How To Find Cheap Disney Tickets

Five Essential Disney Vacation Tips

(CNN) — A trip to Walt Disney World usually conjures up images of summer vacation, but it turns out late fall is the perfect time to go.

Consider scheduling your trip during the period just after Thanksgiving and up until about December 20, said Bob Sehlinger, co-author of the recently released “The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2011.”

You’ll be there after the peak season rush and just before the Orlando, Florida, mega-attraction fills up again for the holidays.

“The parks all have their Christmas decorations up, and they’re just absolutely stunning. The crowds are at their lowest all year, and it’s historically a very dry and sunny and warm time of year,” Sehlinger said.

There are downsides, too, such as earlier closing hours and possibly having to pull the kids out of school for a bit if you’re going as a family. Still, it’s Sehlinger’s favorite time to go and he should know.

The author has been to Disney World countless times since publishing his first unofficial guide to the park in 1985.

He began compiling the books after a frustrating experience to which many theme park visitors can relate: He took his kids to Disney World, paid a lot of money and ended up standing in line all day while getting to see only five or six attractions.

So Sehlinger worked on a plan. With a background in operations research, he came up with a model designed to sequence going through the parks while minimizing waiting in line, he said.

These days, more than 20 people work on his unofficial guide, including a statistician, a child psychologist and teams of hotel inspectors.

The author offered the following five tips for travelers looking to get the most out of their Disney World vacation in the fall or at any time of the year.

1. Prepare physically

Many people don’t realize that a vacation in a big theme park will require them to walk an average of eight miles a day as they go from ride to ride, so visitors need to make sure they have the stamina to do it, Sehlinger said.

“You can’t take a family of couch potatoes — and particularly you can’t take young children and just get them up at the crack of dawn and run them through a theme park eight or nine miles without them crashing on you,” Sehlinger said.

He recommends taking walks around your neighborhood two or three months before your trip and extending them to a point where your kids can walk six or seven miles without being unduly fatigued.

2. Prepare mentally

Avoid family conflicts by talking about what you expect out of your Disney vacation.

“Let’s say mom is the primary caregiver at home and she has it in her mind that ‘this is my break,’ and dad is really going to take on the heavy lifting as far as the parenting is concerned,” Sehlinger said.

“And dad is thinking, ‘I’m going to get these people off to the theme park and go play golf.’ So you end up down there with some sort of a dissonant situation that creates problems.”

Division of labor, the challenges of parenting on the road, unusual amounts of togetherness and the effects of hyperstimulation on your children are all things to discuss before you go.

3. Less is more

Move getting your money’s worth off the radar and focus instead on having the most fun possible, which can usually be accomplished if you don’t push too hard and if you build rest and relaxation into your planning.

“You’re going to be at a juncture at some point in time, probably sooner than later, where you’re saying, ‘OK, we’ve got four more rides we’ve got to do and then we can go back to the hotel.’ Well, that’s crazy. You’re not listening to what your emotions and your body are telling you and you’re not enjoying yourself,” Sehlinger said.

If you visit during the peak summer months, he suggested going to the park in the morning when it’s cool and not too crowded, then leaving before lunch and returning again at about 4 p.m.

Pace yourself and remember that if you don’t see everything this time, you can go back next year or the year after.

4. Bring your own snacks

Dining is expensive inside the park, even for basic items such as hot dogs and soda.

You’re allowed to bring food with you, so equip yourself and your kids with hip packs and bring along bottled water, sandwiches or trail mix, which will save you money and time standing in line at restaurants and food stands, Sehlinger said.

5. Stay in a hotel outside the park or rent a house

There are so many hotel rooms inside the resort that many of the chain hotels nearby are struggling to find customers, which means there are bargains to be had if you’re willing to stay off property, Sehlinger said.

There are also thousands of rental homes in the Orlando area, and they’re great deals, he added.

For the price of two rooms at Disney’s least expensive resort, you can get a four-bedroom house “with a full living room, kitchen, private enclosed swimming pool and all the privacy and quiet in the world where you can really get away from the hustle and bustle,” Sehlinger said.

