Top Ten Must Do’s for the Disney Dad

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June 13, 2010

Many of the Dads I know that are heading to Disney World for the first time have that very familiar first timer’s look of fear and worry. Well I’m here to tell ya, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Walt Disney World is the most family friendly tourist attraction on the planet. The saddest stories I hear are when the entire trip just flew by and was so stressful that they couldn’t wait to get home. What a tragedy. In order to prevent the Disney Dad Blues I have compiled a list of my Top Ten Must Do’s For the Disney Dad.

Ride test track. This ride is a blast for the whole family. I would make sure you do this before you do the draft beers from around the world showcase challenge and take it from me take off your hat.(I miss That Hat)
Draft beers from around the World Showcase challenge. I have successfully completed this one twice. Pace yourself if you’re a beginner. Start on the Canada side so you can get your significant other a glass of wine or a Grand Marnier slushy in France to get her more keen on your Draft Beer endeavor
Illuminations. This is a must for all Disney Dads. Fire, explosions, liquid propane torches, lasers, argh argh argh (Tim Allen groans). Best viewed in my opinion in front of The Japan Pavilion. (Beer tap and bathroom at the top of the little hill, SHHHHH! Don’t tell anyone).
Mission Space (Epcot) – Feel the sensation of blast off with the same technology that NASA uses to prepare their astronauts for flight. In the space vehicle, each person on the four person flight crew is assigned a task to make the mission successful. As your space craft “launches” into space, you feel the G forces push you back as your window to space shows your progress as you Race toward the heavens. (Another one to do before the Draft beer challenge)
Expedition Everest (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) Enjoy a scenic train trek to the top of Mount Everest, which is at least until the infamous Yeti changes the plan. As your train emerges from a cave, riders catch a glimpse of the Yeti’s shadow and notice the train track ahead is ripped into two. Unable to proceed, the train starts going backwards, downhill into a dark cave and speeds over and around Mount Everest to escape the Yeti.
Fantasmic! (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – Mickey Mouse’s dreams quickly turn in to a nightmare as the forces of good and evil battle for control of Mickey’s dreams in the spectacular show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Presented in the Hollywood Hills Theater, the memorizing show features all of your Disney friends, fireworks, music, floating stages, and patented water screen technology on which clips from classic Disney movies are shown. Beer and pretzels conveniently sold at the top of the amphitheater.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Disney’s Hollywood Studio) – Find yourself in an episode of the classic TV show “The Twilight Zone.” From the moment you step in to the deserted Hollywood hotel, you know something’s not right. From the hotel’s boiler room, riders are whisked in to a service elevator for a journey to the top of the hotel… 13 stories up. Along the way, the elevator stops on different floors to reveal scenes straight out of the Twilight Zone. Then, without warning, the elevator plunges 13 stories straight down. Do this before the big lunch at the Brown Derby
Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – Aerosmith invite riders to be VIP’s at their concert .The only problem is that the show beings in just a few minutes and the limo has to take off like a rocket from 0-57mph in 2.8 seconds. From there, it’s a super-fast journey through the freeways of LA to get to the show on time. Along with plenty of ups, downs, and loops, riders rock out to an awesome speaker system in each “limo” playing some of Aerosmith’s greatest hits. Go ahead and get you 80’s on with this ride.
Wishes. No not from Magic Kingdom. Take a ride over to Fort Wilderness Campground or the Wilderness Lodge and Order up a Cold one at the Outdoor bar while you await a great fireworks show followed by parade of light up boat floats with music. I’m not saying that Magic Kingdom is no good, but it is a dry park if you know what I mean. Also the beaches are less crowded and have hammocks so you can snuggle with your lady while the kids make sand castles in the dark.
GIVE IN TO YOUR KIDS. 1-9 are for you but you must be sure that you let each one of your children have their special moment. Grant them a Disney Wish. Let them pick something to do, or lead the way, map in hand, to the next stop. Be their best friend. Be their age. Look through their eyes. BE A KID AGAIN. You’ll never forget it.

Most important of all, have FUN being a DAD!!!

Jerry comes to us from Disney 4 Dads, one of the coolest spots for Disney Dads on the planet! Get together with other Disney Dads and discuss manly things like grilling out, camping, and much more.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Which is the Most Affordable Way to Get to Disney World?

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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June 13, 2010

Planning an affordable Disney vacation involves, at some point, a decision about transportation. How are you going to get to Walt Disney World? And how are you going to get around once you get there? While it can be a challenge to travel economically, planning ahead and doing a bit of research can save you quite a bit of money on your trip.

Flying is probably the most popular choice for transportation, but getting the best price requires you to plan ahead and to be persistent about checking rates. You will probably get the lowest airfares 4 months out and then again possibly 6-8 weeks in advance. If you wait and book within the last 2 weeks, you will pay the most.

