Ask a Disney Question: Getting around using Disney transportation.

By

-

August 21, 2010

This question comes from Kim. G., who asks:

Do you know if I can get a listing anywhere of all the different ways to get to and from the different parks. We went 2 yrs ago and didn’t even think of using the different transportation. But I thought if I could get a listing somewhere of the different options, then when we go in the spring we could try some of them out. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks!!

Kim, thanks for your question. This is probably one of the most important questions we get, so I’ll try to answer it in detail. I know from talking to you that you’ve mainly used your own car in the past and are not a fan of the buses and would like to know to know what kind of options Disney offers, particularly the boats.

If you’re staying at an Epcot resort, you can take the Friendship boats between your resort and Hollywood Studios and Epcot. This is fast, scenic, and convenient. As an extra bonus, you don’t have to remove children from their strollers and it’s wheelchair and scooter friendly as well. Anyone can use these boats to get to and from the parks, as well as to and from the resorts; you do not need to be a guest of an Epcot resort. There’s plenty to see on the Boardwalk, so if you have some extra time, it’s definitely worth a look.

I frequently don’t use Disney bus transportation. I think it works very well, but since I still have two younger children in a stroller it can be cumbersome. One thing I’ve found is that I can park at Epcot and do a great deal of park hopping without having to use a bus. So, for example, I might park at Epcot first thing in the morning and head over to Magic Kingdom on the monorail. I avoid parking at the Magic Kingdom unless I’m staying there all day because it’s so involved (park, go to the TTC, then onto the park). Later, I’ll spend a bit of time at Epcot, perhaps heading over to Hollywood Studios on the Friendship boats for Fantasmic and then back to Epcot for extra magic hours. It might seem like a lot of travel time, but I’ve found that by cutting out the buses, it’s just not as tiring. Again, this is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re trying to avoid the buses for whatever reason, some variation of this is worth a try.

You can also use boats when you’re at Downtown Disney to get to and from Port Orleans Riverside and Saratoga Springs. Boats transportation is available from all the Magic Kingdom resorts, which includes the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary, Ft. Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, and the Polynesian. Boats usually take a bit longer than the monorail, depending on the time of day. Keep in mind that the boats for the monorail resorts are very small. All resort launches stop at different resorts, so that can add time to your trip. For example, the Grand Floridian and Poly share the same launch. If your’re going to the Magic Kingdom from the Grand Floridian, you’ll go from the Grand to the Poly and then make your way back down to the Magic Kingdom. It’s a nice ride, but will take a lot longer than going on the monorail. Finally, you can travel from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom on a ferry. The ferries generally hold more people, so while the monorail is slightly faster, if there’s a long line for both, consider taking the ferry. The view you get of the Magic Kingdom when you’re about 2/3 of the way there is really one of those iconic Disney moments, so sit up top if you can for the best view.

Even if you tend to avoid using the buses normally, the one park I recommend taking Disney transportation for is the Magic Kingdom. The park is set up in a way that’s designed to heighten anticipation as you get closer. That’s why there’s no parking lot directly next to it. There was plenty of space for one when the park was built, but Imagineers wanted to make the journey there part of the experience. I appreciate this, but the downside is that by the time you get there, you’ve taken three modes of transportation: Your own car, a Disney tram (from the parking lot), and finally the boat or monorail. If you take the resort bus to the Magic Kingdom, you’ve just saved yourself a lot of time. So consider this as the one exception to avoiding the buses.

I hope this helps. Thanks for reading the site.

Have a Disney question? We have answers. Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question.

Disneyworld Quick Tip – Advanced Dining Reservations

By

Chip

-

August 21, 2010

My Quick Tip is a very simple one today.

Make your Dining Reservations 180 Days Out!

When planning your Disney vacation don’t forget to make those Advanced Dining Reservations or ADR’s. You may make reservations by calling (407) WDW-DINE or visiting their website http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/.

While there are tons of places to eat at Walt Disney World there is a VERY good chance the place you want to eat at will get booked early. Places like Ohana, Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey, etc will be some of the first to get snatched up. Usually you can count on places that have characters to go first then some of your nicer restaurants to go next.

