Most touring strategies espoused by guidebooks mean having to descend upon the Parks like a special-ops commando. This is a very tempting strategy after you've just spent all your life savings to get to Disney World. It's also very exhausting, which is why you often find the guidebooks recommending an afternoon nap.
I'm not much of a napper, although my daughter is. And it's perfectly possible to enjoy a whole day at a Park without wearing yourself out. The way to do that is to tell yourself that it's okay not to see everything. To be flexible. The true magic to Disney is not in going on as many attractions as you can. It's about a vacation, not a chore.
If you are so intent on getting on the Kali River Rapids after the Safari and fitting in Expedition Everest as well, you'll rush along to Asia in Animal Kingdom. But then you'll miss DiVine, a performer who looks and acts like a living vine wrapped around a tree. You have to be sharp eyed to see her and her performance is beautiful. Many kids love seeing DiVine and taking pictures with her. But it may be that if you stay too long, you'll miss out on Kali.
Or perhaps you want to make sure you get on both the Tower of Terror, the Rock N' Rollercoaster and see the Extreme Stunt Show in time so that you can be sure to also return to your room for a nap and then see the parade when you come back. But then you miss the ambience of New York Street and triggering the umbrella that showers water down while "Singin' in the Rain" plays. If you are over in New York, you may miss your fastpass time for Rock N' Rollercoaster!
The truth is, if you don't have a list of attractions you didn't get to, you're working too hard and there are a lot of things you missed out on that would have refreshed you and given you a time to rest and be on a vacation. I find my best Disney moments have been when I was forced to stop while my daughter slept in her stroller preventing me from going on an attraction. There's something to be said for merely watching the Fountain of Nations' choreographed water sprays instead of waiting in line to see characters at the Character Connection or trying to get onto Test Track.
If my mom and I had been intent on seeing Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and making sure to head back over in time for Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, it could have easily been accomplished. My nephew would have missed out on discussing which Ninja Turtle was better with the Talking Trash Can in Tomorrowland. Which is going to be the longer lasting memory?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Transportation
At Disney World you’ll experience all kinds of transportation, buses, ferries, trams, monorails, trains etc. There are two different aspects to transportation. One is getting to and from Disney from the airport. The other is getting around Disney World.
We prefer to use Murray-Hill Transportation to and from the airport. This is a very customer service oriented company that fits right in with the Disney magic. They meet you at the airport, help with your luggage and comfortably transport you to Disney World. We usually take advantage of their 30 minute stop at the grocery store to pick-up supplies that we may not want to pack into our suitcases. They also offer group photos at the main gate and helicopter tours. They are less expensive than taking a taxi and we’ve used them for parties of two to parties of nine. They provide one free infant or child booster seat and charge $5 for addition ones. The last time we went, we rented a perfectly adequate stroller from them for $10 for the whole stay. The drivers are always friendly and helpful. They will pick you up at your resort for the return to the airport at a designated time so you don’t have to worry about calling anyone on the day of departure. I love Murray-Hill!
You can also use Disney’s Magical Express. This is a free bus transport to the resorts. They will pick-up your luggage and deliver it to your room. I hear that it takes about 4 hours to get your luggage delivered, which may be inconvenient if you need anything that is packed away before that time elapses. This is one of the cons, as well as arriving at the resort with a bunch of other vacationers, causing you to all try to check in at the same time. However, it is a quick, easy and free way to get to and from the airport.
As for getting to and from the parks, the bus system is great! The buses pick you up at the resort and take you to whatever park you want to go to. There is a separate bus for each park. They arrive every 15 minutes or so. The first time we went to Disney World, I rented a car. The parking lots are huge and you take a tram from the lot to the entrance of the park. Leaving at the end of the day can be quite a hassle as everyone tries to leave at the same time. You may have to wait for the tram as they fill up and then deal with the traffic leaving the parks. I prefer leaving the driving to them.
At Magic Kingdom you can take a train ride around the park and get off wherever you want to. There are several ferries as well that will take you to certain resorts, or back to the transportation center where the parking lots are. You also have access to the monorail, also going to specific resorts or to connecting monorails going to Epcot.
There are ferries at Epcot that can take you to different points in the World Showcase, or to the Boardwalk or Hollywood Studios. Some resorts have ferries that take you to Downtown Disney (Port Orleans and Old Key West for sure, possibly also Saratoga Springs although I’ve never stayed there).
All in all, including the plane ride to Florida, you and your family can experience just about every form of transportation that there is by visiting Disney World and that doesn’t even include the rides.
