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 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!

Janie writes:

Hi Anita. My question is regarding parking. If you come early to a park then leave to go back to a non-Disney hotel, and then return for the evening, can you show your parking receipt and not have to pay the $11 again?

Hi Janie!

Yes, your parking fee is good all day. Whether you are taking a mid-afternoon break to go back to your hotel or hopping between different parks. Just show your receipt and you will not be charged again. This also applies to the fees for stroller, locker, ECV and wheelchair rentals. By the way, the parking fee for cars recently rose to $12 per day.

Flo

Kelly writes:

I read your column each week, it keeps the magic alive for me on the years that I can't go to WDW (I go every two years).

Here is my question. I know that Mr. Walt Disney passed prior to the opening of WDW. I have seen the statue of Walt Disney holding Mickey's hand in front of the Cinderella Castle. I have read in guidebooks that there is a statue of Roy Disney with Minnie. Could you tell me where this is located? I am a huge fan of Walt and Roy Disney. I cry every time I see the film about Mr. Disney at Disney's Hollywood Studios (in the One Man's Dream attraction). It's just amazing that one man not only filled his dream of being able to enjoy the rides with his daughters, but was able to fill millions of dreams for the rest of the world.

Thanks for your help.

Hi Kelly!

I'm so glad you asked this question. Walt Disney is one of my heroes, too. His accomplishments are astounding. What not too many people realize is that these accomplishments would not have been possible without the support of Walt's brother Roy. While Walt had the vision and creativity, Roy had the business acumen to make it all into reality and ensured that Walt's plans continued after his death. It was Roy who decided that the Florida park would be named Walt Disney World to honor his brother.

The statue you asked about is in Town Square in the Magic Kingdom, right near the dedication plaque.

Flo

Sandra writes:

Any buzz yet on whether the Castle Dream Lights will be done again for the 2008 Christmas holiday season?

Hi Sandra!

Aren't the Castle Dream Lights beautiful? I didn't think Cinderella Castle could possibly be improved until I saw how they make the castle turrets and towers look like they are coated with a sparkling blanket of ice. I'm very happy to report that I was in the Magic Kingdom in mid-August and they have already begun installing the lights for this holiday season. Keep up to date on all Walt Disney World Holiday Happenings HERE.

Flo

Bonnie writes:

I was just wondering what the World policy was on rainy or windy days. We are going on our trip to the World on September 13 - 20 and it looks like they already have two tropical depressions out there. Also, how did Disney fair for tropical depression Fay?

Hi Bonnie!

Generally, the Walt Disney World parks are open rain or shine. However, safety is the number one priority, so on occasion, certain attractions may be temporarily closed during heavy rain or lightning (Expedition Everest, for example). The parks have closed briefly for serious storms a few times in the past, most recently Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Charley in 2004. Tropical Depression Fay dumped a lot of rain on the area, but caused no damage.

Don't let "bad weather" deter you from having fun. Rain can be your freind. One of my favorite WDW visits was New Year's Eve 2003. The Answer Family, Dr. Sus, KJC, Kev, Kim and I had all planned to ring in the new year in the Magic Kingdom. Apparently, Mother Nature did, too. During dinner, a large storm complete with heavy downpours moved in, drenching the entire area. Well, you do what you have to do. We all donned our rain ponchos and charged ahead. Beacuse of the rain, most of the other guests left, resulting in an almost empty park. Did we get wet? You bet we did. Did we have a great time? You bet we did that, too. In fact, I count that as one of the best times I've ever had anywhere. No matter what unexpected situation may come your way, adapt and overcome. It may actually enhance your visit!

Flo

Pat writes:

My family has stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter several times. During our last stay in December we happened to catch the tale end of a Mardi Gras type parade by the food court. We couldn't find any info in the papers left in our room. We are planning another trip in January and wanted to see it again. We didn't all get to see it and the others think we were seeing things. Any info?

Hi Pat!

I don't think you were seeing things. Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter DO celebrate Mardi Gras with a small parade, but this parade is usually held on Mardi Gras or "Fat Tuesday" and is put on by the cast members at the resorts using decorated golf carts. It begins at the Riverside food court and runs along the Sassagoula River where it circles through the French Quarter, returning to Riverside where it ends. The cast members play music and toss candy and beads to the guests assembled along the route. I was lucky enough to catch it in 2006. In 2009, Mardi Gras will be on February 24. Now, if you saw this parade in December, I'm not sure if it was exactly the same thing. I checked with a source at POFQ who confirmed that they do still have the Mardi Gras parade, but did not know of another parade at any other time. At check-in, ask what special events might be occurring during your stay -- you never know what magic you may find!

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Flo

David writes:

My question is about the Haunted Mansion. My family and I love searching for Hidden Mickeys. However, while riding the Haunted Mansion last year (after the refurbishments) we could not find the Grim Reaper whose fingers made a Hidden Mickey. Do you know if maybe it was removed during the mansion's facelift? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Hi David!

Yes, I have to agree with you, Anita's column is amazing. Its the first thing I read when I log on every Monday. Hopefully I can live up to her reputation.

Ah, a Haunted Mansion question. This happens to be my very favorite attraction. I'm happy to report that the Grim Reaper is alive and well (you know what I mean!). Next time you ride, keep an eye out for him at the very end of the graveyard scene. Look to your right. Just before the opera singers you will see a tall tomb with an open front. Look into the opening and there he is, floating in darkness, forming the Hidden Mickey with his left hand.

Hurry baaa-aaack!

Flo

That's it for this edition!

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