Okay, I think I got the whole thing. This is the first half.
Five Ways to Fun in Orlando
When faced with so many entertainment options, you need a plan. Here are five.
by Pam Brandon
Where else in the world can you get splashed by a killer whale, hurtle 0-40 miles per hour in two seconds flat and get a hug from Mickey Mouse? Central Florida is the land of fantasy attractions with something for everyone, but sorting through all the options can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.
When you start planning, remember: you can’t do it all. Slow down, be in the moment. To help you plan a Florida vacation that will allow you to savor the time, we’ve put together five different best-of-the-best itineraries that will appeal to thrill-seekers, Disney devotees, the budget-conscious, families with little ones, and adults only.
A Thrill a Minute
With tweens and teens, thrills are a top priority.
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Coasters, flight simulators, a 13-story drop—this itinerary isn’t for chickens. All of these superlative recommendations have height restrictions, and many caution you to seriously reconsider if you have motion sickness, a bad back or are pregnant. Still with us?
Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure has the biggest concentration of thrills, most notably The Incredible Hulk Coaster that catapults riders up a 150-foot tunnel at g-force speed, then spins them into a weightless, zero-g roll, turning them upside down more than 110 feet above ground. Don’t forget Dueling Dragons, the first dual coaster in the world designed and built so that its two coasters furiously speed toward each other on separate tracks.
Sister park Universal Studios has the new Fear Factor Live and Revenge of the Mummy, billed as a psychological thriller that’s not recommended if you’re afraid of the dark.
We send thrill-seekers to SeaWorld Orlando to experience Kraken, Orlando’s highest, fastest, longest and only floorless coaster (your feet dangle above the track as you hurtle 65 m.p.h.). And we choose Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park since it has the tallest (120 feet) and fastest free-fall slide (55 m.p.h. almost straight down) in the U.S.
At DisneyQuest, an indoor high-tech interactive park, you can design your own coaster, then jump on a simulator to ride it. Finally, be one of the first to ride Disney’s new Expedition: Everest, a coaster ride that includes an 80-foot drop (longer than any other Disney coaster track) with speeds up to 50 m.p.h. Expedition: Everest debuts in April at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Which tickets to buy: (Visit aaa.com/themeparktickets for prices or to order tickets.)
Universal’s Two-Day, Two-Park Pass—with a third day free. This ticket lets you move between the two parks, and if you stick to thrill rides, you can cover both parks in one long day (teenagers never seem to run out of steam). Use the ticket on Day 1 and Day 2. You can use the third day on Day 4 of this itinerary if you are on a budget and don’t mind skipping a Disney park.
SeaWorld Orlando one-day ticket.
One-day Disney Magic Your Way base ticket and add the “Water Park Fun & More” option, covering both Blizzard Beach and DisneyQuest with one ticket. If you decide to use the free third day of your Universal ticket, you can purchase separate DisneyQuest and Blizzard Beach tickets.
Where to eat: Orlando is home to every chain in America, so it’s easy to fill up teenagers. And they’ll be right at home at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, or at the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe, both at Universal CityWalk.
Where to stay: If it’s in the budget, spring for a room at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando, a AAA Four-Diamond resort; rates start at $229. With the hotel’s guitar-shaped pool with underwater speakers and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, your kids will think you rock. It’s also walking distance to the Universal theme parks, and your room key gives you front-of-the-line privileges on all rides and attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
What else you need to know: Because these are all the hottest attractions, take advantage of Universal Express Pass and Disney’s Fastpass. To speed things up, coaster aficionados should opt for the “singles line” when it’s offered—you have to ride alone, but it’s generally the fastest line.
And if you’re going from park to park, be sure to get your hand stamped and hang on to your ticket.
Five Ways to Fun in Orlando
When faced with so many entertainment options, you need a plan. Here are five.
by Pam Brandon
Where else in the world can you get splashed by a killer whale, hurtle 0-40 miles per hour in two seconds flat and get a hug from Mickey Mouse? Central Florida is the land of fantasy attractions with something for everyone, but sorting through all the options can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.
