com.

Disney maintains a Special Services hotline to answer all accessibility needs. At the parks, Guest Relations windows can furnish guests with handheld captioning and/or assistive listening devices for hearing-impaired guests; they require a $25 refundable deposit (407/824-4321 (voice) and TTY 📞 407/827-5141; Disability.services@disneyparks.com).

Universal Orlando can be reached at 800/447-0672 (TDD) or 407/224-4233 (voice;www.universalorlando.com).

SeaWorld Orlando's special number is 407/363-2400 (www.seaworld.com).

Kennedy Space Center is at 321/449-4443 (www.kennedyspacecenter.com).

Try to contact those a few weeks ahead of your visit.

Accessibiility at Disney World

Nearly everything is accessible. Even before the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the parks have always worked to be inclusive, and guests with mobility issues have long embraced them in return.

Disney’s full descriptions of its support facilities are posted under the “Services” section at disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services. Up to 30 days before a scheduled park visit, guests can schedule a video call to register for Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS) for pre-arrival planning. Once they are registered, guests can use the My Disney Experience app to arrange DAS entry to attractions (which will appear on your schedule in Genie).

Parties will be given a reservation time that accounts for the current wait time (you can come back later as long as the time has passed, but you can’t get another reservation until you’ve used the first one). Or part of your group might be asked to pass through the standard line while you wait in a special area and reunite with them before riding. There will usually be a place for you to wait for the special wheelchair-ready ride vehicle to arrive. You might have to transfer to a manual wheelchair; the park maps indicate which rides will require that. If you have not registered for DAS before arrival, head to Guest Relations to obtain a card that designates you as requiring consideration. No doctor’s letter is required.

Oxygen tanks may not be permitted on rides. A very few, pre-ADA attractions, such as Tom Sawyer Island and the Swiss Family Treehouse, require you to be ambulatory. Those are marked, too. There is a special parade-viewing area for those with mobility issues so you can have good sightlines; arrive early and ask any cast member where it is. Companions of guests with cognitive disabilities such as autism also obtain ride reservations that correspond to the current wait time; cast members can direct them to “break areas” for easing stimulation.

Many attractions at the parks, especially the newer ones, are designed to be accessible to a wide variety of guests. People with wheelchairs and their parties are often given preferential treatment so they can avoid lines. The assistance available is outlined in the guide maps you get as you enter the parks. All of the theme parks offer some parking close to the entrances for those with disabilities. Let the parking-booth attendant know your needs, and you'll be directed to the appropriate spot. Wheelchair and electric-cart rentals are available at most major attractions, but you'll be most comfortable in your chair or cart from home if you can bring it. Keep in mind, however, that wheelchairs wider than 2 feet may be difficult to navigate through some attractions. And crowds may make it tough for any guest.

At Walt Disney World — Disney's many services are detailed in the Guide for Guests with Disabilities. You can pick one up at Guest Relations near the front entrance of each of the parks, or go online to www.disneyworld.com (click through to the site map, and then select "Travelers with Disabilities"). You can also call Disability Services at 407/560-2547 or email disability.services@disneyparks.com.

Theme park hotels all can lend door-knock and phone alerts, amplifiers, bed shakers, strobes, and TTY phones. At Disney, request a Room Communication Kit before arrival at 407/824-4321; at Universal, TDD relay devices and doorbell lights are available at hotel front desks. For off-property stays, consider renting a house, which provides much more room; most home-rental companies also comply with ADA requirements.

Inside the parks, you can find a full range of in-park services for guests of every need, including at least a half-dozen TTY phones scattered around and sign-language interpreters on scheduled days of the week.

Examples of other services are as follows:

• Almost all Disney resorts have rooms for those with disabilities.
• Braille guidebooks and audio guides are available at City Hall in the Magic Kingdom and Guest Relations in the other parks (a refundable deposit may be required).
• Service animals are allowed in all parks and on some rides.
• All parks have designated accessible parking spots near the entrances.
• Assisted listening devices are available to amplify the audio at select attractions at WDW parks. Also, at some attractions, hearing-impaired guests can use hand-held wireless receivers that allow them to read captions about the attractions. Both services are free but may require a refundable deposit.
• Wheelchairs and electric carts (ECVs) can be rented at all of the parks.
• The AMC movie theater at Disney Springs is wheelchair accessible.
• For information about Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) or sign-language interpreters at Disney World live shows, call tel. 407/827-5141 (TDD/TTY). You can usually get an ASL interpreter at several events and attractions if you call no later than 2 weeks in advance.

Transportation

Public buses in Orlando have hydraulic lifts and restraining belts for wheelchairs. They serve Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, the shopping areas, and downtown Orlando. Disney shuttle buses accommodate wheelchairs, as do the monorail system and some of the watercraft that travel to the parks and resorts.

Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) provides redcap service, wheelchair assistance, and special seats if you give 72 hours' notice. Travelers with disabilities are also entitled to a 15% discount off the lowest available adult coach fare (though they cannot book online). Documentation from a doctor or an ID card proving your disability is required. Amtrak also provides wheelchair-accessible sleeping accommodations on long-distance trains. Service dogs are permitted aboard and travel free. TDD/TTY service is also available at tel. 800/523-6590, or you can write to P.O. Box 7717, Itasca, IL 60143.

Wheelchair rental

The theme parks operate rental desks for wheelchairs and ECVs (sit-down scooters) near each front gate (prices are listed in the theme park chapters), but you will have to be able to travel to that kiosk on your own. You also may not take a rental out of its park, so if you switch theme parks on the same day, you are not guaranteed to find availability at your second park—if there are still rentals left, though, you can show the receipt from your first park to avoid paying for rental twice. Prices are steep and lines can be long, and the vehicles are very simple (no sun shades, etc.), so many people rent their own ahead of time from a third party.

Medical Travel, Inc. (www.medicaltravel.org; 866/322-4400 or 407/438-8010) specializes in the rental of mobility equipment, ramp vans, and supplies such as oxygen tanks (be aware that many rides do not allow tanks).

Electric scooters and wheelchairs can be delivered to your accommodation through these established companies: Orlando Medical Rentals (www.orlandomedicalrentals.com; 877/356-9943) which also supplies oxygen, scooters, and the like; Buena Vista Scooter Rentals (www.buenavistascooters.com; 407/331-9147); Scootaround (www.scootaround.com; 888/441-7575); CARE Medical Equipment (www.caremedicalequipment.com; 800/741-2282 or 407/856-2273); and Walker Medical & Mobility Products (www.walkermobility.com; 888/726-6837 or 407/518-6000).

All the theme parks, except the water parks, rent ECVs for about $50 a day and wheelchairs for about $12 a day. If your own wheelchair is wider than 25 inches, think about switching to the park model, because it is guaranteed to navigate tight squeezes such as hairpin queue turns.

If you wear a prosthetic limb, you may have to remove it for the most aggressive rides. A few coasters (like SeaWorld’s Mako) have restraint systems that won’t work if you use certain prosthetics, so always ask the operators what’s safe for you.

Organizations that offer additional assistance to travelers with disabilities include the American Federation for the Blind (www.afb.org; 212/502-7600) and Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (www.sath.org; 212/447-7284).