We prefer to use Murray-Hill Transportation to and from the airport. This is a very customer service oriented company that fits right in with the Disney magic. They meet you at the airport, help with your luggage and comfortably transport you to Disney World. We usually take advantage of their 30 minute stop at the grocery store to pick-up supplies that we may not want to pack into our suitcases. They also offer group photos at the main gate and helicopter tours. They are less expensive than taking a taxi and we’ve used them for parties of two to parties of nine. They provide one free infant or child booster seat and charge $5 for addition ones. The last time we went, we rented a perfectly adequate stroller from them for $10 for the whole stay. The drivers are always friendly and helpful. They will pick you up at your resort for the return to the airport at a designated time so you don’t have to worry about calling anyone on the day of departure. I love Murray-Hill!
You can also use Disney’s Magical Express. This is a free bus transport to the resorts. They will pick-up your luggage and deliver it to your room. I hear that it takes about 4 hours to get your luggage delivered, which may be inconvenient if you need anything that is packed away before that time elapses. This is one of the cons, as well as arriving at the resort with a bunch of other vacationers, causing you to all try to check in at the same time. However, it is a quick, easy and free way to get to and from the airport.
As for getting to and from the parks, the bus system is great! The buses pick you up at the resort and take you to whatever park you want to go to. There is a separate bus for each park. They arrive every 15 minutes or so. The first time we went to Disney World, I rented a car. The parking lots are huge and you take a tram from the lot to the entrance of the park. Leaving at the end of the day can be quite a hassle as everyone tries to leave at the same time. You may have to wait for the tram as they fill up and then deal with the traffic leaving the parks. I prefer leaving the driving to them.
At Magic Kingdom you can take a train ride around the park and get off wherever you want to. There are several ferries as well that will take you to certain resorts, or back to the transportation center where the parking lots are. You also have access to the monorail, also going to specific resorts or to connecting monorails going to Epcot.
There are ferries at Epcot that can take you to different points in the World Showcase, or to the Boardwalk or Hollywood Studios. Some resorts have ferries that take you to Downtown Disney (Port Orleans and Old Key West for sure, possibly also Saratoga Springs although I’ve never stayed there).
All in all, including the plane ride to Florida, you and your family can experience just about every form of transportation that there is by visiting Disney World and that doesn’t even include the rides.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Meet and Greets!
A mission for many Park goers with and without children are to meet the characters. Some look to find as many as they can. Others look for specific ones and yet others keep an eye out for the rarest characters. Some may only be seen in a parade, while others can be seen during character dining or at Meet and' Greets.
Meet and Greets are opportunities where the characters will take photos with guests and sign autographs. Unlike what's seen in the commercials, they usually don't wander around, instead they stand in one place. And there are lines. Very long lines.
But how do you find them? Most Meet and Greets are marked with Mickey's glove on the Park maps. However, characters often show up in areas not marked as a Meet and Greet. For instance, you will likely find Captains Hook and Jack Sparrow near Pirates of the Caribbean. The UK Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase is a likely spot to meet Mary Poppins, Alice and the Pooh gang. Animal Kingdom is good for a lot of Jungle Book and Lion King characters.
Some characters are not so easy to find, nor are their locations an obvious place to look. You will run into Lightning McQueen and Mater at Hollywood Studios in the New York area. Many Pixar characters, oddly enough, can be seen at Hollywood Studios' Animation Courtyard, a place dedicated to the art of traditional 2-D animation.
There is no guarantee a specific character will show up. The Flying Carpets of Aladdin is a good bet for finding Aladdin and Jasmine. You might however just as likely find Jafar instead.
Some characters have specific areas, such as in ToonTown in the Magic Kingdom where they meet people inside. Usually, the lines are long, but have the advantage of being air conditioned inside. These Meet and Greets are the most obvious. Because of course you will meet Ariel if you visit Ariel's grotto.
If you remain alert, you may even discover some rarely seen characters such as Kim Possible and Clara Cluck! In my experience I've always found the rarer characters at Hollywood Studios most often. And your rare character may be common for someone else. Grandma B was once chased around the Animation Courtyard by Frollo from Hunchback of Notre Dame. I haven't seen him since.
The characters that aren't as popular are the easiest to get to with the shortest wait. They are also the most likely to find you. So while Mickey may not just walk up to you on Main Street, Hook probably will walk up to you while you shop at the Pirates gift shop and probably threaten you with his hook. I actually find encounters like these far more fun then waiting in line for The Big Mouse! So don't sell the unpopular characters short!