My suggestion would be if your reading this article then you are online..Use the link above to goto the Disney Website at 180 days out from your vacation and book those ADR’s early. That way as you finalize plans atleast you won’t be scrambling trying to find something with weeks to go. You can always cancel reservations if you not going to use them online or calling the number above.

I hope this helps with your Disney Planning and as always if you have any tips or suggestions about today’s topic let us know in the comment section below.

The best things I love about Disney is…Ohana’s

By

Chip

-

August 21, 2010

‘Ohana is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House in Disney’s Polynesian Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort. When you first walk in you feel like your walking back in time and to a Polynesian Island. The first thing I notice is the gigantic fire pit with all the skewers of delicious, delectable, and delightful meats! I find myself wanting to grab one and having it all to myself. Literally I go into a meat coma every time I eat here!

The only way I could see Disney improving on this restaurant is to wrap everything in bacon. Mmm bacon.

The food is great, service is even better. I can honestly say we have never had a bad meal here. From start to finish it is perfect. I can see now why it is near impossible to get a Disney Dining Reservation here 4 months in advanced.

This is definitely one of the best things I love about Disney…

If you like Ohana’s let us know in the comment section below..If you don’t I can’t hear you..LaLaLaLa

>>Chip

Oldies But Goodies – Seniors And Thrill Rides At Walt Disney World

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 21, 2010

Chip sent me an article not too long ago concerning Seniors who ride coasters. My memory was jogged by the article and reminded me of something that happened about twenty years ago.

I made my first trip to Walt Disney World at the age of 44. My Wife, Sister and I took our parents for their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. At the time my Father was 79 years old and I thought he was a rather cautious individual so you can imagine my surprise when he said I’ve always wanted to try “that”. He was referring to Space Mountain and apparently my parents had made several visits to Walt Disney World without telling me – some nerve huh!! We both took our first ride on Space Mountain that day and I think Dad fared better than I did.

The article also spurred my research bug so I conducted an informal (and small) poll on a discussion board I frequent on a daily basis and found the following. Approximately 20.0% of Seniors said they would never ride a thrill ride at Walt Disney World, 46.67% said they ride some of them but stay away from the intense rides, and my personal group, 33.33% said they ride as many as possible every time they visit. I asked that only those 62+ provide answers but there were some who always travel with Seniors who answered for them.

Why do I ride them all? Because I can – I am an extremely blessed 64 year old who has no physical issues (except for motion sickness which I can almost totally control). I also love the thrill I get from the speed, g-forces, etc. I have empathy for those who have physical issues and very much respect their choice not to ride. It is far better for you to make that choice than to expose yourself to chance of injury by riding something that may put you at that kind of risk. Nothing is worth taking that type of chance.

How long will I continue to ride the thrill rides? Until my Doctor or I decide that it is no longer advisable. When that time comes I will reluctantly hang up my goose bumps and queasy stomach and learn to enjoy the more “oldie appropriate” attractions. I do encourage those who are physically able to enjoy the thrill rides to whatever level they are comfortable because like the lady in this article ( http://attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2010/07/19/out-of-the-loop-are-roller-coasters-the-secret-to-agelessness/ ) it may help to keep you younger and get your blood flowing. This lady is just plain incredible and I hope to be hitting the Walt Disney World thrill rides at her age.

I do realize that the “thrill rides” at Walt Disney World are generally not at the same intensity level as the coasters etc. at many of the world’s bigger amusement parks. The theme of each attraction at Walt Disney World far exceeds the sterility of many of these real thrill rides (maybe with the exception of the Harry Potter attraction) and the story is at least as important as the thrill to me. Enjoy them while you can but stop before you put yourself in danger. See you on the Rock ‘n Roller Coaster and Mission Space!!

Disney bus crash near Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

-

August 21, 2010

This news report comes to us from the Orlando Sentinel. I posted this article first on Facebook last night and I am posting in here in case you missed it. I am glad there were no injuries.

A Disney bus with 26 passengers and a PT Cruiser were involved in a crash near Disney’s Hollywood Studios this afternoon. The Florida Highway Patrol said there were no injuries, even though initial reports said there were. An FHP spokeswoman said the bus driver was not at fault.

No other details were immediately available.

