Welcome to my Orlando Disney Vacation Information site. I hope you find it to be a helpful guide to your trip to Disney World. I have lived in Orlando for over 36 years and in fact moved here the year Disney World opened its gates.

Needless to mention, I have been to this great theme park many many times, countless time really, and I currently have an annual pass. I would recommend this as it is really the best deal. Especially if you happen to be a Florida resident. With the 1-day ticket prices standing at above $70, you will pay for your annual pass in very few visits. It may look expensive at first, but once you do the math its easy to see what a great deal it is.

Now, if you are traveling in from out of state and don't plan to spend too many days here, you would probably want to get a park-hopper pass. Not as good of a deal as an annual pass, but much better than a 1-day ticket. Avoid the 1-day ticket if at all possible.

Now, what Orlando Disney Vacation information would be complete without a little history of the Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is part of the Walt Disney World Resort, located just off I-4, south of Orlando. Many people don't realize Disney World is not actually located in Orlando but rather in Lake Buena Vista. The Magic Kingdom was the first theme park at Walt Disney World, opening on October 1, 1971. We actually moved here in September of that year. What a difference between then and now!

A few tips for the Magic Kingdom:

Study a map of the Magic Kingdom prior to your visit so that you can become familar with the areas you most want to visit, and plan accordingly. If you are arriving at a busy time, be prepared to wait.

There are various ATMs scattered around, and you should take note of where they are on the map in case you need more cash (very likely!).

There are special behind-the-scenes tours available. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for details.

Take advantage of Disney's FASTPASS service whenever possible.

Study a map of the Magic Kingdom prior to your visit so that you can become familar with the areas you most want to visit, and plan accordingly. If you are arriving at a busy time, be prepared to wait.

There are various ATMs scattered around, and you should take note of where they are on the map in case you need more cash (very likely!).

There are special behind-the-scenes tours available. Call 407-WDW-TOUR for details.

Take advantage of Disney's FASTPASS service whenever possible.

You are probably not aware that you can actually get a haircut at Disney World. Stop in at the Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street.

If you have small children, measure their height before heading to the park so you won't have any surprises as far as which rides they can go on. Height requirements are posted at various sites on the 'net.

If you and your party decide to go your separate ways, be sure and set up a meeting place and a time. If possible, be sure each person has a cell phone or a walkie talkie. It's real easy to get lost.

Check the tip board on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom for the wait times of all the rides.

Very important - wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes. You would think everyone would follow this simple policy but I am always amazed at some of the things I see people wearing when I go there. Flip flops might be comfortable for an hour but after that, they become really uncomfortable. Also high heels. Please leave those at home.

I was looking for my family and friends from out of state to save money at Disney World.

After scouring the Internet and reading all kinds of websites, I stumbled on this great book, The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide.

It was written by a former cast member who is also a best-selling travel author.

There are lots of tips, suggestions, and strategies for saving money on ticket price and, ticket upgrades, strategies for avoiding lines, and many many more insider tips that only someone who used to work in the park could ever know.

It's great money-saving information, you owe it to yourself to check out The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide if you are planning a vacation to Disney Wolrd.

The very best places to stay are the hotels right on the Disney property. I recommend them because if you are springing for a Disney vacation, it just makes all the difference.

They have many. I'll break them down into sections.

VALUE-PRICED RESORTS:

All-Star Movies

All-Star Music

All-Star Sports

Pop Century Resort

MODERATE-PRICED RESORTS

Caribbean Beach

Coronado Springs

Port Orleans Riverside

Port Orleans French Quarter

DELUXE RESORTS

Yacht Club Resort

Wilderness Lodge

Polynesian Resort

Grand Floridian Resort

Contemporary Resort

Boarwalk Inn

Beach Club Resort

Animal Kingdom Lodge

DELUXE VILLAS

Beach Club Villas

Boardwalk Villas

Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Wilderness Lodge Villas

Old Key West Resort

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (very fun)

There are also a number of hotels located in the Downtown Disney area.

Yes there is life beyond Disney World in Florida!

In fact, there are countless things to do and fun activities, even cheap activities in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Check out the parks, libraries, springs, and many many lakes. Try a pontoon ride, you can rent them on the St Johns River. Or rent a canoe and paddle down the Wekiva River. Great fun.