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Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: One Guest’s View

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: One Guest’s View

In 2010, my wife and I were back on our own for a 5 night stay at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort (MuR). This is one of the Value Resorts at Walt Disney World. Those who feel that they are musically inclined will find this Resort to their liking.

We decided to stay at MuR to round out our Disney Resort experiences. Each section of this Resort is themed after a different music genre: Jazz, Country, Rock, etc. We stayed in the Country section, but the area themed after Broadway would have been our personal choice.

Location. MuR is located with the other Value Resorts at the bottom end of the WDW property. It is closest to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. But Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT aren’t too far away either. Downtown Disney and The Magic Kingdom will make for the longest Bus rides.

The main drawback, as with the other two All-Star Resorts, is the transportation. All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports share the same Buses. So wait times can be extended beyond the promised 20 minutes that Disney advertises. Being the middle Resort of the three, sometimes the Bus can be crowded by the time it arrives at MuR, so it may only have standing room left.

Accommodations. A standard view room is the way to go with this Value Resort as well. Small rooms make for frayed nerves after a few days, so plan to be out and about the Resort as often as possible! The theming is fun to look at even for those who aren’t big music fans. Most areas have music playing keyed to the genre, so it can be interesting to just walk around the Resort and take in the vibes. This Resort is as photogenic as any other, so be sure to plan for some group shots for the scrapbook.

The main pool has a cool centerpiece featuring the Three Caballeros. One of them shoots water into the pool from his guns.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: One Guest’s View

There is now Internet service available in each room, but the cost is steep. Laundry facilities are also available around the pool areas. So you can float while your clothes soak!

Features. MuR, like all of the other Value Resorts, offers a Food Court, Arcade, Caricature Artists, a DVC Kiosk, but rather subdued theming. You also have access to a Retail Store for souvenirs and basic food and personal needs items. But these items tend to be expensive, so plan to bring what you need if possible. You can request a fridge for your room, and if you have a medical condition, it will be free.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: One Guest’s View

Just a quick note about Entertainment: A nice feature that this Resort has that no other Value Resort offers is Movie Night. They inflate a screen by the pool and you can vote for what film you want to see (from three or four pre-selected choices). While the voting is going on, trivia games are played with all who are lounging around the pool.

In conclusion, there is nothing wrong with this Value Resort. But it doesn’t inspire or thrill either. I’ve noticed that when the other Resorts fill up, MuR always seems to have available rooms. All-Star Sports is in the same boat there. But for music fans, this may well be just what the Maestro ordered!

I enjoyed my stay at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for a future stay.

Lee Beatens has two sides as a Writer/Artist. His writing side is showcased at the Blog called Disleelandia, and his artistic side is showcased at the Blog called The CANADIAN Kingdom. His improbable third side is showcased here.

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Disney’s All-Star Music Resort: One Guest’s View

Review: Disney’s Secretariat on Bluray

By
Chip
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Review: Disney’s Secretariat on Bluray

Disney was nice enough to supply me with a copy of this movie to review a few days ago. I missed watching it in the theaters and after seeing it at home I regret not going. It has been a long wait for it to make it’s wait to Bluray/DVD.

The Story of Big Red or the Secretariat is a very encouraging, and uplifting movie. Like most of my movie reviews I don’t like to give to much of the story away.Even though it is based on a true story your going to have to watch it to get full plot details.

The star of the movie hands down is The Secretariat or Big Red as many call him. Diane Lane and John Malkovich do a great job in their roles as well but it is clear who the star of the movie is.

Many people compared this movie to Blind Side and I can see why. It is a very heartfelt and touching story about overcoming adversity and doing the impossible.

This is a great family movie but little ones will probably get bored easily. I highly recommend this movie if you looking for a pick me up or a relaxing drama. The picture quality is fabulous and if you have surround sound it feels like your there racing with Big Red.

Disney did a great job remaking this true story and I am glad that is in my Disney Movie Collection.

This movie comes out on Jan 25th on Disney Bluray/DVD Combo.

If you have seen this movie let us know in the comment section below.

