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Disney VoluntEARS and Audubon of Florida Flock Together for Osprey Recovery

By
Chip
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Disney VoluntEARS and Audubon of Florida Flock Together for Osprey Recovery

After a four-month rehabilitation at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, an adult male osprey was recently released at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort near the site where he was rescued earlier this summer.

An eager group of Walt Disney World Cast Members and resort guests looked on as the bird took to the air for the first time since June.

The osprey was emaciated and listless when he was found on June 17. After receiving emergency care from Disney animal care experts, the raptor was transported to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Fla. for further treatment. After several months of intensive care, the bird was moved to the Center’s Magic of Flight barn to stretch his wings and complete the rehabilitation process.

Disney sponsored the building of the flight barn in 2001 and has provided ongoing support of the Center. As one of the few structures of its kind in the U.S., the flight barn is used to rehabilitate raptors, such as eagles, hawks, owls and ospreys, so they can ultimately be released back into the wild.

“It’s always nice seeing a bird released back where he belongs,” said EagleWatch Coordinator Lynda White, minutes after watching her most recent patient fly the coop at Lake Dorado. She attributed the successful release to the support of her staff and companies like Walt Disney World. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without Walt Disney World,” she said. “In fact, without Disney, there wouldn’t be an EagleWatch program or a flight barn at all.”

Several weeks prior to the osprey’s release, volunteers from Walt Disney World Resort joined staff at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey to refurbish the flight barn and its surroundings. Volunteers spent the day helping with roof repair, pressure cleaning, replacement of food boards and prey boxes, and re-wrapping very large perches.

“We were excited to pitch in to help spruce up the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, which provides so many services to both community and wildlife,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of Community Relations at Walt Disney World. In addition, Walt Disney World Community Relations gave the center a new pressure washer and sliding ladder for continued upkeep, and Disney’s Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives donated equipment for animal care.

Disney’s on-going support has enabled the flight barn to play a pivotal role in conserving and protecting Central Florida’s wildlife by helping thousands of birds regain their strength and stamina before returning to the wild.

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Disney VoluntEARS and Audubon of Florida Flock Together for Osprey Recovery

Disney World Quick Tips – Please Don’t “Wing It”

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney World Quick Tips – Please Don’t “Wing It”

Most of my friends and acquaintances know how I feel about everything Disney and when they decide they are going to visit Walt Disney World they always ask what I think. I’m always excited for them and I ask them about their plans for resorts, parks, meals etc. You would be surprised to hear how often they say the six scariest words in the world to a Disney planner like myself – “We’re just going to wing it!!” ARRRRRGH!! That just makes my teeth itch!!

That’s when I attempt to work with them to explain the size and dynamics of that place we love, Walt Disney World. These are some of the things I discuss with them:

  1. SIZE – Because we are out west, most of my friends say that they used the “wing it” approach when they visited Disneyland and were successful. I first explain to them that Walt Disney World is 47 square miles and employs some 55,000 (not 5,500) Cast Members. Vacationing at a place like that is not something you approach casually.
  2. DIMENSION – The Disneyland fans are accustomed to there being 3 Disney resort hotels, not the 20+ hotels located on site at Walt Disney World. The 2 theme parks and Downtown Disney in Anaheim becomes 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, multiple Championship golf courses, Downtown Disney on a grand scale etc. It’s generally at this point that I have their attention.
  3. DINING – This is the one thing that the “wing its” pay the least attention to. I can’t tell you how many folks have no concept of the Advance Dining Reservations system and complain after their return that they didn’t get a decent sit down meal because all the restaurants were full. After I explain exactly how good most of the table service restaurants are and with the advent of dining plans (particularly when free dining is in effect) they are almost always booked to capacity they begin to understand that also.

I’m pretty confident that most of the folks reading this are not “wing its” (a term of endearment) but have friends who are. The whole point of writing this is to encourage those of you who hear the dreaded six words from friends or relatives take the time to let them know some of the ins and outs of a Walt Disney World vacation. Let them know about the myriad of information available, starting with this site, Chip and Company. Spend some time with them so that they too can enjoy their Walt Disney World vacation as much as we do. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

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Disney World Quick Tips – Please Don’t “Wing It”

“SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark” Delays Opening

By
Chip
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“SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark” Delays Opening

Lead producer Michael Cohl announced this morning that SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark has delayed its first performance and that they will now begin preview performances on Broadway on Sunday, November 28, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. Opening Night is now set for Tuesday evening, January 11, 2011.  Directed by Julie Taymor and featuring a book by Julie Taymor and Glen Berger, and new music and lyrics by U2’s Bono and The Edge, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will open at Broadway’s Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street).

