Theme Parks, Orlando

Lockers are available to rent at every Disney Theme Park. The locker rentals ar $5 for a small and $7 for a large. We saw many people using the lockers and they fill up fast. We utilized the locker rentals only when we visited Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard beach. We had to put our wallet and park passes somewhere dry.

If you are a guest staying at one of the Disney owned resorts you are eligible to benefit from the Extra Magic Hours for the theme parks. On certain days on of the theme parks has extra magic hours. This means that if a park is scheduled to open at 9am, you can start your day at the park at 8am. If there is evening extra magic hours you will have to see a cast member to obtain a wristband to identify you as a Disney resort guest in order to stay for the later hours.

Photo Pass is a nice way to get pictures taken of your whole family. There are roaming Disney photographers in every park. Ask them to take your picture and you are handed a plastic card with an ID number on the back. Each time you want a picture taken, hand the card to the photographer. At the end of your trip you can view your pics at any of the Disney Phot Centers or find them online at http://www.disneyphotopass.com. You can edit your photos, share them with friends and family and order prints.

Print Prices:
Two 4x6: $12.95
5x7: $12.95
8x10: $16.95
4 wallet sized: $19.95
16x20: $29.95

Discover the wonders of outer space here at the Kennedy Space Center. See a Moon Rock and get up close to Apollo capsules, rocket engines and a lunar module. Admission includes bus tours around the massive complex, with narrations about the various displays, and the IMAX Theater where you'll soar into the starry skies on a screen five stories high. Next, wander the Rocket Garden where you'll see eight massive rockets from past eras.

Orlando Loch Haven Park covers 45 acres and serves as the region's premier cultural park. With the many museums or theatre groups located in the park, there is always something new to see or do. One of Central Florida?s oldest and largest oak trees, "The Mayor", grows in the park near Orlando's Mennello Museum of American Folk Art.

For Orlando itself, the main annual event is the Silver Spring Rodeo which at 50,000 spectators is the largest rodeo in the Eastern US. Every day is festival day at Walt Disney World with the addition of the Oldsmobile Scramble and Classic for amateur and professional golfers held in October.

In Orlando you have to be a lover of attractionparks and (American) entertainment. But not only as some parks also have a moralistic or (scientific) view-widening intention. The main thing however is spectacular action and enchanting environment. A dream or science fiction world that might be, because let's face it ... if it can excist here, why can't it then excist anywhere? But do not go completely blind by it's commercial background as sadly enough, also here everything is about money.
Picture: The Blues Brothers in Universal Studios.

Almost everywhere you go, you will be attacked by camera-wielding crazed photographers. Be nice. Just stop and smile for them. Most of them are paid per picture taken, not per picture sold. It only takes a few seconds if you cooperate and it makes their days much happier too.

Here are some of my personal tips for optimizing your stay at the Walt Disney World. I hope you'd find it useful:-

Please DO PLAN AHEAD.
The WDW theme parks are HUGE and if you don't know your way around, you'd be spending all your time searching for your favorite ride instead of enjoying it. Arm yourself with a MAP of that particular theme park before you even arrive at the gates.
(You can get it FREE at all WDW hotels). Then head straight for the attractions that you like most.

Dress for comfort!
You'll be doing a lot of walking, believe me(!!) and waiting in line so wearing well fitted and COMFORTABLE shoes are a must.

Have a BIG breakfast.
Yes, have a good breakfast and you won't get hungry as quickly once inside the park and, can have a late lunch after the lunch time crowds have cleared the many top restaurants/ eateries. I'm sure the last thing on your mind is to stand in line (again!). :-)

Buy your WDW tickets ahead of time!
You can buy these tickets from your hotel concierge, from The Disney Store and at the Orlando (MCO) Airport. This method will save you TIME. Walk right by the ticket booth line and spend more time having fun instead!

Plan to arrive EARLY.
Getting to a popular ride or attraction before a huge line forms can save you hours later on. So, plan to be there at least 1 hour before the official park opening times.

Don't try and do it everything within a day.
Plan to stay longer here instead. This way, you'd enjoy your visit to the theme parks better.