When you and your family/group are spending a day at the parks, most likely you're going to split up at one time or another, whether it's for a bathroom break, grabbing a snack at Liberty Square, or running ahead for FastPasses. The problem with this is how to meet back up with your family/group in a crowded park?

Some guests pick well-known spots in the park for meeting places, such as Cinderella Castle or Spaceship Earth, only to discover that there are dozens and dozens of other guests there too. So don't make finding with your family/group a frustrating scavenger hunt, take our advice and use our recommended park meeting places!

Art of Disney-Located on the right hand side of Spaceship Earth, this is one of the several Art of Disney stores you can find on property. In our experience, this shop is rarely crowded and removed from the crowds, making it a great place for families and groups to meet up! The air conditioning and beautiful pieces of artwork to keep you occupied are a bonus!

Fountain of Nations-This fountain is the centerpiece of Epcot's Future World; but because it is so large and located in an equally large place, this location makes a great meeting place. Pick a spot or side of the fountain to meet up with your family and most likely you will discover that it's pretty easy to spot them in this open area!

Tip Boards-There are several tip boards located in Future World which show wait times for many of Epcot's attractions. Many guests flock here, but few stay or rather study from afar. We especially recommend the tip board located near The Seas with Nemo and Friends and The Land pavilion. Another reason tip boards make great meeting spots is because you and your family/group can take advantage of the signs to decide where to head next!

Outpost-This section of the World Showcase offers refreshments and souvenirs; but it's spread out and rarely as crowded as other World Showcase pavilions, making family and friends much easier to spot than in the congested United Kingdom pavilion or in the Germany pavilion's busy square and shops. Because of it's central location in the World Showcase, it's an ideal spot for groups to meet and to get something cool to drink!

Italy's Bridges-Directly across from Italy's pavilion, and right on the water, are a series of bridges and landings which resemble the canals of Venice! They are picturesque photo spots and are rarely congested making for a ideal meeting place that's easy to find!

Morocco-This World Showcase pavilion is unique in that it doesn't present it's whole self front and center, but rather must be explored! Many guests pass by this pavilion not realizing that its streets twist and wind back past and through shops offering one discovery after another. Morocco is an immersive pavilion but rarely crowded; and could be a great meeting place for you and your family!

American Adventure-This pavilion celebrates the United States and is more open than the other pavilions in the World Showcase. Because of its spaciousness, it's relatively easy to spot your group here. You can decide to meet up in front of the American Adventure, or inside to enjoy the air conditioning and historical displays, or in the neighboring shop!

International Gateway-Tucked back between France and the United Kingdom pavilion, the International Gateway is another entry/exit to the park. You can also find a boat launch here which will take you to the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club, the Swan and Dolphin, and then Hollywood Studios! The International Gateway also offers walking paths to all of these locations too. Due to the fact that crowds are usually rare here most times of the day, its removed location, and the presence of several benches and plenty of shade, we recommend the International Gateway as a top meeting place for your day at Epcot.

Victoria Gardens-A winding path leading to the famous Le Cellier restuarant at the Canada pavilion leads guests past and through elegant landscaping and colorful foligage which encircles a clear pond. Know that you are free to explore this area, even if you don't have reservations. Because this garden is somewhat removed from the crowds, and due to its beautiful and tranquil surroundings, Victoria Gardens makes an ideal meeting place for guests!

When you and your family/group are spending a day at the parks, most likely you're going to split up at one time or another, whether it's for a bathroom break, grabbing a snack at Liberty Square, or running ahead for FastPasses. The problem with this is how to meet back up with your family/group in a crowded park?

Some guests pick well-known spots in the park for meeting places, such as Cinderella Castle or Spaceship Earth, only to discover that there are dozens and dozens of other guests there too. So don't make finding with your family/group a frustrating scavenger hunt, take our advice and use our recommended park meeting places! 

City Hall-Located on the far left of Main Street U.S.A. upon entering the park is City Hall. This service spot is where guests can get their free Celebration Buttons, find an ATM, and more; and we like to use it as a meeting place for our family! Why? It's out of the way, shady, has places to sit, and crowds are usually scarce!

Jungle Cruise-Even though this classic attraction is very popular, it's located off the beaten path in its own little corner! When you descend the steps to the Jungle Cruise, you will find the attraction queue, and the crowds, to the right; but to the left, there are places to sit, wait, or meet up with your group!

