(This is only a rough draft. Please send suggestions and comments to Sharon at sharonr899@aol.com Thank you.)
Advanced traveler's guide to WDW
by Sharon Reid
sharonr899@aol.com
rec. arts.disney
First, if at all possible, check out rec.arts.disney on Internet. Obtain copies of the FAQ (frequently asked questions), Hidden Mickeys and Future Attractions List. If you don't have access to Internet use AOL or any other on-line service long enough to check out r.a.d. If you don't have access to a computer with a modem, find someone who does.
The FAQ list will give you the current operating hours, prices, etc. This is updated periodically, so it is more current than any published guide.
Future Attractions List also gives you more up-to-date information than a published guide. Unfortunately, there always seems to be something exciting opening months after I visit, but I guess that's the idea. Published guides are at least a year behind.
The Hidden Mickeys list adds a challenge and quest-like atmosphere to your visit. The list gives examples of images of Mickey Mouse hidden where you would not expect them. You can search for them or not, depending on your style, but at least read about them. Looking for them gives you something to do in line. Some examples of them in the 1991 Disney News include: a Mickey in the mural of Body Wars, a viking in Norway's Maelstrom wearing Mickey ears, a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter in a basket in front of one or the worker droids in Star Tours. Stan Sroka (sroka@evax.gdc.com) keeps the lists.
Before you go
ÑGet FAQ, future attractions list, Hidden Mickeys and Jungle Cruise jokes from rec.arts.disney.
ÑMake hotel reservations (stay on property)
ÑMake any advance reservations (such as dinner shows, green time)
ÑWatch Disney and MGM movies.
Every time I go, I make a point to watch movies referred to at MGM. I have already seen every Disney movie in print. If you watch movies such as Alien before you go, you will enjoy the attractions more. (See Appendix A.)
ÑRead through promotional mailing. After you have made your reservations, you will receive a touring guide from WDW. At least skim through it, even if you have been there before and think you know everything because there might be something new. Besides, it's fun.
Lodging
For any true WDW advanced guest, staying at the Disney resorts is a MUST. (IMHO)
ÑAlthough hotel pools are restricted to guests at that hotel (otherwise Yacht and Beach Club pool would be overrun), Disney Vacation Club members are allowed to go to the Yacht and Beach Club pool.
ÑConsider the season when deciding on lodging. The pools at Yacht and Beach Club and Port Orleans are more important in the summer. Also, camping at Fort Wilderness in the middle of the summer may be too hot, but fall and spring (even winter) are gorgeous.
ÑAfter you have made your reservations, decide on any activities which might require advance reservations such as dinner shows or green time.
Transportation
ÑWhen riding the monorail, ask to ride in the driver's seat. The view from the front in unsurpassable.
ÑMost guidebooks suggest bringing or renting a car for most WDW resorts, but some people do not find the buses that inconvenient. Not ever having to drive is part of the ╥escape╙ from the real world.
Restaurants
ÑTry booking the last possible seating at King Stefan's restaurant at Cinderella's Castle. The advantage is that you have more time to talk to Cinderella. If you eat slowly enough, the guards will escort you out of the park after it has closed.
ÑBecause the Aladdin character breakfast is easily accessible, it's difficult to spend any time with the characters. The hotel character meals are better.
ÑTry to book the first seating for character breakfasts when available. Most people sleep later, and the restaurant is not as crowded; i.e., more time and more visits from characters.
Magic Kingdom
ÑYou can request a summary of parades with a description of each of the floats from Disney Guest Relations via mail.
Epcot
ÑTake the Hidden Treasures of the World tour. It only costs $20, and you lhave had fun doing also). One guest recommends adults doing ╥beers of earn things you wouldn't otherwise. When I took it, there were only three of us. It felt like a private tour. The guide gave us all kinds of tidbits and treated us to tea at the Moroccan pavillion.
ÑThe children have passports for each of the world pavillions (which I, as an adult, the world.╙
ÑNotice the trash cans (add here)
ÑAs you visit WDW over time, you can watch the changes big and small. Obviously new attractions will be noticeable, but look for small things such as watching the hedge maze at the UK pavilion grow.
ÑOne of the best places to view Illuminations is at the Rose & Crown Pub, outdoor seating. Make reservations for an hour before the show starts, and request a table with a good view.
MGM
ÑTower of Terror
--Watch for props from and references to the classic television series, including a ventriliquist dummy, a slot machine, and a chalk window.
