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Quick trip tips:Orlando, Florida for a 3-day getaway

Having navigated the world of Disney many times during my 30 plus years as a Florida resident, I can tell you without a doubt that planning and strategizing are a must when visiting the Magic Kingdom and Orlando. Though there are many attractions in Orlando in addition to Disney World, first-time goers will want to know how to navigate the Magic Kingdom, the big kahuna of attractions.

Some of the things you will need in order to plan your whirlwind trip are: maps, menus, an itinerary of attractions in order of priority, advance reservations and tickets, a budget planner, and discounts wherever you can get them. There are so many choices, you may become overwhelmed if you wait to make your decisions after you arrive in Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, or Kissimmee.

Thank goodness for the Internet. There are a vast number of Web sites to help you plan your Orlando vacation. Some of the more useful ones I have found are:

For hotel accommodations: the official Walt Disney World Web site, www.bookit.com, and www.onetime.com are very informative regarding pricing, special packages, deals, discounts, amenities, locations, room options, and more. There are a plethora of unique accomodations to meet the needs and interests of everyone. You can be transported to another world, a jungle, a Polynesian resort, a world of sports, and more.

For meal planning and advance reservations: the official Disney site and www.allears.com are extremely helpful. This second site lists all eateries in the four major theme parks as well as those in the 23 Disney resorts, their menus, prices, reservations requirements, and reviews. If you plan to attend the luau or Hoop-De-Do Review, for instance, you'll need to make reservations 180 days in advance. This Web site also explains how to order special diets.
Though planning meals ahead of time may seem like going overboard in the planning department,
there are so many opportunities for unique dining experiences, it's good to know what is available ahead of time.

For maps, information about rides, and other travel tips: www.wdwinfo.com is fantastic. This site has maps of all four major theme parks and the 23 Disney Resorts. In addition, it has extensive information about each ride and area of the parks, information useful for mapping out an itinerary and a list of priorities. For those who have visited the parks before, the site will keep you up-dated on new attractions.

My suggestion for a 3-day trip to Orlando would include, for first-time goers, a day at the Magic Kingdom, another day at Epcot, and a third day at a water-themed park such as Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach. Young children in your group would love the character breakfasts with Mickey, Minnie, and the gang. Make reservations early, though. Also, take one evening meal at one of the finer restaurants or get reservations for the Polynesian luau or Hoop-De-Do Review where you can dine and see a spectacular show.

If you have time, I would suggest spending a couple of hours mid-day swimming, resting up, and just enjoying your accomodations so you can recharge for the late afternoon and evening. Then return to the parks which are open later during the summer months. You must see the parade at night in the Magic Kingdom or the light show at Epcot. Beautiful during the day, I think they are even more magical at night.

Every trip to Orlando is a learning experience. Once you have been to Orlando, you'll want to return again and again to revisit some spots and see places you missed. Truly, there are so many things to do which can't be squeezed into three days. But three days is sufficient to make some treasured memories.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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