Main Street Alley-Tucked behind the Crystal Arts shop on Main Street U.S.A. is an alley that goes back farther than you think. In this alley, you have probably seen silhoutte or portrait carts parked here. Venture back a bit further and you will find cafe tables where you can sit back, enjoy a snack, or talk over the day's adventures with your family!

The Briar Patch-The gift shop you pass by to get Splash Mountain's entrance, the one with the cute little windows, is appropriately named The Briar Patch after Brer Rabbit's own home, and where you end up on the ride after your giant drop! This shops transports you into the charming cartoon world of the Song of the South and sells a variety of merchandise; and it also features rocking chairs near the center for guests to relax in. So if you need a designated meeting place during your day at the Magic Kingdom, choose the Briar Patch and maybe you'll get to relax and rock while you wait!

Plaza Rose Garden-Located near the Tomorrowland Bridge, you will find a winding path with a picturesque view of the castle. This path takes you past gorgeous landscaping and to a covered pavilion on the water before leading you back towards the charming Main Street U.S.A.. Many guests don't know this path and pavilion are there as they rush right by. If the area in front of this garden is abandoned, or if its pavilion near the water is as well, either spot makes a great meeting place!

Soarin' is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World and is notorious for long waits; but if you have ever experienced Soarin', you know that it's well worth it!

Soarin' first appeared at Disney's California Adventure; and due to its popularity, Disney World gained their own inside Epcot's The Land pavilion. Soarin' lets guests experience what it's like to hang glide over some of California's most beautiful landscapes!

A term often used to describe Soarin' is "exhilarating," as it is thrilling but without the inversions, corkscrews, yetis, or trips to the Twilight Zone. Therefore, this is an amazing ride that everyone can enjoy! (unless you're not a fan of heights) So if you're a fan of Soarin' or are looking to give it a try on your next trip, we have some tips for you!

~Know that Soarin' is located inside The Land pavilion on the first level by from Sunshine Seasons.

~Arrive at Epcot early and head to this attraction first for a short wait.

~Your ride vehicle consists of a long row of seats, so no need to be concerned about not being able to ride with your group.

~Your ride vehicle will be lifted pretty far off the floor toward a huge, bowl shaped screen showing scenes which will make you feel like you are higher than you already are. While this ride is not meant to scare guests, it can be uncomfortable for those who don't like heights.

~There is a large container located under your seat to stow your belongings; and it will be lifted up along with your seat. While most containers for personal belongings at WDW are small, these are actually pretty good.

~We recommend not wearing flip-flops or any other shoes that can come off easily on this ride.

~The yellow, circular tab found on your seat is for small kids. If you are riding with young children, run the safety belt through this tab and then fasten. Adults do not have to do this.

~Want to be up even higher? Try to get a seat on the front row as it is lifted above the rest!

~Even though you're supposed to be hang gliding, you will actually be buckled in and seated on a long bench with a back while you're feet dangle.

~Spoiler: The final scene takes you over Disneyland at night while the fireworks are exploding over the castle. The close-up view of the fireworks, along with the loud noises, can be frightening for some guests, especially kids.

~While your ride vehicle doesn't actually go anywhere, it does tilt and move to make you feel like you're hang gliding.

~When you're soaring over the orange groves, be sure to notice the smell of oranges in the air!

~While we are huge fans of Soarin,' we are not fans of their queue. Because of its popularity, a FastPass is highly recommended; but even more so to avoid waiting in a line that is not very entertaining.

~There is one scene where people are playing golf and a stray golf ball flies right towards you. It can scare some guests for a moment.

~The wait for Soarin' may go down during Epcot's nightly show, llluminations.

~If you are going to ride any major attraction at Walt Disney World, we recommend you put this one at the top of your list!

While it may sound simple, the process of getting from the line and into your ride vehicle at Walt Disney World can be a bit of a struggle, especially for first-timers, those with young kids, large parties, and those hauling lots of backpacks and shopping bags. So to help your transition onto your flying pirate ship, super-stretch limo, or safari vehicle, here are a few tips!

Guest with Young Children:
Ride vehicles at Walt Disney World vary by how many guests they can carry; and the commonly used moving ramps can be difficult to for toddlers or even elementary age kids to navigate. So for an easy transition, we suggest...