--Keep an eye out for the floating eyeball that appears midway through your journey. You might find yourself and your fellow passengers floating past, reflected in the pupil.
--Look up during the final ascent. Through the open mesh of the cage-style elevator, you can see electricity arcing along the path and the top of the tower growing rapidly closer. (Calendar Section, The Orlando Sentinel July 22, 1994 ⌐ The Orlando Sentinel)
Children
ÑBringing something for your kids to do while standing in line or waiting for performances to begin is especially important at times when the park is crowded. ╥I carried a lift up sketch board (the kind you draw on, then lift up and the picture disappears), and we entertained not only our daughter, but half a dozen other children who were near us in line. One mother even asked us which line we were going to next, so they could follow and keep playing with the board!,╙ said one guest.
ÑInterspersing a show or another ╥break╙ every four or five activities helps keep children going. Absorbing and enjoying Disney atmosphere is the goal of visiting WDW--not riding as many rides as possible.
ÑSeeing Mickey in his dressing room is not the easiest way to see a character. Character meals are the easiest (albeit most expensive). Disney World with Kids by Kim Wright Wiley gives a lot of help about seeing characters. (I highly recommend this book if you have younger children.)
Holidays
(looking for comments and suggestions please)
Ñtree-lighting ceremonies at Town Square MK
Ñ at Epcot
Ñcharacter Christmas show
Ñcomedic performance of A Christmas Carol
ÑJingle Bell Jubilee
ÑNativity Pageant at Disney Village Marketplace
Romantic spots
ÑVictoria and Albert╒s is by far the most romantic (and expensive) restaurant. It is worth it for special occasions. Seating is limited to 56 guests for an intimate feel.
ÑAnother romantic restaurant is also at the Grand Floridian--Narcoossee╒s. It has a shoreline view.
ÑTry Arthur's 27 in the Buena Vista Palace hotel--it's on the 27th floor with a great view of the entire WDW area
ÑWalking the beach at night. Believe it or not there are few people out on the beaches at night.
Singles
Club Med it is not, but Walt Disney World is a great place to travel by yourself. Birnbaum╒s infamous travel guide only has a few paragraphs on traveling by yourself and even Fodor╒s WDW for adults doesn╒t talk about it much. Most of the information is still good, but I╒ve written a few suggestions and insights.
Many people travel by themselves and conventioneers add to the number of single travelers at Disney World (especially at EPCOT). You can either get to know other people or stay to yourself.
Restaurants
When I travel by myself, I enjoy eating out. At Disney World the best restaurants are at EPCOT. Sometimes I prefer eating at my own table, but I often enjoy meeting new people. Several restaurants and Disney shows group people European style.
Germany, Japan and Polynesian dinner show are three that seat you with others. Britain╒s pub and Cap╒n Jack╒s Oyster Bar at Disney Village Marketplace also provide a more relaxed, informal feeling that makes it easier to talk to others.
Fireworks Factory has a popular happy hour.
Nightclubs
ÑPleasure Island
The addition of Pleasure Island has made it easier to meet someone for the evening. I don╒t feel comfortable to go to a regular nightclub or bar by myself, but somehow it╒s OK at Disney World. Thursday night is cast members night, which is great if you are younger. The Adventurer╒s Club and Comedy Warehouse have shows, which makes easier to go to by yourself. Mannequins is worth a look even if you don╒t dance because of the mannequins placed around the club. Country dancing includes a lot of line dancing, which doesn╒t require a partner, so Neon Armadillo can also be easier. Jazz Company has live entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere.
ÑLaughing Kookaburra at Buena Vista Palace is another dance club many conventioneers, locals and Disney Cast members frequent.
Parks
ÑTours
Magic Kingdom and EPCOT have guided tours for $5, which is a great opportunity to meet others. I really enjoyed the Hidden Treasures of the World tour at EPCOT and the Harvesting the Land tour at the Land pavilion. These are more involved than the basic tours and provide information in a structured environment, which I find the most comfortable when by myself.
When I travel by myself, I take more time to learn more. I enjoy finding trivia (look for Mickey Mouse everywhere) and learning as much as possible. Tours and guidebooks are a start. Asking cast members questions also provides an opportunity to learn more (and talk, one of my favorite activities).
ÑRides
Rides such as Star Tours and Body Wars load people in large groups, which makes it easy to enjoy and not feel singled out. Attendants at some rides, at busy times, will group you with someone else. I have met other people traveling by themselves this way but generally feel less comfortable. Many times they will let you ride by yourself.
