Disney made easy

We sent our resident expert to give you the scoop. Her insider's guide will make your next trip magical.

Walt Disney World can be overwhelming. Trying to please everyone in your family can be like attempting to satisfy Snow White, her royal parents, and the Seven Dwarfs at the same time. To keep you from feeling like a bad apple, make sure your visit includes something for everyone. Use our tips on where to stay and eat, as well as where to spend your time for different types of travelers. We think you'll have a dream trip.

Family Fun in the Parks

Decide who will get the most out of your visit before you arrive. While many families bring young children to Disney World, toddlers won't remember much, and they can make your visit a challenge. If this is a trip you want the kids to cherish, take only those who are at least 4 years old.

* Where To Stay: Disney does family lodging better than anyone, with themed hotels in several price ranges. At the high end, we prefer the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Polynesian Resort, which offer a variety of rooms (expect to pay more than $200 a night). We also like Port Orleans Resort Riverside for its more reasonable rates and waterfront location ($139-$250). Old Key West Resort offers some of the largest accommodations. As a Disney Vacation Club property (time-share), it rents popular two- and three-bedroom condos with kitchens from $500. Meanwhile, the basic rooms at the All-Star Resorts go for less than $100 most of the time.

* How To Spend Your Time: Schedule activities around the youngest member of your group. Kids over 6 years old can enjoy two theme parks a day.

If you're toting tots, rent strollers for the length of your stay. Although you must return the stroller at the end of each day, you'll receive a ticket which allows you to avoid the longest morning lines after the first day.

Outside the parks, head to DisneyQuest for five floors of interactive rides and games in Downtown Disney, or plan a day at a water park.

* Mealtimes: The Dining Plan offers the best value for guests staying in Disney resorts. It includes one table service meal, one counter service meal, and one snack each day (including non-alcoholic beverages and tips) for $37.99 per person. Make reservations for your most important dinners three months before you arrive. Also, you may want a refrigerator in your room ($10 a day).

* In the Parks: While each park has something for little visitors, most prefer Magic Kingdom. Don't miss Pooh's Playful Spot, a new playground in Fantasyland. At Animal Kingdom, skip DINOSOAR with its roaring T. rex, and let brave adventurers try Primeval Whirl.

Romancing the Mouse

Look around, and you'll spy young couples in top hats and bridal veils. They know Disney makes a memorable romantic retreat. But you don't have to be newlyweds to celebrate your love. Every couple can find lovely magic in the Happiest Place on Earth.

* Where To Stay: Disney's Grand Floridian and Yacht and Beach Club Resorts offer a refined luxury not found in the other resorts. But if you want privacy, the Caribbean Beach Resort's buildings seem a world away. Avoid the kid-packed All-Star and Pop Century Resorts.

* How To Spend Your Time: Couples should splurge for tickets to La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney-it's worth the cost. After dark, settle onto the beach by the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian to watch the fireworks reflected on Seven Seas Lagoon. Late-nighters adore the dance clubs on Pleasure Island.

* Mealtimes: Find the best restaurants by resort-hopping. You'll discover New York style at Todd English's bluezoo in the Dolphin, South African foods at Jiko-The Cooking Place in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Mediterranean favorites at Spoodles on the BoardWalk. In Epcot, dine at Bistro de Paris or Sunshine Season, the new food court in The Land Pavilion, where wood-fired grills and woks elevate Disney counter service to a healthy level. (Visit southernliving.com/ features to see our June 2005 Disney "Food Finds.")

* In the Parks: At Epcot, don't miss Soarin', a large-screen movie that makes you feel as if you are hang gliding. Plan several hours to explore the World Showcase for shopping and dining. Couples will enjoy the twists and turns of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom.

Teens Do Disney Too

Disney World can be a special place for those old enough to explore without Mom and Dad. They can ride buses between parks, dine with friends, and find adventures all on their own.

* Where To Stay: Pools, accessibility to good bus routes, and fun atmosphere guide the best teen choices. A clean bed, a television, and a bathroom fit most of their needs. If you have a teen in tow and don't plan to spend much time in the room, choose the All-Star or Pop Century Resorts. If you know your teens will be out while you want to stay in, opt for the more spacious and centrally located Contemporary.

* How To Spend Your Time: Last summer, my 16-year-old daughter, Ellen, and her friend, Amanda, responsibly visited all four parks, two water parks, Downtown Disney, and the BoardWalk. They learned bus routes and stayed in touch via cell phone. One of their favorite activities became pin trading. With a $20 investment in a lanyard and a set of six starter pins, they exchanged pins with Disney cast members everywhere they went. At night, they enjoyed the Magic Hours-the parks stay open to resort guests for three additional hours on certain nights.