Seniors have different expectations from Walt Disney World than the hordes of younger visitors that visit the parks daily. We look for things that we can sit back and enjoy rather than have our bodies bounced around and exposed to G-forces. Your choices at the Animal Kingdom may be different from mine but if you are a senior I think in most instances you will at least enjoy the ones I suggest.
Festival Of The Lion King – Perhaps the best stage show at the Walt Disney World resort. It’s more than a show, I’ve actually seen it called a pageant. This show has it all including singers, dancers, amazing acrobats, and some of the most beautiful floats I have ever seen. There is audience participation and a level of excitement that makes this show stand in a league of its own. Don’t miss it!!
Finding Nemo – The Musical – Yet another outstanding stage show. This one is enhanced by the very artistic use of puppets and puppeteers working together as one on stage. The sets are magnificent and the show itself is wonderfully entertaining. This is another do not miss!!
Maharajah Jungle Trek – If you love animals and have any interest in Asian culture, this is the attraction for you. It’s a walk through where you can set your own pace and enjoy the beauty of the staging as well as the magnificence of the animals. There are several walk through attractions in the Animal Kingdom, but this is the best one.
Kilimanjaro Safaris – You may get bounced around a little in this motorized tour of the African habitat. The ride vehicles were built for durability not comfort. BUT – the exposure to all of the animals roaming free (there are invisible barriers) in a very natural habitat makes this attraction well worth the time (and a little bouncing).
It’s Tough To Be A Bug – O.K. this one is just plain fun and it will return you to the land of fantasy that we all appreciate in all things Disney. This is a pleasant (air conditioned) place to relax and enjoy a fun show while relaxing after a long (and likely very hot) day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I recommend it either in the middle or at the end of your day to help you rejuvenate.
These are my favorite Animal Kingdom attractions. We don’t spend a lot of time here but when we do visit we always takein these attractions. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
There are so many things to see and do at Disney’s Hollywood Studios but some of my favorite times there have been doing nothing at all. It’s nice to take a break from the heat and take in the scenery, I wisely decide to do this while my family is riding Tower of Terror.
Here are my top 5 places to find solitude at Hollywood Studios
1. Tower of Terror – The benches are rod iron and aren’t so comfortable, but I love the location outside of the Tower of Terror gift shop. Under the overhang of the roof you can enjoy a quiet spot on the bench and enjoy the intricately themed window displays, hear the screams from the ride you wisely opted out of and even grab a cup of coffee from the cart nearby. I especially love this spot at night, when the sun goes down it intensifies the theme of the Tower of Terror even more.
2. Starring Rolls Cafe -This busy cafe is rarely uncrowded but still makes it on my list because of the excellent coffee and sweet treats. I recommend having someone from your party secure a table before the other goes in to order, there aren’t many tables and the cafe is small inside, so divide and conquer is key on this one!
3. Muppet Vision – Depart from the galaxy of Tattooine and head toward Kermit’s Balloon, right outside of the brick building where the bathrooms are located there are benches. I love this spot at night when the sun is down and the park is less crowded. There are so many things happening in this spot…you can hear the water of the muppets fountain, smell the pizza from Pizza Planet and hear Kermit and Miss Piggy singing songs from their movies. When your feet are rested you’ll want to get moving, or else you’ll have “daffodils, Miss Piggy, whippoorwills, Miss Piggy…” stuck in your head all night long!
4. Sunset Strip – Stay to the right of the street on Sunset Boulevard (heading toward the tower) and when you exit the last gift shop you’ll come to a small culdesac, this is a nice place to have a seat where you won’t get run over the crowds.
5. Studio Catering Co. is a popular place for lunch, but one we never stopped at until our last trip (Star Wars Weekends). I can’t believe we’ve been missing out on this delightful lunch experience for all these years! The tables are all shaded, with large fans blowing overhead and the menu is excellent considering it’s a quick service! Greek salads, wraps, panini sandwiches…it’s a delicious spot to relax and fuel up for your next adventure.
Where’s your favorite relaxing spot at Hollywood Studios?
Summer in Florida is fierce. I hold nothing back. As one who made the yearly pilgrimage to the House of Mouse every July for at least a decade with my family, I know it seems impossible to visit the parks while you are dripping with sweat.
