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Epcot’s Innoventions – Part 2!
Last month I told you about a special area located on both sides of Epcot's Future World called Innoventions. Let's continue with our tour. We are still in Innoventions West (side of the Land and Living Seas).
Segway Central is up next. A several years ago this was very very new technology. About the only place you could see a Segway (human transporter) was in Epcot's Innoventions. Now, you'll find Cast Members on Segways all over Walt Disney World, including the Parking Lots. I've also seen them in local malls and other areas. At Innoventions, Cast Members will demonstrate the use of Segways and answer any questions you may have. Walt Disney World has developed several tours that allows you (certain restrictions apply) to ride the Segway. There are 2 tours in Epcot and one at Ft. Wilderness. I'll save information on those tours for a future "tip".
The final area in Innoventions West is a very important one called "Where's the Fire". This area teaches all of us, and especially children, about what happens if there is a house fire. In "Play It Safe", Cast Members take the kids through a series of rooms and teach them what to do if there is a fire. There is also a maze geared for kids 5 and under. The 30 foot Fire Engine makes a great photo op!
On my visit to Epcot earlier this year, I spoke with a long time Innoventions Cast Member about the Where's the Fire exhibit. He told me that Walt Disney World had received a guest letter stating that their daughter was at a sleepover a few months after her trip and was able to get her and her friends out of a burning house safely.
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If you need to cool off after your visit to Innoventions, visit the Fountain View!
Inside your find an Edy's Ice Cream Shop serving shakes, floats, scoops and sundaes! There is one flavor of No-Sugar Added Ice Cream. Sit outside to enjoy the Magical Fountain show.
Next month we'll look at more of Innoventions.
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Epcot’s Innoventions – Part 1!
You’ve probably hurried past Innoventions many times as you make your way to get a FastPass for Soarin’ in the Land Pavillion. Or perhaps you were busy going to Norway for a Princess Character Meal. Well, if you haven’t stopped in lately, you’ll find some new exhibits in Innoventions.
This area actually is found on both sides of Future World (East and West). In the middle is a courtyard with Pin Central and the Epcot Attraction Times Board.
This month we’ll cover just some of the Innoventions Exhibit and continue next month as well.
First thing you’ll want to do is send a post card to family and friends back home. You know, show them you are having a great time, while they are home working, in school or shoveling snow! To do so, head to Innoventions West (on the Land, Living Seas side) to the IBM Think Place. Three kiosks are set up to take your photo to go with the email.
Brand new in 2008 is Slap Stick Studios, sponsored by Velcro. Play the Whats Your Problem game and learn how Velcro can help you!
It’s your last chance to see the Great American Farm (closing at the end of 2008). Families should not miss the Great American Pizza Game. Learn what foods and products are grown in the various States while you play a Match Game.
Next is Rockin’ Robots. Kids and adults can enjoy controlling the robotic arms as they conduct music with chimes, gongs, and wooden crates.
There is also a huge area of Video Games to play including some of the latest!
Next month we’ll look at more of Innoventions.
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What?! It Rains in Central Florida???? - PART 2
You have saved months for that special vacation and you wake up to rain. What do you do now?
Last month I told you about some general tips for enjoying your Florida vacation when it rains.
This month I’ll tell you that Epcot is the best theme park to visit in the rain – many of the pavilions have multiple attractions and things to do inside. I’ll highlight 2 for you this month!
Consider the Land Pavilion. Once inside, get a FastPass for Soarin, then get in line for the Living with the Land boat ride. Lion King fans can head upstairs to watch the “Circle of Life” movie. All set to build Hakuna Matata Vacation Resort, Pumbaa and Timon are damming rivers and cutting down trees. Simba steps in to remind them, and us, to take care of our environment. The photography in this movie is outstanding and not to be missed.