Parking

Tips for Families

No city in the world is geared more to family travel than Orlando. In addition to its theme parks, Orlando's recreational facilities provide an abundance of opportunities for family fun. Most restaurants have lower-priced ($7–$10) children's menus (if not, the appetizer menu works just as well) and fun distractions such as place mats to color while younger diners wait for their food. Many of the hotels and resorts offer children's activity centers.

Keep an eye out for coupons discounting meals and attractions; they can be found practically everywhere. The "Calendar" section in Friday's Orlando Sentinel newspaper often contains coupons and good deals. Many restaurants, especially those in tourist areas, offer great discounts that are yours for the clipping. Check the information you receive from the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, including free or cheap things to do. Additionally, many hotel lobbies and attractions have free coupon books for the taking.

Most of the major theme parks offer parent-swap programs in which one parent can ride without the children, then switch off and let the other parent ride without having to return to the end of the line. Inquire at Guest Services or Guest Relations, near the park entrances, for details on which rides are included.

All parks have a baby care center for heating formula, nursing, and so on. But think carefully about whether your child is ready for the theme parks. Too many parents consider an Orlando vacation such a rite of passage that they rush into it too early without considering whether their child will find the experience overwhelming, or even if they’ll remember it. I agree with many parenting experts who say that about 3 years old is the minimum age. It's not just that many younger children get wigged out when they see their first costume character, but also because it's no fun for a kid to get turned away from a ride they have their heart set on.

Some experts say kids are not truly ready for the rigors of theme parks until they can walk on their own all day. Whether or not very young children are advisable, they are possible: Scarier rides have what’s called a child swap. That provides an area where one adult can wait with a child while their partner rides and then switch off so the other gets a chance. Many rides also have a bypass corridor where chickens can do their chicken-out thing.

Stroller Rental—Your stroller will not be allowed inside most attractions, and it will not be attended in parking sections, so never leave anything valuable in it. Come prepared with a system for repeatedly unloading valuables. Also have something that covers the seat; just like parked cars, strollers get sizzling hot when you leave them in the Florida sun. Finally, tie an identifying marker (like a white flag, as in “I surrender”) to yours so you can identify it amid the sea of clones. At Disney, strollers cannot be larger than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long (which is still pretty big). Some outfits deliver nicer models than Disney’s to hotels (but charge less if you pick them up in person): Magic Strollers (www.magicstrollers.com; 866/866-6177), World Strollers, in the Welcome Center of Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores (15569 State Rd. 535, Orlando; www.lbvfs.com; 407/238-9301), and Baby Wheels (www.babywheelsorlando.com; 800/510-2480) among them.

Parental Touring Tip -- Many of the attractions at Walt Disney World offer a Rider Switch program designed for parents or guardians traveling with small children. While one adult rides an attraction, the other stays with kids not quite ready to handle the experience; then the adults switch places without having to stand in line again. The bonus (beyond the obvious) is that the kids able to ride the attraction will get to ride again, too. Notify a cast member if you wish to participate when you get in line. Most other Orlando theme parks offer this option in some form, too.

Here are more suggestions for making traveling with children easier:

To avoid tears, familiarize yourself with height restrictions in advance. They are posted at the parks’ websites and listed on the maps. Universal also keeps physical gauges in front of both its parks. Everything is measured in inches, so if your child is usually measured in centimeters, multiply by 0.393.

Bring supplies to kid-proof your hotel room.

Slather your kids in sunscreen. Florida sun is even stronger than you think.

Dress kids in bright colors. You’ll spot them faster if you’re separated. Some parents even put their phone number on their kids with temporary tattoos. You might also want to wear a distinctive hat or shirt yourself so they can spot you.

Dress to get wet. There are water playgrounds, plus frequent rains.

Baby changing tables are in both women’s and men’s rooms. No sexism here. At least in this. All those princesses hunting for men is another matter.

Hotels offer “kids eat free” programs. Ask.

Theme park strollers are easy, but basic; they don’t recline, and they won’t secure kids younger than toddlers. Folding "umbrella" strollers have distinct advantages. They make getting onto trams, monorails, and into other tight spaces easier (not just for you—also for people waiting for you).

Take a picture of your child in the day’s outfit to show someone in case you get separated. Teach your child to go straight to the nearest employee if they lose you. Everyone is well trained in reuniting families.

Think carefully about whether your child is ready for the theme parks. We agree with many parenting experts who say that about 3 years old is the minimum age. Younger children get wigged out by costumed characters and are too short to ride some rides they may have their hearts set on. Some experts say kids are not truly ready for the rigors of theme parks until they can walk on their own all day.

Orientation

ATMs -- Cash machines are available near the entrances to all parks and usually at least one other place inside. They honor cards from banks using the Cirrus, Honor, and PLUS systems.

Baby Care -- All parks have a Baby Care Center that's equipped with private breast-feeding rooms and sells baby-care basics, which are also available at Guest Relations. All women's restrooms, and some men's, are equipped with changing tables.

Cameras & Film -- Film and Kodak disposable cameras are sold at various locations in all parks (at much higher prices than in the free world), as are limited digital supplies. Services, including CD burning, film developing, and minor repairs, vary from location to location.

Car Assistance -- If you need a battery jump or other assistance, raise the hood of your vehicle and wait for security to arrive. When necessary, AAA provides free towing from the parks during park operating hours.

First Aid -- All parks have stations marked on the handout guide maps.

Internet Access -- Disney has installed phones with large touch screens and Internet access capabilities at several locations in the theme parks, resorts, and other locations (locations are marked on park guide maps). For 25¢ a minute, with a 4-minute minimum, you can access the Internet or check your e-mail.

Lost Children -- Every park has a designated spot for lost children to be reunited with their families. In the Magic Kingdom, it's City Hall or the Baby Care Center; in Epcot, the Earth Center or the Baby Care Center; in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Guest Relations; and in Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island. Children younger than 7 should wear name-tags inside their clothing; older children and adults should have a prearranged meeting place in case your group gets separated. If someone gets lost, tell the first park employee you see -- many wear the same type of clothing and all have special name-tags.

Package Pickup -- Nearly all WDW stores can arrange for packages to be sent to the front of the park. Allow at least 3 hours for delivery. If you're staying at a Disney resort, you can also have all packages purchased by 7pm sent to your hotel (they will be delivered by noon the next day).

Parking -- At press time, Disney charged $25 for car, light truck, and van parking.

Pet Care -- It's illegal to leave yours in a parked car, even with a window cracked open; cars become ovenlike death traps in Florida's sun. Only service animals are permitted in the parks, but Disney recently opened a new luxury facility, the Best Friends Pet Care Center, at WDW (tel. 877/493-9738; $10-$76 per day, depending on whether your pet is staying overnight, the type of pet you have, the accommodations and extras you choose, and whether you are a Disney resort guest), with posh accommodations for around 270 dogs and 30 cats. The center offers both day care and overnight boarding as well as numerous services aimed at the pampered pet set. The pet centers located at Disney's Transportation and Ticket Center, Epcot, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground have closed for good (though pets are still welcome to stay with their owners at select campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground at a rate of $5 per night). Proof of vaccination is required.

Shops -- In addition to the ones listed in the following pages, many of Disney's attractions feature small gift shops filled with merchandise and souvenirs based on that attraction's theme.

