Crowds,Queues, etc., Orlando

Plan to arrive by the time the park opens, especially if you're visiting on a weekend. Some of the Disney owned hotels allow their guests an earlier entrance to the parks. Take advantage of this option if its open to you. Early morning is a great time to catch some of the most popular rides as the bulk of the crowd doesn't arrive until late morning, especially on the weekends.

The Disney Fastpass system is a way to avoid crowds at the most popular rides. Rather than spend an hour or more waiting in line for Space Mountain or any other popular attractions, visit the Fastpass booth outside the entrance. Insert your park admission ticket and you'll receive a printed slip which tells you the time to report back to the ride.

When you return at the designated time, you can go straight to the Fastpass line and will be on the ride within minutes.

There's a limit to the number of times you can use the Fastpass system on any given day. Any of the numerous friendly Disney employees can give you that exact number.

Orlando is a queue line city. Latin Americans are not used to queue lines, so it is up to everyone help them understand -- not their fault, it is a cultural thing. You sometimes have to stand your ground. No one wants to 'fight for their right' while on vacation, but you may have to. Be prepared and it won't be as bad.

Please, please, please do not stop traffic on the toll lanes by asking the toll taker for directions. Once you're through the toll, pull over and examine your map or leave the highway entirely to get help. Also, if you're lost, do not drive under the speed limit while searching for your exit -- again, leave the road and get directions.

Try to remember the reason you came to Orlando -- TO HAVE FUN! There are LOTS of people who come to Orlando to have a good time. The crowds can be overwhelming (I live here and they get a little much). If you remember your manners, everyone will have a good time.

All the workers here are friendly! They HAVE to be friendly, or they probably wouldn't have a job anymore. Yeah, so it's unlikely you'll find a rude waiter or ride operator here. This doesn't go for the crowds, which I'm sure can somtimes be stressed and pushy. There are LOTS of people here... if you can't stand a lot of people, maybe come in the winter, when there may be fewer crowds.

At Orlando's several theme parks you are going to have to deal with lines (queues). Lots of them. Do not even THINK of butting in (queue jumping) in front of someone else. This is seen as unspeakably rude by Americans throughout the country, but at a place as orderly and organized as Disney, it's truly beyond the Pale. If you try it, you will be told -- often in the most emphatic of terms -- that such behavior is not acceptable. Although unlikely at Disney, there are many places where you might well run the risk of a bloody nose -- or worse -- if you try it.

Large numbers of teenagers from Brazil in tour groups come every Summer to have fun and explore. Please be a friendly host/guest and remember these are teenagers who just want to have fun, but may not be aware of American standards. Be tolerant.

In June and July, there are typically large numbers of tour groups from Brazil. These groups are mostly teenagers having fun away from home. Be tolerant. THE PHOTO ILLUSTRATES A 3 HOUR WAIT FOR THE BUZZ LIGHTYEAR'S RIDE. THIS LINE IS FOR THOSE WITH THE INFAMOUS DISNEY 'FASTPASS'. THE LINE WAS SO LONG IT COULD NOT FIT IN ONE PICTURE. Be tolerant of those in the line with you.