Fear not travelers for I bring you some coping mechanisms. I can’t promise you mid 70 temps and no rain, but I can help you make your vacation magical in spite of soaring temps and 90% humidity.
I present: 6 Steps to Surviving the Summer in Disney (trumpets sound here).
1. PRIORITIZE
You will need to do some research before you head to Disney. What are you interested in doing while you are there? Do you have teens that want more thrill rides? Do you have a 5 year old princess in training who will want to meet Rapunzel? Or is your 7 year old son dying to see some action at Indiana Jones and Lights, Motors, Action?
Summer crowds are heavy so you will not be able to do everything. Start a list of “must do” and “would like to do” that will please all members of your family.
2. HYDRATE
You hear this all the time but it is so true. You should be drinking water as often as possible. You may be tempted by soft drinks and lemonades, but water is the best liquid to help you maintain your stamina!
Freeze water over night in bottles and use them during the day. Refill at water fountains (the older the park, the more water fountains available).
Purchase reusable water bottles and misters before you hit the parks and save some money!
3. SUNSCREEN
You are going to be outside in the Florida sun more hours than you usually are (unless you are a lifeguard by trade). Bring sunscreen in all forms. I found a great powder form I use on our faces. I use sticks for shoulders and tops of feet. I use a spray for backs and arms. It’s a full armada of protection and you will still get some sun anyway.
4. PACE YOURSELF
When you look at the parks’ hours of operation you will be amazed at how long the parks are open. There is a reason for that. Sheer volume of people in attendance makes parks stay open longer. Because of this, stop mid day and go back to your hotel. Relax, get cool, swim, shop whatever but take time OUT of the parks during the hottest times to recharge your batteries and head back in around dinner time. Think of your vacation as a cross-country run, not a 50 yard dash.
5. PRACTICE
Last week we did a summer trip for the first time in many years. I wasn’t sure how my girls (ages 7 and 3) would do under the heat and crowds. We did a practice run at our local zoo. It was a hot day in early June and we packed up like we were going to Magic Kingdom for the day. It was hot, outdoors, sunny and crowded. We learned a lot about our kids’ endurance. Heat is a factor that can lead to crankiness and whininess in children.
6. FLEXIBILITY
You want to have a perfect trip. You are spending a LOT of money to have a wonderful time and it is hard when your kids are whining and you are tired and you still have three more 60 minute waits to endure. This is when you need some flexibility. Instead of standing in that 70 minute line for Space Mountain, climb aboard the TTA and relax. Instead of walking all the way from Germany to International Gateway while sweating and complaining, stop in at France and watch the movie in air-conditioned bliss.
While summer in Disney is one of the more difficult seasons to visit, it still holds wonder and magic in its own way. Take advantage of longer park hours, mid-day swim breaks and theater shows as cool off stations to keep your family happy and cool!
Jenn Hart
dissavvy.com
This Chip Panel submission comes to us from Jenn Hart at Dis Savvy. Where she helps you navigate the Walt Disney World Resort with her experience and countless trips to the House of Mouse.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a lot of shows that particularly appeal to seniors. But – there are other attractions that seem to appeal to the youngsters that we seniors very much love. Here are my top 5 attractions for seniors, see if you agree.
Toy Story Midway Mania! – This one is fantastic and is loved by young and old alike. The games and themes are incredible (so is Mr. Potato Head), fun and a pleasure to play. Even if you are lucky enough to ride it many times in a day you will not tire of the good clean fun. Get there early, grab a Fast Pass and then get in the standby line. You are not too old to enjoy this!!!
Fantasmic! – This show is and always has been one of my favorites since I saw the Disneyland version many years ago. The Walt Disney World version is spectacular and beautifully staged in an amphitheater worthy of the show’s scope. There are a couple of drawbacks particularly since the number of performances was reduced a couple of years ago.(changed back to daily through Sept 30) the crowds at the Hollywood Studios are huge on Fantasmic! day and the lines for the show are huge. Take advantage of the Fantasmic Dining Package.
Walt Disney, One Man’s Dream – If you love Walt Disney and Disney in general, take some time to visit this attraction. It will give you an appreciation of Walter Elias Disney and what he did with what he had where he started from. It addresses all the stages of Walt’s life and the development of Disney through the years. Beautifully done!!!