Smoking Alert -- Disney prohibits smoking in its shops, attractions, restaurants, and ride lines (even its resorts). There are, however, a few designated outdoor smoking areas in the park if you feel the urge to light up.

Stroller Rental -- Strollers are available near all of the park entrances. The cost is $15 for a single and $31 for a double. Length-of-stay rentals are available at a rate of $13 per day for a single and $27 per day for a double. Full payment is expected upfront for length-of-stay rentals.

Tip Boards -- Each park has a tip board that tells visitors the approximate waiting time at all of the major rides and attractions. In Magic Kingdom, it's at the end of Main Street on the left as you face the castle; in Epcot, the digital board is in Innoventions Plaza; at Hollywood Studios, it's at the intersection of Hollywood and Sunset boulevards; and inside Animal Kingdom, you'll find it just over the bridge to Discovery Island.

Wheelchair Rental -- A wheelchair is $12 per day. Length-of-stay rentals are available for $10 per day. Electric wheelchairs rent for $50, with a $20 refundable deposit.

Getting There

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

While sustainable travel may not be the first thing you think of when heading to the theme-park capital of the world, Orlando takes the environment quite seriously -- understandable for an area that's impacted so heavily by the millions of tourists who visit from around the world (a number that far exceeds the number of actual area residents). As the city's largest employers, Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld (among others) actively encourage eco-friendly practices -- on their own part as well as on the part of the millions of guests who pass through their gates, eat at their restaurants, and stay at their hotels.

Disney, in addition to ensuring that its hotels are "green" certified properties, has announced that over the next several years the company will continue to decrease greenhouse emissions (though the goal is to eliminate them altogether down the road) and will decrease its electrical use by 10%. Other lofty goals include the reduction of solid waste (cut by 50% by the year 2013).

Using public transportation (most notably Disney's vast array of buses, monorails, and water taxis; Universal's water taxis and buses; International Dr.'s I-Ride Trolley system, and so forth) contributes to getting more cars off the street, making for cleaner air. In Orlando, it's even possible to hire a pedicab; the Redi Pedi Pedicab (tel. 407/403-5511) and 5 Star Pedicab (tel. 407/566-7527) are the two largest companies serving the Orlando area.

In addition, several hotels, among them the entire collection of official Walt Disney World resorts and all of the Universal Orlando resorts, have signed on to the Florida Green Lodge program, which requires hotels to become more energy efficient in all areas of operation, from conserving water to reducing unsorted waste. Hotels that meet the standard are awarded one-, two-, or three-palm certification.

"Green" Hotels -- Quite a number of Orlando hotels have received "green" certification by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and are designated as Green Lodge hotels. In order to be considered for the certification, hotels must adhere to a set list of requirements, including conservation of water through the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures, a linen reuse program, and the use of energy-efficient and programmable thermostats. Waste-reduction criteria must also be met. In addition, all Green Lodges must use green cleaning supplies and high-efficiency air filters.

Green Lodge resorts can (and do) range from mom-and-pop motels to five-star luxury resorts in Orlando. For more on the program and a complete list of the hotels in and around Orlando that are green (there are several, including all official WDW resorts and all official Universal resorts), go to www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging.

General Ecotourism Resources

Sustainable tourism is defined as conscientious travel -- in other words, being careful with the environments you explore and respecting the communities you visit. Two overlapping components of sustainable travel are ecotourism and ethical tourism. The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) defines ecotourism as responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. TIES suggests that ecotourists follow these principles:

• Minimize environmental impact.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation and for local people.
• Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climates.
• Support international human rights and labor agreements.

You can find some eco-friendly travel tips and statistics, as well as touring companies and associations -- listed by destination under "Your Travel Choice" -- at the TIES website, www.ecotourism.org. Also check out Ecotravel.com, which lets you search for sustainable touring companies in several categories (water based, land based, spiritually oriented, and so on).

Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices and manages a directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.

Carbonfund (www.carbonfund.org), TerraPass (www.terrapass.org), and Carbon Neutral (www.carbonneutral.org) provide information on carbon offsetting, or offsetting the greenhouse gases emitted during flights.

While much of the focus of ecotourism is about reducing impacts on the natural environment, ethical tourism concentrates on ways to preserve and enhance local economies and communities, regardless of location. You can embrace ethical tourism by staying at a locally owned hotel or shopping at a store that employs local workers and sells locally produced goods.

Animal-Rights Issues

Over at Walt Disney World, Disney's Worldwide Conservation Fund (established back in 1995 as a global awards program for the study and protection of the world's wildlife and ecosystems), in association with Disney's Animal Kingdom, now contributes financially by supporting some 750 projects with more than $12 million in grants to organizations and individuals working in 110 countries for the protection and study of wildlife and ecosystems -- many of which are biological hot spots rich in plant and animal life at risk of imminent destruction. Locally, Disney's Animal Program has played a significant and integral part in the propagation of several species and the rescue of injured wildlife. Not only does the Animal Kingdom oversee the health and well-being of all animals at Walt Disney World, but it is also responsible for thousands of animals, including 33 endangered and threatened species throughout the area. Veterinary services, science, and animal-care teams work together to ensure that each animal receives the best possible care. Disney's Animal Kingdom and the Seas at Epcot are both accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Staying Connected

Smartphone preparation

The theme parks’ new reliance on managing your day via apps drains devices quickly. To have enough juice for a 13-hour day, carry a portable charger or battery. The theme parks have vending machines by FuelRod (www.fuel-rod.com) selling $30 pre-filled booster batteries, adapter included; find them in the photo stores by the front gate and sprinkled around the park (ask a cast member where). When the battery is depleted (they’re not very powerful—your own would be stronger), you pop it into any other FuelRod vending machine elsewhere at Disney or anywhere in the world and swap for a fresh one for $3. (FuelRods are about $10 cheaper if you buy one from home.)

At the Magic Kingdom, there’s a public charger in a fake tree stump among the benches across from Peter Pan’s Flight and in the big tent beside the Fantasyland railroad station; bring your own cord. At Epcot, there’s a floor-level outlet on your right as you enter The Land, but unfortunately, it's on a high-traffic walkway. Disney will also charge your phone for free at Guest Relations if you have the required cord, but that will often backtracking to the front of the park and then require waiting in line.

Telephones

Local calls in Orlando require that you dial the area code (407) followed by the seven-digit local number, even when calling just across the street.

Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. To make calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, "dating" services, and so on) can be expensive -- charges of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute. Some numbers have minimum charges that can run $15 or more.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0, then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For directory assistance ("Information"), dial 411 for local numbers and national numbers in the U.S. and Canada. For dedicated long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code plus 555-1212.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi abounds, including at Orlando International Airport, most Orlando area hotels (including Disney's and Universal's), and a large number of restaurants. All the theme parks also have their own free Wi-Fi networks, although the signal may die out while you're indoors, such as when you're waiting in line for rides.  

Many hotels will give you standard Wi-Fi speeds for free but charge you extra if you want a faster signal, but most of the time, even the free version is more than enough for most people. Often, such as at all Marriott-operated hotels, you can get complimentary speed upgrades simply by joining the hotel's free loyalty program.

