If You Only Have ONE DAY

In the off chance that you stumble upon Walt Disney World, and find yourself with a ticket to ONE PARK for ONE DAY, what should you do?  This is a situation in which I would celebrate and mourn at the same time.  A full day immersed in The World, yet only one day!  Here's how I would (and have) attack that day.

1.  Pick Your Park
This part of the planning is a no-brainer.  If you only have one day in one park - no park-hopping option, then the answer is clear... go to The Magic Kingdom! The oldest of the four Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom is perhaps the most magical, especially for children.  The true essence of Disney Magic is experienced simply by entering Magic Kingdom.

This original park, opened in 1971, has stood the test of time with changing cultures, social climate, and technology which often leaves theme parks outdated and obsolete.  Magic Kingdom remains the most visited theme park, drawing thousands of visitors each year.  I have often said that I would be satisfied to grab a piece of sidewalk on Main Street USA and just sit and enjoy the splendor that is the Magic Kingdom.  This park has stayed true to the original vision of Uncle Walt -- a place where families can gather in a clean and safe place to enjoy the time they spend together.   This park transports visitors back to their childhood, or the childhood they had wished they had!

2. Select Must Do Attractions
In order to effectively visit a park at WDW, and get the most bang for your buck, you will have to plan, plan, plan!  I always start with a list of everything I want to do while I'm there - this is true regardless how many days you have in each park.  Short of quitting my job and relocating my family to Lake Buena Vista, Florida, there will never be enough time to experience everything in one trip.  This is especially true with a one park/one day pass.  I like to plan my must-do's in each land -- this helps me later as I prioritize and make a plan of attack.

For the Magic Kingdom, my "To-Do" list looks something like this:

Main Street USA:

• If line is short - Visit Mickey at the Main Street Theater (if wait time is under 15 minutes)
• Get PhotoPass picture in front of Cinderella Castle (at least twice along the street)
• Watch whomever is performing (maybe The Dapper Dans Barbershop Quartet)
• Hurry PAST the shops -- no time to stop, order online later! 

Tomorrowland

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (get fastpass for later, ride now if line is under 15 mins)
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Carousel of Progress
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
• Space Mountain (no my fav, but just mentioning that it's here)

Fantasyland:
(Keep in mind that Mickey's Toontown Fair is closed, and the new Fantasyland will open Fall 2012.  Guests will be able to visit princesses in their own themed attractions.  Dance with Cinderella, celebrate Aurora's birthday and perform with Belle in Beast's Castle, which will also include a new themed restaurant.  Dumbo the FLying Elephant will be larger and a Little Mermaid attraction will be added.  Most of Toontown will be removed and Mickey and Minnie will be relocated to the front of the park.)    

• Cinderella Castle
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Prince Charming Regal Carousel
• It's a Small World
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey's PhilharMagic 
• Peter Pan's Flight
• Smow White's Scary Adventures
• Winnie the Pooh

Frontierland

• Country Bear Jamboree
• Splash Mountain
• Lunch! - We like to eat at Pecos Bill Cafe -- same food, a little cheaper price on some items.

Liberty Square:

• Haunted Mansion
• Dinner! -- We like to swing back through Liberty Square (through the pass through near Pirates of the Caribbean) and eat at Columbia Harbor House while we wait for our fastpass to Jungle Cruise.  All 4 of us can eat well with 2 meals.  

Adventureland:

• Enchanted Tiki Room
• Jungle Cruise (get fastpass)
• Pirates of the Caribbean

3. Shows & Parades

Depending on the time you are visiting, parades, shows and Fireworks have varying schedules.  Check the times of your visit.  We like to use the Share a Dream Come True parade (usually around 3:00) for our rest time.  The kids can side in the stroller, and we can rest on the sidewalk while the parade comes through.  We have no favorite place to see any parade -- especially if we are only at one park on one day.  We plan on opening and closing the park...so we are not in any hurry to beat crowds at any point in the day!  Most crowds start to head out of the park following the parades, so this is a valuable time to revisit any attractions that were too crowded earlier!

4. Prioritize & Make a Route

This is the final step in ensuring that you visit the really important places.  Decide which attractions that you may be willing to part with -- the Enchanted Tiki Room recently reopened with changes that restore the attraction to its orginal 1971 version.  I would not miss the opportunity to see the "Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" from my childhood!  

Now get a park map (WDW will mail you FREE maps - see www.disneyparks.com to order) and plan your route.  Most visitors head for the bigger attractions early -- don't expect to ride space mountain or Splash mountain right away unless you want to waste your day in line -- so visit the lesser attractions first, and get fastpasses for the bigger rides.  Be prepared, and willing, to cross lands throughout the day.  Getting a fastpass for a ride in Adventureland, then returning to Fantasyland is a great idea!

