Archive for October, 2009

Around every corner, you’ll find a Disney Cast Member looking for ways to make your vacation more magical.  Here are some guidelines for acknowledging the many helping hands you’ll encounter during your stay:

Limousine Driver
20% of the total round-trip charge, or 10% each one-way segment if you wish to be certain to tip individual drivers

Airport Baggage Handler
$1.00 or more per bag

Airport Wheelchair
$3.00 – $5.00 or more, depending on services provided

Sky Cap
$2.00 for first bag; $1.00 for each additional bag

Full Service Restaurant
15% to 20% of pretax total; more if you feel the service was truly exemplary; if you have received a discount or complimentary items, your tip should be based upon what the full cost would have been.

Sommelier
15% to 20% of your total wine expenditures

Buffet Restaurants
5% – 10% of the bill, depending on level of service

Bartender
10% – 15% of the bar tab

Room Service
15% to 20% of pretax total.   Please note:  any additional service fees added to you bill are separate from the tip

Taxi
15% of fare; $1.00 to $2.00 additional for luggage handling

Housekeeping
$1.00 person per night; generally $2.00 to $3.00 per night minimum; because the staff changes from day to day, leave a tip each morning rather than once at the end of your stay

Bell Services
minimum of $1.00 per bag; additional for extra services such as explaining room features, filling ice bucket, etc.

Concierge
when staying at the Club Level, $5.00 to $10.00; more for special services; at the Disney Resorts, most Concierges will refuse a tip when offered but will then accept it gracefully if you insist

Valet Parking
$1.00 to $2.00 when your vehicle is returned to you; if you know must leave in a hurry, you can tip the attendant when dropping off your vehicle and request that it is parked in a location for quick retrieval

Massage Therapist
10% to 20% of the charge

Aesthetician
10% to 20% of the charge

Spa Attendant
At a resort spa, tip the spa attendants about 5% of your total bill at the front desk. If any particular attendant went above and beyond for you, you should tip that attendant individually

Many positions at the Disney Parks and Resorts are specifically prohibited from accepting tips.  Walt Disney had a particular philosophy about tipping, wanting everyone to feel they were receiving the same exemplary levels of service regardless of means, and wishing to avoid preferential treatment for those who could afford to offer financial incentives.  If a Cast Member has provided a special service to you but refuses a gratuity, a letter of commendation is a wonderful way to say, “Thank You!”  All letters go into the Cast Members’ permanent files and are a very meaningful way to express your appreciation.

You can send a letter to:

Guest Communications
Walt Disney World Co., Inc.
P. O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

or email: wdw.guest.communications@disney.com

Admiral Donald commands the magnificent atrium lobby of the new Disney Dream, set to sail on January 26, 2011.  This third ship in the Disney fleet will accommodate 4,000 guests in its 1250 staterooms.  Disney has just released exciting details of this brand new ship, which we’ll be sharing over the next few days!

Several new categories of stateroom will debut on the Disney Dream.  Interior staterooms will feature an amazing Virtual Porthole which connects to an onboard camera for high-definition, real-time outside views and possible surprise visits from certain VIC’s (very important characters).

In response to the needs of guests, there will be 500 connecting doors on the ship, bringing together larger families and groups in adjoining staterooms.  The concierge level which previously included only a handful of one- and two-bedroom suites will see the addition of 20 family ocean-view suites with verandah and a total of 19 one-bedroom suites.  The two Royal Suites will have spectacular panoramic verandahs.

Bookings open on November 9, 2009 to the general public.  Passengers who have completed at least five previous Disney Cruise Line voyages, Gold and Platinum Castaway Club members, will be able to make their reservations beginning November 2, 2009.  Only one stateroom will be available to each member.

Special booking terms will apply to the maiden voyage:

• $400 deposit per person
• Deposit must be paid by 11:59 p.m. on the day of booking
• Deposit is non-refundable
• Final payment is due 105 days prior to sailing

All images – Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show is one of the attractions that came to the Walt Disney World Resort as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth which honored the 50^th year of the Disneyland Resort in California.

Based upon the original show, Moteurs…Action! Stunt Show Spectacular, in Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Resort Paris, the stage set is a French village scene.  This small “town” is the backdrop for a thrilling display of car chases, pyrotechnics, and stuntwork.  The audience gets an inside look at the tricks of the trade.  Using specialized vehicles, equipment, and safety measures in carefully orchestrated and rehearsed scenarios, the actors produce spectacular performances captured by the on-site film crew and shown live on a giant screen.  The show offers lots of excitement:  motorcycles, cars, jet skis; jumps, explosions, spins, and flames.

The stadium has a 5000-guest capacity which can make for long lines and slow exits.  Its metal benches can become toasty during hot summer days, so we suggest choosing a seat out of the sun. Guests can also avoid an obstructed view by arriving early.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Several performances daily – check Times Guide or Tip Board for show times

Shows may be delayed or cancelled due to weather

Approximately 35 minutes

Assistive listening devices available

Wheelchair and ECV accessible

Park admission required

Adjacent to Jiko sits a place of exploration, the Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar.  Warm and intimate, this small lounge celebrates the exceptional collection of South African wines that Jiko is famous for.

It’s a wonderful place to begin a tour of South Africa before continuing on to a memorable meal at Jiko.  Request to see the dinner menu, decide on an appetizer, then get some advice about pairings for it.  Guests may choose to order the wine in the Cape Town Lounge and bring it with them into the restaurant to enjoy with that first course, or have their appetizer in the Lounge before going into dinner.

The savory aromas from Jiko may prove too much for the patrons who had only planned to stop for a drink.  Diners will be invited to move to an available table in the restaurant, but if it’s busy,  food can be ordered from the menu for service in the Lounge.