Disclosure: This review is based off of my own opinion of this movie. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment furnished a copy of this title for review. All copyright images, and content belong to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

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Review: Disney’s Secretariat on Bluray

Disney’s Pop Century Resort: One Guest’s View

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney’s Pop Century Resort: One Guest’s View

In 2007, my wife and I along with her parents spent 7 nights at Disney’s Pop Century Resort (PCR). This is a Value Resort at Walt Disney World that stands apart from the All-Star Resorts, but is still in the same area. PCR is in the race for the fan favorite for economy minded Guests.

This Resort is my second favorite Value offering. It has a retro feel with the focus on pop culture theming. But for me, some of the cultural references were a little too dated, and thus came off as a bit cheesy or tacky. But each to his or her own! This article will share my impressions of PCR grouped into three categories:

Location. PCR is located some distance from the All-Star Resorts. It is closest to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Next, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney would be closest, with The Magic Kingdom making for the longest Bus ride.

The main drawback for most Value Resorts is the transportation. All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports share the same Buses. But PCR has its own dedicated bus, just like the Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. So your ride back to the Resort should be a tad quicker and a bit less crowded. But it is still a Value Resort, so the Bus will be filled for each trip.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort: One Guest’s View

Accommodations. Renting the standard view room is always the cheapest option at a Value Resort, and PCR is no exception. Being as you are rarely in your room during a fun vacation, why pay more for a view you won’t be looking at? At least not from your room anyway. Again, Guests with kids should request a ground floor room, preferably facing to the front of the building for easy entry and exit with the little ones. But be sure to draw your curtains while you are away to discourage unwanted attention for your belongings.

The rooms at PCR are basically just as small as at the other Value Resorts. So expect your accommodations to be designed for economy and not for comfort. This is presently the newest Value Resort and so is in better repair than the other Value Resorts. This will change when Disney’s Animation Resort opens.

There is now Internet service available in each room, but the cost is steep. Laundry facilities are also available around the pool areas. So you can bake while your clothes tumble-dry!

Features. PCR, like all of the other Value Resorts, offers a Food Court, Arcade, Caricature Artists, a DVC Kiosk, but with better than average theming. You also have access to a Retail Store for souvenirs and basic food and personal needs items. But these items tend to be expensive, so plan to bring what you need if possible. You can request a fridge for your room, and if you have a medical condition, it will be free.

Just a quick note about Alcohol: You can get alcoholic beverages in the Food Court or out by the main pool. But they do keep an eye on your consumption, and tipsy behavior is not tolerated. Remember, you are at a family-friendly Resort!

Disney’s Pop Century Resort: One Guest’s View

In conclusion, it’s hard to decide if this Resort is the best of all the Value Resorts. I would default to it if for no other reason than the dedicated Bus service. After a long day at the Parks, you just want to get back to your room and collapse! This is a quicker process at PCR. My favorite piece of theming from this Resort is the giant Foosball Court! You can’t get cooler than that!

I would stay at Disney’s Pop-Century Resort again as my second choice after Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort.

Lee Beatens has two sides as a Writer/Artist. His writing side is showcased at the Blog called Disleelandia, and his artistic side is showcased at the Blog called The CANADIAN Kingdom. His improbable third side is showcased here.

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Disney’s Pop Century Resort: One Guest’s View

Downtown Disney: Kids’ Birthday Parties at Goofy’s Candy Co.

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Downtown Disney: Kids’ Birthday Parties at Goofy’s Candy Co.

Looking for a fun way to celebrate a child’s birthday at Walt Disney World Resort? Consider throwing a birthday party at Goofy’s Candy Co. at Downtown Disney, a fun and special way to celebrate someone’s special day.

These 1.5 hour parties take place in a small room to the back of Goofy’s Candy Co. for up to 15 guests. Each party includes 2 party hosts to join in the fun and organize themed games and activities for kids; themed balloons; a birthday present for the Guest of honor; and invitations and thank-you notes for guests.

And of course, the tastiest highlight of a birthday party held at Goofy’s Candy Co. is the ability to make and enjoy treats. All attendees receive a Goofy Glacier beverage and cup. And in true Disney interactive fun with food, each party-goer can decorate one Goofy’s Candy treat from the following options:

  • Deluxe Apple
  • Pretzel Rod
  • Crispy Treats
  • Deluxe Cupcake
  • Marshmallow stick on a keepsake straw

Goofy’s Candy Co. offers two different themes –¬ the Disney Perfectly Princess and Goofy’s Scien-terrific Birthday Bash! These themes provide different favors and Guest of Honor mementos.