“Shows like ours, that embrace the challenge of opening on Broadway without an out-of-town tryout, often need to adjust their schedules along the way,” said Cohl. “SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark has an unprecedented level of technical artistry, and getting it right takes time.”  He added, “We apologize in advance to any inconvenienced ticketholders.”

Ticket holders for the postponed performances will be contacted directly and given the ability to exchange their tickets for a future performance at no cost or receive a full refund.  Tickets purchased at the box office may be brought back to the box office during the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday to be exchanged or refunded.

Featuring direction by Tony® Award-winner Julie Taymor (The Tempest, Across The Universe, The Lion King), music and lyrics by 22-time Grammy® Award-winners Bono and The Edge, a book co-written by Taymor and Glen Berger (Underneath The Lintel) and one of the most iconic title characters of all time, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark is the most ambitious production ever undertaken on Broadway and finds astonishingly fresh ways to tell a story inspired by over 40 years of Marvel comic books. The show follows the story of teenager Peter Parker, whose unremarkable life is turned upside-down when he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider and wakes up the next morning clinging to his bedroom ceiling. This bullied science-geek suddenly endowed with incredible powers soon learns, however, that with great power comes great responsibility as villains put both his physical strength and strength of character to the test. SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will thrill the audience through a unique entertainment experience in ways never-before-dreamed-possible in live theater.

Tickets are priced from $67.50 – $135 for weekday performances and $67.50 – $140 for weekend performances and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (877) 250-2929. Tickets are also available at the Foxwoods Theatre box office Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

www.oandmco.com

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“SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark” Delays Opening

Take Five at Walt Disney World: Epcot

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Take Five at Walt Disney World: Epcot

As I mentioned in my previous guest post on “Take Five” at the Magic Kingdom, I’m a former tour-park commando who still enjoys the adrenalin rush of a full touring itinerary. It wasn’t until I took a deep breath and learned to take five, though, that I began to truly appreciate the Disney theme parks.

These “Take Five” moments are just that – simple and short. “Take Five” reminds me that the Disney magic is often found in the unstructured and unexpected. Just five or ten minutes, nothing too structured or scheduled. These small details and often overlooked touches can be as refreshing as a Dole Whip and as memorable a hug from the Mouse.

So here are some of my top “Take Five” opportunities at Epcot, an embarrassingly incomplete list.

Take Five at Walt Disney World: Epcot

Club Cool, Future World: Located near Innovations West, Club Cool provides a “Flavors Around the World” exhibit with free samples of soft drinks featuring unusual flavors and various countries’ favorites. Sponsored by Coca-Cola, the exhibit also sells Coca-Cola beverages and merchandise.

Club Cool features eight tastes with varying degrees of yumminess that, similar to American Coca-Cola itself, can be acquired tastes. Options range from China’s watermelon flavor to Mozambique’s Ginger Ale to the bitter taste of Italy’s Beverly (a flavor that apparently only I like). But there are unexpected delights in the taste testing and comparison, and even (especially?) the “Ewww, try this!” reaction is part of the fun.

Email or Video Postcards, Future World: Create a “Wish you were here” e-postcard or video featuring your photo and/or other cool graphics. Send your Disney memories and well wishes via email to absent friends and family. Or send one to yourself, to be opened after you return home and are feeling “Mousesick” for the magic. A favorite spot for the postcards is Mission: Space, which offers the video option, but you can also visit Innoventions, Imagination! or Test Track. Ask a Cast Member at these attractions for specific locations.

Fountain of Nations, Future World: Epcot has lovely water fountains – including the Imagination! Leap Frog fountains and reverse waterfall and several interactive play fountains that provide refreshing miss. I appreciate them all. But today my favorite is the Fountain of Nations, a musical dancing fountain experience.

