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Tip: Don't be seduced into buying the large spray-fans near the entrance. Cheaper pocket-sized versions are on sale along Main Street. |
Tip: The best time to go on the most popular rides at Magic Kingdom is while the crowds are watching the parade. |
Tip: When taking your place for the 3pm parade find a place on the left-hand side on Main Street (as you face the castle) which is always in the shade. |
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Despite their very best efforts even Disney cannot make the World Showcase entertaining for the very young. This fascinating celebration of eleven of the world's cultures featuring landmarks and cuisine is best suited for the over-10s. Even our reporter's coach driver remarked that Epcot actually stands for : Every Parent Carries One Toddler. It can be exhausting for little ones with endless walking to do. Spaceship Earth - A stunning journey inside the geosphere depicting man's history of communication. Sounds stuffy and yet the special effects are not-to-be-missed. Suitable for all ages. Long queues which move quickly. Mission - Space - A visually stunning 'journey to Mars' on an attraction that packs plenty of G's. Our researcher reckons it is the nearest thing to actual space travel on earth. Not for faint hearts or weak stomachs. Anyone with claustrophobia may find the enclosed space overbearing. Living with the Land - Entertaining and informative boat ride showing how mankind can replenish the earth. Living Seas - a short ride leads to a clever simulation of an undersea community and a stunning aquarium. Honey I Shrunk the Audience - Incredible 3-D effect show. Expect some standing around once inside. |
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Tip: Park entry passes are almost always cheaper when purchased before you travel. Check for offers with your travel agent |
Tip: One way to entice the kids to see World Showcase is to pre- book a meal in one of the restuarants before the nightly laser show. |
Tip: Take an empty plastic bottle which can be filled-up with water at any of the drinking fountains scattered about the parks. |
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Note: There is very little shade to be found so care is needed in the hot summer months. Very young children will probably be unimpressed with the amount of walking needed to cover the large distances. Below is a brief summary of the most popular attractions.
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Designed to imitate the golden age of Hollywood, MGM is intended to be a celebration of the movie world complete with a replica of the walk of fame handprints, etc. It is Disney's answer to Universal and although the latter is far superior there's still plenty on offer here in what remains, we are reliably informed, very much a working studio. Below is a brief outline on just a few of the most popular attractions.
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Tip: Always take an autograph book to the Disney parks. Characters are likely to appear at anytime but like everything else - long queues can form so be prepared. |
Tip: 'Fantasmic' - MGM's spectacular firework show is always a sell-out but seats are guaranteed when you purchase a priority dining package. |
Tip: The waterparks have strict visitor numbers and get full to capacity very quickly. At about 4pm there's usually a mass exodus so queues for the rides are much shorter. |
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Towels and lockers can be hired at all water parks at reasonable cost. Lifeguards are on duty at all time and are always alert for anyone breaking the very strict rules. Fast food restaurants serve snacks and drinks all day. The water temperature is climate-controlled all year round and in the hotter months cold water sprays keep visitors cool in the queues. Typhoon Lagoon A 2½ acre lagoon set against an imitation sandy beach. The showers and locker areas are in need of some refurbishment.
Blizzard Beach Disney's most popular water park themed to a wintry mountain ski-resort - it even has Christmas music playing all year round. Expect long queues for the rides at peak times.
River Country An all-American-style water park set around a Disney-fied swimming hole. Ideal for families or those seeking some gentle fun.
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Not just another theme park, SeaWorld is a major league attraction thanks to its cleverly staged waterstunt shows which set it apart from the rest.
Seaworld has started a reservation-only seafood buffet overlooking the whales in Shamu Stadium. The new service will include talks by park trainers |
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Tip: Universal has joined forces with many of its rivals to produce the discounted multi-park admission passes. Check with your tour operator, |
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Many of the parks reduce their admission prices towards late afternoon when the park is emptying making it a good time to beat the crowds. |
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To escape the crowds it's worth exploring the waterparks like Typhoon Lagoon for some quieter places which are often tucked away along the meandering paths. |
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Allow 2 days. More than 40 attractions including rides and shows, set around 5 'lands', and all themed to the world of movies. The sheer number of thrill rides and famous names put Universal in a different league to Disney - MGM. Below is only a brief summary of some of the main crowd-pleasers.
Young children are thoughtfully catered for with many gentler rides, adventure playgrounds, shows and character meeting places. Tip: Many attractions now offer Express Passes which reduce your waiting time. |
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As the name suggests this is a serious water park for serious fun-seekers and America's best attended thanks to its location on International Drive. At the heart of Wet 'n Wild is the wave pool where 4ft breakers send bathers splashing towards the 'beach'. Below is a summary of a few of the rides.
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