You may also save money if you can fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday when the fares are cheapest…and try to avoid Friday and Sunday nights when they are usually the most expensive. You should also register with the website of each airline that you are considering flying with, so that you are eligible for any email promotions that they send out. Another tip is to look at nearby airports such as Tampa, Jacksonville, and the smaller Sanford, for cheaper airfare. You can also see if you have choices for your home airport, as it is not unusual to be able to save money by flying from a different airport.

Folks along the East Coast may want to consider taking the train as a fun transportation option for an affordable Disney vacation. If you do this, you will have several options for both trains as well as seats/accommodations. On Amtrak’s basic trains, there will be a number of stops along the way, so be sure to look at the estimated travel time on the train schedule so you will know what to expect. You can also try the Amtrak Autotrain, which travels between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. On this train you can take your car with you, and arrive in Florida ready to drive away.

On every train, you will be able to choose whether you want to purchase just a seat…the least expensive option…or get an entire compartment, which may be a bit more comfortable, and can be very fun. If you get just a seat, you will want to make sure you are comfortable sleeping upright for the entire night. But don’t rule out a compartment at first, because it may be possible to get one for a very affordable price, if you plan ahead. Always at least check!

Most of the time, if you drive, you will probably save money, although with rising gas prices, make sure you compare the cost of several tanks of gas (and possibly a night in a motel along the way) with the cost of airfare to be sure. But if you choose to drive, you will also save money on other things as well. By driving, you won’t need a rental car. And having your car will allow you to pack things like food, snacks etc. Plus, if you are bringing little ones, bringing your own stroller will save you the cost of renting one while at Walt Disney World.

Now what about when you arrive in Disney World? If you plan to stay in a Walt Disney World resort property, you will be able to use their free Magical Express bus service from Orlando Airport to your hotel and back. And you will also be able to take advantage of Disney’s network of buses, boats, and monorails to get from your hotel to the parks.

However, if you are staying off property, or wish to travel away from Disney to other locations, you will probably want to rent a car. You will find several rental car companies at the Orlando Airport, and to get the best possible price you should expect to check their rates early and often. Be sure to register as a “preferred renter” on each website to get money-saving discounts. And when you find a good rate, book it. The nice thing is, if you find a better rate later on, there is no penalty for cancellation. When it comes to saving money on a rental car, persistence definitely will pay off.

Travel to Disney World can be much less expensive than you might expect, if you are able to do some research and planning. And by saving money on your transportation, you will find that you can actually have a far more affordable Disney vacation than you might expect. It is said that the journey is half the fun: why not make that journey fun, and affordable?

Helpful Hints for First Timers from our Facebook Family

By

Chip

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June 13, 2010

We put out a question on Facebook asking our Fans (I call them our family) for Helpful Hits to Tell First Timers when they’re planning a Disney Vacation. All I can say my family delivered!

You guys really came through and offered up some really good suggestions.

If you are not a fan of us on Facebook you are missing out on all the conversations we share. It’s really cool meeting our fans and getting to know them better. We are really blessed to have some of the smartest Disney fans on the planet.

Here are some helpful hints:
Peggy K
Do your homework and make res. for dining!

Whitney B
Don’t over-plan; there is no way you can experience everything in a week so just pick two or three things you really want to be sure to do and then let go and just have fun!

Nancy B
Look at a park map and have an idea what you want to see before you walk through the gates.

Tatyana M
Go for at LEAST 3 days (Disneyland Resort) so you have an opportunity to see and do alot, although more is ALWAYS better!

Tammy W
It took me 5 pages to write my tips down for my friends first trip! Get there at opening is my number one.

Stephany T
My advice would be.. Don’t rush and have the time of your life!!!!!

Amy C
When presented with a right or left option either in queues or general touring, always go left. Since the majority of the human race is right-handed, we go that way instinctively. Left will have the shorter line.

Carrie A
Take me with you and I’ll show you the ropes! LOL °O° I’m serious, though!

Alex P
Plan ahead .. you will miss a lot if you don’t…

Sandy C
Get there at rope drop

Kathy C
Make your adr’s. Slow down and really enjoy the experiece!!

James W
Enjoy every minute.

Jameson K
Just because you might not like a character or roller coaster, give it a try. A Disney ride is like an adventure. Can I offer two? Go to the nighttime entertainment (Fantasmic, Illuminations, Wish) they are amazing and like nothing you will ever see!!!

Katie P
Make sure if you’re using the disney dining package or disney transportation you understand it very well before you go. Allow plenty of time for traveling to your hotel to your dining reservations if you use the buses. Look at the park maps and have an idea of what places you really want to stop at or rides you want to stop at. Don’t get overwhelmed 🙂

Jerry O
Bring lots of money. Just Kidding,,,,,My tip would be to breathe deeply now and then and soak it all in as much as possible. You can miss more than you could ever see.

