Digital Journey Presents: Walt Disney World
1
Table Of Contents
Page
Magic of Walt Disney World
2
When Should I Go?
4
Transportation
6
FREE Magic Express from Orlando Airport
7
Where Should I Stay ?
9
Tickets-Basics
15
Tickets- How Much Do They Cost?
16
Tick Tag-Finger
18
Annual Pass- Should I buy one-
20
Rent A CAR ?
24
First Timer Primer
25
Parking
28
Behind The Scenes Tours-Extra Magic
30
Best Kept Secrets of Walt Disney World
40
Amazing and Fascinating Trivia About WDW
36
Walt Disney World-Parks Overview
66
Walt Disney World -EXTRA Magic Hours- If staying on Disney Property
69
Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom-Attractions
72
Walt Disney World- Hollywood Studios- Attractions
74
Walt Disney World - Magic Kingdom -Attractions
76
Walt Disney World - Epcot -Attractions
78
Walt Disney World - Top 10 Best Restaurants
81
Downtown Disney
87
2
The Magic of Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World (WDW) is a magical vacation destination.
Covering an expanse of over 47 square miles, it includes four major
theme parks, three water parks, a sports complex, six golf courses,
a shopping center, and two nighttime entertainment complexes.
WDW also boasts seventeen themed resort hotels and a
campground.
Walt Disney World has something for everyone -- the theme park
enthusiast, the naturalist, the sports enthusiast, the romantic, and
the gourmet. Walt Disney World has both high technology and low
technology, fantasy and reality. The gardens of Walt Disney World
are gorgeous. Its transportation system is expansive and efficient.
Disney's employees, known as cast members, are helpful and strive
to make you -- the guest -- happy.
Of course, the four major theme parks are the main attraction at
Walt Disney World. The Magic Kingdom (MK) is a wonderful
collection of adventure, heritage, fantasy, and science fiction. Walt
Disney's dream of an Experimental Prototype Community Of
Tomorrow (Epcot) showcases both technology and world culture in a
unique mix of attractions and exhibits. At the Disney Studios you
can see television and movie production and enjoy many of your
favorite films and shows from the past, too. Disney's Animal
Kingdom, the newest jewel in the Walt Disney World crown, is a
blend of nature and adventure packaged with all of the exotic
atmosphere that Disney's Imagineers could muster.
In addition to the major parks, three water parks and a handful of
other attractions are available to resort guests. Tom Sawyer and
Huck Finn would be right at home at the old swimming hole, River
Country. Typhoon Lagoon is a lush tropical paradise...hit by a
tremendous storm not long ago. Blizzard Beach was Florida's first
ski resort...until the snow from the freak winter storm melted.
There are several Disney-themed miniature golf courses and for the
more serious sports enthusiast, 99 holes of "real" golf, tennis, beach
volleyball, fishing, swimming, hiking, and water skiing.
Downtown Disney includes three areas of shopping, dining, and
nighttime fun. The Village Marketplace is a wonderful collection of
unique, interesting, and fun stores and boutiques. Pleasure Island,
is primarily a nightspot with shopping, dining, and nightclubs - but
many of the shops and restaurants are open during the day, too.
3
The West End is the newest addition to Downtown Disney and adds
additional restaurants and shops.
Another nighttime option is Disney's Boardwalk. Scattered along
the boardwalk is a wonderful array of clubs, restaurants, and
shops. The atmosphere is a throwback to 1930's Coney Island with
the vendors, street performers, games of chance, and other
amusements scattered about.
Walt Disney World provides hotels and resorts themed to almost
any taste. If Victorian elegance is your thing, the Grand Floridian
can satisfy. Modern, urban tastes are met at the Contemporary
resort. If the sun and sand of the Pacific islands interest you, the
Polynesian Resort would be a wise choice. Resorts reminiscent of
turn-of-the-century New England, the ante-bellum South, and Key
West are also available. Wilderness Lodge, one of WDW's most
elaborately themed resorts, is the epitome of the national park
lodges built during the 1920's and 30's. The wild northwest pine
forests, wood burning fireplaces, and geysers are the specialty
here. The newest resort at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom
Lodge, abounds with details such as a thatched roof, a rope bridge
spanning the multi-story lobby, and lovely chandeliers decorated
with African tribal headdresses and all of that topped off with a
spectacular 30+ acre savanna stocked with giraffes, zebras,
wildebeests, and hundreds of avians.
Over two hundred restaurants provide abundant meal options
ranging from the finest and most romantic multi-course meals to
family dining to fast food from food courts and snack pushcarts. At
Walt Disney World you can feast on fine French cuisine, be
entertained by belly dancers as you dine on Moroccan faire, or relish
a New England-style clambake.
It is very difficult to understand the size, scope, and variety of Walt
Disney World until you have actually been there. The theme parks,
attractions, resorts, and restaurants of WDW offer something to
everyone. No matter what your interest, you are sure to find loads
of fun for everyone in the family.
Without a doubt, the magic of Walt Disney World makes this a
wonderful and unique vacation destination!
4
WHEN SHOULD I GO?
Ideally, you want to go when the weather
is moderate and the crowds are low.
Unfortunately between vacation schedules
and school-age kids, your options might
be limited. There are special annual
events at Walt Disney World that can add
to your vacation experience (though
crowds may be increased as well). Take a
look at the Events Calendar. Special
times of the year are in January/early
February (beautiful weather and low
crowds), Mid-March - May (Epcot's Flower
and Garden Festival), May/June (Star
Wars Weekends) October and November
(Epcot Food and Wine Festival), and MidNovember - New Year's (Holidays Around
the World). In addition, there are two
special ticket parties at the Magic Kingdom
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
(various dates September - October) and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas
Party (November - December).
Historic Attendance
Calendar of Events
Scheduled Rehabs and Closings
US Holidays
Historic Attendance Levels
Even Walt Disney World has some quiet times. OK, maybe not quiet, but less
crowded! Think about this: if your kids are on vacation, chances are so are everyone
else's! And when it's vacation time, WDW is a crowded place! We recommend
TouringPlans.com for Crowd Level conditions!
I remember in the early 1990s being able to walk into Frontierland at the Magic
Kingdom first thing in the morning in late January and not see anyone.
While those days are long gone, there definitely are better times to go and
times to avoid when it comes to crowds.
Special events and promotions can influence theme park attendance so find
out if anything special is going on during your visit.
United States Holidays that may affect crowd levels can be found by clicking here!
5
Disney states:
The Lowest Attendance - January (except New Year's Day) until just prior to Presidents'
Week in February

The week following Labor Day until the week prior to Thanksgiving

The week following Thanksgiving until mid-December
More Moderate Attendance:
 After Presidents' week in February through early March

Late April through early June (except Memorial Day weekend)

Columbus Day Weekend (October)

The first part of Thanksgiving week
Highest Attendance:
 Presidents' week in February

Mid March through Late April ("Spring Break")

Memorial Day weekend

Mid June through Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day and weekend

Christmas week through New Year's Day
We recommend TouringPlans.com for Crowd Level conditions!
=============
TRANSPORTATION To Disney
Resorts
Disney's Magical Express
and Resort Airline Check-In
NEW! Southwest Airlines is now officially a part of Resort Airline Check-In at Walt
Disney World. Upon completion of a construction project at Disney's Old Key West Resort
and an assessment at Caribbean Beach Resort, Resort Airline Check-In with Southwest
Airlines should be available at every Walt Disney World Resort hotel
by the end of 2010.
Free airport shuttle service, luggage delivery and airline check-in for
Disney hotel guests. The service began May 2005 and will remain
complimentary during the 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Service is only valid for Orlando International Airport. Resort
Airline Check-in Service (see below) is only available for resort
guests flying with participating airlines.
How Disney's Magical Express ARRIVAL service works:
6
* Disney's Magical Express must be booked at least 10 days prior to arrival through
disneyworld.com, Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-W-DISNEY or a travel
agent. Be sure to have your Arriving Flight Number and time into the Orlando
International Airport as well as your Departing Flight Number and time out of the
Orlando International Airport as well as the name of the airlines you are flying.
We HIGHLY recommend booking this service a minimum of 6 weeks in
advance!
NOTE: Guests must be 16 or older to travel unaccompanied on the
Disney’s Magical Express transportation service.
* Before you arrive, you will receive in the mail an Airport Transportation Booklet
containing general information and special Disney's Magical Express luggage tags for
your bags.
Effective February 10, 2009, Disney's Magical Express will mail only one luggage tag
per person, as travelers are now flying with less luggage due to various changes on the
airlines. If you need additional luggage tags, you can request them by contacting
Disney's Magical Express at 866-599-0951.
Also, effective February 16, 2009, Disney's Magical Express will only mail the Airport
Transportation Booklet and luggage tags to guests located in the United States and
Canada. Disney's Magical Express section at www.disney.go.com will be updated to
include a general information guide for those who do not receive the booklet in the
mail.. If you are located in countries other than the United States and Canada you can
still use the full extent of the Disney's Magical Express service, including the resort
luggage delivery. You will receive all the pertinent information, including transportation
vouchers, upon check-in at the Disney's Magical Express Welcome Center. These
vouchers are used for transportation to the resort and then back to the airport. You can
either collect your luggage at Baggage Claim and it will travel with you on the
motorcoach or you may have Disney's Magical Express collect the luggage and deliver it
to your room. The luggage delivery time may take up to four hours to be delivered to
the resort room.
* Check your specially tagged luggage at your departure airport.
* Upon arrival in Orlando, bypass airport baggage claim and go directly to the Disney
Airport Welcome Center (Level 1, "B" Side).
Effective March 30, 2009, Disney's Magical Express will no
longer offer luggage delivery service for arrivals to the Orlando
International Airport after 10 p.m.
Guests arriving at the airport after 10 p.m. will pick up their luggage at the baggage
claim and take it with them to the Magical Express motor coach to their resort. This will
allow late-arriving guests using Magical Express to have more immediate access to their
luggage. Luggage delivery service will still be provided for Magical Express and Disney
Cruise Line guests traveling to Walt Disney World for a resort stay who arrive on flights
beginning at 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.
* Car seats are not permitted on the motor coaches and must be stowed underneath
the motor coach.
* You will board state-of-the-art motor coaches that will take you to your Disney hotel.
A video is shown during the ride. Your motor coach may make up to FOUR
different stops at various Disney resorts.
* A team of Disney representatives at the airport will pick up your luggage and
transport it to your Disney hotel room.
7
* International Visitors - If the Orlando International Airport is your first point of entry
into the United States, you will follow the U.S. Customs & Border Protection process
and claim your luggage upon disembarking the airplane. Once you have completed this
process you will proceed to the main Terminal building where you will be met by a
Disney Representative. Your luggage will be transferred to the Baggage Claim area,
where Disney will collect it if tagged with Disney's Magical Express luggage tags. If you
have already completed the US Customs & Border Protection process in another US city
or before entering the US, you will proceed directly to the main Terminal building; and
Disney will claim your luggage.
How Disney's Magical Express DEPARTURE service works (from your
Disney hotel):
* You will be notified of your motor coach pick-up time and location the day prior to
checkout.
* Motor coach pickup time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes prior to your flight
departure.
* The motor coach has 4 drop-off locations in all four quadrants of the airport (Gates 129, 30-59, 60-99, and 100-129).
* The service also assists you when it's time to depart. If you are flying one of the
participating airlines, you can avoid airport check-in lines by checking your luggage and
receiving your boarding pass before you leave your Disney hotel as described in the
Resort Airline Check-In Service section below.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Travelers in wheelchairs can be accommodated. You must ask for wheelchair transport
when you make your Magical Express reservation.
Service animals are allowed on the motor coach to and from the airport as long as they
are accompanied by the owner.
You don't have to book Magical Express Round Trip; you can book one way, either to or
from your Disney hotel.
You can not book luggage transfer only. You must be on the motor coach to have your
luggage transported.
Your luggage will not be transferred separately to the airport as it is on the inbound
service from the airport to the resort. However, you may request Bell Services or
Luggage Assistance to help with your luggage.
If you do not have your flight information and wish to make a Magical Express
reservation, you may do so. Don't forget to let them know your flight information once
it is confirmed!
If your flight information changes, call Disney to make sure they have the correct info.
Or you may do it online at www.disneyworld.com/mydisneyvacation
If you miss your flight or it is significantly delayed TO Orlando, call Disney's Magical
Express Guest Services. Disney Representatives will retrieve your luggage and confirm
your arrival before transferring it to your resort.
8
You may be able to use the service upon arrival at the Orlando International Airport if
it's possible to accommodate you. If you decide to do this be sure and PICK UP your
luggage from baggage claim yourself!
Resort Guests should contact Disney's Magical Express Guest Services at (866) 5990951.
Disney Transportation
1Parking at Walt Disney World
2WDW Gas Stations
3Useful Information
4The WDW Monorail System
5Resort Bus Stops
6Disney Bus Transportation
7Disney's Monorail
8Disney Boat Launches
9WDW Transportation - How do I get there FAQs
10Quick Overview of Disney Transport Options
====================
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
Where to stay is a major decision. Walt Disney World has 25 resort hotels
to fit all budgets, and they offer special perks to their guests (like
complimentary Disney Transportation). Staying offsite is likely to cost less,
but then you'll probably want a rental car. The Walt Disney World Swan
and Dolphin as well as many of our Preferred Off-site resorts offer
AllEars.net readers special discounts! Click here to see what's
available now!
There are advantages and disadvantages to both -- only you can decide for
yourself! Here are a few of our pages that might help you with your
decision:
Staying On or Off Disney Property
Resort Fact Sheets and Photo Galleries
Resort Phone Numbers
Are Vacation Homes Right for You?
9
Resort Phone Numbers
Contact (Front Desk)
Phone Number Fax Number (for room requests)
All Star Movies Resort
(407) 939-7000
(407) 939-7111
All Star Music Resort
(407) 939-6000
(407) 939-7222
All Star Sports Resort
(407) 939-5000
(407) 939-7333
Beach Club Resort
(407) 934-8000
(407) 934-3850
Boardwalk Inn Resort
(407) 939-5100
(407) 939-5150
Boardwalk Villas Resort
(407) 939-6200
(407) 939-5150
Caribbean Beach Resort
(407) 934-3400
(407) 934-3288
Contemporary Resort
(407) 824-1000
(407) 824-3539
Coronado Springs Resort
(407) 939-1000
(407) 939-1001
Fort Wilderness Campground
(407) 824-2900
(407) 824-3508
Grand Floridian Beach Resort
(407) 824-3000
(407) 824-3186
Old Key West Resort
(407) 827-7700
(407) 827-7710
Polynesian Beach Resort
(407) 824-2000
(407) 824-3174
Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
(407) 934-5000
(407) 934-5353
Port Orleans Resort Riverside
(407) 934-6000
(407) 934-5777
Villas at the Disney Institute
(407) 827-1100
(407) 934-2741
Wilderness Lodge
(407) 824-3200
(407) 824-3232
Yacht Club Resort
(407) 934-7000
(407) 934-3450
Walt Disney World®
Resort
Value
Enjoy colorful, whimsical places that are big on fun but small on cost.
Value
Enjoy colorful, whimsical places that are big on fun but small on cost.
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
10

Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Area
 Category: Value
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort at Walt Disney World Resort is a 1,920room hotel featuring giant icons that salute classic Disney films.
See Details

Disney's All-Star Music Resort

Location: Disney's
Animal Kingdom Area
 Category: Value
Disney's All-Star Music Resort at Walt Disney World Resort is a
1,604-room hotel—with 214 family suites—that celebrates the love of
music.
See Details
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

Location: Disney's
Animal Kingdom Area
 Category: Value
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort at Walt Disney World Resort is a
1,920-room hotel featuring giant icons that celebrate the fun of sports.
See Details

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Location: ESPN Wide
World of Sports Area
 Category: Value
Now open and welcoming Guests, Disney's Art of Animation Resort at
Walt Disney World Resort invites you to become a part of your favorite
animated films.
See Details
Disney's Pop Century Resort

Location: ESPN Wide
World of Sports Area
 Category: Value
Disney's Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney World Resort is a 2,880room hotel featuring giant icons that salute 20th-century popular
culture.
See Details
11
Walt Disney World®
Resort
Moderate
Escape to enchanting, wonderfully affordable locales.
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness
Resort

Location: Magic
Kingdom Area
 Category: Moderate
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort at Walt Disney World
Resort in Florida offer an American Frontier theme amid the luxuries
of home on 700-plus acres.
See Details
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Location: Epcot Area
 Category: Moderate
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in
Florida is a tropical beachside paradise set upon the 45-acre Barefoot
Bay.
See Details
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Location: Disney's
Animal Kingdom Area
 Category: Moderate
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in
Florida is an American Southwest-themed Resort hotel set on a 22-acre
lake that invokes the spirit and romance of Spanish-colonial Mexico.
See Details
Disney's Port
Orleans Resort French Quarter
12

Location: Downtown Disney Area
 Category: Moderate
Disney's Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter at Walt Disney World
Resort is a hotel inspired by the historic French Quarter in New Orleans.
See Details
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside

Location: Downtown
Disney Area
 Category: Moderate
Disney's Port Orleans Resort — Riverside at Walt Disney World
Resort in Florida is a 2,048-room hotel inspired by rural Louisiana that
flows alongside a picturesque river.
See Details
Walt Disney World® Resort
Deluxe
Experience the ultimate in Disney luxury, style and service.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Location: Disney's
Animal Kingdom Area
 Category: Deluxe
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World Resort in
Florida is an African lodge-style hotel set amidst a 43-acre wildlife
preserve, where more than 30 species of exotic animals roam.
See Details
Disney's Beach Club Resort

Location: Epcot Area
 Category: Deluxe
Disney's Beach Club Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is
a New England-style lakeside hotel with a sand-and-surf motif.
See Details
Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Location: Epcot Area
 Category: Deluxe
13
Disney's BoardWalk Inn at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is an
elegant lakeside hotel fashioned after the seaside buildings of 1940s
Atlantic City.
See Details
Disney's Contemporary Resort

Location: Magic
Kingdom Area
 Category: Deluxe
Disney's Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
is a modern, lakeside hotel located within walking distance of Magic
Kingdom theme park.
See Details
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Location: Magic
Kingdom Area
 Category: Deluxe
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort
in Florida is a Victorian-style hotel that conjures the splendor of the
Sunshine State's golden era.
See Details
Disney's Polynesian Resort

Location: Magic
Kingdom Area
 Category: Deluxe
Disney's Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
celebrates the captivating sights, sounds and culture of the South
Pacific.
See Details
Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Location: Magic
Kingdom Area
 Category: Deluxe
Disney's Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
captures the adventurous and romantic spirit of the grand National
Park Service lodges found in the Great American Northwest.
See Details
14
Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Location: Epcot Area
 Category: Deluxe
Disney's Yacht Club Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
is a Martha's Vineyard-themed hotel on Crescent Lake with
authentic nautical details.
See Details
Walt Disney World®
Resort
Deluxe Villa
Relax in comfortable accommodations with all the conveniences of home.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo
House

Location: Disney's Animal
Kingdom Area
 Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House in Walt Disney World
Resort is an African lodge-style hotel set amidst a 38-acre wildlife
preserve, where more than 30 species of animals roam free.
See Details
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Area
 Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village in Walt Disney World
Resort is an African lodge-style Resort boasting accommodations that
include kitchenettes/kitchens and multi-bedroom units. Featuring over
30 species of wildlife that roam free.
See Details
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary
Resort

Location: Magic Kingdom
Area
 Category: Deluxe Villa
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Florida is a
beautiful complement to the original Resort building. Bay Lake Tower,
near Magic Kingdom theme park, promises to deliver some of the most
dramatic views of Walt Disney World Resort.
See Details
Disney's Beach Club Villas

Location: Epcot Area
15
 Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Beach Club Villas at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida make
up a tranquil complex of elegant mid-Atlantic-style Studios and Villas.
See Details
Disney's BoardWalk Villas

Location: Epcot Area
 Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's BoardWalk Villas at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
feature waterfront cottages fashioned after elegant buildings of 1940s
Atlantic City.
See Details
Disney's Old Key West Resort

Location: Downtown
Disney Area
 Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Old Key West Resort at Walt Disney World Resort is a 761room hotel that conjures up the leisurely romance of the Florida Keys.
See Details
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Location: Downtown
Disney Area
 Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort in
Florida is a lakeside equestrian-themed hotel near the Downtown
Disney Area.
See Details
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Location: Magic Kingdom
Area
 Category: Deluxe Villa
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort in
Florida captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
See Details
=========================
16
WHAT KIND OF TICKETS DO I PURCHASE?
Disney offers a wide range of ticket options for you to choose from -one-day/one-park admissions ticket to an Premium Annual Pass that will get
you into all the theme parks, water parks and Pleasure Island. The ticket
structure "rewards" longer stays with a greatly reduced prices for 7+ day
tickets. Read through the Ticket FAQ and decide which is best for you.
If you think you may return to Disney in a year, consider an Annual
Passport. By purchasing the annual pass, you can return to Disney World
next year (a few weeks earlier than this year) and not have to pay for
admission tickets again. Take a look at our analysis of when it makes
more sense to buy an Annual Pass over other types of tickets.
Sometimes discounted hotel rates are also offered to Annual
Passholders and Florida Residents.
Ticket Information