~Know ahead of time how many guests each ride vehicle accomodates and plan seating arrangements accordingly. Feel free to ask a Cast Member if you have any other questions.

~Carry your toddler or small child onto the ride or keep a firm hold of their hand.

~If your ride vehicle seats two, have your child board first so you can help them when necessary.

~If your child wants to be next to you during the ride, you may want to skip Space Mountain as each seat only seats one and are located directly in front of the other.

~If your ride vehicle seats more than two, have your child sit in the middle with two adults on either side.

~Prepare your child for getting aboard the ride. If he or she doesn't want to ride, or may put up a fuss when it's your turn to board, be prepared for this or just skip the attraction. It's no fun for you or anyone to wrestle a kid on a ride during a tantrum, especially when there is a long line of guests waiting behind you.

Guests with Large Parties:
For those of you with large families, meeting at WDW for a family reunion, or traveling with a team, tour group, and etc, getting everyone in your party aboard your ride vehicles can seem a little intimidating; and organization is definitely required.

~As previously stated, know how many guests each ride vehicle accomodates and plan accordingly. Plan who will ride with who before it's time to ride to climb aboard.

~Space Mountain will probably be the most difficult attraction for large groups because each rocket only seats 3 guests with each seat directly in front of the other.

~Want to know some attractions that can accomodate your party? Check out Tower of Terror, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and any of the shows such as Mickey's Philharmagic, Hall of Presidents, or Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.

~For a great group photo, ride Tower of Terror. Since this attraction seats so many, everyone in your group can be seen!

~Do your best to keep your group together, perhaps through assigning each person a ride partner.

~If your group gets FastPasses, designate one person to hold onto all of the FastPasses; and then distribute them to each person before you reach the attraction line.

Guests with Backpacks, Diaper Bags, and more!
So you're spending the whole day at the parks and you have young kids in tow; and you want to be able to haul your diaper bags, backpacks, shopping bags, and stroller from attraction to attraction with as much convenience as possible. If so, we recommend...

~Most the thrills rides at Walt Disney World have pouches built into the ride vehicle for you to store your belongings; but we personally don't trust our own stuff here and most bags are too big to fit. Instead, we recommend minizmizing what you bring to the parks or pack your stuff in knapsacks with drawstrings to maximize your space. We also recommend keeping your bags between your feet, and on thrill rides, wrapping the straps around your arm and tucking the bag next to you in the seat.

~If you do use the pouches in the vehicle, don't forget to collect your belongings later!

~There are lockers available at the parks to store your belongings, but be prepared to pay a fee!

~ Most of the kid friendly, dark rides have a lot of leg room to accomodate your bags.

~Pack only the essentials and return to your resort during the heat of the day to change clothes, get more snacks, toys, and etc.

~If you feel the need to pack bandaids or other First Aid items, know that at each Disney park there is a First Aid center providing what you need.

~Go ahead and remove your backpack or knapsack and carry them onto the ride, especially when boarding Rock n' Roller Coaster or dark rides where the lap bars come down automatically. It's difficult to remove these bags once you're seated and in a tight space.

~To save space, and to take advantage of some of Disney's finer dining experiences, invest in the Disney Dining Plan which allots you a number of meals and snacks a day. With this plan, you don't have to concern yourself with packing food or drinks. Instead, all you have to do is drop by a restaurant or cart, hand them your card, and then refresh and refuel without lugging extra baggage around the parks!

~If you are a Disney resort guest, know that when you purchase something at a store, you can have it delivered from the parks to your resort for free! Yes, I said, free! However, do be aware that it does take about a day or so to get arrive; but this way, you don't have to haul around shopping bags during your visits to the parks.

We hope our tips will help make your experience at many of Disney's attractions more enjoyable! If you have any tips to share, leave a comment and share them with us and other readers!

Located in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom, there is a very different type of attraction for you to discover: Tom Sawyer Island!

In the middle of the Rivers of America, you will find an island that transports guests into the stories of Mark Twain! This attraction is different from most because you can explore what this island has to offer at your own pace and create your own experience!

Once your raft reaches Tom Sawyer Island, you can wander wherever you wish exploring caves hiding jewels, a playground, a huge frontier fort, wobbly, suspension bridges, wooded paths, and an old mill all while the Liberty Belle Riverboat floats by, just like in the old, lazy days on the Mississippi!

