I grew up living 2 miles from Disney World. Here are 8 things I wish tourists knew.

I've spent a lot of my life living near Disney World, so I've learned some great tips for exploring the parks and the area around them.

Samantha Tetrault

I consider myself a Disney World "native" because I grew up living just about 2 miles from the parks.Although going to Disney was a major vacation for many, visiting these parks on the weekends, for day trips, and "just because" was my norm. Although it sounds surprising, the sheer number of tourists I encountered each day was one of my favorite parts of living in Orlando. Sharing this little corner of the globe with people far and wide was a special experience, and it made my community warm and welcoming to outsiders.Still, there are a few things I wish tourists knew when planning their trip to Disney World.There's plenty to explore outside the 4 main theme parks

Dole Whip from the Polynesian Resort.

Samantha Tetrault