For those choosing to eat in the Lounge, we recommend ordering appetizers only.  The wonderful food at Jiko deserves attention.  While the full menu is available at the bar, the stools there are second only to those in the main restaurant in the race for most uncomfortable,  so last-minute diners should consider patience, or a reservation on another night!

Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Torn between a vacation to an exotic locale and a relaxing cruise?  Disney has the solution!  Book one of the selected Adventures by Disney departures and receive a FREE three-night Disney cruise.

Choose China, pick Peru, or travel closer to home with destinations in North America.  Explore the cities of Europe or safari in South Africa.  From Australia to Alaska, Adventures by Disney offers itineraries all over the world, and every one promises the quality and attention to detail that you’ve come to expect from a Disney vacation.

All-inclusive and hassle-free, these immersive experiences bring history to life as only Disney can.  Expect exceptional accommodations, unique dining, carefully-chosen activities and cultural programs for all age groups, VIP admissions and access, and special surprises.  Planning, transportation, luggage handling, gratuities; all the minutiae of travel are taken care of, leaving you to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Imagine the memories of snorkeling in the Galapagos or shearing sheep and snacking on scones in Ireland; shared by grandparents and grandchildren.

Best of all, choose from selected departures in 2010; book between October 26, 2009 and January 15, 2010, and enjoy a three-night Bahamian cruise in 2010 or 2011.  There are lots of sailings to choose from:

2010 Cruises
Scheduled departures between:
•  January 07, 2010 to May 20, 2010
•  August 26, 2010 to November 21, 2010
•  December 02, 2010 to December 16, 2010

2011 Cruises
Scheduled departures between:
•  March 03, 2011 to April 14, 2011
•  April 28, 2011 to May 26, 2011
•  August 25, 2011 to November 20, 2011
•  December 01, 2011 to December 15, 2011

Learn more about the Adventures by Disney program and start planning for some amazing travel in 2010!

Board the riverboat at Liberty Square and cruise along the Rivers of America with characters from Disney’s new movie, The Princess and the Frog.   Featuring the music of New Orleans and appearances by Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, and Dr. Facilier, Princess Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee makes its debut today with a fun-filled promenade down Main Street U.S.A.

Scheduled to run until January 3, 2010, the show includes songs from the movie during its three daily performances.  A live six-piece band and 22 dancers will join the passengers who will also become part of the musical production.

Those on shore can enjoy the festivities from both Liberty Square and Frontierland.

Guests can also take advantage of meet-and-greet opportunities with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in Liberty Square for autographs and photos.  Don’t miss the special movie admission offer available for a limited time.

The Magic Kingdom is setting the stage for a new holiday show, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, scheduled to be up and dancing for its debut during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  Appearing on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, the interactive musical revue will feature the faces of Tomorrowland:  Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, and Mike Wazowski.

Many were hoping that Mickey’s Twas the Night Before Christmas Show, which lost its home when the Galaxy Palace Theater was demolished, would reappear on the Rockettower Plaza Stage, but the announcement of this new production seems to confirm the demise of that much-loved show.

Rehearsals start on November 2^nd and visitors staying at the Magic Kingdom resorts may be able to get an early preview of the music.  The rehearsal schedule for new shows and parades typically runs well into the early-morning hours. Guests of the resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon can often step out onto their balconies in the wee hours and hear the sounds of music coming from the Magic Kingdom as cast members run through the productions.

Step through the Paifang Gate and into the land of dragons and emperors.  While it might not be geographically correct, in EPCOT’s World Showcase, the China pavilion is located between Norway and Germany.

The beautiful Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of color and detail and stands reflected in a serene lily pond.  Inside, the ceiling mesmerizes as guests move through the open space to enter the Circle-Vision 360° theater and enjoy Reflections of China, a spectacular movie showcasing the wonders of this extraordinary country. The pavilion is also host to several exhibits, including replicas of the terra cotta warriors unearthed in Xi’an.

One of the unique characteristics of the Temple is its acoustics.  A visitor can stand in the middle of the interior and hear his own voice reaching his ears from outside rather than from within!

The Dragon Legend Acrobats delight audiences with five daily performances, and Si Xian brings the sound of authentic instruments and traditional music to the Temple of Heaven several days a week.

The area is intimately linked to the Disney animated feature Mulan.  The movie sound track features the song Reflection and Christina Aguilera’s video performance was filmed here.  Expect meet and greet opportunities with both Mulan and Mushu throughout the day.

Stroll the lovely gardens and walkways to visit the colorful Yong Feng Shangdian Department Store or grab a bite to eat at Nine Dragons or the Lotus Blossom Café.

Bring a camera and spend some time seeking the many photo opportunities that China has to offer.

It’s a snapshot of the flora and fauna of Florida.  A spoonbill perches on the framework, watching bunnies bound through the magnolias.  The graceful arched windows of the Garden View Lounge are reflected in this unique mirror;  one of the design details that sets the scene for afternoon tea,  served here daily from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The music drifts in from the nearby Grand Floridian Society Orchestra. Low ceilings and furniture clustered into small conversation groupings give the space a cozy feel.

Named for Florida’s “society architect” Addison Mizner, this delightful lounge features a full bar with a nice list of brandies and ports as well as a variety of specialty drinks.

Limited appetizers from Citricos’ menu include a selection of cheeses, a shrimp dish, and an onion tart.

It’s a pleasant place to have a cocktail before or after dinner at one of the property’s fine restaurants, and a favorite destination for many who enjoy the lovely ambience of this resort.

Mizner’s Lounge

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Second Floor

5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.