BEYOND THE THEME PARKS

ANITA ANSWER
Archives

11/3/08
--The Semi-Annual Refillable Mug Question
--Disneyland Disappointment?
--Does This Question Make Scents?
--Dining on a Steamship?
--Was Barbie Ever at Epcot?
--Restaurants with Organic Foods on the Menu?

10/27/08
--The Path between Epcot and the Studios
--It's Holiday Shopping Time! How to Purchase Park Merchandise from Home
--Which Resorts Have Only One Bus Stop?
--What Is That White Plastic Card on a Lanyard?
--Stroller or Pediatric Wheelchair for a Disabled Child?
--Where to Rent a Car on Property

10/20/08
--Dining at Crockett's Tavern?
--Is Changing Resorts Mid-Trip a Good Idea?
--What's Going On When Cast Members Show a Slip of Paper and Switch Places?
--When Does Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade Begin Daytime Performances?
--Will Universal Tear Down Dueling Dragons for Wizarding World?
--Who Is the Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrator on Christmas Eve?

10/13/08
--Who Lives Behind the Magic Kingdom?
--License Plates on the Sci-Fi Dine In "Cars"
--Anita's Annual Holiday Crowd Predictions 2008
--If You Knew Sushi...
--The Demise of Pal Mickey/Will He Still Work in the Parks
--Harry Potter Coming to the World?

10/6/08
--Is There a Lounge at the Wilderness Lodge?
--Characters That Can't Sign or Stamp/A Hunchback of Notre Dame Show?
--YoMD: Can You Still Send in Postcard Entries?
--When Are the Summer Crowds Lightest?
--What Is the Difference Between the Dining Experience and the Dining Plan?
--Best Place to Get Sushi at the World?

9/29/08
--Treasure Hunts at the World?
--Is Park Admission Necessary to Dine at Cinderella's Royal Table?
--No More Characters at the Garden Grill?
--How to Get a Christmas Tree for Your Resort Room
--Fort Wilderness Movie Schedule
--Who Is the Voice of Teddi Barra?

9/22/08
--When Does the Holiday Decorating Commence?
--Looking for a Wooden Leg Named Smith?
--More, MUCH More on Those World Showcase OmniBuses
--An Old-Fashioned Phone on Main Street?
--Name of Soap Store at the Grand Floridian?
--Two Tracks at Everest?

9/15/08
--Parking Fees: How Many Times Per Day to Pay?
--Where Is Roy O. Disney's Statue Located?
--Castle Dream Lights for 2008?
--What Happens in Stormy Weather?
--A Mardi Gras Parade at French Quarter?
--Where Is This Hidden Mickey Located Inside the Haunted Mansion?

9/8/08
--When Do Charging and Dining Plan Privileges End after Check-Out?
--A Book with WDW Trivia and Stats?
--Should Guests Worry about Hurricanes and Tropical Storms?
--Is the New Pool at Caribbean Beach a "Zero Entry" Pool?
--The Grand Floridian and the Hotel Del Coronado
--Will Portobello Close for Rehab?

9/1/08
--No More 180-Day Dining Reservations?
--When Did the World Stop Using Dated Guidemaps?
--Was There a Double Decker Bus at Epcot?
--The Bonnet Creek Resort -- Any Disney Perks?
--Disney's Worst Kept Secret
--Seasonal Passholders and Block-Out Dates
--What's Going On in Mid-January?

8/25/08
8/18/08
--What is a "Premium Night" at the Parties?
--A New "Land" for Animal Kingdom?
--Best Route to Expedition Everest from Animal Kingdom's Entrance?
--Magical Express Reservations and Luggage Tags
--What Is This Hotel Near Saratoga Springs?
--Yo Ho and Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee Similar?

8/11/08
--Fantasmic!, IllumiNations and SpectroMagic Performances Scaled Back?
--Of Luggage Tags and Fastpasses
--What Is This "Creek" Resort?
--Pin Backs That Don't Fall Off
--A T-Rex Update?
--Where Did Cinderella's Carrousel Originate?

