DISNEYWORLD VAC. in SEPT

HI everyone. I am a perpetual lurker here. I just wanted to share my joy that my hubby and I will be going on our first "REAL" honeymoon to DisneyWorld in Sept. We were married Aug 31 2002 and didn't have much of a honeymoon due to lack of money (moved our wedding up 4 months just because we couldn't stand it any longer)! I want any input or help on what neccessary things I need to bring or be prepared for while there. I know several of you have made the happy trip to the magicical world and I would like any and all help I can get. I am so excited I will be able to ride ALL the rides and walk EVERYWHERE!! WOO HOO!! GO US!! Thanks to all- Jen 274/187/150 My goal by Sept 6 (start of trip) is ideally 165 but 170 will do too

Hi there Jen , I am so glad to hear you are going to Disney World in September. I hope you enjoy this long awaited honeymoon. I was there with my daughter and even though it was so nice, I had a hard time walking and keeping up with her. At that time I was probably 300 lbs. When money is a bit better I think her and I will go there. I am half of that weight now and she is 27 yrs old. Maybe we will enjoy it more. Take care Jen .... Lorraine

You will have a blast!! First on your list should be GOOD walking shoes. Next on your list should be sunscreen Finally, patience.. it can be really crowded, but it truely is a Magical Kingdom and you will love every minute of it. Make sure you stay for the parade and fireworks at night! Have fun!!

Jen, Got specific questions? I've been to Disney 47 times. I'll help any way I can. Oh, yes. It will still be BROILING down here in September. Plan for that and rain, basically. Bring several dollar- store ponchos. NO NEW SHOES!! Well- worn, comfortable sneakers or sandals. Backpack or fanny pack - NO purse or bags. Lightweight, light colored clothing. No jeans or long sleeves - you'll DIE. LOTS of sunblock. Pack a plastic water bottle for each of you to refill. You'll need it, and food and drinks at the parks really get expensive. Hats you can stuff into your packs on the rides. Also, you will be FAR, FAR better off staying at one of the Disney resorts. The bus shuttles alone are worth it. Outside Orlando can be very confusing, full of traffic, and you'd have to pay parking at the parks, anyway. I HIGHLY recommend staying at Disney. You'll never need your car. Their hotel prices are now very competitive. You can get one on special for as low as $89. Good way to do parks in the heat, (if you have the passes) is go 1st thing in A.M., return to hotel around 2 or 3 (hottest part of day) for siesta, swim, and dinner, go back out at night. Remeber - the heat will WEAR YOU OUT! Parks are lovely at night, and usually a good fireworks/laser show going on somewhere. Remember to get hand stamped on way out in the afternoon, though! My favorites, in order: 1) Magic Kingdom ( at least 1 - 2 whole days) 2) Epcot (1 day) 3) MGM (most of 1 day) 4) Animal Kingdom is not very impressive. 1/2 day was enough. Then there's Disney Village with Pleasure Island. If you want to see Cirque du Soleil - RESERVE TIX NOW! Also, if you want to eat at one of the finer restaurants in the parks, hotels, or Village - MAKE RESERVATIONS WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AT YOUR HOTEL AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE! Same goes for Character Breakfasts and Dinners. Highly recommend Official Disney Tour Book to map out priorities of what you want to see. Lines can be HORRENDOUS to merely long. Take advantage of Fast-Pass system! If memory serves, Sept. is a pretty good time to go, due to all the kids going back to school. Go AFTER Labor Day if you can. I've lived in Palm Beach County all my life - Disney has always been the ultimate road trip since I was a kid. I can navigate Magic Kingdom with my eyes closed by now. Still love it, though. Just got back from a 4-day trip there this past weekend! Hope any of this helps! E-mail me with any questions! Donna

Jen, Forgot to give you reservations # - 1-407-WDISNEY. Also, I know you're used to heat where you live, but if you haven't lived in 98 degrees with 98 percent humidity- YOU AIN'T DONE HEAT! Pack carefully! Donna

I just returned from Disney...NOT a good vacation. It was 98 degrees, the water smelled and tasted like swamp water, the bus at the All Star resorts are shared by all 3 resorts and crowded beyond belief, the lines averaged an hour wait, the food prices were outragous esp considering how little we can eat, the kids cried and my huby and I argued nearly the entire 5 days!!! On the positive side, if you go to a character meal tell them you had WLS and they only charge you childrens price and you should fit into all the rides without problem, they are more than roomy.

THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP! I AM SO EXCITED! THANKS AGAIN JEN