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Walt Disney World/Questions Answered by Expert Brian Charles Kohn

SubjectDate Asked
Appropriate Use of 7-Day Pass7/21/2010
  Q: We'll be visiting the parks in mid-December with 2 adults and 2 kids 3&4 for 5 days. I don't think ...
  A: While admission tickets are not issued for specific dates, but indeed using the same ticket (without ...
where to stay1/24/2010
  Q: My family of four stayed at Caribbean Beach in December '07 and enjoyed it for the most part, ...
  A: The Animal Kingdom Lodge, itself, is incredible, but focusing on transportation, your best bet is ...
Easter/polynesian1/14/2010
  Q: We are trying to plan a trip with another family and it looks like going Easter Sunday and staying 5 ...
  A: Easter Week is one of the two busiest weeks of the year, with crowds easily triple or greater than ...
Magic Kingdom?1/9/2010
  Q: I was told that there'S a castle with a princess at this castle little girls can dress as a princess ...
  A: We're taking our little princess there our our next vacation. What you're referring to is the ...
Meal Plan1/3/2010
  Q: Does DW offer any meal plans for purchase if you are purchasing DW theme park tickets, but not ...
  A: Sorry, but no: The various pre-pay dining plans are limited to Disney resort guests. There is one ...
Group Tour for five families to Disney World12/18/2009
  Q: Good day sir, thank you very much for taking the time to read and assist with this travel question. ...
  A: Disney does offer both villa-type accommodations and campground accommodations that service RVs. ...
dinner reservations at the castle9/24/2009
  Q: We are doing this so last minute..grrr. We are going to be at Disney this weekend Sept. 26-30 for my ...
  A: At this late date, it might be too late to make that arrangement, but it is certainly worth a try. ...
Universal Studios9/7/2009
  Q: Is Universal Studios part of the Disney group? I have a family of 6, and looking at the prices its ...
  A: Walt Disney World in Orlando includes four theme parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood ...
Expiration date?8/21/2009
  Q: WE have a Disney World Ticket from 1984 !! We were told this ticket would never expire! Is this ...
  A: Admission tickets that were non-expiring are indeed still valid, but at times Disney has enforced ...
Dining Plan7/7/2009
  Q: It's me again. You really do give great information. I was wondering if you could tell me a little ...
  A: Crystal Palace is a table service restaurant, and counts as a table service credit, even at lunch. ...
Restaurant recommendations7/6/2009
  Q: You have answered questions for me before and I trust your wisdom! Can you tell me which dining ...
  A: Between 50's Prime Time and Sci Fi, we prefer 50's Prime Time: The food quality itself is generally ...
Food5/17/2009
  Q: Are we allowed to bring our food into te theme parks. Like simple sandwiches, fruit, bottled water? ...
  A: Previously, only snacks were permitted to be brought in, but that has been relaxed some in the last ...
Disney in Oct.5/1/2009
  Q: You said Oct 10 -17 may be a little crowded do to an event. What is a better (less crowded tome to ...
  A: The Food and Wine Festival extends throughout the entire month of October... actually September 25 ...
Travel in Oct4/28/2009
  Q: We are planning on going to Orlando the week of Sat Oct 10th - Sat Oct 17th this year (2009) It it ...
  A: There are very few "low crowd" times of the year, these days, even with the economy the way it is. ...
disney4/24/2009
  Q: hey Brian, my names missy I'm going to Disney with my family. i was wondering if you knew if i had ...
  A: The following page provides a good summary of the ticket choices available. ...
August at Walt Disney World. Power Rangers at Hollywood Studios3/29/2009
  Q: I would like to know how hot and crowded will the parks be in August? Also, are the Power Rangers ...
  A: The parks are quite hot throughout August, but as the month goes on the crowds, at least, thin out, ...
Resort IDs2/2/2009
  Q: We will be staying at the Beach Club Resort with our 3 children. We may also be having some friends ...
  A: Children are issued "child" IDs. Resort IDs are *technically* required to use resort ...
birthday specials at Disney World1/4/2009
  Q: I've been told that you have a promotion, giving a free day on one's birthday. What do you do for ...
