Tips about Epcot, Food & Beverage and Packing

Epcot - As a cast member who used to work at Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions East, I wanted to say that if you want the most thrilling ride available there, ask a cast member if they have any high score cards. They sometimes have a few available, and if not, someone might be able to help you design it. - D.

Epcot - As a cast member who used to work at Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions East, I wanted to say that if you want the most thrilling ride available there, ask a cast member if they have any high score cards. They sometimes have a few available, and if not, someone might be able to help you design it. - D.

Epcot - I wanted to make people aware now that Soarin' is closed that Sunshine Seasons closes at 7 p.m. We were going to Epcot for the evening and were hoping to have dinner at Sunshine Seasons because they are so great for people with food troubles. Oh well, we will just have to go in earlier now. - Pam Sigler

Epcot - I wanted to make people aware now that Soarin' is closed that Sunshine Seasons closes at 7 p.m. We were going to Epcot for the evening and were hoping to have dinner at Sunshine Seasons because they are so great for people with food troubles. Oh well, we will just have to go in earlier now. - Pam Sigler

We took a nightlight for the room, and we brought a toddler toilet seat (our son would fall through otherwise). - Stephanie

I also bring on of those pop-up hampers that you can get for like $4. That way we can keep the dirty clothes separated. They have nice handles so I can take the whole hamper to the laundry room and throw a load in when the kids are swimming and then bring them back to the room. - Jamie

My entire crew is used to sleeping with a sound machine. On our first trip, I forgot to bring one, and needless to say we did not sleep well (there is no way to keep the bathroom fan or air conditioner running nonstop). So, if you are used to having one, make sure you take one along. They also cut down on the "traffic" noise from the hotel. - Heather

Clean out your closet! When we travelled to Walt Disney World (we now live in Florida), we would take clothes we never really wore. The clothing we brought, we disposed of after its use. Here are the benefits: We did not care how wet or dirty our son got; we had room for our souvenirs without adding baggage when we departed; and we had much less laundry to deal with when we got home. Also, it gave us a reason to buy an extra Disney shirt or two. - The Bornsteins

I like to line the front and back of my suitcase with scented trash bags. That way, if it is raining when we leave and luggage is exposed to the elements, the clothing stays dry. Plus, I can put dirty clothes in the scented trash bags during the trip. - Michelle

Here is a tip to save on luggage fees, if flying, or trunk space, if driving, to Disney. We ran into a "space" problem when plans changed and we were transporting luggage for nine people in one van. Not to mention the six people who were riding in the van. I found that if you pack each persons clothes in a vacuum "storage bag" (as seen on TV!). I was able to fit three bags into one large suitcase. So instead of having nine suitcases, we only had three. Be sure that the suitcases have wheels. It does make them a bit heavier. When your vacation is over and you are ready to repack, call room service and ask to have a sweeper with a hose attachment sent to your room. They are more than happy to oblige. - Amy Williams

I pack a travel French Press to ANY Walt Disney World resort hotel. The inability to get fresh-brewed coffee at WDW is frustrating to a coffee drinker like me! I only need one good cup in the morning for me and it makes my day. You can get a travel coffee press from online retailers for $20. It's only slightly bigger than a soda can and easily fits in a carry-on. Simply put the grounds in the bottom (you can buy Mickey coffee at the hotel), add hot water, wait 5-10 minutes, press, and pour a great cup of coffee!

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you don't want to bring your own, AllEars.Net maintains a page of places to get fresh-brewed coffee around the World: http://allears.net/din/coffee.htm

I pack a travel French Press to ANY Walt Disney World resort hotel. The inability to get fresh-brewed coffee at WDW is frustrating to a coffee drinker like me! I only need one good cup in the morning for me and it makes my day. You can get a travel coffee press from online retailers for $20. It's only slightly bigger than a soda can and easily fits in a carry-on. Simply put the grounds in the bottom (you can buy Mickey coffee at the hotel), add hot water, wait 5-10 minutes, press, and pour a great cup of coffee!

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you don't want to bring your own, AllEars.Net maintains a page of places to get fresh-brewed coffee around the World: http://allears.net/din/coffee.htm

For anyone who has celiac disease or wheat allergies in general, Tony's Town Square was a treat. Two of my traveling party have celiac disease and the chefs were amazing. So many options for gluten-free, including pasta and special gluten-free, dairy-free meatballs. We all ate like royalty the entire trip and can't wait to go back. - Richelle H.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Just about every table service restaurant at Walt Disney World will try to accommodate guests with special dietary needs.

Epcot - We found that the Electric Umbrella restaurant at Epcot has free drink refills... not only for soft drinks but for apple juice as well, which worked out great for our little one. This is the only "quick service" restaurant we visited that didn't give us a juice box when we ordered her a kid's meal with juice. - Michelle P.

Epcot - We found that the Electric Umbrella restaurant at Epcot has free drink refills... not only for soft drinks but for apple juice as well, which worked out great for our little one. This is the only "quick service" restaurant we visited that didn't give us a juice box when we ordered her a kid's meal with juice. - Michelle P.