No matter how long you have in WDW, the visit will be magical!  

Stash Your Stuff

Heading to The World and have more stuff than you'd like to tote around with you all day?  Let's face it, as well-meaning as we may be, the gear we bring with us can tie us down!  As if waiting in line for longer than 15 minutes to ride The Jungle Cruise, or staking out prime real estate for the 3:00 parade isn't enough with our little ones in tow, we weigh ourselves down with stuff we really only need once during the day!


I have several ideas when it comes to dealing with stuff, but for this blog, I'll stick to some information about locker rentals at WDW (just for you Missy!).


Lockers can really save you at WDW.  They make for a great place to stash rain gear that you may need later in the day (an you will!), or to store jackets or souvenirs (unless you are staying on property, in which case, they will have the items sent to your room for you!).  


All four parks share the same policy regarding locker rental:

• Large Lockers: $9.00/day plus $5.00 key deposit (refunded when key is returned).
• Small Lockers: $7.00/day plus $5.00 key deposit (refunded when key is returned).
• You may access key operated lockers as often as you want.
• You must return your key within an hour of park closing.

If you plan to visit more than one park on the same day, you need not pay additional rental fees.  Simply return the key for your $5.00 refund and get a receipt.  Present the receipt to the next theme park, pay another $5.00 deposit and you will have a locker for the remainder of the day.  May be a hassle, much like renting strollers at WDW, but worth it if you want to free yourself from extra items. 


Lockers are located in various areas throughout the parks and offer various sizes:
Large Locker dimensions: 17"H x 12"W x 16" Deep
Small Locker dimensions: Small Lockers: 11"H x 9" W x 22" Deep
Luggage Locker dimensions: 23"H x 16"W x 29" Deep
Extra Small Locker dimensions: 4"H x 3"W x 5" Deep 


Magic Kingdom: 

• Inside the park, directly under the train station
• Note: no small lockers available at MK

Epcot:  

• To the right of Spaceship Earth (small & large lockers available)
• Stroller Rental at International Gateway (small lockers only)
• Behind Bus Information booth (luggage lockers only - coin operated, 4 quarters)

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

• Rent at Crossroads of the World, but actual Lockers located next to Oscar's Super Service (large & small lockers)
• Outside the park by Bus Information booth (extra small - coin operated $0.50, & large lockers - coin operated - 4 quarters)

 

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

• Expedition Storage lockers by Guest Services inside the park (small & large lockers)
• Outside Main Entrance near the restrooms to the right of the turnstiles (small, large & extra large - coin-operated) 

   

  

40th Anniversary Celebration

Walt Disney World is turning 40 on October 1st!  If Mr. Disney could see us now, I believe that he would nod his head and smile, knowing that his vision of Progress, USA has been achieved ten fold.  In true Disney fashion, many events are planned for this one-of-a-kind celebration, although Disney has been tight-lipped about them!  Below are some of the unconfirmed details that I have been able to dig up. 


The park will be open from 9am to midnight.

These events, while painstakingly planned I'm sure, kind of feel like a bummer to me.  GIven the choice between traveling this fall versus next fall, I would certainly go in 2012.  Sure, the 40th anniversary is a milestone for WDW, and there are likely other events and celebrations planned (during most milestone anniversaries, WDW gives visitors commemorative pins), but I am fully convinced that the unveiling of the new Fantasyland will prove to be a much more grandiose experience!  If you have a trip currently planned (Thompson family) I trust that the 40th anniversary celebrations will provide an extra dose of Disney Magic and will enhance your vacation.  Conversely, if you are saving your pennies for a WDW vacation, keep saving until next fall when you will be able to visit a whole new land of Disney and participate in celebrations on a grander scale!   

The DVC Advantage?

Yesterday evening a good friend, and fellow Disney fan, stopped by for a brief moment.  Our conversation quickly turned to his upcoming Disney trip and we were well on our way to a full fledged Disney Dork moment, when someone brought up the idea of DVC (Disney Vacation Club).  


In theory, becoming a member of the Disney Vacation Club has tremendous perks for a Disney enthusiast like me.  DVC is Disney's answer to the timeshare phenomenon, and their concept is one of the fastest growing in the timeshare industry.  DVC members purchase "points" which can be used to stay at any of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts.  These resorts are markedly nicer than the typical Walt Disney World Resort options.  These resorts include: Animal Kingdom Villas, Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Old Key West Resort, Treehouse Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas, and Saratoga Springs Report & Spa.  Points can also be used for a Disney Cruise or at Disneyland Resort stays.  Other hotels (over 500) around the world are also included in the DVC package, and are typically top-of-the-line resorts in fabulous locations.  