Beauty And The Beast – Live On Stage – This is another one of those do not miss stage shows appreciated by seniors. The costuming, staging, and choreography make this show an absolute delight. Sure, we all know the story of Beauty and the Beast but this show really does it justice and presents it in a very special way. See it for sure!!
Muppet Vision 3-D – Muppets = FUN and this attraction is no exception. One thing to remember, this was Jim Henson’s final production and it retains all of the oddities and twisted little things that wandered around in his head. The man was brilliant and this show reflects his talents. Take this sojourn around Muppet Labs with the crew and have a good laugh on them
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has lots and lots of stage shows. Make sure you take the time to enjoy as many of them as possible and you will find out that Hollywood Studios is at least a “full day park” if not more. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Families with special needs children may find the idea of traveling daunting. Vacation planning should be a fun time and something to look forward to, not fear or dread.
As a travel agent, I have been blessed to find families with special needs very open about their unique situation and the dynamic elements required to make a dream vacation.
No amount of reading and researching could ever give me the knowledge even close to what the family knows and lives with every day. It’s a task I don’t even attempt to undertake. I’ve found the best way to plan a vacation for children with special needs is to prepare the parents. No one knows a child better than his parent, and knowledge is power. Combining Disney parks knowledge with parental knowledge and you’ve got the answer to virtually any potential vacation problem.
Parents are often very anxious at the prospect of bringing children with sensory issues to a place like Walt Disney World. It can be crowded, noisy and it’s certainly overstimulating, these things seem like a formula for disaster, but rest assured your vacation can be just as magical as you imagine, you just have to do a little prep work.
Individually, special needs can vary quite broadly and it would be impossible to address each one of them. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) are broad disorders that can have the following effects: impulsiveness, hyperactivity, inattention, ultra-sensitivity to noises, lights, smells and objects. ASD can also include: impairments in thinking, feeling, language and social interactions repetitive movements, abnormal reactions to sound, touch and extreme emotional responses.
Regardless of what your family needs are every family will experience certain standard things on vacation: eat, sleep and play. So let’s combine what we know about special needs and standard vacation elements.
Eat: You have to eat and if you are in the parks you are most likely eating in the parks, which could raise a whole new set of challenges.
Make Advanced Dining Reservationsat “off” dining times. Even with a reservation you could still have to wait for your table to become available, eating at an “off” time will be less crowded and will be less sensory overload. You’re also more likely to be seated quickly.
Pick your place-When you make your dining reservations make notes of your special needs, if your child has issues with being touched, request a booth (if available) you are less likely to be bumped or touched by strangers. If sitting with strangers is a problem for your child, be cautious of places like Biergarten in Epcot, The Spirit of Aloha show, or Hoop-Dee-Doo Review, if you are interested in these experiences ask the dining reservation-ist if you can have a separate table. Disney does try to accommodate special requests, of course nothing is guaranteed; but explaining there is a medical issue will help.
Sleep: Being on property could be the best decision you could make. Consider your resort wisely, if you prefer quieter calmer environments consider a moderate or deluxe resort in a room that’s in a more secluded location (not facing the pool, etc). These rooms are more likely to be affordable, available and apt to fit your special needs. View pictures of your choice resort online, familiarize your child with what the rooms will look like, etc.
Consider your transportation options when choosing your resort. If your child won’t be able to handle a bus ride consider a deluxe resort on the monorail system or with water access.
Play: This could be the most difficult vacation element because the variables are endless. There are a few preparations you can make to prepare for your park time. For children with ASD and ADHD structure is very important.
Although you are on vacation and might not want to stick to a stringent schedule set a pattern of park touring that works for you follow it daily, regardless of what park you are in. For example, set breakfast for the same time each morning, try to accomplish a certain amount of rides before your mid-morning break, and a certain amount after, set lunch at the same time each day, etc and decide what you’re going to do after dinner. Although the daily experiences will change your pattern will be the same.
