Most children are disappointed if they leave their Disney vacation without a character souvenir, but the items in the park sell for premium prices. Go to one of the three Disney outlet stores that are within a 20-minute drive of the parks. You will find everything from clothing and jewelry to coffee mugs and toys, all at half-price or less. Go shopping here before you go to the parks so that you will have Disney shirts to wear and Disney autograph books for the children to offer to the costumed characters.
Many people find the drinking water in Walt Disney World objectionable, and some even suffer from intestinal upsets after drinking it. Avoid that problem before it happens by purchasing a case of bottled water at one of the grocery stores near your hotel. Turn down the mini fridge in your hotel room to the lowest setting and place water bottles at the back of the fridge. Your water will be frozen or nearly frozen by morning. Carry your water in a backpack into the park, and it will melt and stay cool through most of your day.
Take advantage of the cheap and free entertainment that Disney offers guests most evenings. If you are a guest at any Disney resort, go to Fort Wilderness in the evening for a free sing-along with Chip and Dale, marshmallow roasts and a free Disney movie shown on an outside screen. Visit the Animal Kingdom Lodge after dark to listen to African storytellers around a campfire and to have the opportunity to see the animals on site with night vision goggles. Or, spend the evening in Downtown Disney. There, your children can make custom creations at the Lego store, learn a magic trick at the Magic Masters store, or play in the interactive fountains. Food and snacks here are among the least expensive in Disney World.
Spend a relaxing afternoon with catch-and-release fishing for the whole family at Port Orleans Riverside or Fort Wilderness. Both sites have family discounts for up to six poles, and half- and full-day prices.
Many people are familiar with Hidden Mickeys, items in the shape of Mickey Mouse's head that are scattered throughout Walt Disney World. These hidden objects have been an insider's private game since Epcot was built. The site builders began the trend by hiding Mickey head shapes all over Disney World, and cast members keep the tradition going by adding new ones all the time. People keep personal lists detailing all of the Hidden Mickeys that they spot on each visit, much like birders keep their life lists of birds. There are no prizes except the satisfaction of spotting a new Mickey before anyone else in your party, but it's a game that can go on for decades.
What many people don't realize is that all of the resort hotels have their own special collections of hidden Mickeys. Spend an afternoon touring hotel lobbies and shops and make a list of all the Hidden Mickeys that you can find in each one. Check carpeting, wallpaper and even the carvings in ceilings to find those famous three-circle shapes.
If you are celebrating a special day in Disney World, stop at Guest Relations as soon as you enter the park. You will receive a free special personalized pin with your name and the occasion printed on it. Magical things have been known to happen to people wearing these special pins. The events that happen totally depend on the cast members working that day, but common occurrences are costumed characters hugging and interacting with you, special calls from Goofy on hidden phones, free extra desserts, and groups of people breaking into song about you in the street.
