Thursday's Tip

So you're going to Disney World in the fall, and you purchased the free dining. (Incidentally, the free dining isn't exactly free--it precludes you from getting better room discounts, so you actually "pay" a price to get that free perk. Still, it's often the best deal, depending on your family's eating habits.) But I digress.

Back to Thursday's Tip: So you had the dining plan and you find yourself at the end of your vacation with leftover snack credits. What's a family to do? Down six Mickey ice cream bars as you exit the park? No need to do that (although, it sounds fun!). Just hop into a gift shop and purchase a few prepackaged goodies for the trip home. Most gift shops in both the parks and resorts have cookies, candies, pretzels, etc., that can be purchased with dining snack credits. It's always a good idea to ask before purchasing, as some items are considered "novelties" rather than food items. And when all else fails, buy a bottled water or soft drink. Don't let those snack credits go to waste! After all, you paid for them--even if they were "free."