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We Came To Play!

We Came To Play!

Opening Magic Kingdom

Opening Magic Kingdom

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Celebrating Todd's Birthday at the Happiest Place on Earth!

For the second year in a row, we have celebrated Todd's birthday at the Walt Disney World Resort. Last year, on his birthday, he was given Birthday FASTPASSes that we used at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This year, the celebration didn't include FASTPASSes, but it did include other surprises.
A cupcake with candle were part of the celebration at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. The cupcake came with a birthday card signed by Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, and Winnie the Pooh.


During dinner at Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT, a special green tea pudding was served with a candle and a special hat was decorated just for Todd's birthday.

A special liter of beverage was part of the birthday celebration at the Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT. The band asked for Todd to stand up and be recognized for his birthday.

Other recognitions included the whole arena at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular wishing Todd a happy birthday in unison, being sung to over a candled cupcake at the Hollywood and Vine restaurant in Disney's Hollywood Studios, and being wished a happy birthday by numerous people throughout the parks and resort.

He didn't just have a birthday day. . . he had a birthday WEEK!


Here's the birthday card he was given by his family.


The card featured birthday wishes from various countries around EPCOT's World Showcase.

If you want to surprise someone with birthday wishes (or any celebration) in various languages, just have your card ready and stop at the KIDCOT tables in the pavilions around World Showcase. The cast members are from the countries represented and will be happy to write a message in their native language. (It helps to have the name of the person already written on the card so that they can copy the name.) The cast members will be happy to explain what they wrote and add the "stamp" from that country.
Celebrating special occasions are important. Celebrating special occasions at the happiest place on earth are magical! What will you celebrate?





Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Getting To and From Walt Disney World OR How to Use Disney's Magical Express --Part 2

Getting back to Orlando International Airport to catch your flight home is just as easy as getting to your resort at the Walt Disney World Resort when you use Disney's Magical Express.

On the last day of your stay, an envelope will be hung on your resort room doorknob. Your return tickets for Disney's Magical Express will be inside the envelope including the time Disney's Magical Express will be picking you up at your resort. Pick-up time is typically 3 hours before your flight. This gives you enough time for the drive to the airport, check-in, and make your way through security.

You may make arrangements with bell services to help get your luggage from your room to the bus or ask them to check-in your luggage if that service is available to you.

Keep the information provided to you in the envelope hung on your door handy, as you will need it to board the bus. Large luggage can be stored underneath the bus for the ride back to the airport.

Once again, movies are shown during the return trip. They feature the Disney characters and include information about Orlando International and how to streamline your airport experience. And, they offer information for your next magical Disney vacation be it a return to the Walt Disney World Resort, a Disney Cruise, or an Adventures By Disney tour. Disney takes advantage of the captive, and somewhat sad at leaving, audience on the bus.

We typically fly around 7:00 or 8:00 am, so our time to return is usually quite early. You would be amazed about how busy Orlando International can be at 6:00 am.

We have found it easier to leave when we know we are coming back! °o°

Getting To and From Walt Disney World OR How to Use Disney's Magical Express

If you have booked a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, chances are you already have or will be receiving an envelope with all of your information. If you have provided the Walt Disney World Resort with your flight information, you will receive your tickets for Disney's Magical Express, free round-trip bus transportation from Orlando International Airport to and from the Walt Disney World Resort. Here's how to use Disney's Magical Express:

Upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, take a ride on the tram from your gate to the main terminal. You will be on Level 3 at the main terminal. Make your way to side "B" and take an elevator or escalator to Level 1. Follow the signs to the end of the building to Disney's Magical Express counter. Check in with any agent using the mailed packet of information. Upon check-in, you will be assigned to a specific queue for your resort hotel.

Upon entering the queue for your specific resort, there may be a bit of a wait. . . not too long, but it could be 20-30 minutes.

Ah, there's the bus. You will be directed from the queue to load the bus. Keep your paperwork handy as you will need your Magical Express tickets to load the bus.
Checking the paperwork and getting on the bus. If you have any larger carry on luggage or strollers, they can be stored under the bus.
Ah,we are on the bus for the 35-45 minute ride to the Walt Disney World Resort. It is a wonderful site to see the purple archway! Informational movies are played on the way to the resort. The shows explain check-in procedures and how to make your stay even more magical. They feature the Disney characters and are kind of funny. The boy likes to get a seat with a good view of a monitor. Each bus also has a bathroom.