The Perfectly Princess Birthday Party includes, along with the above, Princes games and activities, autographed photos of Cinderella and a light-up Coach necklace for everyone. The Guest of Honor receives a princess tiara and sash and boxed glass slipper.

Goofy’s Scien-terrific Birthday Bash includes, along with the above, Goofy games and activities, autographed photos of Goofy and light-up glasses for everyone. The Guest of Honor receives a Goofy Gumball machine with one pound of candy of his or her choice.

Additional information: Disney requires that there be at least one adult guest at these parties, and all party-goers need to be 3 years or older. No outside food or drink may be brought into the party.

The price for one of these special Goofy’s Candy Co. birthdays is $344.95 plus tax for a party of up to 12 guests. Three additional guests may attend for an additional $25 per person.

Disney holds these birthday parties 7 days a week, with parties subject to availability. Reservations are required and may be made up to 120 days in advance. When calling to make a reservation, be aware that you need to provide a credit card at the time of reservation; any cancellations within 10 days of the party date are subject to a cancellation fee of the full cost of the party.

For more information on children’s birthday parties at Goofy’s Candy Co. in Downtown Disney, or other birthday party options at Walt Disney World Resort, call 407-WDW-BDAY (407-939-2329). Or you can check out other Walt Disney World birthday celebrations online.

Kungaloosh!

Debra Peterson enjoys seeking out for the interactive, immersive and innovative at Disney theme parks. When not writing for Chip and Company, Debra is the National Disney Travel Examiner. Put on your set of ears and join her in stalking the Mouse.

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Downtown Disney: Kids’ Birthday Parties at Goofy’s Candy Co.

Has Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lost it’s Magic?

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Has Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lost it’s Magic?

Let me start with saying – Disney’s Hollywood Studios has never been a “must” on our trips. Since it’s inception as MGM, it’s always been a pretty park, but has never had much drawing me to visit.

We decided to stop in with hopes of riding Toy Story Midway Mania and our son appreciating Playhouse Disney, a stage production for the younger ones who watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, The Little Einsteins, and, showing the show’s age, Winnie the Pooh and Friends. Though Winnie the Pooh is no longer aired on television, my son loves watching Mickey Mouse and Handy Manny, if for nothing more than their theme songs and other tunes played during each episode.

We arrived for their “Rope Drop” show, which has seemingly improved since June. Now, there is actually a show of sorts. They had a director and actress set up as though we were in the 1930’s filming a movie. Actually, they had these characters all throughout the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ‘filming’ scenes and calling out directions to innocent bystanders.

But, other than these actors and producers, we noticed that some of the Disney spirit was seemingly missing. The cast members didn’t appear as cheerful at DHS as those working in the other parks (or resorts). I personally enjoy interacting with the cast members – asking questions, talking about their jobs, etc… but, at DHS, this interaction didn’t happen much.

The “actors” on the Great Movie Ride did their job with a little flair, but nothing over the top. At Playhouse Disney, my husband was practically scolded by a cast member when he had put our son on his shoulders. I understand that maybe they’re not working their dream job, but neither are the cast members at Small World, yet they’re always smiling!

Has the magic been lost? Was it ever really there? Maybe it went out when the functioning studio left. I’m not sure, but I can tell you that we won’t be heading back on our next trip.

Jenn resides with her husband, 1 year old son, and 2 bratty dogs in a suburb of Washington, D.C. She also hosts her own blog, the Disney Babies Blog, where she shares her experiences, tips, and ramblings about traveling the parks with a baby. In her non-Disney life, Jenn is often found running, practicing yoga, or playing the clarinet in the military

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Has Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lost it’s Magic?

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom: The one ride I MUST ride

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom: The one ride I MUST ride

Chip threw down the gauntlet the other day, challenging one of us to write a series of stories on what the one ride at a park you would absolutely have to ride, and why.  So, for this post, I’m going to focus on my must ride for the Magic Kingdom.

