You can get a fresh Fastpass for a different attraction every two hours. The bad news is that there are only a specific limited number of Fastpasses printed for each attraction each day. When they’re gone, they’re gone. If you don’t get a Fastpass, you’re stuck standing in line with the other regular folks.

Universal’s Express Pass is very similar to Disney’s Fastpass and is also printed in limited numbers from kiosks near the most popular rides. However, Universal also offers a daily plastic Express Pass Card that sends the holder to the front of most lines – without having to use the kiosks. Universal Studios on-property hotel guests can use their room card as a daily Express Pass and guests not staying at a Universal Hotel can BUY a daily Express Pass card for $15 to $25 depending on the season.

When a park opens, most guests rush into the attractions that are closest to the front gates. Do something different – as you enter the park, get an Fastpass (Express Pass) for the popular rides near the front of the park and immediately make a bee-line for the popular rides furthest from the entrance, where there are no guests and no lines. Ride the rides at the back of the park multiple times until the regular guests slowly filter to the back, then avoid crowds by traveling from the back of the park to the front. Use your Fastpass (Express Pass) to bypass the lines when you finally arrive back at the popular attraction near the entrance.

Many parkgoers prefer to not separate their groups on attraction rides. Those people stand in the regular line. Single riders sometimes go to the head of the line. If a line is long and you don’t have a Fastpass (Express Pass), ask the attraction attendant if there is a special line for single riders. While it may split up your group, it could get you on the ride in a fraction of the normal wait time.

We have a child in middle school so I understand your problem. At higher school grade levels, it’s not easy to play hooky for a trip to Orlando, but it’s not entirely impossible, either. Ultimately, the parents and teachers know best whether or not this is a good idea. If your child is a good student, you can ask the teacher if he or she has any objection to your child’s absence. Often a teacher can adjust the student’s homework and make specific recommendations for dates when your child’s absence will have the least impact on class work.

Many of us have no choice but to take vacations during school breaks. If you must visit during summer vacation, try the very end of August when crowds are typically smaller. Be aware, though, of the earlier park closings that kick in near the end of August and early September.

If your kids are still clamoring for theme parks then you shouldn’t miss Sea World Orlando Adventure Park. A little bit education and a whole lot of fun, Sea World is a place where your family can experience the wonders of the sea up close (including the world-famous killer whale, Shamu!), hand feed sea lions and stingrays, check out penguins in their very own icy environment, and of course, brave some fabulous rides.

Universal Studios Orlando offers an up-close look at big action Hollywood moviemaking at its most exciting best allowing you to walk through major motion picture sets. Of course, if you get tired of that, you can always check out the Universal Studio’s rides or head over to Islands of Adventure. These rides serve up the thrills! Set on five islands, Islands of Adventure theme park offers rides with speed, twists, turns, height, gravity defiance… or how about a man-made tornado or two?,

What if you’ve simply had it with rides, the lines, and the screaming children? How about some world class shopping? There’s more in Kissimmee and Orlando than just Musketeer ears and Disney pins! Get out your plastic because the The Buena Vista Lake Factory Stores (http://www.lbvfs.com/) and Kissimmee Value Outlet Shops offer discount outlet shopping the likes or which even seasoned pros have rarely seen Only Minutes away from Disney World, these discount shopping Meccas are homes to Borders, Converse, Eddie Bauer, Fossil, Gap, Jockey, Nike, Nine West, Old Navy, Osh Kosh, Sony, Bed & Bath, Vanity Fair discount outlet shops and dozens more. And if you still like to shop, but like a great bargain as well as the thrill of the hunt, check out the dozens of flea markets in the area. And you were worried about how much Disney World was going to run you!

If shopping is not exactly fun or relaxing for you, set up a tee time at one o the over 50 golf courses in the area or go for the education and excitement of a If you’re looking for a relaxing game of golf, there’s over 50 courses in the area for you to choose from!

Looking for some truly fun dining entertainment for all? Try Medieval Times! While you and your family enjoy a real four course medieval feast (no forks allowed!) you will be entertained by jousters (yes, on horseback!) and sword play. You and your family won’t be able to help but be caught up in all of the excitement! If you’re thinking that you and yours might find this fun then check them out at www.medievaltimes.com and buy your tix ahead of time as seats fill up fast.