Here we are at our resort--Port Orleans Riverside. Know that each Magical Express bus stops at more than one resort to drop off guests. We just happen to be the first stop on this Magical Express route.

And, remember the magical luggage! When you put the colorful tags on your luggage before checking them at the airport, there is no need to claim them at Orlando International. The next time you see your bags, they will be inside your resort hotel. It may take up to 4 hours for your bags to arrive in your room, so plan accordingly. Also, luggage service is only available until 10:00 pm, so if your flight is arriving late, plan to gather all of your luggage before heading to Disney's Magical Express counter.

Have a magical time!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Mickey's Backyard BBQ

Each time we visit the Walt Disney World Resort, we plan a new activity. This last trip, our "new" activity was a visit to Mickey's Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ is held on Thursdays and Saturdays at 6:30 pm March through December and advanced reservations are recommended by calling 407-WDW-DINE. We had a Saturday night reservation.

Our evening started with a boat ride from the Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness. Now, you don't have to actually enter the Magic Kingdom for the boat ride, just be at the pier in front of the Magic Kingdom. Boats depart about every 20 minutes to the various locations around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. Once on board, the ride was lovely and took about 15 minutes.

Let me say at this point that there were other boat riders who were panicking that they were not going to make their Hoop-Dee-Do seating at Pioneer Hall. So, be sure to allow for plenty of time. We planned to board the boat at 5:00 pm for the 6:30 show/meal.

Boy, were we glad we came early. If you arrive before 5:30 pm, the line opens for a character meet and greet with Chip, Dale, and Goofy all decked out in their BBQ clothes. (See photo above)We were the first in line to meet the characters and after we were asked to wait in another queue for dinner. The characters disappear in about 20 minutes, so if you are not early you will miss them.

Since this could have been a long wait, there were wooden blocks and large drums for the kids. Then the unexpected surprise came. . . trays of beverages. First, it was trays full of glasses with lemonade and fruit punch. Then the trays of cups of beer arrived. Let's just say, those went fast and more were right behind!

At 6:10, the BBQ pavilion was open for seating and the cast members do a good job seating folks. We were first in and had great seats by the stage and performance area. You can either go through the food line first or get your seats. We opted to get our seats first, then go through the food line.
Ah,, the food! It is an all you care to eat BBQ with ribs, chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, beans, corn on the cob, and various salads and fruits. The corn bread was yummy!

For dessert, there are freezers with frozen treats on both sides of the pavilion and again, it is help yourself. The boy started with a frozen Mickey bar, went to a strawberry bar, and finished his dessert course with another frozen Mickey bar. I preferred the corn bread for dessert.


Within a few minutes it is time for the show. The show includes two cowboy hosts, a band, and of course, characters. Children are invited to the dance floor to dance away with the characters. This is not for the faint of heart of for the "I have to keep my eye on my child every minute folks" as your child will most likely be in the sea of children. Trust me, when the music stops, the children find their way back to their families. The music is great and so is the fun.


Next is the lasso performer. He performs some great rope tricks, narrating as he goes. Two children get selected from the audience to practice and perform in the finale of sorts. When the lasso display is over, it is more music and dancing. The show goes on until about 8:30.
We took a break from the action and headed to the nearby playground. . . located between the boat pier and the BBQ Pavilion. We asked a cast member when the show would be over, as we wanted to snap one last photo. (See photo below)


Don't you just love Minnie's boots?
We had a good time and would probably do it again. . . someday. Given a choice between Mickey's Backyard BBQ and Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Review, we would choose Hoop-Dee-Do. To read about our experience at Hoop-De-Do click here.




Sunday, March 28, 2010

Even Though We Love It . . .