Calendar of Events

March

Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. This spring event, which lasts about 75 days from March through May, transforms Epcot with some 30 million flowers, 70 topiaries, a screened-in butterfly garden, presentations by noted horticulturalists, and a lineup of “Flower Power” concerts (in the past: Chubby Checker, the Pointer Sisters). It’s free with standard entry.   407/934-7639; www.disneyworld.com.

April

Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival continues

May

Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival ends

June

Gay Days. What started in 1991 as a single day for party-minded gay and lesbian visitors has bloomed into a full week of some 40 events managed by a host of promoters. It’s said that attendance goes as high as 150,000. Gay Days are a blowout party with group visits to the city’s parks (wearing red shirts as a gentle reminder of visibility, which is also done the first weekend in June for the parks’ unofficial Red Shirt Days), concerts (En Vogue, LeAnn Rimes), a marketplace, several dance events, and more than a dozen pool parties. June at the host hotel (in 2021, that was Margaritaville Resort Orlando). www.gaydays.com.

September

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The World Showcase makes amends with the countries it ignores by installing temporary booths selling tapas-size servings of foods and wines from many nations. That’s supplemented with chef demonstrations, seminars, “Eat to the Beat” concerts by known acts, and tastings by at least 100 wineries. In short, it’s a sensation. A few of the more extravagant events are charged, but most are free. The festival, which tends to be more crowded on weekends, lasts more than 3 solid months from mid-July to mid-November; hotly awaited details are posted by Disney in the summer. www.disneyworld.com/foodandwine; 407/939-3378.

October

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival continues

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party / Boo Bash. The best of the Magic Kingdom’s separately ticketed evening events, this one mounts a special parade with a fiendishly catchy theme song, a few special shows, a fireworks display that surpasses the usual one, and stations where you can pick up free candy. Kids even show up in costume, although it’s not required, and crowds are shoulder-to-shoulder. Before the pandemic, this event happened on scattered evenings from mid-August through the end of October. As of press time, there has been no announcement of its return, but for 2021, Disney mounted a less intricate, 3-hour substitute, After Hours Boo Bash. Target audience: people who like lollipops. www.disneyworld.com/halloweenparty; 407/934-7639.

November

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival ends

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party / Disney Very Merriest After Hours. This crowded night, which before the pandemic occurred on various nights starting before Thanksgiving, is probably Disney’s most popular special annual event. It requires a separate ticket from regular admission. What you get is a tree-lighting ceremony, a few special holiday-themed shows, a special fireworks display (very green and red), an appearance by Santa Claus, a special parade, and huge crowds. During the pandemic, the MVMCP was replaced with Disney Very Merriest After Hours, a separately ticketed event that gave access to about 20 attractions. It's only a 4-hour event, so probably not worth the ticket price, which is about what a full day at the park would cost. Meanwhile, Disney’s warehouse for holiday decorations (it exists) empties out and its hotels deck the halls: The Grand Floridian erects a life-size house made of gingerbread. www.disneyworld.com/christmasparty; 407/934-7639.

December

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party / Disney Very Merriest After Hours continues

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. This 1-month event features holiday customs of many nations and a host of costumed storytellers, but its real showpiece is the daily, 40-minute candlelight processional, a retelling of the Christmas Nativity story by a celebrity narrator (regular names include Whoopi Goldberg, Gary Sinise, Edward James Olmos, and Neil Patrick Harris) accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a full Mass choir. The processional is a WDW tradition going back to its earliest days—Cary Grant did it! www.disneyworld.com/holidays. www.disneyworld.com.

New Year's Eve. Yahoo.com reports that Orlando regularly makes its list of top five most-searched New Year’s Eve destinations. There’s no shortage of places to party. At the parks: CityWalk lures top acts such as Cyndi Lauper. Three Disney parks, minus Animal Kingdom, stay open until the wee hours. SeaWorld brings in big-band music or jazz, plus fireworks.

Visitor Information

Before leaving home, call or write to the Walt Disney World Co., Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000 (tel. 407/934-7639), for a vacation CD and the Walt Disney World Vacations brochure; both are valuable planning aids. Both can also be ordered (and even viewed) online at www.disneyworld.com. When you call, also ask about special events that will be going on during your visit.

Once you've arrived at your hotel, Guest Services and the concierge desks (especially at the Disney properties and "official" hotels) will have up-to-the-minute information about happenings in the parks. Stop by to ask questions and get literature, including a schedule of park hours and events. If you have questions your hotel's personnel can't answer, call Disney at tel. 407/824-4321.

There are also information areas at City Hall in the Magic Kingdom and Guest Relations at Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

For online information, try www.disneyworld.com, which features extensive, entertaining, 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 at www.visitorlando.com. Another good site, www.visitkissimmee.com, is sponsored by the Kissimmee Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Getting Around

Fast Facts

Tickets

Disney keeps hiking prices but the people keep coming, so don’t expect it to relent. This will be the biggest expense, so assess your needs before laying down plastic. All park tickets (excepting annual passes) are purchased by the day. You decide how many days you want to spend at the parks, and once you nail that down, you decide which extras you want to pay for. Both decisions are fraught with temptation and the risk of overspending. It’s possible Disney intentionally makes the process complicated so that customers spend more money than they have to.

Unless noted, the following prices do not include the 6% to 7.5% sales tax (Disney actually falls in two different counties). Call 407/824-4321 or visit www.disneyworld.com for the most up-to-the-minute pricing.

Note: All tickets include unlimited use of the WDW transportation system. Bear in mind that Disney considers children 10 and older to be adults for pricing purposes, and children younger than 3 aren't charged admission.

Paid Ticket + Park Reservation = Vacation

Tickets are priced by the day according to how busy the park is expected to be. Prices are not truly dynamic—they’re set on a calendar in advance each year—but the numbers are all over the map. Like on an airline, you add the options that you want.

FIRST, CREATE AN ACCOUNT.

At the top of disneyworld.disney.go.com, there’s a link for creating an account. This will be your main account from now on. You’ll even use it with the official Disney World app to get into the parks, board rides, and order food. Without this account, you’re sunk, so make sure you remember your login details.

Everyone in your party must set up a unique profile. Then you need to tell the system you’re all traveling together by linking everyone. Do that by going to your profile (click “My Disney Experience” at the upper right), choosing “My Family & Friends,” and clicking “Add a New Guest.”

Here’s where it gets hairy. You don’t just need a ticket. You also need a park reservation for a pre-arranged day to which you must assign that ticket for use.

The Disney World website posts a calendar of every day of the year, and before you buy your ticket, you must ensure there is park availability on all of the dates of your visit—otherwise you could waste money on a ticket that won’t work for all the parks when you’re in town. At disneyworld.disney.go.com/admission/tickets, click “View Calendar” under “Check Park Reservation Availability Before Purchasing.” There, you can check your proposed dates for open reservation slots.

Magic Kingdom reservations are first to sell out, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is next. Make sure that the parks you want to visit are available on the days you want to go. If they’re not, you can always check back—sometimes new allotments of spaces appear without warning. But there’s no guarantee of that, so you’re usually better off just picking available dates. You can often park-hop later in the day into a park that had no park passes left, but you can’t start your day in it. (Again, there’s no guarantee, because Disney created this system to control crowds.)