Ticket FAQ
Ticket Prices
Magic Your Way Base Ticket
One Park Per Day (No Hopping - No Plus Options)
Expires 14 Days From First Use
Note: You cannot use a second day's admission to visit a second park on the same day you visited another park.
Ticket:
1 Day MYW
Base
2 Day MYW
Base
3 Day MYW
Base
4 Day MYW
Base
5 Day MYW
Base
6 Day MYW
Base
7 Day MYW
Base
Guest
Guest 3-9
including
Guest
10+
Guest 39
tax
Military
Military
$ 94.79
$ 88.40
$ 92.00
$ 86.00
$ 187.44
$ 174.66
$
$
$
181.00
169.00
190.03
$ 257.73
$ 240.69
$ 272.64
$ 254.54
$ 285.42
$ 266.25
$ 296.07
$ 276.90
$ 306.72
$ 287.55
Guest 10+
including tax
10+
Maple
Guest 3-9
Maple Leaf
Leaf
$
$
$
236.00
221.00
253.44
$
$
$
250.00
233.00
267.30
$
$
$
262.00
244.00
277.20
$
$
$
271.00
254.00
288.09
$
$
$
281.00
264.00
297.99
$ 177.16
$ 236.61
$ 248.49
$ 258.39
$ 269.28
$ 280.17
17
8 Day MYW
Base
9 Day MYW
Base
10 Day MYW
Base
$ 317.37
$ 298.20
$ 328.02
$ 308.85
$ 338.67
$ 319.50
$
$
291.00
291.00
$
$
301.00
283.00
$
$
$
311.00
293.00
325.71
$ 307.89
Magic Your Way Park Hopping Ticket
No Plus Options
Expires 14 Days From First Use
Ticket:
Guest 10+ Guest 3-9
including
including
Guest
10+
Guest 39
Guest
10+
Maple
Leaf
Guest 3-9
Maple Leaf
tax
tax
Military
Military
1 Day MYW
PH
$ 132.06
$ 125.67
$ 127.00
$
121.00
2 Day MYW
PH
$ 248.15
$ 235.37
$ 238.00
$
226.00
$
273.81
$ 261.16
3 Day MYW
PH
$ 318.44
$ 301.40
$ 293.00
$
278.00
$
309.87
$ 293.04
4 Day MYW
PH
$ 333.35
$ 315.24
$ 307.00
$
290.00
$
323.73
$ 305.91
5 Day MYW
PH
$ 346.13
$ 326.96
$ 319.00
$
301.00
$
335.61
$ 316.80
6 Day MYW
PH
$ 356.78
$ 337.61
$ 328.00
$
311.00
$
344.52
$ 325.71
7 Day MYW
PH
$ 367.43
$ 348.26
$ 338.00
$
321.00
$
353.43
$ 335.61
8 Day MYW
PH
$ 378.08
$ 358.91
$ 348.00
$
330.00
9 Day MYW
PH
$ 388.73
$ 369.56
$ 358.00
$
340.00
10 Day MYW
PH
$ 399.38
$ 380.21
$ 368.00
$
350.00
$
380.16
$ 362.34
Magic Your Way Water Park Fun & More
One Park Per Day - No Park Hopping
18
Expires 14 Days From First Use
Ticket:
Guest 10+
including tax
Guest 3-9
including tax
Guest 10+
Military
Guest 3-9
Military
Guest 10+
Maple Leaf
Guest 3-9
Maple Leaf
1 Day MYW
Plus 2 options
$ 155.49
$ 149.10
$ 149.00
$ 143.00
2 Day MYW
Plus 2 options
$ 248.15
$ 235.37
$ 238.00
$ 226.00
3 Day MYW
Plus 3 options
$ 318.44
$ 301.40
$ 293.00
$ 278.00
$ 308.88
$ 294.03
4 Day MYW
Plus 4 options
$ 333.35
$ 315.24
$ 307.00
$ 290.00
$ 323.73
$ 305.91
5 Day MYW
Plus 5 options
$ 346.13
$ 326.96
$ 319.00
$ 301.00
$ 334.62
$ 315.81
6 Day MYW
Plus 6 options
$ 356.78
$ 337.61
$ 328.00
$ 311.00
$ 343.53
$ 324.72
7 Day MYW
Plus 7 options
$ 367.43
$ 348.26
$ 338.00
$ 321.00
$ 353.43
$ 334.62
8 Day MYW
Plus 8 options
$ 378.08
$ 358.91
$ 348.00
$ 330.00
9 Day MYW
Plus 9 options
$ 388.73
$ 369.56
$ 358.00
$ 340.00
$ 399.38
$ 380.21
$ 368.00
$ 350.00
$ 380.16
$ 362.34
10 Day MYW
Plus 10
options
Ticket Tag Finger
Scans For Passes
Finger scans. Just the mere
mention of it suggests
something out of a Star Trek
movie. But finger scans at Walt
Disney World are not evil. In
fact, they are a necessity if you
purchase any current WDW
admission media. Hopefully this
will take some of the fear of the
19
unknown out of doing a finger scan for your park admission.
In early 1996, Disney began a new system to identify users of annual and seasonal passes.
Abandoned was the barcoded laminated photo ID pass in favor of a new mylar paper one.
This new pass had no photo and only contained minimal visual evidence of ownership - your
name and the expiration date of the pass. What was new was the magnetic strip on the
back.
This magnetic strip stored all of your pass information that the previous photo one had plus
it would reference one new piece of information: your biometric finger scan or as Disney
now calls it, your ticket tag.
Disney expanded the use of the ticket tag system in 2005 with the introduction of Magic
Your Way tickets and then expanded it to include all tickets no matter when purchased.
Why does Disney need my fingerprints?
The original admission system has nothing to do with your fingerprints. It scans your index
and middle fingers (on two finger scanners) and uses a geometric formula to come up with
a number that will identify your fingers. The calculated number is apparently something that
is not totally unique, but is statistically significant in identifying you. The single finger
scanners scan one fingertip for its fingerprint information.
How long will Disney keep this information?
The data on the scans is kept independent of all of any other system and will be purged 30
days after the ticket expires or when the computer determines that it is fully used up.
=========================
Digital Journey - My Take ( Howie DiBlasi)
Annual Passes
Disney World Annual
Pass Benefits
Here are some of the most popular
benefits of being a Disney World Annual Passholder:

Entry to all 4 Disney World Theme Parks for one year.

Park Hopping Privileges (allowed to visit multiple parks per day)

Free Parking at all 4 Disney World Theme Parks.

15% Discount on most Disney World Tours

Dining Discounts at select Disney World Restaurants

Merchandise Discounts of 10% or higher at many Disney World shops.
20

Recreation discounts.

Occasional Resort discounts (usually about 5% better than what is offered to
general public, but limited quantities)

Subscription to Mickey Monitor (Annual Passholder Magazine published 4 times
a year.)

Occasional Disney Annual Passholder Special Events.
Look At The Costs Involved
There are a number of benefits for Disney World Annual Passholders,
but before we focus on those, it has to make financial sense to purchase
an Disney World Annual Pass instead of the Magic Your Way (MYW)
Tickets. Justify your purchase based on the costs involved and then the
additional benefits for being an Annual Passholder will be just
that: Additional Benefits.
If you go 2 times a year and buy a 6 day pass the cost would be :
$357.00 times 2 = $714.00
The annual pass is
6 Day MagicYour Way-ParkHopper $ 356.78
2012 Disney World Magic Your Way Ticket Prices
Magic Your Way Park Hopping Ticket
No Plus Options
Expires 14 Days From First Use
Ticket:
1 Day MYW
PH
2 Day MYW
PH
3 Day MYW
PH
4 Day MYW
PH
5 Day MYW
PH
Guest 10+
including tax
$ 132.06
$ 248.15
$ 318.44
$ 333.35
$ 346.13
21
6 Day
MYW
PH
$ 356.78
7 Day MYW
PH
$ 367.43
8 Day MYW
PH
$ 378.08
9 Day MYW
PH
$ 388.73
10 Day MYW
PH
$ 399.38
The "normal" Disney World Park Tickets are called Magic Your Way Tickets due to the fact that they are flexible in
terms of how many days worth of park admission you would like to purchase. This flexibility allows you to match the
ticket duration to that of your specific vacation. While you don't have to purchase days that you don't need, you will
quickly see from the table posted above the pricing structure greatly favors tickets that include 4 or more days.
These tickets will allow you to visit one Disney World Theme Park (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood
Studios, or Disney's Animal Kingdom) each day with re-entry privileges for that day. The ticket expires14 days
after initial use.
Break Even Point
The Break Even Point when considering
whether or not to purchase the Annual
Pass is 2 week long trips to Disney
World. At this point the costs are nearly
identical and you receive the added
benefits of the Annual Pass.
The downside is if you cancel your 2nd trip and do not return
to Disney World within that one year time frame then you spent double
the amount on tickets, and nobody wants to do that.
Even with the discounted Disney Vacation
Club Rate, you still need to have a minimum
of 2 trips planned during the year to get past
the break even point.
Better Than Break Even
In order to make the upfront expense of
purchasing Disney World Annual
Passes worthwhile you should plan out your next
22
year of Disney World Vacations.
If you have the flexibility to plan your vacations for slightly different times each year, you
can achieve the greatest benefit from the pass.
For example: If your family likes to take its big annual vacation in June each year
schedule the first year's trip one week later than you normally would travel (perhaps
June 18-25 for 2011) and then the following year plan your trip for June 10 - 17. This
would allow both June trips to occur on the same Annual Pass. If you decide later that
you would like to visit the Food & Wine Festival for a long weekend or spend a quick
few days to see the Christmas decorations at Disney World, you can do so rather
inexpensively because your Disney World Park Tickets are already paid for.
After your Annual Pass expires you can wait until the following June and start the cycle
again. This keeps your total ticket expenditure approximately the same as a once a
year visit cost, but gives you the flexibility to attend at other times of the year if you are
so inclined. From personal experience this has been the biggest benefit of being
a Disney World Annual Passholder. Purchasing park tickets for a long weekend
costs almost as much an entire week, so you are discouraged to do so, but if you have
an Annual Pass then you have the freedom to make that extra short trip to visit one of
those Disney World Special Events.
Disney World Annual Passholder Decision Points
Here is the summary of points to consider whether being a Disney World Annual Passholder is the right decision for
you:
Planning at least 2 trips within a one year period to Disney
World with confidence that you will not cancel or delay the 2nd trip.


Would like to take an "extra" trip (or trips) during the year to check
out Disney World Special Events (Food & Wine Festival, Disney
Marathon Weekend, Halloween, Christmas Decorations, ESPN The
Weekend, Flower & Garden Festival, Star Wars Weekends, etc.)


Use the Park Hopping Option as part of normal Disney World
Vacation.


Free Parking would be an added benefit (Note: Free Parking is also
granted to all Disney World Resort Guests - after they check in.)
Planning is the key.


If you normally visit at least once per year and can do the planning
trick to take a 2nd vacation just before the one year expiration date,
23
then anything extra is a bonus and you should definitely consider
becoming a Disney World Annual Passholder.


If you do not have that flexibility in your scheduling you may be better
off, not paying the extra money upfront in case plans do not work
out. This is not a small amount of money, so take the time to think
out your decision before you act.
===================
RENT A CAR OR NOT?
Driving has some drawbacks, but then again so does waiting for Disney
transportation. Then again, relying on Disney means you don't have to shell
out for parking or rentals. You can read more pros and cons and other
advice here:
Using WDW Transportation or Renting a Car?
Renting a Car - Things to Consider
Ground Transportation
Directions
http://wdisneysecrets.com/index.php/disney-trip-planning.html
AllEars®
NEWSLETTER





Behind The Ears
Archives
FAQ
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Subscribe to
AllEars®
 Newsletter Home
>>> First-Timer Primer
by Gretchen Foster, ALL EARS® Guest Columnist
So you've finally succumbed to the kids' pleading. Or maybe those
beautiful, happy TV commercials got to you. You've decided to go to
Walt Disney World! You go to the Disney World website and realize
24
they are speaking a whole new language. What is park-hopping? Why
would anybody want to hop through a park anyway? A hidden
Mickey? Why would they hide Mickey Mouse? Isn't he just out in the
open? Then you try talking to a co-worker who has been to Disney
World before, to see if maybe you can get some answers to these
questions. But before you can say more than, "We've decided to go
to Disney World " she starts talking at a high rate of speed about
"ADRs" and "extra magic hours" -- she seems to speak that strange
language, too! But she manages to tell you to check out Allears.net,
which you do -- and you find more information than you thought
possible about Disney World. You call the reservations number and
they start asking you about when you want to go and where you
want to stay and do you want park-hopper tickets -- there's that
strange language again! Isn't there any way to find some simple
answers about this popular amusement park?
First of all, don't ever, EVER call Disney World an amusement park!
Lesson 1: It is a theme park. But it is also much, much more.
=========================
WHAT IS THIS PLACE?
=========================
Walt Disney World (or WDW, just one of the many acronyms you're
going to encounter as you learn this new language) sits on 27,000
Florida acres (or about 43 square miles), and encompasses four
separate theme parks, two water parks, shopping and entertainment
areas, more than 20 resort hotels, golf courses, a sports complex and
a whole host of other recreational activities. That's really an
extension of Lesson 1: This place is huge!
Most people who are unfamiliar with WDW think of it as being very
much like the original Disneyland Park in California -- the one with
the castle we saw every Sunday night on the "Wonderful World of
Disney" when we were kids. The first of the four WDW theme parks,
the Magic Kingdom (MK) is SIMILAR to Disneyland, but it is bigger,
and it's not all there is to WDW. MK is separated into sections called
"lands,"each with a different "theme" (get used to hearing that term,
as almost everything around WDW is built with its own special
theme, or motif). There are Frontierland, Fantasyland,
Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, Main Street USA and
Mickey's Toontown Fair -- you can pretty much guess the theme of
each land from its name. Each land has a variety of themed
"attractions," many of which are based on Disney movies. Although
MK is the park usually thought of as being for "the kids," it is by no
25
means a "kiddie" park. There is plenty for the adults to do, and it is,
in fact, the favorite park of many grown-ups.
But wait... "What's an attraction?" you're asking. Attractions are the
rides or shows -- the roller coasters, the carousel, the slow "dark"
rides, like Pirates of the Caribbean, or Peter Pan's Flight. An
attraction can also be a short movie, a live show, or a 3-D show.
There are also a few attractions that are not rides or shows, like the
Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, which is a walk-through. Disney
has a huge variety of attractions, so whether you are a thrill-ride
lover or get motion sick on a porch swing, there is plenty to do for
everyone.
The second park is Epcot (which used to be an acronym for
Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, but now it is just
used as a name). This park has two sections (or "worlds") -- Future
World and World Showcase. Future World is mostly about science
and technology, while World Showcase is a small-scale walk around
the globe. It consists of pavilions arranged around a lagoon, with
attractions, restaurants, and shops from 11 different countries. I
know, I know -- it sounds stuffy and "educational," and a lot of
people will tell you that kids will be bored here -- they are wrong.
There is plenty of fun to be had. This has actually been my
daughter's favorite park from the time she was 5.
The Disney-MGM Studios (or the Studios, which many people
erroneously call "MGM") is the third park and, as you might assume
from the name, it is themed around movies. Again, some people
think there is not much in this park for kids, but that is not true
either. I actually think this park has the best balance of attractions
aimed at people of all ages.
The fourth park is Disney's Animal Kingdom (AK). Although this park
is themed around animals and, in fact, has many live animals, it is
NOT a zoo. Attractions in this park are either rides, shows or live
animal exhibits. Kilimanjaro Safaris is actually a ride through an
animal habitat. Warning: AK covers a lot of ground and seems to end
up being the hottest of the four parks, so try to go early in the
morning.
In addition to the attractions, each park has ongoing entertainment
throughout the day, usually including a parade in the afternoon and
fireworks of some kind at night (except for the Animal Kingdom).
When you enter each park, be sure to pick up a park map and
entertainment schedule for the day.
26
Meeting the Disney characters is also a fun thing to do in the parks.
You may see them at any time in any of the parks, but there are also
designated places and times to meet them -- meet-and-greet spots.
There are two kinds of characters: "face" characters, who do not
wear masks over their faces and will talk to you, and costumed
characters, like Mickey Mouse and Winnie-the-Pooh, who are
completely dressed up and do not talk. Many people like to pick up
an autograph book and pen and get the characters to sign the
autograph book, and then have their picture taken with the
characters. Adults are welcome to do this as well as the kids.
The parks generally have varying operating hours, depending on how
busy they are -- they're usually open longer during "peak
seasons,"which would be the summer months, and around the
holidays. Your hotel staff will be able to tell you the operating hours
for the time you are there, but you can also find the hours out in
advance by checking the official WDW website. Also, Disney hotel
rooms have a special WDW information channel on the TVs that tell
you times, events and other information about the parks.
Oh, and here's another term you should know relating to park hours:
"Extra Magic Hours" (EMH). EMH refers to a benefit for guests
staying at a Disney resort -- on certain days the parks will open an
hour early or stay open three hours later at night just for Disney
resort guests.
=========================
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO?
=========================
There is obviously a lot more to do than just ride rides and watch
shows. For example, there are two water parks (parks with pools and
water rides and all kinds of other swimming and get-wet stuff to do)
on Disney property: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. They both
have the same type of activities -- the big difference between the
two is "theming." Typhoon Lagoon has a tropical theme, while
Blizzard Beach has a "ski resort melting in the Florida sun" theme.
There are also miniature golf courses and award-winning regulation
golf courses; the Wide World of Sports complex, which hosts sports
events ranging from the Atlanta Braves spring training to amateur
soccer tournaments; the Richard Petty Driving Experience that allows
you to drive a real race car; DisneyQuest, a five-story super hightech arcade; and Pleasure Island, a nightclub district located at
Downtown Disney, which is itself a shopping and dining area. These
things are just for starters -- there are so many other activities
available, we can't fit them into an article called a "primer."
27
Many of these activities require separate admission. Which is a good
way to introduce another important thing you'll need to know about:
Tickets!
==============
Parking at the Walt Disney World Resort
You've driven your own vehicle to Walt Disney World, or maybe you've rented a
car. Eventually, you're going to have to park it someplace, right? Here are some
guidelines for parking your vehicle at the World:
WHICH GUESTS MAY PARK FREE OF CHARGE?
If you are staying at a Disney resort, at check-in, you'll be given a
parking pass to put on your dashboard. This pass identifies you as a
Disney resort guest, and helps you gain easier access to other Disney
resorts as well as granting you free parking at the four major theme
parks. Though not Disney-owned, guests of the Swan and Dolphin hotels
also park without charge at the theme parks. Swan and Dolphin guests
will not receive a parking pass. Instead, showing a room key to the Cast
Member at the parking tollbooths will allow free parking.
Annual Passholders may also park at the theme parks during regular
park hours free of charge.
Members of the Tables in Wonderland (formerly Disney Dining
Experience) program may park free of charge at the theme parks after
5:00 pm by showing their membership card at the tollbooths. TIW guests
must pay to park when entering before 5:00 pm. After dining, guests
must take the parking receipt and dining receipt to Guest Relations for a
refund of the parking fee.
WHICH GUESTS MUST PAY TO PARK?
Non-Disney resort guests, or those staying off Disney property (with the
exception of the above-mentioned passholders and program members)
will be charged to park a vehicle at the four major theme parks. Guests
need only pay for parking once per day and can move from park to park
that day without paying again. Show the parking receipt received at the
first park to the Cast Member at the next park's tollbooths to enter the
parking lot without paying an additional charge.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARK AT THE DISNEY
THEME PARKS?
The daily parking charges for various vehicles are:

Car/Taxi/Shuttle/Limo/Motorcycle $14
28

Camper/Trailer $15

Bus/Tractor Trailer $18
WHAT ABOUT PARKING AT OTHER DISNEY
VENUES?
Parking at Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Winter-Summerland MiniGolf, Fantasia Gardens Mini-Golf, Fort Wilderness, Wide World of Sports
and self-parking at Downtown Disney is free to all guests, including
those staying off property.
Self-parking for use of the entertainment and dining facilities at the
Boardwalk's entertainment area is also free. Please note during peak
periods parking may be reserved for Boardwalk Resort guests only!
Self parking at the Disney resorts is free to all guests; however some
resorts have parking restrictions. The Contemporary, the Polynesian and
the Beach Club give guests not staying at those resorts a 3-hour parking
pass to allow shopping or dining at these resorts. Parking at any of the
resorts to gain access to the theme parks is not allowed. Disney resorts
may ask for a photo ID before allowing entry. Some Disney resorts may
also ask for an Advance Dining Reservation number from guests who are
dining at the resort before allowing access to the resort parking lot.
Shades of Green charges $5 to park at the resort.
The Swan and Dolphin self parking rate is $15 per day (plus tax) and
Valet is $20 per day (plus tax).
WHAT ABOUT VALET PARKING AT THE RESORTS?
Valet parking is available at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian,
Contemporary, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Wilderness Lodge
and Animal Kingdom Lodge resorts. The charge is $12 per day plus tip.
Guests need only pay for valet parking once per day at Disney resorts-show the day's valet receipt at the next resort to avoid being charged
again.
Tables in Wonderland Members may valet park free of charge when
dining at any Disney resort offering this service. Let the valet know you
are parking with Tables in Wonderland. Upon return, show your card
AND the receipt from the restaurant where you used the Tables in
Wonderland card.
Valet parking is free of charge to all vehicles displaying a disabilties tag
at Disney facilities offering valet service.
29
Valet parking at the Swan and Dolphin hotels is as follows:
Overnight Valet -- $16 + tax
Day Valet -- $12 + tax each exit
NOTE: Valet parking at the Swan and Dolphin is not reciprocal with the
Disney-owned resorts. Disney resorts' valet receipts will not be honored
by the Swan and Dolphin or vice versa.
Whether you pay for valet parking or receive it free as a perk, remember
to tip your valet for taking or retrieving your vehicle.
For more information about valet parking at Walt Disney World, please
visit AllEars.Net's Valet Parking page.
WHERE SHOULD GUESTS WITH DISABILITIES PARK?
Each of the four major theme parks, the water parks, resorts and all
other Disney venues has special parking areas assigned for guests with
disabilities. At the theme parks, ask for directions to those areas at the
tollbooths or ask the Cast Member directing parking in the lots. There is
usually a blue stripe painted on the pavement which disabled guests can
follow to the Disabled Parking Area. All other venues, resorts and
restaurants have parking for disabled guests clearly marked with signs
and symbols painted on the pavement.
WHAT'S THAT AAA PARKING CARD I HEARD
ABOUT?
Guests who purchase certain vacation packages through the American
Automobile Association are given a special "Diamond" parking card.
Showing this card at the tollbooths and to the Cast Members stationed in
the lots directing parking traffic will allow AAA package guests access to
special AAA parking areas if capacity allows. Each park's AAA areas are
handled differently, so guests will be directed to park according to that
park's policy.
=================
Disney's Behind The Scenes Tours
Tours Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
30
Wild Africa Trek



Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 3 hours
Price: Includes tour and photo CD. Call for pricing.
Embark on a thrilling, privately guided expedition into the authentic world of African
wildlife. Attach to an overhead harness system for an up-close encounter with Nile
hippos and crocodiles. Venture on to a VIP safari across an open savanna teeming with
exotic creatures!
See Details
Backstage Safari



Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $72.00 per person (ages 16 and up)
The Backstage Safari tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park provides a 3-hour
insider's look at the innovative ways that the Park cares for its animal inhabitants.
See Details
VIP Tour Guide Services
31