There are so many choices to choose from, it really is a difficult decision to make.  Some of my favorite rides are located at the Magic Kingdom, largely because there are such a huge variety of different rides to enjoy.  You’ve got the classic nature of Peter Pan’s Flight and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; you’ve got the timeless thrills of The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean; and you’ve got the thrill rides of Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

For me, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is my absolute MUST ride.  There is so much to enjoy about this roller coaster.  For us, the queue moves pretty quickly, so it is easy to get in several rides in a day.  Also, the ride is incredible no matter where you sit, although it is better if you sit in the back of the train.

Another aspect of this ride that makes it a must ride is the fact that the ride is entirely different when you ride it at night.  In fact, I would say that if you only had one time to ride BTMR, I would highly suggest that you ride it at night!  There is an entirely different element to the ride when you experience it at night.  The turns feel faster; the different scenes seem more distinct.  One thing you have to try and do when you ride at night is look for the saloon as you pass through town.  If you see it, look on the second floor for the dancing girls dancing in the windows!  You have to be looking for it, because it will pass quickly.

With so many choices at the Magic Kingdom, it is really hard to choose just one ride to be my must ride.  For now, it is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; however, who knows when that might change.  The beauty of the Magic Kingdom is that you can tailor your trip towards many different types of experiences; today I am into the thrill rides, but tomorrow, who knows – maybe I’ll be more interested in “it’s a small world“!

Next time I’m going to be telling you what my must ride is for Epcot — the answer may surprise you!

Mike is one of the writers for Chip & Company, and an avid Disney fan!  Right now he is busy planning his families’ next trip to Disney World this coming June.  When he isn’t writing for C&C, he can also be read at My Dreams of Disney.  It is there that you can learn about his childhood nickname, and why that isn’t such a bad nickname to him anymore.

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom: The one ride I MUST ride

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: One Guest’s View

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
-

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: One Guest’s View

In 2006, my wife and I spent 15 nights at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort (MoR). This is one of four Value Resorts presently offered at Walt Disney World. In the future, Disney’s Animation Resort will join the ranks. MoR is by far the fan favorite for economy minded Guests. You’ll find that some of the discount packages don’t always include this Value Resort for just that reason.

I will admit that it is my favorite of the bunch. All-Stars Music and Sports along with Pop Century are also good, but the theming at MoR is just a bit better.  Many would argue in favor of Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and so I will cover that Resort in the next installment of this series. But this article is all about MoR, so what follows are my impressions of MoR grouped into three categories:

Location – MoR is located with the other Value Resorts at the bottom end of the WDW property. It is closest to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. But Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT aren’t too far away either. Downtown Disney and The Magic Kingdom will make for the longest Bus rides.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: One Guest’s View

The main drawback also has to do with transportation. All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports share the same Buses. So after a long day at the Parks, you can always look forward to a long wait for a ride back to your Resort, and a crowded one! There is nothing so depressing as watching a Bus with two people on it heading back to The Grand Floridian while you stand for another 30 minutes waiting for your ‘cattle-car’ Bus experience back to a Value Resort!

Accommodations – We rented the standard view room, which is the cheapest option. Doing so usually puts you on the third floor, often facing the rear of the Resort grounds. For my wife and I, this is ideal, because it is quieter. But for those with kids, you will want to make a reservation on the ground floor so that your family can come and go with greater ease. This makes spontaneous playtime more manageable.

The rooms in a Value resort are small. You usually get two double beds with an option for one cot. But once you pack in your luggage and souvenirs, space becomes scarce pretty quick! Love each other before you check in or you will never survive the close quarters!

There is now Internet service available in each room, but the cost is steep. Laundry facilities are also available around the pool areas. So you can splash while your clothes wash!

Features – MoR offers a Food Court, Arcade, Caricature Artists, a DVC Kiosk, and awesome theming. You also have a nice Retail Store at the Resort that not only stocks souvenirs but basic food and personal needs items. But these items tend to be expensive, so plan to bring what you need if possible. You can request a fridge for your room, and if you have a medical condition, it will be free.

Just a quick note about Pizza: You can order a personal size pizza from the Food Court but it isn’t anything to drool over! But from your room you can order a full-size pizza with all the toppings and THIS is worthwhile! Pick it up or have it delivered right to your room. The added bonus here is that the Pizza Box is themed with Disney characters, so it makes a nice touch for the kids.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: One Guest’s View

In conclusion, the heavy theming of MoR is worth the stay on its own! The giant Toy Story characters of Buzz Lightyear and Woody are too amazing for words. As are the other Pixar characters (see above). You just have to see them to believe it! And I find the basic atmosphere and look of this Value Resort to have something extra over the other Value Resorts, excepting perhaps Pop Century.