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There is a wonderful food court with lots of healthy as well as traditional food options. In the afternoons at select times, there is Nestle’s Junior Chef Program
Across World Showcase Lagoon, the American Adventure is another wonderful place to visit when it rains. The Voices of Liberty sing prior to each show in the atrium. While you are waiting for them, visit the incredible American Heritage Gallery. It features over 40 special artifacts on loan to Epcot. From Abe Lincoln's stovepipe hat to items representing the lives of Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Senator Daniel Inouye, Astronaut Gus Grissom and much more. Then go to the theatre and watch a 30 minute multi-media presentation with superb audio animatronics.
Additional Blog Post Information:
Epcots American Heritage Gallery
Epcots National Treasures
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What?! It Rains in Central Florida????
You have saved months for that special vacation and you wake up to rain. What do you do now?
You grab your ponchos and head to the parks!!!!! The number 1 reason for heading to the parks is simple….. they are less crowded!
First, take wild weather warnings seriously. I’m not suggesting that you go out during the rains of a hurricane or an electrical storm! Safety should always be a priority!!
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Also, keep in mind that outdoor rides such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom), Test Track (Epcot), Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) may be closed for safety reasons. Parades are often canceled during inclement weather too; but there are still many many enjoyable things to do and see.
Ponchos can be purchased before you leave home for much less than you spend in the theme parks. They are smaller and already packaged for fanny packs. Check out the Dollar Store, Camping Section in Target and Wal-Mart and other discount stores. Be sure to bring some XL Ziploc bags to protect your cameras and bring a dry towel and change of socks with you.
Lockers! Each theme park and water park have them – stow your dry clothes and/or rain gear in them for easy access.
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Animal Kingdom is usually the park folks avoid with the rain since much of the park is outdoors. But, you’ll soon find out that the animals enjoy being out in a nice rain. The Kilimanjaro Safari ride is the perfect thing to do, plus the jeeps are covered! Why not ride Kali River Rapids raft ride? You’re probably wet anyway LOL.
Downtown Disney is one popular option so be prepared for crowds if you head there. The AMC movie theatres and Disney Quest will be filled with folks like you trying to escape the rain.
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TIP: If there is a morning rain and then it clears up in the afternoon, consider the Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach water parks! They are much less crowded.
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Meet and Greet the Characters at
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Life size costumed characters can be found in each of the 4 main theme parks. Many characters can only be found a certain locations or in certain parks. This tip will talk about the character meet and greets in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Be sure to pick up a Times Guide in addition to the theme park map when you enter the Studios (or any park). It not only lists attraction hours and restaurant information, but will tell you where and when you can find your favorite Disney Stars!
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If you want to check to see if a certain character is appearing that day, stop by Guest Relations. They can call the Character Hotline and find out for you!
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Al’s Toy Barn is the home of your favorite characters from Toy Story. Buzz, Woody, and Jessie are just a few of the movie stars that hang out here during the day.
Are you a fan of Mr. and Mrs. Incredible? They hang out near the Magic of Disney Animation. And in the Animation Courtyard are the stars of Playhouse Disney!
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Your pals from Monsters, Inc. moved from Commisary Way in January and can now be found on the Streets of America. Their new home has a great backdrop for photos with Mike and Sulley! On the Streets of America you can also find stars from Kim Possible, and the Power Rangers.
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MORE TIPS FROM DEB:
Several times through out the day you can see all kinds of characters at Sorcerer Mickey’s Hat. Oh and don’t forget to pose with the Cars from, Cars!
For those of you who haven’t visited the Studios in a while, Sorcerer Mickey no longer has a home near One Man’s Dream on Mickey Avenue. That area is under construction for the new Toy Story Mania attraction which opens this summer!
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Ok, here’s what to do when you find the Characters!
First, be polite and line up. There will be a character handler with the star. Be Ready – have your autograph book and a thick pen ready to hand the star. Just start taking photos…some of the best ones are unposed! Remember, the stars can only stay out for a certain amount of time, so try to arrive early in their meet and greet.