Meet and Greets are opportunities where the characters will take photos with guests and sign autographs. Unlike what's seen in the commercials, they usually don't wander around, instead they stand in one place. And there are lines. Very long lines.
But how do you find them? Most Meet and Greets are marked with Mickey's glove on the Park maps. However, characters often show up in areas not marked as a Meet and Greet. For instance, you will likely find Captains Hook and Jack Sparrow near Pirates of the Caribbean. The UK Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase is a likely spot to meet Mary Poppins, Alice and the Pooh gang. Animal Kingdom is good for a lot of Jungle Book and Lion King characters.
Some characters are not so easy to find, nor are their locations an obvious place to look. You will run into Lightning McQueen and Mater at Hollywood Studios in the New York area. Many Pixar characters, oddly enough, can be seen at Hollywood Studios' Animation Courtyard, a place dedicated to the art of traditional 2-D animation.
There is no guarantee a specific character will show up. The Flying Carpets of Aladdin is a good bet for finding Aladdin and Jasmine. You might however just as likely find Jafar instead.
Some characters have specific areas, such as in ToonTown in the Magic Kingdom where they meet people inside. Usually, the lines are long, but have the advantage of being air conditioned inside. These Meet and Greets are the most obvious. Because of course you will meet Ariel if you visit Ariel's grotto.
If you remain alert, you may even discover some rarely seen characters such as Kim Possible and Clara Cluck! In my experience I've always found the rarer characters at Hollywood Studios most often. And your rare character may be common for someone else. Grandma B was once chased around the Animation Courtyard by Frollo from Hunchback of Notre Dame. I haven't seen him since.
The characters that aren't as popular are the easiest to get to with the shortest wait. They are also the most likely to find you. So while Mickey may not just walk up to you on Main Street, Hook probably will walk up to you while you shop at the Pirates gift shop and probably threaten you with his hook. I actually find encounters like these far more fun then waiting in line for The Big Mouse! So don't sell the unpopular characters short!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Disney Cast Members
As I’ve mentioned before, my youngest daughter was a Disney Cast Member for 9 mos. about 8 years ago. Disney trains their employees well. In fact their training program is so successful that other corporations have taken their ideas to apply to their own companies. My daughter got a job at US Bank when she came back from Florida, and one of the reasons she was hired was that she was trained in customer service by Disney.
Disney staff , who are referred to as Cast Members, are extraordinarily friendly and helpful. The customer is always right (no matter how unfriendly, ornery, or exasperating they may be). If they can’t help you they will always try to find someone who can. Here are some facts about cast members. This information was accurate as of 8 years ago, but I doubt that much has changed.
Employees go through two weeks of intensive training when first hired, followed by one week of training at their work site. Disney standards are almost military. Men are not allowed to have beards. Make-up and nail polish must be neutral, no facial piercing, no strange hair colors etc.
Customers are referred to as guests.
It is drilled into the Cast Members that there is only one Mickey.
They never point with their index finger alone. If you ever ask one of them where something is, they will point with two fingers, the index and middle finger, pressed together or with their hand, four fingers pressed together with their thumb tucked under.
Their uniforms are referred to as their ‘costumes’.
Magic Kingdom is built upon a series of tunnels that the cast members use to traverse the park.
There are Cast Member nights at Pleasure Island (Mondays and Thursdays) and at the House of Blues (Wednesdays) where it is likely celebrities will show up.
When a Cast Member quits, there is a profile done on them that indicates whether or not they are eligible to be hired back should they desire that. A negative profile is a very bad thing.
Cast Members do not make much but they get paid weekly, can purchase affordable health/dental/vision insurance as full time employees, and have limited plans available as part-time employees. Full-timers get vacation and sick leave, annual pay increases and a stock purchase program. They also get other perks like discounts and free admission and parking at the parks.
The Cast Members are a big reason why a trip to Disney World is so enjoyable.
Disney staff , who are referred to as Cast Members, are extraordinarily friendly and helpful. The customer is always right (no matter how unfriendly, ornery, or exasperating they may be). If they can’t help you they will always try to find someone who can. Here are some facts about cast members. This information was accurate as of 8 years ago, but I doubt that much has changed.
Employees go through two weeks of intensive training when first hired, followed by one week of training at their work site. Disney standards are almost military. Men are not allowed to have beards. Make-up and nail polish must be neutral, no facial piercing, no strange hair colors etc.
Customers are referred to as guests.
It is drilled into the Cast Members that there is only one Mickey.