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park, Epcot Theme Park, Disney's Hollywood
Studios Theme Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, ESPN Wide World
of Sports, Downtown Disney
Duration: More than 6 hours
Price: $175.00-$315.00 per hour. Theme Park admission is required and is not
included.
VIP Tour Services offers personalized tours for Guests looking for the perfect Walt
Disney World Resort vacation. Our team of vacation planning professionals customizes
your vacation so you can spend your time playing, not planning.
See Details
Wild By Design



Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $60.00 per person (ages 14 and up)
The 3-hour Wild By Design Tour tells the story of how the creative wizards at Walt
Disney Imagineering meticulously transformed Florida wetlands into the exotic and
untamed landscapes of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.
See Details
Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Backstage Magic



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park, Epcot Theme Park, Disney's Hollywood
Studios Theme Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 6-8 hours
Price: $229.00 per person (ages 16 and up)
32
The Backstage Magic tour is a 7-hour adventure that provides a peek behind the magic
at Epcot theme park, Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park and Magic Kingdom
theme park—including access to the legendary underground Utilidors.
See Details
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique



Location: Downtown Disney, Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes
Price: Ranging from $49.95 to $189.95 per person
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a beauty salon where young Guests are magically
transformed into little princesses and knights with locations at the World of Disney Store
in the Downtown Disney area and inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom theme
park.
See Details
Disney's Family Magic Tour



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Price: $34.00 per person (all ages)
Disney's Family Magic Tour invites Guests to join their family and friends on a 2-hour
guided interactive quest to save Magic Kingdom theme park from the dastardly plans of
a Disney Villain.
See Details
33
Harmony Barbershop



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: Less than 30 minutes
Price:
Step back to simpler, turn-of-the-century days inside the Harmony Barber Shop. For
those in search of a spiffy haircut in a comforting old-fashioned chair, this is the
destination for you. There is even a special first haircut package for your child.
Located in the Magic Kingdom theme park on Main Street, U.S.A. To make an
appointment, please call (407) WDISNEY or (407) 934-7639.
Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: More than 3 hours
Price: $74.00 per person (ages 16 and up)
Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney
World Resort and provides backstage access to secret areas of Magic Kingdom theme
park.
See Details
Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
34



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Price: $30.00 per person (ages 12 and up)
During this guided walking tour, learn about the life of Walt Disney as you stroll through
Magic Kingdom Park. Discover the inspiration behind the innovative amusements seen
throughout Walt Disney World Resort.
See Details
Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage



Location: Disney's Contemporary Resort
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Price: $53.99 Guests 10+ / $30.99 Guests 3-9
Sail the Seven Seas Lagoon on a voyage that comes alive with boisterous song,
swashbuckling tales of adventure, daring Never Land pirates and dazzling fireworks off
the starboard bow!
See Details
The Pirates League



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 30 to 60 minutes
Price: $29.95 per person (all ages)
Captain Jack Sparrow is searching high and low for landlubbers to join his crew. At the
Pirates League, Guests of all ages become buccaneers, with new names and looks.
After a lesson in swashbuckling, everyone falls in for the Parade of Pirates. Join the
crew—it's a pirate's life for you!
See Details
35
Disney's The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $49.00 per person (ages 10 and up)
The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains tour grants railroad enthusiasts a once-in-alifetime chance to watch as the Magic Kingdom theme park train crew prepares the Walt
Disney World Railroad steam trains for their daily operation.
See Details
Holiday D-Lights



Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park, Epcot Theme Park, Disney's Hollywood
Studios Theme Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 4.5-5 hours
Price: $199.00 per person (ages 16 and up)
Discover what makes the Walt Disney World Resort a favorite place for families to
celebrate the holidays. Attend Candlelight Processional, see the Osborne Family
Spectacle of Dancing Lights and get a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes
together.
See Details
36
Yuletide Fantasy


