Log In
Or create an account ->
Imperial Library
Home
About
News
Upload
Forum
Help
Login/SignUp
Index
Half-Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
List of Maps and Diagrams
Introduction
Why “Unofficial”?
Declaration of Independence
Dance to the Music
The Importance of Being Goofy
Honey, I Blew Up the Book!
Your Unofficial Walt Disney World Toolbox
The Death of Spontaneity
The Big Hurt
Don’t Let the Tail Wag the Dog
We’ve Got Attitude
You’ve Got Attitude
The Sum of All Fears
Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen?
The Unofficial Team
This Is Not a Novel!
Corrections, Updates, and Breaking News
The Unofficial Guide Publishing Year
Letters and Comments from Readers
Walt Disney World: An Overview
What Walt Disney World Encompasses
Disney-Speak Pocket Translator and Guide to Common Abbreviations
The Major Theme Parks
WHAT’S NEW AT WALT DISNEY WORLD SINCE YOUR LAST VISIT
The Water Parks
Other Walt Disney World Venues
The People
Universal Orlando
Time to Take Off the Blinders
PART ONE Planning Before You Leave Home
Gathering Information
Your Disney Trip-Planning Timeline, a.k.a. The Quick-Start Guide to Using the Guide
IMPORTANT WALT DISNEY WORLD ADDRESSES
WALT DISNEY WORLD PHONE NUMBERS
Disney Online: Official and Otherwise
When to Go to Walt Disney World
Selecting the Time of Year for Your Visit
Extra Magic Hours
Morning Extra Magic Hours (a.k.a. Early Entry)
Summer and Holidays
The Walt Disney World Calendar
PART TWO Making the Most of Your Time and Money
Crossing the Line
You and Us vs. an Army of PhDs—For Money
Readers Speak Out
Allocating Money
Can You Afford a Disney Vacation? We Crunch the Numbers
WHAT YOU GET AND WHAT YOU PAY AT WDW
WDW THEME PARK TICKET OPTIONS
Magic Your Way
This Is a Job for … a Computer!
Seasonal Pricing and Other Surcharges
When Tickets Expire
Ticket Add-Ons
How to Get the Most from Magic Your Way
Disney Price Increases
Tickets, Biometrics, Wristbands, and RFID
Where to Purchase Magic Your Way Tickets
For Additional Information on Passes
Where the Real Deals Are
The British Are Coming!
More Discounts on Admissions
How Much Does It Cost Per Day?
RFID: It’s All in the Wrist
Disney and the Upcharge
Allocating Time
Which Park to See First?
Operating Hours
Park Security Screening
Official Opening Versus Real Opening
The Vacation That Fights Back
The Practicality of Returning to Your Hotel for Rest
Arrival- and Departure-Day Blues: What to Do When You Have Only Half a Day
The Cardinal Rules for Successful Touring
What’s a Queue?
Of Utmost Importance: Read This!
Touring Plans: What They Are and How They Work
Overview of the Touring Plans
Extra Magic Hours and the Touring Plans
FastPass+
Understanding Walt Disney World Attractions
Cutting Your Time in Line by Understanding the Rides
Cutting Your Time in Line by Understanding the Shows
A Word About Disney Thrill Rides
Central Florida Roller Coasters
PART THREE Accommodations
The Basic Considerations
The Latest in Lodging
The Tax Man Cometh
About Hotel Inspections
Benefits of Staying in the World
Staying in or out of the World: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The Disney Resorts
Disney Resorts 101
How to Get Discounts on Lodging
Choosing a Walt Disney World Hotel
Researching Walt Disney World Hotels
Unofficial Guide Readers Speak Up
Readers’ 2017 Disney Resort Report Card
Walt Disney World Hotel Profiles
The Magic Kingdom Resorts
The Epcot Resorts
The Bonnet Creek Resorts
The Animal Kingdom Resorts
Independent Hotels of the Disney Springs Resort Area
Camping at Walt Disney World
How to Evaluate a Walt Disney World Travel Package
Cut to the Chase
Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Packages
DISNEY LODGING FOR LESS
Doing the Math
Throw Me a Line!
Hotels Outside Walt Disney World
Selecting and Booking a Hotel Outside Walt Disney World
Driving Time to the Parks for Visitors Lodging Outside Walt Disney World
Hotel Shopping on the Internet: Welcome to the Wild West
Condominiums and Vacation Homes
The Best Hotels for Families Outside Walt Disney World
Hotels and Motels: Rated and Ranked
What’s in a Room?
Room Ratings
A Word About Toll-Free Telephone Numbers
THE TOP 30 BEST DEALS
The 30 Best Hotel Values
HOW THE HOTELS COMPARE
HOTEL INFORMATION CHART
PART FOUR Dining In and Around Walt Disney World
Reader Surveys Plus Expert Opinions: Our Approach to Dining
Dining Outside Walt Disney World
Dining at Universal CityWalk
WHERE TO EAT OUTSIDE WALT DISNEY WORLD
Buffets and Meal Deals Outside Walt Disney World
Dining in Walt Disney World
Getting It Right
What’s New?