8/4/08
--Splitting a 10-Day Pass Between Two People?
--Boating to Epcot from Riverside?
--What Will Be Open at Pleasure Island?
--How Do Tickets with the No Expiration Option Affect the Dining Plan?
--Value or Moderate Resorts with More Than Two Beds
--What Does That Morse Code Message on Spaceship Earth Say?

7/28/08
--Bus Service and Best Location at Pop Century
--Riding Horseback at the World
--The Mystery Tower next to the Contemporary
--How to Get a Guest Assistance Card
--Correct Size of Moderate Resorts' Rooms
--Tipping Housekeeping/Offsite Visitors at Extra Magic Hours

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Anita Answers

Hi! I'm Anita!

Got a question about Walt Disney World? I probably have the answer! Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Information Guide is the most comprehensive guide to the World on the Web, but if you still can't find the information you're looking for by using the Site Map, the Search Function, or the Anita Answer Archives, drop me a line and I'll do my best to find the answer for you. Since there are only 24 hours in a day, I can't answer every email I receive - however, I do read every one and try to answer as many as possible.

Check back weekly and see if your answer is waiting, and be sure to check out my blog, Anita Talk. Meanwhile, I'm All Ears!

Phyllis writes:

Anita, I look forward to your column every week and am TERRIBLY disappointed when you have the week off.

I'm thinking of staying at Pop Century and have a question about the bus service to the parks. Does the bus serving Pop Century service other resorts in the area? Last time we stayed at All Star Movies, and although very efficient in the morning going directly to the park, the bus stopped at the other All Stars on the return trip. After 14 hours in the park, I just wanted to get to the room to collapse!

Also, any tips as to the best decade building at Pop Century?

Hi Phyllis!

Unless something has recently changed, Pop Century's buses only provide service to and from Pop Century. The All Stars are a bit different, since there are three large resorts clustered in one area, whereas Pop Century is all by its lonesome on Victory Way. I particularly like the bus stop area at Pop, as it features actual queues like those at the parks -- not as much of a mob scene there during busy times.

Although the Preferred buildings (which cost more, by the way) are the '60s buildings, I actually prefer the '70s A building. The '60s surround the main pool and there is a lot of traffic and noise there. The '70s A is only slightly farther from the bus stops and food court, doesn't cost more, and some rooms afford a view of Hourglass Lake. It's also located between the main pool and the quieter "computer" pool in the '80s area, so you can easily choose to swim at either one.

PARKING TIP: If you have a car, don't park in the designated '70s lot. Instead, drive around to the '80s lot near the edge of the lake. It's closer to the '70s buildings, and less crowded.

A.A.

Ty writes:

We are going to WDW this fall. I would like to go horseback riding. I have a 7-year-old daughter. Is there a place where we can do this together? Thanks!

Hi Ty!

Guests can take a trail ride on a horse or take a pony ride at the Tri Circle D Livery at the Fort Wilderness Campground. Unfortunately, due to age restrictions, you and your daughter would not be able to do these activities together. The trail ride requires a minimum age of 9, while the pony rides are only for children. As a compromise, you could also take a horse drawn carriage or wagon ride. It's not quite the same thing, but you could do it together until she's old enough to join you on the trail ride.

For more information, reservations and prices for activities at the Tri Circle D Livery, call 407-824-2832.

A.A.

Jill writes:

Your column is addicting! We're not planning a trip to the World for another two years, yet I have to check here each week for the latest news. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to!

We are considering buying into the Disney Vacation Club (DVC), but are wondering what is going on with the rumored Contemporary tower -- is it or isn't it? When would you expect an announcement, and subsequent purchase availability? I would love to know what you think of adding what is certain to be a high capacity resort on a monorail system that seems to be running full as it is.

Hi Jill!