Source

Ask A Disney Question: How do I get from one resort to the other?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

-

August 21, 2010

This question comes from Renee, who asks:

We’re staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. I’ve heard that it can take some time if using the Disney transportation to get from one resort to another. When we get there, who would be best to ask for what times to leave to make some of the reservations that we have lined up? Thanks!

Renee. Good question, and one we hear a lot. You can always ask the cast member on duty at the concierge desk of your resort about this and other issues, but for the most part, plan on at least an hour and fifteen minutes transportation time from your resort to any other resort. During busier times of the year, I would add an extra fifteen minutes. Caribbean beach is somewhat centrally located, so you have that working to your advantage. The problem is, there’s no direct transportation from one resort to another (unless you’re talking about the monorail resorts), so you’ll need to get a little crafty. Here are few ideas:

For most resort dining options, you can either go to the nearest park or to Downtown Disney and then take a connecting bus from there. So say you’re having dinner at Boma in Animal Kingdom Lodge. Your choices are taking a bus from CBR to Animal Kingdom (you’ll want to make sure it’s open as this park has shorter hours) or taking a bus from CBR to Downtown Disney. From there, you’ll take the AKL bus to the lodge.

Monorail resorts are very easy to get to and will take a bit less time. Just take the bus from your resort to the Magic Kingdom and then take the monorail. If you’re going to the Contemporary Resort, you can also walk to there from the Magic Kingdom; it’s a very short walk. If you’re going to Ft. Wilderness or the Wilderness Lodge, consider taking the boat rather than the bus from the Magic Kingdom (there is no monorail access). It’s faster and a lot more fun.

Friendship boats go between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. If you happen to be in either of these parks and are eating at one of the Epcot resorts (the Swan/Dolphin, Boardwalk, Beach Club), you can take a boat from the park and get there very easily. Boats have wheelchair access and kids can stay in their strollers.

A few final thoughts:

Buses don’t run from Downtown Disney to the parks, although you can take a bus from the parks to Downtown Disney. This is to keep visitors from using Downtown Disney’s parking lot rather than the parking lots at the parks.

Cabs are available at all resorts, Downtown Disney, parks and the Ticket and Transportation Center. Expect to pay around $20 plus tip to get anywhere on property.

Transportation starts approximately one hour before the park opens and goes for around two hours after closing. Check with the conceirge desk for specifics.

Thanks for your question and for reading the site. Disney transportation is really quite efficient. I hope this helps.

Have a Disney question? We have answers. Write us at Chip and Co. We answer every question.

Disney World Quick Tips – Where to feed and change your baby?

By

Chip

-

August 21, 2010

A lot of parents I have talked to say all the time they are going to wait till their children are older to take their children to Walt Disney World. Some say they want to wait till they are potty trained, others say they want them to remember it. Many say they don’t want to bring a baby to Disney World as it is to hard to change and feed them.

I think alot of people are unaware of the FREE Disney provided gem known as Baby Care Centers. These places are great for parents of small children. We have taken our little one since she was 10 months old, and still frequent these lifesaving stops as a toddler.

Baby Care Centers are in all 4 parks and each have their own theme inside. They are a perfect place to break away from the park to change and feed your little ones. Not only do they have changing tables, rocking chairs, and restrooms they have a little mini drug store in there too. You never know when you might need some childrens Tylenol or Motrin.

If you want to learn more check out this article from WDW Info.

I just wanted to let all those parents of younger children know that Disney is looking out for them by providing them with a free location to change, feed and take care of your little ones. So there is no excuse for not taking your little one to the parks early..Oh and did you know children under 3 get into Disney for Free!!!

Run Disney Logo Unveiled

By

Chip

-

August 20, 2010

This new Disney logo was unveiled this week for all those people who run in the various Disneyworld Marathons. I am unsure what Disney has planned for this logo but stay tuned to Chip and Company for more details.

Nominations Now Open for Fourth Disney’s Dreamers Academy Class

By

Chip

-

August 20, 2010

Do you know a high school student who could benefit from several days of interactive workshops and seminars, mentoring and inspiration focusing on careers and life enrichment – all sprinkled with Disney fun?

One hundred students just like that will be packing their bags for Walt Disney World Resort in early 2011 as the fourth class of Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine – but to have a chance to be part of the experience, they need to be nominated. A parent, teacher, school administrator, church group and even the student himself or herself can initiate the nomination.