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS: THE OFFICIAL LINE
Disney Dining 101
Disney Dining Plans
Waiter, These Prices Are Giving Me Heartburn!
THE REALITY OF GETTING LAST-MINUTE DINING RESERVATIONS
Behind the Scenes at Advance Reservations
Getting Advance Reservations at Popular Restaurants
Dress
Noise at Restaurants
Stop the Assembly Line!
Food Allergies and Special Requests
WALT DISNEY WORLD BUFFETS AND FAMILY-STYLE RESTAURANTS
A Few Caveats
Walt Disney World Restaurant Categories
Hard Choices
Full-Service Dining for Families with Young Children
Quiet, Romantic Places to Eat
Fast Food in the Theme Parks
Disney Dining Suggestions
The Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World Dinner Theaters
More Reader Comments About Walt Disney World Dining
Counter-Service Mini-Profiles
The Magic Kingdom
Disney Springs
Epcot
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Full-Service Restaurants In Depth
New and Upcoming
WALT DISNEY WORLD RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE
Full-Service Restaurant Profiles
PART FIVE Walt Disney World with Kids
The Ecstasy and the Agony
Reality Testing: Whose Dream Is It?
Recommendations for Making the Dream Come True
About the Unofficial Guide Touring Plans
Stuff to Think About
Strollers
Lost Children
How Kids Get Lost
Disney, Kids, and Scary Stuff
The Fright Factor
SMALL-CHILD FRIGHT-POTENTIAL CHART
A Bit of Preparation
Attractions That Eat Adults
A Word About Height Requirements
ATTRACTION AND RIDE RESTRICTIONS
Waiting-Line Strategies for Adults with Young Children
The Disney Characters
WDW CHARACTER-GREETING VENUES
Meeting Characters for Free
Character Dining
What to Expect
CHARACTER-MEAL HIT PARADE
When to Go
How to Choose a Character Meal
Getting an Advance Reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table
Other Character Events
Babysitting
Special Programs for Children
Birthdays and Special Occasions
PART SIX Special Tips for Special People
Walt Disney World for People with Bad Attitudes
Walt Disney World for Singles
Walt Disney World for Couples
Weddings, Commitment Ceremonies, and Vows Renewals
TIPS FOR GOING SOLO
Legalities
Honeymoons and Honeymoon Registries
Romantic Getaways
Celebrating … Everything!
Tips for Visitors Who Need “Adult Time”
Walt Disney World “At Large”
Walt Disney World for Expectant Mothers
More Tips for Moms-to-Be
Walt Disney World for Seniors
Getting Around
Timing Your Visit
Lodging
Transportation
Senior Dining
Walt Disney World for Guests with Special Needs
Visitors with Disabilities
Friends of Bill W.
International Visitors
PART SEVEN Arriving and Getting Around
Getting There
Directions
Alternative Airports
Security at Orlando International Airport
Getting to Disney World from the Airport
Disney’s Magical Express
Renting a Car
Getting Oriented
A Good Map
GPS Coordinates for the Theme Parks
Finding Your Way Around
How to Travel Around the World (or, The Real Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride)
Transportation Trade-Offs for Guests Lodging Outside Walt Disney World
All You Need to Know About Driving to the Theme Parks
Good Fuzz, Bad Fuzz
Sneak Routes
Taking a Shuttle Bus from Your Out-of-the-World Hotel
The Disney Transportation System
DOOR-TO-DOOR COMMUTING TIMES TO AND FROM THE DISNEY RESORTS AND PARKS
PART EIGHT Bare Necessities
Money, Etc.
Credit Cards, Mobile Payments, and Disney Gift Cards
Banking Services
Currency Exchange
Problems and Unusual Situations
Attractions Closed for Repairs
Car Trouble
Cell Phone Snafus
Gasoline
Lost and Found
Medical Matters
Sgt. Blisterblaster’s Guide to Happy Feet
Rain
How to Lodge a Complaint with Disney
Services
Messages
Pet Care
Photos
Excuse Me, but Where Can I Find …
PART NINE The Magic Kingdom
Arriving
Getting Oriented
What’s New at the Magic Kingdom
FastPass+ Attractions in the Magic Kingdom
Dining in the Magic Kingdom
Main Street, U.S.A.