They never point with their index finger alone. If you ever ask one of them where something is, they will point with two fingers, the index and middle finger, pressed together or with their hand, four fingers pressed together with their thumb tucked under.
Their uniforms are referred to as their ‘costumes’.
Magic Kingdom is built upon a series of tunnels that the cast members use to traverse the park.
There are Cast Member nights at Pleasure Island (Mondays and Thursdays) and at the House of Blues (Wednesdays) where it is likely celebrities will show up.
When a Cast Member quits, there is a profile done on them that indicates whether or not they are eligible to be hired back should they desire that. A negative profile is a very bad thing.
Cast Members do not make much but they get paid weekly, can purchase affordable health/dental/vision insurance as full time employees, and have limited plans available as part-time employees. Full-timers get vacation and sick leave, annual pay increases and a stock purchase program. They also get other perks like discounts and free admission and parking at the parks.
The Cast Members are a big reason why a trip to Disney World is so enjoyable.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
OH NO! IT'S POOH! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!
I've known a few characters in my time. I mean it in both senses of the word, but I really want to talk about the people who play the Characters in the Parks. In fact, I've had conversations with people who were two of the most popular characters at Disney World. Mickey and Tigger.
That resulted in a very interesting revelation. The Castmembers who work inside those costumes generally prefer the adults who approach them. Part of it is that the adults usually play along with the act. They get a kick out of seeing grown people get as excited to see them as the kids. In a good-natured way.
Another part of that is that adults don't cry or scream in fear when they see them. Unfortunately, many children, especially very young children, do. Sometimes not shattering the illusion of fantasy has a dark side. And that is, that suddenly the safe little cartoon characters your toddler was happily watching when at home are now extremely huge, with unnatural proportions and very oddly silent.
My own daughter doesn't like any of the characters she isn't familiar with. She accepted Mickey and the gang, but didn't want to have anything to do with Chip N' Dale or Meeko from Pocahontas the last time we went. Her experience up to then had been Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the Disney Channel and old Mickey cartoons. I've since remedied that situation by exposing her to more films, especially the characters that are most commonly encountered. She still won't have anything to do with costumed characters outside of Disney World, however. And these are just the good guys! Keep in mind that a child could have a huge freak out if they actually see a villian. In my daughter's case it would be Maleficent or the Hag from Snow White.
There are some ways to ease this situation, however before you book that character meal. Let them see the live action Disney Sing-along DVDs set at the Parks, where they can see real kids interacting with the characters. This gives them a sense of scale and what to expect. Also, during other parts of the year you can test them out with Santa and the Easter Bunny closer to home. Chances are they will react the same way at Disney World.
If you want to show them the character ahead of time, here is a list of the characters that seem to pop up the most frequently and usually also have short lines compared to the long ones to see Mickey (And he's always a special case). All others appear only in certain areas at certain times or require a long wait in line inside a building. They aren't as unexpectedly and frequently encountered as the following:
Chip N' Dale
Pluto
Goofy
Tigger
Rafiki (The Lion King)
Louie (Jungle Book)
Baloo (Jungle Book)
Mr. Fox (Pinocchio)
Cinderella's Mice
Meeko
Still, your child may act in ways you don't expect in such a different environment than they are used to. So be sure to back off and don't force them to see characters if they don't want to.
That resulted in a very interesting revelation. The Castmembers who work inside those costumes generally prefer the adults who approach them. Part of it is that the adults usually play along with the act. They get a kick out of seeing grown people get as excited to see them as the kids. In a good-natured way.
Another part of that is that adults don't cry or scream in fear when they see them. Unfortunately, many children, especially very young children, do. Sometimes not shattering the illusion of fantasy has a dark side. And that is, that suddenly the safe little cartoon characters your toddler was happily watching when at home are now extremely huge, with unnatural proportions and very oddly silent.
My own daughter doesn't like any of the characters she isn't familiar with. She accepted Mickey and the gang, but didn't want to have anything to do with Chip N' Dale or Meeko from Pocahontas the last time we went. Her experience up to then had been Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the Disney Channel and old Mickey cartoons. I've since remedied that situation by exposing her to more films, especially the characters that are most commonly encountered. She still won't have anything to do with costumed characters outside of Disney World, however. And these are just the good guys! Keep in mind that a child could have a huge freak out if they actually see a villian. In my daughter's case it would be Maleficent or the Hag from Snow White.