Kristin M
plan, plan, plan!

Chip
Bring good walking shoes and drink plenty of water

Erin D
Don’t over plan, go wih the attitude you are not going to see it all,so slow down & enjoy all that you are doing at the time, not what is next to do on the list (You can always go back) Oh & batteries, batteries, batteries, can you ever bring enough for the camera??! :0)

Erin C
Take a stroller for your kids! On our trip in November, even our six year old sat in our double jogger part of the day. How much your kids enjoy the trip directly relates to how much mom & dad enjoy the trip!

Tammy K
Pace yourself, and take time to relax in between the park madness…

Dorsey O
Stay on property at a Disney hotel. So worth it for many reasons!

Kerry P
Do your homework and have some kind of plan, but don’t stress if you have to change. Stay on property. Have fun fun fun and know when the little ones need rest.

Kacy F
Get to the park EARLY!!!!!

Lorie C
Research and plan ahead.Then realize you can’t do it all in one trip,which gives a reason to return next year.

Brian K
take a break in the afternoon and relax by the pool at your hotel.

Suzy G
Plan but don’t over plan. Make some ADRs. Most importantly have fun

Elizabeth G
If you like a ride or attraction, do it twice, you will see so much more detail the second time that you missed the first time around. Have fun and dont expect to see/do everything in one trip.

Jennifer T
don’t go on spring break!

Paula P
stay on property…use the magical express at the airport..use the busses.. enjoy every minute and TAKE COMFORTABLE SHOES….go back to the resort to rest for an hr or so and then enjoy!!!

Amy M
fast pass

If you have some hints/tips for First Timers goto out Facebook Page and let us know.

Baby Elephant Takes First Steps on Kilimanjaro Safaris Savannah

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

This interesting article comes to us from the Disney Parks Blog:

As you can see in this great photo by Gene Duncan, introduction to the Kilimanjaro Safaris savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has started for our new baby elephant, Luna, born May 20. The introduction is part of a carefully developed plan by Disney’s Animal Programs animal care experts that included bonding time for Luna and her mom, introductions to other members of the Disney’s Animal Kingdom elephant herd, and even a swim test to prepare Luna for the ponds on the savannah.

During her introduction to the Kilimanjaro Safaris savannah, Luna and her mom will spend part of the day on most days in an area of the savannah with their elephant family group—where Guests riding the safari may get a glimpse–and part of the day in their backstage home. Included in the family group are Luna’s mom, Donna; adult females, Vasha and Rafiki; and young females, Nadirah (Donna’s first calf) and Kianga (Vasha’s calf).

Because our top priority is excellent care for Luna, during the introduction period, her time out on the savannah may be limited and vary from day to day. Of course, the Kilimanjaro Safaris is always a fantastic adventure because each safari provides a different experience and wildlife viewing is always great!

Click here to keep reading.

Do you love Disney Food? Disney Food Blog does…

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

Do you love Disney Food?

Who doesn’t? I mean this is Disney were talking about here.

Who do we know who knows just about everything there is to know about Disney Food?

The Swedish Chef?

No.. AJ from the Disney Food Blog that’s who…

One of my absolute favorite websites the Disney Food Blog! Right now they have a AWESOME newsletter.

AJ shares with us alot of interesting things even I didn’t know about Disney Food.It is a monthly newsletter that will go out and fill you in on Disney Food Events, News, and much more!

You should check it out and sign up for this helpful guide. I know I did!

Check it out here!

D23’s Aloha Aulani Reception at the Disneyland Resort

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

Join us as we celebrate Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai ʻi! Our friends at Disney Vacation Club are throwing a party just for D23 Members where guests will have a chance to get a peek at this lush new resort, which opens in 2011. Enjoy Hawaiian refreshments, groove to a live deejay and grab a photo with a Disney character! Guests will also be able to check out D23’s “Disney’s Hawaiian History” exhibit, which photographically explore Disney’s long connection with this tropical paradise.

You will have the opportunity to chat with the D23 team and mingle with your fellow D23 “Ohana” (family, of course!). Disney Vacation Club Cast Members will be on-hand to answer questions about this new Hawaiian Resort — and other properties — and if you’re interested, you can sign up to attend a session that week to learn more about Aulani and Disney Vacation Club.

All guests who attend will also receive a D23/Disney Vacation Club gift to commemorate the occasion! Mahalo!

DATE
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

LOCATION
North Ballroom, Disneyland Hotel
Anaheim, California

TICKETS
Available June 23 at 10 a.m. Check back here for ticket link.

COST
Free (please note there will be a $5 ticket processing fee).

SCHEDULE
7 – 9 p.m.

Click here to learn more.

