Tips about Miscellaneous

"They're far, they're near, they're gone, they're here. They're quick and slick, they're insincere. Beware, Beware, Be a very wary bear". - "Heffalump or Woosel from the Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh"

As we embarked on our crowded yet entertaining trip to WDW in early February, we encountered a new form (not so new) of combatables - the scooter/strollers. As we strategically zoomed through the parks to make each Genie + appointment, we encountered an old but updated 2.0 version nemesis - the personal scooter. BEWARE of them. They do not stop unless they stop on your foot. Which happened to me outside the Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom. I cannot imagine how hard it is to maneuver these machines through packed crowds, but beware their visibility is limited. Especially, while driving and eating a Dole Whip. Which is how my foot became collateral damage. BEWARE BEWARE!

We have a trip planned with our Boy Scout Troop, of which I'm the Scoutmaster. We have a total of 114 people going in our group and will be experiencing the YES (Youth Education Series) program again. For groups with 10 kids or more, the YES program is definitely the way to go. For instance, a four-day ticket is only $158 for youth or adults and includes a great YES program. - Tom Galloway

The best discount for Sammy Duvall's Watersports at the Contemporary last summer was from AllEars.Net. Thank you! - Gail

We all remember to notify our credit card companies before we leave home to let them know we will be out of town so we can use those cards. Something I failed to remember, though, was to notify the company that manages my health insurance "Flex Spending" debit/credit card that I would be in Orlando! Of course, the fourth day into our vacation I got sick. My physician called in an antibiotic to Turner Drug (which, by the way, does not accept any form of insurance). Turner Drug would have accepted my flexible spending card, but it was declined since I hadn't updated it with my traveling details. Also, you don't get a traditional receipt that you can turn in for reimbursement -- that fee was charged on my resort bill. I can't imagine trying to recoup that money with a Disney Resort receipt! - Peggie Radke

If you are a Disney Rewards debit card or credit card customer and have reward dollars or reward cards that are going to expire, you can purchase Disney Gift Cards online and pay with your reward dollars. The Disney gift cards do not expire. The gift cards are available starting at $25 and are shipped free of charge! - Charles

I recently read a tip about notifying your credit card company if you are going to be using your card outside of the country or state. I would add you need to do the same for your local bank if you are using a debit card. On our recent trip, our card was denied the first time I tried to use it in Florida. Because of recent debit card "skims" our bank does not allow any charges from certain states without the card holder's authorization. Florida is one of those states, and I didn't think to call before we left. As soon as I did, the hold was lifted for the duration of our trip and to be on the safe side, I called as soon as we got home to put the hold back on. - Lorie M.

Not sure if this has been brought up before, but I would highly advise anyone traveling from out of the country or state to Disney World to be sure you notify your credit card company about where you intend to be on vacation. When I just recently came to Florida from Texas I purchased several expensive items at Hollywood Studios. Chase Bank tried calling me at home to confirm I was using the card in case fraud was present. They wound up cancelling my credit card four days into my vacation. I was very upset as everything was on that card. Luckily, I always bring a back-up credit card and keep it in the safe just in case. With more fraud occurring on a daily basis, abnormally large purchases in another state could get your credit card cancelled if they aren't notified about your vacation plans. Also, be sure they have your cell phone number just in case. - Ronny Taylor

I was getting ready for my trip and remembered that I had Disney Visa Rewards points. I checked online to order my points, but realized my old card was expired. I needed to order a new card, so I called up Disney Visa and they told me that it would take 7 to 10 days for the card to arrive -- but not to worry. The customer service rep told me because I was going down to Walt Disney World, all I had to do was go to Guest Relations in any of the theme parks or Disney Springs, where I could pick up a card. All I then had to do was call the number on the back of the card, and my rewards points would be transferred. This was good news to me, because I didn't have to waste $10 to pay for "rush" mail service to get a new card to me before the trip. - Tim N.

Instead of purchasing books, I use our library. If our library doesn't carry the book, we can use inter-library loan to borrow outside of our county. If I still cannot find it, I will try to buy it used on eBay or half.com... I also buy used video games, and resell them on half.com, because I can save and earn more money than at our local game stores... Months before going on trips, I am looking online for freebies like toothpaste and laundry detergent that are great travel sizes, free, and can be discarded when the trip is done to make room in the suitcase. - Crissy Stout

I know this requires money up front -- We bought a DVC membership and 10 tickets each with park hopper option that don't expire. We only use about two tickets a week when we are down there. You get free parking when you stay on property. Plus having the kitchen you can cook to save money (although we think the dining plan is a great deal and saves some worry). Since we have the DVC and tickets purchased already, if things get tough the only extra expense we would have is gas, so we could still have a family vacation. - Traci

Only purchase things once. We repack the light-up toys we bought a few years ago. Same with the water bottle lanyards, pin lanyards, etc. Anything that you will repeatedly need each year, SAVE IT. We have a small container that is decorated as the "Disney Box." Since we drive to WDW, it goes with us every year. As soon as we get home, the autograph books, lanyards, light-up toys, etc. go in the box for the next trip. Taped to the underside of the lid is a list that I start replenishing with the very next grocery trip. I choose one or two things each trip, that way it doesn't eat into our budget (extra batteries, rain ponchos, refills for the first aid kit, and snacks closer to the trip). - DShealer

When planning for The World we always leave a three-day window at the beginning and end of our trip, allowing us to check for the lowest airline rates before we book. We look at airports within a 1-1/2 hour driving distance from home to get the best airfare and always leave and return during the week rather than weekends to lower the rates. You might be surprised at the smaller airports that have direct as well as less expensive flights, as well as lower parking expenses. Also try to book an early morning flight to Disney allowing you to spend more time there. The same goes for your trip home -- book a late flight and have a late lunch/early dinner on your last day before heading to the airport. We always get asked by family and friends how can we afford to stay 10 days instead of seven but with proper planning and knowing a few tricks you too can become a "Disney Weasel" (my bride's name when planning our trip) and beat the Mouse for an extended stay! - JK

Travel from Tuesday to Tuesday. Airfare is consistently cheaper when you fly on Tuesdays. - jgdafamily

Always ask about discounts. Discounts for room reservations, dining, park tickets and tours are sometimes offered for AAA members, military, senior citizens, Disney Visa card holders, and Florida residents. It's always worth asking! - Justine Fellows

I check the airlines to see who is having the best deals. For our upcoming trip in August I bought tickets for $66 one way per person. We live in upstate NY so we are not close. Even though I get them a long way out I save a GREAT deal of money. - Dianne Spawn