There are some ways to ease this situation, however before you book that character meal. Let them see the live action Disney Sing-along DVDs set at the Parks, where they can see real kids interacting with the characters. This gives them a sense of scale and what to expect. Also, during other parts of the year you can test them out with Santa and the Easter Bunny closer to home. Chances are they will react the same way at Disney World.
If you want to show them the character ahead of time, here is a list of the characters that seem to pop up the most frequently and usually also have short lines compared to the long ones to see Mickey (And he's always a special case). All others appear only in certain areas at certain times or require a long wait in line inside a building. They aren't as unexpectedly and frequently encountered as the following:
Chip N' Dale
Pluto
Goofy
Tigger
Rafiki (The Lion King)
Louie (Jungle Book)
Baloo (Jungle Book)
Mr. Fox (Pinocchio)
Cinderella's Mice
Meeko
Still, your child may act in ways you don't expect in such a different environment than they are used to. So be sure to back off and don't force them to see characters if they don't want to.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Jambo! It's Animal Kingdom!
Animal Kingdom is touted as the largest park of the four at Disney World. This is true as far as acreage is concerned because they need a lot of that for all the animals. As far as walking around the park, we’ve never spent more than half a day there. It really seems like the smallest park. The terrain is a bit rough, lots of up and downhill slopes. I think it tires you out more.
Our strategy for this park again involves walking straight back to the furthest part of the park. Our ritual used to include breakfast at Tusker House. They had the best cinnamon rolls there. It was closed for refurbishment the last time we went and was due to re-open as a Character meal buffet style restaurant, so we haven’t checked that out yet. I think you can still get the rolls at Kusafiri Coffee and Bakery.
Next is the Kilimanjaro Safari. This where you can experience a lot of the acreage that is Animal Kingdom as you take a safari through the wildlife preserve and see everything from Flamingos to the King of Beasts, the Lion. This area of the park is where you can also visit the Conservation Station, better known as Rafiki’s Planet Watch. A nice little train ride with lots of educational information and a petting zoo at the end. We also always visit Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders where we often find great clearance items. I have several t-shirts that I bought there at half price.
We next head over through Asia where you can ride the Kali River Rapids (if you don’t mind getting really wet) and experience the best new roller coaster at Disney World, Expedition Everest. Watch out for the Yeti! There’s a new restaurant there called the Yak and Yeti. Can’t wait to try it.
Then it’s on to Dinoland USA. There are great rides here for the little ones and the more intense 'Dinosaur' for the more adventurous. Donald’s Breakfastasaurus is located here as well and contains a pretty good Character Breakfast, although I don’t know if they will continue with the New Tusker House opening.
On your way out of the park, stop at the Tree of Life and experience the ‘It’s a Bug’s Life’ show. It’s surprising and enjoyable.
There are many little shops and stores along the way, so be sure to check them out as well. We are usually on our way by noon, heading over to Epcot or Hollywood Studios for the rest of the day.
Our strategy for this park again involves walking straight back to the furthest part of the park. Our ritual used to include breakfast at Tusker House. They had the best cinnamon rolls there. It was closed for refurbishment the last time we went and was due to re-open as a Character meal buffet style restaurant, so we haven’t checked that out yet. I think you can still get the rolls at Kusafiri Coffee and Bakery.
Next is the Kilimanjaro Safari. This where you can experience a lot of the acreage that is Animal Kingdom as you take a safari through the wildlife preserve and see everything from Flamingos to the King of Beasts, the Lion. This area of the park is where you can also visit the Conservation Station, better known as Rafiki’s Planet Watch. A nice little train ride with lots of educational information and a petting zoo at the end. We also always visit Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders where we often find great clearance items. I have several t-shirts that I bought there at half price.
We next head over through Asia where you can ride the Kali River Rapids (if you don’t mind getting really wet) and experience the best new roller coaster at Disney World, Expedition Everest. Watch out for the Yeti! There’s a new restaurant there called the Yak and Yeti. Can’t wait to try it.
Then it’s on to Dinoland USA. There are great rides here for the little ones and the more intense 'Dinosaur' for the more adventurous. Donald’s Breakfastasaurus is located here as well and contains a pretty good Character Breakfast, although I don’t know if they will continue with the New Tusker House opening.
On your way out of the park, stop at the Tree of Life and experience the ‘It’s a Bug’s Life’ show. It’s surprising and enjoyable.
There are many little shops and stores along the way, so be sure to check them out as well. We are usually on our way by noon, heading over to Epcot or Hollywood Studios for the rest of the day.
