ODDS AND ENDS AT WDW

Have a few spare moments between attractions - why not take some time out and try something just a little bit different.

Tired - Stop and grab an ice cream and people watch. This may not be so much fun for teens and pre-teens, but great if you are starting to wear out. Taking breaks stops you from getting overtired and then the fun trip and start to become "more like a workout at the gym."

Have energy - Try biking around the resorts, run on the paths, go to the gym and lift some weights, jump into the pool for a swim, or just walk around the parks rather than going into any attractions. A walk around EPCOT or Animal Kingdom can burn up a lot of calories and be entertaining watching the scenery.

Cirque de Soleil - Its different, fun, and well worth the price.

Go out on a pedal boat, or any of the watercraft on the properties.

Want excitement - Try water skiing, parasailing, or going on a real race track adventure.

Get into the swing of things - Play golf.

Ready to Dance - Try the many lounges including those at Pleasure Island.

Want to be an American Idol - Check out how to audition the summer in the new experience that is coming to Disney.

Want to see behind the scences - There are a number of offerings in varying price ranges in all the parks.

Or maybe a little nap by the pool, or your hotel might just be the break you are searching for.

There is a great deal to do at WDW beyond the traditional attractions. Look into other options before you go and once you get there. Staff are really helpful in letting you know of new and unusual things to try each time you visit. And staff can really give you a lot of insight into making your trip even more enjoyable than your last visit to the kingdom.

MAKING SURE YOUR KIDS LOVE WDW

Opps! Got to WDW and the kids hate it! Sometimes this happens with little ones if they are not prepared for the experience. It takes time to get them ready for the adventure, and you have to be sure what they will enjoy before you go. If not, life may not be a pleasure once you arrive.

Bring them to a Disney store, have them watch Disney TV shows, bring them to a website offering videos, games, etc. Talk to them about WDW. Tell them about it, and what they will see and do. Get them not only used to the idea, but try to feel them our about what they might like best when they are there.

Also, pick a time of year when they will be comfortable - not too cold or hot. Make sure they will be able to use outdoor pools, and playgrounds. Do not expect them to like every ride, or enjoy all the restaurants.

Some little ones love everything Disney. Others may just want to ride Small World thirty times in a row.

But, taking little children without getting them in the mood could be an issue.

Go the the Disney site and check out all the experiences created for specific age groups. Show these to the kids, and then (with their help) plan your vacation days. I think you will find this is a better option than bringing them there without "a preview."

Sites to visit:

http://www3.thetravelinsider.info/destinations/fl_disney/tenforchildren.htm
http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/7_Children/index.htm

BEWARE - 2008 FOOD PLAN CHANGES

Some were not aware the food plan changed as of January 1, 2008 leaving some visitors very unhappy. Warning - you must verify plans in advance even if your booking agent doesn't know of upcoming changes. Many changes occur when a new year begins, but those booking during the previous calender year are not aware of these changes at times.

This is just a warning.

Some changes in plans include omitted tips, appetizers and as mentioned in previous posts the restaurants accepting various plans usually change to some extent every year.


click to see plans
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/tickets/magicYourWay/index?id=Listing2008Page&bhcp=1

Another Site to Visit

WHAT NOT TO BUY AT WDW

Have cash to buy items? Keep the following in mind.

Set a limit and do not exceed it. Sometimes it is very tempting, but can really add to the cost of the vacation.

Buy items that are unique to this vacation, WDW, and not available at other stores when you return home. Don't spend more money on toys that are also available at lower prices at retail stores in your area. Do not buy clothes you can puchase elsewhere for less. And do not buy items that will fall into the worthless souviner category when you leave. Buying ears to walk around WDW - that is fine. Buying the kids trinkets that will sit on a desk for a week and then be thrown away is a waste. Use the money on unique items only found in the World, but will be useful at home also.

Epcot has many items in the countries that may not be found in your local area. You might obtain a Hummel that is being painted and signed for you by the artist. But, buying a sombrero in Mexico - likely not really worth the purchase.

In other words, don't waste money buying items at full price that might be discounted elsewhere, or will never be used once your vacation ends.

REVIEWS OF HOTEL RESTAURANTS

Citricos - excellent food and atmosphere - quality restaurant

Narcooses - as good as Citricos and views of fireworks from deck are great - last year the food options may have actually exceeded Citricos

Flying Fish - great seafood and service - funky atmosphere - really nice - not really part of Beach Club but right out its doors

Yachtsman Steakhouse - we used to think it was the best, but menu options have decreased to a degree - steaks excellent - lobster tails no longer an option

Ohana - not a favorite but very popular - just not our top food option with all the other signature restaurants at the world.