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Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park, Epcot Theme Park, Disney's Hollywood
Studios Theme Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Price: $84.00 per person (ages 16 and up)
Find out how the Walt Disney World Resort is transformed into a winter wonderland
each year and go "backstage" for an exclusive look at the artistry and planning required
to decorate all our Theme Parks and Resort Hotels.
See Details
Epcot Theme Park
Around the World at Epcot
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Location: Epcot Theme Park
Duration: 2 hours
Price: $99.00 per person (ages 16 and up)
The Around the World at Epcot tour gives Guests the unique opportunity to see the
wonders of the World Showcase area of Epcot theme park while riding aboard an
advanced Segway Personal Transporter. This outdoor tour includes training and safety
equipment.
See Details
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Gardens of the World
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Location: Walt Disney World Resort
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Price: $60.00 per person (ages 16 and older)
Dates:
Select days during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Gardeners and nature lovers alike will be fascinated by this up-close look at the
imagination, planning and attention to detail that goes on behind the scenes to create
the incredible landscaping found throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
See Details
Behind the Seeds at Epcot
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Location: Epcot Theme Park
Duration: 1 hour
Price: $18.00 per adult (ages 10 and up) $14.00 per child (ages 3-9 yrs)
The Behind the Seeds at Epcot tour offers a one-hour indoor walking tour of the
greenhouses seen during the Living with the Land attraction at Epcot theme park.
See Details
Dolphins in Depth
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Location: Epcot Theme Park
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $194.00 per person (ages 13 and up)
Dolphins in Depth is a 3-hour tour at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion inside
Epcot theme park where Guests can learn about, and get up close with, Disney's
dolphins.
See Details
Epcot DiveQuest
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Location: Epcot Theme Park
Duration: 3 hours
Price: $175.00 per person (ages 10 and up)
Epcot DiveQuest is a unique scuba diving experience inside the 5.7-million-gallon
saltwater tank at The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion in Epcot theme park. Scubacertified Guests can swim with over 6,000 sea creatures representing over 60 species.
See Details
Seas Aqua Tour
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Location: Epcot Theme Park
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Price: $140.00 per person (ages 8 and up)
The Seas Aqua Tour allows Guests to swim on the surface of the 5.7-million-gallon
saltwater tank inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion at Epcot theme park.
Guests use a supplied-air snorkel system and do not need to be scuba certified.
See Details
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The UnDISCOVERed Future World
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Location: Epcot Theme Park
Duration: More than 3 hours
Price: $55.00 per person (ages 16 and up)
The UnDISCOVERed Future World tour shows how Walt Disney's desire to improve the
world for the future led to the development of Epcot theme park.
See Details
=======================
Walt Disney World Best Kept Secrets
http://www.wdwinfo.com/best-kept-secrets_mk.htm
The following list was gathered from the "Your BEST WDW theme park secret!" thread at
DISboards.com.
A special thanks to Deb (AKA Dcanoli) for compiling and providing this list.
MAGIC KINGDOM
General Info—(1) Walt designed the parks so when you pass from land to land, you don't see
the others. If you where in Liberty Square, you can't see Fantasyland, trees, buildings, and
distractions like the water wheel. The noise keeps you from looking to your left and seeing the
other lands (even the pavement changes to match the new [mood] land). (2) Small pipes shoot
the trash through the utilidors under the Magic Kingdom at 60 mph. (3) If there are 2 lines and
you can't see the loading area from where you are, take the line to the left. (4) In the MK, you
will rarely see a Frontierland CM walking around in Tomorrowland. Most CMs arrive to work
in their own clothes and then check in at costuming to pick up their costume. When going on
breaks etc., they use the tunnel system under the MK (ground level, as you most know) to travel
between lands, as not to ruin the effect of each land. (5) Ever notice there isn't a lot of gum stuck
on rides, trees, waiting areas in WDW? That's because they don't sell it, just for this reason. (6)
There are more than 20,000 different colors of paint used in Walt Disney World. (7) If you were
to wash and dry one load of laundry every day for the next 44 years, you'd clean about as much
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as the Cast Members at the Walt Disney World Laundry do in a single DAY! (8) The Walt
Disney and Mickey Mouse statue in MK, did everyone see what is on Walt's right finger ring?
(9) I remember reading that the walkway in MK is red because Walt wanted to lay out the "red
carpet" for all guests. (10) This goes along with the characters. They watch the color of the
cement behind the scenes. When it changes color, they know that they have to be in character
before they enter the parks. The same goes with leaving. As long as they are on that color, they
must be in character even if it is behind the gates. That is, in case the gates are not closed and a
child or anyone can look and see them. So, they are not allowed to take the costume off be out
of character. They don't want anyone to see Mickey without his head. (11) On the Keys to the
Kingdom tour they mention that in WDW no trash can will ever be more than 30 steps away
from you. It seems that Walt went to other parks when he was designing the park and counted
how long a person would hold onto a piece of trash before dropping it on the ground. He came
up with 30 steps.
Celebrity Voices--Many celebrity voices—(1) Tim Curry as S.I.R. in Alien Encounter to Pee
Wee Herman in Star Tours.(2) And, while he's not widely known for much more than being the
voice of Tony the Tiger, check out the official Disney section of this Thurl Ravenscroft fan site
to get in on all of the voices that you know and love on Disney attractions that Thurl provided
like the drunken pirate, the singing dog, and one of the minstrels in Pirates; Fritz in the Tiki
Birds; Buff the buffalo head in Country Bear Jamboree; and you can hear -- and SEE -- Thurl as
busted bust singing Grim Grinning Ghosts in The Haunted Mansion.
Parking Lot—(1) The MK Parking Lot only 6 of the 7 dwarfs have a lot named after them!
There is Sleepy, Dopey, Happy, Grumpy, Bashful, and Sneezy. No Doc! Why no Doc?
Because while naming the sections in the world's 3rd largest parking lot, the designers were
afraid people might get the Boat Dock and the Parking Lot "Doc" confused. (2) You could fit all
of DisneyLand into the MK Parking Lot and still have room to park 500 cars!
Phones--One in Tomorrowland under the TTA and Astro Orbiter. There's also one in one of the
shops on Main Street (candy store?). I believe there may be one in the Main Street Railroad
Station??? Pick them up and listen to the interesting conversations.
Afternoon Parade—(1) Find a place in Frontierland to watch the afternoon parade. Choose a
late lunch. Once you have a parade spot and have planted yourself there, send one person for
food either at the burger place or back around by Pirates at the taco stand. (They branch out
from the same center kitchen). Then eat while you are waiting. Don't spend 35 minutes eating
lunch (or longer at peak time) then another 45 waiting for the parade--combine!!! (2) If you are
near the beginning of the parade, once it is done, go the wrong way in traffic (it will be a
challenge!!!) and head back into Pirates, Tree House, Magic carpets, Jungle Cruise. They will be
deserted.
Aladdin--The Golden Camel in front of the Aladdin ride (Adventureland MK) is controlled by
someone hidden nearby and shoots unwary guests as they walk by. I stood there taking video
from a distance and laughed my head off. Whoever was controlling it was able to nail a few
people in the back of the head!
Astro Orbiter—Hidden Mickey-- near one of the stability pillars in front of Astro Orbiter on the
side facing Space Mountain. It is definitely an imprint of a classic Mickey in the cement.
Big Thunder Mtn.—(1) Walk to the exit from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Behind the
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fence (on the left side as you exit the ride), between two metal carts and behind a cactus is a
cutout in the reddish rock that resembles a side profile of Tinker Bell. (2) Three rusty gears
lying on the grass as you reenter the station. (3) In queue area for Big Thunder, look for crate
that says, "Lytum & Hyde Explosives Company."
Buzz Lightyear—(1) A CM at the end of the Buzz Lightyear ride (just before the gift shop area)
may choose you to find a hidden Disney Character somewhere in the area from the entrance of
the shop forward. The character I found was Stitch (from Lilo and Stitch) but I'm not going to
say where...find this one ahead of time, just in case you're picked, because you get a free copy of
your picture and a free souvenir if you can point it out in under five minutes! (2) The big points
in Buzz are found leaving the first room. Turn around and shoot the back of the Orange robots
arm or the back of the buzz saw. 100,000 points. The car turns automatically away form these
so turn back score big! (3) In the very last Buzz Lightyear room where you are still able to
shoot, look forward at the top left corner, there's a planet with Mickey on it. This same planet is
also on the map of planets in the waiting area just as you enter. The planet is blue, if that helps
you any.
Carousel of Progress—(1) There is a Picture of Walt Disney hidden in the CoP. It is in the
daughter's room in the 1940s on the wall you are facing as you sit in front of the stage wall in the
upper left corner (2) You should be able to spot four Hidden Mickeys in the final scene. Mickey
appears as a nutcracker on the fireplace mantle, a plush peeking out from a present, a white
peppermill on the kitchen counter, and an abstract painting on the dining room wall. (3) The
voice of the grandfather in the final scene is the voice of the man who was the main character
voice in the original 1964 Worlds Fair version. Mel Blanc is the voice of Cousin Orville. Mel's
son, Noel, is the voice of some of the characters on the radio in the earlier scenes. The current
voice of the main character you may recognize as the voice of the narrator from "A Christmas
Story". "Can't get no privacy” line sounds faintly like Yosemite Sam. (4) The dog holding the
keys in Pirates of the Caribbean and the dog in Carousel of Progress are both Walt Disney's dog,
or so I've heard.
Castle—(1) Sit in the outer edge of the Plaza restaurant...basically look at the castle, find the
wire that goes from the castle down to the restaurant rooftop on the right, and go get a seat under
it. TinkerBell will fly down that wire and right over the top of your heads! (2) I haven't seen
this one posted, but it was fun for my kids to discover the little mice up in the rafters of the lobby
of the castle. Gus and Jacques in the throne room at Cinderella’s Royal Table. (3) Behind the
castle is a fountain with Cinderella. If you bend down and look at the fountain, the crown on the
back wall appears to crown Cinderella. (4) On Cinderella’s Carrousel is the only place in
Fantasyland where you can see a picture of Cinderella running with her prince to their carriage
after just being married. (5) When you take a walk down Main Street, take a good close look at
the castle. You will notice that the "bricks" get smaller the higher up the castle goes. The
Imagineers called it the "forced perspective" technique. The castle looks a little taller than it
would if all the "bricks" were the same size. (6) Stand behind Cinderella’s castle during the
Cinderella surprise celebration show. Peter pan and Hook have to run from the top of the castle
to the stage and they use that area by Tink's treasures. It's really funny too. They will do
something silly, and peter will make a comment about the chase! (7) Inside the walls of the
walk-through of the castle are several mosaics. On the mosaic wall farthest from the entrance
are the two stepsisters, Anastasia and Drusilla. The mosaic shows one of them with a red face
and the other with a green face. Red with Rage and Green with envy!!! (8) There are approx.
one million mosaics to make up the scenes. (9) This may have already been mentioned, but if
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you sit on the stone ledge on the side of the castle, you will hear Stitch giggle and tell you to be
quiet because he's hiding. The kids got a kick out of that when I told them to sit there for a break.
Characters—(1) If you see a human character, like Mary Poppins, ask them a question about
their movie and they go right into character. I had Mary doing supercalifragilistic backwards!
Kiss all the female "non-human hands" and watch their reaction. (2) During the morning session
about 15 min. before Buzz and Woody are scheduled to come out, the Army men come out in
their Jeep and do a preshow. They choose 8-9 kids that were there early to line up. They had
them shout their names and handed them weapons. Buzz and Woody made their appearance for
a group photo with all of them. (3) Cinderella comes into the downstairs lobby of "Cinderella's
Royal Table" restaurant a few times a day, and you don't have to eat your meal there. (4) The
characters at the Fairy Tale Favorites line at the Toontown Hall of Fame change on the hour, but
the Mickey's Friends and Pooh Friends are the same all the time. Go late in the hour, come out,
and jump back in line for the top the hour. Some characters might pop out from behind the
Judges Tent.
Cinderella’s Carousel—(1) There is only one horse on the carousel that has a gold ribbon on its
tail. This particular horse is rumored to be Cinderella's favorite. (At least that's what the fairy
godmother said.)
Country Bears--The claw marks on the floor of The Country Bear Jamboree.
Fantasyland--When you go to Sir Mickey's Shop in Fantasyland, look at where the roof meets
the walls. You will see Willie the Giant from Mickey and the Beanstalk peeking into the shop.
Fireworks--If you don't need to see Tinkerbell fly or see the front of the castle while watching
the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, go BEHIND the castle to see the fireworks. The view is
fantastic, and you don't have to fight crowds. In fact, we usually grab a seat at one of the outdoor
restaurants and enjoy! Nice to sit down after a long day at the MK.
Food—(1) Get a Dole Whip at Aloha Isle at MK. (2) Eating lunch at The Pinocchio Village
Haus and looking out of the window that overlooks the loading/unloading area inside of It's A
Small World. Pinocchio's Village Haus is made up of seven themed rooms. They are named
Blue Fairy, Cleo, Figaro, Jiminy Cricket, Monstro, Stromboli, and Geppetto's Workshop. Also,
one of the chairs has a Mickey head in the craved into the back it. (3) Not sure if this counts as a
theme park secret, but it is very helpful if you have small children. The sticks from the Mickey
Bar Ice Cream will fit through the slit in a soda cup top. This works great at catching ice cream
drips for the little ones. (4) Try having a late evening meal or snack outside on the second story
balcony of Pinocchio's Village Haus as the lights are coming on at night in Fantasyland. All the
trees and rides are lit up and it is a wonderful spot to sit and relax! (5) The talking trash can in
the McDonalds restaurant by the AllStars. My husband was so startled by it that he actually
dropped his tray into the trash!
FrontierLand--At the Frontierland RR Station, look for a wooden leg named Smith. It is a
reference to a joke in Mary Poppins. "I knew a man with a wooden leg named Smith." "What's
the name of his other leg?"
Haunted Mansion—
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(1) After riding the elevator/stretching room down, as you walk to the cars, there is a lobby with
a desk and lamp. On the desk is a dictionary that is turned to the word death. This is not easy to
see since it’s supposed to be behind a barrier, but go ahead and look because nobody is there to
stop you....or is there...
(2) The Bride's Ring (thrown from the attic and trampled into the ground by the invisible horse)
by the mansion exit.
(3) Hidden Mickey on dining room table, in the library, and on the right hand corner of the
spirit.
(4) Hidden Mickey, as you face Liberty Square and are at the iron gate. Look to the left--the
thing that holds the gate at the bottom is a Hidden Mickey.
(5) If you're by the Haunted Mansion at night, look up at the top story right above the front door.
If you watch it for a while, you'll notice a light pass by it and some shadows. It looks like 2
people are walking by with a lantern.
(6) When you go to board the doom buggies at the Haunted Mansion, notice the last bat head
before you board has no features on it, it is smooth from all the hands rubbing over it through the
years.
(7) The 17th-century mansion of Master Gracie is supposedly on the Hudson River. The Hall of
Presidents is supposed to represent Pennsylvania. I think the river for the paddle boat was
supposed to be on the Mississippi, but my notes are a little confusing to even me. Also, have to
check what Tom Sawyer's Island actually represented. The diamond horseshoe is at the gateway
to the west, St. Louis MO. The old wooden cottage of the Country Bear Jamboree symbolically
represents Colorado.
(8) The top architecture is very easy to recognize as chess pieces. The architect was famous for
building structures that had chess pieces as a part of the structure. When he was commissioned
to build the HM, he continued his "signature" and added some chess piece architecture to the top
of it. The only chess piece missing from the outside is the knight. This is because it is always
(k)night INSIDE!
(9) Hidden Donalds--red velvet chairs in the hallway area--Donald's face is on the whole "back"
of the chair. (CM said there were 2 Donalds, 5 Mickeys, and a hidden ring.) (10) At the HM, the
carriage in the courtyard is being led by an invisible horse, notice the hoof prints (go at night if
you can). The invisible horse is called "Old Glue" or "Elmer" and the black hearse is the same
one used in a John Wayne movie called THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER. Follow the hoof prints
(and wheel tracks of the hearse) out to the area where the fast pass machines are housed. This is
called the Stable because you can see horse whips, bridles, and horse shoes hanging down from
above
(10) Stand in front of the hearse at the Haunted Mansion and listen. You will hear the "ghost"
horse whiney.
(11) In the pet cemetery at the very, very back, in the top left corner (I think), you can see Mr.
Toad!
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(12) Loeota Toombs (Thomas) was the woman on the gravestone and the small bride right before
you exit urging you to "hurry back"--this is actually her voice played here. She is the head in the
crystal ball, but the voice of the crystal ball Leota is actually Eleanor Audley, who did the voice
for Maleficent and Lady Tremain (from Cinderella). Leota was not an Imagineer, she was part
of the costuming department (wigs). Walt saw her as he was touring the department and said,
"You've got a face that should be in the Haunted Mansion." What he meant was that she was
quite beautiful, and he wanted her likeness as the now-famous Madame Leota.
(13) At one point in the ride, you fall out of an attic window and die! I think this occurs when
your doom buggy turns backwards and you make that steep descent...supposedly, if you pay
close attention, the ghosts have not acknowledged you before that point, but after you "die," you
enter the party scene, and that's when they acknowledge you for the first time!
(14) The creepy organ music you hear in the stretching room is just "Grim Grinning Ghosts"
slowed way down. You are hearing one song on the whole ride starting very slow and getting
faster as the ride goes on.
(15) The "hands" on the clock are actually FINGERS !?!?!?!?!?
(16) The one-winged bat really has both wings--one is extended as if stretching the wing and the
other is still by the side of the body !!! (Once you leave the stretching room and make your way
through the queue to your doom buggy, you pass posts to which the chains are attached. Those
posts have bats at the "head" or top of them. There are three "one-wing-stretched" posts. Look
where you make your turns to change the direction the line moves.
(17) Towards the end of the grave yard of the Haunted mansion (while inside the ride), there is a
ghost in a window-type thing holding some keys well the key holder.
(18) In the Haunted Mansion in the ballroom scene, there is an old lady sitting in a rocking chair.
This animatronic figure is a duplicate made from the Grandmother in one of the side scenes of
the Carousel of Progress. That's kind of cool.
(19) The well in front of the Haunted Mansion contains an Info Red Emitter (which activates the
Info Red Receptor in Pal Mickey's nose).
(20) 2nd ring in the pavement is a "fairy ring" formed by paving stones just beyond the well.
This marks the spot where a huge oak tree once stood. It was removed when the fast pass
machines were put in. If you stand in the middle of the fairy ring on the night of a full moon and
call out "Leota" three times, she will come briefly to one of the upper windows of the mansion
with her candle.
(21) The area from the well to the building entrance is called the Colonnade. Towards the end of
the Colonnade is the Family Plot with Imagineer "credits" on the tombstones.
(22) A berm behind the Family Plot conceals the gigantic building for the ride -- none of which
takes place in the brick mansion!
(23) The Foyer is the only spot in the mansion in which you can take a flash photograph.
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(24) Six separate images are in the Aging Portrait above the fireplace as the young man ages and
decays. The portrait was inspired by an Oscar Wilde novel called THE PICTURE OF DORIAN
GRAY.
(25) The Foyer and two Stretch Rooms form a Hidden Mickey. (25) Sidestepp the ride and use
the exit on the right side of the Foyer to find a little corridor leading to the exit side of the
mansion (used as a VIP or wheelchair entrance). In the passage, is a row of servant bells.
Though the attic is not one of the locations for which there is a bell, Madame Leota has one.
(26) Be among the first to exit for the Doom Buggies by standing on the side with the painting of
the lady with the parasol (a painting of Master Gracey's first wife who was lured to her death by
the machinations of Madam(e) Leota).
(27) Who is the woman who screams in the stretch room? Some say this is the voice of a woman
who has thrown herself down from the rafters and you can hear a dull thump at the end of the
scream.
(28) Notice the yellow bats painted on the conveyor of the load area.
(29) Hippogriffs guarding two separate staircases.
(30) There is a sea captain with a harpoon pictured in the Portrait Gallery. HM lore includes a
story about the owner of the house being a sea captain who murders his bride. (And the weather
vane at Disneyland's HM is a sailing ship!)
(31) The piano player in the Music Room is invisible, but you can see his moving shadow on the
floor.
(32) The flowers in the conservatory wake scene are not dried out and shriveled (like the wreath
on the mansion's front door). They are all still bright and alive.
(33) There is a Hidden Tinker Bell in a pane of broken glass over the coffin! (34) A ghostly
shadow of a claw sweep across the Ghostfather clock.
(34) Look for the duelists who lean out of the paintings in the Grand Ballroom and shoot at each
other.
(35) Look for the Lon Chaney PHANTOM OF THE OPERA poster in the attic. (You can only
see it when the lights are on.)
(36) There are stars twinkling overhead in the graveyard scene! Notice that the outside of this
house looks nothing like the brick manse outside.
(37) A shaggy haunt by the singing executioner (and the knight) is the very same haunt who
appears as one of the Hitchhiking Ghosts at the end! These three are Phineas, Ezra, and Gus.
It’s a Small World—(1) There is only one nation or region whose name is actually written out
anywhere in the attraction. Look carefully for the small hat with the name "Mexico" written on
it as you venture through the South American portion of the ride! (2) Only two of the figures
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represent the United States. The cowboy and the Eskimo. (3) The hidden Mickey banner on the
ceiling of It's a Small World. In the Jungle room of Small World, the purple vines hanging from
the ceiling are all Mickey's. (4) In the African Section, right above the giraffe on the right side
of the boat there are some leaves. One leaf is in the shape of Mickey's silhoutte. We thought that
was pretty cool. (5) In the Australia scene, there is a kangaroo bobbing back and forth, and the
shadow of it on the wall makes a hidden Mickey.
Jungle Cruise—(1) At the exit of the Jungle Cruise, there is a large black board with list of
missing persons and boats. The names are like Ben Eaton for people and Run Aground Sue for
boats. (2) Hidden Minnie--As you are coming to the end of the Cambodian temple, on the left
side there are areas of the wall that look like it's been worn away. One of these worn away areas
is Minnie in profile. This was pointed out to me by the tour guide on the Keys to the Kingdom
tour. (3) As you are entering the Jungle Cruise, stop and look at the truck parked at the
entrance. The spare tire has been placed on the front over the radiator and the two headlights
line up as the ears. (4) Each of the scenes in the Jungle Cruise attraction is taken from the TrueLife Adventure Film Series that Walt Disney produced in the early 1960's. (5) During the Jungle
Cruise rehab in early 2000, the concrete was reworked outside the queuing area. A profile
hidden Mickey is present as an impression in the concrete work just before entering the queue. It
is off to the right before the main entrance. You can see it as a puddle after it rains. (6) In the
new Jungle cruise FastPass area, there are several inside jokes. The machines are made to look
like crates. One is addressed to "Trader Sam's Cranial Curios, London, England", and one is
addressed to Pamela Perkins President of the AC. Several of the items in the storage cage are
addressed to various characters at the Explorers' Club (at Pleasure Island). (7) While on queue at
the Jungle Cruise, one hears assorted scratchy 1930s records played over the PA system with a
somewhat witty DJ bantering and making corny announcements and reading "the jungle news"
on Congo's KBGO. One of the songs he plays is "You're the Top", by Cole Porter, and parts of
the lyrics, which are very clearly audible and discernible go like this: "You're the melody/from a
symphony/by Strauss!/You're an O'Neill drama!/You're Whistler's mama!/You're Mickey
Mouse!" (8) Listen to the chanting tribesmen--one of them says "we love disco.” (9) The
thatched roof material around Jungle Cruise is actually made of metal not straw (reach up and
touch it).
Liberty Square—(1) We found the best place to see characters was the Riverboat in Liberty
Square. You can't guarantee who will be on the boat, but it usually includes either Mickey or
Minnie. We went twice, and both times there were at least 7-8 characters on board. It's not well
advertised, and we had a chance to see them all with little or no waiting. It was only done for
part of the day. (2) The Liberty Tree well over 100 years old (a.k.a. Southern Live Oak). The 13
lanterns hanging in the tree represent the original 13 colonies. (3) Listen for the subtle music
changes between lands in the MK. Also notice how the pavement changes as well, especially as
you travel across the nation and through time from Liberty Square (the Colonial Eastern US) into
the Frontierland (western US). (4) In Liberty Square, where they have the building fronts with
just door after door stop and take a look at them. (This is the area right behind the outdoor eating
area.) The addresses on the doors are all two numbers. If you put 18 in front of it, that is the
style of door that they would have had for that year. As you walk along, you can see the
progression of the style. From the windows to the hardware to the door and window styles
themselves. (5) There are no bathrooms located in Liberty Square, in keeping with the time
period of that area. (6) As you enter the Columbia House Restaurant from the Fantasy Land end
nearest Peter Pan's Flight (London), it is decorated to represent England and as you walk
through, the decor changes to early American. What thought was put into all of this. As we
change lands Fantasyland to Liberty Square, we are virtually crossing the Atlantic when you
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enter the Columbia House Restaurant end nearest the Small World attraction leaving the Old
World Behind to make our fortunes in the New World. (7) In Liberty Square in MK, all of the
shutters are hung slightly at an angle. This is because during the revolutionary war, England
stopped shipping the US almost everything made of metal because the colonials would melt them
down for bullets. One thing they did continue to ship was shutters. The colonials would take the
metal hinges off the shutters to melt down for bullets and would hang the shutters with leather
straps. Over time, the leather would stretch out, causing the shutters to hang at an angle. (8)
Liberty Square was supposed to represent the East Coast of the United States all the way across
to the Train station behind Splash Mountain which was to represent the West Coast of the United
States. Pennsylvania is the "Liberty Tree and the Liberty Bell.” The small bridge and creek
next to the "hat" shop near the shooting gallery is referred to by CMs as the "Little Mississippi.”
(9) In Liberty Square (?Frontierland), look down at the main walkway (which is also the parade
route). Instead of just plain cement, there's also and area a couple feet wide that goes all the way
down the walkway and looks like a brownish/yellow gravel. In frontier times, the streets had a
urine trough in them for the all of the horse urine. The gravel area represents the urine trough.
(10) Liberty Square Christmas shop--Look closely! It's actually three separate shops with the
walls opened between them. They are supposed to be owned by three different colonial families-a German family, a woodcarver's family, and a musician's family. (11) Once again…Did you
know that from Liberty Square to Frontierland actually has a geographical "map" to it? Liberty
Square was supposed to represent the East Coast of the United States all the way across to the
Train station behind splash Mountain which was to represent the West Coast of the United
States. The 17th-century mansion of master Gracie is supposedly on the Hudson River. The
Hall of Presidents is supposed to represent Pennsylvania. I think the river for the paddle boat
was supposed to be on the Mississippi. The diamond horseshoe is at the gateway to the west, St.
Louis MO. The old wooden cottage of the Country Bear Jamboree symbolically represents
Colorado. Big Thunder Mountain and the tiny town of Tumbleweed were near Monument
Valley, MT., and lastly, the train stopped in Frontierland represented California. (WHEW!)
(12) Hidden park in Liberty Square in the back of the Christmas Store. (13) The large bell is
made from the same mold as the Liberty Bell. (14) Look at the 2nd story windows in Liberty
Square. One has a rifle and another has 2 lanterns for "1 of by land, 2 if by sea.”
Main Street—(1) Talking Goofy, if it is still there. On Main Street right by the entrance, there
is a Goofy statue sitting on a bench. When you sit by him he talks. (2) Check out the old-style
phone in the General Store (on the right side of the street as you're headed in). Pick up the
receiver and listen in to a conversation going on. At this little shop called the Main Street
Market House, there is a phone mounted on the wall. If you pick up the receiver, you can hear a
conversation between a mother and her daughter, Annie. They discuss what they are going to
buy at the store, the cost of certain items, and how to attract a man. Every now and then, a nosey
eavesdropper, Miss Klump, listens in and is politely told to hang up by the mother. When I
asked the Cashiers at the store about it, they just replied, "Of course the tenants upstairs!" or
something like that. (3) Tony's Town Square Restaurant—(a) At the back of the restaurant, there
is a beautiful three-paned dark blue window, through which you can see the shadowy silhouettes
of Lady and the Tramp sharing their late-night meal of spaghetti. (b) A checker board outside of
La Chapeau in the MK. It is right next to Tony's right by the flagpole. It was a great five minute
break from the hustle and bustle of the trip. (c) The Lady and the Tramp paws in front Tony’s at
MK. (4) There is a shop on Main Street that will do a silhouette of a child's profile. About $5$7. They don't take credit cards; you could only pay cash or charge it to the room. (5) Be at
Magic Kingdom at dusk for the flag lower ceremony. (6) If you turn down the first side street to
your right on Main Street on a more quiet day and look up at the windows that have signs that
say something like "music lessons", you'll hear a voice practicing scales and someone tap
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dancing. You can't always hear it; it has to be pretty quiet. (7) Not sure if it's a "secret" or not
but one of my favorite lesser-known attractions is the Expo Hall of Main Street. (a) There's a
small theater that shows old Disney cartoons (like the old Main Street Cinema but in color and
with seats!), a couple exhibits, some nice photo opportunities, and usually in the late morning
I've seen a variety of Disney Princesses there (Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, Mary Poppins).
(b) Most characters come from the Hall to the outside for meet and greets. Every character that
came through stopped to say hi or mess with us. It was air-conditioned and no lines to stand in!
(c) There is a Mr. Toad ride vehicle behind a curtain in Exposition Hall!! (8) The entrance to the
park is like a theatre. The ticket area is like a lobby. Then, you go through the tunnels lined with
"coming attraction"-type posters. The train station is the curtain, and when you go through it,
you're in the “show.” Now, for the credits--If you look up at the names on the windows of the
buildings along Main Street, you see the names of all the people who were responsible for
building the park. The very last name is Walt's. It is on the backside of the last building on the
right (ice cream parlor?). It seems like he's almost hidden from view, but Roy wanted him there
so that he would always have a view of the castle. Walt is the last name as you walk in (being
the director, always listed last at the beginning of a movie), and he is first on the way out (being
the director - always listed first at the end of the movie). Some of the names (e.g., M.T. Lott)
are both references to dummy corporations used by the Disney Company and inside jokes
referring to the Imagineers, etc. (9) Main Street is designed, through forced perspective, to look
as if it's much longer than it is when you're heading towards the castle. In the mornings, you are
all excited and have the energy to walk. When you're walking away from the castle towards the
exit, it looks shorter. That's good for the way out when you're all tired. Also, since most people
walk on the right side of the street, all the food shops are on the right as you enter for those
wanting breakfast, while the shops are on your right on the way out! (And when you walk into
the shops on your right, they have stuff for a day in the park [cameras, water bottle holders, etc].
When you are coming out, all the shops on your right have gifts and souvenirs. (10) The fire
station on
Main Street is Station No. 71. The Park opened in 1971. (11) Have the whole family go into
the Barber Shop for a coloring job! Free of charge and painted little Mickey heads on the back
of the kids heads. Barber sprinkled 'Mickey dust' on all of us. (11) Be leisurely when leaving
the MK. It was so nice to walk around the lands going back from BTMR to Main Street, just
looking around and enjoying the empty feeling. Also, get yourself a spot in front of the castle at
about 30 minutes after the park closing. You'll be treated to the "kiss goodnight" from the
castle...something really cool to see.
(12) Main Street Railroad—(a) Following Hurricane Charley, a tree that was uprooted was cut
up and some of the trunk pieces arranged as a Mickey head on a lawn, visible from the WDW
railroad train a little ways past the Main St. station. May be temporary. (b) If you sit in the very
last car, the one that is the little platform out the back, they will ask you to be the guest
conductor. They get to yell, "All Aboard!" into the microphone and announce the different
lands. (c) The telegraph you hear at the train station is tapping out Walt Disney's speech at
Disneyland's opening in Code. (d) On one of the shelves (CMs can help you locate it), you can
see Aladdin's lamp as well as other characters belongings waiting to be picked up at the train
station. (e) “Go-away green." When you ride the MK Railway, there is a huge green building
off on your left that you really never notice. the color of green does not draw the eye. (f) In the
Train Station, you can find articles left by other "guests,” including Mary Poppins and other
characters from Disney films. (g) Before the Magic Kingdom opens for the day, the WDW train
is perfectly centered in front of the train station for those wishing to take pictures. It is the only
time during the day that this occurs. (h) What is the motto of the Walt Disney world Railroad?
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Dreams are made to come true. (i) What are the names of the four genuine steam engine
locomotives? Lilly Belle - Walt Disney - Roy Disney - Roger Brogg. (j) The Walt Disney
World Railroad engines get a whopping 792’ per gallon of gas! (k) When you are in the waiting
room of the railroad on Main Street, they have these antique Mutascopes. I thought they were
just for display, but when you put a penny in, they actually work! There are 4 or 5 of them, and
some of the lightbulbs were burned out so didn't work, but I know at least two of them did, and it
only cost a penny to find out. The kids thought they were great. You put in a penny, start turning
a crank and a short silent movie plays for you. (13) The chalkboard in the barbershop on Main
Street has all the Hurricanes listed as if they were next to get haircuts. (14) In Town Square,
there are a few flag poles with Amercan Flags on them. The main flag pole is always taken
down during rain storms and right before sundown, but the rest of the flags are not taken down
and that is because they are not real American flags. They look like American flags, but they are
all missing a star or a stripe that makes them not actual American flags.
Mickey’s Philharmagic—(1) The carpeting when exiting Philharmagic has some Hidden
Mickeys. (2) Look to the right of the "stage.” There are musical instruments going down the
wall. Look closely at the tubing on the French Horn. You will see Mickey.
Peter Pan--In the nursery, over by Nana, there are some building blocks spelling out "DISNEY"
and "P PAN."
Pirates—(1) Years ago, a maintenance guy (or Imagineer) named George was killed during the
building of the Pirates ride. They say his ghost haunts the ride to this day. The workers have to
say "goodnight George" before they shut down the ride each night, or there will be problems
with the ride the next day. My 12-year old asked the attendant while we were boarding the boat
if he said goodnight to George. He said of course! We don't want the ride to break down! The
thread also said that if you yell out George 3 times during the fire scene, something "may"
happen. The kids had a blast with this and yelled out even though people were looking at us!
(2) The storyline of Pirates is a backward dream sequence, with the opening Bayou scene being
the modern day. The portrait of the red-headed woman in the drunken skeleton room is actually
a portrait of the red head being sold at the auction after she had been acclimated to the pirate
lifestyle some years after her sale. (3) When in queue for Pirates of the Caribbean, the two
skeletons playing chess have died playing because the chess game is at a stalemate-nobody can
win. (4) On the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, on the first bridge that you go under into the next
room, sitting on the bridge is a man with one of his legs hanging over and another man standing
next to him. If you look at the face of the man sitting, it is the face of Sid Caesar. One of the
designers really loved Sid Caesar and made the face to look this way. (5) Look at the ENTIRE
lock at the dog/jail scene to see the hidden Mickey, not just at the keyhole. (6) Towards the end,
when you pass under the bridge, the pirate sitting above you and his leg dangling…once upon a
time, the red handkerchief sitting on the bridge beside him was between his toes dangling
downward. Apparently, too many guests would stand up to try and grab the red hankie so they
removed it from his toes and placed it on the bridge beside him. There is a gap between his big
toe and second toe if you look. (7) The dog holding the keys in Pirates of the Caribbean and the
dog in Carousel of Progress are both Walt Disney's dog, or so I've heard. (8) Just a little thing to
notice...On Pirates, as you pass the auction scene, watch as the pirate on the left hand side fires
his gun, the sign on the other side of the water "pings" and swings back and forth.
Riverboat—Ask to ride in the pilot house and receive official riverboat pilots certificates.
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Snow White—(1) Mickey is hiding on the mural. He's by the flowers! (2) Look at the laundry
hanging out to dry. One pair of shorts has Mickey polka dots.
Space Mountain—(1) One of the asteroids is actually a chocolate chip cookie! (2) Hidden
Mickey in the last Red Star picture as you walk up the ramp in line. It is 3 white stars in the
shape of a classic Mickey toward the middle left side of the picture.
Splash Mountain—(1) The opening of the top cave of Splash Mountain (the one you exit as you
take the final plunge) is a hidden Mickey. It is noticeable from inside the cave and outside. It is
profile shaped, not the traditional mouse and ears. (2) The queue for Splash Mtn is filled with
great touches. In one, you can see the shadow of Brer toad sitting in a rocking chair and hear
him singing. (3) Bird houses in the trees. I know when they first opened the ride you could
listen and hear birds "talking" and "arguing" in the bird houses. (4) Notice the street lights when
loading for Splash Mountain. One blinks when the boats are ready to go in motion. (5) There is
a tiny hidden Mickey on a barrel (where the paint looks like it oozed down the side) right before
your first fall into the inside of the ride. (6) The little critter, in the cave-like room just before the
last drop.. He comes upside down out of the ceiling and says "Go FSU!" An imagineer that
graduated from Florida State put it there. (7) There is a bridge outside the ride, right in front of
the big drop. For every third log boat that hits bottom for the big drop, there is a water cannon
that shoots up an extra bit of water and sprays the bridge, soaking everyone who happens to be
standing there watching!
Swiss Family Treehouse--Outside the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse are crates with
addresses to persons on them. I know I don't have the facts 100% accurate, but there's enough
here to snag your interest. One is to Johann David Wyss (author of the book) It is being sent to
McGuire Blvd (Dorothy McGuire was Mother Robinson ) and the other crate is to John Mills
who was Father Robinson. And it was sent to Bora Danno. James MacArthur played son Fritz
Robinson. James MacArthur later played as Jack Lord's (Det. Steve McGarrett) second-incommand Det. Danny ("Danno") Williams (1968-79), in Hawaii Five-0. The things you can
learn if ya just slow down and listen.
T.T.A,--The attraction was ORIGINALLY called "The WEDway People Mover" from July 1,
1975, until the debut of the "New Tomorrowland" on June 11, 1994. Although the ride itself has
remained essentially the same, the soundtrack has had several changes, some minor and some
major: (a) the "WED" part of WEDway is for WED Enterprises, the original name for Walt
Disney Imagineering (or WDI for short). WED is, of course, Walt's initials (Walter Elias
Disney), (b) the model city the Tomorrowland Transit Authority passes is the model for Walt
Disney’s personal vision of E.P.C.O.T., and (c) in the hair salon scene, look for a Hidden Mickey
on the lady's belt buckle.
Tiki Room--My seven year old daughter befriended the cast member at the Tiki room before a
lightly attended show. She was introduced as a "helper,” greeted everyone, and "woke up"
Michael to start the show by tapping on his perch.
Tink’s Treasures-(1) If you want to wake Tink, go DIRECTLY to the store as soon as the park
opens. The store is right behind the castle. My DD walked in and went up to the first CM we
saw and asked, "Could I please wake up Tink this morning?" Being the first one in there, she
was allowed to do so. They had her stand on a little stool, gave her a wand, and her tap the
treasure box three times saying loudly, "Wake up Tink." As she did this, the lights and music
started to play. They presented her with a certificate that said something along the line of "Had a
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Magical Moment." If you go into the store and hear the music, you know she has already been
waked up. If it is quiet she is still sleeping. (2) Has anyone ever noticed that when you go into
Tinker Bell's Treasure's shop that it is also divided into two sections? When you enter the door
nearest the castle, you are actually in the Darling Children's nursery. The merchandise shelves
are beds, dressers, chest of drawers etc. There are dolls, kites, and other toys all around the ledge
at the top of the room. Then as you go to the other end, the shop is laid out as Cap't. Hook's
ship.. There is even a "bridge" where one could imagine a ship's wheel. You can see the tree
where the Lost Boys live. You will even get to see TinkerBell fly into one of the trunk/limb
openings to warn the Lost Boys of Hooks "gift".
Tom Sawyer’s Island—Be the first to find the six hidden paintbrushes!
Tomorrow Land—(1) A talking trashcan is in Tomorrowland too! His name is Push. He
comes out from Mickey's Star Traders every hour or so and roams for 20 minutes. (2) Near the
Speedway on the way into Tomorrow land, there is a high streetlamp with three large round
hooded lights. It was designed to cast a hidden Mickey on the ground twice a day when the sun
is in the right place. (3) The metal "palm trees" in Tomorrowland fold up at night and open
during the day just like flowers!
Toontown—(1) When you go to Minnie's house, make sure you turn all of the knobs in the
kitchen. Hear the popcorn pop, etc. (2) Take the back walkway from Toontown to
Tomorrowland and avoid the Toontown crowds. (3) Toontown is a concept that did not exist
prior to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" This is Mickey's Toontown, the Florida version.
Toontown opened in October 1996. Mickey, Minnie, and the gang all live in Disneyland. Their
vacation homes are at Walt Disney World. Toontown had many things any town would have. A
garage, a gas pump, a radio station, at least one farm, a farmers’ market, and homes (that Mickey
and Minnie live in.). The first structure on your left is Pete's Garage (home to the Toontown
public restrooms). On your right, you'll notice a small shack, home of W A C K-Y radio. (While
you are inside Minnie's house be sure to listen to the radio in her living room. It is tuned in to W
A C K-Y radio.) Next, you enter Goofy's barnstormer. As you enter the turnstiles, look up at the
fans. On the wall to the left, do you see an outline of Goofy's face and hat? What is next to the
"chicken exit"? As you leave the building, can you find a tribute to the Main Street Light
Parade? It was coming back to Walt Disney World for an encore presentation. Just around the
corner, you'll find one of Goofy's plants, POPcorn on the cob! Don't miss the scarecrow in
Goofy's garden or the bell pepper "clappers" he is growing or the summer squash (some 'er not).
Early in the morning you can hear all kinds of fun great sounds--farm animals, crop dusting
engines etc., a countryside theme, a farm area. Where else would you expect to find the farmers’
market? This is the Florida countryside. When you go inside the farmers market, you'll see
crates and bags of Florida citrus product. A nice tribute to the lands of Florida that they been
built over. (4) If you go to Mickeys Toon Town entrance near the tea cups just before it opens at
10 a.m., you'll get an escort by several Disney characters to take you in.
Winnie the Pooh—(1) Deed being handed off in Owl's House. (2) Hidden Mickey on the wall
to the right (FastPass side) where the FastPass line meets the regular line. (3) On the floor of the
Pooh ride on the right in Owl's house there is a picture of Pooh and Moley from Mr. Toad (look
to your left as you enter owl's house--a framed picture on the wall, just inside the doors). (4) 100
Acre Woods playground--go inside the tree and look above the door facing the Pooh ride, there
is a hidden Mickey in the rocks.
Magic Kingdom | Animal Kingdom | Hollywood Studios | Epcot | Misc
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ANIMAL KINGDOM
General—(1) Stop and look down at the walkway under your feet. Did you know, for example,
that the leaf prints and mud cracks were made by a mold? The Imagineers actually took a large
patch of mud, made a cast of it, and then reproduced it for the walkways of Disney's "Africa."
They even distressed and widened the naturally occurring cracks by squirting them with a hard
stream of water from a hose. (2) If you’re at the Animal Kingdom and there's a long line to get
in, try going through the Rainforest Cafe. There's a park entrance at the rear of the gift shop.
(3) Each morning, 15 minutes before the schedule opening time, you can go through the turn
styles and head to the Tree of Life area. Soon, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy arrive to welcome you
to the park! Soon Mickey appears and gets on the truck and you can follow them into Harambe
as the Adventure Begins in the Animal Kingdom! (4) There is a game that the children can play
as you walk around the park. There are four or five stations throughout. First one you go to, you
get a book, and as you finish each one, you get a stamp. We found this on the way to
Conservation Station. On the right as you walk along the walkway from the train to
Conservation Building, there is a small garden with a couple of CMs there. They have different
cards and give them to the children and the children have to find the bugs in the garden. Of
course, the bugs are not real. Actually, we all got involved and it way loads of fun. (5) There is
another one on the path to the Lion King Show, one at the front entrance to the Dino Ride, and
another down in the area of the Tree of Life. There was another one on the trails They are
touchy, feely games. (6) Where was the “Jafar” rock? (7) You have to slow down and look!
Most of the good stuff are things to do, and they are not jumping out in front of you, like big
attractions do. (8) WES PALM! (9) The Oasis Gardens in Disney's Animal Kingdom was
originally going to be called "Genesis Gardens," before it was decided that the religious
connotation of "genesis" might prove to be too controversial in the future. (10) There are about
27,000,000 gallons of water in Animal Kingdom's "Discovery River." That will fill about 1,800
average-sized backyard swimming pools (11) The highway sign in Dinoland is route 498
(park opened in April 1998). (12) If you look at the signs for Animal Kingdom, there is a
dragon among the animals on the bottom. This was supposed to represent "Beastly Kingdom," a
land of the park with mythical creatures that was planned but never developed. (Maybe we got
Dinoland USA instead.)
Animal Kingdom Lodge--If you go for an evening meal to AKL (Jiko's or Boma's), go early to
view the animals, around 5pm, because that's when the feeding troughs are filled, and it tempts
the animals nearer the viewing areas.
Asia--The mythical land of Anandapur in Asia--note the authentic prayer trees draped with both
faded and new scarves that commemorate dead loved ones.
Camp Minnie-Mickey--While walking on the way to Camp Minnie-Mickey, there are two
talking bushes called Herb and Flora that pass the time by talking to passers-by and very loudly
people-watching with each other. They were very funny, but seem to only be "alive" for short
periods of time. Check 'em out the next time you're there, they had us crackin' up!
Conservation Station—(1) If you go to conservation station, there is so much for you and the
children to see and touch. If you get there early enough in the morning, you might be able to see
an operation on one of the animals. During the day inside conservation station, they put on little
hands on shows with animals that are great for children of all ages. Also, there are tables set up
with items about the animals and always someone there to tell you are the articles on the tables.
