Tips about Souvenirs and Transportation

We secured one of those D-ring keychain clips to the stroller handle with a Velcro strap. It was a handy place to hang all of our souvenir shopping bags that we would accumulate! - Jackie Beering

I was a lucky kid -- visited Disney three times before graduating high school... One of my favorite souvenirs from Disney is my sterling silver Doc charm. My sisters and I got silver charm bracelets while in elementary school, and whenever there was an "event" or trip we'd get a silver charm to commemorate it. I've since married and have three daughters of my own. The girls each have a silver charm bracelet and plan on adding another character charm for each of our visits to Disney. Who knows? Maybe someday we'll be adding charms to their daughters' bracelets! - Suzanne Vallillo

This summer my best friend and I went to Disney World as a celebratory trip for graduating high school. We stayed at All-Star Music and because of our age we were unable to rent a car and used the bus system to get around the World. My cousin went to school in the area and had his car. He joined us on our trip for a few days. During those days, getting around was MUCH easier. We didn't have a preferred room and I must say that it didn't matter when we had the car because of where the parking is situated. Upon our return home, we looked up the cost of renting a small car and staying at a "value" resort compared to staying at a "moderate" resort and using the bus system. The value resort with the small car was actually cheaper than staying at the moderate resort. If you are at the age where you are able to rent a car, RENT THE CAR and stay at a value resort. After a long day, it's much nicer to get in the car instead of waiting for a bus. - Kelly T.

As far as the bus system goes, if you have your choice of the All Star resorts, go with the Sports resort. It's not my favorite surroundings but by far has the best bus system. You will be the first ones picked up (always getting a seat) and the first ones dropped off (great after a tiring day with the little ones). And lastly, always, always pay the extra for the preferred building - we learned the hard way four years ago. Now it's the preferred or a different resort! - Jessica

Wow! The fireworks show was awesome and it is now time to get your family back to the resort. You try to keep pace or even beat the crowd out of the park, only to see a line at the bus stop longer than the line to Mission: SPACE. Now is the time to consider a taxi. Recently we took a taxi from Epcot to Port Orleans-Riverside, and it was only $8.50. There were no lines and no wait. The taxi "pool" is right before you get to the bus depot when leaving Epcot. We also used a taxi when leaving Magic Kingdom. Here your best bet is to take the resort monorail to the Contemporary and then go the main entrance to get the cab. I forget how much it was, but we totally avoided the madhouse at the depot. One thing that you need to do when getting a cab: If you have more than four people, request a van. No, insist on a van. They may tell you they will send you two sedans, which will double the cost of the trip; if they do, send them away and make the request again. When I insisted on the van, we always had one. - Julius Trimbach

I just wanted to comment about the tip to fill up at the Disney resort gas stations. This year, Dollar Rent-a-Car changed its policy to say that you must fill your tank within five miles of the airport and present a receipt showing this. I was informed of this when I picked up the car. I do not know how well they monitor this though, because I was not asked for proof when I returned my car. - Nicole Streit

I just thought I'd let people know that there is a Circle K gas station that, while not specifically on the way to the airport, is not difficult to get to. Essentially, if you are taking the 417 from WDW, you will normally exit onto Boggy Creek Road and turn left to get to the airport. To get to the gas station, turn right off the exit ramp and follow the road about 1-2 miles. The Circle K will be on your right at a traffic signal. The gas here is normally $0.10-$0.15/gallon cheaper than the Car Care Centers. - Pam K.

Here is a tip for anyone renting a car. There are no convenient gas stations near the airport, so plan to fill up at one of these three convenient locations: 1) Magic Kingdom Car Care Center, easiest access leaving MK or any MK resort. 2) Boardwalk gas station, easiest access from any Epcot resort. 3) There is a gas station on 536 just before you get on 417. This is perhaps the most convenient since the best way to get back to the airport is to take 536 to 417 directly to the airport. Also, don't worry about refueling charges, fill up at any of the above locations and after the short 15-mile trip to the airport your tank will still read FULL. - Jason Diffendal

Don't overlook the "front seat" of the Disney buses. Strike up a conversation with the driver... they all are incredibly friendly, and are a WEALTH of helpful information, including park shortcuts, the latest events, the easiest methods of "how to get from here to there," etc. Most have a vast knowledge of Disney trivia as well... talking with the drivers is like a "mini vacation" in itself. - Jan Hardy EDITOR'S NOTE: Be aware for safety reasons, many drivers will choose to not have a conversation until the buses are stopped. They do enjoy guest interaction!

Even though you have a confirmed car rental reservation made, keep checking back with all the car rental companies online until right before you go. You can often find a better price has appeared than what you have reserved. - Jack Marshall

Just call 1-407-363-6200 -- WDW Merchandise Guest Services! You can order just about anything they sell at WDW! Holly