Jiko - very different - fun - and fantastic food - but may not be for everyone - African style foods from various areas of the continent - should try it

Artist Point - another excellent choice but with a very "unique" food options - definitely a fine restaurant - just check out the menu to make sure you like the dishes before making reservation

OUR RESTAURANT MINI REVIEWS - EPCOT

These are not all Disney restaurants - just a few that we like at EPCOT.

Both restaurants in France are very good. Chef's was very reasonably priced for the food quality - busy - noisy - but good service. Bistro much more elegant - higher prices - and more specialty foods - not for some who may not like the menu options.

Mexico offfers a nice indoor option with a better than average food selection and preparation. Not costly - nice atmosphere - very dark - and tables very close together. Outdoor cafe offers limited variety of indoor menu, but good quality and inexpensive. Hot in the summer - not a good option on a rainy day.

China is nice - food good - but nothing really out of the ordinary - of course, better than most local Chinese restaurants based on atmosphere alone.

Japan - being refurbished on our last visit - fine up to then - better than average, but nothing outstanding.

Canada - great steaks - fine lunch options - but small and very hard to get reservations most of the year.

Morocco - not our favorite only because of the food choices available. Probably fine if you like the spices used.

Living Seas - nice aquarium - food options used to be much better - since all EPCOT restaurants went on the new price plan this restaurant changed its menu and it is very evident - not bad - just not like it once was.

The Land - inexpensive comparatively speaking and nice quality foods even at the concession stand.

Favorites in Order

Chefs
Bistro
San Angel Inn

Since we cannot get into Canada recently - it was not listed in the top three, but it would likely be number 1 if we booked months in advance.

Our problem is since using the Vacation Packages and eating at the signature restaurants http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/advancedDiningFinder?location=&diningExperience=Signature+Dining&cuisine=&experience=&allprices=true&allMeals=true&restaurantName=&submit=submit&x=22&y=7 - the others now have difficulty competing with them. These will be included in future reviews.

FYI - THE FORMAT OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM PIC IN THE HEADING

If you have a wide screen monitor the Animal Kingdom photo in the header may seem narrow. However, it fits perfectly for those not having a wide screen monitor. Unfortunately, if we make the picture fix widescreens, the text doesn't fit well on those owning narrow screen monitors. Therefore, the compromise was to narrow the picture for some, rather than ruining the text view for others. We figured the text view was more important.

We thought we would just mention this since we had some questioning why the photo was not wide enough to fit some monitors. Small point maybe, but worth mentioning. And it is something we cannot control.

USING THIS BLOG

We tried keeping the postings short and to the point. The videos, news, links, and ads will help you get a better overview of WDW and viewpoints of others. However, you have to take the time to use the "connections" to truly make this site valuable.

For example:

Links - these bring you to other sites that have much information and other viewpoints. There is no sense for us to reprint information currently available - but instead simply link you to where this data is located on the Net.

Videos - give you some visual ideas of what is offered at the world. These are not our videos, but again will give you the perspective of other guests. There are also connections to updated Disney information including the sites that are most valuable, and even a connection to the show that appears on there hotel TV channel. While watching the video, you can click on it and it will bring you to a site with hundreds of related videos. There is a lot a information, but it takes time to "ingest" it all.

News - Not only did we include local news from the area, but if you go to any of the links on the left column and click on a specific topic, news about that topic will appear. Click on EPCOT and current EPCOT news shows up below. So, you can skip general news and find specific information on parks, rides, etc. before your next visit (or even during your visit if you bring your computer along).

Posts - Short and to the point, but do not forget to go to the older posts link for further information. The main page can only show a specified number of posts. You can also go the left column again and use the archives to locate specific link titles.

Search - Looking for a special topic? Use the search and it will find it for you by bringing you to the section of the blog which has this information.

Hope you have the time to enjoy this blog and its related WDW information. And don't forget to send your friends to the blog if they are going to WDW. We like guests!

TRAVELING WITH ADULTS - GRANDMA AND GRANDPA - OR JUST THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO "RIDE EVEREST"

Again, planning is imperative.

Try to plan activities that your companions will enjoy. Depending on their health and mobility, the activities can be quite varied. Maybe you will not have to make many special plans, but for some elderly adults, heat - walking distances - long waits - and even crowded venues - can be an issue.

Give your companions a choice of what they would like to do during each day of the stay. Include parks, meals, shows, down time, and time by the pools.

Remember - many families and groups do split up during these vacations, so not everyone has to be together at all times. Take turns so that everyone gets to do their "favorite" things when at WDW. One example, your elderly companions may just want to relax one morning by the pool while you take your the little ones to Magic Kingdom. Maybe you can then meet somewhere for lunch at the hotel or even in the park.

At night, they might enjoy eating at the California Grill, while you take the children to watch the parade and fireworks.

Maybe Grandma and Grandpa would like to babysit one evening and take the kids to a dinner show such as the Hoop-De-Do Revue while you go out to a relaxing meal at Citrico's.

