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 January 15, 2007 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Is there a web site where I can obtain actual attendance at the Disney World parks on any particular day?  (Submitted by Gail Johnson)

A. Hi, Gail. In a word, no. Disney, as well as most theme park operators, does not release attendance figures either on a daily nor annual basis. In the past, estimates of attendance for parks around the world have been released by the trade publication Amusement Business. Those figures were derived from some information released by the theme parks as well as various other sources. In 2005, Amusement Business estimated that the Magic Kingdom ranked #1 worldwide in attendance with 16.2 million visitors. The remaining three parks as well as Disneyland rounded out the top 5 in North America (Disney's Animal Kingdom placed fifth with 8.2 million visitors). Internationally, Disney parks around the world consumed the top eight spots. Unfortunately, Amusement Business, whose figures were often cited by Disney, shut down early last year.

There are no figures for 2006 available as of yet, but it is speculated that the Themed Entertainment Association (www.themeit.com) will soon fill the void left behind by Amusement Business.

But while they won't release specific attendance numbers, Disney does offer what it considers to be its expected relative crowd levels throughout the year as well as which days of the week tend to be busiest at each park. You can access this information here: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQOtherPage

It might also be worth noting that some guidebooks and other sources may offer this type of information. Hope that helps.

Q.When you go to a breakfast before the parks open, is there bus transportation available? Any help would be appreciated.  (Submitted by Yvonne)

A. Hi, Yvonne. Hakuna matata! They may not come and go as fast as we'd like sometimes, but you should have no problem finding a bus to go between your resort and any of the parks for a pre-opening breakfast. I've used the buses to get to multiple parks for 8 am meals myself and have always arrived with time to spare. At that early hour, buses may not run as frequently, but they do run, so give yourself some extra time. If you have any concerns, feel free to check with a cast member at your resort's concierge desk the evening before and they may be able to give you some additional advice.

When you arrive at the park, there will be a designated turnstile for breakfast ADRs for before 9 am. You are advised to have your confirmation number with you just in case, but often just your name being on their list is enough.

If you will be attending a breakfast at one of the resorts, a taxi will often be your best bet. In some cases (and if it's early enough), a bus driver may be kind enough to drop you off directly at the resort. However, this should never be an expected courtesy.