Grocery Delivery in Walt Disney World

When traveling with a family or staying at a villa you may want to consider having groceries delivered. Even if you won’t be cooking meals it may still be nice to have diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, cases of water, snacks, fresh fruit, muffins, bagels, milk,  etc delivered directly to your resort.

GardenGrocer.com is the way to go. You can go online and order your groceries before you leave home. Pick the delivery date and time that works for you. You must order a minimum of 36 hours in advance but 72 hours or more is preferred to ensure a delivery window that works best for you.

The price is very reasonable as well. You will save money by buying from the grocery store over buying at the resort or filling another suitcase with things. You will also save the time of going to the store on your first day. They will charge $12 for delivery and offer free delivery for orders over $200. The minimum order is $40.

During checkout you will be shown a calendar to choose your delivery date and 2 hour delivery window. You should give them your cell phone number and a driver will call you 30 minutes prior to delivery to coordinate your delivery.

They deliver to all Disney and Universal resorts as well as rental homes and other hotels in central Florida.

Here is some additional information for Disney resort guests:

Use the address of your resort from your reservation confirmation. Here is an example :   Jane Doe, Guest
Disney’s Beach Club Villas
4600 N. World Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32820

*Including your cell phone number is also HIGHLY recommended.

You do not have to be in your room for delivery for most resorts. The following resorts offer bell service drop off. Just call down to bell services to have your groceries brought up or if your room is ready they may have them in your room already.
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Swan and Dolphin Resorts
- Disney’s Polynesian
- Grand Floridian
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Bay Lake Tower)
- Coronado Springs
- Beach Club
- Disney’s Yacht Club
- Disney’s Bonnett Creek
- Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

If you are at another resort I recommend choosing a delivery time after you will be checked in and know your room number. When they call before delivery give them the room number and make sure an adult is in the room to receive the groceries. Check with GardenGrocer.com if you have any other specific questions about delivery to your resort.

Deliveries are made between 8am and 9pm 7 days a week.

All Disney resorts have refrigerators in their luggage rooms to safely store your perishables until you arrive. If you are going to a different hotel you can call the hotel to ask them about their facility for storage or make sure delivery will be after you arrive.

It is recommended that you order 1/2 gallons of milk unless you are in a 1 or 2 bedroom villa because of the refrigerator size in the room.

Making a Trip to Disney Affordable

A Disney vacation may be more affordable then you realize. Here are some tips that can help it be more affordable for families. The more tips you are able to follow the more affordable your trip will be. You can also use one of these to save money.

Time Of Travel: The cheapest time to visit Disney is during value season. The dates change from year to year and depend on certain holidays but in general value season includes January through mid-February, August through September, and the beginning of December. Some advantages to traveling during this time are less crowds and great promotions. One of the disadvantages is weather. These are the times of year when it is either cooler or very hot.

Resort: All resort guests are entitled to the same benefits (Disney’s Magical Express, Extra Magic Hours, Disney transportation, Magical Extras, etc.)  regardless of  their resort being deluxe or value. A great way to save money is by staying in a value resort. The rooms are smaller (they only sleep 4) and you don’t have some of the amenities of the deluxe resorts but you will be saving a hundred or two a night. If you have a larger family you will find 2 connecting rooms to be cheaper than a suite too!

Park Tickets: The best savings here is to buy a regular base ticket. If you are looking at a package online you will most likely be offered a park hopper ticket. (Be careful since some sites will not let you downgrade to a base ticket) You will be paying a premium to be able to go from park to park on the same day. With a family and young children you will probably not be running from park to park.

Dining Plan: There are lots of opinions on the dining plans. You do have to eat there and so they can save you money. The question is what types of meals are you planning to eat. All sit down meals, no sit down meals, or a mixture of sit down and counter meals.  Make sure you get the right meal plan. Check out Disney Dining Plan 2011 to make sure you select the plan that works best for your family.

Magic Your Way Packages: One of the ways to save is to book a Magic Your Way Package.  I like the MYW packages because you pick the number of nights, resort, type of tickets and number of days, and if you want to add a meal plan. This is where the special offers come in. You can check here to find out the current specials.

