Disney has long been known as "the happiest place on earth." If your family is planning a Disney getaway, here are some keys to the kingdom that are sure to make your trip even happier.
Since the opening of Disneyland more than fifty years ago, Disney has been finding new ways to make your life a little more magical. Disney now has parks in California, Florida, Tokyo, and Paris, but the fun doesn't stop there. If staying in one place isn't your style, you can hop on one of the Disney cruise ships and enjoy a little magic while touring exotic locales. Whatever your pleasure, Disney has something for everyone. From FastPass to specialty tours, we've got your trip covered from beginning to end. h3. Walt Disney World The first big decision to make in a Disney World vacation is where to stay. *Pros and Cons of Disney Resorts* Off Disney property, vacation rentals compete fiercely, and you'll usually spend less than you would for a Disney property. Generally, hotels will offer free breakfast, ranging from donuts to buffets. They will also have shuttles available to Disney parks and other area attractions. On Disney property, you'll pay a bit more and lose the free breakfast, but gain time and a host of perks Disney reserves for those in its resorts: Magical Express airport pickup and luggage handling, package delivery, and extra hours in the parks (an hour early, or up to three hours past closing) when lines will be shorter. Being closer also makes it easier to take midday breaks. *Specialty Tours* Disney World offers several specialty tours, all offering backstage glimpses tailored to different interests. These tours aren't free, but after taking one, you may conclude that the extra cost pays off in much bigger dividends than you'd expected. With Epcot's Aqua Tours, for example, there is a two-and-a-half-hour program that includes a photo and a T-shirt, and offers guests ages eight and up the opportunity to swim in The Seas enormous salt water tanks. Epcot provides all of your gear (except swimsuits), and an instructor is there to make sure you and the animals are safe. You don't need to swim well; you'll be wearing flotation devices. Before the swim, you'll learn about the animals and their natural habitats, and be briefed about the rules. (For instance, you may not reach out to sea turtles, a protected species.) After you're suited up, you have about thirty minutes in the water. Hold still and the animals might actually bump against you. You can even wave through the windows to guests inside. Some other great tours are: Family Magic, which includes a scavenger hunt through the Magic Kingdom for twenty-five dollars per person, and Backstage Magic--a seven-hour adventure tour of EPCOT, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney-MGM Studios for two hundred dollars per person. This tour includes lunch and does not require park admission. There are also VIP tours where guests can design their own tour for the cost of approximately seventy dollars per hour, with a minimum of three hours and a maximum of eight. h3. Disneyland Many hotels are within walking distance of Disneyland, and others provide shuttles (some free, some inexpensive). Most provide free breakfast. Staying at one of Disney's hotels gets you no closer, but still offers perks such as extra hours, package delivery, and a private entrance to California Adventure. As at all Disney parks, the busiest time is midday. You can use at least part of those hours to roam Tom Sawyer's Island (Disneyland) or Redwood Creek Challenge Trail (California Adventure) where you don't have to wait in lines. If you want to watch Fantasmic!, an all-new twenty-five-minute festival of lasers, lights, dancing fountains, and magical special effects, you'll need to stake out a spot at least an hour ahead of time. The best and most comfortable spots go fast. *FastPass* Whether you choose Disneyland or Disney World, Fast Pass is a great way to get on your favorite rides in half the time or less. This little trick allows you to insert your ticket into kiosks at popular attractions and receive a pass with a return time on it. At the designated time, you return and join a shorter line. If it truly is a "must do," get a FastPass early in the day; at some attractions, the day's allotment will be gone before lunchtime. *Character Encounters* The character dining experiences, like the Wonderland Tea Party, take reservations, as do the nicer restaurants. If you have your heart set on somewhere in particular, make a reservation early, preferably before you even leave home. The most popular dining, such as Cinderella's Royal Table, can be filled months in advance. If you're not good at planning in advance, your best bet is to visit at lunchtime. Space for breakfasts and dinners goes quickly, but you will sometimes be able to walk in with no reservation and little to no wait when you go at lunch. Be sure to pick up a map in each park. "Character Greetings" are marked, showing where you can meet Mickey or other favorites. Some are available all day, and some only during certain hours. It may mean standing in line, but it guarantees a hug from Pooh or a photo with Buzz. *PhotoPass* One of the newest additions to the parks is Disney's PhotoPass. The first time your photo is taken at one of the parks, usually just after you enter, the photographer will hand you a card. Every time you or a family member gets a photo taken after that, the photographer will scan your card. The photos are immediately available for viewing on the Internet or for purchase at any Disney photo shop. h3. Disney Cruise Lines Disney Cruise Lines are a fantastic way to experience Disney magic without having to fight the crowds. These cruises offer a wide range of accommodations to cater to different budgets, timetables, and tastes. All of them offer great shore excursions and awesome onboard entertainment. Cruise rates can be steep, but the magical entertainment, great food, fireworks, and a private island may be worth the price. While buying tickets early is the best option for park-goers, you'll find that cruise rates will often get cheaper the closer you get to the departure date. Booking online less than ninety days in advance can be your best bet if you're looking to snag a deal. Whether your Disney vacation is once in a lifetime or one of many, you're sure take home priceless memories that will last forever. After all, Disney is in the business of creating magical moments for all their guests, including kids and kids at heart.