Tom Sawyer Island is a great place to escape from the crowds and the lines to take a leisurely stroll, or to let your kids explore and run off some energy! For guests who only have a limited time to experience the Magic Kingdom, we don't think Tom Sawyer Island is a priority; but for those with active kids, or guests looking for a quiet escape, here are some tips for when you take on this classic Disney attraction!

~The fort on Tom Sawyer Island is named Fort Langhorn, an ode to Mark Twain's real name, Samuel Langhorn Clemens!

~Tom Sawyer Island tends to open later than the rest of the park.

~Keep an eye out for a half-painted fence with a message from Tom! If you've read Tom Sawyer, this scene may remind you of a famous passage from the book!

~If you arrive at the island when it opens, keep an eye out for some paint brushes lying around. If you turn one in to a Cast Member, you may get a reward! Possibly even a FastPass!

~You are allowed to enter and explore Harper's Mill!

~Tom Sawyer Island provides guests some great views of Frontierland and Liberty Square, including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Liberty Belle Riverboat!

~Inside Fort Langhorn, there is plenty of details to see. Be sure to look inside the Blacksmith shop; and also know that you can venture inside to explore the towers, play with the fake rifles, and pretend to shoot at imaginary invaders.

~ Be sure to stop and read the signs from Tom, his spelling and comments are sure to bring a smile to your face.

~Inside Fort Langhorn, there is a secrete passage so those inside the fort can escape!

~The raft ride from Frontierland to Tom Sawyer Island can lengthy and a little bumpy at times. Be sure to wear sunglasses and keep hold of your little ones.

~Tom Sawyer Island can be a little too hot and humid during the summer afternoons at the Magic Kingdom, especially for little ones.

While we are huge fans of Walt Disney World, one thing we are not fans of is the crowds! If you have ever visited during peak season, especially on a weekend, you know what I mean; and after weaving through the masses for a few hours, you're probably going to need a little escape from the long lines for some peace, quiet, and relaxation. Fortunately, we've found a few corners at the Magic Kingdom where to escape from the chaos and relax.  Check out our list and let us know if any of these places are some of your hideouts too!

1. Tom Sawyer Island-This literal island can be a bit crowded at times, but you are free to explore at your own pace so there are no lines! Plus, there are plenty of little corners and areas to sit back and relax away from the crowds; and the simple setting takes you back to those lazy summer days of your youth where you had all the time in the world!

2. Columbia Harbor House-This Liberty Square dining location is one of the best quick service restaurants at Walt Disney World; but many guests don't realize that it has a second floor! Usually the upstairs offers quiet seating; and the nautical, dark wood interior is dim and cool, great for relaxing and cooling off after hours in the sun.

3. Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover-This Tomorrowland attraction is simple, but very popular, and gives guests a lofty view of Tomorrowland, the interior of a few attractions, and even a gift shop! The seating is ideal for families and groups as you face one another. This way you can talk about the day's memories while off your feet and away from the crowds.Plus, the line for this ride is rarely long! So if you are tired of the lines and need a rest, we recommend hopping aboard!

4. Plaza Rose Garden-You can find this quiet escape between the primary bridge to Tomorrowland and the castle. It is a winding path that takes guests past romantic landscaping and offers views of the castle, as well as access to a small, covered pavilion sitting on the water which offers seating and shade!

5. Side Street on Main Street U.S.A.-Located on the side street next to Crystal Arts, you will find a cart where artists willing to do guests' silhouettes; and past that, there are cafe tables at the end of the street in a quiet corner that most guests don't realize is even there. This street is peaceful, private, and removed from all the activity of Main Street U.S.A., ideal for anyone who needs a break or for families with small children who need a nap or an escape from the chaos.

6. Main Street U.S.A. Train Station-Located in the middle of both entrances to the park, the train station consists of two levels with plenty of history and vintage decor to enjoy. We especially enjoy the second story, particularly when the train has just left the station. Venture inside the air conditioned area to get off your feet, get cool,  and avoid the crowds on the street below!

Next time you're at the Magic Kingdom and need a break from the heavy crowds, head to these quiet escapes for some peace and quiet and to think over your magical day at the park!

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of our favorite attractions because it offers an amazing experience! Here you board a safari vehicle and embark on a safari to encounter a variety of African animals; and it's about as close as you can get to the real thing without actually being in Africa!