Outside is the petting area. They do not let you feed the animals, but have grooming brushes that
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you can brush the animals. It is great because the animals do not start eating you clothes or
knocking the little one’s down to get to food. Next to that there is a small stage. Also, during
the day, they put on cute little shows. They are trying to train animals to do certain things. The
best part of this is that they are not the usual animals. You get to talk with the trainers, and it is a
great little show. Also, on the walk from the train to conservation station there is a garden on the
right hand side for kids. They are given cards and have to find the bugs in the garden. Needless
to say the bugs are not real. Our kids have done it at least three times and enjoy it each and very
time. (2) Finding one of the 27 hidden Mickeys in the mural in the Animal Kingdom
Conservation Station.
Dawa Bar--Across from the Dawa Bar is what appears to be an old fort. Don't assume, as I did,
that the area's off limits--there are actually tables and chairs in there!
Dinoland USA—(1) A CM pointed this out to me during our trip from June 12-19. In Animal
Kingdom, in Dino-Land, as you go under the gigantic dinosaur and head toward Tarzan Rocks,
look under the dinosaur to see if it's male or female. Nothing gross, just the way the lights are
presented tells you what it is. (2) Kids certainly won't want to overlook the Dinoland Boneyard-the play area is specially made for them to blow off some steam. If they look off to the right,
behind the jeep, they'll see a row of fossils set into the wall. Just hit one and find out what
happens--it's musical! If you can't find the so-called "xylobone," a Cast Member will point it out
to you. (3) The highway sign in Dinoland is route 498 (park opened in April 1998). (4) Has
anyone mentioned the red, yellow, and white pipes above the load area at “Dinosaur” are for
Ketchup, Mustard, and Mayonnaise, and the letters on each pipe are their chemical
formulas?!?!?!? (5) During Dinosaur, cars bounce over a big bump in the track. The big bump
is a tail of a long neck Saltosaurus, who then turns around to look at you, and if you sit on the
back two rows, it throws you around a little more then the front two rows.
Expdedition Everst--1,800 tons of steel were used in the mountain structure. That is about six
times the amount of steel used in a traditional office building of this size.
Festival of the Lion King (“FOLK”)--Just found this out. We were at the AK on Sunday and
we were walking back to the FOLK--On the path, as you walk to get to the FOLK, there is a
bridge that you walk over. On the right side of the bridge, if you look over the side to the left,
you will see what appears to be a waterfall. If you look closely, it is actually a dinosaur with the
water coming out of his mouth.
Harambe--In Harambe, you might spy a genuine Coke bottle perched atop a utility pole as an
insulator for a power line.
It’s Tough to be a Bug—(1) This one is for the inside of the theatre of It's Tough To Be A Bug.
The announcer says something to the effect of "Will all honorary bugs please remain seated so
the beetles, maggots and cockroaches may exit safely." If you look up at the ceiling, you will see
"swarms" of lights. They all fly toward the doors. Look to your left at the exit signs and you
will see little firefly type creatures lighting up the exit sign as they exit the theatre. (2) The
Classic Mickey above the Handicap door sign in the loading area for “It’s Tough to be a Bug.”
Kali River Rapids—(1) Kali River Rapids queue-don't miss Mr. Panika's office--the owner of
the "business" may be "out to temple" as the signs indicate, but the two resident geckos who
reside in his gecko cabinet are in all the time. Children will enjoy spotting the little critters,
which are very much alive! (2) Also, a lot of the times when my DH and I are in a queue line we
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will let people pass us, so we can look at all of the displays. Some of the greatest of Disney art
work are in these lines. The queue line for the Kali Rapids is one. There is such a story about
this line. Ask one of the CMs to tell. Look at the artifacts and details they are great. There is a
live Greco in one of the cases on the walls in this line. (3) We were at AK 2 weeks ago. It was
just before closing, and we were on Kali River rapids. The CM there joined us. She hopped into
our raft (it was almost empty) and showed us some interesting things. On the way up to the top,
right after leaving the dock, there are statues along each side. The crocodile on the right has his
nose broken off. It was broken during an evacuation practice a few months ago. It should look
like the crocodile statue on the left. Actually, it seems to fit in just fine, but she said it was her
group that broke it, so she should know. Also, she pointed out that the waterfall at the top, right
after seeing the crocodile, is in the shape of a lions head. Sure enough, once it was pointed out to
us, it was as clear as could be. It's better viewed just after you pass it, looking back.
Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade--Someone, somewhere here posted about seeing Mickey's
Jammin' Jungle parade twice, if you are in the right spot. Well, my suggestion is only see it once
but at its end. They were correct, that if you stand near the entrance to Kili Safari you will see
the parade twice, as it starts and ends at the same spot. Well, we saw the parade in front of the
Dawa Bar.. Then, we moved over so that we were facing the Kili Safari entrance and the large
double doors that the parade goes through were to our left. We stayed there for about 20-30
minutes and then the parade came by again. It was SUPER!! There was almost no one around
(several people on the other side of the street, but no one on our side at all!). The characters
spent several minutes with us and our kids, and we got some great pictures!! But we felt that we
had wasted some time with the first viewing, as we had staked out our spots about 30 minutes
ahead of time. We could have spent another hour, at least, doing some rides/attractions and then
made our way down to the Kili Safari entrance and seen the parade, which was just as good at
the end, as it was at the beginning. Just be sure, if you do this, that you don’t get blocked in by
the parade and cannot make your way to this SPECIAL SPOT!!
Pizzafari--If you walk up the path to the left, toward Harambe, you'll pass by the counter service
restaurant, Pizzafari, one of the most brilliantly decorated buildings in the Animal Kingdom.
The bright colors are eye-catching of course, but stop in *before* the lunch crowds gather so that
you can study the different rooms with their ornate murals, walls, and ceilings. Can you identify
which room is which? The Home Room, Nocturnal Room, Upside-Down Room, Camouflage
Room, Four Seasons Room, and Bug Room.
Primeval Whirl--Hidden Mickeys in the asteroids.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch--There are Mickeys hiding ALL OVER the colorful mural at the
entrance to the main building at Rafiki's Planet Watch. Look for them in the eyes of the animals
and the wings of butterflies.
Safari Ride—(1) Don't just ride once. Different animals can be seen at different times of the
day. Riding first thing in the morning and late in the afternoon are two different experiences.
(2) The pond that all the flamingos are in is shaped like Mickey! (3) The rocks in the water on
the way to safari ride in AK as you go over the bridge look like animals. Saw one shaped like an
elephant and one like an alligator.
Talking Trash Can--I've seen a talking trash can at AK. Take the train , get off, and walk all
the way down the path till you come to the first building, and depending if your timing is right,
the trash can usually roams around the entrance to the first building. There is also a talking tree
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at the entrance to AK. I don't know if there is a particular schedule for these things. I think you
just have to luck out.
Tree of Life—(1) There are approx 320 animals carved into the Tree of Life. (2) When I was
working at Vista-United in 1997, Michael Eisner invited Jane Goodall to come see construction
of DAK in particular the Tree of Life. He asked her what she thought about all the animals being
carved in the tree and asked, "Where is the chimpanzee going?" After conferring with Zsolt
Hormay (chief sculptor), it was discovered much to ME's embarrassment that one was not
included in the over 300 animals. ME told Miss Goodall to pick a place on the tree and one
would be sculpted. She chose the entrance outside of ITTBAB so everyone would be able to see
David Greybeard; the first chimp she ever observed. You will notice he is more detailed than the
other animals--multicolored (grey beard), and there is a plaque next to his image describing him.
(2) Did you know that when you walk down the path to the Tree of Life there are places where
you walk through “tunnels.” If you look up at those “ceilings,” you can see a lot of “critters” up
there. I saw a pterodactyl and I can’t even remember what else. Just look up when you go
through those “arches.”
Tusker House--At the Tusker House Restaurant in AK, you can hear kitchen noises if you sit in
the outside dining area. It sounds like dishes clanging together, sweeping up broken glass, etc..
This is a recording, but it's funny to see how people react when they first hear the sounds.
Magic Kingdom | Animal Kingdom | Hollywood Studios | Epcot | Misc
Hollywood Studios
General—(1) If you are at Hollywood Studios in the morning when the park opens, don't go to
the Tower of Terror or the RNR, go on the Great Movie Ride first thing with no wait and then go
to Star Tours. You can ride Star Tours for almost an hour with no wait because almost all of the
guests are over at the two big rides. (2) The façade at Mickeys of Hollywood is modeled after
Frederick’s of Hollywood. (3) At many of the rides, if one of the kids wants to ride again but
the parents are weary, ask the attendant if he or she can "go around." At Test Track, they send
you up a set of stairs and tell you to follow the yellow arrows. You can see the ride operator's
booth and have a great view of the queing area. Then you go back downstairs, and it lets out
right at the boarding area, and they put the kid straight back on (no wait) and you go outside to
wait for him. (4) This was very neat. It was the truck (at the front of the park), and if you
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stepped on a lever and lifted, you could lift one side up. This was great to watch peoples’
reactions when you did it. I did not see when they removed it, but we have not seen it the last
three times (3 years) that we were there. (5) The date for Hollywood Studios is on the gas
pump (if you get up close and look at the numbers) right when you first enter the park. (6) At
Disney-Hollywood Studios, there are yellow painted curbs where lines form for characters that
only come out for a few minutes (i.e., CARS & Power Rangers); get there about 30 min. early, as
lines close early.
Brown Derby--All the pics in the Brown Derby that are in BLACK frames are copies of the
originals. All The pics in the GOLD frames are the originals from the original Brown
Derby...which no longer exists.
Fantasmic "Secrets"—(1) The lagoon where the Fantasmic show takes place is only 1.5 feet
deep! (2) The island stage is surrounded by a 1.9 million gallon moat--enough water to fill every
bathtub in the more than 24,000 rooms on Walt Disney World Resort property--twice.
(3) Animated sequences are projected on three water screens stretching 50-feet high and 100-feet
wide providing an excellent view no matter where you sit. In comparison, the water screens are
more than twice the size of an average 20-foot-by-40-foot movie screen. (4) To create a surface
on which animation can be projected, water screens pump 2,400 gallons of water into the air
every minute, and if called upon, call fill the 500,000-gallon Disney-Hollywood Studios
landmark Earffel Tower in less than three hours. (5) During his battle against evil, Mickey
encounters the villainous Jafar in the form of a 100-foot long and 16-foot high cobra that could
fit more than 8,000 average size King Cobras in its coils. (6) The mechanical Maleficent dragon
in the climactic good vs. evil scene weighs an astonishing 32,000 lbs. To move the dragon’s
enormous body and wings takes more than 2,000 PSI of hydraulic pressure. (7) If stretched out,
the river of fire during the Maleficent dragon scene would circle the entire one-mile tri-oval
racetrack at Walt Disney World Speedway.
Great Movie Ride (“GMR”)—(1) When Disney built the GMR, they purchased a real
Lockheed plane for that scene. It was cut in half, and the back of the plane can now been seen in
the jungles of the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland. (2) When you’re sitting in your car waiting
for everyone to load in, ask to see the hidden Minnie (it's a shadow figure hard to spot). Also,
when you’re in the underworld scene, look on the billboard. if you look at the far left hand
corner, you'll see a Mickey foot and part of his tail. When Mugsy takes over the car, look up at
the windows you drive by until you stop. Mickey's head is there (in the windows above the
scene on the left-hand side). The last one I know of is Snow White's body imprinted on the
poster next to the stairs where Mugsy stands. (3) Pharaoh Mickey and Slave Donald are on the
BACK wall on the opposite side from Indy and Salla, just as you're about to leave that room. It
is about 1/3 of the way "up.” (4) Also in the GMR...In the Egyptian-styled section, check out
some of the wall tiles as fast as you can while the ride moves through. Most of them are normal
hieroglyphs, but several have pictures of funny Hollywood Studios and Disney stuff. For
example, one of the tiles has R2-D2 and another has C-3PO from Star Wars. There are a couple
hidden Mickeys in there too. (5) What is the significance behind the license plate number "021429" on the car depicted in the gangster shoot-out sequence of "The Great Movie Ride?” It is the
date of the Valentines Day Massacre---Feb. 14, 1929. (6) When you go into the Indiana Jones
room, don't look at Indy. Keep looking at the wall to your left. Right before you leave the room,
you'll see the Hidden Mickey and a Hidden Donald. They're in the last row of blocks before you
exit that room, about halfway up the wall. (7) Those talking/sound effects boxes are at
Hollywood Studios. When you get off the tram back stage tour ride, walk through the building
with all the costumes in it and go straight through the area where you can have photos taken with
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the phony backdrops. They are on the left hand side near the steam roller from Roger Rabbit.
(8) Two different scenarios in the ride: either have a gangster or a robber kick out the CM and
take over your car. You never know which one you will get. (9) Going into the Great Movie
Ride, the lions at the front are not really lions. They are dogs! Supposedly, if you can tell the
CM which one is the female, they will walk you through the back door, bypassing the line.
Hollywood Blvd.-- On Hollywood Blvd at Hollywood Studios, read the names stenciled on the
second floor windows. I recall seeing one that said 'Valiant Detective Agency' from 'Who
Framed Roger Rabbit' (it's above Hollywood and Vine Resttaurant on Echo Lake).
Hollywood Hideawa--Do you know where the Hollywood Hideaway is? This private VIP
Lounge is tucked quietly away at the Disney-Hollywood Studios for use during private and
special events, but it's really not that hard to find. When Guests need to know how to get to their
special event, simply direct them to Drew Carey's Sounds Dangerous attraction. Radio Disney is
right next to it, and behind Radio Disney...is the Hollywood Hideaway!!
Indiana Jones—(1) When you’re in line for Indiana Jones, you go past a well, I think to the
right of the entrance. If you pull on the rope, you'll hear someone down in the well. (2) If you
exit the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular theater from the far right-side stairway (as you face the
stage) pay attention as you go onto the landings, look for the hand of a CM rising above the
railing holding the golden idol from the show's Mayan (or South American in the movie version)
temple. The idea is to pat the head of the idol as you go past.
Lights! Motors! Action!—There is a clothesline at the top of one of the buildings (during the
stunt show, there is a stunt jump from there). One of the items of clothing on the line has
Mickeys!!
The Magic of Disney Animation Secret--You can enter from the exit and stand in line for the
drawing/rendering opt. w/out going through the animation tour. Just ask a CM for directions.
Every 15-20 min. (space is limited). There's a room where they have pencil and paper and a row
of stools and artist type tables, and you get to draw a character while getting instructions from a
Disney artist. It's fun and a great Disney souvenir for the kids! (If you don't have time right after
the tour, you can leave and come back at a slower time.)
Muppet Vision—(1) Look for the key under the doormat at Muppets 3D. Just after you go
through the turnstile, go to your right and you’ll find a welcome mat. Take a peek underneath it.
(2) In the preshow for Muppet*Vision, in the front, there is a display that says “2D Fruities” and
has a bunch of flat models of fruit. (3) In the preshow Muppet 3D room at Hollywood there is a
net full of green Jell-O hanging from the ceiling. It signifies Annette Funicello. (4) If you go
across the street from the Muppetvision show at Hollywood (away from Indy Jones and sort of
toward the Shrunk playground), there is a fire hydrant that sprays water at unpredictable
intervals. (5) Read the graffiti on the walls!
New York Street—(1) On the street in the New York neighborhood, you can hear gangsters
talking and gun shots inside the buildings. (2) Check out the "Singing in the Rain" umbrella that
is attached to one of the streetlights near the old Hunchback theater. Grab the umbrella and step
on the black square embedded in the cement underneath it for a nice surprise!
One Man’s Dream—(1) In Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, if you look closely at Walt
Disney's grade-school desk, you can see the initials "W.D." carved into it. (2) The time that a
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certain clock is stopped at in Walt Disney: One Man's Dream is the same time that Walt Disney
was pronounced to be dead.
Rock ‘n Roller Coaster (“RNR”)—(1) In the inside queue for Rock n Roller Coaster....where it
loops around a few times (right before you enter the ramp area to the preshow)--On the wall (if
you are looking straight back into the room its the wall on your right-hand side), there is a
framed poster on the wall that was the cover of a record album. On the poster is a large
American flag. The flag was added to the poster after people complained that the large pot leaf
on the poster at the time was not appropriate on a Disney ride. If you look closely at the
American flag sticker, you can see the dark shape of the pot leaf still underneath it.
(2) Where in WDW can you find the "Highland Apts.?”--The alley behind the Aerosmith's
studio by the launch area of RNR. (3) While waiting to tour Studio C, listen at the doors to
Studio A and B, you will hear sounds from real recording sessions some of which came from
Aerosmith's rerecording for the coaster. (4) While waiting to tour Studio C, you will hear PA
calls for various people. These individuals being called are the Imagineers of the attraction.
(5) Take a look at safety signs in the form of a guitar in the parking structure. It is a tribute to
Elvis. (6) One of the PA announcements in the G-force records lobby is something to the effect
of "phone call for Jude on line one...Hey, Jude, pick up line one!" (7) In the attraction, take a
look at the AC power boxes and other electrical boxes. On these, you will see the initials and
birthdays of the Imagineers. (8) The music posters in the rotunda will change out (as will the
back ground music in the plaza) since G Force is a record company, and things are always
changing in the music biz. (9) Next time you are in the Rock 'n Roller Coaster ride notice the
License plates: (a) 1QKLIMO, (b) UGOGIRL, (c) BUHBYE, (d) 2FAST4U, (e) H8TRFFC.
(10) There is a hidden Mickey on the Rock 'n Roller Coaster in the recording studio. If you look
to your right on the floor, the sound cables are coiled in the shape of Mickey. (11) Did you
know that in Rock 'n Roller Coaster, each limo plays a different Aerosmith track? I forgot how
many tracks there were though. Some include F.I.N.E, Dude (looks like a lady), Nine Lives,
Sweet Emotion, Walk This Way, Love in an Elevator, and I can't remember what else. Did you
also know that when the ride ends, if you were in the limo that played Love in an Elevator, the
lyrics change to Love in a Roller Coaster?
Star Tours—(1) On the exit side, come out of store, make a left, and look up at the building.
"M" draped flags are there (posts protruding from the building with material draped over them,
creating "M". (2) DH found a Hidden Kermit on line for Star Tours! There are several droids on
you right side just around the corner from the loading zone. One of the droids looks like an
animatronic Kermit the Frog without the green skin. (3) As your leaving the droid room entering
the staging area, look up and you'll see 2 mechanical birds--a neat homage to the 2 crows
(ravens?) on Splash Mt. just before the big drop. (4) A little Star Tours tip. Listen to the
announcements. I'm not sure if they still do it, but they used to page an Egroeg Sacul. George
Lucas backwards. It might be on Space Mountain though; I forget because I haven't listened for
it in a while. Also listen for the reference to THX1138, seen in all of Lucas' films!
Tower of Terror (“TOT”)—(1) As you are walking through the lobby, you see a pair of glasses
with lenses broken. This honors the Twilight Zone's episode with Burgess Meredith: the last
man on earth after an atomic blast who LOVES to read. He finds the remnants of a library and is
all set to finally read to his heart's content, when he accidentally breaks his glasses!! (Glasses
also make a HM.) (2) Images of Mickey Mouse have been hidden throughout the attraction by
mischievous Imagineers. During the entire show, for example, the little girl is holding a Mickey
Mouse doll (one of the first Mickey Mouse dolls ever made, and it is the only Hidden Mickey
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that the design team has confirmed). Also, look for the famous silhouette of three circles along
the balcony railing just before you enter the building and as a water stain on the wall in the boiler
room. Although probably not intentional, the bell for the elevator above Rod Sterling’s head in
the Library film also bears a resemblance to those famous mouse ears. A reference to Mickey
can also be seen in the sheet music in the Library which is a copy of actual music written in the
1930s. (3) The luggage in the lobby is a complete set made from genuine alligator skin. While
looking through a 1930s furniture catalog, Imagineers decided to call the company to see if they
were still in business. They were, and Walt Disney Imagineering had them reproduce two
settees for the lobby. (4) It is said that Imagineers had mahjongg players set up the game in the
lobby so guests who know how to play the game can see that it is authentic. (5) The top speed
for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is said to be about 39mph. (6) When you board the
elevator, on the left side, outside of the elevator itself, is an inspection certificate that's dated
Oct. 31, 1939 and signed by "Cadwallader." Cadwallader was a character in the sixth Twilight
Zone episode, "Escape Clause" who actually turned out to be the Devil himself. The inspection
certificate number is 10259, which is cool because The Twilight Zone's first episode ("Where Is
Everybody") premiered on Oct. 2, 1959. (7) In the Fifth Dimension scene on the Foxtrot side,
the swirling stars form a Hidden Mickey just before they disappear. (8) This is unofficial hidden
Mickey, but when the elevator doors open the first time in the long hallway, if you look up at the
hallway, where there is a slight kind of doorway overhead there is a hidden Mickey right in the
dead center. It's pretty easy to see. Just look straight ahead in the middle upwards. (9) Has
anyone seen the dummy from a Twilight Zone episode? When you are on TOT and your
elevator gets to the bottom and you turn toward your door, he is sitting in a chair off to the side.
(10) The bldg. is 199’ tall. It was supposed to be 200’, but for a structure 200’ tall, you need
lights at the top for airplanes to see. So it is 199 feet tall to keep the spooky feeling! (11) In
Tower of Terror, when you first go into the library to watch the movie, go all the way to the right
by a bookshelf and there will be a book open of a song and the title is "What, no Mickey
Mouse?" (12) As soon as you enter the lobby, on the right is the concierge desk with glasses on
it. On the wall behind and above it is a large, dark plaque that says AAA13 Diamond Award
hotel.
Magic Kingdom | Animal Kingdom | Hollywood Studios | Epcot | Misc
EPCOT
General—(1) The sidewalks twinkle at night. Take the right-hand path after the Epcot ball.
You'll come upon them. Absolutely magical. And the fireflies in the trees! (2) The distance
around the World Showcase, from China to Canada, is 1.2.5 miles. (3) The World Showcase
park entrance, we found the upside down classic Mickey in the clock. (4) The concrete paths
around the lagoon are red to make the grass appear greener. (5) A great, uncrowded place to
visit characters is the bench near the rail past the International Gateway. It's on your right if
you're coming form the BC. It might be across that first clothing store when you get in.
(6) There is a butterfly garden behind Mouse Gears.
African Outpost—(1) Open the lids of the crates and see what happens. (2) If you are over near
China/African Outpost in the early afternoon, the drawbridge goes up and you can watch them
bring out the launching islands for Illuminations. It's a bit of a wait as the drawbridge is open, so
traffic stops and you can't cross the bridge until they finish.
American Pavilion--(1) View the American Flag that was taken from the rubble of 9/11/2001.
It will put a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye. (2) When you go to see the show, you
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will have to go up to what seems to be the second floor. The reason for this is, all of the different
platforms with the presidents on them are actually stored under the seats that you are sitting on.
They come sliding out as they are needed and then go back under when they are finished.
(3) The building that the American Adventure is in is really 5 stories, but has tall doors and
windows to make it look like it is only 3 stories. It's hard to tell, but have one person go stand by
the door to the gift shop, and you'll be able to tell that the opening is about 12 feet high! (4) Was
designed using "forced perspective" (same as the castle in MK) because Imagineers discovered
that a building from that time period would have been too small to be seen across World
Showcase Lagoon. (5) In the American Pavilion, there are paintings along the front wall. One
of the first ones opens to reveal an elevator. (6) The colonial soldiers (am not sure if that is what
they are called, but were dressed up like the time of George Washington) in America--They
come out with the flag, and they have a small band and there is a drummer boy. They do a little
ceremony of sorts.
Canada—(1) In Canada, at Epcot's World Showcase, there is a huge "rock" at the Kodak picture
spot. Before IllumiNations-Reflections of Earth begin, the top of the "rock" will open, and
sound and lighting equipment for IllumiNations will come out. I was standing right by the
"rock" when it happened and was amazed at what I was seeing! (2) There was a walking trail in
Canada, with an old abandoned mine and waterfalls? I knew of the one on the way to see that
movie, O'Canada, but supposedly, there is another one--a real walking trail to show you the
landscape of Canada. (3) The waterfall was put there because the sound of the water masks the
fact that there is a huge generator directly behind it. (4) There is a building in Canada that is
only 3 stories high, but has 5 rows of windows to make it look taller. (5) Do you know how
many of the three totem poles are real?? One--The are two on your right and one on your left.
The one on your left is a 700# cedar totem pole. Two have two distinct markings that show they
are two large pieces of fiberglass stacked on top of each other. The 30-foot "real" totem pole
raised there in April 1998 is carved by a renowned Tsimshian Indian carver, David Boxley. The
totem pole is three stories of Raven, a traditional story amongst Northwest Coastal Indians. The
top of the pole depicts the story of Raven tricking the Chief of the Skies to release the sun, moon,
& stars from a carved cedar chest (box). (6) The trees in Canada are replaced when they grow
too big! (7) Also, the plants at Canada change with the seasons, not to correspond with Buchart
Gardens but to simulate the seasons in Canada. White in winter, gold and red in autumn, etc.
They can't correspond to Buchart Gardens because the weather in Disney is different than on
Vancouver Island. However, the flower gardens there represent Buchart Gardens.
China—(1) The temple in China is acoustically perfect--if you stand exactly in the middle of the
room, your voice will echo back to you. (2) You can purchase a fan, and they will personalize it
for free. They write the name in Chinese. The fan is very inexpensive, around four dollars.
(3) China pathways narrow to help create the feeling of crowded streets and lots of people.
France—(1) The Eiffel tower is the only "carrot" in the WS--the only thing that cannot be
reached by the general public. (2) Be sure to find Belle's library. If you're searching for Belle
and Beast, you're almost sure to walk through, but even if you're not, browse the shops and you'll
find yourself there as well. There are countless references to classic Disney tales. Shelves are
lined with favorite stories, knickknacks like gargoyles from Hunchback and the rose from Beauty
and the Beast are there, and I remember some more obscure Disney references catching my eye
as well. There's also a beautiful stained glass window, just like the mosaics during the prologue
of B&TB. (3) Between France and Morocco, you'll notice that there is a section of pavement
that looks different. This is supposed to symbolize the Straits of Gibralter.
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Germany—(1) Being in Germany at the top of the hour. At the courtyard in Germany if you
look up towards the back there is a clock. If you are there around the hour, it will ring and a
German boy and girl will come out (they are made our of wood, they are not real) and twirl
around. Sometimes the clock is a little off on the time and you have to wait a few minutes.
(2) While you're looking at the train set in Germany, look at the church on the side of the bridge
closer to the lagoon. Over the doorway are, I think, 4 (four) hidden Mickeys. They are Mickey
hats. (3) Also in the train set—On the side of the bridge farthest from the lagoon, in the
brownish-colored castle, on the right side in the farthest window is a hidden Mickey. It looks
like one of the little rubber ones you can buy. He is dressed up in his suit and is just standing
there in the window. (4) If you go into Germany on the right side, walk straight to the back wall
{through the tables and chairs} and knock on the wall. There is a big mural on it . You will get a
hollow sound. It is a plywood wall that covers the area that was in the original plans for the
pavilion, supposed to be the entrance to the Rhine river boat ride, which never panned out for
whatever reason.
Ice Station Cool—(1) When you go into the Coke station, get a little of the "Italy-Beverly"
flavor and act like you are drinking it then tell everyone how delicious it is. They will all take a
big gulp and gag!!! It is disgusting! I have had lots of fun with this and dh always goes along
with me to fool the newbies. The looks on their faces are always priceless! (2) It used to be Ice
Station Cool, but now it's "Club Cool." If you are walking towards the world showcase from
future world it is on the right hand side of the large fountain. If you walk past the fountain you
have gone too far.
Innoventions—(1) Innoventions West, at the IBM exhibit, you can email pictures of yourself.
(2) Innoventions East the ten-second video clip you can email. (3) Look for the solar powered
lawnmowers at EPCOT.
International Gatewa--(1) When you are crossing that little bridge to France you are
symbolically crossing "the English Channel"? (2) At the International Gateway, near France, on
the bridge in the lagoon area there's a bicycle sitting on the land near the water with an artist's
canvas next to it. The painting there looks finished, too. It took me a long time to see that
Disney detail; it's easily missed.
Italy—(1) If you wander around behind the shops (where the fountains are), look around for
little red press-buttons that say "press for a surprise" (or something to that affect). If you press
the button, water squirts from a different location. It’s always fun to see where the water comes
from when you do it, and then, wait for an unsuspecting person to walk by. They can't ever
figure it out. (2) In Italy, when you are walking towards the pavilion, you have the shop with the
clothes on the left. OK, that building, the columns have little men, maybe monks (?) carved into
them, a little over head level. I am not 100% if I am right on the EXACT location, but there is
the corner column, then either the next one or the one after that (so either the second or third
from the end of the corner of the World Showcase walkway and the one leading into Italy), one
of the men is actually holding a bowling ball. All of the figures seem to be holding something
round, but only one has a bowling ball. I had to have a CM taller than me point it out, as I was
too short (I’m 5’5”) and could only feel it with my fingers. The CM told me one of the architects
was a bowler and wanted to leave that in the building. (3) Located in the central plaza of the
Italy pavilion, known as the "Plaza del Teatro," you can find the "Fontana de Nettuno." This
fountain contains the image of Neptune, the God of the Sea, and was inspired by Gian Lorenzo
Bernini's Fountain of Trevi, located in Rome, Italy. The original famous fountain is often
recognized as having been seen in Federico Fellini's classic film, "La Dolce Vita."
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Japan—(1) The Japanese pagoda has 5 stories and each symbolizes something. They are in
ascending order, which represent the elements from which Buddhists believe all things in the
universe are created: earth, water, fire, wind and sky. (2) Upside down classic Mickeys in gold
(bells?) (3) The statue to the right as you enter Japan was a gift from the government of Japan
when MK opened and was moved to Epcot when it opened. (4) At Japan try to find out the times
that the woman makes animals out of candy. She will give them (for free) to some of the
children in the group standing there. It is amazing to watch her do this.
Living Sea--(1) In Epcot at Sea Base Alfa, look at the beams inside. You will see a bunch of
letters and numbers. The people who worked on building it wanted to leave something, so the
letters and numbers mean something special to each one who worked on the building (2) When
you leave notice the overhang coming out is very large. That is to give you eyes time to get
readjusted to the sunlight. (3) The Living Seas Pavilion measures 203’ in diameter, 27’ deep,
and contains 5.7 million gallons of salt water. The Aquarium is so large that Spaceship Earth
(160’ in diameter) would fit inside with room to spare.
Mexico--There are relief carvings on the sides of the pyramid in Mexico. They were added later
after they realized that small children liked to climb those little steps!
Mission: Space—(1) In the gift store, look at the ceiling. Double Hidden Mickey. I think I can
make out both a classic and a profile hidden Mickey in the same scene. (2) When you are in the
gift shop of Mission Space, look at the walls. It looks like electrical boxes and wiring. Some of
these boxes are Mickeys heads. (3) On Mission Space, if you start flipping all of the switches
and turning the dials and stuff "Lt. Dan" comes over your speaker and tells you not to touch
them.
Morocco—(1) All the tiles and carvings in Morocco were hand made and none depict life.
(2) When they light up all the countries in Epcot as part of Illuminations, they do not light up the
temple in Morocco as this would violate their religious beliefs. (3) You can take a guided tour of
Moracco. Times vary, there is no charge, and it is about 20 min, if I remember correctly. It was
run out of the tourism office room (now Tangere Cafe). I would just ask a CM at Markesh
kiosk. It really is worth the time. (4) Across from Morocco there is a aqua-duct. Most people
wallk by. They grow vegetables and plants there. It is really neat to look at. (5) When they
were asked to join WS, the King was so excited and thrilled that they had been asked. He sent
his own men over there to built it and totally paid for the construction. It did not cost Disney
anything to build. (6) There is a "gold" prayer room in Morocco that was included for the CM
and is open to the public. (7) When walking through Morocco, take a look at all of the mosaic
tile artwork on the walls. You will notice that each mosaic has at least one cracked/flawed tile in
it. This is because these mosaics were created by Moroccan artisans in a unique arrangement
with the Moroccan government and Disney, as mentioned before. The Moroccan people worship
Allah and believe that only Allah can create something that is "perfect," so every mosaic was
purposely flawed!
Norway—(1) The roof has grass growing on it! Horticulture CMs get up on that roof and trim
the grass with clippers since they don’t seem to have a goat to keep up there as they do in
Norway. (2) There is a secret on the Viking Ship Ride. As you are waiting to aboard your ship,
look closely at the painting on the wall of the Viking Ship and you will find Mickey on the ship.
(3) There's a very nice playground in Norway, too. It has a Viking boat theme. (4) There is also
the ship behind the bakery and the bakery itself , rice cream and cloud horns to die for.
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Soarin’--Look for the Hidden Mickeys in the golf ball and fireworks.
Test Track—(1) Test Track vehicles have three onboard computers that have more processing
power than the space shuttle. (2) Test Track is the fastest ride in WDW, at 65 mph.
The Land—(1) The address on the mail box in front of the farm house has 82 or 1982 on it.
The Park opened in 1982. (2) Boat ride--watch for the lab set up on the right near the end of
the ride. There is a bunch of green test tubes in the shape of Mickeys head in the test tube holder
on the far right.
United Kingdom—(1) When approaching the UK from Canadian side, the first thing you come
up to is the Rose and Crown on your left. When the Imagineers visited the UK, they determined
there were three types of pubs. (Public Houses) All three styles are reflected in the outside
architecture of Rose and Crown. One facade is the one you can see from the water side or
Canada side, one facade is the entrance into the pub itself, and the third is for the fish and chips
window. The name Rose and Crown was chosen because after their study of the four countries,
it was determined that the word "Rose" and the word "Crown" were the two most popular words
contained in the naming of Pubs. (2) As you look in front of you and to your right, you will see a
line of shops. The first is a tea shop. It’s outside and inside architecture represents UK in the
1600s--thatched roof, huge hearth inside low ceilings, dark lighting even the style floor. The
next shop represents the 1700s and has a sign out front that says Est. 1702. It has higher ceilings
and basic wrought iron lighting fixtures. If you look at it from the outside, you can see the
cantilever build. That served two purposes-the first was a legal form of tax evasion. Subjects
were taxed on the square footage of the downstairs. Second and even more visual was what they
threw out the upstairs windows into the drains that ran down the center of the streets. Just
another reason gentlemen walked nearer the road and wore large brimmed hats while ladies
walked very near the bldgs. The next building is 1800s neoclassical. See the window styles and
even how ornate the window coverings and lighting are? Look up at the ceiling and how it is
painted. As you exit that shop, look to your right. There is a whole other building over there,
and it is in the same 1800s time frame to stay in sync. Look at the rooftops. See the Mary
Poppins style chimneys? (3) You should now be looking out over the garden area (intended to
represent Hyde Park). If you look to your left, you will see a typical shrubbery maze. Only it is
short hedges so children don't get lost. The British Invasion used to perform in the gazebo right
in the middle of the maze! (4) If you come on around using the path rather than the road, you
will see a not-a-Garden or more accurately a Knot-a-garden. It represents the local apothecary.
The hedges are grown a foot or so high in the shape of a knot, and each "section" of the garden
had a different herb planted in it. (5) On that path back on the road to the international gateway
was the butterfly box and garden. Disney has plants that butterflies are naturally attracted to.
When the butterflies spin their baby cocoons, horticulture takes the cocoon and places it in this
protective box. It has a top and four sides but no bottom. As the butterfly hatches, it simply flies
out the bottom of the box. As the plants it is attracted to are right there, they tend to never leave
the British Butterfly Garden. (6) There is a section in England where you can look up your
family name and get information about it. Names in the book are from ALL countries not just
England ancestry. There is a book to look up your name then they will pull up info in their
computer and you can see your family crest and family name history - then they have all sorts of
things that you can buy like mugs, shirts, plaques, etc. (7) The fish and chips became so popular
they added the "fast food" version.
Water Fountains—(1) The shooting water fountains (not the big one) that the kids play in just
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before you enter the world showcase. If you can time it just right you're unsuspecting buds will
never forget their first encounter with these. (2) The talking fountains are by the restrooms on
the side of Innoventions facing The Land. As you come through the center of the building
walking towards The Land, make a quick left turn. They are right there. (3) Talking water
fountains: Outside Mousegear shop, behind Innoventions West, near the restroom between
Innoventions and HISTA Pavilion, and near the play fountain between Future World and World
Showcase (left side of the big fountain in FW as you are walking toward WS).
World Showcase (“WS”)—(1) In the World Showcase park entrance, we found the upside
down classic Mickey in the clock. (2) The frontage of each country is exactly the same, as is the
height of their tallest feature (i.e., mountains in Canada, Eiffel tower, etc.). Some spread out
inside more than others, but the frontage on the walkway is the same. They wanted to make
sure everyone was equal—forced perspective is what makes some look taller.
Magic Kingdom | Animal Kingdom | Hollywood Studios | Epcot | Misc
HISTORY
Anyone know exactly what happened to spark Walt Disney's idea of building Walt Disney
World?
Well...when Walt was alive, he used to stand at the exit of Disneyland wishing the guests a
farewell at the end of the night. NO ONE ever left the park before closing time. One night, a
family walked by and was leaving the park before closing time, and Walt stopped them. He
asked them why they were leaving early, worried that maybe a CM was rude or something bad
happened. They said everything was wonderful, but when they were on the skyride, they saw the
highway and could see there was a lot of traffic. They wanted to get a head start home to beat
the traffic. Walt would have none of it, so he decided that day that he would build a bigger park
and make it a "world" instead of just a "land.” He wanted it to be that once you enter Disney
World you have no ties with the outside world. Since Disneyland is in the middle of the city and
is so small, one couldn't do that. With a new world, you are engulfed in all that is Disney. Thus,
the idea for Disney World was born (which was later renamed "Walt Disney World" by Roy
Disney).
This isn't about a theme park, but it's very interesting. It's a story that the CM who gave us a
"keys to the Kingdom" tour told us: Before Walt Disney started his own company, he was a
young cartoonist looking for work. He signed on with a very small and little known company
and started drawing and creating. He created a rabbit that he named "Oswald the Lucky
Rabbit". Apparently, this company loved the rabbit, but wanted to make some changes. Walt
refused, saying that this was his creation and he didn't want it changed. He then sold the rights
of his creation to this company and quit to set out on his own. The company? Warner Bros.,
who then renamed Walt's creation "Bugs Bunny!"
KEEPSAKES
Pressed Pennies--(1) Avoid the bight shiny pennies. Depending on what penny you use, you
may get a smear of zinc (silver looking metal). In 1982, pennies were made with both copper
and zinc. Use pre-1982 pennies. (2) You might want to get the design pressed onto the "face" of
the penny because the "tail" side sometimes leaves parts of the monument and you end up with
an incomplete image. (3) Generally, if you insert the penny so that the "face" side is to the right,
that is the side that will be pressed with the design. Also the quarter to the far left tends to be the
quarter that gets pressed in Quarter Presses.
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DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Christmas Shoppe—(1) In the very last room where they do the embroidery, look up. The
ceiling the rafters look like lattice work. If you look carefully, you will see hidden Mickeys in
it. (2) At least once a day in the Christmas shop they have a Magical Moment. One of the CMs
chooses a child and has that child color in a paper ornament and then sign it and they hang it on
the Christmas tree there with the ones that has already been done.
Magic Kingdom | Animal Kingdom | Hollywood Studios | Epcot | Misc
Disney World Secrets - What You Really Need To Know
http://www.squidoo.com/disneyworldsecrets
============================
WALT DISNEY WORLD: An OVERVIEW
WHAT WALT DISNEY WORLD
ENCOMPASSES
WAl.T DISNEY WORl.D
COMPRISES 43 square miles,
an area twice as large as
Manhattan or roughly the size
of Boston. Situated strategically
in this vast expanse are the
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, DisneyMGM Studios, and the Animal
Kingdom theme parks; two
swimming theme parks; two nighttime-entertainment areas; a sports
complex; six golf courses, 34 hotels, and a campground; more than 100
restaurants; four interconnected lakes; a shopping complex; three
convention venues; a nature preserve; and a transportation system
consisting of four-lane highways, elevated monorails, and a network of
canals.
THE MAJOR THEME PARKS
The Magic Kingdom When people think of Walt Disney World, most think
of the Magic Kingdom, It consists of the adventures, rides, and shows
featuring the Disney cartoon characters, and Cinderella Castle. Although
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the Magic Kingdom is only one element of Disney World, it remains the
heart.
Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is subdivided into seven "lands," six of which are
arranged around a central hub. First
encountered is Main Street, US,A" which
connects the Magic Kingdom entrance with the
hub,
Clockwise around the hub are Advenrureland,
Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fanrasyland, and
Tornorrowland. Mickey's Toontown Fair, the first
new land added since the Magic Kingdom
opened, is situated along the Walt Disney
Railroad on three acres between Fantasyland
and Tornorrowland. Access is through
Fantasyland or Tomorrowland or via the
railroad, Main Street and the other six lands will
be detailed later, Three hotels (the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand
Floridian Beach Resorts) are near the Magic Kingdom and directly connected to
it by monorail and boat. Two additional hotels, Shades of Green and
Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort and Villas, are nearby but aren't served
by the monorail,
Epcot
Opened in October 1982, Epcor is twice as big as the Magic Kingdom and comparable
in scope, It has two major areas: Future World consists of pavilions concerning human
creativity and technological advancement; World Showcase, arranged around a 41acre lagoon, presents the architectural,
social, and cultural heritages of almost a
dozen nations, each country represented by
replicas of famous landmarks and settings
familiar to world travelers. Epcot is more
educational than the Magic Kingdom and has
been characterized as a permanent World's
Fair. The Epcot resort hotels-Disney's Beach
Club Resort and Villas, Disney's Yacht Club,
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas Resort,
the Walt Disney World Swan, and the Walt
Disney World Dolphin are within a 5- to 15-minute walk of the International Gateway
(back-door) entrance to the theme park. The hotels are also linked to Epcot and
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Disney-MGM Studios by canal. Epcot is connected to the Magic Kingdom and its
hotels by monorail.
Disney-MGM Studios
Opened in 1989 and about the size of the Magic Kingdom, Disney-MGM Studios has
two areas. The first is a theme park focused on the past, present, and future of the
motion-picture and television industries. This section contains movie-theme rides and
shows and covers about half of the complex. Park highlights include a re-creation of
Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards from
Hollywood's Golden Age, stunt demonstrations, a
children's play area, shows on sound effects, and
four high-tech rides.
The second area is a working motion-picture and
television production facility encompassing three
soundstages, a back lot of streets and sets, and
support services. Public access is limited to tours
that take visitors behind the scenes for crash
courses on Disney animation and moviemaking,
including (on occasion) the opportunity to witness
the shooting of a film, television show, or commercial. Disney-MGM Studios is
connected to other Walt Disney World areas by highway and canal but not by monorail.
Guests can park in the Studios' pay parking lot or commute by bus. Guests at Epcot
resort
hotels can reach the Studios by boat or on foot.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
More than five times the size of the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom combines
zoological exhibits with rides, shows, and live entertainment. The park is arranged
somewhat like the Magic Kingdom,
in a hub-and-spoke configuration.
A lush tropical rain forest serves as
Main Street, funneling visitors to
Discovery Island, the park's hub.
Dominated by the park's central
icon, the 14-story-tall, hand-carved
Tree of Life, Discovery Island offers
services, shopping, and dining.
From there, guests can access the
themed areas: Africa, Asia,
DinoLand U.S.A., and Camp
Minnie-Mickey. Discovery Island,
Africa, Camp Minnie-Mickey, and
DinoLand U.S.A. opened in 1998,
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followed by Asia in 1999. Africa, the largest themed area, at 100 acres, features freeroaming herds in a re-creation of the Serengeti Plain. Guests tour in open-air safari
vehicles. Animal Kingdom has its own pay parking lot and is connected to other Disney
World destinations by the Disney bus system. Although there are no hotels at the
Animal Kingdom, the All-Star, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Coronado Springs Resorts are
nearby.
OTHER WALT DISNEY WORLD VENUES
Downtown Disney (Downtown Disney Marketplace,
Downtown Disney is a large shopping, dining, and entertainment complex
encompassing the Downtown Disney Marketplace on the east, the gated (admissionrequired) Pleasure Island nighttime-entertainment venue in the middle, and Disney's
West Side on the west. Downtown Disney Marketplace contains the world's largest
Disney character merchandise store, upscale resort-wear and specialty shops, and
several restaurants, including the tacky but popular Rainforest Cafe. Pleasure Island
offers the nightclubs described below plus several upscale restaurants and shops.
Disney's West Side, which opened in 1997, combines nightlife, shopping, dining, and
entertainment. The House of Blues serves Cajun-Creole dishes in its restaurant and
electric blues in its music hall.
Bongos, a nightclub and cafe created by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, offers Cuban
rhythms and flavors. Wolfgang Puck Cafe, sandwiched among pricey boutiques
(including a three-level Virgin Records megastore), is the West Side's prestige eatery.
For entertainment, you'll find a 24-screen cinema; a permanent showplace for the
extraordinary, 70-person cast of Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba; and DisneyQuest, an
interactive virtual reality and electronic games venue. Access Downtown Disney via
Disney buses from most Disney World locations.
Disney World Extra Magic Hours