It is all in the planning. Ask everyone what they feel like doing, what are their "must sees", and make a schedule that will result in a great experience for everyone.

CHECK OUT THESE LINKS.

http://www.kingdommagictravel.com/disneyworld/seniors.htm


for relaxation or romance - WDW suggests the following

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/experience/experienceLanding?id=RomanceAndRelaxExperiencePage&count=5

INTERESTING WEBSITES FOR WDW TRIVIA

Interested in some trivia before your trip to WDW.

The siteS below have some fun stuff you might want to browse through before or during your vacation. It is always more enjoyable when you go to WDW and find out something new.

We do not have any connection with any site links - just a reminder that we do not control what is printed on these sites or assume all facts are "true."

http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/

Trivia Challenge site.

http://www.wdwtrivia.com/

TAKING KIDS TO DISNEY - MAKE IT A VACATION TO REMEMBER (NOT ONE TO FORGET)

Taking little ones to WDW? Don't expect them to like what you think they will like! Sometimes it is the simple things they enjoy most, and not the big attractions. Going to a play area, the pools, or visiting with characters might end up being more fun for them than going into that "speical attraction with the long line" that they end up not wanting to enter. Your expectations of what should occur, may not occur.

Get to parks early when they are not crowded.
Go to attractions with the shortest lines.
Pick attractions that hold large numbers of people during high traffic times - go to shows, etc. that have large seating capacities and get there as late as possible. Most seats are good, and getting there late reduces "line stress." It also places you at the end of an aisle or near an exit in case the kids get tired or restless.
Be careful of "scary rides." Some of the rides for little ones can still frieghten some children.
Have snacks and drinks on hand to distract youngsters when walking, or waiting in lines.
Keep them cool - it can get hot in the summer (even in the spring and fall).

Below is a Mouse Planet link to some more suggestions.

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/wdw_with_kids_index.htm

DON'T FORGET TO GO TO CELEBATION - DISNEY TOWN

It is just a fun town to visit - cute downtown - nice shops - good food - fun events - and available properties if you want to move to an area close to WDW.

http://www.celebration.fl.us/

THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD - DISNEY WORLD THAT IS!

The history of WDW is fascinating. The link below offers some information on the history of the World.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/wdwhistory.htm

TAKE A FEW EXTRA STEPS!

Want even more exercise than you already get from trudging through the parks - try taking a few extra steps.

Want to go from the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach, or Swan and Dolphin to MGM - take the walking path. Depending how fast you walk, it isn't really going to take you much longer than waiting for the water transportation. Of course, any of these walks can be a little difficult in very hot weather, on rainy days, or on the rare cold days.

You can also walk from the Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom.

Stroll between the Poly and the Grand Floridian - great way to lose some calories after a meal at one of the hotels' resaurants.

There are also many walking trails on the grounds - just check the maps at the hotels. It is fun, good exercise and burns calories when you overeat!

Don't forget you can also rent bikes - not a bad idea when you find some spare time (which is sometimes difficult).

BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER EXERT YOURSEL! READ THE TIPS FROM A PERSONAL TRAINER WHO "WALKS" DISNEY WORLD.

http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/articleViewer.php?aid=554

CHECK THE LINK BELOW FOR A FEW TYPICAL WALKING DISTANCES AND TIMES AT WDW.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/walking_distances.htm

YEAR OF A MILLION DREAMS

We got a wish last time by "hawking" the "million dreams" staff. It was only a lanyard - but it was something.

HINT: Most wishes you receive are small, but fun to get. However, if you do seek out the wish givers and follow them around, you may end up be right where you need to be when they are giving out the gifts. But, you likely will end up spending hours of valuable time to get a reward that isn't worth the time.

But, it was kind of fun.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/yomd/YOMDLanding?id=YOMDLandingPage

CHECK THIS OUT! SPECIAL OFFER FOR DISNEYLAND - NOT WDW, BUT SOMETHING TO CONSIDER IF YOU ARE GOING TO CA!

New savings option? Maybe it would be something to investigate if you plan on going to WDW in 2008.

http://abd.adventuresbydisney.com/PS!NFV/vAnZw4gFBgIAAAAGCgFICggzOTU5ODY4OQoKMzA0OTEzNjgxMgkAEqpjCgkyMzcyMDQ3MjQKA0RMUg==?CAMP_CODE=CM0000002879&FN=Sandra&email_addr=labendwa%40optonline.net

DISNEY VACATION CLUB - IS IT FOR YOU?

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/index

It is worth looking into the club if you plan on visiting the World and other Disney properties frequently. We know of a number of families who love the club.

But, like everything else, it may not be for you.

There are also people selling their timeshares through other agents - maybe an option. However, I would definitely research any purchase thoroughly!

WDW EVENTS SCHEDULE

EVENTS SCHEDULE LISTED BY WDW

AAA WDW DISCOUNTS