Before you start touring the park, stop in guest services and get a Guest Assistance Card. This card will be issued to someone in the party and is valid for 5 people in the party (for example, a single family would most likely only need 1 pass if everyone is touring the parks together). Explain to the cast member at guest services you’d like a GAC, and what your special need is (an alternate entrance, a quiet place to wait for your turn on the ride, etc.) and they will accommodate you. It’s not necessary to parade your child into guest services and put on a display of what you need and why. One member of the family can obtain the card and you simply show the pass at the attraction and the cast member will give you instructions from there.
Give your children maps of the parks and let them get familiar with them. Some children find that knowing where they are going is empowering and they’re less likely to have a meltdown. Order the planning DVD and watch it, as many times as it takes to work out the kinks and questions that your child might have about your vacation.
Share your plans if you think your child can handle it (we’re going to have breakfast then try to do rides in Fantasyland, then after lunch we’re going to try to rides in Frontierland, etc.). This will give more structure and having a set pattern may help keep the stimulation under control and ease anxiety.
Your vacation should be a magical experience from start to finish, including planning. If you find the process overwhelming or would like assistance, find a reputable travel agent that specializes in Disney travel, like Pixie Vacations. An experienced agent will be able to assist you with reservations, touring plans, itineraries, and take the planning and preparation pressure off of you. Have fun at the happiest place on earth!
For more detailed information, try Passporters “Open Mouse”. These are just a few of the issues and tips for the ADHD/ASD spectrum, we’d love to hear your tips and tricks!
Is there a list of places and what snacks they offer for the quick service dining plan? Can you go to hotels and swim in there pools or are you just allowed to walk around, we are staying at Pop Century and wanted to check out other resorts but weren’t sure if we were allowed. Is the Chip and Dale sing along movie thing worth it? I think that is it for now, we leave August 10th and are staying longer than we normally do so I am trying to find things that we can do besides the usual parks. Thanks!
Heather. Thanks for reading the site and for your question. Let me answer these in order.
1. There’s no official list for snacks. You’ll recognize what’s available by the dining plan sign next to the item, however. Most drinks, bakery items, some candy items, and small servings of fries and even chili are included. You can read more about maximizing your snack credits here.
2. You can’t pool hop. You can visit other resorts, but you can’t use their pools. Feel free to grab a drink from the pool bar while you visit another resort or have lunch or shop. You can even just sit in the lobby and enjoy the beautiful theming. “Resort hopping,” as it’s called, is a popular activity in Disney World and a nice way to spend a non-park day.
Chip has a whole series of Resort Hopping articles located here.
3. Chip and Dale are a lot of fun and the sing-a-long gets rave reviews for the character interaction. I recommend it, especially if you’re looking for activities to do outside of the parks.
There are lots of fun activities to do that cost very little and don’t require theme park admission. A movie and some shopping at Downtown Disney is a nice way to spend the day. There are entertainers at night on the Boardwalk and it costs nothing to watch and walk around. Resort hopping, as mentioned above, is totally free and gives you an opportunity to see all the extraordinary theming that goes into the resorts. Take the kids over to Ft. Wilderness and ride horses or visit the petting zoo. If you have a car, the Mall of Millenia is only about a 15-minute drive and has lots of great shopping. Attractions like Gatorland are inexpensive and fun for the kids. And if you like thrill rides and Harry Potter, consider a day trip over to Universal Studios Orlando. Finally, I love the town of Celebration, just a few miles off property. Grab some food and explore all the wonderful little architectural details of this planned community.
Also check out this article where we share free things to do at Walt Disney World. It might help too.
No park seems to have as much ground to cover as Epcot, by the time you get through the World Showcase you truly feel like you’ve walked around the world and the future (world) seems unattainable. It’s important to pace yourself and remember to take a break or five…try some of my favorite places!
1. One of my favorite spots to relax in Epcot is actually a attraction, yes it does kind of feel like I’m cheating on the list, but I can’t help myself, I love “Living with the Land”. There’s something about that quiet little boat ride that’s relaxing and interesting, and it’s just long enough to cool off before heading into the heat again.
2. Inside the Impressions de France (French pavilion, World Showcase) there is a cafe area with tables and chairs where you can grab a sweet treat from Boulangerie Patisserie and take a break. There are cafe tables indoors and outdoors, but I would still recommend stopping here at an “off” time (not during the lunch hour).