I would definitely stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort again.

Lee Beatens has two sides as a Writer/Artist. His writing side is showcased at the Blog called Disleelandia, and his artistic side is showcased at the Blog called The CANADIAN Kingdom. His improbable third side is showcased here.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: One Guest’s View

Oldies But Goodies – Renew Your Childhood On The Carousel

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Oldies But Goodies – Renew Your Childhood On The Carousel

O.K. Oldies, it’s time to recall something we all enjoyed as kids and something we can enjoy again as bigger kids. I’m talking about the Prince Charming Regal Carousel which I think should still be called Cinderella’s Golden Carousel but they didn’t ask my opinion or give me a vote. Actually it’s Carousels in general or Hobby Horses or whatever your particular regional term was for these attractions. Although they don’t take your breath away with thrills they do provide a pleasant diversion while at the Magic Kingdom while bringing back some wonderful childhood memories.

I’m going to be giving you a lot of facts that you can use to impress your grand kids and blow them away with your vast knowledge. I do want to credit a couple of sources that helped me put together and organize the facts. These sources are: The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness and The Walt Disney World Trivia Book both Volumes 1 and 2 by Lou Mongello. These are great resources for studying Walt Disney World. Let’s start with the carousel itself and then progress on to the horses:

  • It was originally built in 1917 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and served the guests of two amusement parks before being discovered and purchased by the Imagineers in 1967.
  • During it’s complete restoration there were 18 hand painted wooden panels added telling the story of Cinderella. Make sure you look for them next time, they are beautiful.
  • There are 2325 lights on the carousel.
  • There are 26 different songs played on the carousel, all except 2 of them came from many of Disney’s animated features. The 2 that didn’t come from the animated films are “Chim Chim Cheree” and “Feed The Birds” both from Mary Poppins.

Now a little bit about the horses:

  • There are 90 hand carved horses, 72 of them were salvaged from the original carousel and Disney worked their magic to supply the rest.
  • There are five concentric circles of horses (18 horses in each circle) and they go from larger ones on the outside circle to smaller more kiddie accessible ones on the inside circle. Cinderella’s horse is in the second circle from the outside and has a golden ribbon on its tail. All 90 of the horses are different.
  • Each of the horses took at least 48 hours of work to repaint ant the paint jobs were embellished with real silver, bronze, and 23 carat gold leaf.
  • Just one more, there is a special group of cast members whose sole job is to polish the brass poles that support the horses – every single day!!

Now you know as much as I do about Cinderella’s (SORRY) The Prince Charming Regal Carousel and you are now certified to amaze your family and friends with your vast knowledge. All kidding aside, take a couple of spins on the carousel and remember what life was like in a slower less complicated time. I promise you it will renew a lot of the most pleasant memories of your childhood and give you a chance to relate to your grand kids on an entirely different level. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

Oldies But Goodies – Renew Your Childhood On The Carousel

Resort Transportation: Walt Disney World Transportation Methods

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Resort Transportation: Walt Disney World Transportation Methods
Magic Kingdom with Ferryboats, Monorail, and Water Taxis

Walt Disney World is such a big complex of resorts, shopping locations, and of course, the Parks, that there has to be an immense number of different ways to get around in Disney.  In this post, we’re going to take a look at some of the incredible options that a guest has for getting around!

Resort Transportation: Disney Buses

Certainly the most common form of transportation around Disney involves traveling by bus.  Every resort has bus depots, in fact many of the resorts have multiple pickup and dropoff spots to fit the size of the resort!  There are a few things that you should know about the buses.  First of all, each bus that comes by your pickup location is designated for a specific location or group of locations.  To know which location a particular bus is going to, look at the top of the windshield to see what the digital readout says.  If you are going to the Magic Kingdom, don’t get on a bus that reads Animal Kingdom by mistake!

Second, the buses will always deliver passengers first, so if you are getting ready to board, know that those that need to get off will be done first.  Also, people needing assistance will also be taken care of first.

