Walt Disney World® Travel Tips

Okay, it's been decided - you are going to Walt Disney World® for your long awaited and well-deserved vacation! Is it a small family vacation, a large family reunion or just a small group of friends in for the weekend? Whatever your needs are, the Clarion Hotel Maingate has complied these tips to ensure that you enjoy the theme parks to the fullest.

• Make an Itinerary/Know what's the weather like where you're going: 
  Look or ask for maps, brochures and literature of where you are going so you will be prepared of what to pack, what to expect and where to go. Make sure to check the weather forecast so you will bring the right clothes and not get stuck with the wrong ones. Instead of buying souvenirs and presents, you are stuck buying the clothes you should have brought if you looked or asked what's the weather like before you head out the door. The Clarion Hotel Maingate staff are always happy to help.
  
• Make a list: 
  Making a list of what to pack in advance is a big help. Ideas may come to you over time and you will have to add on the list. This will help avoid having to shop for those items that just did not get in your bag before you left home.
  (1) For safety in the home, you may wish to turn off the water or unplug electrical ite,s not in use.
  (2) For security, you  may want to stop your mail and/or paper delivery, use timers on lights and schedulea friend to check in on things from time to time.
  
• Items to pack:
  What to pack depends on the season. Orlando, FL weather can get very hot in the summer and dip into the 40's (and ocassionally even the 30's) during the winter. So packing for the season is crucial for ones comfort.
  (1) Rain gear is needed particularly in the summer months. A poncho at the parks can cost you from $5 - $12. Here are some suggestions:
       *Sunglasses, eyeglasses, and contacts with solutions, etc...
       *Sun block. Bug repellant, Aloe, Lip Balm
       *Medications, aspirins, antacids, etc.
       *Chewing gum and/or mints
       *ID's / Driver License / Credit/Debit cards,travelers checks) and proof insurance
       *Cameras, charges, Batteries
       *Cellphones, pager or two-way radios
       *Small first aid kit
       *Baby supplies
       *Combs, brushes, deodorant, hair spray/gel. cosmetics and other personal care products
       *Clothing (consider the season you are traveling in) depending on length of stay and any plans of going to casual/fine dining restaurants
       *Your trip itinerary and booking details with confirmation numbers and telephone numbers of the company you book with, the hotel contact number, etc.
       *small backpack or bag to carry various items into the parks
       *there are many things to pack, don't forget your most comfortable shoes and/or sandals
  
• Park entrance tickets
  Make sure you have your tickets in a safe and easy to reach bags. Write down or photo copy the serial numbers. This will make it faster or you to get ticket re-issued in case they are lost.
  If you haven't purchase your tickets, you can call the hotel and ask for information on ticket prices. You may also look online for travel deals.
  
• Food and drinks at the parks
  All theparks say you can't bring food in, but as long as you're bringing a small soft-sided cooler, especially with kids in tow, most security guards will not stop you. Bring water bottles with you, some snacks or foods, that will save you some money. If visiting the parks with older chidren or teens, give them a specified amount /budget for food.
  
• Comfort for the park:
  Again, dress for the season. Keep in mind that water rides will get you soaked no matter how you duck to avoid the water. Bear in mind that there are not always lockers readily available, so you will have to carry the extras that you bring.
  
• Dining on a Budget:
  Clarion Hotel Maingate has the perfect solution with our affordabl accommodations.
  1. If you'd like to try some of the theme park restaurants, like those in EPCOT®  World Showcase, Rainforest Cafe, and others, make reservations for lunch instead of dinner. Prices are considerably lower and you still get to sample some great cuisine.
  2. Kids eat free with parents at some restaurants. Signs announcing which restaurants offer this deal are prominently posted.
  3. Discount Coupons are available at your hotel. Ask your Guest Service Staff at the hotel for some discount coupons for your restaurant/attraction of choice.
  
• Souvenirs on a budget:
  Discount coupons are also available for souvenir items. You can find these coupons at your Hotel Guest Service Desk.
  
  Give your kids a "set"amount to spend. Then when they ask for something, say, "You have x amount of dollars." Your kids will make much better decisions knowing they might be giving up one thing for another. They'll still get some things they want, but may give up their impulse to ask for something at the end of every ride.

Most of all, if you are on a budget, look for the Clarion Hotel Maingate Hot Deals and you are guaranteed to save on your hotel accommodations.