When you start planning, remember: you can’t do it all. Slow down, be in the moment. To help you plan a Florida vacation that will allow you to savor the time, we’ve put together five different best-of-the-best itineraries that will appeal to thrill-seekers, Disney devotees, the budget-conscious, families with little ones, and adults only.
More from
March/April 2006:
Features
Photo Finish: Looking Out My Back Door
Orlando: All Disney, All the Time
Orlando: On a Shoestring
Orlando: Family Fun (youngsters ages 3 to 7)
Orlando: Without Kids
Orlando: Getting Ready to Go
Orlando: A La Carte
Five Ways to Fun in Orlando
Orlando: A Thrill a Minute
Accurate Gas Estimates On the Way
Annual Report: 2005
Frames of Mind
Your Dollar at Work
Update: March/April 2006
Diversions
Delaware Celebrates 375 Years
Atlantic City’s Sure Bets
Snow + Cardboard = Fun
West Virginia’s Wild Whitewater
Lost
THE GUIDES
AUTO
Road Trip Wheels
Automotive 101: Necessary Fluids
Windshield Safety
Chart Your Course
A Wheel Gift
TRAVEL
Experience a Different Kind of Vacation
Playing Around at Airports
Green Day
Through the Looking Glass
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All Disney, All the Time
For Disney fanatics
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For Disney fans who don’t want to leave the “Vacation Kingdom,” these four days maximize time and money. And though Disney transportation is efficient, we recommend renting a car for more flexibility. However, if you’re on a budget, skip it and use the Disney shuttles. Just be patient; Disney is twice the size of Manhattan, and the shuttles make a lot of stops.
Every morning, one of the four theme parks opens early for resort guests only. On other days, they stay open up to three hours following the park’s closing. Take advantage of the early opening, or avoid that park for most of the day, as it tends to be the most crowded. Just remember, there’s no way to see it all, so take a midday break for a swim or a nap—more energizing than another ride. The nighttime fireworks in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios are worth the effort to stay up late.
If you’re not an early riser, make an exception for Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, when the wild animals are roaming and foraging for breakfast.
Your itinerary ultimately will depend on what time of year you visit and whether the parks are open late. Be flexible and enjoy.
Which tickets to buy: (Visit aaa.com/themeparktickets for prices or to order tickets.)
Disney Four-Day Base Ticket; add the Park Hopper option and the “Water Park Fun & More” option. (With the Park Hopper option, you can come and go as you please through all four Walt Disney World theme parks each day for the length of your ticket.)
Where to eat: There are more than 300 restaurants at Disney World. Locals love Boma, the all-you-can-eat restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. For character dining, we recommend the out-of-the-way Garden Grill at The Land, where Mickey Mouse and his buddies make tableside visits (a perfect photo op). Dining choices range from South African to the Pacific Northwest and New American. You can ask for kosher, vegetarian meals or special-needs dining (sugar-, fat- or lactose-free food) by calling the dining reservations line (407/WDW-DINE) or asking at the guest relations desk at your Disney resort.
Where to stay: Disney’s value resorts start at $77 a night for a family of four. Pop Century is the newest. For proximity to the Magic Kingdom and a ride on the monorail, Disney’s Polynesian (AAA Three-Diamond) is a longtime favorite. Rates start at $304. If you want to walk to Epcot, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort (AAA Three-Diamond) is ideal; rates start at $294.
What else you need to know: Official opening time for the theme parks is usually 30 minutes earlier than posted (9 a.m. is 8:30 a.m. opening). Go early and start your day ahead of the crowds.
On a Shoestring
If you’ve done Disney, maximize time and money this trip.
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If you don’t mind skipping the Disney parks this trip, the most cost-effective ticket for non-stop action is the Orlando Flex Ticket. It gives you 14 days of unlimited admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, SeaWorld Orlando and Wet ’n Wild water park.