Grocery Delivery:  Another great savings is grocery delivery. You can have diapers, formula, baby food, bottled water, and snacks, even milk and fruit delivered right to your room or vacation house for a lot cheaper than at the resort.

Downtown Disney Recreation

Boat Rentals

Located at Cap’n Jack’s Marina, you can rent a personal watercraft and explore the Village Lake. There are Sea Raycer’s for one to two guests which can be rented for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, Canopy Boats for up to 8 guests and Pontoon Boats that can hold a maximum of 10, both of which can be rented for either 30 or 60 minutes. Specialty Cruises and Bass Fishing Excursions are also available from this location. When renting watercraft you must be 18 or over and present either a Walt Disney World Resort ID or valid driver’s license. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, by touching 57 on a Walt Disney Resort phone or at the marina.

Classic Carousel

Handcrafted in Italy, this carousel has two carriages and 19 horses. There is a minimum height of 42″. Children not meeting this requirement must be accompanied by an adult.

Downtown Disney Shopping

If you’re looking to shop for all things “Disney” or just want a break from the theme parks, the Marketplace is a terrific destination. There’s a great selection of shops and restaurants located here. All of the Walt Disney World resorts offer transportation to Downtown Disney.

The best time to visit Downtown Disney is during the day. As evening approaches, be prepared for crowds, particularly on weekends. Operating hours for the common areas at Downtown Disney Marketplace are 8:00 am – 1:00 am.

Basin – Bath & Facial Products

This is bit off the beaten path and towards the rear of the World of Disney store. Featuring natural skin and bath products. There are wonderful hand cut soaps, bath crystals and salts, shampoo bars, scented candles, etc. Visitors are encouraged to try out the products with the testers found throughout the shop. This shop can be potent with all the varieties of smells.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

For all those little girls dreaming of being a Disney Princess, this latest addition to the World of Disney is the perfect fit. More of a salon than a store, there are 10 salon stations where girls can get their hair, nails and makeup done. A second Boutique is located at Cinderellla’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom. Reservations are strongly recommended. The number to call is: 407-WDW-STYLE.

The Art of Disney

Whether you’re a collector of Disney Memorabilia and artwork or not, this Downtown Disney shop is worth a visit. There’s a vast collection of limited edition Sericels, lithographs, original paintings, sculptures, collectible figurines including the Walt Disney Classics Collection, crystal, Lenox, etc. The range of prices makes this appealing to both the serious collector and those wanting something special on a modest budget.

Disney’s Days of Christmas

The Days of Christmas is a must see shop at anytime of the year, but make certain that you visit during the Holiday season. You can find a wide variety of Disney character ornaments, Santa hats and Christmas stockings. The more collectible items include the Disney Village pieces, Christopher Radko ornaments, Disney Railroad Train Sets, Snowbabies, and the Walt Disney World Showcase Collection. This store has an extensive selection of Christmas movies and books, including The Polar Express and Jolly Old Santa Clause. The traditional glass Mickey head, in an array of colors and themes, can be personalized for just $3.00 per word. Holiday goodies such as cocoa, coffee, cookies and peppermint bark are also found here. If you celebrate the Festival of Lights check out the Disney Hanukkah decorations and the large selection of blue and white ornaments. The small section of non-Disney ornaments includes glass Santas, snowmen, birds, the Fleur de lis, and Christmas pickles. Decorations for Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Easter can also be found here seasonally.

Disney’s Pin Traders

This open air shop is where you’ll find almost every Disney pin imaginable. There are hundreds of pins displayed by themes as well as Limited Editions. Pin trading sessions are also hosted here. Even if you’re not into collecting pins, it’s always fun to look through the selection of pins. Pins are an inexpensive souvenir.

Disney Design-A-Tee

Design, customize and personalize your own Hanes tee shirt. This store has several large user friendly computers that will walk you through the entire design process. First you choose the size and and the color of the shirt you want. Depending on the size you choose, the variety of color may be limited. Then your select your art from several Disney categories, such as Celebrations, Characters, Princesses, Tinker Bell, Pirates, Pixar, Disney Films, and Holidays. The final step in the design process is personalizing your tee with custom text. There are several fonts, styles, and colors that you can choose from. When you’re done you print out your ticket, pay, and then come back in about 30 minutes to pick it up.

