Archive for January, 2010

Board a Time Rover and take a trip back through the millennia for a close encounter with the Iguanadon and Carnotaurus.

This dark ride welcomes visitors into a beautiful queue area featuring skeletal remains and fossils.  A preshow sets the scene for the coming adventure before guests climb into their time-traveling vehicles and enter an ancient world where dinosaurs rule, the terrain is rugged, and meteorites pepper the night sky.

Utilizing audio-animatronic figures, special effects, and technologically-advanced ride vehicles, Dinosaur offers an exciting experience as time travelers hurry to complete their mission and return to the present before a cataclysmic meteor impact destroys them.

Although it has been toned down since its inception, and both movement and sound are less intense, it is still recommended that pregnant woman and those with neck and back issues avoid this ride.  Guests should also be aware that the loud noises, darkness, and sudden appearances of large dinosaurs and bright, flashing lights may be frightening for young children.

Dinosaur

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Approximately 3 minutes

Guests must transfer from wheelchair and ECV to ride vehicle

40″ minimum height requirement

Video captioning and assistive listening devices available

Translation devices available

Park admission required

Finding Nemo – the Musical weaves puppetry, song, movement, and brilliantly-colored costumes into a unique and engaging retelling of this charming story about the little clownfish and his devoted dad.

The audience reconnects with many favorite characters from the wonderful animated film, Finding Nemo, including Marlin and Dory, Crush, Gill, Bruce, Nigel, even Mr. Ray; represented by fantastic, oversized puppets gliding across the stage.  The set is enhanced by video and special lighting effects that create the undersea environment for a truly “immersive” experience.

The long lines can be avoided by having lunch at Tusker House between 1:00 p.m. and 1:40 p.m.  Diners receive a ticket for excellent reserved seating in the front of the theater for the 3:15 p.m. show.

Finding Nemo – The Musical

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Theater in the Wild

Approximately 30 minutes

Wheelchair and ECV accessible

Assistive listening and reflective captioning devices available

Park admission required

Photo by Candis Davis

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Buzz Lightyear

Title: Space Ranger, Star Command, Intergalactic Alliance

Current Address: Andy’s Room

Previous Address: Gamma Quadrant, Sector 4

Interests: traveling to infinity, and beyond!

Qualifications: bravery and courage

Facebook Friends:  Woody, Jessie, Bo, Hamm, Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, Rex, Sarge, Wheezy, RC

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed.  Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional.  Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Pixar Place

Attractions

• Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania!

Parades

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Block Party Bash

Miscellaneous

• Downtown Disney, DisneyQuest, Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblasters
• Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland, Tomorrowland Transit Authority

New name, new music, new movie, new displays, and a new president – The Hall of Presidents: A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders is attracting a new audience as well as guests who have not visited this Magic Kingdom classic for many years.

A patriotic and moving tribute to the American presidency, The Hall of Presidents combines a film shown on a semi-circular screen followed by an amazing display of audio-animatronic technology.  Every single United States president is presented, acknowledging his name as it is spoken. Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and the current president, Barack Obama, speak to the audience.

The walls of the lobby are hung with portraits and this waiting area also contains display cases filled with items from past presidencies, including the gowns of Elizabeth Monroe, Edith Roosevelt, and Nancy Reagan.

Not just a cool spot on a hot day, this attraction allows us to reconnect with one of Walt Disney’s most cherished principles – love of country.

Hall of Presidents:  A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders

Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square

Approximately 25 minutes

Wheelchair and ECV accessible

Assistive listening, captioning, and translation devices available

Park admission required

With the lure and excitement of the theme parks, it’s easy to forget that the Walt Disney World resort hotels are, in and of themselves, vacation destinations.  Guests can step outside their room to view an African savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or lose themselves in the tropics at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; escape to the piney woods at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or frolic on the sandy beaches of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs.  The color and fun of Mardi Gras, the tranquil beauty of the American Southwest, the Caribbean, even Andy’s Room:  with such wide range of styles, settings and décor, there’s something to suit every taste.  Although each has its own ambience, they all include the hallmark of the Disney experience – outstanding service.

Disney resorts fall into four “categories” – Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa.  While each property is unique, those sharing the same category will have many similar characteristics.

The Value resorts typically reflect the lowest prices of the four categories.  We say “typically” because sometimes a special offer can result in a normally higher-priced category costing less.  Your travel concierge will always be on the lookout for the best value during your vacation dates.

The standard room at a Value resort has the smallest square-footage with two double beds and exterior corridors.  The resorts themselves are very large and spread out with attractive, albeit basic, landscaping and a nice pool but one without a slide or extensive theming.  All four have amazing oversized structures around the property which highlight elements of the resort’s specific theme.  So, you’ll find giant memorabilia from the different decades at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, or enormous characters from the movies at Disney’s All Star Movies Resort.

Since there are no table-service restaurants at the Value resorts, the food courts are particularly expansive with many more options than those found elsewhere.  Bus service is available to all destinations within the Walt Disney World complex.

Moderate resorts, a bit more expensive, feature slightly larger rooms although they do retain the exterior corridors.  There are both “theme” and “quiet” pools, and the lovely grounds are an outstanding feature.  Perhaps because, unlike the Deluxe Resorts, they are not built on the limited land closer to the parks, the Moderate resorts boast extravagant landscaping, arguably more beautiful than any other resort category.  With the exception of Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter, the Moderate resorts are enormous and very spread out over the spectacular landscapes.  Plantings, design elements, and architecture are all chosen to enhance the sense that guests have truly escaped to the bayou, the desert, the Caribbean, or New Orleans.