You can always get your Disney fix with a visit to Downtown Disney (those free “jumping fountains” provide lots of fun for kids), or splurge and fill up with the Disney characters at an all-you-can-eat breakfast one morning at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
The itinerary is as flexible as the ticket, but you won’t want to miss the newest attractions, including Revenge of the Mummy (for thrill-seekers) and Shrek 4-D at Universal Studios. SeaWorld’s “Blue Horizons” is a real showstopper starring dolphins, whales, birds, divers and aerialists. And “Believe,” a new killer whale show, debuts this spring.
Wet ’n Wild has been cooling off visitors for more than 20 years, and the rides keep getting longer, faster and higher. The newest is Disco H2O, with ’70s music and a wild raft ride.
Get a free Orlando Magicard (orlandoinfo.com) for savings on accommodations, dining, golf, attractions and more.
Which tickets to buy: The Universal FlexTicket does it all. (Visit aaa.com/themeparktickets for park ticket prices or to order tickets.)
Where to eat: International Drive has dozens of inexpensive restaurants, from authentic Indian and Japanese cuisine to pizza and burgers (including the world’s largest McDonald’s). There are plenty of all-you-can-eat chains like Golden Corral and Ponderosa, or, for the more adventurous, try Passage to India (5532 International Drive; 407/351-3456).
Where to stay: One recommendation is the Clarion Universal (clarionuniversal.com; 800/445-7299), a AAA Three-Diamond hotel near Universal Orlando. With the Orlando Magicard, a deluxe room in off-peak season starts at $69 ($99 without the Magicard), and you get free breakfast for two daily when you book the Magicard rate. There is a free shuttle to the Universal theme parks, and you can catch the I-RIDE Trolley for transportation to SeaWorld, Wet ’n Wild and other International Drive attractions. The trolley is an affordable $1 (kids under 12 ride free with an adult), or buy a pass for $7 a person for all four days.
What else you need to know: International Drive has countless things to do, including a bevy of outlet shopping, movie theaters and less-expensive attractions like go-carts, mini-golf and a skateboard park (vans.com). Check out “50 Ways to Have Fun” at iridetrolley.com.
Family Fun (youngsters ages 3 to 7)
Take it easy. Less is more with little ones.
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With little ones, less is more. Slow down and be flexible because most kids wear out. They cry. They want to take a nap. They enjoy a ride on the monorail or a swim in the hotel pool just as much as Dumbo, the Flying Elephant.
Most kids are early risers, so take advantage and head to the parks early. That way you can get in plenty of attractions before taking a noontime break. (Even if you think it’s not necessary, try it.) In the Magic Kingdom, start the morning with a leisurely ride on the Magic Kingdom Railroad, disembarking in Mickey’s Toontown Fair to start the morning. Most of the kid-friendly attractions are here and at adjacent Fantasyland.
Though most everyone wants to see Mickey Mouse or the Disney princesses, for hands-on and interactive fun, SeaWorld Orlando can’t be beat. Kids can feed a dolphin, pet a stingray and get splashed by Shamu. The Park’s three-acre Happy Harbor playground has a trio of new rides debuting in May, including a mini-coaster.
To avoid sensory overload, we suggest a break from the theme parks on Day 3. You can lounge by the hotel pool, or visit one of the smaller attractions like Cypress Gardens or Gatorland (see “A La Carte” sidebar) where there rarely are lines.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure has the most height restrictions, so we opt for Universal Studios, with everything from Barney to Jimmy Neutron and Nick Live!—a fun vacation finale.
Which tickets to buy: Get the Disney One-Day Base ticket, SeaWorld One-Day ticket and Universal One-Day ticket. (Visit aaa.com/themeparktickets for park ticket prices or to order tickets.)
Where to eat: This age has the most fun dining with the Disney characters. One option is lunch with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore at the Crystal Palace the day you are in the Magic Kingdom. Or, start your non-park day with breakfast at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Most every Central Florida restaurant has reasonably priced kid’s menus, and many offer free meals for kids with a paying adult. For the theme parks, pack snacks and water to keep kids content in long lines. High-priced snacks add up.
Where to stay: If it’s affordable, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, a AAA Three-Diamond hotel, is a longtime family favorite (rates start at $304). It is just a boat or monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom, and you can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the sandy beach. If you need a night out, the resort’s Neverland Club gets high marks from kids.