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2008 has lots of fun in store for visitors to Walt Disney World! Here’s a brief recap of what’s ahead.
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First, did you know that the Disney MGM Studios theme park has a new name? It’s now called Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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The Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom is back and runs on select nights January – March. The Enchanted Adventures Parade is the only Disney parade I know with a full size Tinker bell with her own float! Captain Jack has his own float too!
On January 28th, Playhouse Disney Live, at the Hollywood Studios will reopen with a new cast including Mickey Mouse.
The newly rehabbed Spaceship Earth in Epcot will officially reopen on February 18th. Many enhancements have been added to the attraction including new scenes, new musical score and a new narrator Dame Judi Dench.
The Atlanta Braves return to Disney’s Wide World of Sports on February 27th for 4 weeks of spring training.
Speaking of sports, February 29 – March 2 is ESPN the Weekend at the Hollywood Studios. The weekend features on-site ESPN telecasts, star motorcades, interactive sports activities, and Q&A sessions involving athletes.
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In March, Epcot’s annual Flower and Garden Festival begins and it’s longer than ever. This year’s dates are March 19 – June 1st. The festival also includes the Flower Power Concert Series held nightly at the American Gardens Theatre. Petula Clark, the Grassroots, Davy Jones and many others will appear.
April is the 10th Anniversary of Animal Kingdom. No official plans have been announced by Disney World but perhaps they will soon.
June weekends will be busy with Star Wars Weekends at the Disney Hollywood Studios. There are motorcades, authograph sessions, talks, and lots of unique Star Wars walk around characters! Be sure to look up – Stormtroopers have been spotted on roofs in recent years!
And that’s just the first half of the year!!!!
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Epcot Celebrates 25 Years with brand new Exhibits!
Epcot celebrated its 25th Anniversary on October 1, 2007. The park now has a special gallery, “Epcot Creating the World of Tomorrow” which celebrates the past 25 years. It is located in Innoventions West in Future World. Photographs, memorabilia and models highlight the exhibit. Be sure to see it while you can as it is tentatively scheduled to close at the end of 2007.
On September 28, 2007, the new National Treasures Exhibit opened in the American Heritage Gallery in the American Adventure. This historical exhibit features Abraham Lincoln’s hat, a Thomas Edison phonograph, and items about George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson and Gus Grissom. While you’re at the American Adventure, be sure to see the attraction which has a new ending.
Epcot's National Treasures Dedication Ceremony -- Photo Gallery
Epcot's American Heritage Gallery ReOpens
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Visit the New Canada Pavillion at Epcot!
An updated "O Canada!" film in the Canada pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase debuted in September. The new 14-minute motion picture, presented in CircleVision 360, includes new scenes highlighting Canada's natural beauty, cities and diverse populace, and will be hosted by Canadian actor Martin Short.
Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with the Canadian Tourism Commission to update the film, which now includes new orchestration and images, and Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila singing the music of "O Canada!"
CANADA Epcot
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Tutto Italia has opened temporarily in Italy. While on the expensive side, it is getting very favorable reviews.
Tutto Italia Opens at Epcot
Tutto Italian Restaurant
Japan’s new dining experiences Teppen Edo and Tokyo Dining are scheduled to open later this fall.
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Starting your day at Animal Kingdom
As you enter the park, the magnificent Tree of Life stands before you. It's a great time for a group photo and usually a Disney PhotoPass Photographer is nearby!
Now, where to head next! This really depends on your touring preferences and your group. A little planning in advance goes a long way. Decide what are your must sees!
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Some folks make a beeline to Expedition Everest. If this is your must see in Animal Kingdom, then head over to Asia and either ride it or get a FastPass for later in the day.
Or you can either make your way to Africa and ride Kilimanjaro Safaris (if the standby line is under 20 minutes) or go to Camp Minnie Mickey for character opportunities. Early in the morning, Camp Minnie Mickey is fairly empty and that makes for some wonderful time with Mickey, Minnie and the gang. The Character Greeting Trails will list who is appearing in each section.