The Fountain of Nations, located in Innoventions Plaza, a choreographed and illuminated water ballet set to music. In this too-often overlooked delight, the fountains dance practically come alive. It’s one of those mesmerizing a show that stops most guests in their park-touring tracks.

Take Five at Walt Disney World: Epcot

Miniature Train and Village, Germany Pavilion: I’m not a railfan, per se, but I do like the romance of the rails. Especially Epcot’s version of Würzburg, The Romantic Road, which is Germany’s miniature train railway set in a Bavarian village. This outdoor model railroad exhibit features trains that travel though a populated village and its surrounding hillsides. With its carefully rendered details, the set is a popular and both adults and children linger there.

Guests can watch the trains move through the set, take note of German architectural styles, or marvel at the little stories each scene tells. My favorite things to look for include the working train station with people waiting to board, the merchandise and food in the town’s shops, and the mountain range and streams. Also worth noting are the many details Disney adds during special events and holidays, such as the signage and miniature topiaries for Flower & Garden or food booths during Food & Wine.

Bonus Take Five: Take a mini-architectural tour of a World Showcase pavilion: Admittedly, this can take longer than five or ten minutes. But such sightseeing is very worthwhile, especially if you plan to tour Epcot World Showcase as part of a simulated global tour. Doing so can also help you pace the many nibbles and noshes or completing a “Drink Around the World” challenge.

The pavilions, from their architecture and decor to cultural and historical details, are exceptionally well done. As with all things Disney, it can be hard to identify just one favorite. If pressed, I recommend visiting either Norway’s stave church, a replica of the Gol Stave Church in Oslo’s Norwegian Folk Museum, or Japan’s rock gardens and koi ponds. Both places are beautiful and peaceful – as are many such areas in World Showcase.

One benefit of Epcot’s spacious layout is that it encourages “Take Five” moments in the form of rest breaks, whether for a replenishing snack or a sit in the shade. Indeed, Epcot nicely illustrates that “Take Five” opportunities can be found everywhere at Walt Disney World, if you just look for them. They may be as simple as enjoying Kaki Gori or walking through the sparkling lights embedded in Epcot pathways.

So take a minute to Take Five. If you’re like me, you might find you enjoy these experiences so much fun that you’ll want to Take Ten!

Author: Debra Peterson

Website: Debra Peterson is the National Disney Travel writer at Examiner.com.

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Take Five at Walt Disney World: Epcot

The Magic Behind The Scenes – Follow The Architecture And Timeline

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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The Magic Behind The Scenes – Follow The Architecture And Timeline

The Imagineers never seem to miss a trick. There is a bit of a unique flow in the Magic Kingdom that starts at Peter Pan’s Flight and flows through Liberty Square and into Frontierland. The flow is both architectural and chronological and is quite neatly woven together with one minor exception.

Those of us who have ridden Peter Pan’s Flight (is there anyone who has not?) realize that it is focused on life in early London and as we move from there towards Liberty Square we first encounter the Columbia Harbour House as we go from London to the colonial era of America. Once we pass under the Columbia Harbour House we have now entered the northeastern U.S. in the early 1700’s as represented by the architecture of my beloved Haunted Mansion. Liberty Square itself represents mid century Boston while the Hall of Presidents represents late 1700’s Philadelphia.

As we head toward Frontierland we come to the Diamond Horseshoe (or whatever the current name is, it changes) which has a style that represents St Louis in the early 1800’s which is enhanced by the proximity of the Liberty Belle. Further on, we approach the Country Bear Jamboree‘s Grizzly Hall bringing the Rocky Mountains of the mid 1800’s to mind. Here is where the minor exception mentioned above happens.

We all love Splash Mountain but you don’t get there by heading west from the Rocky Mountains so we take a sharp geographical left to the post Civil South of the 1870’s which is the time line for this attraction. Chronologically correct but a geographic aberration. But – I think we all forgive the Imagineers for this one because Splash Mountain is such a terrific attraction. Proceeding from Splash Mountain we transition into the desert southwest where The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (a huge personal favorite) represents the Monument Valley located in my home state of Arizona. There, we have made the journey!!

