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 Novermber 20, 2006 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

In keeping with our Disney Cruise Line theme, in this issue we will answer some commonly asked questions about cruising.

Q. I heard that the monorail would be closed for refurbishments in Florida. Is this true? And, if so, when is it scheduled to be shut down? (Submitted by Christina)

A. There are often rides and attractions down for refurbishment at Walt Disney World. And there are just as often rumors about which attraction is going down, and when. After much searching, we have not seen official mention of the monorail taking a break anytime soon! Of course, this is always subject to change. One thing to note is that the monorail in Disneyland has been down for some extensive work, so perhaps your information was about the California counterpart. Check out the Walt Disney World News and Beyond section of this newsletter to find out more information about closings and refurbishments that may affect your Disney vacation.

Q. I was wondering if Disney does anything for birthdays when you are at Walt Disney World? My nephew will be going with us and he will turn seven during our stay. Thank you. (Submitted by Kim W.)

A. Disney can definitely make any birthday magical! There are actually lots of different ways to make a birthday special while at Walt Disney World. First, the best way to let everyone know your nephew is celebrating his birthday is to stop at Guest Relations at any theme park and pick up a birthday button for him, free of charge! This will let everyone know that your nephew is celebrating and, at the very least, he will receive plenty of "Happy Birthday" greetings. There are certainly Cast Members who will make a birthday special for a guest if it's within their power. Sometimes it is in the form of a second ride on an attraction, it could be a special dessert brought to the table with a card, maybe even just a special certificate honoring the birthday. Since these "magical moments" aren't guaranteed, you may want to plan ahead for your nephew's birthday. Prepare ahead of time, maybe order a cake from a resort bakery or bring decorations for your hotel room for the birthday boy. And make sure when you make your resort reservations to tell your resort that your nephew will be celebrating his birthday. Also, have it noted on any Advanced Dining Reservations you make. The more people that know it's his birthday, the more opportunities there will be for that special Disney magic!

Q. Do you know if MGM has a Christmas-themed day parade? Also is 'Fantasmic' changed any for the holidays? We will appreciate any help you can give us. (Submitted by Lisa)

A. The Disney-MGM Studios does have a holiday parade! The Hollywood Holly-Day Parade started last week, and can be seen daily at 3 p.m., through January 1, 2007. Fantasmic! doesn't get a Christmas twist, but there is a wonderful holiday display each night at the Studios- the Spectacle of Dancing Lights (yep- that's the Osborne Spectacle of Light's new name!). This year the Spectacle of Lights literally dance, in time to popular Christmas-season tunes. The Spectacle of Dancing Lights shows from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every evening through January 7, 2007 (with extended hours during the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve.)