As you hinted, there has been some question as to whether or not this building is or is not a Disney Vacation Club resort. Recently, several requests were filed for food and beverage permits for the mysterious building's address. Those requests were made by Disney Vacation Club Management Corp., so I think that solves the mystery, don't you? Interestingly, one of the permits was for something called the "Top of the World Lounge." You'll recall that a couple of columns ago, I discussed the old Top of the World, which was located where the California Grill is now. If they keep this name, what a nice tip of the ears to Contemporary Resort history!

As to when this building may be announced, that's anyone's guess, but the Rumor Mill is saying it may be during a RUMORED multi-day press event in early October. You may or may not know that Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party on October 3, 2008, has been suddenly canceled. There is speculation that this is due to the possible press event at the Magic Kingdom that evening, where it is speculated that some announcements are to be made. These rumored announcements may include the BLT (or the Big Croissandwich as I like to all it) AKA Bay Lake Tower, a new attraction or two for WDW's 40th in 2011, or possibly even a park in Shanghai.

Keep in mind that October 1 is the start of the Walt Disney Company's fiscal year. Two of the Florida parks have opened on that day, and several celebrations have started on that date, so that, coupled with the cancellation of the MNSSHP on October 3, makes the press event rumor more credible. Still, ALL of the above information is strictly RUMOR, speculation, hearsay, etc. and nothing has yet been announced by the Walt Disney Co. As to when the BLT will open for DVC sales, that is also anyone's guess, but most DVC resorts do go on sale shortly after the official announcement. When that announcement will be, I do not know, but that building is getting pretty hard to hide! We shall have to wait and see.

I don't think that the Bay Lake Tower will have that much impact on the monorail, actually. For one thing, guests can easily walk back and forth to the Magic Kingdom and don't need to use the monorail. Many BLT guests using the monorail will either be transferring to the Epcot line at the TTC (first stop after the Contemporary) or else traveling along to the Poly or the Grand Floridian to dine. Also, keep in mind that there has been another resort planned along the monorail line since the early days -- it just hasn't been built until now. The location of that resort (the "Mediterranean") was very near the Contemporary as well. I'm sure that transportation capacity issues have been taken into consideration. Also, I've traveled the Resort line during the busiest weeks of the year and haven't had a problem, and the new, more open design of the trains allows more guests to ride in each car. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

Well, I've gone on long enough. Remember that much of what I just told you is RUMOR, and hasn't been verified by anyone at the Walt Disney Company.

A.A.

Evanne writes:

I am going to Walt Disney World with my two girls and husband in November, if all goes well. The problem is I will just be finishing my treatment for breast cancer. I am concerned about the lines and being able to wait for long periods. I have pain in my legs and tire easily. Does Disney do anything to help people with these kinds of problems?

Hi Evanne!

This is one of my most frequently asked questions, so I hope you don't mind if I tag on to your question for everyone's answer.

Guests requiring special assistance, which can be for a variety of reasons including, but not exclusive to cancer treatment, broken bones, Autism, mobility issues, sight or hearing impairment, and many more too numerous to list, should obtain a Guest Assistance Card.

On your first day in the parks, go immediately to the Guest Relations office inside the parks and ask for a Guest Assistance Card (GAC). You are not required to have a note from your doctor, but especially for guests with hidden disabilities, it can't hurt to have one. Guest Relations will ask a few questions and will then determine what types of assistance will be of benefit to the individual guest. These will vary depending on guest needs.

It is important to understand that a GAC is NOT a "front of the line pass" and how and where you wait will be determined by your individual needs. Be sure to ask the greeter cast member at each attraction what the procedure is for her/his attraction, as these will vary as well.

For a comprehensive look at how guests with special needs and challenges can better enjoy their Disney vacations, you may want to get a copy of All Ears' own Deb Wills' and Debra Martin Koma's book, Passporter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line. Also, be sure to read All Ears' pages for guests with special needs.

I hope you all have a wonderful time at the World, and Evanne, my very best wishes to you as you go through your treatment.

