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 February 12, 2007 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Do you have any details on why the Laugh Floor Comedy Club attraction at MK didn't have the Annual Passholder previews that were planned for January? We are big Monsters Inc. fans, and were so disappointed not to be able to see this during our trip. (Submitted by Ryley G.)

A. Hi, Ryley. While you are most definitely not alone in your disappointment in missing the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (which has replaced the Timekeeper in Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland) during your last visit, hopefully you can take some consolation in the reason why. The attraction was originally set to open in January of this year, but it didn't fare (or is that scare?) well with test audiences last year. That caused a near-last minute decision to push back the expected opening "date" until Spring of 2007. It's unfortunate, but you'll at least have the opportunity to see the polished version soon rather than an unfinished (and reportedly unfunny) version. The good news is that recent reports from test audiences (guests who just happened to be at the right place at the right time) is that this attraction is back on its "laugh track" and promises to be a very funny and successful endeavor, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Q. Do the Annual Passholder discounts apply to the Wilderness Cabins, and if so, what level are the cabins considered: Value, Moderate, or Deluxe? Thanks for your help! (Submitted by Pat R.)

A. Pat, for the purposes of resort discounts, the Wilderness Cabins are in the "Home Away from Home" category. They are not a "Deluxe" resort accommodation (Grand Floridian, Poly, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Yacht & Beach Club, BoardWalk); they do not belong to the "Vacation Club" group either (studios and villas at Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Villas, Villas at Wilderness Lodge). Because they're in their own classification, there is no general across the board amount that we can quote regarding discounts. Rates go up about every year and there is no guarantee that the same level of discount will be available from one time period to the next if a discount becomes available. While the cabins are often discounted during Disney promotions, lately we have been seeing more discounts with Magic Your Way vacation packages rather than for room-only discounts. The deep discounts of a few years back haven't been around for a while, so don't buy an Annual Pass just for a discounted room, as that discount might not happen. Keep in mind that any discount at Disney is based upon occupancy and availability, and discounts are not across the board for all properties and blackouts do apply for some resorts during discount periods. Generally if Disney can achieve a predetermined level of occupancy at full price, they will not put a discount on it.

A strategy many Disney vets use is to book their chosen accommodation at "rack rate," then they keep their fingers crossed for a discount that applies to their dates. There are times that discounts should not be expected--mainly during the summer and peak travel months such as the traditional Spring Break and holiday season. This is when it's handy to have a travel agent who specializes in Disney--such as Magic For Less Travel--on your reservation as they will do the legwork for you. Either way, we haven't seen deep discounts in quite a few years, but every dollar counts, eh?

Q. I have not been able to find info on Pirates on the Seven Seas Adventure. Can you tell me more about this event? (Submitted by Jodi F.)

A. Avast, Jodi, thanks for askin' me hearty! (OK, that’s enough pirate talk!) The Pirates of the Caribbean: Adventures on the 7 Seas Lagoon event coincides with the release of the third installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. Running from May 22-25, this promotion has packages ranging in price from $199-$2350, with three distinct packages being offered. Disney began booking reservations on January 11, and the top tier package is already sold out.

The third-tier package, "X Marks the Fun," goes for $199 per person, and runs from May 24-25 (early registration is available on May 23). Guests get a "Dinner with Ye Fellow Pirates and Wenches," with games and entertainment, a seminar with special guests, a midnight viewing of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End at the Downtown Disney AMC Theater, complete with movie snacks, an opportunity to purchase special event merchandise, admission to the "Walk the Plank of Treasures" event auction, and commemorative keepsakes.

Guests purchasing the second-tier package, "A Pirate's Life for Me" pay $700 per person for May 23-25 festivities. Their package includes all the offerings in the "X Marks the Fun" deal, plus two nights at the Contemporary (May 23-25), more seminars with special guests, admission to a "Pirate Feast Fit For 'One Eyed Joe,'" and an event-themed breakfast on May 24. Early registration is available on May 22.

The top-tier "Ye Swabs" package is sold out, and the waiting list is full. This is just as well for our pocketbooks, as "Ye Swabs" runs $2350 per guest. Lucky participants get everything from the two lower-tier packages plus: a third night at the Contemporary, with all three nights in concierge-level Contemporary accommodations (May 22-25), a dinner at the Grand Floridian and a dessert voyage on the Seven Seas Lagoon on May 22, a breakfast event at the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in the Magic Kingdom on May 23 (special guests attending), plus a private lunch with a special guest on May 23.

As of Sunday, February 11, there was still availability listed on the Disney website for Tier 2 and 3 packages. Click here for more information:
Pirate Event Packages