Disney Theme Park Hours
On designated days, a Walt Disney World theme park will be open an hour early and three
hours later for Disney Resort guests only and includes guests staying at the Walt Disney
World Swan/Dolphin Hotels and the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort. You will need
your resort ID to get on any attractions during Extra Magic Hours.
For the most part, the schedule is set but during busier seasons more Extra Magic
Hour events are added. You should always check your travel dates for any
additional EMH days or changes.
NOTE THAT THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
~Valid Resort I.D. and theme park ticket required
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Magic Kingdom EMH
Epcot EMH
Blizzard Beach EMH
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Animal Kingdom EMH
Hollywood Studios EMH
Typhoon Lagoon EMH
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MAGIC KINGDOM
Splash Mountain will no longer be open during Evening Extra Magic Hours. The Enchanted Tiki
Room has been added and Country Bear Jamboree will be added once it reopens in October.
MORNING OFFERINGS
2012 Dates:
August- 2, 9, 26, 23. 30
September- 6, 13, 20, 27
October- 4, 11, 18, 25
November- 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December- 6, 13, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
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Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
"its a small world"
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's Philharmagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Space Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape!
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
EVENING OFFERINGS
2012 Dates:
August- 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
September- 2, 9, 16, 23
October- 1, 7, 15, 22
November- 10, 11, 18, 26
December- 3, 10, 17, 23, 28, 30
ALL OF THE MORNING OFFERINGS PLUS:
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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Enchanted Tiki Room
Haunted Mansion
Jungle Cruise
Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
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EPCOT
MORNING OFFERINGS
2012 Dates:
August- 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
September- 4, 11, 18, 25
October- 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November- 6, 13, 20, 27
December- 4, 11, 18, 23
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Living With the Land
Mission Space
Soarin'
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
EVENING OFFERINGS
2012 Dates:
August- 7, 14, 21, 28
September- 7, 12, 19, 26
October- 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
November- 7, 16, 23, 30
December- 7, 14, 21, 25, 27
ALL OF THE MORNING OFFERINGS PLUS:
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The American Adventure
Journey Into Imagination with Figment
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Grand Fiesta Tour
The Maelstrom
DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
MORNING OFFERINGS
2012 Dates:
August- 4, 11, 18, 25
September- 1, 8, 15, 22, 28
October- 6, 13, 20, 27
November- 3, 10, 17, 24
December- 1, 8, 15, 22, 24
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Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Toy Story Mania
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
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EVENING OFFERINGS
2012 Dates:
August- 6, 13, 20, 27
September- 3, 10, 17, 24, 30
October- 8, 14, 21, 29
November- 5, 12, 19, 25
December- 2, 9, 16, 26, 29, 31
ALL OF THE MORNING OFFERINGS PLUS:
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The Great Movie Ride
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
ANIMAL KINGDOM
MORNING OFFERINGS
2012 Dates:
August- 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
September- 3, 5, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 29
October- 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 28
November- 2, 4, 9, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
December- 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31
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Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
It's Tough To Be A Bug
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Primeval Whirl
EVENING OFFERINGS
2012 Dates: None
ALL OF THE MORNING OFFERINGS PLUS:
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Festival of the Lion King
Kali River Rapids (seasonal)
Triceratop Spin
==============================
Animal Kingdom Rides and Attractions
Ride Length listing
Boneyard
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Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama
Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo - The Musical
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Flights of Wonder
It's Tough to be a Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safari
Maharajah Jungle Trek
Oasis
Pangani Exploration Trail
Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends
Rafiki's Planet Watch
Tree of Life
Triceratops Spin
--------------------------
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney Junior - Live on Stage!
Opened: January 27, 2008 (Renamed March 2011)
Show Length: 20 minutes
The "Disney Junior - Live on Stage!" show at Disney California Adventure and Disney's
Hollywood Studios premiered in March of 2011. This update of the "Playhouse Disney - Live
on Stage!" show keeps favorites "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse", "Handy Manny" and "Little
Einsteins" but now features characters from "Jake and the Never Land Pirates."
Disney Junior - Live on Stage! features characters from Disney Channel's 'Jake and the Never
Land Pirates,' 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse', 'Handy Manny' and 'Little Einsteins.' There are short
stories from each of the shows, as Mickey and his friends work together to throw a surprise party
for Minnie!
Disney Junior - Live on Stage is designed for the pre-school set. (Be prepared to sit on the floor
with your kids.) The little ones are invited to sing along and dance to the tunes from their
favorite shows.
Fastpass: No
Handicapped Accessibility: Guests may remain in their wheelchairs for this attraction.
Beauty and the Beast Stage Show