Sleep in a Nicktoon-themed bedroom and have breakfast with Nickelodeon characters at Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn (AAA Three-Diamond). nickhotel.com; 877/387-KIDS.
What else you need to know: If you’re staying at Disney, be flexible and go to the Magic Kingdom on the early entry “Magic Hour” day.
Rent a stroller, even if you don’t think you’ll need one. When you exit, turn your stroller in and present the receipt; when you return later in the day, there’s no additional charge.
Orlando Without Kids
Central Florida’s not just for kids anymore.
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While theme parks take a backseat, they are still part of the allure of Orlando—along with golf, shopping, fine dining and nightlife.
For golfers, Orlando has 150 courses, including 99 holes at Disney, with courses designed by golf greats such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Tom Watson. Book a lesson at the Fred Griffin Grand Cypress Academy of Golf, voted one of the top 25 golf schools in America by Golf Magazine, or plan your trip around the Bay Hill Invitational (March) or the FUNAI Classic at Walt Disney World (October) to see PGA superstars in action.
Drive north to historic Winter Park’s tree-lined downtown, with some of Central Florida’s best boutique shopping. You can wander in and out of more than 100 stores along Park Avenue, stretching 10 blocks with hidden courtyards, sidewalk cafés and charming Central Park.
In Orlando, shop at the upscale Mall at Millenia, with more than 150 retailers including Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Cartier and Jimmy Choo.
Spend a day at Discovery Cove water park, where visitors get in the water to swim and play with bottle-nosed dolphins (a 90-minute experience in the water for ages 6 and up). You can also snorkel on a manmade reef with fish and stingrays, or touch and feed tropical birds in the park’s aviary. Or just relax on a sandy beach with a tropical drink. It’s a great escape from the crowds, limited to 1,000 guests a day. A tropical river winds around the park for floating and swimming.
So many wedding proposals have happened at the park that they have a special package that includes a bottle of Dom Perignon and a dozen roses. $279 includes the dolphin-swim experience and lunch.
After dark, Downtown Disney West Side has the House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil, with adjacent Pleasure Island for nightclubs (eight of them for a single admission). Universal CityWalk clubs include Hard Rock Live and CityJazz.
Be a kid for a day and pick your favorite theme park. If you love coasters, head to Islands of Adventure. If you can afford it, ante up for the VIP Tour and never wait in line. Visitors are personally escorted with priority entry into at least eight major rides and attractions. The tour takes approximately five hours. Free parking is included. $100 per person, $120 during peak periods. To book, call 407/363-8295 or e-mail
viptours@universalorlando.com.
For nostalgia, it’s the Magic Kingdom. Some carefree adults recommend Epcot for shopping, noshing and drinking your way around World Showcase. Have a margarita in Mexico, a sake in Japan, a Guinness in the United Kingdom.
Fine dining is part of the experience, and we’ve included two AAA Four-Diamond winners. Then end your getaway at one of Orlando’s spas. You’ll go home relaxed and rejuvenated.
Which tickets to buy: (Visit aaa.com/themeparktickets for prices or to order tickets.)
Discovery Cove, 877/4-DISCOVERY, discoverycove.com.
For Disney golf reservation, 407/WDW-GOLF. Greens fees and cart $109 per person for resort guests, $119 for non-guests through April (off-season rates had not been released by press time).
Fred Griffin Grand Cypress Academy of Golf, 407/239-1975, starts at $135 for a staff instructor.
Spas: Ritz-Carlton, 407/206-2400; Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Gaylord Palms, 407/586-4SPA; Disney’s Saratoga Springs, 407/W-DISNEY.
Where to eat: Call in advance for reservations at Victoria & Albert’s, Orlando’s only AAA Five-Diamond restaurant. If you want an extraordinary experience, ask for the Chef’s Table in the kitchen (407/WDW-DINE). Also at Disney, visit AAA Four-Diamond winner Jiko—The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for South African-inspired cuisine (407/WDW-DINE).