If your dates are free, then you can reserve rooms at a Disney resort hotel through your new account, and then go to the next step. (It’s not ideal to buy park tickets before you’ve made your Disney hotel reservation.) If you’re not planning on staying at a Disney hotel, you can proceed to the next step now.

FINALLY, BUY YOUR TICKETS AND LINK THEM.

Once you know your chosen parks are available on your vacation days, now you can purchase your actual tickets. Once you do, make sure that every person in your party sees the tickets showing up in his or her own profile. They may have to link them on their own, which they can do through Tickets & Passes on the app.   

Once your tickets are purchased—and this is the most important part—you must link your just-purchased tickets to new Theme Park Reservations. Do not wait long for this step, because if you do, some parks could fill up while you dilly-dally.

At the upper right of the website (this part can’t be done on the app), click My Disney Experience and select the menu option for Disney Park Pass Reservation. Here, you can select everyone in your party (that you set up in Family & Friends at the start of all this) and proceed to connect the park passes you saw on the calendar to the tickets you just purchased.

If everything works, you should see your park reservations listed in the My Plans section of your My Disney Experience account, and your digital tickets should show up in the app.

Couldn’t be simpler, right? Right??

Here’s a hidden loophole that works against you: Disney’s “length of stay” ticket packages will begin the moment you arrive on the property and end the day you leave. Think about that. If you’ve just flown from a distant place, you are unlikely to rush to Epcot on the same day. Likewise, on the day you’re due at the airport to fly home, you may not to be able to visit a theme park. Yet Disney will schedule your package that way. In effect, you will lose 2 days that you’ve paid for—at the start and at the finish of your vacation, when you’ll be resting or packing. That’s colder than Elsa’s heart.

How can you avoid this? You could 1) stay entirely at non-Disney hotels and just buy admission tickets. That’s because the rule only applies to Disney packages—if you simply buy 4 days’ worth of tickets, you don’t have to use them on consecutive days as long as they’re all used within your specified deadline (generally, the number of days you purchased plus 2 or 3 days). You could 2) stay at a Disney hotel for your ticket days and stay off-site for the others. Or you could 3) insist on making one reservation per phone call. Arrange your tickets plus their corresponding hotel nights for your Disney days. Hang up. Call back and arrange “room-only” nights for your last night and any days you’ll be leaving Disney during the day as “room only.” It’s vital that you do not link your two reservations in advance if you want the best price and the best cancellation policies, but you can link them after arrival. If you don’t plan on seeing anything but Disney, of course, then you won’t have to go through these lengths. But with so many wonders in Florida, many people aren’t satisfied by only visiting the Mouse.

Another tip: Disney’s reservationists are friendly, but they’re sales-driven, and they are trained to answer only the questions that you pose. If you’re not sure about the terms of what you’re about to purchase, corner them and ask. They won’t lie to you, but they will neglect to volunteer information. Grill them about deposit and cancellation policies—they get much stiffer if you’re on a package vs. buying a la carte. The best of Disney always goes to those willing to pay the most, but ask if there is a less expensive option. TheMouseForLess.com, MouseSavers.com, and the messages at DISBoards.com will let you know about current deals that Disney won’t. 

OTHER TICKET DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

Official deals, when they exist, are listed at www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers and at www.mousesavers.com. Florida residents are offered entirely different discounts (www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/florida-residents) that come with blackout dates, as are AAA members (available through local AAA chapters). If you are active military, Disney wants you to go through your military base ticket office for the latest promotions. Attendees of conventions on Disney property may be offered cheaper tickets for afternoon or evening park entry, available through the convention organizers.

Beware anyone claiming they have discounts on a 1-day ticket, because Disney doesn’t allow that. A few businesses shave a few paltry bucks off multi-day tickets. Tickets are usually indelibly linked to individuals, so avoid anyone trying to sell you unused days on their multi-day tickets, and never buy tickets through eBay or any other marketplace. International visitors are eligible for tickets good for longer stays, but only if they are purchased from abroad. Really big fans carry a Chase Disney Rewards Visa credit card (www.chase.com/disney), which grants points to be redeemed on all things Disney, a few discounts, and a character meet-and-greet area for cardholders.

Money

Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing, consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/currency/converter to check up-to-the-minute rates. For help with tip calculations as well as currency conversions, download Frommer's convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the Travel Tools icon.

As a whole, Orlando is no more expensive than any other major city in the U.S. That said, in the theme-park zones, expect to be charged high prices for just about everything (that $1 bottle of water in the outside world will cost $2.50 and up in the tourist areas). If you plan on spending most of your time at the parks, budget accordingly.

When it comes to carrying currency, although many Orlando establishments do accept traveler's checks, I still recommend using a credit card, debit card, and/or cash because it's far less of a hassle (but if you do opt for traveler's checks, make sure they are denominated in U.S. currency -- foreign-currency checks will likely be refused). Be sure you have enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel (you can do this before leaving home, or you can get cash at an airport ATM).

ATMs

In Orlando, the easiest and best way to get cash away from home is from an ATM (automated teller machine), sometimes referred to as a "cash machine" or "cashpoint." The Cirrus (tel. 800/424-7787; www.mastercard.com) and PLUS (tel. 800/843-7587; www.visa.com) networks span the globe. Go to your bank card's website to find ATM locations at your destination. Be sure you know your daily withdrawal limit before you depart. In addition, international travelers should check with their bank before departing to ensure that their PIN (personal identification number) will be valid in the U.S. (though most major U.S. banks generally accept the same four-digit PINs commonly accepted worldwide). It is also a good idea to alert your bank of your travel plans in an effort to avoid any possible difficulties using your card while in the U.S.

ATMs can be found on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and at the entrances to Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom (where you'll find another one located across from the TriceraTop Spin in DinoLand). They're also at Pleasure Island (soon to be Hyperion Wharf), in Downtown Disney Marketplace, at Disney resorts, and in the Crossroads Shopping Center. There are also ATMs near Guest Services at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and Aquatica. Outside the parks, most malls have at least one ATM, and they're in some convenience stores, such as 7-Elevens and Circle Ks, as well as in grocery stores and drugstores.

There are frequently extra charges for using nonbank ATMs or bank ATMs not affiliated with your home branch. Depending on your institution, those charges can range from $1 to $3.50 per transaction -- the average is $2.75 across Florida. To compare banks' ATM fees within Orlando, use www.bankrate.com. Visitors from outside the U.S. should also find out whether their bank assesses a 1% to 3% fee on charges incurred abroad (most will, unless they are associated with the Global Alliance).

Be very careful when using ATMs, especially at night and in areas that are not well lit and heavily traveled. Don't let the land of Mickey lull you into a false sense of security. Goofy and Pluto won't mug you, but some of their estranged neighbors might. Cuddly characters aside, this is a big city and the crime rate here is the same as in comparable locations. When entering your PIN at an ATM, make sure you shield the keyboard from others in line. And if you're using a drive-through, keep your doors locked.

