Tips about Epcot, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mousecellaneous and Resorts

Epcot - Just wanted to add to the reason to pick up a Passport kit from Epcot. I got one on our last trip and secretly had each country stamp and write Happy Birthday to my husband on the Passport. A month after we got home it was my husband's birthday, so I put the Passport in a Mickey birthday card. He was very pleased and surprised with his multi-language greetings. - Sue Schultz

Epcot - On our last trip to Epcot, we purchased the passport set that allows children (or adults who are children at heart) to visit the Kidcot stations in each country and get a passport stamp. On that day, my daughter happened to be wearing a Minnie Mouse shirt that was personalized with her name, Isabelle, on the front. That turned out to be wonderful, since every time she went to get her stamp, the Disney cast member would write her name in their native language. I think they normally do this, but they never had to ask her name since it was on her shirt and every cast member seemed to notice it right away. Now, she has a wonderful keepsake with her name written in several languages. - Teresa Frangakis

Epcot - On our last trip to Epcot, we purchased the passport set that allows children (or adults who are children at heart) to visit the Kidcot stations in each country and get a passport stamp. On that day, my daughter happened to be wearing a Minnie Mouse shirt that was personalized with her name, Isabelle, on the front. That turned out to be wonderful, since every time she went to get her stamp, the Disney cast member would write her name in their native language. I think they normally do this, but they never had to ask her name since it was on her shirt and every cast member seemed to notice it right away. Now, she has a wonderful keepsake with her name written in several languages. - Teresa Frangakis

Epcot - We went to WDW in October to avoid the crowds. It was almost sucessful! Epcot was jammed like New Year's Eve because of the Food and Wine Festival. My suggestion is to go to Epcot very early in the morning to catch the normal stuff and then come back later to enjoy the Festival! - William

Epcot - We went to WDW in October to avoid the crowds. It was almost sucessful! Epcot was jammed like New Year's Eve because of the Food and Wine Festival. My suggestion is to go to Epcot very early in the morning to catch the normal stuff and then come back later to enjoy the Festival! - William

All Resorts - Remember that Disney Gift Cards are not honored to cover valet parking. - Nalyn Marcus

Port Orleans Riverside - I go to the gym daily, it's part of my lifestyle. As you know, gyms are only located in the deluxe resorts in Disney. Last trip we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and I advised the concierge there that I would be staying at Port Orleans Riverside next trip and asked about gym accommodations. I was told that I could attend any gym for a $35 fee that would cover my entire length of stay. When we checked into Port Orleans Riverside recently, I inquired about the gym fee, and was told that guests staying at Port Orleans can use the gym at Saratoga Springs at no charge! This was an extra savings that was unexpected! - Linda A. Graffagnini

EPCOT - My family was reminiscing about our trip last year and my husband reminded me of something I wanted to share: for the Illuminations show in Epcot, pay attention to which way the wind is blowing! We ended up sitting downwind and all the soot blew all over us. We had to close our eyes and duck our heads several times to avoid it! - Sharon Smith

EPCOT - My family was reminiscing about our trip last year and my husband reminded me of something I wanted to share: for the Illuminations show in Epcot, pay attention to which way the wind is blowing! We ended up sitting downwind and all the soot blew all over us. We had to close our eyes and duck our heads several times to avoid it! - Sharon Smith

To keep the thread, no pun intended, of lost glasses pins/screws going, here is a tip to keep from losing them in the first place -- put a drop of clear nail polish on the thread end of the screw and it will act like Loctite®. - Marc

I saw the tip from the reader regarding getting her husband's eyeglasses repaired at the Magic Kingdom watch store. On our trip in April, the screw in my mother's eyeglasses came out. We were staying on property and called the front desk to see if they would happen to have an eyeglass repair kit. They did and promptly brought it to our room-free of charge. My mother now carries it in her purse for any future accidents. - Tracie Smith

Epcot - When in Epcot's World Showcase pavilions, I try to have my children say at least one phrase in the native language of the Kidcot host or hostess. It is amazing the response that can be elicited from a simple "Cheers!", "Hola, buenos dias!" or my favaorite "as salaam alekem" (Morocco). We have ALWAYS been met with incredible warmth and extra kindness. Take the time to learn a few easy phrases, stand back and watch a world of smiles unfold! - Tom McManus

Epcot - When in Epcot's World Showcase pavilions, I try to have my children say at least one phrase in the native language of the Kidcot host or hostess. It is amazing the response that can be elicited from a simple "Cheers!", "Hola, buenos dias!" or my favaorite "as salaam alekem" (Morocco). We have ALWAYS been met with incredible warmth and extra kindness. Take the time to learn a few easy phrases, stand back and watch a world of smiles unfold! - Tom McManus

Wilderness Lodge - Select resorts now have a Resort Photo Session that can be booked up to 30 days in advance of your stay. I just called and spoke to Sheri at the Wilderness Lodge Photo Pass Desk (it's in the lobby by the Mercantile) and was quoted the following: 20 minute private photo session at your resort. 2 Packages available: $49.95 includes sitting fee and 7 - 5x7's $99.95 includes above PLUS all the photos they took on a CD/ROM and the rights to the photo's so you can print them up later. I was told that they take no less than 50 pictures, so if this is a special occassion it might just be worth it to get the $99.95 package! - Elizabeth Kozdron

MNSSHP - For everyone who loves travelling to Walt Disney World during the fall for the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, the Boo to You Parade is one of the highlights of the evening. What most people don't realize, however, is that the Headless Horseman who ushers in the parade by galloping through Magic Kingdom on the parade route, actually originates at the horse stables at Fort Wilderness. He returns there, in full costume and character, after the parade. As you can imagine, it was quite a surprise for my daughter to see him on a pitch-black evening on his return to the stable. It made quite a memorable, spooky tale that she'll remember for a lifetime! - sgriggs EDITOR'S NOTE: On occasion the Headless Horseman has been known to appear Chip and Dales Campfire Singalong in Fort Wilderness on the 30 or 31.