MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS

MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS, LINKS and INFORMATION

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May 30th, 2003

Tips: Before you go, buy and bring: Water/spritzer/fan (inside the park is $16), fanny pack (do NOT carry anything unnecessary or purses), lots of money, sunglasses, hats, thinner/light clothing and comfortable shoes and clothes for walking, put on plenty of sunscreen (I got burnt), bring band aids for those blisters and put gels in your shoes. Disney is not a place of fashion. People dress lowly ... and if smart, comfortably. Buy film before you leave and an extra chip for those with digital cameras. Double check your pockets for cash and important items continually through the day. Drink plenty of fluids and plan to use fast pass a LOT so you don't have to wait in long lines. Walkie talkies or two cell phones per family is a good idea as it's easy to get lost. Make sure NOT to lose bus schedules. People have been stranded there!

Transportation/Parking and Fees: Free Shuttle from the Radisson, other hotels charge a fee up to $3-$5 per person each way to get to the park if they have shuttle services. City buses from hotels are not far from major hotels (about a block typically) and run about 1.25 per person on the average depending on how far you are and what type of pass you have. Buses make the rounds about every half hour so the wait is not torturous. Taxis are available and limousines, but are the most expensive form of transportation and the wait is longer than the buses. Taxi and limo prices run about $17 each way person to $28 depending on location to Disney World parks. To and from the Airport to the Disney area can run about $50 a person each way if you are not careful. Mears shuttles, are a decent and more palatable way to travel, running $16 to the airport for each person. I am not sure about shuttles from hotels to parks. You'll have to call Mears for those rates. Automobile parking at the parks starts at $7 each day up to $12 for larger vehicles/campers. Hotel parking is usually free to guests.

Hours of Operation: Depends on what season you go. See official site for information.

Park Fees: Prices are going up $2 in 2004. We recommend the park hopper passes. Discounts given to the Military and seniors.

Prices for Food and souvenirs: Souvenirs are expensive. Stuffed toys average $12 up. Small cheap mouse ears run about $6.50 and T-Shirts are $19 up. Kids want everything. Make deals with them before hand to look as they walk through the park and find ONE item they really want. Then, as you leave, get it. Why? They won't run out and also, kids change their minds from store to store. Lastly, you won't have to carry it all day or chance losing it. Food prices are also a bit high. A hamburger and fries runs about $6.50 plus drink is more. Drinks run close to $3 each and ice cream is about $4. Snacks run higher than the soda prices. You will need to bring lots of cash. And these prices are old. It's probably a couple dollars more for each by 2006/2007.

Weather: It's HOT in Florida. Wear sunscreen and hats/sunglasses. Also, drink lots of water. I got sunburned and bitten by something... so it might be wise to leave some Solarcaine and Benadryl in your suitcases.