Lastly, you can do what I like to do - grab a cup of coffee and wander around the animal viewing areas in the Oasis and/or Discovery Island trails. It really is amazing what appears before your eyes when you are patient.
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I often think of the boy who stopped next to me to watch the anteater one morning. The animal had momentarily disappeared from view when the boy's father came by to tell his son to keep up. "But Dad, there are animals here." The dad responded with, "I don't see anything; let's go," and off they went. Everyone enjoys different things in Animal Kingdom -- the music, the birds, the flowers, the... well... you get the idea. This is a very different kind of theme park.
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And as you think about your day, consider the Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo the Musical. Times are printed in the park guides and you'll need to arrive plenty early for both. On crowded park days, you may not be able to fit both in your schedule.
While you've got those times guides out, see what special entertainment is performing in the park that day. Everything from drummers, to acrobats to walking vines will appear before your eyes!
If you have children in your group, consider both Pocahontas and her Forest Friends and Flights of Wonder.
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The Cast Members in Animal Kingdom that have the light green shirts on are Animal Keepers. Take the time to speak with them and ask any questions you may have about the animals. Make sure to ask if there are any "babies" in the park that you can go check out!
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Last month I talked about surviving the Central Florida heat. This month I’ll give you some theme park tips and places to go “cool-off” in the Magic Kingdom.
During the heat of the season you want to maximize your time indoors during the hottest part of the day. Focus on attractions that have indoor queue areas. And if you can’t be in doors, then save those refreshing water rides for mid Afternoon.
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Here’s some tips on “Cool Attractions” At the Magic Kingdom:
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In Adventureland, I’ve always found the queue area for Pirates of the Caribbean to be a great place to escape the heat. It’s low lit and cool, especially wonderful during those HOT afternoons. If the line is outside the building, then pass it by, you’ll be waiting way too long!
Over in Frontierland, the most well known attraction is Splash Mountain. A good deal of the queue is outside, but there is some shading available. The ride itself lasts about 10 minutes, most of which is inside the mountain. Near the end, you’ll soon learn why it’s called, Splash Mountain!
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Liberty Square – the best place to cool off is at Hall of the Presidents. You’ll need to time your visit so you aren’t waiting too long to enter as the show is just over 20 minutes. The theatre has comfy chairs and is a nice place to cool off, rest and re-energize!
Fantasyland – Almost every ride queue is outside and crowded except for Mickey PhilharMagic show! While the inside area can get a little crowded, you are at least inside and will soon be seated in a theatre. The show is so much fun, you’ll quickly forget how hot you are! The other choice here is It’s a Small World.
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Mickey’s ToonTown – if its character meet and greets you want, ToonTown offers several of your favorite characters inside the ToonTown Hall of Fame. It’s all standing and it will be crowded and noisy, but you are out of the sun.
Finally we come to Tomorrowland. One of my favorite rides to re-energize on is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. For 10 minutes you are seated in a moving vehicle and have some great scenery and inside glimpses into attractions. There is rarely a long wait here. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress provides an air conditioned theatre and show that looks back on the history of electricity and technology. From here, walk across the way to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin! Kids and adults will love this life size arcade game.
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That about covers the cool places at the Magic Kingdom. And, if it’s raining, these suggestions work well during those times too!
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Summer Sun Survival!
It's summer time in Central Florida and that means the sun, heat and humidity are very intense. It also means you need to be aware of its effects on your body and those you are traveling with.
It is extremley important to remain well hydrated.. and I don't mean by drinking frozen coffe drinks or beer! LOL. Avoid caffeinated or carbonated beverages, as well as alcoholic drinks and those high in sugar -- these cause you to lose more body fluids. Sports drinks can supplement fluids in your body, but water should be your first choice.
Water is the key ingredient for keeping your cool. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, which prevents the body from releasing heat in an efficient manner. That's why you MUST hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! And don't think because you are young or in great health that this does not apply to you -- it does!