Some Moderate resorts feature a table-service restaurant, and two have boat service to Downtown Disney, but otherwise, bus transportation is provided.

At the Deluxe Resorts, expect extensive theming and extraordinary public spaces with imaginative touches at every turn.  There are generally numerous activities and amenities coupled with at least one exceptional dining venue.

The standard rooms are the largest, although they do vary in size from one property to another, generally have two queen-sized beds and often include a daybed, as well.   Interior hallways give these resorts more of a “hotel” atmosphere and large lobbies and seating areas are invitations to linger.  All except Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge have multiple transportation options which may include bus, boat, monorail, and pedestrian walkways to other locations.  Bell services and room service are more comprehensive.  The grounds are meticulously groomed and the theme pools are especially elaborate.  Most also feature a lovely “quiet” pool.

Deluxe resorts also offer suites and concierge or club-level accommodations making them the most luxurious of the Disney properties.

Deluxe Villa resort accommodations are rooms allocated to retail sales from the Disney Vacation Club properties.   Room configurations include studios, one- and two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom Grand Villas.  The studio is somewhat comparable to a standard deluxe-property room with the addition of a small kitchenette.  The other units include a full kitchen, washer and dryer, two- or three-room master bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers, and plentiful storage.  The Grand Villas add a dining room for family dinners and are wonderfully spacious.

Several of the Deluxe Villa properties are connected to existing hotels: Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Beach Club, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  Guests staying in these villas have full access to all the amenities of their sister hotel including the themed pools.  Disney’s Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa are dedicated villa properties without any standard hotel space connected.

Of course, each Walt Disney World Resort hotel has features that are uniquely theirs!  Your travel concierge will be happy to provide in-depth information about each resort to assist you in making the perfect choice.

Having braved the lines for Toy Story Mania! in Pixar Place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you deserve a snack!  Amble on over to Hey Howdy Hey Take Away for popcorn or chips, ice cream, a cold drink, or maybe Wheezy’s Breezy Freezy!  If you’ve dashed over early in the morning to grab that FastPass, you’ll also find Danish, cinnamon rolls, granola bars, and coffee.

Views of the beautiful courtyard at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with its winding creek, waterfall, and wildflowers, provide an enchanting backdrop for Artist Point, one of Walt Disney World’s Signature restaurants.

The room has a casual feel with its murals and Mission furniture. Woods and Craftsman-style lighting lend warmth to the soaring space. Interesting game meats are a standout on the Pacific-Northwest-inspired menu. Best known for cedar-plank-roasted salmon, Artist Point is one of the few restaurants which serve Copper River Salmon during its short season; typically around the end of May.

Review: The bare tables and casually-dressed clientele belie the formal and attentive service at Artist Point. A cheerful and knowledgeable waitstaff is always well-versed on both current menu items and a wine list that features wineries from Oregon and Washington State.

This lovely restaurant has managed to retain its distinctive flavor through the years, continuing to offer a thoughtful and interesting menu which changes to reflect the seasons. Even the signature dishes are continually served up in creative new ways. One of the best features here, which has been adopted by some of the other restaurants at Walt Disney World, is a wine flight which allows diners to choose three wines from the list to enjoy during their meal. At $28.00, it’s not the bargain it was just a few years ago, but it includes all wines available by the glass and is a nice opportunity to sample some less-familiar bottles.

Menus

Dinner
Dessert
Wine
Drinks

Artist Point

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Business Casual dress code

Small cottages nestle in the trees; a policeman stands watchful as busy villagers go about their errands; trains move smoothly over bridges, through tunnels, and chug past rural railway stations; a joyful wedding party makes its way down the hillside while a solitary deer surveys the forest from a mountaintop.  It’s a world recreated in exquisite detail – the miniature village and railway at the Germany pavilion in EPCOT.

There’s always something new to see and marvel at as the Disney gardeners landscape, replant, and embellish for the changing seasons, holidays, and special events at Walt Disney World.  Hidden Mickeys come and go; buildings are “erected” for special events like the little greenhouse for EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Show, complete with tiny signage.

During the Christmas season, guests are treated to a holiday wonderland.  Decorations spring up all over “town.”  Christmas trees are decorated, lampposts sport holiday bows, and buildings are outlined in lights. Even the railway cars are reconfigured for important holiday activities.

Originally conceived for the Flower and Garden Festival, this extraordinary installation has become a permanent and much-loved fixture of the World Showcase.

She’s a beautiful sight skimming across the water of Crescent Lake, her spray sparkling in the Florida sun.  The wonderful Breathless II, a reproduction of a Chris-Craft mahogany runabout, circa 1930, is docked at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club marina waiting to make memories for some fortunate guests.

While there are a number of specialty boating experiences available at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Breathless II offers a uniquely exhilarating ride.  Up to seven passengers have an opportunity to fly through the water at speeds of more than sixty miles per hour.

An onboard CD player adds musical ambiance as guests cruise the lake and the canal to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and travel close to the World Showcase Lagoon, enjoying close-up views from a new perspective.  Fun details include an easel at the water’s edge with a painting of the International Gateway.

Named for the Dick Tracy character Breathless Mahoney, the Breathless II is available for half-hour and hour-long daytime outings as well as Illuminations cruises at night.  Embarkation can be arranged from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or Disney’s Boardwalk.

Due to its small size, food options for the cruise are limited, but guests looking for a romantic add-on can order champagne and strawberries. Newlyweds searching for an unusual photo opportunity might consider flying a “Just Married” flag during their wedding-day cruise!