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 December 18, 2006 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Our family of four is headed to Disney for a week and we're going to take advantage of Magical Express. We have reservations at Port Orleans - French Quarters. We want to rent a car for just a day to do non-Disney stuff. Can I rent a car at the French Quarter for just a day, or do I have to go somewhere else on Disney property to rent it? Which rental company will it be and should I have reservations? (Submitted by Nancy S.)

A. A rental car is a good option if you are spending some time off property. There are two locations on Walt Disney World property to rent a car: Disney's Car Care Center and The Dolphin Hotel. Both places have Alamo/National desks. If you are using the Car Care Center, there is a shuttle that will pick you up and take you to the rental location and drop you back at your hotel when you return your car. This may be the best option for you, since the Dolphin isn't within walking distance from your resort. There are also car rental locations at Downtown Disney hotels, but, again, you have the problem of getting to and from your resort to the rental location.

Although rental companies do sometimes have cars available for a walk-in customer, we highly recommend booking before you leave on your trip. That will not only ensure the car size you need is available, but it will also ensure that you know what you are paying for the car. Rental rates fluctuate frequently and there are many codes out there that can help you. Members of TheMouseForLess Yahoo group can even get free membership to the Emerald Club, which may provide you with more discounts (more information is here: http://www.themouseforless.com/membersavings/benefits.shtml#NCREC). We have found that if you don't like the rate you get at first (or even if you do), it is a good idea to keep checking for more discounts. There are deals to be had if you are persistent.

Q. We drive from Tennessee to WDW every year, and would love to know of a great place to stay close to the Georgia/Florida border. (Submitted by Sandy B.)

A. It's a little difficult for us to recommend an exact place to stay, because a lot depends on your route and how long you are driving. We can point you to some good sources. First, TheMouseForLess website has a section called Mickey's Mile Markers. Members have submitted locations that they recommend along the way of their journey. Perhaps this might help you. Also, there is a website called www.tripadvisor.com that our readers tend to frequent for reviews on specific places to stay along the way. If you do find a place you would like to recommend, be sure to pass along the details.

Q. I will be going to Disney World in a few weeks and I am wondering if they still sell the official Minnie Mouse Dress. If they do, can you tell me which stores handle them, and approximately how much they cost. (Submitted by Cindy G.)

A. The merchandise at Disney can change frequently, however, there are also many things that never seem to change! While we cannot guarantee that any of the stores still sell the official Minnie Mouse dress, we have a pretty good idea that you will be in luck! Costumes can be found in many of the larger stores. Your best bests would be the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom, Mouse Gears at Epcot, or the World of Disney at Downtown Disney.

A great way to check a head of time would be to call Disney Merchandising at 407-363-6200. The Cast Members there can locate almost anything on Disney property and even tell you what it costs! You can even place an order with them and they will ship the item you are looking for (of course, shipping rates do apply). A quick call to them found that the dress is available for $40 with the headband ears an additional $10. This is the same price that you could find it in the parks. And, although we were assuming you were looking for a child's costume, there are still some Minnie Mouse adult costumes available at www.disneyshopping.com.