Once the signs of heat-related illness begin to show, you can progress from "not feeling so good" to "feeling really bad" very quickly. Listen to your body. Do not ignore the warning signs!
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Here are a few signs you have not been drinking enough water:
Sausage fingers -- your ring is getting tight, your fingers feel swollen.
Becoming a 7 Dwarf - if you suddenly become like Grumpy, it's time to stop, cool off and hydrate!
You are very thirsty - by the time your brain tells you to drink, it's a sign you haven't been giving yourself enough fluids.
Muscle cramps - remember, your body is talking to you.
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Other signs include heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness or weakness, dizziness or headache, a "sick stomach" feeling, and faintness.
Wear light clothing. If you have clothing that contains Coolmax or similar products wear that. Items made of 100 percent cotton do NOT wick moisture away from your body.
Walking around in the heat and humidity can make ALL parts of your body sweat, and that includes your poor feet. When feet are wet, blisters can develop, so try to wear socks that are not 100 percent cotton. If you feel a hot spot developing, find a place in the shade to sit down. Take off your shoe and sock and inspect your feet. Put a bandage on the tender area, and let your feet dry. Dry feet are happy feet! If you get bad blisters, go to the First Aid Station (there's one located in each of the parks).
These tips are not meant to take the place of any advice from your doctor or other health care professional. I hope by reading this you will increase your awareness and help minimize your chances of getting overheated and spoiling your fun in the sun.
Here are some web resources on Tips on Managing Heat and Heat-Related Illnesses:
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r2k0803.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heatillness.html
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/934557316.html
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ExtremeHeat/
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Celebrating 4th of July at Walt Disney World
There are always fireworks somewhere on the Walt Disney World resort, but none as spectacular as the 4th of July. This year is no exception.
At the Magic Kingdom, get ready for a special late night celebration: Two showings of the Disney Dreams Come True Parade (12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.); "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks (9 p.m.); and 2 showings of the "SpectroMagic" parade (10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.). Park hours: 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
Animal Kingdom celebrates in a low key fashion with a daily showing of Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Expedition at 4:00pm. Park hours 9-8pm
While over at the Disney-MGM Studios, you can enjoy the "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade (3 p.m.); 4th of July fireworks (9 p.m.); and "Fantasmic!" the nighttime spectacular at (10 p.m.). Park hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Epcot's "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" spectacle of lights, music and fireworks fills the sky around the World Showcase Lagoon at 10:00pm. Park hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
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We've polled AllEars® readers to find out what their favorite park to watch fireworks is for 4th of July. Overwhelming (67%) voted for the Magic Kingdom. Epcot was 2nd in the voting with 24%.
Here are their favorite places to watch their favorite fireworks:
Magic Kingdom: While riding Dumbo!; in front of Splash Mountain, in the Rose Garden to the right of Main Street, behind the Castle in Fantasyland, in front of the Liberty Belle Riverboat, or at one of the Disney Monorail Resort beachs!
As one reader said: Fireworks behind Cinderella Castle are absolutely iconic, and the 4th is the biggest fireworks day of all! What could be more American (other than being in DC or Philly)?
For more information visit: http://allearsnet.com/tp/fojuly.htm
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Your First Day at Walt Disney World
After months of anticipation, researching, reading, and planning, your first day at Walt Disney World® has finally arrived. So, now what??
If you're like me, you are so excited that you want to do something, anything, right away. But, depending on the time of day of your arrival, and your mindset, touring one of the parks might not be the best use of your time and/or theme park admission. Never fear, there are plenty of alternatives to visiting a theme park as soon as you arrive.
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After you've checked into your All Star Vacation Home, you might want to make that run to the grocery store, unpack, or even go for a quick dip in the pool. You'll also want to take some time to plan out the days ahead. But if you and the family are a little anxious to get that Mickey fix, here are some idea without spending a park admission ticket day!
