Monthly Archives: March 2010

What the Walt Disney World Brochure Doesn’t Tell You

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Did you know that there is so much more than the Disney parks? I know, I was just as surprised as you were! After much investigation, Carl and I found a new world inside Walt Disney World that had treasures that only by the best word of mouth would you ever really know exists.  Here is what we found to be the best of the best hidden treasures.

The Beach Club Resort has the sweetest little ice cream shop called “Beaches N’ Cream.”  The yummiest dessert lives here that many a Disney fan has braved after a long day at the Parks…it is known as “The Kitchen Sink.”  It is LITERALLY a small kitchen sink that has ice cream with every topping known to man on it.  We enjoyed sharing this between the kids and us, and the pictures are priceless. This is a must to do at least once. Bring your appetite!

Unless you are staying at the Fort Wilderness Campground, you probably didn’t even know our next one exists.  The Campfire Sing-a-long is one of those awesome discoveries on a night you need to just relax and get out of the hustle and bustle of the park crowds.  You find yourself a bench, purchase a simple Smores package sold at the area, roast some marshmallows over the fire, and join the sing-a-long with the singer and her back up chipmunks (Chip and Dale).  Once your vocal chords are warmed up, its dusk and time to watch the movie of the evening.  The benches aren’t the comfiest, so you are welcome to bring blankets and such to sit on the ground as an alternative.  I promise it will be one of those family moments you won’t forget.

Have some extra time on your hands? Why not take a DVC tour, which is available through a DVC agent at each Disney Resort, usually located at their own kiosk in the lobby.  We were signed up for an afternoon tour, around 2:00 p.m.  A Disney van picked us up and took us too Saratoga Springs.  Childcare was provided, along with a beeper so that they could contact us at anytime, we were never that far from them.  After the tour, we enjoyed free ice cream treats and were given free quick service dinner vouchers for anywhere in WDW.  It was a great tour of a beautiful resort we would not have otherwise visited. We didn’t sign up to be DVC members at the time, but were given a wonderful couple of hours.

Where the Wild Thing Are…you could say that about our next treasure. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is amazing in itself, but did you know that visiting this place, it’s like seeing Africa for free? That’s right, upon further investigation, we found that there are public balconies on several of the floors of AKL that allow you to sit in rocking chairs and enjoy the animals on the Lodge savannah.  At night they have a campfire that you can sit around and listen to storytellers spin their yarns. An amazing time!

If you love fireworks like we do, they are even better sitting on a romantic beach watching them. The Polynesian Resort beach has a spectacular view of “Wishes” along with the music piped in so you feel very much a part of it. Before the fireworks start, get there early enough to catch the Electrical Water Pageant that circles the Seven Seas Lagoon after dusk. 

Another hidden gem is the small food area towards the back of the Grand Floridian. Grab a small snack and relax at one of the table and chairs outside on the patio. We had an incredible view of the Castle, the monorail, and the waterfront. We took some great pictures here.

Disney’s Monorail System may be an obvious treasure, but some don’t realize how nice of a ride this can be.  We love to park at Epcot, board the monorail, and take a round trip ride to the Magic Kingdom and back.  During the middle of the day, the monorail is pretty empty, so it’s a lot of fun to get a car to yourself and some great photo opportunities here.

We found out early on that you can resort hop without any cost to you.  Find a Disney resort bus at any park and just ride over.  There is so much to enjoy at different resorts, but, I want to point out that pool hopping is NOT permitted unless you are staying at a sister resort.  Try out the beaches, playgrounds, food courts, and you may even be able to check out a room for a future visit.

Last but not least, while you are enjoying ‘Soarin’ someone is making up your room to look like the first day you walked in. These magical people are known as “Mousekeepers.”  They make up little animals on the beds called “towel animals” for you to enjoy when you get back.  The better the tip, the better the room and animals can be.  Thank you cards and notes are always appreciated as well.  We love the “Mousekeepers.”

What hidden treasures at WDW have you found? Let us know! Have a magical day!

~Carl and Ellie Peters~

The Rain, Rain, Rain Came Down, Down, Down

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Your trip is finally here…what you have been counting down to for what seems like forever. You head into the parks with a huge smile on your face, and then you feel something wet hit your cheek. One drop after another, and you can’t tell if these are happy tears or if the sky is opening up. Yup, the sky is opening up and you feel like all of your plans are ruined. Have no fear-Carl and Ellie are here! Let us talk you through how to handle the unexpected from Mother Nature herself.

First, let’s talk forecasts you check before leaving home. I have heard so many times on forums “It says rain all week for my vacation…what will we do?”  No need for a Disney freak out. The rain in FL usually passes quickly and is an invited guest on those hot days.

On those days that you happen to see Tigger and Pooh floating by in their umbrellas, take cover inside places where you can spend some serious drying out time or invest in the ever famous WDW poncho.  (Side note-I know you can get ponchos at the dollar stores, but keep in mind they are as thin as saran wrap, so if you get caught in heavy rain, you will get wet)  Some of our favorite areas to escape the rain is the Animation Building at DHS, Mousegears in Epcot, and the Main Street Emporium in MK. We also LOVE to take a ride in the monorail from Epcot to MK and back in the rain…relaxing and always a great view.

If you wake up to a rainy day, and you can spare the day, we suggest finding things to do in your room, Resort lobby, or take a drive to DTD for some shopping.  Finding things to do with the kids in the room can be challenging, so we find that bringing familiar toys and coloring books from home keeps the little hands busy.  Each Disney room also plays the Disney channel and the Disney Parks channels- plan your next day or afternoon by watching these with your family to keep the blues away.