On Kilimanjaro Safaris, you may find it hard to believe that you're still in Florida as you encounter elephants, crocodiles, rhinos, lions, flamingos, hippos, and more!  There's a lot of ground to cover and a lot to see, and the animals are given free range of wide expanses. In fact, to accomodate this ride and the animals, Kilimanjaro Safaris is actually the largest attraction at WDW and any other Disney park! Wow! Also, since this attraction is actually alive, Kilimanjaro Safaris is different every time!

This is definitely a WDW attraction that should be at the top of your list; and it's great for every member of the family! To make your experience on Kilimanjaro Safaris even better, check out our tips for this fantastic attraction!

~Bring a camera! Seeing African wildlife roaming free makes for dozens of photo ops, so be sure to have your camera charged and ready! However, even though there is so much to see and photograph, be sure not to get too caught up snapping pics so you can enjoy the experience!

~Ride first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. This tip is especially true in the warmer months because animals are not very active during the heat of the day. In the morning, they are hopefully roaming about for you to see; and later in the afternoon, they should be up and about because they will soon be going to their barns for evening.

~Waiting in line. This attraction does offer FastPasses, and if you can't ride first thing in the morning or the line is long, we recommend getting FastPasses. The line is covered, but it can still be very hot; and there isn't much to see while in line except for a few television screens which show the fictional African preserve you are about to visit.

~Stay seated! Chances are your little ones will become very excited when they see their favorite animal; and standing up while the safari vehicle is moving on a bumpy road is not a good combination. Plus, this ride is unpredictable as animals roam across the road at will so you never know when you may come to a sudden stop!

~The Safari Vehicle. Your Kilimanjaro Safaris vehicle can seat a large number of guests and each row can seat about four to five, possibly more if you have small children. Don't be concerned if you only see animals on one side of the safari vehicle at first. The trek is designed so that each side will get to see animals; but rumor has it the left side, or driver's side, is the best!

~Be aware that you may not get to see all of the animals. Disney does an excellent job in trying to provide a clear view of the wildlife, but you are not guaranteed to see certain animals if they are sleeping or have retreated behind some foilage during your ride; and no, the Cast Members can't do anything about this. Be sure to prepare yourself and your kids if you don't see the lions or another favorite animal during your safari.

~There are printed animal guides above you when on you are riding the safari vehicle. If you see an animal you don't recognize, check this guide!

~Picking up speed. The storyline of this attraction is that while you are on a safari through an African reserve, elephant poachers have been spotted and you are needed to help catch them! Towards the end of your ride, your vehicle will pick up speed to try to chase down the poachers. Your vehicle will go a little faster and cover some rough terrain and even a rickety bridge; but don't be concerned, even the most wary riders can handle it as this action is definitely on the mild side. Plus, Disney specializes in happy endings so you are sure to end your trip on a good note!

~If you are planning to take pictures on Kilimanjaro Safaris, be aware that the vehicle is usually moving all the time and the terrain can be a little bumpy, making it difficult to snap that picture. Be sure to adjust your camera settings and be patient!

~Stay hydrated! Animal Kingdom is a massive park; and Kilimanjaro Safari and its queue are covered, but not air conditioned. Keeping hydrated is essential for a enjoyable ride and day at the park for both you and your kids; and it helps to improve everyone's mood too!

~Want to experience Kilimanjaro Safari twice? Ride it first thing in the morning and then grab a FastPass to ride it again later in the day!

~The safari vehicle is long and if you are sitting towards the back, you may not see what your guide is pointing at or talking about until a few moments later. If this is an issue for you, try to sit near the front of the vehicle or request to do so.

~When you exit the attraction, venture down the trail to Pangani Forest Exploration Trail for more animals, including Gorillas!

One of Animal Kingdom's most popular attractions and biggest draws is Expedition Everest! This is one of our favorite WDW attractions too! This ride is truly an experience which begins from the moment you see it and combines culture with adventure and mythical suspense!

Today, we're offering some tips for those of you willing to embark on this expedition and encounter the legendary Yeti!

~Animal Kingdom typically closes earlier than other parks, so we recommend visiting Animal Kingdom early to secure a ride on Expedition Everest!

~If you are looking for a short wait, and it's not first thing in the morning, be sure to grab a FastPass as soon as you can as FastPasses can run out.