Goofy’s Candy Company

A fantastic interactive candy shop that’s certain to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, you have to visit Goofy’s Candy Company in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Its so much more than a candy store. It’s bright and colorful, as you’d expect. There are rows and rows of self serve bins where you can get treats at $2.98 a quarter pound. (A limited selection of sugar free candies are available.) There are pre-packaged candies and novelties for sale as well as glass displays filled with tempting confections.

LEGO Imagination Center

Almost every type of Lego is available here. From the simplest set of blocks to the latest kits, clothing and games, you’re bound to find something for all ages at this store. Outside of the shop is a 3,000 square foot play zone. There are amazing Lego creations found around the shop, including a “sea serpent” in the lake. This is a great photo spot.

Marketplace Fun Finds

Located next to Little Miss Matched, this shop offers some great values. Everything is less than $25 and is a great place to pick up some gifts and souvenirs.

Mickey’s Pantry

This store features Mickey-themed culinary items, such as dinnerware, waffle irons, and coffee mugs. A recent addition to Mickey’s Pantry is a section called “The Spice & Tea Exchange”. This is a collection of a variety of spices, teas, sea salts, rice, platters and 12 naturally infused organic sugars.

Once Upon a Toy Store

This store is for the child and the child at heart. The exterior appears to be constructed out of Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys. Every Disney themed toy imaginable is featured here. There are incredible displays including the Monorail system in miniature. All of Disney’s DVDs currently available for sale can be found here. In addition to an extensive display, there’s a binder that contains the full listing of 300+ titles.

Rainforest Cafe Shop – Adjacent to the Rainforest Cafe. A full line of Rainforest themed merchandise including clothing, mugs, jewelry, private label condiments, postcards, toys, candy, mugs, etc.

Team Mickey Athletic Club

The perfect shop for the sports enthusiast. Disney themed sportswear for virtually all sports including golf apparel and accessories, athletic jerseys and footwear, ESPN brand merchandise and a limited selection of sports memorabilia. There are wonderful Disney themed bowling balls that are sure to make you a league standout. You can find a large selection of sports gear with your favorite College or Professional team. Rawlings Making The Game shop is where you can purchase customized baseball bats, ball and mitts.

Walt Disney World Update

Walt Disney World, despite Disneyland’s precedence, is the jewel of the theme park industry. Taking advantage of dummy companies and cheap land, when Walt Disney decided to duplicate the success of Disneyland he ended up buying 47 square miles of Florida swampland. In other words, it is almost twice the size of the island of Manhattan, or as large as San Francisco. With the government of Florida eager to see the tourist dollars come to their state, Disney was given unprecedented concessions and can essentially run the entire property the way they want (even building a nuclear reactor if they so desire).

The result, after 35 years is a property that has four major theme parks, more than 20 hotel resorts, a giant sports complex, and a huge mall, with much of the property still unused.

Park tickets are available from several sources and in many different combinations, from tickets good for just one of the parks for a single day up to tickets good for ten days of admission at either park.

The most popular tickets are the various flavors of Magic Your Way (MYW) tickets, which expire within 14 days of first use, unless the No-Expiration Option is purchased. Base MYW tickets provide admission to one park each day for the number of days purchased. The Park Hopper Option is available for a flat $50 charge, regardless of the length of the ticket, and allows the ticket to provide admission to all four major theme parks for each day of the ticket. The Water Park Fun & More Option, also available for a flat $50 charge, allows additional admissions to the two water parks, Pleasure Island, DisneyQuest and/or the Wide World of Sports Complex, with the number of admissions depending on the length of the base ticket. The No Expiration Option, available on a sliding scale of $17 (on a 2-day pass) to $200 (on a 10-day pass), is pretty self-explanatory, eliminating the 14-day expiration on the ticket. Annual Passes allow 365 days of admission from first use to the four major theme parks, and the Premium Annual Pass is the equivalent of adding the Water Park Fun & More Option to the standard Annual Pass.