Hop aboard the Disney monorail - you can ride from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom, over to Epcot and back! There's plenty to see, especially as the monorail loops through Epcot's Future World!
Head over to Downtown Disney (consisting of the Marketplace, Pleasure Island and the West Side). There are lots and lots of shops, with every conceivable Mickey Mouse accessory. Window shopping is not just allowed but encouraged!
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Two Disney dinner shows are also offered! Enjoy some finger-licking good vittles and knee slapping at the very popular Hoop de Doo Revue at Ft. Wilderness or a enjoy the tropical atmosphere and entertainment at the Polynesian Luau. (Advance reservations are required for both.)
Consider dining at a Character dinner outside the park. Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary features the Mouse himself with side kick Goofy, Chip and Dale. 1900 Park Faire at the Grand Floridian features Cinderella and Prince Charming, Suzy and Perla, and the Fairy Godmother. Just be sure you've made a reservation in advance!
The Boardwalk area offers several non-theme park options, as well. Have dinner in one of the Epcot resort area restaurants, or board one of the Friendship Boats, which cruise in a loop from Epcot to the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin and then the Disney-MGM Studios. This is especially pretty at night.
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Try your hand at a round of golf at WinterSummerland (more family friendly) or Fantasia Gardens (more golfer friendly). They are much cooler and more enjoyable in the evenings and are usually open until 11 p.m.
Part of the fun in visiting Walt Disney World
is meeting your favorite character...
Come on now, you can admit it! We are all Disney fans here.
Tracking Down Those Characters!!! So exactly how do you track the characters down? Here's some tips:
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Read the Times Guide - Each theme park has one and they mark
character greeting locations and times.
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Stop into Guest Relations and ask the Cast Member if, Peter Pan
(insert your favorite character) will be appearing in the park today.
They have numbers they can call to see where characters will be making
appearances. If your child has been aching for a photo with Donald Duck, when you arrive at the park in the morning, your best bet would be to go to Guest Relations. They can find out for you where the good spots are to spot that duck. Though, these schedules are always subject to change, there's a good chance of finding them.
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Wander around aimlessly - part of the fun is just running into a
character purely by accident! You just never know who you might run
into.
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Animal Kingdom's Camp Minnie Mickey Character Trails are a great
place to go while nearby Festival of the Lion King is being performed.
Another great time is when the park first opens and everyone else is
headed for the Expedition Everest or the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction!
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Epcot's Future World has an indoor Character Connection area where
you can see several favorites all at the same time.
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Magic Kingdom - Mickey is usually holding court in Toon Town in his
very own area!
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At the Disney-MGM Studios you can find characters from movies like
the Incredibles, Sully and Mike and more.
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Want a little less hectic way of greeting characters? Consider a
Character Meal -- we'll talk more about them in a future column!
Learn more about Character Meet and Greet at ALLEARSNET!
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Discover Epcot's New Future World
In early 2004, the Living Seas pavilion in Epcot's Future World began a
gradual transformation, quietly updating attractions one at a time. The
transformation is now complete and the result is the recently
"relaunched"
"The Seas with Nemo
and Friends," which houses a number of
exhibits featuring characters from the popular Disney-Pixar movie,
"Finding Nemo."
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The newest section of the pavilion to sport the Nemo theme is "The Seas
with Nemo and Friends"
ride. As you enter the pavilion, you are immediately immersed in a
beachy atmosphere that hints at what awaits you ahead.
After winding your way through the fairly long queue, you board the new
ride vehicles called "clam-mobiles"
-- they actually resemble an open clamshell! The clam-mobiles transport
you on a journey past an assortment of characters that you'll recognize
if you're familiar with the Nemo movie.
There's Mr. Ray and his class on a field trip, and listen!
It sounds like Nemo has wandered off again. As in the original movie,
the journey in search of Nemo involves Dory, Bruce, Marlin, Squirt and
Crush.