ÑShows
I feel the most comfortable at a show. No one is talking to others (usually anyway), and the focus is on the show. EPCOT and MGM have shows galore, many of them changing from year to year. Some of the shows at MGM are audience participation. That is the one thing I missed about traveling by myself╤having someone else there to take a picture when I was brought up on stage (and I didn╒t even volunteer!). However, on a different trip when I was with a friend and was chosen to be on stage, my memories are of being on stage, not my friend watching me be on stage. So it really didn╒t matter. I encourage everyone to volunteer even if by themselves.
Rides and shows both provide an opportunity to talk to others while waiting (something you will do a lot in the summer or around holidays). If I╒m not in the mood to talk, I bring a book, usually Disney related. Usually I bring a book and end up talking.
Hotels
I highly recommend staying at Disney unless you absolutely can╒t afford it. In fact, I prefer to camp (the most gorgeous populated campground but usually booked) over staying in cheap hotels off the property. When you stay at Disney, it feels like you never leave because the hotels are an extension of the parks. I usually stay in the cheaper hotels for monetary reasons, but Contemporary and Beach and Yacht Clubs have more conventioneers, making it easier to strike up a friendship with someone. Port Orleans and Dixie Landings are nice, and I can╒t wait until Wilderness Lodge opens to try it. Caribbean and probably all-star resorts are more family oriented (albeit cheaper). If money is no object, stay in Grand Floridian if you like Magic Kingdom or Beach and Yacht Clubs if you like EPCOT (walking to EPCOT is great!) I understand the Wilderness Lodge will have honeymoon rooms. I would guess they would only have one bed instead of the usual two and conceivably could be cheaper. (?)
Of the independently-owned hotels Swan, Dolphin and Buena Vista Palace have a lot of conventioneers. I usually don╒t recommend staying at the non-Disney hotels if you can help it, but they are still better than off Disney property.
Misc.
Being a volleyball addict, I look for games I can join in on. Contemporary Resort and Grosvenor both provide courts and usually have people playing.
Men
(not completed yet)
Weddings
(not completed yet)
Disney Institute
(not completed yet)
Celebration
(not completed yet)
Appendix A (Movies portrayed in WDW)
Must see's
ÑAladdin
ÑBeauty and the Beast (MGM show)
ÑLittle Mermaid (MGM attraction/show)
ÑLion King (MGM parade)
Should see
ÑCinderella (Cinderella╒s castle, carousel)
ÑAlien (Great Movie Ride)
ÑStar Wars (Star Tours)
ÑRaiders of the Lost Ark (Indiana Jones stunt show, Great Movie Ride)
ÑWizard of Oz (Great Movie Ride)
ÑHoney, I Shrunk the Kids (Honey, I Shrunk the Audience show, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playground, Walking portion Backstage Tour)
Ñ20,000 Leagues under the Sea (Magic Kingdom attraction)
ÑSword in the Stone (Magic Kingdom ceremony by Cinderella╒s Carousel)
ÑAlice in Wonderland (Magic Kingdom attractions--Mad Tea Party)
ÑDavy Crockett
ÑFootlight Parade (beginning of Great Movie Ride)
ÑPretty Woman, Dick Tracy, Sister Act, Ernest Saves Christmas, Golden Girls (Backstage Studio Tour)
ÑI Love Lucy, General Hospital, Home Improvement, Gilligan's Island, Ed Sullivan Show, Cheers, Tonight Show, The Three Stooges (Superstar Television)
ÑLegend of Sleepy Hollow (Monster Sound Show)
ÑCats, The King and I (Mannequins)
ÑTwilight Zone television show (MGM attraction)
It would be nice to be able to see
ÑSong of the South (Magic Kingdom attraction)
ÑAdventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (Magic Kingdom attraction)
Appendix B (Sources of Disney Info)
Books
The Art of Walt Disney
by Christopher Finch
Provides information on Disney's career focusing on animation and includes 351 full color plates
Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life
by Frank Thomas & Ollie Johnston
Abbeville Press 1984 out-of-print
Material from two of the ╥Nine Old Men╙
Disney Discourse
The Disney Films
Leonard Maltin
The Disney Touch
Ron Grover and
Prince of the Magic Kingdom
Joe Flower
Focus on the Michael Eisner turnaround era. Focus is on the business aspect.
The Disney Version
Richard Schnikel (sp??)
Critical, but not mean-spirited, overview of Disney╒s life written shortly after his death.
