So, you finally did it.  You are journeying to Disney World for the first time.  What took you so long?  It’s been open for 40 years.

What’s that?  You’ve got everything covered?  Resort – check.  Theme Park tickets, dining reservations, guide-book – yes, yes, yes.  We here at Spin the World bet you missed something.  No, it’s not the sunscreen.

What you missed isn’t something to cram in that already over-weight suitcase.  It’s little nuggets of wisdom that will help you through your adventure.

You’re curious what they are?  Let me tell you.  Have a seat, let’s get started.

• Nature

Florida is hotter than where you live.  Unless you live in Florida.  May-August bring the most unnecessary humidity you’ve ever felt.  It’s these Summer months when we Floridians are in our homes with the air-conditions set to ‘Siberia’.

Try this: Take a mid-day siesta by your resort pool, before the sun makes you feel like you are worming your way across the desert floor in search of water.  Head back to the parks in the afternoon.  And my goodness, stay hydrated.

But, it’s important to know that these ultra-hot temps are not infinite.  Winter can get cold.  Don’t come at Christmas thinking you’ll be sunning yourself on the beach at the Grand.  If you are visiting Fall or Winter – bring a jacket.  You’ll thank me later.  Check weather in advance, and pack accordingly.  If it’s not the heat or the cold – it’s the rain.  The skies can open at random here.  Some afternoons it feels more like a monsoon. Good news?  It’s usually not for very long.  Remember, you can’t be part of the club until you get stuck in a downpour at Blizzard Beach.

To some, this last force of nature can be the most trying  - children.  There are a lot of them.  Of all ages.  Everywhere.  Some are more behaved than others (the same can be said of parents).  You shouldn’t come here expecting to have romantic dinners at every restaurant.  In fact, Victoria and Albert’s is the only way to ensure a child will not run directly into your table while you are pouring wine.  Just note, this place was built for families.  They are having just as much fun as you.  Be Patient and remember there was a time you were that excited about everything too.  In fact, get inspired by them to find that enthusiasm again.  Then use your new gusto at Disney and when you go back to the real world.

• Animal Tracking

You have children.  Your children want nothing more than to meet Mickey Mouse.  And Goofy. And everybody else.  So you’ve arrived at the World and are wondering why, exactly, is it not like they show on commercials?  The characters are not the pied pipers you were led to believe by Disney’s shiny marketing campaign. You’ve yet to see a single giant duck gallivanting all over the park with hoards of young people in tow.  Why?  Would you want to get chased, pushed, hugged and pulled at by 2,000 wee ones at once?  No, you would not.

Try this: Make sure to grab an event sheet at the entrance to all the theme parks.  It will let you know where and when the kids (and you) can interact with your favorite characters.  You want to see Mary Poppins, for example?  Check out the UK Pavillion at Epcot.  She’ll be the chick with the big white hat and stylish parasol.  Take advantage of Cast Member’s wealth of knowledge.  Most will be able to point you in the right direction.  Don’t want to wait in line to shake hands with Eeyore?  If you think that line is bad, wait ’til you see the throngs of peeps lining up for Tink.  You could watch all of Peter Pan while waiting to meet everyone’s favorite pixie.  Perhaps one of Disney’s many character dining experiences are more up your alley. There, Walt’s friends will come to your table and sign autographs, pose for photos and give you a warm hug.  All while you eat a delicious meal.   We’ll talk more about Character Meals later, I promise.  Just be warned – reserve ‘em early.  If you wait until the last-minute, getting a spot at Cinderella’s Royal Table will be about as likely as you becoming the newest member of the Avengers.

I’ll tell you what.  Why don’t you soak that in for a bit?  And I’ll tell you some more secrets later on.  Sound good?  Good.  See ya real soon.

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