NOTE: Available only to D23 Members in good standing. Members may reserve a ticket for themselves and two (2) guests. There are a limited number of tickets available. Disney Vacation Club will not be soliciting timeshare opportunities at this event; guests will be able to sign up to attend a session to learn more about the Aulani resort and the Disney Vacation Club. D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number when reserving tickets. Tickets may be picked up only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the event. Ticketed Members who do not attend the event forfeit their place as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, tickets are not transferrable.

Disney is said to be closing most of its ESPN Zone restaurants

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

Still in the news, this article was from earlier this week in case you missed it:

Walt Disney Co. is shutting down most of its ESPN Zone stores, a chain of sports-themed restaurants in seven cities, according to a person familiar with the matter. The only outlets to remain open are those tied to a Disney property, such as the Downtown Disney shopping district in Anaheim.

ESPN Zone opened in 1998 to capitalize on ESPN’s brand, while bringing Disney’s family-friendly atmosphere to the sports bar concept. The upscale eateries serve burgers and brews as walls of big-screen TVs beam baseball and other sporting events into the dining area. Separate gaming rooms, dubbed “Sports Arenas,” provide access to interactive games, such as virtual golf and boxing.

It’s unclear what has prompted Disney to close the establishments, although the bars may well be a casualty of the recession. A poll released in March by AlixPartners found that 30% of consumers planned to eat out less frequently, and spend less per meal than they did the year before.

In addition, some of the ESPN Zone restaurants are in high-priced real estate areas, such as Times Square in New York.

Click here to keep reading.

Coming to Disneyland: The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

Here is one of the models from the “Under the Sea” scene for the new attraction. The Little Mermaid attraction, set to debut in 2011, will give new meaning to the phrase “immersive Disney attraction” by taking guests “under the sea” to experience magnificent scenes and magical songs from the popular motion picture.

Click here for more information on the Disneyland Expansion

Disney Pic of the Day – Route 66 in Carsland

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

Here is an artist rendering that shows guests walking down Route 66, the main street of Cars Land.

Bonus here is a photo of a ride vehicle from Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree.

Source Disney Parks Blog

The Little Mermaid voice Jodi Benson sings at the Disneyland Resort

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

Voice of Ariel, The Little Mermaid herself, Jodi Benson sang “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea” (joined by other singers and dancers) at the Disneyland Resort during the special “What’s Next?” presentation on June 11, 2010.

See more from this presentation at http://www.InsideTheMagic.net

Try new dart game in Disney World’s Toy Story Mania! ride

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

This article comes to us from Kristin Ford over at The Daily Disney:

After much anticipation — and a lot of overnight work so the attraction wouldn’t have to close — two-year-old Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been updated. At the end of last month, one of the five carnival-style games was changed to coincide with the upcoming release of Toy Story 3.

“Bo Peep’s Baaa-loon Pop” was replaced with “Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts.” The new game is set against the backdrop of an active volcano with roaming dinosaurs, but the object still is to pop various balloons. Guests feel a slight spray and gust of wind as they shoot the balloons. If a player pops all four narrow lava balloons (worth 500 points) at the top of the screen, round balloons pour out of the volcano as a bonus.

Players are cheered on by Rex, the nervous Tyrannosaurus rex, and his new friend Trixie, a blue Triceratops from Toy Story 3.

Disney Imagineer Sue Bryan has said, “We really like using darts to pop balloons. It’s very much a classic carnival game, so we wanted to keep that paradigm.”

When we rode Toy Story Mania! recently, we found that “Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts” blended seamlessly with the other games, but that doesn’t mean the changes weren’t noticed by repeat riders. I overheard guests in line discussing the balloon-drop bonus in the game. Kids, of course, picked up on the new Toy Story 3 character and more prominent Rex.

Because of its popularity, the wait for Toy Story Mania! regularly reaches 60 to 90 minutes. Your best bet is to head to the attraction first thing in the morning when wait times are closer to 30 minutes. While you’re there, grab a FastPass for later in the day because the tickets usually are snapped up before noon.

Marvel characters have a future in Disney parks

By

Chip

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June 12, 2010

This article comes to us from Geoff Boucher at the LA Times:

How long before we see a “Spider-Man’s Friendly Neighborhood” or “Asgard’s Hall of Heroes” at a Disney theme park?

I put that question to Bob Iger, president and CEO of Walt Disney Co., on Thursday at the blue-carpet event at the premiere of “Disney’s World of Color” at Disney’s California Adventure, the Anaheim theme park that has struggled to find a strong identity since opening in 2001. Iger, whose company took over Marvel in a $4 billion deal January, seemed to chew on the question a bit, but in the end, he stayed safely vague in his response.

“We’re just now considering all of our different options, so it would be premature to say when or where in the parks you would see Marvel characters — but I think it’s safe to say that you’re going to see some of those great Marvel characters walking around in the future.”

Source