~While long waits aren't fun, Expedition Everest's queue is really cool; and one of the best at WDW. It's very detailed and immersive, as it sets the stage for the story, acquaints you with the culture, and makes you feel as if you are in a village at the foot of the mountains! It also introduces you to the story of the Yeti!

~Your ride vehicle is a train; and each row contains only two seats. Be aware of this when planning ride arrangements.

~Wondering where to stow your stuff? In front of you there is pouch to store your belongings; but if you have a large bag, you may need to hold onto it during your ride or leave it with someone in your group.

~This coaster does not go upside down; and while there are some steep drops, it is relatively tame in comparison to other coasters at other theme parks. However, it moves very fast and there are several moments of intense darkness.

~Didn't see the Yeti? Look up when you go back inside the mountain near the end of the ride!

~Expedition Everest takes guests forward and backward! While this is a lot of fun, it can be make some guests feel queasy. We don't recommend riding after a meal.

~If you happen to be visiting Animal Kingdom during extra evening hours, try Expedition Everest at night for a whole new experience!

~As is custom with most major Disney attractions, Expedition Everest has a gift shop located at its exit. It is located at the far end of this attraction area. It is often crowded; but yet a comfortable place to wait for your party while they ride. Also know that you can enter this shop at any time, regardless if you have ridden Expedition Everest or not.

~Be sure to remove your hat and sunglasses when board the ride!

~Animal Kingdom can be difficult to navigate; and Expedition Everest is not located near the park's entrance. You may want to grab a map when you enter the park and be sure to follow the signs!

One of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! Hollywood Studios is all about showbiz and movie magic and putting guests right in the middle of it all; and on the Tower of Terror, guests are dropped (literally) right into an episode of the Twilight Zone television series.

You will wander through the hotel grounds, lobby, and then boiler room of an old Hollywood hotel where something has gone wrong. Years ago, lightning struck the hotel and an elevator disappeared into...the Twilight Zone! After a little trip through the Twilight Zone, your elevator will drop you up and down numerous times for a thrilling, but fun, experience!

~The FastPass machines for this attraction are located at the end of Sunset Boulevard, between Rock n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror itself.

~The brick structure you see on the right, just before you reach Tower of Terror, are bathrooms; but they are usually crowded. Venture back up the street a bit to an area tucked back between some gift shops on Sunset Boulevard for a less crowded bathroom stop.

~Follow the path in front of the building to reach the line's entrance; and just beyond that is the exit for the gift shop. Feel free to do a little shopping here, whether or not you're riding!

~There's a covered area located near the ride's entrance and exit. It's a great place to sit down and relax, especially if you're waiting for your family to finish their ride. You can sometimes find a coffee cart nearby as well!

~Pay special attention to the hotel sign located at the entrance. If it doesn't look that impressive, just wait for it! The words, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, will appear over the old sign!

~Before you enter the lobby, look for a marker on the wall outside the hotel to see what year the hotel was built.

~The lobby is full of vintage details hidden under decades of dust! You will probably see something new each time you ride so keep your eyes open!

~Once you enter the library, move to the other end of the room where you see a blank space of wall. This is the next door you will pass through. If you can, make your way to this space to be closer to the front of the line once the video is over!

~During the video, be sure to notice what the little girl is carrying; and also pay attention to the library windows. They make it look like it's storming outside!

~When you enter the boiler room, you will find that the line branches off into 2 separate lines. Usually, the left line goes faster.

~There's lots of details in the boiler room too! Look over the railings to see what the workers had left behind and the sparking motor near the elevators that looks a little old.

~The elevators have several rows of seats that have seat belts and small handles, so don't be concerned about having to stand up as you drop several stories. You will be seated and safe.

~When you drop, be sure to keep a hand on your belongings; and you may want to remove your hats and sunglasses. We have had shopping bags that have flown up to our knees during the drops before!

~How do you know when your elevator is about to drop? Once the stars during the Twilight Zone scene come together and everything get's dark, that means you're about to drop! In the summertime, you will find that it gets hotter at this point too.

~While this ride is VERY popular, it can handle a large number of guests and moves rather quickly. The line is also entertaining. When deciding whether to get a FastPass for Rock n' Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror, we recommend getting one for Rock n' Roller Coaster and waiting in line for Tower of Terror.

~FastPasses for Tower of Terror tend to run out by the afternoon so get them early!