Premier Pass: This pass, equivalent to a Premium Annual Pass at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World, costs $749 per year.

On-Site Ticket Purchase: Ticket booths can be found at the main gates of Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The main ticket booths for Magic Kingdom are located at the Transportation & Ticket Center, though tickets can also be purchased at the Guest Relations window to the right of the main entrance gates of the park. You can also purchase park tickets at any of the resort hotels on property.

• Online Ticket Purchase: Tickets can be purchased online.  Advance purchase discounts are available for tickets good for four days or longer.
• Other Purchase Locations: Just get to Florida and everybody will be trying to sell you tickets to Walt Disney World, though most of the “Ticket Discount Centers” are fronts for timeshare organizations and purchases will come with hard sells. Many hotels in the area of Walt Disney World also sell park tickets. You can also make your ticket purchases at any Disney Store (including annual passes).

General SeaWorld Orlando Park Info

Waterpark Location

Aquatica is located just across the street from Sea World on International Drive off the Beach Line Expressway (FL 528), 10 minutes south of downtown Orlando and 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

Physical Address

5800 Water Play Way Orlando, FL 32821

Private Cabana Rental

A private cabana is the best way to take in all Aquatica has to offer. Your cabana is reserved exclusively for you for the entire day, until the park closes. Cabana rentals include a refrigerator stocked with a variety of sodas, juice, and water (16 beverages per cabana) as well as complimentary use of towels and lockers. While a security member is always present in the park, locker usage is recommended. Snacks and dining options are separate.

As cabanas provide the comfort of a shaded, sheltered environment, guests are welcome to move seating outside of the cabana to soak up some of the warm Florida sun.

Aquatica Orlando Florida Height Requirements

Taumata Racer :

Guests must be at least 42″ tall and wear a life vest. All guests under 48″ are required to wear a life vest.

Tassie’s Twisters and Whanau Way:

Guests must be able to maintain proper riding position holding on to both handles unassisted.

Walhalla Wave & HooRoo Run :

Guests less than 48″ are required to wear life vest and guests must be 42″ to ride.

Dolphin Plunge:

Guests must be at least 48″ tall.

Roa’s Rapids:

Guests under 51″ are required to wear a life vest.

Loggerhead Lane :

Guests less than 48″ are required to wear a life vest.

Kata’s Kookaburra Cove :

Rides in this area require guests to be no taller than 48″.

Aquatica tickets are available at a discount, so why wait in line and pay full price for you r tickets when you can get them here and save? Please call our office today and save big.

Explore Sea World Orlando

A visit to this premier Marine Adventure Park will change your views about the sea and sea life forever. The only place on Earth where the magic of the sea and sky comes to life and gives you the most thrilling, challenging, and splashing moments to treasure for a long time. A complete world of unlimited fun and adventures and don’t forget the high speed coaster rides. Here you will have the opportunity to learn, interact with and discover the best kept secrets of the sea and sea-life. You will encounter exotic sea animals, get up-close with the killer shark, feed & play with the dolphins or witness the famous Shamu (the regal prince of the deep) when it comes splashing….and more!

Your tickets to SeaWorld are not limited to the SeaWorld Park only, but also allow you to visit the other two SeaWorld Parks—Busch Gardens and Aquatica Water Park.

Manta

This next-generation SeaWorld coaster ride offers you the best of sea and sky amidst a mysterious world of rays. It takes you on a thrilling ride head-first like a ray across an array of thrilling encounters, including water-falls, trees, hills and the sky.

Kraken

This legendary coaster will take you on a ride that you will not forget. Get ready to experience the most challenging ride onboard this monster coaster. It will lift you higher, drop you further and spiral you faster like no other coaster.

Blue Horizon
The Blue Horizon is an all new vivid theatrical experience that combines the magic of the sea and sky with Broadway style visions. The show features a cast of acrobatic dolphins, whales, soaring birds and lively performers. This breathtaking show is packed with amazing actions both above and below the waters.

