One tip for the water parks is bring aqua shoes, the sidewalks get VERY HOT at that time of year, they have misters to cool them but sometimes a head is broken (easy now this is disney) and the spots that are not covered get hot enough to fry and egg or some tootsies. Both mine and my wife's feet were that shiny scalded from walking around without the aqua shoes.
When we went it was before we had kids and we found
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World Without Kids: The Official Guide for Fun-Loving Adults (Serial) by Pamela S. Weiers to be very helpful. But I think all the guide books say basically the same thing.
I would agree that getting in as early as possible and doing the "big" rides and attractions first is the way to go, also a siesta in the afternoon is a great idea to rejuvenate before returning in the evening. I noticed that around 5 or 6 many families were heading out with children who were in various stages of nuclear meltdown, really clearing out the place, along with assorted parents and grandparents who were wore out and needing to go back to the hotel. So if you have kids who want to see it all make this a part of your plan and talk about it before you go and then you can look at the others and say, "now aren't you glad you are not that tired".
We really enjoyed downtown Disney and Pleasure Island, it is three blocks of bars and theydo a sweep and kick out the underagers at 9:00 or 10:00pm I think, I have a hard time remembering everything about it...hmmm except there were drink carts on every corner in addition to the bars...hmmm
To thems from California or other west coast locales who have never been to DW, having been to both I can assuredly say DW blows DL away, it is just so much bigger and so many more attractions it is totally worth the trip.
One other thing, Park Hopper pass is the only way to go if you can afford it, I assume if you are staying on property that you can, it is so worth it. It allows you ultimate flexibility so if you hear about a special event at one specific park you can easily go and enjoy it. For example we went to animal kingdom in the morning when the animals were most active then went to the Magic Kingdom in the late morning and early afternoon and then went to see illuminations in the evening after a nap back at the hotel. made for a busy but wonderful day and that was just one of 6!
sorry if rambled too much but I love Disney and can't wait until my 7 month old is old enough to go and experience the Happiest Place on Earth!
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