9 November 2006
Walt Disney World has some of the world's best attractions - and some of its longest lines. But Dr. Steven M. Barrett, who visits almost weekly, rarely finds himself waiting in them. "I consider a wait of more than 15 to 20 minutes in line too long," he says. "I just don't do it."
So why do so many people spend hours of their precious Disney World vacations waiting in line? "They don't have a good plan for touring the parks," says Barrett. "They try to pack too much in without giving themselves rest and refreshment breaks, and they end up withering in the crowds, the heat, and the long lines."
Barrett, a practicing emergency room physician and former professor of emergency medicine, freely admits that he himself spent a fair amount of time in line during his early visits to Walt Disney World back in the Eighties. Seeking a remedy, he turned his scientific skills to developing flexible touring plans that would keep Disney World visitors ahead of the crowds and help them pace their visits to make them truly magical.
Like any good scientist, Barrett tested and refined his plans for a number of years (on friends, family, and acquaintances) before declaring them ready for the general public. While he was at it, he also customized them to suit the interests of three different sorts of visitors: adults and teens, families with younger children, and seniors.
The result is The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation (The Intrepid Traveler, $14.95, www.TheOtherOrlando.com). "What I've tried to accomplish is to give both first-time visitors and seasoned WDW pros the nuts and bolts tips and information for a hassle-free vacation," says Barrett, who offers basic rules for touring, and advice on planning your WDW vacation, and plenty of insider tips in addition to the plans themselves.
Unlike most guidebook writers who jet in for a few days each year, Barrett who practically lives in Disney World, has real insider information - like where to find the least crowded bathrooms, shady spots for viewing parades, attractions with minimal waits, and quiet spots for taking a breather.
Even seasoned Disney World pros will likely find much of interest. Barrett devotes a whole chapter to the scores of offbeat fun things you can do at Walt Disney World. He also includes a photo quiz that asks readers to identify various WDW sights (and sites). How well do you know WDW? Take the quiz and find out.
Just for Kids
Some Walt Disney World activities are strictly for kids. You have to be under age 11 to:
* Make chocolate chip cookies in the Junior Chef Experience at Sunshine Seasons Food Court in Epcot's Land Pavilion (free; ages 3 to 10).
* Take the 2-hour Albatross Treasure Cruise around Crescent Lake and the Epcot Lagoon (about $30 per child; ages 4 to 10)
* Enjoy lunch and cupcakes with Alice and her friends at the Wonderland Tea Party in the Grand Floridian Resort (about $30 per child; ages 4 to 10).
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