A.A.

Diane writes:

Anita, I am one of those detailed planners for our WDW trips. My planning even includes the square footage of the rooms at the resorts we are considering for our stay. I have seen on some websites and publications that Caribbean Beach Resort (CBR) standard rooms are 340 sq. ft. With further research, 314 sq. ft. was given for all the Moderate resorts, including the CBR. I read that the reason CBR has larger rooms than the other three moderates (not including the Fort Wilderness Cabins now considered Moderates) was that the CBR was the first of the Moderates, and therefore more space was available, and that it was designed to accommodate conventions. Which square footage is correct? I know if anyone can find the answer, you can.

Hi Diane!

You are correct that the Caribbean Beach Resort had the largest rooms of the Moderate Resorts until the Fort Wilderness Cabins recently changed categories. You are also correct that this is because it was the first Moderate resort, but I think initial design (since it was the first) had more to do with it than available space. For another example, the first Disney Vacation Club resort, Old Key West, also has larger accommodations than subsequent resorts, as do the older Deluxe resorts. I'm also skeptical about the convention explanation since the CBR doesn't have convention space or facilities. It sounds like someone had the CBR confused with Coronado Springs Resort, which is the first moderate to have convention facilities. The story I've always heard is that Disney sensed a need for less expensive accommodations for guests who might have chosen to stay offsite instead of paying for a Deluxe resort.

That said, here are the stats on Moderate Resort standard room sizes:

Fort Wilderness Cabins: 504 sq. ft.
Caribbean Beach Resort: 340 sq. ft.
Port Orleans French Quarter: 314 sq. ft.
Port Orleans Riverside: 314 sq. ft.
Coronado Springs Resort: 314 sq. ft.

Happy planning!

A.A.

Paulette writes:

Hi. We're going to be staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort for a week beginning very soon. I have two concerns:

#1: I'm wondering how to tip housekeeping. Do you tip on a day-to-day basis or once at the end? What is the average tip per day?

#2: My niece who lives in Florida wants to join us one day at a park. If we want to take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours in the evening, will she be allowed to remain with us? Thanks.

Hi Paulette!

Tipping at the Resorts:

Gratuities for the resorts are subjective, and entirely up to you. There are no real rules, but like the Pirates' Code, there are some guidelines. Dining service gratuities are different and much more complicated now due to the various dining plans and discounts, so I won't address those here.

For tipping at the resorts this is what I do, and you may choose to do it differently:

Bell Services: $1 for each suitcase, bag or box. More if the item is large or heavy.

Valet Parking: $2 - $3 when my car is taken; $2 - $5 dollars when my car is brought back, depending on how long I have to wait and how politely I'm treated. I always tip separately because it's unlikely you'll get the same valet twice.

Housekeeping: For a regular resort room, like those at the Caribbean Beach Resort, I leave at least $2 per day, or $1 per day for each person staying in the room. I tip daily, because I may not have the same housekeeper throughout my stay.

At Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resorts, I use the same guidelines above when in a studio, but when staying at a larger villa, I tip from $5 - $15 depending on the size of the villa, number of people staying there, and the size of the mess housekeeping has to contend with. This seems like a large amount, but DVC villas are only serviced once or possibly twice during an average stay. For Towel and Trash service, I leave a minimum of $2, or $1 per guest in the room.

Offsite Visitors at Extra Magic Hour:

Offsite visitors are not allowed to participate in Extra Magic Hours at the parks. Each guest over the age of 3 must present either a Disney resort Key to the World Card, or a Shades of Green, Swan/Dolphin or Downtown Disney Hilton room key to receive a color-coded bracelet. These bracelets are regularly checked at points throughout the park, and then again before getting into a line for an attraction. If a guest does not have a bracelet, the guest will be politely asked to move toward the front of the park and the exit.

I hope you and your family have a magical time at the World!

A.A.

That's it for this edition!

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