I want to credit the Imagineering Field Guide To The Magic Kingdom for helping me organize these facts which have been rattling around my head with all of the other tons of useless information residing there. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

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The Magic Behind The Scenes – Follow The Architecture And Timeline

Disney World VS Anywhere Else

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney World VS Anywhere Else

What will it take for an annual visitor to give up her trip to Disney World? Just think about it, there are so many other wonderful places to see in this country as well as numerous other countries. I can tell you that I have been wondering about that question, especially for the past year or so, and I have yet to find an answer.

In October 1 2009, the Walt Disney Family Museum opened to the public. Inside its door is a treasure-trove of items from the life and achievements of this great man whom I so would have loved to have met. It is rich in history, a gem to those of us who are interested in the true knowledge of who Walt was according to those closest to him. I want to visit this museum so badly I would do anything – anything except give up my annual trip to Disney World.

The problem is that our family can only take one vacation per year. The Walt Disney Family Museum is in San Francisco and our annual trip is in Orlando, so you can understand why it is hard to fit in. My husband and I talked last year about foregoing our annual trip to Disney World this November and traveling to California instead. I even ordered books from the California Visitors Center and started gathering information about where we could go, in addition to the museum.

We hadn’t been at the Port Orleans-Riverside for an hour last November when my husband said, “We can’t go to California…and not come back here next year.” I whole-heartedly agreed.

There are many other places I would love to visit in addition to the museum. Being raised by the beach, I am drawn to beautiful beach destinations. A well-known fact that any Disney World lover knows, though, is that you can visit many places while at Disney World. Sure, I would love a beach destination — how about Jamaica or the South Pacific? All I would need to do is book a reservation at the Polynesian Resort or the Caribbean Beach Resort. If I would rather party in New Orleans, I could choose to stay at one of the Port Orleans Resorts. Another dream of mine is visiting Martha’s Vineyard and other areas of New England. I can get a great taste of these beautiful locations by staying at Disney’s Yacht Club or Beach Club Resorts.

So, what does it take for a Disney nut to give up her trip? I don’t know, but I know one thing; whatever it is, I hope it never happens because I have a feeling it would be something terrible. What is funny is that after our first trip in 2000 we were contacted by the Disney Vacation Club and did not sign up because we were not sure the expense would be worth it to us, not knowing whether or not we would be able to use it. Twelve trips later we are scratching our heads wondering if we would be taking trips nearly for free by now.

By doing a little research, you can get so many extras from your Disney trip. It is not just a theme park, but is truly a one-of-a-kind vacation destination. When the imagineers begin to create resorts following a certain theme, they imagine it down to every last detail – creating as much authenticity as possible. You can visit many different places during your vacation to the most magical place on earth.

As for my wish to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, I made a call to the staff to find out if they might arrange a traveling exhibit at some point, as I really would love to learn all I can about Walt. She told me it is possible that they might try to arrange something of that nature — possibly as soon as 2012. So for now, I will just have to hang in there and wait to see which comes first, a trip to San Francisco or a traveling exhibit to Texas.

When you take your next trip to Disney World, I certainly hope you will enjoy every minute of it — no matter where on Earth you are visiting during your trip.

Best Things I Love About Disney – The Festival Of The Lion King

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Best Things I Love About Disney – The Festival Of The Lion King

MUSIC! DANCE! FLOATS! ATHLETICS! EXCITEMENT! It’s hard to find all of these things anywhere but at Disney’s Animal Kingdom they are presented many times daily in The Festival of the Lion King (FOTLK) in the Camp Minnie-Mickey area. This is one of three or four things that draw me back to the Animal Kingdom on each visit. Even though we spend only a very short time there we never miss the FOTLK.

Visitors are seated in four different areas in the round and prior to the show actually beginning each group becomes a herd of animals who, on queue, make the appropriate animal noises. If you don’t want to be part of the show don’t sit up front but if you do, get as close to the front as possible and be very enthusiastic.

Once the show starts prepare yourself for a pageant of activity built around the magic of the music of The Lion King. If you are looking for a quiet rest from the activity of Walt Disney World, this is not the place to be. You can’t help but be drawn into the show because everything that happens just grabs your attention and holds it throughout the performance. After the show is over you will know that you have seen something that could only come from the minds of the Disney Imagineers.