DVC allows more flexibility than other timeshare companies, and the cast members who specialize in the sale of DVC are quick to point out this fact.  Members can use their DVC points at anytime throughout the year and the accommodations can be chosen based upon your liking.  But the truth is the most cost-effective way to use DVC points is at the above mentioned resorts.  It is for this reason, that DVC membership is a WASTE of money for most families, even Disney addicts like myself, unless you plan to stay at a DVC resort at least every other year.  


It is this truth that had my friend and I nearly arguing with an imaginary DVC agent in my kitchen, having both been subjected to their pleas for membership.  (I once attended an online seminar for DVC that resulted in me disconnecting early, and accepting the free mouse pad, leather-bound portfolio, and DVC mouse ears.)  We deduced that the two of us, me with my family of 4, and he with his family of 5, visit Disney World approximately every other year, and spend between $2,000.00 & $4,000.00 per trip.  If we put the minimum monthly payment that DVC allows (approx $195.00) we would accrue $2340.00 by the year's end.  So....how does this compare to DVC?  Let's run some numbers (this fact will no doubt make my husband laugh, as he knows very well, I'm not a mathematician!).  


The initial cost of joining DVC is a huge investment.  Although recently, DVC has been offering incentives for new members that are unbelievable, however without these incentives the current minimum of 160 points casts approximately $19,200 plus closing costs.  There are also substantial annual dues and maintenance fees.  The current minimum is around $253 per year for 160 points.  Another hidden truth of DVC is that the points are not good forever.  While you can bank your points each year, they do have an expiration date.  They expire on January 31st of 2042, 2054, 2057 or 2060 depending on which resort you buy into.  


I don't want to sound like a huge Debbie-Downer with DVC, so I will point out that there are some perks that almost make me want to join.  

• DVC members save money on Annual Passes at WDW
• Some restaurant and merchandise discounts
• The villas have full kitchens - which could curb the cost of meals
• DVC members and their guests can purchase the Dining Plan when staying on points.  
• No extra cost when more than 2 adults are staying in one unit
• FREE Internet access (general public costs $10/day)
• FREE self-service laundry
• Property tax portion of annual dues may be tax-deductible.  

Simply put, joining DVC sounds like a glamorous way to experience Disney, and it is!  But with that glamour, comes a glamorous cost.  It is likely not a financially responsible decision for your family unless you have the upfront cost in the bank.  In much the same way financial advisers would advise against financing a vacation on a credit card, I would imagine that joining DVC, thus financing a pre-paid Disney vacation, would fall into the same category.  The numbers speak for themselves:

• Your dues for 160 points at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas (2011): $802 (this ignores the purchase price of $19,200 and $253 closing costs)*

• If you rented points from an owner to stay in an Animal Kingdom Villas value studio unit for June 10-16, 2012 at $11 a point, it would cost you $880, savanna view: $1287*

• Maybe you'd be just as happy staying in the least expensive Disney Deluxe hotel room.  If you stayed at Wilderness Lodge during the same dates as above, 6 nights would cost you $2233. *

• If you paid the full "rack rate" charged by Disney to stay in a Saratoga Springs studio for 6 nights, it would cost you $2396.*
  
  
  Long story short?  Stay clear of DVC!  And you'll save yourself the drama of arguing with a fictitious DVC agent in my kitchen, making a case for how to best save for future Disney World vacations!   

*  Keep in mind that these prices are for the hotel only!  These prices do not include park tickets, or dining plans.  Another blog, for another day...

The Disney Store: The Dork's Perspective

My family frequents our local mall every couple of weeks, mostly to walk around and let our children blow off steam.  It is a pastime that we all enjoy -- mostly.  How does this relate to a blog devoted solely to Walt Disney World?  Well, this would be a true Disney Dork confession, one that my husband would again drop his head to his hands in embarrassment.  The mall has a Disney Store!

This feature is unsurpassed with all the other elements that the mall has to offer.  It is a store where we seldom make purchases, but ALWAYS visit.  My children actually believe for a small moment that they are back in the magical world of Disney World.  In their eyes, the other areas of the mall - hallways, bathrooms, department stores, coffee shops, photography studios and boutiques -- are all akin to the atmosphere of Downtown Disney.  Places that are fun to be, and that their parents enjoy, but don't matter much to them (except for when the DJ happens to be on stage leading the crowd in new dance crazes and handing out Mickey Mouse stickers).  The Disney Store for them is like entering into The World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney.  While these two stores are drastically different -- The World of Disney is Disney's largest retail space -- to my children any store with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in the window is a Disney World replica.