Since I am experiencing the post-Disney blues, I thought I would get the crabbies out by citing the pet peeves or things that make you go "grrrr" at Disney, even though we love being there.
  1. Stoppers--these are the folks that are in the middle of a high traffic area and decide to stop. Yep, just stop. No warning, no brake light, no beeping sound as a warning like you might find on a large truck, just stopping. This typically happens in groups of 3 or more. OK, maybe one or two people stop too, sometimes, but it is really noticeable in groups of 3 or more. This can also happen at an entrance to an attraction. See #4.
  2. Far away picture takers--these are the folks that have yet to learn the zoom settings on their camera so they move as far away as possible to take a photo and therefore either block high traffic areas OR divert walking traffic OR get random people in their photo. Smile!
  3. "Huh? ers"--these are people so caught up in Disney magic that they may not be listening. This may or may not be people in your traveling party.
  4. I/We can't decide-ers--these are people who either don't know what they are going to do or can't decide. This usually involves a small group huddle around a park map or times guide and can be combined with stopping (see #1). This can also happen at an attraction entrance or any entrance to a queue or when ordering food at a counter service restaurant or snack counter.
  5. The flash photo even though I'm not supposed to--er's--these folks will take flash photos even though they have been told and reminded not to. Not only do they risk serious reprimand at the parks, but they are potentially ruining the magic/moments for the rest of us. Imagine being on the Nemo and Friends attraction at EPCOT and the people in the clam mobile ahead of you are flashing away. While I am a proponent of photo taking, there is a time and place. My advice, be in the moment--that photo probably won't turn out anyway.
  6. Along the same lines of #5 are the I'm going to use glowing technology anytime--er's. These folks have the art of using glowing technology down to a science whether it is a camcorder or multifunction phone. We were sitting in Mickey's PhilharMagic while the person in front of us must have been texting or tweeting or. . . whatevering. Anyway, the effect of the glowing screen certainly distracted us from the show. Let's save the social media for another time and play with the ones who brought you. While watching Wishes, the fireworks spectacular at the Magic Kingdom, I have seen the sea of people turn into a sea of glowing LCD screens when people attempted to capture the moment on film or video. The fireworks were amazing and so was the scene of people, faces aglow watching the fireworks on little screens. Personally, I want the full affect of watching the fireworks in the night sky. And, do the people taking all that video actually have time to watch it?
  7. The either I can't see a line or commit to a line--er's--these folks are often oblivious to lines or queues that can happen without ropes or metal bars. For example, often characters have lines or queues that are not marked with ropes or metal bars. Or bus lines that run beyond the queue can have lines. Food courts can also have unmarked lines. I lumped this with the I can't commit to a line category as I saw this happen in front of me at our resort food court. A lovely couple was trying to decide what to have for breakfast (see #4) as there are different counters for different types of breakfast food. So, the lovely couple meanders ever so close to the end of the line for one of the counters. Still a significant gap exists between them and others in the line. Now at this point, I am right behind the lovely couple still browsing the signs above. I am sensing hesitation, so I ask if they are in the line and receive an affirmative answer. Within seconds, a mom with two youngsters in tow are now in the line in the gap between the lovely couple and the others in line. The woman looks at her man as if to say "do something, these people have just moved in front of us in line." I comment, "that's why it is important to commit to the line." The man responds that he thought he was being polite to leave a gap so that others in the food court had room to maneuver. The mother and youngsters soon realize they have indeed budged into a line and move back. The lovely couple then move closer to the others in line and reduce the gap. Oh, there's another story about not being able to decide (again, see #4) as I overhead the mom trying to get her two youngsters to pick their breakfast food. In this particular food counter, there were 3 adult choices and only 2 children's choices. At this point, I would say it would be OK for mom to decide.

I am going to include those that may deliberately try to circumvent a line into this category with the positive presupposition that they were just oblivious to the line. We saw folks attempt this at various attractions. Let's just say that the husband and I can take up some space in the line and have a "presence" so that the youngsters trying to go around us at Maelstrom, were not successful.

OK, I'm smiling again. Writing about the pet peeves did get the crabbies out as we experience the post-Disney blues. It's back to school and work tomorrow. Hey, I know, I'll play the Four Parks-One World CD and conjure up some happy Disney memories, because as you know, we love it there!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

. . . By the Numbers

We just returned from yet another magical Disney vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The weather was lovely, as you can see in the photo above taken at our resort of choice, Port Orleans Riverside.