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These deep-sea friends inhabit a variety of vibrant vignettes,
including the actual aquarium that contains more than 65 species of
marine life. In the musical finale (which you may recognize from the new
"Finding Nemo" musical in Animal Kingdom), Nemo is happily reunited with
his class and friends. (You can bypass this ride if you wish, but we
think it's a great addition to the pavilion that will delight most young
Nemo fans especially.)
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The pavilion's biggest draw
is called "Turtle Talk with Crush," an interactive show that features a
computer-animated, 3-D version of the surfer dude turtle from "Finding
Nemo" in 10-minute conversations with visitors.
Through the use of state-of-the-art technology, Crush is able to make
jokes and take questions from audience. Crush's friend Dory also makes
occasional appearances. Make sure your young ones sit in the front of
the room for a close up view!
This 10-minute show is highly entertaining for both children and adults.
One of the chief attractions of
the pavilion continues to be its aquarium, which measures
203 feet in diameter and 27 feet deep, and holds 5.7 million gallons of salt water. It is so large, in fact, that Spaceship Earth (160 feet in diameter)
would fit inside with room to spare.
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Along with the aquarium, there are smaller fish tanks and a hands-on play area for children called Bruce's Sub House, with replicas of the famous snaggle-toothed sharks from the Finding Nemo film.
This play area offers many great opportunities for fun photographs, as
does the Finding Nemo sculpture located outside the pavilion. In
addition, Nemo himself and a Living Coral make live appearances outside
the pavilion throughout the day (check your times guide).
To learn more about the Seas with Nemo and Friends, and for some
photographs of the various attractions, please visit:
http://allearsnet.com/tp/ep/e_seas.htm
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If you're going to Walt Disney World sometime before the end of 2007,
you're in for a real treat!
Disney's Year of a Million Dreams officially began Sunday, October 1,
and runs for the next 15 months. As part of that celebration, Disney
cast members known as "The Dream Squad" are dispensing "dream" prizes at
random that range from special Year of a Million Dreams Mickey Ears to a
magical overnight stay in an apartment in Cinderella Castle.
Also as part of the Year of a Million Dreams, cast members are creating
an unprecedented number of "Magical Moments." These include guests being
tapped to help with the pixie-dusted opening of Magic Kingdom or being
named an Official Wildlife Spotter at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
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One AllEarsNet.com reader recently wrote to us: A Dream Squad member by
the name of Christine approached us outside the "Dinosaur" ride and
asked us if we would like a "very special"
tour. We said, YES! and she escorted us to the front of the ride. We
were then given a whole car to ourselves! After the ride, she escorted
us to "The Tower" to see how the whole system was run. It was fantastic!
Afterwards, we received a complimentary 8x10 photo of us all by
ourselves on the ride. She was wonderful. So, all of you who are
planning to go to Disney this year... you will have so much FUN! This
Year of a Million Dreams is the best thing ever... way to go Disney!
The start of the Year of a Million Dreams has also seen the debut of a
variety of new live entertainment throughout the Magic Kingdom:
-- Dream along with Mickey, is an all-new show being performed daily at
the Castle Forecourt Stage.
-- Woody's Cowboy Camp in Frontierland encourages you to sing and dance
with Toy Story's Woody, Jessie, Bullseye and friends.
-- High School Musical Pep Rally in Tomorrowland, based on the wildly
popular Disney Channel movie, features cheerleaders and basketball stars
leading the fun as you learn cheers and cool dance moves set to the
hottest tracks from musical.
-- Let's Have A Ball: The Happily Ever After Party in Fantasyland
features Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Prince Philip and others as
they prepare for a royal ball that includes the audience.
But maybe you won't be in the parks any time soon to win a "dream" in
person. Don't worry! You can also enter to win by mail. Mail-in winners
are eligible to win prizes like exclusive trading pins or Mickey Ears
Hat -- or a Disney Vacation Club membership! You might even be selected
to be grand marshal of a Disney parade around the world.