Take the time to see the FOTLK, you will be rewarded for your efforts. The theater is Air Conditioned and comfortable. I bet that once you see it you will go back again and again. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

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Disney Dining Reservations Glitch

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Disney Dining Reservations Glitch

I am just about into the two-week window of my upcoming trip to Disney World. I have my notebook ready and I am going through my checklist. Being a planner, and ok a little OCD, I always check, double-check and triple-check the most important details.

While involved in this process the other day, I went into my profile page at Disneyworld.com, logged in and clicked on “My Reservations.” I have logged into this location many times while planning our trip and verified all of our dining reservations. As I checked through my itinerary and compared my confirmation numbers in my spreadsheet to those under my dining reservations, I discovered one was MISSING. Even worse than that, it was my LE CELLIER dinner reservation.

I tried to calm myself and convince myself that there was a logical explanation. I calmly dialed 407-WDW-DINE and assured myself that it would be alright since I have a confirmation number and, by golly, that is gold as far as I am concerned.

A very nice young man answered the line and his attitude already put my nerves at ease. I explained that one of my reservations was missing from my online reservation listing. He asked me if I happened to have a confirmation number for the reservation. My answer was a proud and emphatic YES. I gave him the number and he looked it up. He told me how many people had been calling with the same problem and he was rather enjoying playing with them at their expense – but only in fun. He said, “Well, no wonder you’re upset, your reservation is for Le Cellier, it is a miracle you are still on that end of the phone.”  I laughed with him and he assured me that I had nothing to worry about.

Apparently, the Disney Dining reservation system had a glitch one day that affected all reservations made that day from home computers. He assured me that he could see the reservation. I told him that I was very glad he could see the reservation but I was worried about the cast member who would be working the check-in stand at Le Cellier. He assured me that if he could see the reservation, the restaurant check-in system would see it also.

I was very relieved when I hung up the phone. I had been quite worried but it turned out to be another positive experience when dealing with Disney staff. If you have a dining reservation that seems to have disappeared, just call Disney Dining.  I am sure you will feel much better after you do.

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Disney Dining Reservations Glitch

Disneyworld Quick Tips – Advanced Dining Reservation Backup Plan

By
Chip
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Disneyworld Quick Tips – Advanced Dining Reservation Backup Plan

With the new Advanced Dining Reservation up and running. There is bound to be some glitches in the system. If you look closely at the picture above you can see a 24 hour outage window. Brenda yesterday was nice enough to point out a glitch in the system here.

I myself in the past have used a travel agent to make my reservations but with the new online system when I book my next years vacation I believe I will be trying the online route.

That being said I know it can be frustrating to get to a restaurant only to find out you don’t have a ADR. This has happened to me one time and luckily the hostess was able to seat us with a minimal wait.

Way back when, had I actually done today’s quick tip I wouldn’t have been in the predicament I was in. My quick tip for today is an easy one.

Call Disney before you leave to confirm your Advance Dining Reservation.

I like to do this atleast 3 weeks out just to make sure I have all my t’s crossed and my i’s dotted. The number is 407-WDW-DINE, the cast members on there are great and unlike the online system can offer up suggestions and recommendations.

Calls take about 5-10 minutes most times and the Disney Cast Members have no problems going over all your reservations with you.I will say every person I have ever spoken to there have been great and very knowledgeable!

So do yourself a favor use this quick tip/backup plan to help make your vacation much more enjoyable and less stressful.

If you have a suggestion or tip about Advanced Dining Reservations let us know in the comment section below.

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Disneyworld Quick Tips – Advanced Dining Reservation Backup Plan

Would Walt Disney Approve of Modern Disney?

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Would Walt Disney Approve of Modern Disney?

I don’t really know how many times I’ve heard a Disney employee say: “I think Walt would have liked this (or that)!” But I think it’s safe to say that it happens often. A new Promotion comes along, and it’s just what Walt would have thought up. A new Attraction is built, and it’s just what Walt would have designed. A new balloon color is chosen, and all of a sudden, it’s Walt’s favorite color!

Top Executives and Imagineers alike are apt to claim that they are certain that they have Walt’s stamp of approval.

But if Walt Disney were here today, would he approve of the Modern Disney?

To answer that, we need to look at another question: Did Walt Disney approve of everything in his day? After reading more books on the man than I can remember, I feel safe in saying ‘No’.