Where to stay: If you’re a golfer, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (AAA Four-Diamond) is close to everything, 407/239-1234, grandcypress.com. Spa fans will like Gaylord Palms Resort (AAA Four-Diamond), 407/586-0000, gaylordpalms.com.
What else you need to know: To Winter Park, take I-4 east to Exit 87 (Fairbanks Avenue) and drive east to Park Avenue. For the Mall at Millenia, take I-4 east to Exit 78 (Conroy Road).
There are plenty of lounges in every hotel, but for something out of the ordinary, take a trip to Victoria Falls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, with wine and spirits imported from Africa, including Windhoek beer from Namibia and Imoya brandy from South Africa. There’s also Kenyan coffee and hand-picked loose teas from Asia, Africa and Europe. Then stroll outside and look for giraffes, wildebeest and other wildlife on the resort’s own savannah.
Orlando: A La Carte
Itineraries and more from "Five Ways to Fun in Orlando"
Take a break from the big parks and try these offbeat ideas:
Boggy Creek Airboat Rides. Forget manmade attractions; take a wild ride and see a real alligator. bcairboats.com. Rides start at $19.95; $15.95 ages 3-12.
Cirque du Soleil. Extraordinary entertainment with high-energy performers and a cast of more than 70 from around the globe. cirquedusoleil.com. Tickets start at $61, $49 ages 3-9.
Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. Everything from ski shows and butterflies to rides the kids will like (including four coasters). And there aren’t any lines. cypressgardens.com; $39.95, $34.95 ages 3-9
Dinner shows. From Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede (dixiestampede.com, 407/238-4455) to Arabian Nights (arabian-nights.com) and Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (disneyworld.com), these all-you-can-eat extravaganzas are a fun family night. Around $40 adults, $20 children.
Gatorland. Kitschy, old-fashioned roadside attraction, but it’s fascinating to watch the gators leap in the air for a chicken dinner. gatorland.com; $16.95 ages 13 and up, $10.95 ages 3-12.
Kennedy Space Center. Tour launch areas, meet an astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch. kennedyspacecenter.com; $39.22; $28.62 ages 3-9. AAA prices $34/$25.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The unbelievable, the inexplicable, the one-of-a-kind. ripleysorlando.com; $16.95; $11.95 ages 4-12.
SkyVenture. One of only three places in the U.S. you can try out this state-of-the-art sky-diving simulator. skyventureorlando.com; $39.95, $35.95 ages 3-12.
WonderWorks. An “amusement park for the mind” that’s perfect for a rainy day. wonderworksonline.com; $18.95; $12.95 ages 4-12.
Prices subject to change.
Getting Ready to Go
Itineraries and more from "Five Ways to Fun in Orlando"
Any discount airline fares?
Southwest, JetBlue, United’s Ted, Frontier and America West are among airlines that fly to Orlando. Book early and be flexible with your dates for the best deals.
Where should I stay?
If you are planning to spend most of your time at Disney, book a Disney hotel. Rates start at $77 a night (for a family of four), and there are benefits, from free transportation to “Extra Magic Hours”—each one of the theme parks opens one hour early or stays open three hours later, providing extra time for resort guests. And it’s great to take a midday break, return to your hotel for a swim or nap, then head back to the parks in the afternoon or evening. (The $77-a-night hotels tend to be packed with families with little kids, so if you’re on an adults-only trip, you might want to stay elsewhere.)
Booking a Universal hotel gives you automatic “no wait” status on theme-park attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Just show your room card. On-site guests also get free transportation by boat and tram to and from the theme parks and CityWalk.
International Drive has more than 100 hotels from budget to luxury, with more than 150 restaurants, mega outlet shopping, movie theaters and attractions like Wet ’n Wild water park.
Do I need to rent a car?
If you plan to visit more than the Disney parks, for ease and convenience, you should rent a car. And even if you are staying in a Disney resort, it is nice to have the flexibility of your own transportation, especially if you are impatient about waiting and riding a bus for more than an hour to get between destinations. Many Central Florida hotels offer public transportation from the airport or to major attractions, but you’re limited by their schedules. A rental car can save a huge amount of time. Parking is $9 a day at the theme parks, so budget accordingly.