~Many guests stay away from this attraction because it's scary. If this is you, just think of it as a simple drop ride. After all, once you pass throught the Twilight Zone scenery, all that's left is the up and down drops. If it helps, keep your eyes closed.

Here at A Glass Slipper Vacation, we strive to provide information that will help you create a Disney World Vacation that is a "perfect fit" for you and your family, just like Cinderella's glass slipper! In keeping with that theme, today's post is about a fantastic Disney service, FastPasses! While these tickets are free and save your place in line, they also require some strategy depending on your family's age and style.

FastPasses: FastPasses are tickets that you can obtain at many of the park's most popular attractions via FastPass distributing machine, all of which are located next to their respective attractions. FastPasses are free! The way to get one is to insert your park ticket into the machine and wait for your FastPass to slide out!

FastPass Rules: On your FastPass, you will see a printed return time. You cannot return to the attraction to use your FastPass until that time as arrived or has passes. Cast Members will not let in you in early. Tip: The later return time is acutally not a limit. You are allowed to return to the attraction anytime throughout the day, as long it is past the first printed time. For example, if your return time is 4 o'clock, you can return at 10 o'clock at night and still use your FastPass! You also cannot use old FastPasses, even if they are only a day old. Also, a Cast Member inside the attraction will collect your FastPasses so unfortunately you can't keep them to ride again. Finally, you are not allowed to get a FastPass for a different attraction until your return time. For example, you can't get a FastPass for Splash Mountain if it isn't time for you to return to Big Thunder Mountain.

Strategy: While FastPasses help you to accomplish your park agenda, some tips and strategy is often necessary to maximize vacation magic and to determine what attractions you should obtain FastPasses for. 

~Fantasyland is the best spot for your kids; but many of the attractions here are known for their long lines. Use your FastPasses for Peter Pan's Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

~If you have young kids, be sure to get FastPasses for Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safaris; and for Hollywood Studios' Toy Story Midway Mania.
 
~Arrive at the parks early and ride as many popular attractions as you can. Then grab FastPasses for your favorites so you can ride them again later in the day and still beat the crowds!

~If a park has two, really popular attractions, such as Hollywood Studios has Tower of Terror and Rock n' Roller Coaster, arrive early and ride the attraction that typically has the longer line and grab a FastPass for the ride with the shorter line. In this case, grab a FastPass for Tower of Terror and ride Rock n' Roller Coaster for the least amount of wait time.

~If you really like an attraction, arrive at park opening, grab a FastPass, and then ride it! Then, when the line gets long, use your FastPass!

~Don't get FastPasses for 3-D shows, such as Mickey's Philharmagic. The theaters for these shows are so big that they accomodate large groups of people; and most of the waiting that takes place is just waiting for the show before you to finish so you can enter the theater. There are other attractions where FastPasses really aren't that necessary or times when the lines become short during certain times of day, such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Maelstrom, Living with the Land, and etc. If you're not sure if you should get a FastPass for a particular attraction, ask a Cast Member for advice. They should be glad to help!

~Have members in your family that don't want to ride? Take their tickets to get FastPasses for yourself in addition to your own! For example, use someone's ticket to get a Rock n' Roller Coaster FastPass along with your own. Use one to ride; and once you have finished, use the other to ride it again! You can also strategize by using more than one ticket to get FastPasses for more than one attraction. For instance, use one ticket to get a FastPass for Expedition Everest, and then use the other for a FastPass for Kilimanjaro Safaris!

~Want a great souvenir? Grab a FastPass! They are great for scrapbooking and fun, little momentos from your favorite attractions!

~Have FastPasses but you aren't going to use them? Do a little giving and spread some pixie dust of your own by giving your FastPasses to someone else. You can really brighten their day!

~There is a limit of FastPasses that the machines distribute in a day; and often the most popular attractions run out by late afternoon or evening. Therefore, don't wait to get your FastPasses!

~Need to get FastPasses for a particular attraction? Send one person in your family to get FastPasses for everyone else and then designate a meeting place. Just be sure to give them everyone's tickets!

~Be sure to check the height requirement for an attraction before you get FastPasses!

~It's best to get FastPasses in the morning. As the park gets more crowded, the time between getting your FastPass and the return time grows longer. You will have better chances of getting more FastPasses for more attractions if you get them early!