3. Nestled back in the Moroccan pavilion is a maze of shops (in the shade), with intricate mosaic tile work. I love the fountain area right out front for sitting and people watching.
4. Who can resist the Three Caballeros? Certainly not me, which is why I always stop in Mexico and take the Grand Fiesta Tour. If you’ve never taken the little indoor boat ride in Mexico, give it a try!
5. Spaceship Earth-Another double hitter of attraction and relaxation. Board the spaceship and take a tour of the earth through the ages. Quiet, cool and now interactive, it’s a slow, fun ride for everyone.
Disneyland is the perfect place to be to catch all the favorites in one day- and park hopping is a cinch! You just walk across to the gates of California Adventure and your set!
I started out doing my My Perfect Disney Day by doing a ride plan, but thought the more I wrote I realized the star of the show is the food, so I figured why not share my Disneyland food highlights.
We like to start at Goofy’s Kitchen– so much fun to dance and play with Goofy and friends to get our day started, oh and breakfast too- can’t forget the most important meal of the day!
Then monorail it over into Tomorrowland, I love arriving in the park that way. After some rides in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, we grab some popcorn in a bucket after some rides to keep our energy up a little longer.
Heading to Frontierland next for Big Thunder and Rancho del Zocalo for lunch- those cinnamon tortilla chips are a great dessert to get the kids to eat their meal.
Adventureland, New Orleans Square and Critter Country are our next stops. A MUST is Pooh’s Corner for some sweet snacks- I usually grab the chocolate covered Mickey pretzel or the chocolate-covered rice krispy treat. I’m also tempted to try the new Hungry Bear menu on our next trip- or else the Mickey beignets at Cafe Orleans.
We like to grab a Dole whip before the parade and then hop over to California Adventure.
After some California Adventure fun, we stop in to Storyteller’s Cafe for their dinner buffet on prime rib night. I’ve even sat by Geena Davis at this restaurant while waiting for our table. No characters this time of day.
Then out to the park through the special resort entrance for World of Color after more rides. On cold nights, we love the Paradise Pier chowder/soups in bread bowls- it does get cold for us the time of year we usually go.
Did I miss anything? What are your Disneyland favorites?
As a former Floridian,my opinions of visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can differ from many others. A total non-purist, I have no problems staying off property. In fact, I prefer to have my own car, as I have had more than a couple of complaints with the Disney World Bus System. Plus, as a mother of a toddler, I like having the full control of when we come and go.
Not only do I like to have my own car, I, on occasion, enjoy staying off property. Shock and dismay, I’m sure, but there are several perks to staying off property. I’ve stayed at several of the different hotels off property, from a $29.99/night room at the Howard Johnson (I was in college), to the 4* Priceline Hotels. But, I found my absolute favorite when we rented a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa in nearby Windsor Hills.
Yes, 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.
Plus, a private “splash” pool in the screened in back porch.
There are several communities just a few short miles – 4 to Disney’s Animal Kingdom – from Walt Disney World property, we could even hear the fireworks at night. We had no commute time, often shorter than several of our previous bus trips, and had full control over when we went to the parks and when we left. Though, as opposed to staying on property, we’re less likely to head back for a nap time break, we enjoyed coming back after dinner, getting our son to sleep, and still being able to stretch out, watch tv, and enjoy our relax, knowing that he couldn’t hear us talk or watch tv. If we were only heading to WDW once a decade, I wouldn’t consider staying off property, but finding deals helps us afford to visit more regularly.
The best part – for a week, we paid under $1000. Car rental and parking added don’t come close to a week on property in a moderate or deluxe resort, and most definitely not in a suite or multi-room.
There are several rental companies with excellent reputations to help you with your search. It can be quite nerve wracking to send a deposit to someone other than Disney, but with Google on our side, it’s easy to scout out the best rentals!
For a full review, head over to my personal blog to read about our experience from last January.
So do you like staying On Property or Off Property. Let us know in the comment box below.
TimeStream Software Releases All New Walt Disney World Pro App for iPhone & iPod Touch
A brand new mobile application from TimeStream Software is now available for Walt Disney World Guests on the go. Designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch yet compatible with iPad, this handy app contains just about everything the Disney traveler needs to know to make the most of a visit to Walt Disney World Resort.