George Lucas Doesn't Always Mean Fun Times
I read several descriptions of the old attraction Alien ExtraTERRORestial Encounter before my first trip to Disney World. Each one described it matter-of-factly and made it sound like something I'd like to try. George Lucas had a hand in creating it. I'd experience an exciting encounter with an escaped alien. Just like the Pirates of the Caribbean ride was described as sailing the Spanish Main with some wild pirates. Nowhere did a guidebook ever say, "Pins you down with a harness and uses psychology to SCARE the BEJEEBUS out of you and SCAR YOU FOR LIFE!" Even after reading descriptions, reviews and ratings of an attraction, it might still be difficult to figure out what it's really like. Thanks a lot, George.
Since then I've gotten a lot warier when it comes to ride descriptions. But also a lot braver when it comes to the rides themselves. I look forward to the unexpected now that I've gotten over my initial shock of my first visit. However, others may not be as adventurous as me. It's also not always obvious what might scare a kid. My nephew loves the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, except for the part where it rolls through the complete darkness of Space Mountain. Even at the age of nearly five he still freaked out at the Davy Jones spray in Pirates of the Caribbean and the cannon fire.
This is where the Internet comes in handy. In recent years, many people have filmed the rides as they went through them. While the quality will vary depending on the camcorder and person holding it, this can at least give you an idea of what to expect. This comes in handy if you are skittish or if you want to preview a ride before allowing a little kid on it. It can also convince you to go on a ride you might have otherwise passed up. The Haunted Mansion isn't as scary as it sounds, it's actually silly and fun.
Although, I am not one to spoil the ride experiences for people, I think it would have helped in the Pirates ride to have at least prepared my nephew for what was coming up. The videos are never complete enough to give you the full experience of a ride. So this may be an option to see what a ride is really like before you decide to drag some poor unfortunate soul, even yourself, onto it. Better to be spoiled than sorry when someone starts screaming.
There are several resources you can use. Youtube often has many of the ride-throughs posted. You can also go to google's video search. A web search will yield even better, higher quality videos for the ride you are looking for. Some rides have a whole website devoted to them.
As for Alien Encounter. It's been replaced by the friendlier, non-scary Stitch's Great Escape attraction. But you don't have to take my word for it.
Since then I've gotten a lot warier when it comes to ride descriptions. But also a lot braver when it comes to the rides themselves. I look forward to the unexpected now that I've gotten over my initial shock of my first visit. However, others may not be as adventurous as me. It's also not always obvious what might scare a kid. My nephew loves the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, except for the part where it rolls through the complete darkness of Space Mountain. Even at the age of nearly five he still freaked out at the Davy Jones spray in Pirates of the Caribbean and the cannon fire.
This is where the Internet comes in handy. In recent years, many people have filmed the rides as they went through them. While the quality will vary depending on the camcorder and person holding it, this can at least give you an idea of what to expect. This comes in handy if you are skittish or if you want to preview a ride before allowing a little kid on it. It can also convince you to go on a ride you might have otherwise passed up. The Haunted Mansion isn't as scary as it sounds, it's actually silly and fun.
Although, I am not one to spoil the ride experiences for people, I think it would have helped in the Pirates ride to have at least prepared my nephew for what was coming up. The videos are never complete enough to give you the full experience of a ride. So this may be an option to see what a ride is really like before you decide to drag some poor unfortunate soul, even yourself, onto it. Better to be spoiled than sorry when someone starts screaming.
There are several resources you can use. Youtube often has many of the ride-throughs posted. You can also go to google's video search. A web search will yield even better, higher quality videos for the ride you are looking for. Some rides have a whole website devoted to them.
As for Alien Encounter. It's been replaced by the friendlier, non-scary Stitch's Great Escape attraction. But you don't have to take my word for it.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Navigating Epcot
Epcot is huge and there’s lots to see. The World Showcase opens later than Future World. Future World usually opens at about 8 or 9 a.m. and the Showcase opens at 11 a.m. If you arrive early, you can experience many rides at Future World and then move on to the Showcase.
We usually head straight for Figment’s Imagination. This is a cute ride and the kids love it. From there we cut over to the opposite end of that section of the park to The Land of the Seas and the Nemo ride. Don’t forget to stop and see Turtle Talk with Crush. This is an enjoyable show with an animated Crush who floats in an aquarium and talks to the kids. He answers individual questions and it’s awesome!
Next it’s The Land and Soarin which is an amazing ride. One of my new favorites. They have a great Character lunch at the Garden Grill here. Food served family style with visits from Farmer Mickey, and Chip n Dale.