Starting in the early 1930’s, Walt always argued with his brother Roy about how to build their fledgling company. And almost always got his way. On into the 1940’s, Walt pushed the boundaries of Animation his way, often against the will of his staff. Many of these early Animators claim that the only way to get your idea approved was to make Walt think that it was actually his idea. On into the 1950’s and television, Walt reinvented the medium to reflect his vision of what it could be. And then went on to reinvent the Amusement Park, turning it into his own thing: The Theme Park.

I think we get the idea!

Walt Disney did things his own way. So if he walked down Main Street at Walt Disney World (which he never got to do as he died in 1966, with the Park opening in 1971) one must believe that the first thing he would do would be to notice some little thing that should have been ‘plussed’. Then he would likely launch into an elaborate description of what the whole thing could, or should, be!

Does this mean that Walt would disapprove of the Modern Disney?

He definitely hated corporate structure, even in his day. So it is likely that he wouldn’t enjoy how involved the Hierarchy of his company has become. But I believe that as he would look at the overall results of his legacy, he would be proud of how it has all turned out. But would he be satisfied?

He might look at Soarin’ and say: “Why not have it fly over the world?”

He might look at Splash Mountain and ask: “Where’s Uncle Remus?”

He might look at… just about anything and say: “We can make that better!”

And knowing him, he could! So the good thing about worrying if Walt would approve is that the final product is bound to be the best it can be, without Walt’s direct supervision. But can we ever claim that Walt would approve, without even one suggestion to improve it?

The Point: No. But kudos to the Modern Disney for trying to gain the Vintage Disney’s approval anyway!

Would Walt Disney Approve of Modern Disney?

Winter Weather Tips for Your Disney World Vacation: Don’t Leave the Coat at Home

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Winter Weather Tips for Your Disney World Vacation: Don’t Leave the Coat at HomeAhhh Florida: the land of sunshine, warm weather, and year-round sandals. For those of us from “up north” the chance to visit this sunny paradise is just an added bonus to having a Disney vacation in the winter months. But if you are making your first visit to Florida during the winter months, here’s a little secret you should know before you leave your winter coat at home and pack your swimsuits….

It can get cold in Florida. Like in-the-30s-cold….

Like winter coat, scarf, and gloves cold. Seriously.

This is not to say that you will have cold weather like this on your winter Disney trip, because you may not. And it certainly does that mean there is no chance of jumping in the pool during your December trip! I have had glorious 80 degree days in Florida in the winter. I have also experienced 25 degree nights that are, well, absolutely frigid.

So, you just need to be prepared. Plan for it, and then no matter what, you’ll be ready!

With that in mind, here are my top ten tips for being weather-prepared on your winter Disney World vacation:

  1. Know what is realistically “cold” for you and for your family. This is truly all relative: you hardy souls from Minnesota may have no problem wearing shorts at Disney when it’s in the 40s. Those of us who think that 75 degrees is darn near perfect on the other hand should be prepared…
  2. Pay close attention to the weather forecasts before you leave home. Most folks are familiar with Weather.com and Accuweather.com, but I actually like to check the National Weather Service, as well as a local news station, to get a more detailed picture. Because I have learned, the hard way, that temperatures in the 50s may seem pretty decent if it is below 0 back home and there’s 3 feet of snow on the ground….but those 50s can be brutal if there is a biting wind that goes along with it. (And as a former castmember told me once: that humidity that Florida is so famous for in the summer becomes just plain dampness in the winter.)
  3. Think layers. The temperature swing can really be extreme, and if you are going to the parks early in the morning or will be staying late into the evening, you will need more warmth than during the afternoon high temperatures. Don’t want to carry all that around with you? Then…
  4. Get a locker. It actually took me two winter trips to realize that this was honestly the best solution, because no one wanted to lug around the coat/sweatshirts all day long while we didn’t need them. If you’re trying to justify the cost of a locker, consider that it is less than what you will pay if you need to buy everyone in the family a new sweatshirt because they are turning blue because no one wanted to carry around all those coats.
  5. Think about bringing a lightweight blanket if you will have little ones in a stroller: tucking them in all nice and cozy is a great way to keep everyone warm and happy, with minimal fuss and outwear. Cold children are sad children. (Blankets also work well if you will be sitting around waiting for the Candlelight Processional or Fantasmic.)
  6. Boat rides are *very* cold first thing in the morning/at night….and the inside (ie: heated) seats fill first.
  7. When buying tickets, think long and hard about getting that Water Parks Fun and More option, as the winter months are when both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon close for maintenance. While both are not closed at the same time, keep in mind that you really can’t guarantee that it will be warm enough for you to want to take advantage of going there. It might be….and it might not too. If you really hope to go swimming, take your swimsuits and plan to use your hotel pool: it’s free, so if it’s too cold to swim you won’t be out any money.
  8. Yes bring a winter coat. Yes you might need it. Bring gloves and scarves too. Unless you want to buy them at Disney World….because just like those ponchos that Disney sells like crazy when it rains, when the temperatures dip into the 30s, Disney WILL be ready to sell you scarves, gloves and sweatshirts.
  9. Just like when it’s so hot in the summer that everyone gets miserable and can benefit from a break, so it goes when it is very cold: a break inside *heated* shops and attractions can do wonders for everyone’s frame of mind. Breaks are good at Disney no matter what time of year!
  10. Walt Disney World sells hot chocolate. It is delicious and highly effective. 🙂
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Winter Weather Tips for Your Disney World Vacation: Don’t Leave the Coat at Home

