Smart dining at Disney World - CNN.com

Browsing around on the CNN web site, I came across a nice article titled Smart dining at Disney World by Eileen Ogintz. She makes the standard recommendations... and makes a comment that I think it worth sharing:

I was disappointed that Disney restaurants -- so quick with the kids' menus and crayons and awesome kids' desserts (how about a white-chocolate puzzle that came with a brush and different color frostings so they could "create" their own desert?) -- didn't immediately offer some Mickey-shaped crackers when we sat down.

That's a great point. If you're traveling to Disney World with small children, be prepared for relatively slow service at restaurants. Just to review... Disney World has two basic types of restaurants: counter-service and table-service.

• At counter-service restaurants, you stand in line to order and pick up your food, then seat yourself to eat. Think glamorized fast food.
• At table-service restaurants, you are seated, then a server takes your order and serves your meal. (There are a few buffets, where you serve yourself.)

No matter where you're dining, don't expect quick service. Long lines are typical at counter-service restaurants. Enjoying the ambiance is part of the thrill of eating at table-service restaurants, so service isn't rushed.

So here's my secret tip... Look for packages of Mickey crackers and cookies at your Disney hotel gift shop! They cost about $3 or $4 and come in resealable packages. Perfect for carrying to the parks!