Archive for the ‘Mousellaneous’ Category

Those of you who experience the annual frustration of trying to make reservations for the special events at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival will want to hear more about a new food and wine celebration vacation package to be offered from Sunday, October 24 to Wednesday, October 27, 2010.

Although the details are still sketchy, we know that it will be limited to only 100 guests and, much like an Adventures by Disney itinerary, will be filled with wonderful, exclusive experiences.

This unique and exciting vacation package, Disney’s Grape Getaway, will be available inclusive of resort reservations, or without the accommodations for those who have already made their travel plans.  It will feature three days of exclusive events including a special private party.  Although the members of the Tables in Wonderland program will be notified as further information becomes available, including the cost and the booking window, this package will be open to all guests.

If you would like to be notified when the delicious details are released, please email Whimsical World Travel using the form on the Contact a Concierge page, or call 888-373-2752.

They cruise the World Showcase Lagoon and ply the waterways of Crescent Lake, offering a welcome sight to park-weary guests emerging from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  They are Disney’s Friendships; eight boats that ferry their passengers between docks around the World Showcase Lagoon, and make the rounds of Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs, the International Gateway at EPCOT, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Numbered from I to VIII, each Friendship sports its own distinctive trim colors.  Their design was inspired by European canal and river boats and while the seats may not be planned for comfort, the air-conditioning definitely is!  Generally both stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, adverse wind and water conditions may prevent roll-on boarding.  There will be a sign posted at the landing announcing any changes.

Two boats run routes in the World Showcase Lagoon, one between the landings at the Canada pavilion and the Morocco pavilion, the other making the trip from Mexico to Germany and back.  While not always a time-saver, taking the boat is a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings and avoid part of the 1.3-mile trek around the lagoon.

It’s a relatively short walk from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to EPCOT; a slightly longer journey from Disney’s Yacht Club or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas.   A longer walking path leads from the Boardwalk area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   Most guests, though, feel they get plenty of exercise during a visit to Walt Disney World and opt to hop a Friendship.  Boats travel between these parks,  stopping at the resorts that surround the lake and canal.

Service typically begins around 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately one hour after park closings.  If you’re lucky, you may find yourself onboard with the birdman.  His pockets are always filled with treats and the birds seem to know he’s coming; flocking to the dock and approaching him when his boat arrives!

Today I came across a photo which reminded me of a piece written some years ago.  I thought I would publish it again.  This image, of a different soldier, speaks more eloquently than words, and we are grateful to the family for allowing us to use it.

I stood by the railing, upstairs at the train station, looking out over Main Street, U.S.A., and hoping to catch sight of a family I had never met.  Having left my friends behind enjoying the last of our tea at the Grand Floridian, jumping on the monorail and rushing into the Magic Kingdom, I would be very disappointed if I didn’t find them.  But no, there they were:  mother, father, and handsome little son, waiting near the flag.  I had been corresponding with Rita via email and, when we realized we’d all be staying at the Boardwalk during the same week, we had made tentative plans to meet.  Both she and her husband, Chuck, are in the Navy, and when I learned that Chuck would be participating in the Flag Retreat at the Magic Kingdom, I knew it was something I wanted to make an effort to attend.  I was aware that this ceremony was performed each afternoon but had never been there at the right time to see it.

After I’d introduced myself to the family, three cast members met with Chuck and walked him through the program: brisk step this way, stop here, sharp turn there, move to this side, hold your arms just so; once through and he was set to go.  I remember thinking that military training must come in mighty handy here. It would have taken me a dozen rehearsals, at the very least, to get it right.

Suddenly, there was music and I turned to see the Main Street Philharmonic launching into a medley of patriotic tunes.  I have several European friends who often comment on the large number of different songs we have which celebrate our country.  I think about all those songs that we learned as children, every year, when I listen to them played on the Fourth of July by the Boston Pops, but I didn’t realize that the U.S. is somewhat unique in this respect.  And, hearing them again this day, played by a group of musicians dressed in brilliant red, who managed, despite the heat and the hour, to perform them with skill and enthusiasm, filled me with pride.

We watched as the four stepped through the ceremony, lowering the flag and skillfully folding it in the special way reserved for our flag alone:

“The Flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night.”

and with a formal announcement to the crowd, is presented to the one being honored that day.

Even though I was only connected to these people by the most tenuous of threads, I was surprised at how affecting it was.  We were all honored by this observance; the serviceman and his family, the company which has chosen to include this solemn tribute amongst its many, more lighthearted activities, and each American who stood there watching.  I don’t know if that little boy will remember listening as his father’s name and rate were called out, echoing across the colorful, sunny park; I hope he does.  I hope, too, that next year, he will watch his mother’s service acknowledged in the same manner.   And, I hope that more people will plan to be near the flag at 5:00 p.m., to share in this moving and respectful ritual. I promise you’ll walk away with an extra little spring in your step.

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