Is there public transportation to hotels and theme parks?
Yes; visit orlandoinfo.com/transportation for details. Also, you can inquire about scheduled transportation service as you book a hotel. Taxi fares between Universal and Disney run about $20 one-way.
Can I purchase discount attraction tickets online?
Yes; save time and money by purchasing tickets through the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau online ticket sales center at orlandoticketsales.com. Ticket orders are shipped to you via Federal Express or may be picked up at the Official Visitors Center, 8723 International Drive, Suite 101, in Orlando.
You can also save money by purchasing your tickets through aaa.com or your local AAA office.
What about dining reservations?
If you want to dine with a Disney character, call ahead (407/WDW-DINE). You can make reservations up to 180 days in advance for Disney restaurants. Other popular spots, like Emeril’s Orlando at Universal CityWalk, book up months in advance, so call early. If you don’t make reservations, you can always check for last-minute cancellations.
What are the busiest times of the year in Orlando?
Generally, the busiest times of the year are during Spring Break, Easter, July 4 (when it’s also unbearably hot) and the December holidays. The least busy times are the weeks after Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas, and September after school starts.
Handy Web sites:
orlandoinfo.com, the official site of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau. You can request a free Vacation Planning Kit, which includes a comprehensive Official Destination Guide and Preferred Visitor Orlando Magicard (for savings up to $500).
disneyworld.com
seaworld.com
universalorlando.com
wetnwildorlando.com
Any other tips?
Involve everyone in planning your vacation and work something for everyone into the itinerary. Try to leave plenty of downtime in your schedule. An afternoon at the hotel pool can be more satisfying than standing in line at a crowded theme-park attraction.
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Let AAA Help Plan Your Orlando Vacation
AAA is a great resource if you’re planning a visit to Central Florida. Discounted tickets for Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando and other Florida attractions are offered at aaa.com, or you can stop by any branch office. AAA can help you take advantage of the best Disney discounts, which can vary and change often, explains Brenda Kapusta, director of travel programs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “A third of all visitors to theme parks in Orlando are AAA members. We enjoy a great relationship with Disney and Universal, and our agents are known for their expertise. Whatever type of vacation you are planning, our Orlando experts can help you get the most out of your stay.”
Many AAA travel agents are graduates of the “College of Disney Knowledge,” with an in-depth knowledge of Walt Disney World. And when there are new attractions and offers, AAA is among the first to know. AAA also works with Disney to develop packages for AAA members.
Special AAA vacation packages that include parking privileges at the theme parks and discounts for shopping and dining can be booked through your local AAA office.
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Insider Tips for Disney
Front-row seat—A ride in the front car of the monorail can be as memorable for a child as a theme park attraction. Your best chance for the front car is by boarding at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian or Contemporary resort monorail stations. Just ask the monorail attendant when you’re ready to board.
Timing is everything—The least busy day of the week to visit the Magic Kingdom is Friday. Mondays are the most crowded.
Best spot for Epcot IllumiNations Fireworks and Laser Show—Make a dinner reservation close to fireworks time at United Kingdom’s Rose & Crown Pub at Epcot World Showcase. Ask for a seat on the porch overlooking the lagoon, prime viewing for the nightly extravaganza.
Cuisine with character—It’s almost impossible to get a reservation for breakfast in Cinderella Castle. Forget it. More relaxed and fun is Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort—and Mickey Mouse is always there. Check other options at disney world.com. There are more than a dozen restaurants with characters.
Where’s the Big Cheese?—In the Magic Kingdom, you’ll find Mickey Mouse in the Judge’s Tent in Toontown Fair; the best time to go is in the evening or just before fireworks when the crowds are elsewhere. Another out-of-the-way spot: Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Think you’ve done it all? Check out the Richard Petty Driving Experience, see a baseball game at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, go parasailing, or go bass fishing at sunrise. Take the kids for a pony ride at Fort Wilderness, or on the Pirate Cruise Adventure or to the Wonderland Tea Party at the Grand Floridian. A free splash in the “jumping fountains” at Downtown Disney may be more fun for a little one than theme-park lines.
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