Remember, the Year of a Million Dreams continues now through 2007. If
you're in Walt Disney World during that time we hope that the Dream
Squad bestows a magical dream come true on you!
(For more information on prizes and rules, visit the official Disney
site at: www.disneyparks.com/rules)
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Thar be Pirates Ahead Mateys!
Chances are you have seen (or at least have seen the advertisements for)
Disney’s summer blockbuster movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's
Chest.
This is the second of three movies based on Disney’s Pirates of the
Caribbean attraction.
The Magic Kingdom version of Pirates of the Caribbean, which originally
opened on
December 15, 1973, was closed for several months earlier this year to
incorporate
characters from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
While some Disney fans were skeptical about the wisdom of
modifying such a classic attraction, most are now giving the changes
rave reviews.
The first alterations that you notice are to the building's
exterior. No longer does Pegleg Pete the Pirate Parrot greet you at the
entrance.
As you approach now, you see the tattered Pirates of the Caribbean flag and
ship's mast, as well as a skeleton pirate in the crow's nest looking out
with his telescope.
Inside are more special effects and new audio-animatronics.
We don't want to spoil the surprise for you,
but shortly after your boat sets sail, you encounter the villain of
the new movie, Davy Jones.
There is new music in the battle scene and the ride's original pirate
captain
has been replaced with the treacherous Captain Barbossa of the movies. And
Captain Jack Sparrow himself appears now in several places
along your 8-1/2-minute voyage -- keep a sharp look out for him.
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This is a wonderful attraction, truly enhanced by its recent renovations.
And it's also a great place to visit when the
weather is beastly hot or rainy, as the queue is entirely indoors, and the
exit is under cover. In fact,
at the conclusion of your ride, be sure to take a few minutes
perusing all the new merchandise that awaits you in the gift shop.
In addition to the changes in the attraction itself, there is now an
interactive Pirates Tutorial show
held several times during the day in the courtyard near the attraction.
Captain Jack and his sidekick Mac pull several children from
the audience to teach them the skills needed for being a good pirate --
some children are even given lessons in how to handle a sword.
At the end of the show, you can even have your photo taken with Mac. (No
photo
ops with Captain Jack at this time.) The Pirates Tutorial may not be
listed in the times guide, so ask at the Tip Board along Main Street USA
for times.
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Use Disney's FASTPASS! Many Walt Disney World attractions offer this timed ticketing system, which is free with your admission to the
park. Here's how it
works:
As you approach a FASTPASS attraction you will see several signs.
The first tells you how long you would have to wait if you got into the
normal line at that moment -- what's known as the Standby Line.
Another sign tells you the "FASTPASS RETURN" time -- that is, what time you
will be able to return to ride or see the attraction if you get a FASTPASS ticket instead of standing in line.
If you choose to get a FASTPASS remember: EACH PERSON NEEDS ONE! To
obtain a FASTPASS, go to the FASTPASS machine and insert your park
admission ticket in the indicated slot. Your FASTPASS, indicating what
time frame, or "window," you may return to the attraction, will print
out.
REMEMBER TO TAKE BOTH YOUR FASTPASS AND YOUR ADMISSION TICKET!
Note that for some attractions, like Honey, I Shrunk the Audience (Epcot) and
the Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Disney-MGM Studios), there is only a 10-15 minute window.
Once you have your FASTPASS, you can go shop, eat, or ride other
rides instead of standing in line.
Once your FASTPASS time has arrived, return to the attraction and
get in the FASTPASS RETURN line. Be sure to have your FASTPASS out and
ready to show the Cast Member, who will check your return time with the
official return time clock. Further along in the queue or waiting area, a
Cast Member will actually collect your FASTPASS ticket. By then you will be
far ahead of those waiting in the Standby Line, ready to get
on with the show!
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| Avoid Long Waits at Disney's Most Popular Attractions! |
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