Walt Disney World Pro - Over 600 Photos
At one touch, Guests access extensive resources including the following:
Strategies and complete descriptions of over 120 attractions
Parade and event descriptions and schedules
Detailed 2D maps of all four Parks
To-the-minute wait times with multiple displays
Over 600 high-quality photos
Access to Walt Disney World restaurants with call button for reservations
Walt Disney World resort and hotel details
Walt Disney World ticket information
Walt Disney World tour opportunities
Tips for traveling with toddlers
And much, much more!
Walt Disney World Pro Additional Features
I have been test driving this application for a few days now, and I’m having so much fun! I’m already using its wealth of information to help plan our next trip to the World. I’ve been able to research resort amenities, plot a course of action for each Park, and gain some useful tips on how to avoid crowds and long waits even during busy seasons. I also learned something new: Three times a day at Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion Guests can enjoy 20- to 45-minute guided tours of the Pavilion, led by Moroccan cultural ambassadors.
Walt Disney World Pro Wait Times
I discovered only one bug that needs to be worked out, and it’s one that is really important to Guests using the app while at the Parks. The wait times do not always display. I checked in at random times on various days. Sometimes it worked; sometimes it disappeared. Another option I’d like to see is the ability to enlarge the photos for better viewing and/or turn the display horizontal.
All in all, I recommend Walt Disney World Pro! It’s much more portable than toting a bulky book around in a backpack and packs a lot of value into its $4.99 USD pricetag. The Walt Disney World Pro app is available through the Apple iTunes App store at http://itunes.com/app/waltdisneyworldpro.
Children can build and race cars at the LEGO Imagination Center, Downtown Disney.
If you’re taking young (ish) children to Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World, you may find yourself surprised at how much there is for them to do. Sure, Downtown Disney (DTD) features a lot of options for adults interested in shopping and dining, but kids will find things to entertain them as well.
Of course, there are plenty of shopping opportunities at DTD Marketplace guaranteed to attract children, such as The World of Disney super-size store and Once Upon a Toy for Mr. Potato Head and Build-a-Lightsaber fun.
But if you’re wondering what else DTD Marketplace has to offer young children, here are my recommendations for “must-sees” at DTD for children and the young at heart.
What are your favorite ways to spend a Downtown Disney day with children?
Carousel and Kiddie Train: The DTD Marketplace area has two attractions designed to appeal to younger guests. They are conveniently located near each other.
Carousel at Downtown Disney.
DTD Marketplace has a small Italian carousel, offering 19 horses, a tea cup and two carriages. To ride alone, children must be 42” or taller. But the elegant carousel – decorated with images of DTD – is so charming that it’s worth taking a family ride – $2 each, using a token –just to capture the moment on camera. The carousel is located near Mickey’s Pantry/The Spice & Tea Exchange.
Special note: The carousel allows one adult (18 years or older) to ride free in order to accompany a child who is under 42” tall.
If your young children are more interested in the choo-choo (and who wouldn’t be, as it’s so fun to say), try the miniature train. It’s located near Disney’s Pin Traders and Trend-D. While the train isn’t especially Disney-themed, it is brightly colored and an ideal size for toddlers. Adults may ride as well, but only one per car and not in the engine or caboose. Like the carousel, it costs $2 to ride.
Water Play Fountains and Stitch: Kids love to run through water fountains on a hot day – or any day, really. And Disney has almost made an art form out of its water play fountains and water fun. Bring along their bathing suits or a change of clothes and let them frolic in the water fountains near the entrance of the DTD Marketplace, near The Art of Disney and The Days of Christmas store. Just interested in a quick squirt? Let them dodge waterdrops at World of Disney, where Stitch “spits” at unsuspecting guests.
LEGO Imagination Center: Even before the LEGO store expanded, this was a must-stop for me and my childlike ways let along parents with children. And why not? Even before you enter the building, the store promises to be fun, with its life- and over-sized LEGO sculptures perfect for photo opportunities and racing-car area where kids build LEGO cars and send them speeding on a track.