The Disney Villain
by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
Hyperion 1993
Two of the ╥old men╙ describe the process of creating the villains and critique each one.
Disneyland
Randy Bright
History of the park by a Disney executive. Don╒t confuse with all the generic photo albums with the same name.
Disney╒s Art of Animation
Bob Thomas
Published by Hyperion
Disney╒s World
The holder of the sleazy award until the recent Walt-and-the-FBI controversy.
Encyclopedia of Disney Characters
John Grant
Describes each character in Disney history.
Mouse Tales:
Of Mice and Magic
Leonard Maltin╒s
Storming the Magic Kingdom
John Taylor
Detailed, mostly sympathetic account of the infamous takeover attempt that nearly destroyed Disney.
Treasures of Disney Animation Art
Abbeville Press 1982 319 pgs.
Wonderful oversized coffee-table book showing pencil drawings, cel set-ups, & backgrounds IN FULL SIZE!
Walt Disney: Hollywood's Dark Prince
Marc Eliot
Carol Publishing Group
1993
An analysis of Walt Disney's life focusing on his phobic behaviors and involvement with the FBI.
Electronic sources
Surge's Mickey's Kingdom BBS at 909-242-3975
The Mouse House at 714-535-3761
Theme Park Adventure (general Disney and theme parks of all sorts) at 714-586-6836
Walt Disney World Wide Web page http://bvp.wdp.com
Travel Guides
Birnbaum╒s Walt Disney World: The Official Guide
The only official travel guide, Birnbaum╒s includes pictures and drawings, which are fun to look at. Surprisingly enough being the official guide, Birnbaum╒s always seems to be the most behind of the major guides.
Fodor╒s 95: Walt Disney World and the Orlando Area
More of a ╥look-it-up╙ guide than a ╥fun-to-read╙ guide, Fodor╒s includes information on Orlando also.
Fodor╒s Walt Disney World for Adults
Finally someone realized that people besides little kids love Disney World. The guide provides vacation itineraries geared for adults such as ╥Day-and-night Romantic Adventure,╙ ╥Wild Kingdom╙ (for those focusing on the nightlife) or ╥Sporting Life Vacation.╙ Unfortunately, it does not include much for singles.
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and EPCOT
by Bob Sehlinger
This bestseller actually gives parts of Disney World a less than average rating, unlike the official guide. The book is known for its touring plans, which help you see the most in the least time.
Walt Disney World with Kids
by Kim Wright Wiley
Wiley discusses such helpful items as locations of the best restrooms with diaper changing stations to scare factor of popular rides. A must-read for guests with young visitors.
Appendix C (Disney films)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Dec. 21, 1937 (currently available, limited time)
Pinocchio Feb. 7, 1940 (currently available, not many copies left)
Fantasia Nov. 13, 1940 (currently available, not many copies left)
Dumbo Oct. 23, 1941 (currently available)
Bambi Aug. 13, 1942
Song of the South
Saludos Amigos Feb. 6, 1943
The Three Caballeros Feb. 3, 1945
Make Mine Music Aug. 15, 1946
Peter and the Wolf
The Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met
Fun and Fancy Free Sept. 27, 1947
Melody Time May 27, 1948
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad Oct. 5, 1949
Cinderella Feb. 15, 1950
Alice in Wonderland July 28, 1951 (currently available)
Peter Pan Feb. 5, 1953
Lady and the Tramp June 22, 1955
Sleeping Beauty Jan. 29, 1959
101 Dalmatians Jan. 25, 1961 (currently available, not many copies left)
The Sword in the Stone Dec. 25, 1963 (currently available)
The Jungle Book Oct. 18, 1967 (currently available, not many copies left)
The Aristocats Dec. 24, 1970
Robin Hood Nov. 8, 1973 (currently available)
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh March 11, 1977 (currently available)
The Rescuers June 22, 1977 (currently available, not many copies left)
The Fox and the Hound July 10, 1981 (currently available, limited time)
The Black Cauldron July 24, 1985
The Great Mouse Detective July 2, 1986 (currently available, limited time)
Oliver & Company Nov. 18, 1988
Little Mermaid Nov. 17, 1989
The Rescuers Down Under Nov. 10, 1990 (currently available, not many copies left)
Beauty and the Beast Nov. 22, 1991 (currently available, not many copies left)
Aladdin Nov. 1992 (currently available, not many copies left)
The Return of Jafar (May 1994, only on video)
The Lion King June 1994 (currently available, limited time)