Journey to Atlantis

Enjoy one of Sea World’s most extraordinary water-coaster that takes you straight down and into the lost city of Atlantis. Traveling on water and high speed rails, you have to escape the spirits who guarded the city. The spirits will chase you but you have to escape braving through incredible twists, turns, and mythical waterfalls.

What’s New at SeaWorld Orlando!

The new Shamu show was opened with great reviews. The New show is called, “One Ocean” and replaced “Believe” and is now open for this spring and summer, and will connect guests to the ocean with new energy, excitement and vibrancy as it educates and inspires guests to make a difference in our world.

Dining & Entertainment Around Town

CityWalk is the place to be. With cocktails, meals, after-dinner drinks, dancing, romantic spots and family-friendly establishments, there are entertainment options for everyone. Exciting themed-restaurants, cuisine from Italy, the Caribbean, New Orleans, Central and South America, burgers and fries, late-night drinks – it’s all available at CityWalk.

The Groove ℠ :It’s a different experience every night at this packed club, where you can dance to house, trance, techno and the best in 70’s and 80’s and hits. DJ nightly with occasional appearances by live performers. Please note cover charge, must be 21 and older; casual chic attire.

Bob Marley – A Tribute to Freedom ℠ (21 and older after 9 p.m.):A one-of-a-kind celebration of music and culture, this open-air veranda and courtyard modeled after the reggae legend’s Kingston home features Jamaican-influenced appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Latin Quarter ™ (18 and Older): Festive dining, dancing and live entertainment. Enjoy authentic delicacies and drinks of Central America, South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean in this dramatic restaurant whose unique décor is influenced by Aztec, Incan, and Mayan architecture. Menu favorites include pork, black beans, yellow rice, plantains and flan, as well as a full bar.

Pat O’ Brien’s ®:An authentic reproduction of New Orleans’ favorite watering hole, Pat O’Brien’s is the original home of dueling pianos, the “flaming fountain” patio, and the world-famous “Hurricane®” specialty drink. Cajun style appetizers, entrees, and desserts are served in the main bar, courtyard, and terrace level. Entrees include catfish fillets, jambalaya, shrimp Creole, and wings.

Jimmy Buffet’s ® Margaritaville ®:Enjoy a cheeseburger in paradise in this world-famous haunt. Its three bars are themed around Jimmy Buffet songs, and every corner of this restaurant brings to life a different Buffet classic. The full menu also features a unique combination of Key West and Caribbean foods, including conch fritters and key lime pie.

CityWalk’s Rising Star: For Glee and American Idol fans everywhere! Take center stage as the band’s lead singer at this fun karaoke club with real music played live in front of real people!

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. ™ :Inspired by the 1994 Oscar-winning film “Forrest Gump,” this showcase shrimp eatery is also known for its fresh fish, salads, ribs and much more.

Emeril’s ® Restaurant Orlando: Voted the city’s “ #1 restaurant at a theme park” by Orlando Magazine. Enjoy lunch, dinner or Happy Hour at this smartly casual restaurant featuring the delicious creations from Chef Emeril Lagasse.

Hard Rock Café ®:Good old-fashioned burgers, fries and fun can be found in this popular chain restaurant, where music memorabilia mixes perfectly with great food.

NASCAR ® Sports Grille:Fill up on ribs, pasta and sandwiches at this high-end sports bar with tableside plasma screens to enjoy the day’s races and games. The restaurant also features a NASCAR Gear store which carries officially licensed merchandise.

NBA City: The country’s finest chefs combine talent and teamwork to present a delicious array of starters, salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizza, entrees and desserts in this restaurant that brings guests back to the classic sports arenas of the 1940s and 50s.

Pastamoré ℠ Ristorante & Market:Enjoy Southern Italian cuisine in this open-kitchen restaurant. Bustling with atmosphere, come here for a complete meal or lighter fare at its companion, the Marketplace Café.

Red Coconut Club ®: Hip, retro nightclub and lounge modeled after a Cuban oasis in the swinging 60s. Gourmet appetizers served; live house band/DJ. Please note there is a cover charge to enter.

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