You can also stop in at Innovations East and West and test out all the little displays they have. Very educational! There is also a Character meet and greet inside which is nice on those hot and humid days.
By this time we are usually ready to head over to the World Showcase. We usually breeze through Canada and our first stop is the United Kingdom. We love the little shops and sometimes you can catch Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Eyeore inside the building to your right as you face the courtyard. They have a ‘British Invasion’ show in the courtyard that includes a Beatles cover band. Very entertaining. If it’s lunch time we may have fish n chips from the stand just outside the Rose and Crown restaurant.
We make our way around the World stopping in Japan (we can cruise the shop there for at least an hour), China, Norway, and finally Mexico. There is a quick service stand just outside the Mexican Pavilion that serves great Mexican food and a kiosk on the way that serves different flavors of Marguerites. If you want a sit-down restaurant, San Angelo’s in the Mexican Pavilion is beautiful and the food is great. There is also a nice boat ride through the history of Mexico accompanied by the Three Caballeros.
After the world, we head back over to Future World and experience Test Track. Another awesome ride and when you get out of the ride area you find yourself in a world of real full size automobiles and concept cars followed by a car lovers dream of a gift shop.
If you are in the mood for another thrill ride, you can take a trip to Mars on Mission Space. This is a very realistic trip through outer space. So realistic that the first and only time I rode this, I actually got motion sickness and I have never gotten that before on a ride. I haven’t ridden that since, but understand they have a more toned down version of the ride for those who are a little squeamish and the full out version for those who are brave.
The shops at Future World are great, with all kinds of toys, clothes, and souvenirs. You could wander through them for hours, and we do. On our way out of the park we usually go on Spaceship Earth. The old version was a nice easy ride through the history of mankind followed by interesting inventions and future technology sponsored by AT&T. After they pulled out, there was nothing at the end of the ride. Now a new version has been created that is sponsored by Siemens and I am anxious to check this out at my next visit.
If the kids aren’t too tired and cranky, we may stay until 9:00 p.m. to see the Illuminations fireworks and laser show. You’ve got to see this at least once in your life. It’s beautiful, but pretty loud and my 5 year old grandson has only recently been able to get past the loud booms and enjoy the light show.
Next time: Animal Kingdom
We usually head straight for Figment’s Imagination. This is a cute ride and the kids love it. From there we cut over to the opposite end of that section of the park to The Land of the Seas and the Nemo ride. Don’t forget to stop and see Turtle Talk with Crush. This is an enjoyable show with an animated Crush who floats in an aquarium and talks to the kids. He answers individual questions and it’s awesome!
Next it’s The Land and Soarin which is an amazing ride. One of my new favorites. They have a great Character lunch at the Garden Grill here. Food served family style with visits from Farmer Mickey, and Chip n Dale.
You can also stop in at Innovations East and West and test out all the little displays they have. Very educational! There is also a Character meet and greet inside which is nice on those hot and humid days.
By this time we are usually ready to head over to the World Showcase. We usually breeze through Canada and our first stop is the United Kingdom. We love the little shops and sometimes you can catch Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Eyeore inside the building to your right as you face the courtyard. They have a ‘British Invasion’ show in the courtyard that includes a Beatles cover band. Very entertaining. If it’s lunch time we may have fish n chips from the stand just outside the Rose and Crown restaurant.
We make our way around the World stopping in Japan (we can cruise the shop there for at least an hour), China, Norway, and finally Mexico. There is a quick service stand just outside the Mexican Pavilion that serves great Mexican food and a kiosk on the way that serves different flavors of Marguerites. If you want a sit-down restaurant, San Angelo’s in the Mexican Pavilion is beautiful and the food is great. There is also a nice boat ride through the history of Mexico accompanied by the Three Caballeros.
After the world, we head back over to Future World and experience Test Track. Another awesome ride and when you get out of the ride area you find yourself in a world of real full size automobiles and concept cars followed by a car lovers dream of a gift shop.
If you are in the mood for another thrill ride, you can take a trip to Mars on Mission Space. This is a very realistic trip through outer space. So realistic that the first and only time I rode this, I actually got motion sickness and I have never gotten that before on a ride. I haven’t ridden that since, but understand they have a more toned down version of the ride for those who are a little squeamish and the full out version for those who are brave.
The shops at Future World are great, with all kinds of toys, clothes, and souvenirs. You could wander through them for hours, and we do. On our way out of the park we usually go on Spaceship Earth. The old version was a nice easy ride through the history of mankind followed by interesting inventions and future technology sponsored by AT&T. After they pulled out, there was nothing at the end of the ride. Now a new version has been created that is sponsored by Siemens and I am anxious to check this out at my next visit.
