We have just returned from our 4th trip to Orlando. As usual we had a great time and visited the parks. We went to Magic Kingdom at 5pm as we wanted to stay for the evening parade/fireworks. The staff were great as usual, very helpful and pleasant. We enjoyed the new Monsters Inc. ride - what a great, unique idea. Mickey's Philarmagic was better than we remembered. We went to see Mickey and Minnie in the big top and had a lovely few minutes - great photo's. Yes - we had to wait in line a bit for rides/characters but you are always going to have to do this in the parks.
We will definately be visiting again!!!!!

MAGIC PLACE
its EXCELLENT park lots to do and see for all ages.
you have got to plan for this park as you will be walking backwards and forwards. make sure you pick up the map at entrance.
it is better if you are stopping at a disney hotel as you can get into the park 1 HOUR before park opens which is great and you can use the bus which drops you right outside the park door.
and to use the fast pass whichs makes it easy .
but the best tip is to get in park 15 mins before opening to wait at rope drop after 11 lines are long.
FIREWORKS WISHES ARE THE BEST IN ORLANDO

I love Disney World and have been going since I was a kid. We recently took our own children. It can still be a magical place but it is in need of an overhaul. The facilities are really starting to show their age. Universal Studios down the road is shiny and brand new with bleeding edge technology. Disney looks old. I like old fashioned not old and worn. People pay a lot of money to come here, the facilities need to be overhauled with new technology. The rides as well are the same as they were in the late 70s and 80s. The rides need to look up to date and use up to date technology. Secondly, the food offerings have got to improve. Disney seems to want to keep all of the food as in house options. There is not much selection and the quality is very questionable. Why not open this up to outside vendors to provide high quality food service even gourmet options for those who want it. Lets be done with all the same bland, deep fried offerings and go for something truly world class. Third, Disney was always known for service. I am truly afraid this has fallen by the wayside. It was the first time I really felt that Disney was just another business with employees who had to come to work. We had several very non-customer focused experiences which leave a bad taste in your mouth. It used to be that you were greeted by cast members trying to create something special. Now you are greeted by teenage/college kids witha summer job trying to pay their bills. I hope someone will read this and know that it comes from someone who loves Disney and does not want it to fall behind or by the wayside!

Just got back from the MK yesterday. Here were my observations that may be of assistance to you:

1) The later in the day, the bigger the crowd. We got there around 10 a.m. on Sunday and I swear the crowd had tripled by 3 p.m. Enjoy the rides early in the day when the crowds are low, then stroll / shop when the masses arrive, having already completed your task list!

2) Bring or buy lots of water. It is VERY HOT from May thru October and you're going to need it to stay hydrated and sane.

3) Use the FastPass system. Even if the wait says, "20 Minutes" at Space Mountain, GET THE FASTPASS and come back later. You basically stride right onto the ride! The system worked beautifully for us (4 adults) until we got to Splash Mountain. For some reason, the FP line was out the door, and I would say this was due to the fact that the parade had just ended by the ride, but also, Disney must be giving out more FastPasses than the line/system can handle. Hopefully they'll tweak that soon. With that said, make Splash Mountain your first early-in-the-day FastPass if it is an important ride to you!

4) Bring healthy food if you are trying to eat better. Everywhere you look there's a McDonald's fry cart taunting you, and you really have to search to seek out healthier options. Disney allows snacks & drinks to be brought into the park, so plan ahead if you can.

5) Splash Mountain is probably the craziest ride in there. Next would be Space Mountain - it has some drops in it and also, it's entirely in the dark! Third would be Big Thunder Mountain - it's got a couple of dips but it's really pretty tame.

6) Check Disney's website for operational updates that might be taking place during your trip. Cinderella's Carousel was closed for refurbishment while we were there, and while not a big loss for us, if it's high on your small child's list - you can only imagine the disappointment!

7) WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. I would suggest walking shoes, as flip flops just don't have the support you're going to need. Leave the heels at home - this is America people, and a family amusement park in America at that. You're going to see it all - white sneakers, gray sneakers, Rockports - so don't worry about fitting in.