Six Tips for Returning Disney World Visitors

A longtime favorite destination for vacationers all over the globe, Disney World is often the first place many people think of when they hear the word "fun". For those of you who have gone to this magical place before and think there's nothing left to discover, you may be surprised. These tips will help you make the most of your time with the Mouse, whether you're travelling solo or have a kiddie caravan in tow:

1. Take your time. I cannot emphasize this basic but often overlooked concept enough. The excitement of being back in Disney World can take over even the calmest veteran. It's okay to have a plan (especially if there are little children with you) but chances are you've already barreled through the park like commandos on a previous trip. I've lost count how many crying, cranky children I've seen because their family's hectic game plan left them overstimulated and exhausted. Take your time and look at the scenery; the Imagineering team put a lot of detail into each park that you may have missed before. Splash Mountain won't disappear because you didn't get there at exactly 9:53 on your schedule.

2. Change your view. Many repeat visitors choose the same resort, floor, and even the same room when booking their next trip because they like feeling comfortable in familiar surroundings. This can be handy because it takes the mystery out of whether your room will suit your needs, but it can also leave your party feeling like they're in a rut seeing the same decor over and over. If you've always stayed at the Contemporary, maybe you'd enjoy a resort with more of a theme, like the Wilderness Lodge. If you've only gone to Value Resorts, perhaps this time you can splurge a little and stay at a Moderate. Heck, why not change things up a bit and switch resorts during your trip? Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to bring back the magic you felt the first time you came to Disney World.

3. Try the tours. It's amazing how many people return to Disney World year after year without ever taking one of the many tours offered throughout the day at each park. Some of them even take you behind the scenes, such as the Backstage Magic Tour. Others offer a unique perspective, like the Segway Tour around EPCOT on - you guessed it - Segways. There's even a tour that lets you swim with dolphins (Dolphins In-Depth). Tours can add dimension to your trip and offer a special experience to your and your family.

4. Take advantage of non-park-related activities. Golf courses abound on the property, and both the Grand Floridian and Saratoga Springs resorts offer a full-service spa. More adventurous visitors might enjoy the opportunities for rock climbing, parasailing, scuba diving, and horseback riding. When a day at the parks just seems too much trouble, these activities can bring a welcome diversion.

5. Consider the Disney Cruise Line. Been itching to take a cruise, but you're unwilling to give up your time at Disney World? Bring it with you. The Disney Cruise Line offers Land and Sea packages that let you enjoy the best of both worlds - spending time doing your favorite park activities, then hopping aboard the ship for a trip around Castaway Cay. This option is also less expensive than a regular cruise for those who feel the pull of the sea.

6. Finally, make time for the smaller shows throughout the parks. Various artists, musicians, actors and other entertainers perform their shows on the streets of the park, many of them with their own following. Ask the park's guest center for information about the times and places of these shows.

These tips are meant to help you maximize your time and enjoyment at Disney World, but they're only guidelines. After numerous trips to the most magical place on earth, you probably already have a good idea which tips will work for you. Above all, remember that this is a vacation - the only hard and fast rule is to have fun!