In addition to getting cash out of an ATM, you can also buy Disney dollars while visiting Walt Disney World. This currency, with images of Mickey, Minnie, Pirates of the Caribbean, and so on, comes in $1, $5, and $10 denominations. The dollars are good at WDW shops, restaurants, and resorts, as well as Disney stores everywhere. This is a great way to give a preset allowance to kids for their souvenirs. If you have any leftover dollars, you can exchange them for real currency upon leaving WDW or keep them as a souvenir. Note: Pay close attention if you have a refund coming. Some items, such as strollers, wheelchairs, and lockers, require a deposit, and Disney staffers will frequently use Mickey money for refunds. If you don't want it, just let them know and they'll be happy to give you real cash.

Credit Cards & Debit Cards

Credit cards are the most widely used form of payment in the U.S., and most Orlando establishments accept the following: Visa (Barclaycard in Britain), MasterCard (EuroCard in Europe, Access in Britain, Chargex in Canada), American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. Credit cards also provide a convenient record of all your expenses and offer relatively good exchange rates. You can withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, but high fees make credit-card cash advances a pricey way to get cash.

It's highly recommended that you travel with at least one major credit card in Orlando. You must have a credit card to rent a car, and hotels and airlines usually require a credit card imprint as a deposit against expenses. International visitors using chip-and-PIN cards (or smart cards, as they are often called) will have to have their cards swiped (they still have a magnetic strip), and in most cases sign for their purchases (no PIN required), as the U.S. has no plans to implement a chip-and-PIN system anytime soon.

Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld parks, shops, restaurants (but not most fast-food outlets) and resorts (Disney and Universal) accept all five major credit cards mentioned above. Additionally, the WDW and Universal resorts will let you charge purchases made in their respective park shops and restaurants to your hotel room, but you must settle up when you check out. Be sure, however, to keep track of your spending as you go along so you won't be surprised when you get the total bill.

Debit cards are also a commonly accepted form of payment in most Orlando stores and restaurants as well as select resorts. Debit cards draw money directly from your checking account. Be aware that fees (generally $1-$3, though sometimes a percentage of the transaction) are usually imposed on most debit transactions, both foreign and domestic. Also note that most resorts deduct up to $200 (or more) from your debit account each and every day of your stay, greatly reducing the amount of money you have available in your bank account (until it is credited back some 10 or so days after you've settled your bill and checked out), so be sure to ask exactly what the policy is before handing over your card at check-in. Some stores enable you to receive cash back on your debit card purchases as well. The same is true at most U.S. post offices.

The main lesson here is to beware of hidden fees when traveling. Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees, if any, will be charged for overseas transactions. Recent reform legislation in the U.S., for example, has curbed some exploitative lending practices. But many banks have responded by increasing fees in other areas, including fees for customers who use credit and debit cards while out of the country -- even if those charges were made in U.S. dollars. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check with your bank before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.

Money-Saving Tips

For the budget conscious (and those who prefer not to completely deplete their financial portfolio), here are a few helpful suggestions and reminders:

• Become a member. Joining travel-related programs (including, but not limited to, AAA), participating in select reward programs (such as hotel and airline reward programs), and obtaining the Orlando Magicard (through the Orlando CVB) can save you a fair amount of money on hotel stays, restaurant meals, attraction tickets, and merchandise at select retailers (even in the theme parks) -- but you have to remember to present your credentials when making reservations, checking in, and/or paying your bill to see the savings.

• Bring your own stroller. Or consider purchasing an inexpensive model while you're in town -- the rental fees at the theme parks can easily exceed the cost of a new stroller in just a couple days.

• Pack snacks and drinks. While it is part of the Disney experience to purchase the occasional Mickey bar, pail of popcorn, turkey leg, or souvenir cup filled with the soda of your choice, bringing your own supplementary stash of snacks and bottled water (purchased at area grocers, not at your hotel) into the parks will save you a bundle in the end. Theme-park prices for such items are beyond believable.

• Budget for souvenirs. Also an integral part of the Disney experience is souvenir shopping. If you want to save a few dollars, it's helpful to create a budget for souvenir shopping before you go. Make sure to allow for the occasional must-have one-of-a-kind item that you and your kids will likely discover along the way, in addition to the traditional T-shirts and trinkets that you'll see everywhere. Even the little items add up quickly, so keep track of your spending as you go.

• Remember those baggage fees. If you do decide to splurge on souvenirs, remember that the items you purchase will have to be packed (leave room in your luggage or pack a spare bag just for such purchases) -- and keep in mind the high cost of baggage fees if you're traveling by plane.

• Time your meals. When dining at the parks, try to eat your big meal of the day at lunch, when prices are generally lower (though there are a few exceptions). Character meals and dinner shows, like souvenirs and specialty snacks, are part of the whole Disney experience, but choose wisely -- the characters, experience, and prices vary considerably. If you have toddlers, head to the Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom), Tusker House (Animal Kingdom), Cape May Café (Disney's Beach Club Resort), Chef Mickey's (Disney's Contemporary Resort), or 1900 Park Fare (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa). If you have school-age kids, add Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom), Princess Storybook (Epcot's Akershus Royal Banquet Hall), and 'Ohana (Disney's Polynesian Resort) to the list of choices. Note: Breakfast is the least expensive meal (relatively speaking), followed by lunch, followed by dinner (which can reach as high as $60 per adult and $36 per child depending on the experience). Dinner shows, while definitely entertaining, are best saved for kids ages 8 and up; the younger children (especially toddlers) tend to lose interest -- which, given the price tag, would be less than ideal.

• Consider the Disney Dining Plan. This option is only available to those staying at an official WDW hotel -- but it can add up to substantial savings when compared to purchasing your meals a la carte. At times, the Disney Dining Plan has been offered as a free perk when purchasing a Disney vacation package, so be sure to check www.disney.com for details.

What Things Cost in Orlando (US$)

Taxi from airport to Walt Disney World (up to four people) 60.00

Shuttle from airport to Walt Disney World (two adults, two kids) 122.00-135.00

Double room at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (very expensive) 440.00-1,145.00

Double room at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (expensive) 250.00-615.00

Double room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (moderate) 154.00-309.00

Double room at Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista (moderate) 129.00-289.00

Double room at Disney's All-Star Music Resort (inexpensive) 82.00-179.00

Six-course fixed-price dinner for one at Victoria & Albert's, not including tip or wine pairing (very expensive) 125.00-200.00

Adult all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at the Disney theme-park restaurants, not including tip or wine (moderate) 23.00-40.00

Roll of ASA 100 Kodak film, 36 exposures, purchased at Walt Disney World 16.00

Tube of sun block in the theme parks 12.00

Evening movie tickets at AMC, Pleasure Island 8.00-15.00

Adult 4-day + Park Hopper admission to Walt Disney World 298.00

Child 4-day + Park Hopper admission to Walt Disney World 279.00

Adult 1-day, one-park admission to Walt Disney World 85.00

Child 1-day, one-park admission to Walt Disney World 79.00

Adult 1-day, one-park admission to Universal Orlando 85.00

Child 1-day, one-park admission to Universal Orlando 79.00

Adult 1-day, one-park admission to SeaWorld 79.99

Child 1-day, one-park admission to SeaWorld 71.99

Adult five-park, 14-day Orlando FlexTicket 274.95

Child five-park, 14-day Orlando FlexTicket 254.95

Admission 1-day to Discovery Cove with Dolphin Swim 199.00-319.00

Adult admission to Orlando Science Center 17.00

Child admission to Orlando Science Center 12.00

Adult admission to Gatorland 23.00

Child admission to Gatorland 15.00

When to Go

Best Time of Year to Visit

So when are the peak seasons when prices go highest? Put simply: when American kids are out of school. That means mid-spring, summer until late August, and the holidays. Hotel rates rise then, too. If you want to save cash, early January, early May, late August, all of September, and the first half of December are the best you can do. The flipside of low season is that the theme parks trim services and run fewer ride cars when it’s quieter. January is a particularly tough month for missing out on rides due to rehabs. And especially in the winter months, you may find it too chilly to enjoy the rides that get you wet, which is a shame since Orlando has some of the best water rides in the world.