If the kids aren’t too tired and cranky, we may stay until 9:00 p.m. to see the Illuminations fireworks and laser show. You’ve got to see this at least once in your life. It’s beautiful, but pretty loud and my 5 year old grandson has only recently been able to get past the loud booms and enjoy the light show.
Next time: Animal Kingdom
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Views on Shoes
Sometimes people boggle my mind. I have seen people attempt Disney World wearing pumps, heels, flip-flops, sandals and all manner of odd footwear. Odd to me that is. Perhaps people really are comfortable with them and it works out well. I should start asking the next time I'm there. But I would never dare to try it myself.
I have never in ten years of going to the Parks had a blister, sore feet the next day or even really tired feet at the end of the day. So my views aren't exactly coming out of thin air. I'd like to pretend that it is my commitment to physical fitness and stamina. It isn't. I realized that during the last trip. My workout routines have become lax with a toddler and I'm no longer 23. Yet, while my shoulders were stiff from pushing a stroller, my feet and more importantly, my knees, felt no pain. Perhaps a little stiffness when I woke up, but that quickly disappeared by the time I was dressed.
This is due to my shoes. Sure, someone may feel okay the day they are at the park, but they will pay for it the next day. Arch support and cushioning are vital for escaping the hurt that the Parks tries to confer onto you. That damage is cumulative. A local going for a one day trip can get away with it...maybe. An out-of-stater like me with several days in a row cannot.
Here's the secret: quality walking shoes. Currently, I have some Reebox DMX walking shoes. They are excellent. New Balance and Nike also make some fine walking shoes. It's important that they are walking versions and not "dress sneakers", running shoes or gym shoes. I've felt the difference. They also must be properly broken in. Plan on starting six months in advance of your trip if you already walk for exercise. A year if you don't. However, two year old shoes for a frequent walker are probably too beaten down at that point to give you much help and should be replaced. Also bring new or newish socks that haven't started thinning.
I still recommend bringing along some first aid items such as ibuprofen/acetaminophen, band-aids and moleskin. However, I've always given those out to other people in my party and never used them much myself.
There's a reason the armed forces emphasizes foot care while on long marches carrying 40lb packs. A trip to Disney World isn't really any different in it's physical demands. You can expect to walk 5-10 miles at all of the Parks, except Epcot where you will walk 11-15 miles in a day. This is while carrying anything you brought in t the park, anything you purchased as well as standing for long periods of time. If you want to survive the vacation, take care of yourself, soldier!
I have never in ten years of going to the Parks had a blister, sore feet the next day or even really tired feet at the end of the day. So my views aren't exactly coming out of thin air. I'd like to pretend that it is my commitment to physical fitness and stamina. It isn't. I realized that during the last trip. My workout routines have become lax with a toddler and I'm no longer 23. Yet, while my shoulders were stiff from pushing a stroller, my feet and more importantly, my knees, felt no pain. Perhaps a little stiffness when I woke up, but that quickly disappeared by the time I was dressed.
This is due to my shoes. Sure, someone may feel okay the day they are at the park, but they will pay for it the next day. Arch support and cushioning are vital for escaping the hurt that the Parks tries to confer onto you. That damage is cumulative. A local going for a one day trip can get away with it...maybe. An out-of-stater like me with several days in a row cannot.
Here's the secret: quality walking shoes. Currently, I have some Reebox DMX walking shoes. They are excellent. New Balance and Nike also make some fine walking shoes. It's important that they are walking versions and not "dress sneakers", running shoes or gym shoes. I've felt the difference. They also must be properly broken in. Plan on starting six months in advance of your trip if you already walk for exercise. A year if you don't. However, two year old shoes for a frequent walker are probably too beaten down at that point to give you much help and should be replaced. Also bring new or newish socks that haven't started thinning.
I still recommend bringing along some first aid items such as ibuprofen/acetaminophen, band-aids and moleskin. However, I've always given those out to other people in my party and never used them much myself.
There's a reason the armed forces emphasizes foot care while on long marches carrying 40lb packs. A trip to Disney World isn't really any different in it's physical demands. You can expect to walk 5-10 miles at all of the Parks, except Epcot where you will walk 11-15 miles in a day. This is while carrying anything you brought in t the park, anything you purchased as well as standing for long periods of time. If you want to survive the vacation, take care of yourself, soldier!
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