As we have enough fodder for many future blog posts, I thought I would give you a sort of pre-summary. . . by the numbers.

8--number of days we were at the "world."
6--number of friends we "ran into" from our hometown at the world. ( You know who you are!)
759--number of photos taken with our camera. . . the husband said "one third of them will be junk and will have to be deleted." Remember the days of film? I just love digital!!
1--number of SD cards that held our 759 photos. (It's 4 GB)
15--number of hours in our longest day at the parks (6:30 am to 9:30 pm)
2--number of swimming pools the boy swam in.
381--number of PHOTOPASS photos taken on our PHOTOPASS card/account.
5--number of desserts that were delivered to our table with a birthday candle for Todd!
1--number of families we bumped into that were on our Adventures By Disney tour last summer!
3--greatest number of FASTPASSes we had on us at one time.
6--number of times we rode Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
3--number of mole skin patches needed for my feet each day.
33--number of pins Todd traded. (At least this is more than the number of pins he bought!)
230--number if days until we return! °o°

We are glad to be home, at least for now, until the bug bites again!

Todd ready for Toy Story Mania!

At Mickey's Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness.



Friday, March 19, 2010

More Toy Story Characters

At Disney's Hollywood Studios there are many opportunities to interact with the characters of Toy Story. As seen above, often the Green Army Man is out and about for autographs and photos.
Woody and Jesse pose for photos after Woody's Round-up in Disney's Magic Kingdom. Unfortunately, Woody's Round-up has been removed from the daily festivities.

You can find Ms. Bo Peep at the Block Party Bash held daily at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Mr. Potato Head can be found as the "Carnival Barker" in the queue of Toy Story Mania! at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Toy Story Mania is one of our favorite attractions.

Three Green Army Men were scouting behind the FASTPASS kiosks to Toy Story Mania. Everyone, gather your toys!




Thursday, March 18, 2010

Meeting and Greeting the Toy Story Characters

The Williams Family joins Buzz Lightyear and Woody for a photo. We met these two Toy Story Characters at the Meet and Greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

The boy gives Woody a hug. I wonder what is written on the bottom of his boot?

Sharing stories of the wild west!


It's all tippin' hats and thumbs up for these pals!


Even Jessie got in on the act at
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom.

It is always fun to meet the characters. Each time we return to Walt Disney World or sail on Disney Cruise Line, we hope to meet characters we haven't met before. And, each time we have!


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Stingrays on Castaway Cay

Entering the water to play with the rays!
Our second time swimming with stingrays was on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. A special Port Adventure is available on the island. Each guest is outfitted with snorkeling gear and given an introduction to stingrays. The guests are then divided into groups before entering the water to gather around a unique "U" shaped floating structure that allows the stingrays to swim onto and be fed/petted by the guests.

The rays pose for an underwater photo. Rays feel smooth and velvety.

Above you can see a portion of the special "U" shaped floating structure. The rays are conditioned to respond to the Mickey shape on the structure. Guests then place the food, which is a mixture of shrimp, squid, and a vitamin/mineral jello substance, on their hands on the Mickey shape. The rays then swim up and with a sucking motion, take the food from your hand. While this is safe, I did feel a few sharp points when feeding one of the rays.


There are about 40 rays and each one has a name. Some of the rays were pregnant and you could see the pups under the skin on either side of the "backbone" of the ray. The rays were very friendly and seemed to enjoy being fed by the guests.



The animal specialists on the island of Castaway Cay file the barbs on the rays. They do not want to remove the barbs, as sometimes strong storms destroy the fencing and the rays are then released into the ocean. Removing the barbs would be detrimental at this point, while filing allows the barbs to grow back.

Each of the rays is tagged and often the rays are found or return after leaving their home during a storm.




Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Punta Sur, Cozumel (Part 2)

The Mayan ruin in the photo above is entitled El Carocal which in Spanish means spiral, like the conch shell. This relic located on Punta Sur, the southern most tip of the island of Cozumel, is located to catch the wind through the hole in the tower and make the same sound as blowing through a conch shell. This sound would warn sailors of the tip of the island, as traveling to Cozumel from the mainland was a coming of age pilgrimage for young or pregnant Mayan women. The island was know for promoting fertility.

