Pointers by an experienced Disney World fan:

Posted with permission from Jere Alleman, a fellow Disney enthusiast:

Just came back to Pennsylvania from "home" today. Sad day for us - but thought I would share some observations from this trip, which was one of about ten in my life time. Please remember - these are of my own personal experience, and not necessarily the same opinions held by others.

1. Save as much as you can before you go! Buy Disney gift cards, put some in savings, whatever you need to do - do it! You never know when you run into something that you "just have to have!". 2. If you have a "relax" or "down time" day. Resort Hop! Go to places that you have never been. See as much as you can see! You never know if it's going to be your last visit or not! 3. Have at least one meal with the characters! I don't care if you are single, a couple or with a family. Enjoy, take pictures, get autographs! Our favorites are Ohana at the Polynesian (breakfast) or Chef Mickeys (breakfast or brunch). 4. Take a camera with you! Take as many pictures as you can! Memory maker is great, but it's the unexpected shots that you capture on your own that will be your favorites years from now! 5. Be early! Get to the parks early, get in line early, get a seat early, get fast passes early. To quote my son's band director - "To be early, is to be on time. To be on time, is to be late!" We had a few in our group that frustrated me more than once this week (we went with two other families), because they were always late. One morning I encouraged my one friend and daughter to be at MK before opening - we got right on three rides, no lines, and watched the opening show- all before 8:30! 6. Stay at the park as late as you possibly can! Take in as much as you can - again - you never know when you might return (especially if you live in PA)! 7. Try new things! New for me this year was "Mickey's Kitchen Sink Sundae", Lunch at BOG, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. 8. Don't forget "old" favorites, Swiss Family Tree House, Small World, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Teacups! A lot of us grew up with those stories and rides - and I still love them! 9. If you child ever has the opportunity to play in their school symphony at Disney Springs or march in the parade at MK (my son had the chance to do both this week) - do whatever you can to make it happen! We did so many fund raisers this year to get our son (and us) "home" - but it was so worth it! Especially when my 16 yr old son said "Mom, when I was marching down Main Street and looked up and saw the castle, I started to tear up! I couldn't believe that I actually got to do this!" Such a proud mom moment! 10. No matter if you stay on property, or not. No matter if you run into rude guests (or some not-so-friendly cast members), just remember...YOU ARE AT DISNEY! A bad day at Disney is better than a good day at ___________(insert whatever you want at this point!). I find that if you smile, say Please and Thank You, people tend to become nicer, not always, but, it doesn't hurt to try!

Most of all - HAVE FUN! Believe in the Magic! And remember, a dream really is a wish that your heart makes!

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