Nadine Silverthorne

General tips and tricks for families visiting Walt Disney World:

• Soft coolers, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park. Bring some and save your bucks for the bigger meals.
   
• Bring a lightweight stroller from home, or rent one at the park (US $20/day). My kids took turns resting in our stroller, walking or riding Dad's shoulders. There's a lot of ground to cover.
   
• Don't try to do everything. There's just no way and you'll end up making your kids and yourself miserable. Not allowed at Disney World!
  
  
• Use your map to make a light itinerary before you set on your day. Set a meeting point with your partner in case you get split up.
   
• Breastfeeders: make note of baby rooms for nursing (they have them!)
   
• Meal options are listed with dollar signs to denote price ranges (on maps). There are healthy options for everyone at every price level, but gourmands should note that you get what you pay for.
   
• Do make a point to stop in Downtown Disney at the end of your trip. We rewarded our kids for their excellent behaviour (and just for being the awesomest kids in the universe) with one gift each. Lucy wanted Flounder from the giant World of Disney store; Nate bought Star Wars minifigures at the LEGO store; mom and dad got fish and chips at Cookes of Dublin.
   
• Do try to get a deal and stay on the resort. With all the amazing public transit options, you can park the car and just enjoy yourselves. The service and standards are first rate. Monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary) are the most prized, but buses service many of the others. (I want to go back and try the cabins at Fort Wilderness, because it's the most Canadian-campy-kitsch-looking.)
  
  
• Do turn off your BlackBerry and truly take notice of your family. Soak up your Florida Vitamin D and be happy you have these nutty wee people in your life.
   
• Do thank the people who helped you get there: JoAnne Wallace and friends at Disney Parks, thanks so much for giving us a memorable stay at Walt Disney World! And thanks for sharing the love with our readers! (Contest details below!)

• Crayola Glowboard Table
• Toy Story super plush throw
• Bedtime Stories DVD
• High School Musical 3 DVD
• UP DVD
• Hannah Montana Movie DVD
• Buzz Lighyear plush toy
• Rex plush toy
• Hamm plus toy
• Woody plush toy
• Wheezy the Penguin plush toy
• Alien plush toys x2
• Toy Story band-aids x2
• Green Army men
• Toy Story playroom gummies
• Toy Story lollipop rings
• Multi-use Disney frame
• Mickey keychain
• Goofy pen
• $50 Disney gift card

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