The Disney Store IS the mall for my kids.  In fact, when we mention that we might do a little shopping, my son and daughter both will assume their excited faces and squeal with delight, "We're going to The Mickey Mall!"  

On our last trip to "The Mickey Mall" my son took off as soon as he saw the place, and My daughter actually ran in and hugged the cast member who was greeting guests.  I, of course, in true Disney Dork fashion was parking the stroller in my unofficial reserved stroller parking space near the front of the store (Hey, if it happens at the real Disney World, it should happen at The Disney Store).  The kids moved from toy to toy, playing with anything in their reach.  They hugged EVERY "friend" in the back of the store, nearly squeezing their 2 for $25.00 stuffing out.  And we just let them.  Whether the store is full of shoppers or deserted, as it was this particular evening, the magical look on my children's faces is irreplaceable, lest we were actually at Disney World.

Muffin tries out the Toy Story Alien pens.

The look on his face says it all!

  

Following the suggestion of the sweet lady that hugged my child back as she ran to her with open arms and excitement written on her face, exclaiming, "She's my favorite one all day!" we began a new tradition of visiting the Mickey Mall.  We did what all pretend Disney World travelers should do: we rode a ride.  My husband coaxed the kids out of the store (where we purchased nothing) by allowing them to ride up and down the escalator that stands just outside the doors of The Disney Store.  They were elated.  It was the perfect ending to their pretend Disney World trip, and mine too.  

Our new "ride" at the Mickey Mall

  

 

WDW for Mommies

A friend of mine recently asked me about nursing a baby while at Disney World.  I must admit, as a self-proclaimed Disney Dork, I was so proud that she was willing to take her infant to WDW, and was really trying to find a place of solitude in which to feed her.  Most of the people who seek my advice when planning trips to WDW have children who are at least 2 or three years old.  But the majority of the novice Disney planners won't even breathe the words Disney World until their children are "old enough to appreciate it."  So many people believe that they can't go to Disney World until their children reach a certain "magical" age.  This couldn't be further from the truth!  Disney World can be a wonderful trip with children at any age!  Disney makes accommodations for everyone!  From changing tables to wheelchairs, Disney can make any age magical!


Both of my children took their first trip to The World following their first birthday.  While it is true that they will likely not remember this first trip to Disney World, the looks on their faces was incredible!  Sure, they probably won't remember the first time they saw Mr. Mouse himself strolling down the pavement at Magic Kingdom, but I will never forget the look of admiration, wonder, and pure MAGIC on their faces!  My son threw both arms in the air when he saw the sign as we entered into the Magic Kingdom.  He had just turned one, and knew that he was in the most magical place on Earth!

Entering the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney world is designed for children of all ages, so it goes without saying that they have made great accommodations to families with smaller children.  Each park is equipped with Baby Care Centers at no additional charge.  These centers have everything a mother might need for her young children.  I have found that these are the quietest places at WDW, and provide much needed shade and rest for tired families with small children!  They are often difficult to find, unless you are really looking hard for them!  I wanted to be sure to point out where they are located in each park, and the perks that each provides.    


Magic Kingdom
The Baby Care Center at MK is near the First Aid Station near the front of the park, just at the end of Main Street USA.  There are four rooms: a waiting room with a sofa & chair; a kitchen with a microwave, sink & counter space; a private nursing room, which can accommodate up to 4 mothers, with rockers, and electrical outlets for breast pumps; a changing room with 5 changing tables, and a restroom.  There are highchairs in the feeding area, with room for the rest of the family while baby gets his meal. 


There are also items for sale in the kitchen area.  This was a great thing for us on our last trip, when we forgot our youngest child's pacifier!  A quick run to the Baby Care Center, and for a reasonable price (a Disney irregularity!), my husband purchased a new "nay-nay" and we were set!  


Epcot
This baby Care Center is much larger than other centers at WDW.  It is located near Test Track and it's size makes for a great rest haven for children of all ages while at Epcot.  It has the same rooms as found in other Baby Care Centers, but also provides a playroom with toys, books, and coloring pages.  At this Baby Care Center, you could easily find yourself staying for a while, away from the noise of the other guests!  I find that most of Epcot is relaxing, and nice places to rest abound throughout the park as well. 