Nominations for the Class of 2011 can be submitted between now and Oct. 31, 2010, with information about procedures at www.DisneysDreamersAcademy.com.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Schedule & Details

By

Chip

-

August 20, 2010

“Boo” has never been uttered in a bouncier, bubblier, “not-so-scary” fashion than during “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” … and ghostly apparitions never have been more wistful than they are skittering along the rooftops of Main Street, U.S.A. When you put it together with a green-and-orange fireworks spectacular and Land-to-Land trick-or-treating throughout Magic Kingdom, you have a Halloween event like none other: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

It’s enough to bring a smile to the face of a Disney villain! And the special-ticket after-hours party on 24 select evenings between Sept. 14 and Nov. 1, 2010, at Walt Disney World Resort will do just that. About the only one not wearing a grin is The Headless Horseman as he rides his trusty steed through the park.

Guests wanting to join in the “spirit” of the party are welcome to don their favorite Halloween costumes for the 7 p.m.-to-12 midnight event. The special entertainment schedule includes “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade” at 8:15 and 10:30 p.m. and “HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular” at 9:30 p.m.

In addition to trick-or-treating, meet and greets with characters and entertainment unique to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, many popular Magic Kingdom attractions – including, of course, The Haunted Mansion – are available to experience (but beware of hitchhiking ghosts).

Party dates in 2010 are: Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31; and Nov. 1.

Prices are $59.95 (ages 10+) and $53.95 (ages 3-9) for all dates except Oct. 29 and
Oct. 31 when tickets cost $64.95 (ages 10+) and $58.95 (ages 3-9). Advance purchase (prior to event day) savings of $6 per ticket are available for the parties on Sept. 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28 and 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24 and 26; and Nov. 1.

Additional information is available at www.disneyworld.com/halloween. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 407/W-DISNEY.

Disney & Time Warner Talks Escalate

By

Chip

-

August 20, 2010

This article comes to us from the NY Post.

Negotiations between Walt Disney Co. and Time Warner Cable over continued carriage of ESPN, ABC and other Disney channels are intensifying as both companies gird for battle.

ESPN President George Bodenheimer and Sean Bratches, the sports network’s head of sales and marketing, were told to cut short their vacations and get back to the bargaining table, said a source close to the negotiations.

Both companies began waging marketing campaigns to sway consumers to their side well before their current contract is set to expire on Sept. 2. Disney wants more money for its programming, while Time Warner wants to hold the line rather than pass higher costs along to customers. ESPN is the most expensive cable network, costing pay-TV providers on average $4.40 a month per subscriber.

Click here to keep reading.

Epcot’s Food & Wine Eat to the Beat! Concert Series Schedule

By

Chip

-

August 20, 2010

Pop music hit-maker Taylor Dayne will raise the curtain Oct. 1 on Eat to the Beat!, the long-running concert series in conjunction with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Oct. 1-Nov. 14, 2010. She will be the first of 18 musically diverse acts scheduled during the six-week festival at Walt Disney World Resort.

During a recording career of more than two decades, Dayne has hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, Dance/Club and Adult Contemporary charts with “Prove Your Love,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” “Planet Love” and “Beautiful,” all ascending to the top of one or more list. She has had 18 “Top 10s” since “Tell It to My Heart” in 1988.

Dayne will perform Oct. 1-3 and will be followed in October by a lineup that includes four acts playing Eat to the Beat! for the first time: Sugar Ray, Air Supply, Howard Jones and 38 Special. Here’s the complete October schedule (artists are subject to change without notice):

Oct. 1-3 – Taylor Dayne
Oct. 4-5 – Kool & The Gang
Oct. 6-8 – Sugar Ray
Oct. 9-10 – Taylor Hicks
Oct. 11-12 – Air Supply
Oct. 13-15 – Sister Hazel
Oct. 16-17 – Howard Jones
Oct. 18-19 – Expose
Oct. 20-21 – 38 Special
Oct. 22-24 – Night Ranger
Oct. 25-27 – Billy Ocean
Oct. 28-31 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas

All performances are at America Gardens Theatre, with shows at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. each day. The opportunity to enjoy Eat to the Beat! is included with Epcot admission on the days of scheduled shows.