Take five near Aladdin's
Oasis
by GingerJ

Haunted Mansion in
holiday splendor
by GingerJ

What are the best times to go? The park tends to be the busiest on the weekends, when locals claim the park as their backyard playground—Saturday is the single busiest day while Sunday morning is the most tolerable time of the weekend. Best days to visit are mid-week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Arrive as early as possible—if you’re there before the “rope drops,” walk through the shops in Main Street, U.S.A. (they’re all connected) to get closer to the rope. Popular attractions such as Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Haunted Mansion are best done first thing in the morning to avoid long lines. Visit lands on the east (right) side of the park earlier in the day, as most folks tend to go in the opposite direction first. Parents of young children are best off doing Fantasyland first as it gets busier later in the day. Take advantage of FASTPASS (see page 90) whenever possible, and check the Tip Board at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. for showtimes and wait times. Shop in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Remember to take breaks regularly throughout the day and drink plenty of water.

For those in need of guidance, here are our favorite spots in the park:

Best Places to Cool Off—Main Street Cinema, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Donald’s Boat, any shop, the hotel pool

Best Places to Relax—On a wrought-iron bench near the Haunted Mansion, on the Mark Twain Riverboat, Snow White Grotto, beside Aladdin's Oasis

Best Places to Burn Off Energy—Chip ‘n' Dale Treehouse, Tarzan’s Treehouse

Best Attractions to Visit During the Holidays—”it’s a small world” and Haunted Mansion Holiday (in "Nightmare Before Christmas" decorations)

Best Places to Propose— Snow White Grotto, Blue Bayou Restaurant

Best Place to Sneak a Kiss— Storyland Canal Boats in the evening

Best Place to Get a Snack—Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland (try a Dole Whip)

Best Places for Meals—Plaza Inn, Blue Bayou Restaurant, Rancho del Zocalo

Best Places to Watch the Afternoon Entertainment—By Alice in Wonderland or “it’s a small world” (in Fantasyland)

Best Place to Meet Mickey—Mickey’s House in Mickey’s Toontown