Beauty and the Beast Stage Show Photos
Opened: November 22, 1991
Attraction length: 30 minutes
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
Opened: December 17, 1990
Overview/History:
While not an actual attraction, kids can make their own fun in this 11,000-square foot play area
based on the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" movie.
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Surrounded by 30-foot tall blades of grass, oversized mushrooms, 40-foot tall bumblebees and a
huge 52-foot leaking garden hose, children can explore the root maze tunnels, sit on a giant ant
and slide down larger-than-life film strips, flower petals and tree stumps.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Opened: August 25, 1989
Attraction length: 30 minutes
Overview/History:
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is a "must see" for fans of "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Stunt Coordinator, Glenn Randall, of the Indiana Jones movies, directs this extravaganza.
Exciting scenes from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" are re-enacted. The talented stuntmen/women are
joined by audience volunteers to act out the scenes.
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Opened: May 5, 2005
Attraction length: 35 minutes
Overview/History:
This fast paced action adventure uses specially designed cars, jet skis and motorcycles in a high
speed pursuit. Some vehicles are designed to drive in reverse, while one splits in half. You’ll
know which car is the “hero” and which is the “villain” by color coding.
Voyage of The Little Mermaid
Opened: January 7, 1992
Attraction length: 14 minutes, 30 seconds
Overview/History:
Exceptional lighting techniques and special effects make you feel like you are indeed a part of
Ariel's world in Voyage of the Little Mermaid. This musical stage production uses live action,
puppetry (if you look closely, you can see the puppeteers dressed in black as they work their
magic on stage), special effects, music and movie clips to tell the tale of the Little Mermaid.
The Academy award winning song, "Under the Sea", "Part of Your World" and "Poor
Unfortunate Souls" are performed during the presentation. The latter is sung by an enormous 12'
high and 10' wide Ursula puppet.
This show appeals to all age groups.
Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! 3:00 pm
This parade features characters from Up, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Ratatouille, A Bug's Life and
The Incredibles. It begins at the front of the park and travels up Hollywood Boulevard.
To see photos of the Pixar Pals parade, click here.
Check Show Times
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Studios Overview
One Man's Dream
American Idol Attraction
Disney Junior - Live on Stage!
Backlot Tour
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Beauty and the Beast
Star Tours
Fantasmic!
Tower of Terror
The Great Movie Ride
Toy Story Mania
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Indiana Jones Stunt
Studios Restaurant Menus
Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show
Studios Shopping
Magic of Disney Animation
Studios Parades and Fireworks
Muppet Vision 3D
-------------------------
Studios Events and Shows
Magic Kingdom Lands
Adventureland
Main Street USA
Fantasyland
Mickey's Toontown Fair - Closed
Frontierland
Tomorrowland
Liberty Square
Magic Kingdom Rides and Attractions
Ride Length listing
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Ariel's Grotto
Astro Orbiter
Big Thunder Mountain
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
Carousel of Progress
Country Bear Jamboree
Dream Along with Mickey
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Enchanted Tiki Room
Hall of Presidents
The Haunted Mansion
It's a Small World
Jungle Cruise
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Liberty Square Riverboat
Mad Tea Party
Main Street Family Fun Day Parade
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Mickey's Philharmagic
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Peter Pan's Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape!
Swiss Family Treehouse
Tom Sawyer Island
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Fantasyland Attractions
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
It's a Small World
Mad Tea Party
Mickeys PhilharMagic
Peter Pan's Flight
Snow Whites Scary Adventures
Winnie the Pooh
Restaurants and Shops
Shows and Events
Fantasyland Shows and Events
Dream Along with Mickey

