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 who 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 July 2, 2007 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. I have been trying to find out if any of the resorts at WDW, specifically the value resorts, have pools that are zero-depth entry. We typically stay at All Star Sports and I know they have a toddler pool, but my son is getting too old for that to keep his interest. However, he is too short to stand off the steps of the 'big' pool. I know the pools at the All Stars are being refurbished and I was wondering if that included making any of them into zero-depth entry? That would make my son so happy!! I know the water parks have this, but having it as the resort would be so very nice for us parents!!! (Submitted by Lori F.)

A. Hi, Lori. A small percentage of Disney resorts have zero-depth entry pools and unfortunately none of them are values at this time. For those who may not know, a zero-depth pool has an entry that has a slow incline, like a beach. This helps guests of all ages who are otherwise unable to negotiate entry into the pool for any reason.

At Disney, you'll find zero-depth entry pools at Port Orleans Riverside (Moderate); the Grand Floridian, the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the children's area at Yacht & Beach Club's Stormalong Bay (Deluxes); as well as Saratoga Springs Resort (Disney Vacation Club).

As a reminder, while Disney policy allows you to visit and view pools at resorts other than where you are staying, you may not make use of them. The only exceptions are for sister resorts (for example, guests staying at French Quarter may use the Riverside pool) and DVC members and their guests staying on points may pool hop, although not at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Stormalong' Bay. Current blackout dates for DVC pool-hopping at any resort are now through July 7, August 31 through September 3, November 19 through 25 and December 16 through January 2, 2008.

Q. Disney always has a "theme" for its celebrations. The current one, A Year of a Million Dreams, ends in October..? Any idea what the theme for 2008 will be? Mickey will be 80, I think, so that may be a possibility and Epcot may be having an anniversary... My next trip is planned for 2008 and my inquiring mind needs to know! (Submitted by Shelly B.)

A. Hi, Shelly. It's a very good question and unfortunately one without an answer - for now. Rumors abound as to what big event will take place following the Year of a Million Dreams promotion, including the possibility of simply extending it. Nothing official has been announced yet though and until then, it's simply just speculation. A couple of almost sure bets, though, are that Mickey and Epcot won't be receiving any year long parties.

It's true Mickey will be entering his next decade in November, but historically, his birthday hasn't received a tremendous lot of attention in the parks in recent years, with notable exceptions to Mickey's Birthdayland (in honor of his 60th - now known as Mickey's Toontown Fair) and the celebrity-inspired InspEARation statues for his 75th.

As for Epcot, its 25th anniversary is October 1st of this year, before the YOAMD ends. Based on previous celebrations, if Epcot were to receive one, it probably would have begun by now. Disney fan groups are planning various commemorative events, but there's nothing on tap from the Mouse. One rumored gift for Epcot's anniversary, which seems to have lost credence, was that Soarin' was to receive a new film, in which guests traveled all over the world (or at least outside of California). A more solid rumor, however, is that the wand that was added to Spaceship Earth in 1999 will be removed shortly. Siemens is also making some very positive changes to the Spaceship Earth attraction including a whole new exit area already partially in place that includes free video games that push technological boundaries. O Canada in the Canadian pavilion is also expected to be replaced with a new film this summer.

Q. I love getting your newsletter and when you said you were looking to hear from us on our thoughts or questions I decided to pose this question to you that my oldest son asked me this week. We went on the four night cruise in December of 2005. My son was 16 at the time and had the time of his life on the ship. He practically lived in the teen center. He spent a good portion of the day on Castaway Cay on the teen beach. He made several friends and still communicates with them via email! Here's the question. We are thinking of doing the Disney cruise again next summer when he graduates high school. He will be 18 and 1/2 at the time. He will be "too old" for the teen center and too young for the night clubs. So... What exactly is there for 18 -20 year olds to do on cruise ships? We really wanted to fly to California, do Disneyland then take the Disney cruise down to Mexico. But, I feel with him being "aged out" of the teen club he will really be bored. Please help. (Submitted by Eileen L.)

A.We challenged the knowledgeable travel agents from The Magic for Less Travel with your question. They assured me that there would be plenty for your son to do on your Mexican Riviera cruise. First, 18-year-olds are welcome in the night clubs, with their shows and entertainment, although they can't drink alcohol, of course. The Diversions sports bar is popular with the younger set, as is Krazy Karaoke (your Navigator will list times and locations). Young adult gatherings are often listed in the daily Navigator. Check the Navigator as well for scheduled large-group trivia and "board" game gatherings. And there's more! There are sports offerings as well as deck parties. Both ships offer an adult scavenger hunt, MagicQuest and WonderQuest. If your son's a fitness buff, the Vista spa and the fitness center will now be open to him, as well as the Quiet Cove adults-only pool. The Quarter Masters arcade and on-ship movies are other options. At Castaway Cay, he can explore the adult beach. And if he's a "foodie," he'll be happy to learn he's now able to eat at Palo!

Please remember that off the ship in Mexican ports, your son will be able to purchase shots of tequila and other such beverages legally. You may not be crazy about this particular adult freedom, so keep it in mind when deciding on plans for each Mexican port.