Hollywood Studios
The Baby Care Center at Hollywood Studios is located near the main entrance.  This is a very small center with a main room with a television, sink, and microwave.  The changing area has 2 changing tables, and children's restroom.  There are two booths for nursing mothers and their children, and are not completely private.  Items cannot be purchased at this baby Care Center, but are available at a nearby gift shop.  In my opinion, this center was poorly planned, but works in a pinch with a screaming, hungry baby!  


Animal Kingdom
You'll find this BCC right before the bridge into Africa near the Tree of Life.  It is quite large, and you can even bring your stroller into the building, while the other centers require stroller parking outside.  Although there are fewer rooms (only 3), more space is offered than other Baby Care Centers.  The entry room sells Disney merchandise and other necessities.  The front room has a television, nice seating that lines the walls, and a children's table and chairs.  The back area has ample space for feeding and changing baby with several highchairs and changing tables available, along with a microwave, sink, and two private nursing rooms.  This BCC provides a great place to rest and take care of baby's needs in a quiet atmosphere.  




Overall, the Baby Care Centers at WDW provide a nice rest haven for weary parents and young children.  My last several trips have been with children under the age of 3, and I have visited these Baby Care Centers for feeding, purchasing items, and air-conditioning!  I must also say that to enter these centers, one need not have a baby in hand.  These centers are very well maintained and are very clean.  I opt for the centers as often as I can   for restroom breaks, and to refill water bottles in the kitchen sinks.  I couldn't stomach the water fountains as bottle refilling stations!  Moreover I would urge those who think that their children just aren't old enough to enjoy Disney, that they will have more magical moments that the adults on the trip.  You just can't replace the memories made at Disney World.  The Magic of Disney encircles us all!

  


Information supplemented by www.wdwinfo.com

Disney Doctor Visit

This morning I took my daughter to her 2-year-old well check at the pediatrician's office.  There were the usual activities that are associated with this sometimes monotonous trip:  We paid our co-pay, I chased her around the sick-patient waiting room trying to politely, in front of other waiting families, inform her that she was WELL, and did not need to be playing with the germ infested toys in this particular waiting room.  We settled into the well-patient waiting room while she played (nicely, thank Heavens!) with the other children who were also waiting for their finger pricks, vaccines, and "say ahhh"s.  


Finally our name was called and we went to the nurse's station to get her height, weight and temperature checked before being taken to the examination room.  All seemingly normal activities for any parent and child on any given day of the year.  But, least we forget, I am a Disney Dork and this spills into all areas of my life, even my parenting.  


The nurse reported my daughter's weight and temperature, then had her stand with her back against the wall to measure her height.  When the report came back that she was exactly 36 inches, a smile spread across my face.  Now, this is not the smile that most parents smile when their child reaches a milestone of achievement.  I mean, what kind of parent holds a silent celebration in the corner of the nurse's station at the news of her child reaching 3-feet?  The answer, of course, is obvious.


My child is only 2 inches away from the height requirement to ride Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a ride we have avoided altogether since bringing children to "The World" with us.  By the time of our next trip to Disney World (likely Summer 2012) she may very well have reached this height requirement and we will be able to ride Kali River Rapids for the first time since having children in 2007.      


I realize that this is Disney Dorkness at its finest.  Below is the complete list of rides that have height requirements, and thus are on our "Ride Swap" or "Avoid Altogether" lists.  

Park	Restricted Attraction	Height Requirement
Animal Kingdom	Dinosaur	40"
Epcot	Wonders of Life / Body Wars	40"
Blizzard Beach	Summit Plummet	48"
Animal Kingdom	Primeval Whirl	48"
Blizzard Beach	Downhill Double Dipper	48"
DisneyQuest	Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam	48"
Magic Kingdom	Tomorrowland Indy Speedway	52"
Typhoon Lagoon	Bay Slide	52"
Animal Kingdom	Kali River Rapids	38"
DisneyQuest	Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlaster	51"
DisneyQuest	Cyberspace Mountain	51"
Epcot	Test Track	40"
Epcot	Soarin'	40"
Hollywood Studios	Star Tours: The Adventures Continue	40"
Magic Kingdom	Space Mountain	44"
Magic Kingdom	Stitch's Great Escape	40"
Typhoon Lagoon	Humunga Kowabunga	48"
Animal Kingdom	Expedition Everest	44"
Blizzard Beach	Cross Country Creek	48"
Epcot	Mission Space	44"
Hollywood Studios	The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror	40"
Hollywood Studios	Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith	48"
Magic Kingdom	Splash Mountain	40"
Magic Kingdom	Big Thunder Mountain Railroad	40"