Inside, the store offers LEGO kits to fit almost every flight of fancy, the store offers computer stations where guests can design structures and play games. And while the remodel also removed an outside play area, a new room inside offers air-conditioned comfort for such experimentation. And for a true custom souvenir that will change and grow, kids can fill a bucket of LEGOs at the “Pick a Brick” wall.
Rainforest Café or T-Rex Café restaurants: If your DTD day is about the kids, consider dining at either Rainforest Café or T-Rex Cafe, the themed chain restaurants at the Marketplace. The food is fairly standard fare, burgers and chicken, pastas and salads, and the restaurants know how to cater to picky eaters (if that’s a concern).
But the real appeal here is the kid-oriented theming and family-friendly ambiance, with lots of entertainment and lively atmosphere for the younger set.
Rainforest Café offers a jungle home to Animatronic creatures: gorillas, big cats, elephants, tropical birds and so on, some of which move. The restaurant also showcases a gorgeous saltwater tank filled with colorful fish. To complete the rainforest effect, the restaurant’s sound effects include the sound of water and the occasional thunderstorm.
T-Rex Café takes guests a step back in time, prehistoric time to the land of the
Dinosaur Animatronics are the stars at T-Rex Cafe.
dinosaurs, as well as an eclectic mix of otherworldly visions – including an “under the sea” motif as part of the aquarium element. Among the dinos on display are a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a stegosaurus, while other areas offer a glimpse at a wooly mammoth. Like Rainforest, there are Animatronic creatures that move, and a noisy atmosphere to make the illusion seem all the more real to young eyes.
In addition to its dining areas (themed as Fern Forest, Geo-Tech Room., Ice Cave, Coral Reef, Sequoia Room) T-Rex also offers a Paleo Zone’s Discovery Dig. This play area encourages children to pan for fossils. There’s also a Build-a-Dino shop (related to the Build-a-Bear franchise).
A word of warning about Rainforest Café and T-Rex Café. These experiences might be overwhelming for some children. The restaurants include figures and are fairly loud. It’s easy to get over-stimulated by the environment. Many children love it, but family members with sensitive ears or who do better dining without distractions might choose other options.
World of Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: There’s something magical about being pampered as a Disney princess – and dressed up as one – at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Magic Kingdom. But there’s also a boutique located in the Princess Experience Room at the World of Disney store. It’s a great option for those days when you want to do something special but aren’t planning on visiting the theme parks. There’s even a makeover chair in a World of Disney window front.
For those who prefer to be knights, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique can make those wishes come true, too. Or…just for fun, visit World of Disney’s
Downtown Disney Budget Tip: for those looking for a less expensive “makeover” experience, consider face painting at Downtown Disney for approximately $12-$15 (dependent on designs).
Last but not least, it’s not a trip to DTD without some sweets. I recommend finishing the day with an ice-cream treat from Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain or some goodies from Goofy’s Candy Company.
One of my favorite movies in the Disney/Pixar corral is the original Cars. I’ll never forget how much my sister laughed over the line “Frank’s gonna get you! He’s gonna get you!” during the Tractor tipping scene.
So when I heard a while back about a new Cars movie, I was both excited to see it and a little anxious about it. Would the movie live up to it’s previous billing? Would the fact that it takes place all over the world, and has a 007 vibe to it, be enough to make me want to see it again and again? Well, from this Dad’s point of view, it is!
From the beginning, with the Toy Story cartoon involving Ken and Barbie and all the others, to the wonderful tribute to Paul Newman in the renaming of the Piston Cup as the Hudson Hornet Cup, Cars 2 starts off great. Add in some great racing, and an international intrigue involving Mater, and Cars 2 is a winner for me.
Introducing two new characters, Finn McMissile and Holly Shiftwell, Cars 2 involves a spy plot that the unknowing Mater gets involved in. A group of crooks are doing their best to bring down alternative fuels by sabotaging the World Grand Prix, and Mater is one of the hero’s of the story that is able to help stop the bad guys, in part because of his skill in the field of automobile engines!
When comparing the two movies, I certainly think that the original is the better of the two movies. However, that doesn’t stop me from liking Cars 2, and looking forward to when I am able to catch it again! Out of 5 stars, I would give it 4, so take a look at it and let me know what you think!
