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Kim Wright Wiley—mother of two, Lowell Thomas Gold Award recipient, and novelist—wrote the first edition of Walt Disney World with Kids in 1989. More than 20 editions later she's exceeded 50 visits to the parks, a statistic that stuns even her. Her Disney favorites? The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, the character Eeyore, and the California Grill. When she's not at the theme parks, she's at home in Charlotte, North Carolina.

• Travel Tips

  Ask a Disney Expert: Top Touring Tips

  For Fodor's recent "Ask a Disney Expert" Contest, travelers submitted their toughest Disney questions for Kim Wright Wiley, author of Walt Disney World with Kids 2009. Kim will answer questions from the contest's 8 winners, along with several others, in a four-part series on Fodors.com. Winners will receive a complimentary copy of the guide. Thank you to everyone who sent a question in! View all of Kim's tips: Dining at Disney | Where to Stay | On a Budget Today Kim suggests ways for the whole family to experience the parks' thrills. Question:"I would like to take my grandchildren to Disney; they're both under the age of 3 (a girl & a boy). What would be the ideal itinerary for toddlers this age?" --- submitted by lorimb, (winner)... Kim's Answer At this age, less is definitely more. Focus on the Magic Kingdom, the most toddler-friendly park; in Fantasyland you'll find rides like Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo, It's a Small World, and Peter Pan. Young kids love the parades and shows like

  Posted by Kim Wright Wiley on August 20, 2008 at 5:29:50 PM EDT Tagged: Disney
• Trip Ideas

  Ask a Disney Expert: Where to Stay

  For Fodor's recent "Ask a Disney Expert" Contest, travelers submitted their toughest Disney questions for Kim Wright Wiley, author of Walt Disney World with Kids 2009. Kim will answer questions from the contest's 8 winners, along with several others, in a four-part series on Fodors.com. Winners will receive a complimentary copy of the guide. Thank you to everyone who sent a question in! View all of Kim's tips: Dining at Disney | Touring Tips | On a Budget Today Kim answers questions related to the best resorts and hotels to base your family for your Disney vacation... Question:"Any tips that you know of that may help us get a free upgrade at a Deluxe resort like the Wilderness? We are celebrating the anniversary of our daughter's adoption and want it to be a special trip!" --- submitted by wagsmom (winner) Kim's Answer Call in before you arrive and inform the Guest Services desk that you'll be celebrating a special day. I can't promise you an upgrade---although they try hard to accommodate...

  Posted by Kim Wright Wiley on August 19, 2008 at 4:58:47 PM EDT Tagged: Disney
• Travel Tips

  Ask a Disney Expert: Budget Tips for Families

  For Fodor's recent "Ask a Disney Expert" Contest, travelers submitted their toughest Disney questions for Kim Wright Wiley, author of Walt Disney World with Kids 2009. Kim will answer questions from the contest's 8 winners, along with several others, in a four-part series on Fodors.com. Winners will receive a complimentary copy of the guide. Thank you to everyone who sent a question in! View all of Kim's tips: Dining at Disney | Touring Tips | Where to Stay Today Kim answers questions related to saving and spending smartly at Disney. Question:"There has been a lot of talk recently about staying on or off property. What value or price do you put on staying on property? Does waking up in the middle of the magic warrant the extra cost?" --- submitted by Angelo721 (winner)... Kim's Answer The main advantages to staying on Disney property are: 1. "Extra magic hours" which allow you to either enter one park early each day or stay in a park after the official closing hours. Since tickets are so expensive,

  Posted by Kim Wright Wiley on August 13, 2008 at 11:35:51 AM EDT Tagged: Budget Travel, Disney
• Trip Ideas

  Conquering Disney

  Walt Disney World expert Kim Wright Wiley answers some basic questions about taking the family to the funnest place on earth . . .

  Posted by Kim Wright Wiley on January 31, 2008 at 11:59:50 PM EST Tagged: Disney
• Trip Ideas

  Disney World's Top 26 Attractions

  While it certainly all depends on who you're traveling with, certain attractions at Disney just can't be missed. After almost fifty visits to the parks, Kim Wright Wiley, author of Walt Disney World with Kids, knows her all-time Disney favorites. Here are her picks for the parks' top offerings: At the Magic Kingdom:

• Splash Mountain
• Space Mountain
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
• Big Thunder Mountain
• Dumbo
• Peter Pan
• Mickey's PhilharMagic
• Evening parade and fireworks At Epcot:
• Test Track
• Mission: SPACE
• Honey, I Shrunk the Audience
• Soarin'
• World Showcase Entertainment
• IllumniNations At MGM:
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid
• Star Tours
• Fantasmic!
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
• The Magic of Disney Animation At Animal Kingdom:
• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• It's Tough to Be a Bug!
• Kali River Rapids
• Expedition Everest
• Festival of the Lion King
Posted by Kim Wright Wiley on January 20, 2006 at 1:49:40 PM EST