Third, when you are leaving a park at the end of a long day, when you are heading to your bus pickup location, know that there are going to be a LOT of people getting on that bus also.  When you are waiting in line, remember why we are all here in the first place.  Talk about the cool things you saw that day.  Remember all of the fun you had.  Don’t let a long line cause you to do or say something you will regret tomorrow.

Resort Transportation: Monorail

One of the really great things about going to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot is that you can ride the Monorail from one park to the other, and also to some of the great resorts located near the Magic Kingdom.  The monorail, with it’s cool futuristic look and sleek design, was a favorite of mine when I first started going to the parks back in 1978.  To this day, riding the monorail is a fun activity, and one that we like to do often.

The monorail has changed some since it first opened up.  The unfortunate accident they had last year has put a stop to the unique experience you used to get by riding at the front of the train with the driver.  Cindy, Sophie and I were able to experience this twice a couple of years back, and we still have the “Co-pilot” cards that they gave us for doing so!

Resort Transportation: Boats

Walt Disney World has a wide array of different boats that you can enjoy.  At the Magic Kingdom there are the Ferryboats, which will take you from the entrance to the Magic Kingdom over to the Transportation and Ticket Center.  Additionally, there are the water taxis which you can take to the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge resorts.

At Port Orleans Resort (both Riverside and French Quarter), they have water taxis that will take you to the other resort, or to Downtown Disney!  It is a very relaxing way to take some time and go do some shopping!

You can even take water taxis from Epcot to the Boardwalk, and a different set of boats from Boardwalk to Hollywood Studios!

These are the three main transportation methods for Disney, but two that you may want to consider also include using the family car or walking!  In many cases it is quicker to get to a park by walking than by waiting for any of the other methods of transportation.  If you are at the Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian (or even at Bay Lake Towers), take a relaxing stroll over to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom!  Or, if you are staying at the Boardwalk resorts, take a stroll over to Epcot and enter via the International Gateway!

Lastly, if you are staying on property, you can drive your car to any of the other locations and park there.  For example, we had breakfast at the Cape May Café last June, so we drove from Port Orleans French Quarter, parked for free at the Beach Club (we just showed them our parking pass for POFQ), and then after our breakfast we walked right over to Epcot for the day!  We have also before driven to the parks, and with our resort parking pass you don’t need to pay to park at the Parks.

With all of the different options available for getting around the resorts, it really makes it easy to just park your car when you arrive and just leave it until you are ready to leave to come home.  One of the fun things you can do on vacation is to try out the various types of transportation to see what you like best!  But most of all, remember that the drivers are there to help us, so treat them with the respect that they deserve.

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Resort Transportation: Walt Disney World Transportation Methods

Ask a Disney Question: Using Old Park Tickets.

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Ask a Disney Question: Using Old Park Tickets.

This question comes from Carolyn, who asks:

I have entry cards from the passed visit to Disney World…it says that I can use it later…can I use it this trip?  The card is eight years old

Carolyn, thanks for reading and for your question.  Yes, you can use this ticket. On my trip in  October, a friend used a ticket from 1994!  Since Disney switched over to their new system in 2005, you can’t use a park ticket unless you use it within fourteen days o f your first entry or if it had a no expiration option on it.  In your case, your ticket was issued prior to the upgrade, so you may use all the days left on your card.

Here are a couple of little quirks you’ll want to be aware of:    You can’ t add days to these tickets the way you would to a regular Magic Your Way ticket within the fourteen day time frame.    The value of this ticket is not today’s value but the value when you purchased it. If you want to apply this ticket to a new park ticket (say, add your one day to a 6-day ticket), you won’t get today’s value ($82) but rather the value of that ticket in 2005. You’ll have to do the math to see if adding the value to a new ticket or just using it for that day’s entry is worth it. I suspect it will be the former.

Hope this helps!

Got a Disney Question? Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question!

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt  Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat podcast and a travel agnet with Pixie Vacations. You can reach her at [email protected].

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Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: One Guest’s View

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: One Guest’s View

In 2008, my wife and I with her parents occupied a lot in Section 2000 of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (FWR). Right up front I will admit that I’m not a big fan of camping. But in the spirit of trying something new at Walt Disney World, I agreed to sleep in a small two-man tent for 10 days. This is my story.

