FROM: Practical Pointers from the Pink Ear Pixie Published Every Other Wednesday

Staying Out of the Disney Lost and Found

What frustrates you at Disney World? Crowds? Long lines? High prices? How about not being about to find your family? If you must split up, Amanda Sykora has some great tips on how to get yourselves back together.

- Amanda Sykora, March 16, 2011

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Whether traveling to Disney World with a group, with small children, or even as a couple, it's important to be on time and not to get separated from one another.

Here are a few simple things to help you avoid being late or getting lost.

• Make sure everyone in your group old enough to tell time is wearing a watch. It seems so simple, but it will cut down on tardiness. When your group splits up and you say, "Meet us back here at 3:00 PM", you're going to want everyone to know when it's 3:00 PM. There are few clocks in the Parks, and you're probably not going to want to keep asking strangers for the time. If you don't already own watches, buy some cheap ones before you leave home.
• Be specific about your meeting place when your group splits up to explore. It's easy to say, "Meet in Tomorrowland," but it's better to say, "Meet in Tomorrowland outside of the Carousel of Progress." If you're not specific, you'll waste time wandering in circles trying to find one another. The "We've been looking everywhere for you!" scenario is nothing more than a waste of time (and money!).
• You'll also need to think about the location of a ride's ENTRANCE and its EXIT. Most of the attractions at Disney World have separate entrances and exits. Just because you go in to the ride at the front of the building does not mean you'll be coming out of it at the same place. Be prepared when your group splits to allow some of you to ride while the rest wait outside. The group waiting outside needs to scope out the exit ahead of time and stay within sight of it.
• If you're traveling with young children, dress them in similar colors. Having the children in the same color t-shirts each day will help you keep track of them. And the brighter the color, the better! There are some play areas in the Parks where it can be difficult to see your children. Bright, similar shirts will keep them visible.
• What about strollers? How can you find yours in a sea of strollers outside of an attraction? Bring with you a brightly colored piece of fabric and tie it to the top your stroller. You'll have a much easier time finding that stroller in a sea of 100 other, virtually identical strollers.
• If you're in a store waiting for your group to come find you after leaving an attraction, don't be surprised if you step outside and realize you're not in the same store you entered! Many Disney stores are connected and seemingly go on forever. Take note of the store you first entered because that's where your group will try to find you. It's easy to get turned around once inside the stores.

Getting lost at Disney World is not something you want to happen. So be prepared, communicate, and think ahead!

Need more pointers? Come back next week, or get in touch with Amanda herself at her travel agency, Pixie and Pirate Destinations, where she'll answer all your questions, book your next trip, and possibly sprinkle a bit of (pink) pixie dust on your tickets!

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