  A: To be clear, AllExperts is not associated with the Disney Company or Walt Disney World. We're ...
grand floridian cafe/ crowds12/9/2008
  Q: we cannot get any reservations to eat at so we were wondering if this was a nice place to eat. We ...
  A: If you are unable to get reservations to eat, from (407) 939-3463, then you may have trouble finding ...
Resort transportation10/13/2008
  Q: Brian, I will be staying at the Sports/Value Resort next month while visiting WDW for the 1st time! ...
  A: The All-Star Resorts provides direct bus transportation to all four theme parks, both water parks, ...
hurricane season at wdw9/2/2008
  Q: my family plus another are travelling to wdw 6th sept 2008 until 13th sept. We are staying at ...
  A: Florida is a major destination for tropical storms and hurricanes, and that is one reason why Walt ...
december 5-12 stay8/5/2008
  Q: quick question for you sir we are headed there dec 5-12 staying at the cabins and have just ...
  A: The cheerleaders and Pop Warner players generally stay at either the Pop Century Resort or the ...
September Stay7/29/2008
  Q: My family and I are coming to WDW Sept 10-19 and just found out that this is peak hurricane season ...
  A: Generally, it is good to travel during that time of year with good, *lightweight* water resistant or ...
Orlando theme parks in November 20086/23/2008
  Q: My wife, my son, and i are planning a vacation in Orlando either from november 5th until the 14th or ...
  A: Both of those weeks are relatively uncrowded, with the December dates a bit less crowded, due to the ...
ride heights and ages for kids3/30/2008
  Q: looking to find out how tall and or how old old my kids need to be to ride the rides at the various ...
  A: Here's a web page with a full list: ...
Easter Week1/27/2008
  Q: We are going to WDW during Easter week 21-26th. How busy will this be....is it like being there in ...
  A: From a crowds standpoint, Easter week is just about the most crowded week of the year. The summer ...
Dining in park w/ almost 3 year-old1/24/2008
  Q: We're staying outside the park in a Comfort Suites (no rooms in the park) and I am looking for ...
  A: I feel the best character dining experience that isn't a Princess meal is at Liberty Tree Tavern at ...
Dining Plus Plan1/5/2008
  Q: In Feb. we will be staying at the Swan for 3 days. Have recently found out that the Swan is not ...
  A: The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are not Disney resorts, but rather are resorts owned by ...
Disney in January12/14/2007
  Q: We are taking our kids to Disney World jan 2-7 and were wondering what the crowds might be like. We ...
  A: This year, the 2nd through 7th of January should be a little more crowded than normal, since New ...
Disney christmas parade11/28/2007
  Q: Can you please tell me what time the christmas PARADE AT MAJIC KINGDOM STARTS ON FRIDAY, THE PARADE ...
  A: My understanding is that the filming of the castle show, for the Christmas broadcast, is on November ...
Re-Entry8/16/2007
  Q: I am thinking of purchasing the 6-day ticket without the park hopper option - I am staying only a ...
  A: Once you pay for theme park parking for the day at Walt Disney World, you've paid for the WHOLE day. ...
Planning a Jan 2008 trip6/5/2007
  Q: My family is planning a trip to WDW for late Jan 2008. I'm trying to plan my budget, but the ...
  A: Disney is still putting together the details of their 2008 offerings. In past years, the next-year ...
Labor Day at WDW5/6/2007
  Q: I am trying to plan my family's next WDW vacation. As I work for the school system and I have three ...
  A: It is definitely "somewhere in-between". It is nowhere near as crowded during Labor Day as it is ...
staying inside DW5/4/2007
  Q: Planning a trip for August 07'. having trouble deciding on a resort. looking at wilderness lodge and ...
  A: The various deluxe resorts each have their own advantages. The Contemporary has the easiest ...
Thanksgiving at Disney World4/21/2007
  Q: I am planning a vacation for my family, wife, son (7) and daughter (6) for the week of Thanksgiving. ...
  A: All of Disney's theme parks are open 365 days a year, and especially on holidays. My personal ...
wdw accomodations4/19/2007
  Q: We are planning our first visit to disneyworld. My wife and I, our three children (10-12-14) and my ...
  A: My feeling is that the ages of your children, with the youngest already 10, preclude the idea of ...
Fast- Pass Tickets4/9/2007
  Q: Would you happen to anything about the fast pass tickets? Prices ect.. Thank you.
