Memphis, Tenn.: We are going to Walt Disney World in September. Is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party a fun event for couples? Thanks, Amanda

Robert Niles: It's geared more toward families than singles and couple without kids, but it is still Disney, so it's still fun. If you are looking for a more "grown-up" alternative, with more scares (but a lot of campy humor, too), Universal's event would be a better choice.

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Los Angeles, Calif.: What's the biggest mistake that families make when they take kids to a park?

Robert Niles: Expectations. Parents try to get "full value" from the tickets and march their kids through the park like they are Sherman headed through Georgia. Plan for a sit-down lunch, time in the afternoon back at the hotel pool or taking a nap and don't push the kids too hard during the day. Look for playgrounds (like Disney's Tom Sawyer Island) where kids can run around, too, instead of just waiting in line and line.

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Miami, Fla.: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not too far away but Universal's 3 on-site hotels won't be able to handle half the prospective visitors who will want to stay on-site. Are they going to construct a new resort in time for the opening?

Robert Niles: Not that I've heard. I suspect that prices will, uh, be going up at those hotels in 2010, though, in response to the demand. So late 2008 or 2009 will see some bargains available for people who want to visit Universal before HP, and get that front of the line pass.

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Washington, D.C.: Disney passes are supposed to be good forever. Will there be any way to redeem Pleasure Island passes after Disney closes PI in September?

Robert Niles: Disney will credit you the value of unused Pleasure Island tickets toward the purchase of some other Disney ticket. Bring them to any Guest Relations booth, or call Disney's guest relations number, (407) 939-6244, for details. If you have one of the Magic Your Way tickets with the Pleasure Island add-on, those still expire two weeks (I think) after first use.

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