Then there is the heat to deal with. Of course there is, it’s Florida. But some, we have seen first hand, were not prepared for the humidity.  We have followed these steps to keep cool and sane.

  • Wear clothing light in color-the darker the color, the warmer you will be.
  • Keep it light cotton and fabric that breathes..denim is the devil. LOL
  • Hats to keep the head from getting sun burned, and to help the eyes as well.
  • Sunglasses for the eyes at all times-that FL sun is bright!
  • Take as many breaks needed in air conditioned stores and attractions.
  • Drink as much water as possible-carbonated beverages will make you feel sluggish and tired.
  • Use paper towels in restrooms to wet down with cold water to cool off the back of your neck and/or forehead.
  • Spray fans can be purchased inside and out of the park-keep in mind the larger the fan, the more you have to carry.
  • Take off back packs often to give your back a break from sweat and tension.
  • Keep hair up and off the shoulders.
  • Have children shaded as much as possible-overheated children are incredibly cranky and are a hard sell on staying any longer in the parks.
  • Kids who are just miserable in the heat should be taken back to the resort for a cool down swim or shower and a possible nap-there is always park time left later in the day.
  • For serious overheating, each park has a First-Aid Station. Contact the nearest Cast Member for the location and help getting to it.

As far as hurricanes and other larger storms, take the normal precautions. Stay in tune with weather sites, contact your Disney Resort with concerns, and know your plan of attack if you are faced with such weather. Go over your package to see if you have insurance and what it all covers, along with rental car agreements and your job situation if you indeed get stuck there.

No matter what the weather may be, remember the most miserable weather at WDW is still better than the best day at work. Keep smiling everyone, and thanks for reading!

~Carl and Ellie Peters~

Getting Misty Eyed At Walt Disney World

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The most mature adult can be brought to tears by just the start of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”  We thought we would share what makes us grab for the kleenex while visiting our favorite place on earth.

The first thing that gets us choked up each and every time is driving under the Walt Disney World marquee sign.   It’s our “welcome home” and we will never go under it without shedding a tear.

Next to come is always the drive in to the Disney Resort. Most of the time it’s All-Star Movies, and we all scream as we turn into the driveway and park. Walking into the lobby, seeing the familiar; it’s overwhelming.

Boarding the Monorail for the first time on each trip is another tear - jerker. Hearing the announcement, seeing my family so excited, it’s just amazing.  I start to lose it as we all walk down the sidewalk towards the Magic Kingdom.

As we line up to enter MK, we try to get there early to see the show in the morning. The music swells, the singers sing, the characters come out, and the countdown begins…10..9…and somewhere around 8 I am a blubbering mess.

Walking underneath the train station, towards the courtyard, and then you come around the bend…and there is that gorgeous castle. I mean…grab the Kleenex. The first time I saw that view, I was just beside myself. Then when I saw my children see it for the first time…it was just…wow.

On a side note, Carl and I renewed our wedding vows at Walt Disney World. Our wedding pictures in front of the Castle are my absolute favorite.  You want to talk about crying…walking down Main Street, no one around except you and your husband, in your wedding clothes with the sun coming over the castle.

We tear up also at the Hall of Presidents, Spectromagic, Peter Pan, TTA, Philharmagic when Aladdin is on the carpet,  and any and all character interactions with kids getting hugged.

At the end of the day, my feet are sore, my purse is lighter, but nothing can keep us from “Wishes.” The ending with the children singing and the music gets more intense with the fireworks…another lose it moment for this guy and gal.

Walking into Epcot, the size and beauty of Spaceship Earth is always overwhelming to me. I tear up watching my family head into The Land for Soarin…waiting in line, and when we are all belted in..that music starts…wow..I could cry now just thinking about it.  Nemo also holds a special place in my heart with my youngest daughter…she is forever my little girl on this ride. Seeing her smile on this and any ride makes me wipe the eyes.

Very few shows can really, REALLY get to me like the American Adventure. Voices of Liberty start off the goosebumps and tears..then the show starts and when I hear “Golden Dreams” it’s just very emotional.  Seeing the Challenger astronauts, then Walt Disney himself, I just always think how grateful I am to be alive to see this show so many times. Brilliant show.

The ending of Illuminations is also very emotional, but the end of the Christmas one is an over-the-top Kleenex getter.   “Let there be peace on earth” is such a beautiful song, and put to fireworks and such is just beautiful.

Hopping to Hollywood Studios, the best of the best that gets us emotional is One Man’s Dream and the end of Fantasmic.  Seeing Walt speak about his story, it’s just incredible to know what talent and foresight this great man had and what he made for OUR family to enjoy.

At Animal Kingdom, the only thing that really gets to us is the Nemo show. “Not My Dad” song is a heart breaker because our youngest has strong feelings towards Carl about this song. Every time we hear it at home on the cd, she has to be in arm’s length of Carl. We saw it once without her with us, and I thought we may have to walk out of the show because of how hard hit we were.

On the lighter side of what brings tears to our eyes, here are a few of ours.  Waiting lines, waiting times, paying high costs for food, looking at price tags, bathroom lines, and always having to wait for my first daiquiri of the trip.

We hope you have enjoyed our insight to our emotional moments, we would love to hear yours.  Keep your dreams alive!

~Carl and Ellie Peters~