Dream Along With Mickey Photos
Taking place in the forecourt of Cinderella's Castle, 'Dream Along with Mickey' features
everyone's favorite Mouse and Disney characters. This dream inspired show touches on "Happily
Ever After" as well as dreams of exciting adventures. This show actually focuses on Donald
Duck (who once again, does not get top billing, same as with Mickey's PhilharMagic.) The
Disney characters join in helping Donald realize his dreams. Minnie, Peter Pan and Sleeping
Beauty are among the talented performers.
A villain that is rarely seen outside of the parades is part of this production. Sleeping Beauty's
Maleficent is intent on turning Donald's dreams into nightmares. As with every great Disney tale,
good conquers evil and the result is a fun, character filled finale.
'Dream Along with Mickey' is performed daily. Check the Times Guides for the day's
performances.
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Character Greetings at Fantasyland Character Festival, and Mad Tea Party (check guide map
for times).
Fairy Tale Garden is nestled beside Cinderella's Castle. Guests can interact with Rapunzel
from the Disney animated film "Tangled" which retells the classic story of Rapunzel. The movie,
featuring the voices of Zachary Levi (NBC's "Chuck") and singer Mandy Moore, was developed
using both computer animation and Disney 3D technology. Even though it is a different way to
tell a classic story, there are some Disney "heavyweights" behind it: legendary composer Alan
Menken and animator Glen Keane, both of whom worked on "Aladdin," "Beauty and the Beast,"
and "The Little Mermaid."
Please check your Times Guide for times.
Frontierland Attractions
Big Thunder Mountain
Country Bear Jamboree
Splash Mountain
Tom Sawyer Island
Restaurants and Shops
Shows and Events
Frontierland Shows and Events
Frontierland Hoedown
This show has been around for 10 years, celebrating the spirit of the wild west. Frontierland cast
members gather and dance to the song "Devil's Dream." Disney characters joining in the fun
include Brer Bear, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and the Country Bears (Wendell, Big Al, Shaker and
Liver Lips). Guests are invited to join in on the fun and do the Hokey Pokey.
Show times are not published in the Times Guide, as this is a spontaneous event. It may happen
two to three times a day.
Character Greetings:
Splash Mountain Courtyard (check guide map for exact times)
Adventureland Attractions
Enchanted Tiki Room
Jungle Cruise
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Pirates of the Caribbean
Swiss Family Treehouse
Shows and Events
Restaurants and Shopping
Adventureland Shows and Special Events
Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial
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Tomorrowland Attractions
Astro Orbiter
Buzz Lightyear's - Spin
Carousel of Progress
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor
Space Mountain
Stitch's Great Escape!
Tomorrowland Speedway
Tomorrowland Transit Authority
Restaurants and Shops
Shows and Events
Liberty Square Attractions
Hall of Presidents
Liberty Square Riverboat
The Haunted Mansion
Restaurants
Shops
Epcot
Map of Epcot
Future World
World Showcase
Epcot Overview
Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, opened in 1982. It was
conceived by Walt Disney to "take its cue from the new ideas and new technologies that are
now emerging from the creative centers of American industry."
For many years Epcot was considered an 'adult' park. They worked hard to overcome this
reputation and most have discovered that kids can have a blast visiting Epcot, including the
'boring' countries.
One of the best things they did was to
introduce 'Kidcot' stations in World Showcase.
Kids can create a free (yes, you read that right)
souvenir to take home with them. The more
spots they visit, the more they can add to their
one of a kind creation. Additionally, you'll find
Disney characters associated with each country
hosting meet and greets.
Epcot consists of two themed areas, Future
World and World Showcase. Future World
features attractions that focus on energy,
communication, the land and our environment,
the ocean, imagination, transportation and
space exploration.
"Spaceship Earth" located inside the iconic "golf ball" traces the history of communication.
The "Universe of Energy" features Ellen DeGeneres and Bill Nye the Science Guy heading
back to prehistoric times to find the origin of energy.
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>>> MUST DO Epcot's most popular ride "Soarin'"
Over at "The Land" Epcot's most popular
ride "Soarin'" is found. Timon, Pumba and
Simba are your hosts at the "Circle of Life"
film and the "Living With The Land" boat
ride takes you on a tour of greenhouses
and fish-production.
The "Seas with Nemo and Friends " is a
fun filled trip into the underwater world of
Nemo. The action centers around the 5.7
million gallon aquarium that is home to
thousands of fish including sharks, sea
turtles and dolphins. This pavilion features
all of the characters from "Finding Nemo".
You can ride on "Clam-Mobiles", have fun
with the hands-on activities, and you don't
want to miss "Turtle Talk with Crush".
At "Imagination!" you can take a fun-filled look at the senses on your "Journey Into
Imagination With Figment". It's rarely crowded and is a perfect ride for the days when the
park is busy and you need a break.
Test Track" takes you on an unforgettable ride. This is a great attraction but it does have a
well deserved reputation for intermittent delays.
"Mission Space" simulates a realistic launch into space as you and your crew pilot your
capsule to Mars. There are two versions so
choose wisely. If you have the slightest
inclination towards motion sickness, pick the
tamer option.
Innoventions is a "mish-mosh" of sorts with
different hands-on activities featuring the
latest technology. There are two locations
"East and West" and you'll often find that
they aren't very crowded.
Centered around a beautiful reflective lagoon
is Epcot's "World Showcase". Each country
features entertainment, dining and shopping
unique to their culture. This is also where the
'boring' part for kids kicks in. Take advantage
of the kidcot stops and think twice about some of the movies at several of the countries. If
your little guy balks after one of them, they don't get better at the others. All isn't lost, in
Mexico and Norway there are boat rides that kids will definitely like and most everyone
enjoys the 'street' performers scheduled throughout the day.
Every evening Epcot presents "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth". This is well worth
waiting for and is the perfect way to end your day.
One of the absolute best features of this park is how wide open and expansive it is. If you're
feeling hemmed in at the other theme parks, hop on a boat, bus or monorail and get
yourself to Epcot.
Epcot World Showcase
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Map of Epcot
Mexico
Norway
China
Germany
Italy
United States
Japan
Morocco
France
United Kingdom
Canada
Shopping
Restaurants/Dining
Epcot Future World
Map of Epcot
SOARIN'
Overview
Spaceship Earth
Honey I Shrunk the Audience
Test Track
Innoventions
Universe of Energy
Imagination!
Shopping
The Land
Restaurants/Dining
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Shows and Events
Mission: Space
DISNEY PARK HOURS
Today's Theme Park Hours
Saturday 10/6/2012
Magic Kingdom:
Epcot Future World:
Epcot World Showcase:
Hollywood Studios:
Animal Kingdom:
Typhoon Lagoon:
Blizzard Beach:
Extra Magic Hours
8:00 - 12:00
9:00 - 10:00
11:00 - 10:00
9:00 - 9:30
9:00 - 7:00
10:00 - 5:00
10:00 - 5:00
Morning: Hollywood Studios
The 10 Best Restaurants at Disney World
Heading to Disney World? Check Out the Top Dining Spots.
With the opening of Disneyland, Disney radically changed the experience of going
to an amusement park. Florida's vast Walt Disney World upped the ante with
multiple parks, hotels, shopping districts, and more, and changed the very notion of
what it means to go on a vacation. Many Walt Disney World visitors, however,
chow down on the same nondescript fast food typically found at traditional
amusement parks. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But they are missing
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out on some extraordinary restaurants at the Florida resort and an opportunity to
make their vacations more memorable.
There are so many great places to eat, it's difficult to determine the top 10 best
restaurants at Walt Disney World. That's why I turned to 10 of the most popular
and respected travel journalists covering the Florida theme park mecca, including
some of my About.com colleagues, for some help. I asked them to provide ten of
their favorite Disney table-service restaurants and ten of their top casual dining
spots. I then threw their choices into a Cuisinart, poured them through a colander,
ranked the results, and developed two top 10 lists.
Whether you're planning an elegant meal, want to grab a quick bite, or anything in
between during your Walt Disney World visit, you're sure to find restaurants to
please your palate as well as your wallet with these top dining spots:
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The Top 10 Best Walt Disney World Table-Service Restaurants- Includes both highend and more moderately priced restaurants.
The Top 10 Best Walt Disney World Casual Restaurants- Includes buffet and counterservice restaurants.
There are dozens of dining choices across Walt Disney World, and our esteemed
panel listed a total of 44 different restaurants on their top-10 table-service lists. But
there was general consensus on the 10 restaurants that floated to the top.
Bubbling just beneath the surface are a few table-service restaurants that didn't
make the cut but bear mentioning:
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50's Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The comfort food is fine, but the
real appeal of the highly themed restaurant is the pitch-perfect 50's ambiance. The cost is
moderate ($15 to $35 per adult).
Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The third restaurant at the African-themed
hotel, which features exotic African- and Indian-inspired dishes, draws rave reviews. The
cost is high ($35 to $60 per adult).
Citrico's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. The inspired Mediterranean fare makes
Citrico's among my favorite Disney World restaurants. The cost is high ($35 to $60 per
adult).
Reservations, which are highly recommended for these popular Walt Disney World
restaurants, can be made up to six months in advance. Call (407) WDW-DINE
(939-3463) to make your dining plans.
Best Restaurants at Walt Disney World Video
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Disney World's Best Restaurants
Number 10 Best Disney World Restaurant: Artist Point
Walt Disney World. Used with permission.
Location: Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Cost: High ($35 to $60 per adult)
Attire: Business casual
Food: Pacific Northwest
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)
Drawing on the ambiance of Disney's
Wilderness Lodge, Artist Point takes its cue
from the grand dining rooms found at National
Park lodges tucked into the northwest corner of
the United States. The food also takes its cue
from the region, and that means lots of salmon
as well as hearty cuts of beef and game, such as
wild boar. Be sure to save room for dessert
which includes sinful creations paired with freshly prepared ice cream.
Read user reviews of Artist Point. Have you dined at Artist Point? Was your meal memorable?
Share your review with the About.com Theme Parks community.
Number 9 Best Disney World Restaurant: Flying Fish Cafe
Walt Disney World. Used with permission.
Location: Disney's BoardWalk, located behind
World Showcase at Epcot
Cost: High ($35 to $60 per adult)
Attire: Business casual
Food: Seafood with an adventurous flair
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)
The dishes at the Flying Fish Cafe tend to
focus on native Florida seafood, such as red
snapper, and seasonal, local produce. Instead
of old-school, cracker-crumb-crusted fish, the
creative entrees, which are prepared in the
restaurant's open kitchen, might include
accompaniments such as heirloom radish, leek
fondue, and roasted fennel. The wine menu at
the Flying Fish Cafe is especially extensive, and can be paired with the eatery's menu of artisanal
cheeses as well as with the main dishes.
Have you dined at the Flying Fish Cafe or another Walt Disney World restaurant and had a
memorable meal? Share your review with the About.com Theme Parks community and see how
other users have reviewed Walt Disney World restaurants.
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Number 8 Best Disney World Restaurant: The Hollywood Brown Derby
Walt Disney World. Used with permission.
Location: Hollywood Boulevard at Disney's
Hollywood Studios
Cost: High ($35 to $60 per adult)
Attire: Anything goes at this theme park
restaurant, but it is a fine dining experience.
Food: Traditional American with a nod to old
Hollywood
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)
A re-imagining of the original Brown Derby, the
food costars with the vintage Hollywood
ambiance at the Studio's most upscale eatery. Bob
Cobb (the real Brown Derby's restaurateur and namesake for the famous Cobb salad that graces
the menu) never served some of the modern-day creative entrees found at the Disney version of
his eatery. What would the movie stars, who were there to be seen, make of dishes such as rare
hijiki crusted ahi tuna with mizuna and palm sugar cucumbers or spice-rubbed black grouper
with sauteed haricots verts and sunchokes? Less adventurous diners will find more traditional
meat and poultry dishes. For dessert, consider another Brown Derby signature dish: Grapefruit
cake with grapefruit cream cheese icing.
Have you dined at The Hollywood Brown Derby or another Walt Disney World restaurant and
had a memorable meal? Share your review with the About.com Theme Parks community and see
how other users have reviewed Walt Disney World restaurants.
Number 7 Best Disney World Restaurant: Coral Reef Restaurant
Walt Disney World. Used with permission.
Location: The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion
at Epcot
Cost: High ($35 to $60 per adult)
Attire: Anything goes, but Coral Reef is a fine
dining restaurant.
Food: Specializing in seafood
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)
The food isn't unspectacular--in fact, it is quite
good--but the real (or is that reel?) attraction at
Coral Reef Restaurant is the spectacular view.
Nestled alongside the Epcot pavilion's enormous
aquarium, it can be both enchanting and a bit
disconcerting for diners to eyeball the many species
of fish swimming past as they chow down on
grilled mahi mahi or seared tile fish. The seafood-averse will find meat and vegetarian entrees on
the menu. The lunch menu tends to have many of the same dishes at lower prices.
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Number 6 Best Disney World Restaurant: Les Chefs de
France
Walt Disney World. Used with permission.
Location: France Pavilion at Epcot
Cost: High ($35 to $60 per adult)
Attire: Anything goes at this theme park
restaurant.
Food: Um, would you believe French?
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (9393463)
A couple of travel writers on our
distinguished panel chose Les Chefs de
France as their top WDW restaurant, and it's
no wonder. The fare at the highly regarded
brasserie is distinctly French, with specialties such as casserole of burgundian escargots, roasted
duck with cherries, coc au vin, and, of course, creme brulee tempting patrons. But the relatively
casual atmosphere (paper placemats instead of linen tablecloths) makes for a less stuffy dining
experience than at Epcot's somewhat more snooty Bistro de Paris. As you'd expect, Les Chefs de
France offers an extensive France-centric wine list.
Have you dined at Les Chefs de France or another Walt Disney World restaurant and had a
memorable meal? Share your review with the About.com Theme Parks community and see how
other users have reviewed Walt Disney World restaurants.
Number 5 Best Disney
World Restaurant: Nine
Dragons Restaurant
Walt Disney World. Used with permission.
Location: China Pavilion at Epcot
Cost: High ($35 to $60 per adult)
Attire: Anything goes at this theme park
restaurant, but it is somewhat upscale.
Food: Chinese
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (9393463)
It's fancier than the takeout found at a
typical neighborhood Chinese restaurant-and at the China pavilion's other dining establishment, Lotus Blossom Cafe--but the menu's
likely to include familiar dishes such as egg rolls, kung pao chicken, and hot and sour soup. Nine
Dragons offers dim sum appetizers and more exotic dishes for diners who want to explore
samples of China's regional cuisine. It also offers prix-fixe, three-course, family-style meals for
groups who want to share the dishes.
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Number 4 Best Disney World Restaurant: Le Cellier Steakhouse
Walt Disney World. Used with
permission.
Location: Canada Pavilion at Epcot
Cost: High ($35 to $60 per adult)
Attire: Anything goes at this theme park
restaurant, but it is a steakhouse.
Food: Steakhouse with a Canadian touch
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (9393463)
Steaks and chops dominate Le Cellier's
menu. But the traditional steakhouse fare
gets a Canadian makeover with touches such as a maple barbecue sauce for the filet mignon and
a sherry-bacon vinaigrette for the apple arugula salad that accompanies the grilled pork
tenderloin. The "cellar" theme conforms to the dark atmosphere typically found at a steakhouse,
and the relatively hushed, low-light setting can be a welcome relief from Florida's unforgiving
sun and Epcot's often frenzied pace. If the cholesterol-laden beef doesn't sufficiently intimidate
you, consider ordering the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup as an appetizer. Epcot is a huge park.
Tell yourself you can walk off Le Cellier's rich meal.
Number 3 Best Disney World Restaurant: Teppan Edo
Walt Disney World. Used with
permission.
Location: Japan Pavilion at Epcot
Cost: Moderate ($15 to $40 per adult)
Attire: Anything goes at this theme park
restaurant.
Food: Teppan-yaki Japanese
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (9393463)
It's a dining-as-theater experience as chefs
prepare meals tableside on built-in grills.
Entrees, which are served with udon
noodles and rice, include shrimp, chicken,
and filet mignon. Appetizers include a
limited number of sushi dishes as well as
other fare such as miso soup, seaweed
salad, and tempura. Since each grilling
station serves eight diners, Teppan Edo would be especially enjoyed by larger groups.
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Number 2 Best Disney World
Restaurant: Jiko–The Cooking
Place
Walt Disney World. Used with permission.
Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Cost: Very High ($100+ per adult)
Attire: Business casual
Food: African -Reservations: (407) 939-3463)
Probably the most exotic (and surely among the
most expensive) fare to be found on the Walt
Disney World resort is at Jiko – The Cooking
Place. Africa is an enormous continent and the menu reflects lots of variety. Depending on the
season, choices might include seared maize pudding with chakalaka (a spicy South African
relish), Swahili curry shrimp with coconut rice, or seared ostrich filet with spiced chickpeas. This
is about as far removed from a theme park cheeseburger as you can get. And it's all delicious. Be
sure to peruse the Jiko's overwhelming selection of South African wines. Also consider the
specialty teas menu, which features African blends and provides a great after-dinner interlude
before exploring the animals grazing on the Animal Kingdom Lodge's "savannah."
Number 1 Best Disney World Restaurant: California Grill
Walt Disney World. Used with permission.
Location: Disney's Contemporary Resort
Cost: Very High ($100+ per adult)
Attire: Business casual
Food: California Fusion
Reservations: (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)
Our esteemed panel was emphatic in its number-one
choice; California Grill's vote tally was 24% higher than
the second-place pick, Jiko.
It's somewhat ironic, yet fitting, that California Grill gets
the top nods as the best restaurant at Walt Disney World:
ironic, in the sense that it's a restaurant in Florida that celebrates California cuisine; fitting in that
Walt Disney World takes its inspiration from California's Disneyland.
Consider starting your meal with the mouth-watering flatbreads. Baked in a brick oven, they
feature toppings such as wild mushrooms, heirloom apples, and smoked duck. Sushi is also
available as an appetizer. Entrees range from the striking, such as seared bison with white corn,
mushroom risotto, and chestnuts, to the somewhat more conventional, such as oak-fired filet of
beef. The wine list features California varieties.
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Downtown Disney - Marketplace
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Jump To:
Photo Gallery
Downtown Disney Marketplace Shopping
Downtown Disney Marketplace Dining
Downtown Disney Marketplace Recreation
Downtown Disney Marketplace Map
Downtown Disney Shopping
If you're looking to shop for all things "Disney" or
just want a break from the theme parks, the
Marketplace is a terrific destination. There's a
great selection of shops and restaurants located
here. All of the Walt Disney World resorts offer
transportation to Downtown Disney.
The best time to visit Downtown Disney is during
the day. As evening approaches, be prepared for
crowds, particularly on weekends. Operating
hours for the common areas at Downtown Disney
Marketplace are 8:00 am - 1:00 am.
Arribas Brothers
This crystal specialty shop offers a wide variety of
unique gifts. It's a bit off the beaten track, located
between Team Mickey and Basin. Skilled craftsmen
work on various pieces in view of guests. A wide
variety of items can be personalized.
The Art of Disney
Whether you're a collector of Disney Memorabilia and
artwork or not, this Downtown Disney shop is worth a
visit. There's a vast collection of limited edition
Sericels, lithographs, original paintings, sculptures,
collectible figurines including the Walt Disney Classics
Collection, crystal, Lenox, etc. The range of prices
makes this appealing to both the serious collector
and those wanting something special on a modest
budget.
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Basin - Bath & Facial Products
This is a bit off the beaten path and towards the rear
of the World of Disney store. Featuring natural skin
and bath products. There are wonderful hand cut
soaps, bath crystals and salts, shampoo bars,
scented candles, etc. Visitors are encouraged to try
out the products with the testers found throughout
the shop. This shop can be potent with all the
varieties of smells.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
For all those little girls dreaming of being a Disney
Princess, this latest addition to the World of Disney is
the perfect fit. More of a salon than a store, there are
10 salon stations where girls can get their hair, nails
and makeup done. A second Boutique is located at
Cinderellla's Castle in theMagic
Kingdom. Reservations are strongly
recommended. The number to call is: 407-WDWSTYLE.
Package Prices:
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COACH: Hair style and shimmering makeup - $53.20 (includes tax)
CROWN: Hair style, shimmering makeup and nails - $58.53 (includes tax)
CASTLE: Hair style, shimmering makeup and nails plus full Princess costume with
accessories and photo package (one 6x8 and four 4x6 pix) - starting at $202.30
(includes tax)
THE KNIGHT PACKAGE: Hair styling, plus a sword and shield - $15.93 (includes
tax)
With the addition of the Boutique, there's been an expansion of Princess merchandise.
Disney Design-A-Tee
Design, customize and personalize your own Hanes
tee shirt. This store has several large user friendly
computers that will walk you through the entire
design process. First you choose the size and and the
color of the shirt you want. Depending on the size
you choose, the variety of color may be limited. Then
your select your art from several Disney categories,
such as Celebrations, Characters, Princesses, Tinker
Bell, Pirates, Pixar, Disney Films, and Holidays. The
final step in the design process is personalizing your
tee with custom text. There are several fonts, styles, and colors that you can choose from.
When you're done you print out your ticket, pay, and then come back in about 30 minutes
to pick it up.
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Design-A-Tee Photo Gallery - step by step process
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Disney's Pin Traders
This open air shop is where you'll find almost every
Disney pin imaginable. There are hundreds of pins
displayed by themes as well as Limited Editions. Pin
trading sessions are also hosted here. Even if you're
not into collecting pins, it's always fun to look
through the selection of pins. Pins are an inexpensive
souvenir.
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
When you walk in the door of this little shop, you are hit with the amazing smell of
chocolate! You can't help but enjoy browsing the selection of delicious chocolate. If you
can't wait till you get home to sample, order a treat from the soda fountain - a great cool
snack in the Florida heat!
Goofy's Candy Company
A fantastic interactive candy shop that's certain to
satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether or not you have a
sweet tooth, you have to visit Goofy's Candy
Company in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. Its so
much more than a candy store. It's bright and
colorful, as you'd expect. There are rows and rows of
self serve bins where you can get treats at $2.98 a
quarter pound. (A limited selection of sugar free
candies are available.) There are pre-packaged
candies and novelties for sale as well as glass
displays filled with tempting confections. Click here for details.
Lefty's
- If you need a gift for a left-hander in
your life, this is the place to find it! This kiosk offers
coffee mugs, t-shirts, scissors, even left-handed
pens!
LEGO Imagination Center
Almost every type of Lego is available here. From the
simplest set of blocks to the latest kits, clothing and
games, you're bound to find something for all ages at
this store. Outside of the shop is a 3,000 square foot
play zone. There are amazing Lego creations found
around the shop, including a "sea serpent" in the
lake. This is a great photo spot.
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little miss matched
This store is the perfect place for little fashionistas! They're known for their mismatched
colorful socks, but also carry a wide variety of other creative, fun items such as bedding,
pajamas, flip flops, and bags.
Marketplace Fun Finds
Located next to Little Miss Matched, this shop offers
some great values. Everything is less than $25 and is
a great place to pick up some gifts and souvenirs.
Mickey's Pantry
This store features Mickey-themed culinary items,
such as dinnerware, waffle irons, and coffee mugs. A
recent addition to Mickey's Pantry is a section
called "The Spice & Tea Exchange". This is a
collection of a variety of spices, teas, sea salts, rice,
platters and 12 naturally infused organic sugars.
Once Upon a Toy Store
This store is for the child and the child at heart. The
exterior appears to be constructed out of Lincoln Logs
and Tinker Toys. Every Disney themed toy imaginable
is featured here. There are incredible displays
including the Monorail system in miniature. All of
Disney's DVDs currently available for sale can be
found here. In addition to an extensive display,
there's a binder that contains the full listing of 300+
titles.
Rainforest Cafe Shop - Adjacent to the Rainforest Cafe. A full line of Rainforest
themed merchandise including clothing, mugs, jewelry, private label condiments, postcards,
toys, candy, mugs, etc.
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Team Mickey Athletic Club
The perfect shop for the sports enthusiast. Disney
themed sportswear for virtually all sports including
golf apparel and accessories, athletic jerseys and
footwear, ESPN brand merchandise and a limited
selection of sports memorabilia. There are wonderful
Disney themed bowling balls that are sure to make
you a league standout. You can find a large selection
of sports gear with your favorite College or
Professional team.
Rawlings Making The Game shop is where you can purchase customized baseball
bats, ball and mitts.
 Lathe Bat - Engraved: $74.99
 Maple Bat - Engraved: 64.99
 Full Size Bat - Engraved: $49.99
 Blank Bat: $29.99
 Mini Bat - Engraved: $24.99
 Bat Case: $14.99
 Authentic Helmet: $49.99
 Replica Helmet: $29.99
Tren-D
by Julie Martin
The newest shop, Tren-D, at the Downtown Disney
Marketplace is just that, trendy! All of the merchandise
for sale here is chic, hip, and sometimes eco-friendly.
Disney hit a home run with this store which offers
Disney Couture clothing and handbags, Tarina
Tarantino and Judith Jack jewelry, and earth friendly
candy wrapper purses. They carry cool Mickey t-shirts
along with clothing from Roxy, Element, Billabong and Lucy Love. You will also find Wicked
Wahine lotions and perfumes, Swan Creek candles, and H2O bath products. The hottest item in
the store would have to be the seatbelt purses by Harvey for Disney Couture. These handbags are
made from reclaimed seatbelts and covered with Mickey Mouse comic strips. The Pop inspired
artwork that covers the walls, ceiling and columns is all original and unfortunately not for sale. If
you choose to try on your selections, Edna ‘E’ Mode, is on the wall next to the dressing rooms to
let you know that you look marvelous. The décor alone makes a stop here a must do for every
female Disney fan.
Tren-D Photo Gallery
Wonderful World of Memories - This is the place for scrapbookers to stock up
on Disney-themed craft supplies, stationary and photo albums.
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World of Disney - This is the ultimate Disney
Character store. You'll find themed sections
throughout the 50,000 square foot shop:
- Magic Room: Photo frames, towels, snowglobes.
- Princess Experience Room: Princess outfits,
dolls, accessories, toys and the Bibbidi, Bobbidi
Boutique where your little girl can be transformed
into a Disney Princess
- Enchanted Dining Room: Kitchen items, mugs
and photo frames
- Adventure Room : Clothing for boys
- Villains Room: Jewelry, watches, clocks, trading pins and collectibles
- Map Room: Computer software, CDs, stationery and Disney souvenirs featuring pens,
pencils, magnets, key chains, etc
- Carnival Room: Plush toys
- Bird Room: Men's clothing
- Snow White Room: Infant/toddler clothing and accessories
- Great Hall: Women's clothing, sleepwear and accessories
World of Disney KIDS
- Formerly Pooh's Corner, now offering a wide assortment of
merchandise including clothing, plush toys and collectibles. This shop is located opposite the
Days of Christmas.
You'll also find kiosks featuring the Balzac line of balloons, caricature artists, hair wraps,
create-your-own keepsakes, pick-a-pearl, woodcarving and leather goods.
Downtown Disney Dining
Cap'n Jack's Oyster Bar
Located on the waterfront with windows overlooking
the Village lake, this restaurant features seafood
specialties. Open for lunch and diner from 11:30 a.m.
- 10:30 p.m.
New England clam chowder, crab cakes, Chicken
Caesar salad, ribs, steaks and Seafood Pasta are among the selections.
Tables in Wonderland discount accepted. (Certain
restrictions may apply)
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and
Chocolate Shop
Featuring a wonderful menu of ice cream sundaes,
malts, shakes and floats as well as the Ghirardelli line
of chocolate. Now offering sugar-free and fat-free ice
cream. This popular spot can get extremely busy,
particularly in the evening.
Annual/Seasonal Passholder discount accepted. (Certain restrictions may apply)
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Pollo Campero
Pollo Campero is known for its Latin chicken, which is prepared fresh every day. They also
feature nutritious salads, sandwiches and wraps. Traditional Latin dishes, such as fried
plantains and yuca fries, will be served on the side. A benefit to the fresh concept will be the
offering of vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-sodium and organic dishes. This
restaurant is in the location that was previously McDonald's.
Rainforest Cafe
One of the two Rainforest Cafe's that are located at
Disney. The other is found at the Animal Kingdom
Theme Park.
This chain restaurant features animatronic wildlife
and a "thunderstorm" that occurs every 22 minutes.
The sights and sounds place you in the middle of a
tropical rainforest. There's an amazing saltwater fish
tank with vibrant tropical fish, as well as waterfalls
and banyan trees.
The menu is fairly standard with seafood, steak,
sandwiches. salads and pasta. The children's menu includes mac & cheese, burgers and
mini-hot dogs.
There's a large bar under a 38 foot "Magic Mushroom." It's a great spot to relax and unwind
while enjoying one of their specialty drinks. A retail shop is located here that offers
Rainforest themed merchandise.
Annual/Seasonal Passholder discount accepted. (Certain restrictions may apply)
Wolfgang Puck Express
A "quick service" version of the popular Wolfgang
Puck Restaurant at Downtown Disney West Side.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast: Wood-fired breakfast pizzas, French toast,
pancakes, waffles, fruit, cereal, omelets, bagels,
muffins, pastries, coffee, juice.
Lunch/Dinner: Wood-fired pizzas, salads, soups,
sandwiches, rotisserie chicken. Ice cream, cookies
and assorted items from Puck's Pantry, and
beverages.
Moderate pricing and a great spot to enjoy an above average counter service meal.
Annual/Seasonal Passholder discount accepted. (Certain restrictions may apply)
Earl of Sandwich
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Freshly prepared
sandwiches with specialty sauces and spreads.
Salads, wraps, pre-made "Grab 'n Go" selection. Also
offering a selection of turnovers, scones, cookies,
brownies and ice cream sandwiches. Menu
Beverage offerings include beer, soft drinks,
smoothies, juice, tea and their trademark Earl's Grey
Lemonade. Counter service with inside seating.
Another Marketplace "gem" for a reasonably priced
meal.There's a selection of merchandise for sale.
Kiosks offering Margaritas, snacks, soft drinks,
smoothies, specialty coffee drinks are located throughout the Marketplace
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Downtown Disney Recreation
Boat Rentals
Located at Cap'n Jack's Marina, you can rent a personal
watercraft and explore the Village Lake. There are Sea
Raycer's for one to two guests which can be rented for
30, 45 or 60 minutes,Canopy Boats for up to 8 guests
and Pontoon Boats that can hold a maximum of 10,
both of which can be rented for either 30 or 60
minutes.
Specialty Cruises and Bass Fishing Excursions are
also available from this location.
When renting watercraft you must be 18 or over and
present either a Walt Disney World Resort ID or valid
driver's license. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY, by touching 57 on a
Walt Disney Resort phone or at the marina.
Disney Recreation Information
Classic Carousel Handcrafted in Italy, this carousel has two carriages
and 19 horses. There is a minimum height of 42".
Children not meeting this requirement must be
accompanied by an adult.
http://allears.net/pl/planning.htm
http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/1_Forward/magic.htm
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/ep-overview.htm
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