Thursday's Tip

Today's tip is a hard one for me to admit, because of my affinity for efficiency. I tend to be the "cram-as-much-as-you-can-and-be-sure-you're-getting-your-money's-worth" type of vacationer. That means working the Fastpass system to our advantage (at least in the past), Park Hopping efficiently to beat the crowds, and doing anything and everything to save time and money. But here's a tip that I've learned to embrace over the years: If you're having fun--no matter what you're doing--it's a good use of your time and money.

For your family, that might mean standing in line most of the day to get character autographs, but skipping the thrill rides. Or it might mean stopping to listen to all the "streetmosphere" acts and watching the parades, but avoiding characters altogether. It might even mean taking an afternoon trek across Tom Sawyer Island to get the wiggles out. The point is, seize any opportunity for fun that comes along, and don't worry about "wasting" time. If you're enjoying yourself, if it's what your family loves or even needs, it's never a waste of time!