Ask Magically Speaking

In each issue we like to answer questions from you. What are your questions? Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or cruise? Do you have some nagging little trivia question that you are just dying to know the answer to? If so, please send them to us. We have a great team of Disney experts and sleuths that would love to answer your questions! If you have a question, send it to us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com.

Ask Magically Speaking is a regular feature in the Magically Speaking newsletter. The following Ask Magically Speaking was published in the September 25, 2006 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. What is the usual tip for a round service trip for Sunray towncar? (Submitted by Elaine B.)

A. A tip of 15% of the total fare is customary. However, if the driver helps with bags or makes extra stops, you should consider leaving a 20% tip.

Q. For those of us with a lot of energy who are trying to pack it all in- what is the latest you can get there to still get a decent view of Disney parades, IllumiNations, and Fantasmic? (Submitted by Tina S.)

A. That really depends on a few factors. If your visit is during a season when crowds are the norm at Walt Disney World (such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer and spring breaks) then you will need to arrive at least an hour early for all of the nighttime shows, maybe 90 minutes early for Fantasmic, as it has a limited number of seats available. If there are two shows that evening (like Spectrometric or Fantasmic!), the later show is usually less crowded.

However, if you are going to Disney during one of the slower seasons, then you can relax a little bit more. While I would still advise you to arrive no later than 45 minutes before the start of Fantasmic, you should be able to find a decent spot for both Illuminations and Wishes with less of a wait. It will depend on how good of a view you want. Illuminations can be seen from pretty much anywhere along the World Showcase Lagoon, some views are better than others, but you should still be able to enjoy the show from almost anywhere. Wishes can be viewed from anywhere on Main Street USA and even over to the sides some, close to Casey's Corner or on the bridge to Tomorrowland. As for the parades, the Magic Kingdom parades are always the most crowded. You can spend less time waiting for a spot if you view them from Frontierland, instead of watching them from Main Street USA. That same rule applies when watching the parades at Disney Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom, the main "entrance" areas are always more congested than if you go a little further back on the parade route. All of the park maps mark the parade routes clearly, so you can easily locate each parade route.

Q. We have been asked to chaperone a group of high school seniors to Grad Nite this year. Do you have any advice on how to distinguish them from the other 1,000's of visitors that will be there at the same time. I had thought about glow in the dark armbands or I have even seen group leaders with specially designed flags. (Submitted by Liz B.)

A. Glow in the Dark items are a great idea! Also, a lot of groups wear matching t-shirts. You could pick your school colors or even go with bright, can't miss colors. The brighter or less usual color, the better when it comes to picking shirts that will stand out in a crowd at Walt Disney World. And, of course, if everyone needs to meet up for something, pick an easy to find location and be specific. "Meet in front of the castle, near the Walt Disney statue" works much better than "Meet at the castle." You won't have to circle around looking for your group members.