Oldies But Goodies…Minimizing The Cost Of Getting There

By
Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends
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Oldies But Goodies…Minimizing The Cost Of Getting There

Vacationing at Walt Disney World is an expensive proposition and most of us (particularly us, frugal Oldies) generally look for whatever ways we can to minimize costs without impacting the fun. One way you can impact these costs, even in today’s expensive air travel market, is to look for the flights or other travel options that fit your needs best. There are many options, some of which are cheaper but may not meet your needs. Cheapest is not necessarily the best especially if you look at just the basic cost and convenience of the tickets or means of travel themselves. Here are some ways to get the best travel situation for you.

  1. DRIVE – This is good if you have the time, like to drive, live fairly close to Orlando, and consider the expense  of hotel accommodations in your travel costs. It works well if you really like the person you are traveling with because you will be spending a lot of time together in close quarters.
  2. TRAIN TRAVEL – This is a wonderful way to go if you have the time, which many of us Oldies do. It’s also a great way to really get a good look at our beautiful country. It’s not really inexpensive but may well be worth it.
  3. LOW COST NO FRILLS AIRLINES – These airlines (Jet Blue, Southwest, etc.) have become a huge part of the travel scene to Walt Disney World because what they do is get you from point A to point B and that’s it. It does need to be mentioned though, these airlines are among the safest in existence, an important point to us Oldies. One precaution, if you are planning on using Disney’s Magical Express, make sure the airline you choose participates in the program (both Jet Blue and Southwest do participate).
  4. FREQUENT FLIER MILES – A lot of folks, including us Oldies, charge most of their day to day living expenses to an airline frequent flier miles card and pay it off monthly. This eliminates interest charges on the card and rapidly accumulates miles to be used for airline travel. A lot of cards also pay double miles for purchases such as groceries and gasoline so you can maximize your purchase dollars.
  5. COMPANION TICKETS – This is what I do. I use a Delta Platinum Sky Miles card as do several people I know. Each year when I pay the renewal fee I receive a certificate good for a free coach companion ticket. The renewal fee is $95 and when I pay for the tickets using this card the first bag for both me and my wife do not have the customary fee of $25 each way for each bag. This puts us ahead $5 and the ticket for my wife is free. The only costs involved on the companion ticket are the standard taxes and fees that are on every ticket, currently $42.80 for a one stop round trip ticket. That’s a pretty good deal.
  6. DISNEY’S MAGICAL EXPRESS – Always, always, always use Disney’s Magical Express. It’s free and it works beautifully, enough said!!

These are just a few ways to minimize your travel costs. I’m sure there are many others and even when you find one that suits your needs, keep looking because a better opportunity just might come along. Start looking at ticket prices early and when one comes along that meets your needs, grab it because prices can vary wildly even from hour to hour. It’s like the stock market and almost impossible to time for the best price. Good luck and as always enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

PHOTO BY DISNEY

Oldies But Goodies…Minimizing The Cost Of Getting There
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