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

Q. Hi, thanks for answering all our questions - I enjoy reading this column. Anyway, we were at Disney World when the dining plan had just started. The variety of snacks on the plan was pretty limited: ice cream, popcorn, drinks, that kind of thing (if I'm remembering right). We're planning on using the plan again for our next trip, and I understand there's a lot of flexibility now with snacks? Could you tell me what's included now on the plan? (Submitted by Lauren M.)

A. Hi, Lauren. You do remember your snacks well (although who can forget a Mickey bar?). You'll be happy to know that it's virtually impossible to answer your question as the list of snacks on the Disney Dining Plan has expanded tremendously since the program first began. As a rule of thumb, snack items priced $4 and under are covered by the plan. To assist you, the menus posted at the counter service locations and carts/stands will have the checkered DDP logo next to the items that qualify as snacks on the plan. Happy snacking!

Q. We will be staying at the Beach Club in May (yay!) and planned on using Disney transportation to get to the theme parks. Now we're hearing that the buses stop at four resorts, and that there isn't even a bus to MGM and Epcot. Did we pick the wrong resort?!? Should we rent a car? (Submitted by Cathy W.)

A. Hi, Cathy. What you've heard is more or less correct. The Beach Club does share buses with the Yacht Club, the Boardwalk Inn and sometimes the Swan and Dolphin resorts. However this is more of the norm than an exception with Disney resorts. Most resorts do tend to share buses because there isn't enough demand to justify dedicated buses. In fact, the only deluxe level resort that does not share transportation is the Animal Kingdom Lodge because of how secluded the resort is. The good news is Epcot's International Gateway entrance (between the France and UK pavilions) is literally a short walk away and offers all the services the main entrance does. If you prefer, there are boats that regularly operate between Epcot's International Gateway and Disney-MGM Studios, stopping at the resorts along the way (the Beach and Yacht Clubs share one stop and the Swan and Dolphin share one as well). A car is always an option if you are more comfortable driving rather than waiting for Disney transportation. A car will often get you where you'd like to go faster, with possible exceptions of the Magic Kingdom (where you need to park at the Ticket and Transportation Center then monorail or ferry to the MK), and at Epcot (as parking is on the opposite end of the park). Either way, you've made a very good and enviable choice in the Beach Club. It's be hard to imagine you'll be disappointed with your decision.