Adventureland
Frontierland
Liberty Square
Fantasyland
Tomorrowland
Live Entertainment in the Magic Kingdom
MK Hard-Ticket and 24-Hour Events
Parades
Afternoon Parade
Evening Parade
Parade Route and Vantage Points
Vantage Points for Fireworks
Leaving the Park After Evening Parades and Fireworks
Traffic Patterns in the Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom Touring Plans
Choosing the Appropriate Touring Plan
Magic Kingdom Touring Plan Companion
The Single-Day Touring Conundrum
Preliminary Instructions for All Magic Kingdom Touring Plans
Before You Go
Magic Kingdom One-Day Touring Plan for Adults
Magic Kingdom Authors’ Selective One-Day Touring Plan for Adults
Magic Kingdom One-Day Touring Plan for Parents with Small Children
Magic Kingdom Two-Day Touring Plan
Magic Kingdom Dumbo-or-Die-in-a-Day Touring Plan for Parents with Small Children
PART TEN Epcot
Epcot Today
Operating Hours
Dining in Epcot
Arriving
Getting Oriented
Baby Swap (Switching Off) at Epcot
FastPass+ Attractions in Epcot
Future World
Test Track Pavilion
Imagination! Pavilion
The Land Pavilion
The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion
World Showcase
Mexico Pavilion
“Norway” Pavilion
China Pavilion
Germany Pavilion
Italy Pavilion
United States Pavilion
Japan Pavilion
Morocco Pavilion
France Pavilion
United Kingdom Pavilion
Canada Pavilion
Live Entertainment in Epcot
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
IllumiNations Cruise
Traffic Patterns in Epcot
Epcot Touring Plans
Before You Go
Epcot One-Day Touring Plan for Adults
Epcot Authors’ Selective One-Day Touring Plan for Adults
Epcot One-Day Touring Plan for Parents with Small Children
Epcot Two-Day Early-Riser Touring Plan
PART ELEVEN Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Arriving
Operating Hours
Getting Oriented
FastPass+ Attractions at Animal Kingdom
The Most Valuable FastPasses at Animal Kingdom
Dining in Animal Kingdom
The Oasis
Discovery Island
Africa
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Asia
DinoLand U.S.A.
Pandora—The World of Avatar
Is Pandora Better than Diagon Alley?
It’s the End of the World as We Know It
Live Entertainment in Animal Kingdom
Traffic Patterns in Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom Touring Plan
Before You Go
Disney’s Animal Kingdom One-Day Touring Plan
PART TWELVE Disney’s Hollywood Studios
DHS: A Brief History
DHS Today
DHS at a Glance
How Much Time to Allocate
Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the Evening
Arriving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Getting Oriented at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
FastPass+ Attractions in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Dining in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attractions
Hollywood Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard
Echo Lake
Muppet Courtyard
Pixar Place/Toy Story Land
Animation Courtyard
Live Entertainment in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Touring Plan
PART THIRTEEN Universal Orlando and SeaWorld
Universal Orlando
Lodging at Universal Orlando
Arriving at Universal Orlando
A Word About Crowds
Universal Express
Singles Lines
Lockers
Universal Dining Programs
Universal, Kids, and Scary Stuff
Blue Man Group
Universal CityWalk
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Beware of the Wet and the Wild
Getting Oriented at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Islands of Adventure Attractions
Marvel Super Hero Island
Toon Lagoon
Skull Island
Jurassic Park
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Hogsmeade
The Lost Continent
Seuss Landing
Dining at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Universal’s Islands of Adventure Touring Plans
Decisions, Decisions
Universal’s Islands of Adventure One-Day Touring Plan
The Best of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in One Day
Universal Studios Florida
How Much Time to Allocate
Universal Studios Florida Attractions
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter–Diagon Alley
Live Entertainment at Universal Studios Florida
Dining at Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida Touring Plans
Universal Studios Florida One-Day Touring Plan
The Best of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure in One Day
SeaWorld Orlando
Discovery Cove
PART FOURTEEN The Water Parks
You’re Soaking in It!
Watch the Weather
Extra Magic Hours
Disney’s World of Skin
Blizzard Beach
BLIZZARD BEACH ATTRACTIONS
Typhoon Lagoon
TYPHOON LAGOON ATTRACTIONS
Surf Pool
SOGGY TIPS FROM A WATER-PUPPY FAMILY
Typhoon Lagoon Versus Blizzard Beach
When to Go
Planning Your Day at Disney Water Parks
Water-Park Touring Plans
Universal’s Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay at a Glance
VOLCANO BAY ATTRACTIONS
Aquatica by SeaWorld
PART FIFTEEN Behind-the-Scenes and VIP Tours at Walt Disney World
Multipark Tours
Behind the Scenes at the Magic Kingdom
BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
Behind the Scenes at Epcot
Epcot DiveQuest
Dolphins in Depth
Epcot Seas Aqua Tour
Behind the Scenes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Behind the Scenes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
VIP Tours
PART SIXTEEN Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, Shopping, and Nightlife
Disney Springs
Arriving and Getting Around
Disney Springs Shopping at a Glance
Nightlife at Disney Springs
Take It on the Run, Baby
Universal CityWalk
CityWalk Dining
CityWalk Shopping
CityWalk Nightlife
Shopping in the Theme Parks and Orlando
Shopping at Disney World
TIPS FOR AVOIDING BUYER’S REMORSE
Shopping Outside Disney World
Shopping at Universal Orlando
Entertainment and Nightlife
Nightlife at Walt Disney World Resorts
Nightlife at Universal Orlando Resorts
Live Music at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
PART SEVENTEEN Recreation, Sports, and Spas
Walt Disney World Recreation
Run, Disney, Run
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Walt Disney World Golf
Miniature Golf
Serenity Now! A Look at Disney-Area Spas
Spa Profiles
APPENDIX
Readers’ Questions to the Authors
Readers’ Comments
TOURING PLANS
“Not a Touring Plan” Touring Plans
The Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Touring Plans
Touring Plan Companions
Back Cover
← Prev
Back
Next →
← Prev
Back
Next →