Summer is when the masses throng to the parks. It's also very humid and hot, Hot, HOT. If you can skip a summer visit, you also won't have to worry much about the possibility of a hurricane (admittedly rare, but not unheard of) or an electrical storm (an almost daily occurrence).

Although Covid-19 taught the parks a lot about managing consistent daily attendance levels, that doesn’t mean prices remain flat all year. The main consideration when it comes to selecting dates is balancing good weather with hotel and car prices. None of the theme parks close on public holidays—in fact, they do better business then. In late December, Disney parks sometimes hit capacity and seal gates. But in September and the week after Thanksgiving, you can sometimes do nearly everything in a day. Light crowds do not automatically mean shorter waits, because on quieter days, rides run at lower capacity.

June to September is the heaviest season for excruciating sun, suffocating humidity, and brief torrential rain. Every mid-afternoon, another heavy storm rolls in and shuts rides temporarily—pretty much everything outdoors or on water will temporarily shut down if lightning has been detected within range within the previous 30 minutes. (Central Florida suffers more lightning strikes than any other American locale.) Those deluges usually roll out within an hour but scare away a significant percentage of guests, so it almost always pays to wait an hour or 90 minutes for the rain to clear out. During that season, bring along a cheap poncho from home.

Best Days to Visit

The busiest days at all parks are generally Saturday and Sunday. Seven-day guests are often traveling on these days, and weekends are when locals come to play. Beyond that: Tuesday and Thursday see an uptick in the Magic Kingdom; Tuesday and Friday (and evenings) at Epcot; and Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday can be a zoo (forgive the pun) at the Animal Kingdom. Because of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is always busy. No matter where you are, crowds tend to ease slightly later in the day.The big attractions at Animal Kingdom are, obviously, the animals, and the best time to see them is early in the day or late in the afternoon or evening, when things are cooler. You'll also get a decent midday glimpse of some of them during the cooler months.

If the forecast for the day calls for extended rain, you should save Animal Kingdom for another time because many of the primo attractions are outdoors.

Weather

It's not uncommon for the skies to open up on Orlando, even when the day begins with the sun ablaze. Florida is well known for its afternoon downpours, so don't be too concerned -- storms don't usually last too long. Most people simply run for temporary cover, and then resume their activities when the rain slows to a drizzle or stops altogether. It is wise, however, to bring along some type of rain gear, as storms can spring up rather quickly. A small fold-up umbrella can protect you until you can get to shelter. If you forget your gear, rain ponchos can be purchased throughout the parks for about $6 for a child-size poncho, or $8 for an adult size. The child-size poncho also happens to cover the average stroller quite well, protecting camera equipment and souvenirs -- not to mention the child sitting inside it.

Don't let a rainy afternoon spoil your fun. Crowds are dramatically thinner on these days, and there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy, particularly at Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Universal Studios Florida, where many of the attractions are actually indoors. The flip side, of course, is that many of the outdoor rides and attractions at Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld are temporarily closed during downpours and lightning storms.

Operating Hours

Hours of operation vary throughout the year and are often influenced by special events, so it's a good idea to call to check opening/closing times.

The Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios are generally open from 9am to 7 or 8pm, with hours often extended to 9pm and sometimes as late as midnight -- even 1am during major holidays and summer. Animal Kingdom is usually open from 9am to 5 or 6pm but sometimes closes as late as 8pm.

Epcot is generally open from 9am or 10am to 9pm or 10pm.

Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open from 10am to 5pm most of the year (with slightly extended hours during summer and some holidays). One at a time will be closed on a rotating basis during part of the winter for maintenance; be sure to check ahead if they're on your to-do list.

Shorter Days, Fewer Shows -- If you haven't been to Disney in several years, you may notice that, in many cases, the parks close earlier than in previous years, and some areas open later. Additionally, select shows and parades are offered less often or only on certain days. In order to avoid being disappointed, call tel. 407/824-4321 or go to www.disneyworld.com for up-to-the-minute information.

Extra Time -- Disney resort guests (as well as those staying at the WDW Swan, the WDW Dolphin, and the Hilton at the Walt Disney World Resort) are permitted 30 minutes of extra playtime in the parks first thing in the morning. It's not much time, but under the program, a select number of attractions, shops, and restaurants at one of the four major Disney parks will be available. 

Security Measures

Before entering theme parks and major entertainment areas, everyone passes through metal detectors and bags are searched. To speed processing, approach staff with all enclosures unzipped, unbuttoned, and ready for inspection.

Drawstring bags are quicker to search than zipper-laden ones, but you’ll save the most time if you don’t have a bag because you’ll bypass some screening lines.

Banned: Booze, glass containers, selfie sticks, wheelie sneakers, costumes on anyone age 14 and over. And weapons, duh.

Privacy: To validate your ticket at theme park gates, you must place a finger on a clear plate. That fingerprint is “married” to your ticket so that no one else can use it. Disney swears your personal information is eventually expunged from the system, but what it doesn’t publicize is that if you do not wish for your fingerprint to be scanned, you may use standard identification instead, right there at the gate.

Parents can use their own finger in place of their child’s—if you do that, just don’t forget that you did, and keep using the same finger each time.

Common Ailments: Sun/Elements/Extreme Weather Exposure -- Limit your exposure to Florida's strong sun, especially during the first few days of your trip and, thereafter, during the hours from 11am to 2pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Use a sunscreen with the highest sun protection factor (SPF) available (especially for children), and apply it liberally. If you have children under a year old, check with your pediatrician before applying sunscreen -- some ingredients may not be appropriate for infants.

The hot Orlando sun (coupled with high humidity in the summer months) can easily cause you to overheat, even to the point of dehydration. Drink plenty of liquids (water is preferable to sugary or alcoholic drinks) throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty, to prevent any ill effects.

Dehydration can sneak up on you very quickly. Water fountains are free and plentiful.

If you are prone to chafing in humid conditions or after long walks, remember to wear appropriate clothing.

Seek protection indoors or in a safe location during the city's not-infrequent summer electrical storms. Central Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., and while the storms are often stunning to watch, you do not want firsthand experience with a lightning strike.

Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld all have at least one first-aid station (usually staffed with medical personnel who can provide basic medical care) at each of the parks. If you feel ill or get injured while at your hotel, call tel. 911 if the situation is life-threatening; otherwise the hotel concierge will be happy to put you in touch with the appropriate medical personnel and/or services. Select hotels, including the Grande Lakes Orlando resort, have their own on-site doctors.

