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What a World!
There’s a good reason why it’s named Disney World. It is a “world,” not just a “land”, like its’ original counterpart in California. It’s the number one tourist destination in the world, and it’s only 5 hours from Savannah! My first visit was in 1973, two years after it opened. One of my most treasured pictures is from that first visit: my almost three-year-old daughter, standing nose to nose with Pluto. Over the years, shots were added of her and her little brother, with Snow White, Goofy, and the big guy himself – MICKEY MOUSE. Each time I’ve gone back to Disney World, even without children, I’ve felt like I was discovering a whole new world for the very first time. I always start out as the inquisitive adult, wondering how things work, how they make things look so real, how they keep the parks so clean. Within hours, all that is over – I’m right there with the eight-year olds, believing it all and lost in the magic.
Disney World was a major phenomenon from the day the gates opened, and it has gone on to become the most popular destination in the world, drawing millions of visitors yearly. The original Magic Kingdom has continued to grow and evolve, adding new and exciting attractions every year. Epcot was the second of the theme parks to open, introducing an educational element and international flare to the World. Next came MGM, with all of Disney’s movie making magic on display, right down to an authentic looking 1930’s Hollywood Boulevard and a movie-set New York skyline. Finally, the Animal Kingdom arrived, where real-life animals roam the African planes and pre-historic dinosaurs are brought back to like. It’s no wonder that the more than 24,000 hotel rooms in the twenty-four Disney resorts can often be completely sold out! There are hundreds of rides and attractions in the various Disney theme parks, ranging from the pre-school friendly “Small World” to the all-out-thrill-seeker favorite, “Mission: Space”. Even with so much to choose from, wait time can run an hour or longer for some of the more popular rides. Clearly, Disney has a lot to offer, but it is definitely a world where a little advance planning and some insider tips can come in handy.
Planning Tip #1 – Stay inside the Disney gates. There is a Disney resort for everyone, whether it is a budget level All-Star resort or the luxurious Grand Floridian, or anywhere in between. A travel professional can help you sort through all the options and help you pick the one that suits your needs best. The choices can be confusing and mind-boggling. Disney is synonymous with quality and imagination, and it shows in all of their properties. When Disney builds a themed resort, no detail is overlooked in making the fantasy come alive. In the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can stand on your balcony and see the giraffes grazing on the savannah,or watch authentic African dancers in the safari-lodge inspired lobby. The Beach Club has a pool with a real sand beach; the Wilderness Lodge boasts a geyser as predicable and spectacular as Old Faithful; the two story high “big wheel” and “yo-yo” at Pop Century will make any parent feel like a child again. Staying in a Disney resort makes your vacation a twenty-four hour a day fantasy come true.
Planning Tip #2 – Pace yourself. Wow! So much to do, so little time! That’s how one can easily feel at Disney World. Remember, Disney World covers more area than the city of San Francisco; no one would try to cover all of that in one day, so give yourself time here too. The best way to avoid being overwhelmed is to do a little advance planning. Look at a map of Disney and pick your “must see” attractions, then plan your route accordingly. Take advantage of the “Fastpass” option, which holds your place in line for the busiest attractions, while you enjoy something else. Allow time in your day’s plan to just stroll and take in the details, things like the intricate topiaries or the talking water fountain – they are all part of the magic. Attractions like “Honey, I shrunk the Audience” and “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” take place in comfortable, air-conditioned theaters for an entertaining, relaxing breather in the middle of a busy day. If you are staying in a Disney resort, you get early admission into one theme park each day. Getting an hour’s head start on the ‘day trippers’ can be a big advantage. Also, you get free use of the Disney transportation system, which helps you pace your day with ease. If the kids are tired, go back to your room, relax and take a swim. Or, cool off at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, Disney’s fantastic water parks. Remember, this is a vacation, not an endurance test. If you are staying less than a week, you can’t possibility do it all. Pick the highlights that appeal to you, feel the magic, and allow some ‘down’ time – the rest will still be there the next time you come.
Planning Tip #3 – Include ‘Adult Time’ in your plans. Disney has a world of options for the grown-ups in your group. Start with Pleasure Island, the nighttime theme park. Dance clubs, easy listening jazz, improv comedy, and a New Year’s celebration every night – its all here. Disney World has six world-class golf courses, the Atlanta Braves Spring Training Camp, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and much more for the sports enthusiasts. For me, its not a vacation unless I get at least one visit to a spa, and Disney World has some of the best. Plus, Disney dining isn’t just hotdogs and hamburgers. Plan a special adults-only dinner at Victoria and Albert’s, Les Chefs de France, or any of the many gourmet restaurants Disney offers. Don’t worry about the kids, just make reservations for them at the Never Land Club or Mouseketeer Club, and they’ll be so entertained they won’t even miss you. You can even arrange for an in-room baby sitter. The important thing is that everyone has a chance for that certain something that means fun to him or her, even the grown-ups!
Finally, here are just a few final hints, gleaned from my own and my co-workers’ visits to Disney World. There are many more insiders’ tips we could share, but let’s call this our Top Ten List:
1. Be Flexible – There will always be surprises. Who would have thought that my four year old son would have loved the fierce looking “Pirates of the Caribbean”, but been frightened by the singing flowers at the “ Tiki Bird Revue”? No matter, no child can stay anything but happy at Disney for long.
2. Treat Yourself to a Chocolate Covered Frozen Banana - Really, the best treat at Disney, somewhat addictive and worth putting on your must do list.
3. Don’t Lug Those Bags – If you are staying inside the Disney gates, you can have your purchases delivered to your room. Come on, you know you’re going to give in to the urge to buy something with Mickey on it, but don’t let it be a burden for the rest of the day.
4. Sit by the Snoring Man – Yes, I said the snoring man. He’s in the Downtown Disney Market Place, at the Lego store, and completely made of Legos. And he snores. I guess there were so many worn out adults, snoozing on benches, it called for a proper memorial.
5. The Ultimate Pretzel – Speaking of food, and I always am, the giant cheese stuffed pretzel is something to savor. Get one in MGM, sit down and watch life on the Boulevard while you enjoy.
6. Animals are Morning People – If you want the best chance to see the lions, zebras, and hippos, get to the Animal Kingdom early for the first safari of the day.
7. Character Breakfast – Back to food again. Be sure to make reservations for at least one character breakfast. The hardest to get is breakfast at Cinderella’s Castle, so call early if your heart is set on it. Whether it’s Mickey, Donald Duck, or Mary Poppins, you can have breakfast with your favorite.
8. E-Ticket Night – Costs a little more, but worth it. When staying at Disney, especially during the busiest seasons, take advantage of the chance for after-hours admissions. Only a limited number of E-tickets will be sold for one special night during the week. Your chance for the best rides, without crowds, so no waiting.
9. You Drive – Okay, you don’t really drive, but you’ll feel like you do. Ask a cast member (Disney employees are Cast Members) to let you sit up front on the monorail. Your best chance is when it’s not too busy, or if you’re willing to wait they’ll work you in.
10. An Explosive Dinner – One final mention of food. Make dinner reservations one night for the patio at the English restaurant in Epcot. It’s one of the best places to watch the laser light and fire works show.
Once you’ve done your advance planning with a travel professional, made your reservations and reached the park, just put on your most comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a smile, and your best child-like since of wonder, and you’re ready to take on the World!
By Carolyn LeFleur, CTC
Four Seasons Travel
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