Not far from the ancient "lighthouse" is a more modern, yet historic lighthouse. Housing a maritime museum at its base, visitors may climb the stairs and crawl through the doorway to get a view from the top.

Before heading to the white sandy beach of Punta Sur, one can take a siesta in a forest of hammocks.
The husband made his way to the top of the lighthouse as you can see in the photo above.


There is also a tower overlooking the fresh water/salt water tidal lagoon which is the home for crocodiles. Due to the fragility of the tower, only ten guests are allowed to climb at a time. The boy made his way to the top for the photo above.




Punta Sur, Cozumel (Part 1)

On the southern most tip of the island of Cozumel is Punta Sur eco-park. After entering the park and meandering the one lane road, you can see the waves change from giant crashers to lulling on the soft, white, sandy beach.
The water beckons!

Shells are in large supply as are water sports, including snorkeling. The world's second largest reef is within snorkeling distance, and while the boy and I frolicked at the beach, the husband snorkeled his way to the reef and shot some amazing underwater photos. (see below)
There is more to see at Punta Sur than the just the beach. Mayan ruins, a historic lighthouse, and museum are near the entrance to the park.


While snorkeling to the reef, the water temperature changes from warm to cold as an underground spring is nearby.


Another great underwater shot!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Character Dining on the Disney Magic

On seven night or longer itineraries, guests aboard the Disney Magic are invited to breakfast with the characters. Each stateroom is assigned a designated day and time for the character breakfast. The on-board character breakfast is located in Parrot Cay.



Most of the breakfasts in Parrot Cay are buffet style, but not the character breakfast. I think this is to cut down on foot traffic in the restaurant when characters move from table to table. A special menu of breakfast goodies is available for the character breakfast.
Characters stop at each table to sign autographs and take photos.




On any Disney Cruise Line itinerary there are many character interaction opportunities. The character breakfasts are reserved for guests on 7 night or longer itineraries.






Boatswain's Marine Park--Grand Cayman


Fresh catch of the day!

On each of our Disney Cruises, we have had the chance to get up close and personal with some kind of wildlife, be it dolphins, stingrays, jellyfish, or sea turtles.

During our stop at Grand Cayman, we selected the Port Adventure (since DCL and Adventures by Disney are now sharing a President, excursions are no longer called excursions, but Port Adventures. . . get it) now where was I?  Oh yes, we selected the Port Adventure of Boatswain's Marine Park and Turtle Farm. After tendering from the ship to shore, we then took a short bus ride to Boatswain's. Our visit began with a tour of the sandy nesting area used by the large adult sea turtles followed by the various pool nurseries. The sea turtles are sorted by size and assigned to various pool nurseries. You are welcome to try to catch, hold, and release a sea turtle. (see photo above.)

Boatswain's also offers a fresh water cement swimming pool which has lavish landscaping including a water fall. The deeper end of the pool has an underwater viewing area into the shark tank. We tried to take a photo into the shark tank with the underwater camera. Like I said, we tried.

There is also a salt water cement snorkeling pool with fish and other creatures. The snorkeling equipment is included in this Port Adventure and there is no tide to contend with, so the boy tried snorkeling for the first time. He did great! The depth of the snorkeling pool varies and offers lots to look at. Don't try to just swim in this pool as you will be redirected. You may also use the snorkeling equipment in the fresh water pool. You just have to go the snorkeling pool to get the equipment and take it to the freshwater pool. You may leave the equipment at the freshwater pool if you like.

Between the two large pools, there is the shark reef with feedings scheduled throughout the day and an aviary which houses an all white peacock. Caution! Iguanas roam freely throughout the park and they are quite large and quite quick.

Since were staying at Boatswain's for the day, lunch was provided. While turtle soup was on the menu we took advantage of other menu options.

Of course, gift shops were located near the exit of the park. They have a special kids shop just around the corner from the first gift shop.

The waterfall in the freshwater pool.

"Ah, now I'm on vacation!"