What to Do if You Get Sick Away from Home: Always carry a list of phone numbers that includes your hometown physician, your hometown pharmacy, and your insurance provider, as all will likely be necessary if you find yourself in need of medical attention while away from home. If you suffer from a chronic illness (or even if you're just under the weather prior to your departure), consult your doctor before leaving home. Always pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage (so they are readily available even if your checked luggage isn't), and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels, otherwise they may not make it through airport security.

If you do need medical assistance while traveling in or around Orlando, there are several options. Emergency rooms are available at the institutions listed under "Hospitals," in Fast facts. Centra Care (www.centracare.org) operates walk-in-care facilities in Lake Buena Vista (12500 S. Apopka-Vineland or S.R. 535, near Downtown Disney; tel. 407/934-2273), and in Kissimmee (7848 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. or U.S. 192, in the Formosa Gardens Plaza; tel. 407/397-7032). Additional centers (slightly farther from the tourist district) are listed in the local yellow pages. A free pickup service (tel. 407/938-0650) for those in need of transportation to one of these facilities is available, as is in-room care for minor injuries and ailments (tel. 407/238-2000).

Another good source in the Orlando area is the Medical Concierge, a division of the EastCoast Medical Network (tel. 407/648-5252; www.themedicalconcierge.com), with board-certified physicians available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for good old-fashioned house calls in the comfort of your hotel room. They also provide same-day emergency dental appointments as well as medical equipment rentals. Insurance receipts, insurance billing, and foreign-language interpretation are provided.

Keep in mind that if you require medical assistance while traveling, it is always best to contact your hometown physician (or pediatrician) as well as your insurance provider as quickly as possible, preferably before you seek outside medical attention, to ensure that you are fully aware of what is covered, what is not, and what your financial responsibility will likely be. Many insurance companies require some type of preapproval for out-of-town services, or they may not cover any or all of the expenses incurred.

Safety

Just because Minnie, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy all live here doesn't mean that a few seedy characters aren't lurking about as well. Even in the most magical place on earth, you shouldn't let your guard down; Orlando has a crime rate that's comparable to that of other large U.S. cities. Stay alert and remain aware of your surroundings. It's best to keep your valuables in a safe. Most hotels today are equipped with in-room safes or offer the use of a safety-deposit box at the front desk. Keep a close eye on your valuables when you're in public places, including restaurants, theaters, and even airport terminals. Renting a locker at the theme parks is always preferable to leaving your valuables in the trunk of your car. Be cautious, even when in the parks, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash in a backpack or fanny pack, which could easily be accessed while you're standing in line for a ride or show. And don't leave valuables unattended under a stroller -- that's pretty much asking for them to be stolen.

If you're renting a car while in Orlando, read the safety instructions provided by the rental company. Never stop for any reason in a suspicious, poorly lit, or unpopulated area, and remember that children should never ride in the front seat of a car equipped with air bags.

Look Both Ways -- Traveling on foot anywhere in Orlando, especially on International Drive, can be tricky. If you have to walk across a parking lot or street, be careful. The Surface Transportation Policy Project's pedestrian safety report has named Orlando the most dangerous city in the country for pedestrians. Many drivers here are from other countries or are distracted by families and unfamiliar surroundings. Though walking up and down the sidewalks on I-Drive or U.S. 192 can be an enjoyable way to get to a restaurant or minigolf course without having to pack up the car, you need to pay strict attention when it comes to crossing the street, and you should avoid crossing multiple-lane roads altogether.

Tips for Senior Travelers

Just about every secondary attraction offers a special price for seniors, but the theme parks offer precious little. If you’re over 50, you can join AARP (601 E. Street NW, Washington, DC 24009; 888/687-2277; www.aarp.org) to find out what’s being offered in terms of discounts for hotels, airfare, and car rentals. Before you bite, be sure that the AARP discount you are offered actually undercuts others that are out there.

Elderhostel’s well-respected Road Scholar (800/454-5768; www.roadscholar.org) runs classes and programs, both inside the theme parks and around the Orlando area, designed to delve into literature, history, the arts, and music. Packages last from a day to a week and include lodging, tours, and meals. Most are multigenerational; bring the grandkids.

Keep in mind that area restaurants often offer discounts to seniors (though sometimes only at special hours or on special days).

Entry Requirements & Customs

Passports

Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. Note: U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere must now also present a passport or other documents compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI; visit www.getyouhome.gov for details). Children 15 and under may continue entering with only a U.S. birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship.

It is always advised to have at least one or two consecutive blank pages in your passport to allow space for visas and stamps that need to appear together. It is also important to note when your passport expires: Many countries require your passport to have at least 6 months left before its expiration in order to allow you into the destination. For more information, contact the following agencies:

• Australia -- Australian Passport Information Service (tel. 131-232; www.passports.gov.au).
• Canada -- Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).
• Ireland -- Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie).
• New Zealand -- Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott Street, Wellington, 6011 (tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100; www.passports.govt.nz).
• United Kingdom -- Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PN (tel. 0300/222-0000; www.ips.gov.uk).
• United States -- To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov/passport) or call the National Passport Information Center (tel. 877/487-2778) for automated information.

Visas

The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult http://travel.state.gov/visa.) Even though a visa isn't necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, visitors from VWP countries must register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers must complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is a US$14 fee for the online application. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration dates. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. If your passport doesn't have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if the valid passport was issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone; or if the valid passport was issued between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa. Canadian citizens may enter the U.S. without visas, but will need to show passports and proof of residence.

Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S.; and (2) a tourist visa. For information about U.S. visas, go to http://travel.state.gov and click on "Visas." Or go to one of the following websites:

Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information from the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (tel. 02/6214-5600), or by checking the U.S. Diplomatic Mission's website at http://canberra.usembassy.gov/visas.html.

British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (tel. 09042-450-100 from within the U.K. at £1.20 per minute; or tel. 866/382-3589 from within the U.S. at a flat rate of $16, payable by credit card only) or by visiting the American Embassy London's website at http://london.usembassy.gov/visas.html.

Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the U.S. Embassy Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 (tel. 1580-47-VISA [8472] from within the Republic of Ireland at €2.40 per minute), or by going to http://dublin.usembassy.gov.

Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 644/462-6000), or going to http://newzealand.usembassy.gov.

Customs

What You Can Bring into the U.S. -- Every visitor 21 years of age or older may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 U.S. quart of alcohol; (2) 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the U.S. and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring into the country almost any meat products (including canned, fresh, and dried meat products such as bouillon, soup mixes, and so on). Generally, condiments including vinegars, oils, pickled goods, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods are permitted. Avoid rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruits and vegetables is prohibited, as they may harbor pests or disease. International visitors may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or go online to U.S. Customs (www.customs.gov).

What You Can Take Home from Orlando -- For information on what you're allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies:

• U.S. Citizens: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877/287-8667; www.cbp.gov).
• Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L8 (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).
• U.K. Citizens: HM Customs & Excise, Crownhill Court, Tailyour Road, Plymouth, PL6 5BZ (tel. 0845/010-9000; from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152; www.hmce.gov.uk).
• Australian Citizens: Australian Customs Service, Customs House, 5 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City, ACT 2601 (tel. 1300/363-263; from outside Australia, 612/6275-6666; www.customs.gov.au).
• New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington, 6140 (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States