By Annette Thompson, Southern Living Magazine

How much fun you have at Disney World depends on understanding why you are there in the first place.

Family Fun

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. We also like Port Orleans Resort Riverside for its more reasonable rates and waterfront location. 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. Meanwhile, the basic rooms at the All-Star Resorts are quite affordable 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). Make reservations for your most important dinners three months before you arrive. Also, you may want to rent a refrigerator for your room.

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.

The Shannon Family's Top 10

Southern Living senior designer Jennie Shannon recently spent a week with her husband, Brian, and their 4-year-old son, Mac, while leaving 21-month-old Cade at home. They plan to introduce him to Mickey next time. Here are their family faves.

1. Riding Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom.
2. Eating breakfast with Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom.
3. Hang gliding virtually on Soarin' in Epcot's Land Pavilion.
4. Using the Photopass allowed our family to have a picture taken together.
5. Watching Mac paint and decorate Mickey Mouse cookies at the Concourse Steakhouse in the Contemporary Resort.
6. Riding in the front car of the monorail.
7. Viewing the Fantasmic! evening show at Disney-MGM Studios.
8. Watching Festival of the Lion King's singing, dancing, acrobatics, and audio-animatronics in Disney's Animal Kingdom.
9. Interacting with Nemo's friends at Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot.
10. Housekeeping magic. Mac's toys had fun while we were in the parks. We would often return to find The Incredibles climbing the bunk bed.

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.

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.

Newlyweds At Disney

My husband and I have visited twice since getting married only 18 months ago. Here are our some of our best experiences.

1. Holding hands on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
2. Enjoying a quiet dinner at Cítricos in the Grand Floridian.
3. Watching fireworks from California Grill.
4. Waking to a giraffe at the window of our savanna-view room at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
5. Sitting close on It's a Small World.
6. Sweating on the dance floor of Atlantic Dance Club on the BoardWalk.
7. Playing on Disney's golf courses.
8. Browsing in Epcot's World Showcase.
9. Sharing a pitcher of sangría at Spoodles restaurant.
10. Sitting on a beachfront swing at the Grand Floridian.

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.

Mealtimes: Ellen made dining reservations each day. At MGM, the girls had to hide their uneaten green beans from their server at the 1950s-style Prime Time Café. Their Downtown Disney favorites included the House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, and Bongos Cuban Cafe.

In the parks: Teens love excitement, and parents love safe thrills for their teens. Each park now offers at least one let-a-scream-fly ride. Animal Kingdom's brand-new roller coaster, Expedition Everest, gives them another reason to go in addition to Kali River Rapids. Epcot's Mission: SPACE appeals as well. MGM has the most to offer with the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith; The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; and the new Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.

Ellen's Must-Do List

Sixteen-year-old Ellen recently had her first on-her-own days in the parks with a friend. This is her top 10.

1. Riding the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at Disney-MGM Studios.
2. Staying for the Magic Hours-when the parks stay open late for resort guests.
3. Barreling down the waterslides and tanning by the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon.
4. Souvenir shopping at Downtown Disney-make sure to hit the kid stores for princess and LEGO toys.
5. Dinner at Epcot-we liked Mexican restaurant San Angel Inn best.
6. Playing against your friend on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, where you score points for hitting aliens.
7. Riding Space Mountain during the fireworks show. There are fewer people, and you can usually ride twice.
8. Eating character meals. Go to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort, and feel free to have lots of kiddie fun.
9. Riding Peter Pan's Flight in Magic Kingdom. It's cool to pretend to be 7 years old again.
10. Taking photographs of the fast and furious stunt shows at MGM.

Related Links:

• Southern Living Magazine: Disney Dining Tips
• Southern Living Magazine: Make A Splash At Disney
• Southern Living Magazine: Holidays At Sea
• Southern Living Magazine: Reader's Choice Awards