  A: FastPasses are available to all park guests, at no additional charge; FastPass is a benefit that is ...
Least Crowded Dates3/5/2007
  Q: My family and I have been to Disneyworld on several occasions during the 1st week of December. This ...
  A: Early November is a very nice time of year to visit. Crowds are indeed low, and generally just as ...
Disney World2/21/2007
  Q: I am thinking of visiting Disney World in early or middle November or possibly early December. Which ...
  A: As long as you avoid the weekend before Thanksgiving through the weekend after Thanksgiving, you ...
best deal at WDW2/5/2007
  Q: I plan to go to Disney on 7-29-07 and leave on 08-02-07. There will be 2 adults and 2 children ages ...
  A: The value of the Dining Plan package depends greatly on the family. If you would normally have a ...
disney beach resort2/4/2007
  Q: My family and I (husband and two kids 2 + 5) are going to disney in march and we are staying at the ...
  A: Whether or not a resort is worth the expense is very much a personal choice. I personally always ...
Easter at Disney1/21/2007
  Q: I need info about Disney and Easter. The truth, How bad is it to go then? Everything I see says it's ...
  A: Christmas and Easter are the most crowded days of the year. Expect 1 1/2 - 2 hour or longer standby ...
Help Plan my Visit1/19/2007
  Q: my wife and 4 kids (Aged: 5,8,10 and11) are staying at DW Coronado resort Apr.10 -17, 2007. We are ...
  A: We recently visited with two children (ages 1 1/2 and 6). Here's what we did. I hope you find it ...
Disney World Dining Plans1/1/2007
  Q: My wife and I are taking our 8 year old son and 5 year old daughter to Disney World in August. We ...
  A: The answer to this, unfortunately, will vary for each family. The one thing I would have you keep ...
Disney New Years day12/27/2006
  Q: but i wanted to know if we go the next day(new years day) will the parks be less crowded? I want ...
  A: Both December 31 and January 1 will be very crowded, though not as crowded as the week leading up to ...
bring food in to the park12/9/2006
  Q: I am traveling with a small child. What are the rules for bringing food into the park. Are some ...
  A: Here is the official answer for you: --------- Thank you for contacting WALT DISNEY WORLD! With ...
dining advice12/5/2006
  Q: the last time we went to disneyworld was six years ago. back then, i had to call a phone number to ...
  A: Things have changed a little, but dining reservations are still very important. The telephone ...
delux planning11/14/2006
  Q: hey there. I'm planning a delux trip to disney world. I want to know to know the most expensive ...
  A: Disney has a number of fine restaurants. The most extravagant is Victoria and Alberts, at the Grand ...
Restaurant for Christmas Dinner10/7/2006
  Q: It has been a while since I last went to WDW at Christmas time, however this year my boyfriend and I ...
  A: My personal recommendation would be Artist Point. It is among the best Disney restaurants, in a ...
CROWDS AT THANKSGIVING 20069/21/2006
  Q: HOW ARE THE CROWDS EXPECTED TO BE THE WEEK OF THANSGIVING ...WHAT DAYS OF THAT WEEK ARE MOST CROWDED ...
  A: of course, one of the more crowded times of the year. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday will be ...
Magic Kingdom Ticket prices9/17/2006
  Q: How can I obtain one day tickets to Magic Kingdom for a family of 6 at the cheapest price? I can't ...
  A: There aren't really many good options for lower-price admission passes. The best I've found is ...
peak dates9/16/2006
  Q: what is the best time to visit walt disney in florida i would like to klnow the least crowded time ...
  A: The least crowded time to visit Walt Disney World is during the heart of hurricane season, late ...
Celebrating in Disney!9/5/2006
  Q: ..My Husband and I are going to Disney for the first time BY OURSELVES, we will be celebrating our ...
  A: Be sure to have the reservationists make a note of your celebration on all your table service ...
early arrival8/19/2006
  Q: "I am staying outside the parks and have read in most guidebooks to get to the parks 40 min before ...
  A: While they no longer open the parks early, arriving 15-30 minutes prior is helpful, as it gives you ...
Disney in April6/25/2006
  Q: Thinking of taking family (2 adults, 2 boys aged 12 and 9) to Disney April 2007. I know the parks ...