I do like the country, having grown up in small towns, and being that I still live on the outskirts of a fairly small city. I like trees not skyscrapers. FWR has trees in abundance, so I settled into the atmosphere quite easily. But once we had set up a trailer for the in-laws and a tent for the wife and myself, my analytical nature kicked in! What follows are my impressions of FWR grouped into three categories:

Location. FWR is located closest to The Magic Kingdom up near the top of the WDW property. This makes for a long Bus ride when you visit the other three Parks and Downtown Disney. To add to the inconvenience, many campsites in FWR are far from the two main Bus Depots that take you off-site. So in effect, you get a long Bus ride before you get another long Bus ride.

But being somewhat isolated from the rest of the World wasn’t always a bad thing. The wife and her folks took longer to get up and around in the mornings, which gave me time to explore. And by explore, I mean take a leisurely Bus ride to Pioneer Hall for a coffee and heated cinnamon roll. Health fans could walk, run, or bicycle. The pace is much slower here than at most other Resorts, so if your vacation was meant to be relaxing, FWR should be for you!

Accommodations. We rented a small campsite with water and electricity. If you enjoy camping in groups, there is also a large area set aside just for that option. Larger sites are available for RV’s. And if you like to rough it in style and comfort, you can also rent a Cabin with all the amenities of home.

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: One Guest’s View

I found the sites to be a bit too barren for my taste. When I think of camping, I imagine being in the bush surrounded by nature, not by 100 other campers. For whatever reason, most of the areas in FWR were sparse of foliage and privacy, which was a big drawback. In fairness, we were there in February, but this alone wouldn’t account for the level of deforestation I saw. That was three years ago, so things may have grown in again by now.

Features. For those who travel with children, FWR should be ideal! Although you can’t swim at the beach, there are two pools (although not on par with any other Resort and without theming). Bike Rentals, Boating, a Campfire Program, Carriage Rides, Fishing Excursions, Wagon and Trail Rides, and Movie Night should keep anyone entertained.

And the Electrical Water Pageant floats right off shore every night. The Hoop De Do Musical Review dinner show is also a good time if you are willing to spend the extra money. Speaking of food, don’t miss the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at the Trail’s End Restaurant! During the Christmas season, you can tour the RV section of the Resort. These enthusiastic people decorate their Sites with inflatable characters and enough lights to be seen from Space! I believe Disney even schedules Golf Cart tours of the area.

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: One Guest’s View

In conclusion, the laid back feel of FWR is refreshing after having stayed in some of Disney’s other Resorts, where crowding and noise are all too present. And it has such nice little touches: The Lawnmower Tree; live Armadillos and Geckos everywhere; and pimped-out Golf Carts, to name but a few.

I would definitely stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and Campground again.

Lee Beatens has two sides as a Writer/Artist. His writing side is showcased at the Blog called Disleelandia, and his artistic side is showcased at the Blog called The CANADIAN Kingdom. His improbable third side is showcased here.

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Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: One Guest’s View

Ask a Disney Question: Disneyland to Get Rid of Guest Assistance Cards?

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Ask a Disney Question: Disneyland to Get Rid of Guest Assistance Cards?

We recently got an email from Chuck, who heard a rumor that Disneyland is planning to phase out  Guest Assistance Cards.  I’m happy to report that this rumor is,in fact, false. While there may come a time in the future where GACs are not necessary on many attractions due to the way they are reconfigured, some variation will be available. For example, while most of us tend to think that individuals who need GACs use them due to mobility issues, the reality is in that people use GACs for a multitude of reasons that no amount of changing a queue could help, for example, individuals with Autism who may find it difficult to wait in long lines.

One of the things that has always impressed me about Disney as a company is how they have led the way in introducing accommodations beyond what is required by the federal government.  Getting a GAC is easy, as it should be, and allows all guests to enjoy the parks.

Chuck, thanks for your question and for reading the site. I hope you enjoy your upcoming Disneyland vacation.

Got a Disney Question? Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question!

Chris writes here and at Everything Walt  Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat podcast and a travel agebt with Pixie Vacations. You can reach her at [email protected].

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Ask a Disney Question: Disneyland to Get Rid of Guest Assistance Cards?
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