  A: The beginning of your planned trip will be very crowded -- among the busiest days of the year. ...
dates that are less busy6/9/2006
  Q: I would like to plan a trip to Disney with two children and my husband. I have two questions... 1. ...
  A: 1. Generally, the most lighly-crowded times of the year are September, early November, early ...
less crowded5/26/2006
  Q: What 2 days of the week will the parks be less crowded? We will be in Orlando Aug. 3-11. Thanks. ...
  A: The best resource I've found for this kind of information is here: ...
Crowds in the first week of May2/16/2006
  Q: I was just wondering how the crowds the first week of May are? We are already booked for the first ...
  A: There is a wonderful, well-regarded website that posts forecasts on crowd levels now. I highly ...
Time to Visit12/26/2005
  Q: We're planning a trip to Disney arriving Feb. 17, leaving the 25th. Is this a busy time? What kind ...
  A: You should experience only modest crowding on Friday, February 17, but then the President's Day ...
Year WDW Opened12/20/2005
  Q: My mother is trying to tell me that she attended WDW before it actually opened. Just to clarify, ...
  A: I'm sorry for the delay in replying. There have been technical difficulties in our email relaying ...
Disney World Vacation11/16/2005
  Q: I am planning to go with wife(no kids) we are on our 50's to Disney World late January, 2006. I ...
  A: One of the big differences is the transportation options. Disney offers the best transportation to ...
WDW on a budget9/20/2005
  Q: I have a 2 year old and a 4 month old. My wife and I are looking to take our family to WDW sometime ...
  A: That's a very tough set of requirements. One thing Walt Disney World ISN'T is inexpensive. The ...
help planning short trip w/ 5 year old8/19/2005
  Q: We are staying at WDW Wilderness Lodge for 1 night before boarding for a 3 night Disney Cruise. We ...
  A: Wilderness Lodge is very nice -- we're actually staying there in January, bringing our 5 year old ...
Walt Disney Tie Tack4/21/2005
  Q: The statue in the middle of the Magic Kingdom of Walt and Mickey, Walt has a design on his tie tack. ...
  A: I had to check my 15 inch replica of the statue but there it was. I have to admit I had never ...
Disney Caribbean Beach Resort4/10/2005
  Q: Are we allowed to bring and ride our own bikes (with helments, of course) while we are staying at a ...
  A: Cycling (and walking, for that matter) is only permitted on specific roads and paths. From the ...
a day a MK3/11/2005
  Q: We are coming to Orlando in late June and spending 3 days at Royal Pacific at Universal. We would ...
  A: June operating hours haven't been announced yet. Several web site post the operating hours as soon ...
Days to Visit10/24/2004
  Q: Brian - I have a few related questions: - Are some days better than others to visit certain parks? ...
  A: Visiting the parks on their early-opening day typically means a bit more crowding than visiting them ...
discount on moderate room at holiday time.3/7/2004
  Q: I'm planning a WDW trip this Christmas.We want to stay at a moderate hotel.Can you tell me if theres ...
  A: The best way to get a great discount is to keep your options open, and keep trying. Keep in mind ...
Wilderness Lodge3/1/2004
  Q: We are in the very early stages of planning our May 2005 visit to WDW and are planning on staying @ ...
  A: Be sure to request "connecting rooms" (meaning a door connects between the two rooms) rather than ...

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Brian Charles Kohn

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I`m an expert on all aspects of a deluxe Walt Disney World vacation, including Disney`s four theme parks, the Disney Vacation Club, Walt Disney World`s on-site deluxe and moderate resorts, and Disney`s theme park and resort dining. I host a semi-monthly online chat about deluxe Walt Disney World vacations, and was a contributor to Rita Aero`s Disney World, The Essential Guide to Amazing Vacations. I also maintain my own web site of guidance and opinions on various aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation. I`ve stayed at nine of Disney`s resorts, and eaten at almost all of the full-service restaurants, and can give comparative information based on your personal needs and preferences. I typically reply to questions within a few hours, except overnight.

Experience

My wife and I have, together, visited Walt Disney World dozens of times. We have stayed at almost all the deluxe resorts and have eaten at almost all the deluxe restaurants.

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