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 16, 2007 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q.It seems with the popularity of Tinker Bell that you would be able to find a meet and greet of some kind. Do you know where if anywhere we could find her? (Submitted by Leigh Ann B.)

A. Hi, Leigh. Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom is a happy meet and greet haunt for the likes of Peter Pan, Wendy Darling, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, but the popular pixie is, indeed, nowhere to be seen (or heard). But as both Peter Pan and Journey often remind us, don't stop believing. While Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson author books furthering the adventures of Peter Pan, Tink has found herself a whole new group of fairy friends (and merchandise) in the Disney Fairies collection. This new collection is inspired by the book Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine, author of the national best seller Ella Enchanted.

Along with a slew of books and merchandise, the Disney Fairies have inspired a direct to video movie. Titled Tinker Bell, the movie was initially set to be released in August 2007 but (lacking the pixie dust it reportedly sorely needs) it has been pushed back to Fall of 2008.

So where's Tink? Currently, she regularly only appears overhead in larger-than-pixie form at WDW during her flight, kicking off Wishes most nights, but it's hard to get an autograph. While she has appeared in Wendy-sized proportions in the Disneyland's Parade of Dreams for over two years now, she's only just begun to appear up close and personal at WDW for the parade that takes place during the Pirate and Princess Party. But still, no autographs!

All hope is not yet lost, however. Rumors have been strong and growing even stronger that there may in fact be a Meet & Greet opportunity with Tinker Bell herself in the near future, probably at the Magic Kingdom's Toontown Fair. Because Tink will most likely be appearing to promote the Tinker Bell film, this long-awaited autograph debut might not start until as late as the Fall of next year, although some recent rumors still claim she'll show up as early as August of this year (the original expected release date of the film).

And if you are wondering how on earth you are going to preserve the 'magic' for your children, when they meet a very large Tink- Disney has you covered. Sounds like there's going to be a special guest "shrinker" in the Tink queue, to take Tink fans down to pixie-size.

Q. My family and I will be going back to WDW in Jan 2008. I was thinking about taking one of the fireworks cruises and was trying to find out some information on the noise level and whether or not ear protection is provided for children. Our kids will be seven and four at the time of travel. I've also read that it can get quite smoky on the boats as well. Have you taken one of these cruises and, if so, can you share your experience? My kids aren't afraid of loud noise but I don't want it to sound like cannon fire going off in their ears. (Submitted by Pamela M.)

A. Hi, Pamela. Before we go into specifics in regards to your questions, let's talk a bit about your options. Specialty cruises on boats (called pontoons) are available for viewing at both Wishes and Illuminations at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot respectively. Both will have you board with ample time before the show so you can casually cruise along the water and take in the sights.

The Wishes cruise comes in two flavors: Basic and Premium. Aside from the price difference, the Premium allows for up to 10 guests in your party (the Basic is eight)and your own audio feed of the Wishes soundtrack. Simple snacks are provided on both, included in the price. The pontoons sail and watch the fireworks in the Seven Seas Lagoon, the body of water surrounded by the Magic Kingdom and the monorail resorts. You may even get an up-close viewing of the Electrical Water Pageant.

The Illuminations cruise, for up to ten guests, doesn't offer piped in music but that's because boats park right under the bridge between the U.K. and France pavilions, giving you a clear line of sight of the globe and the fireworks. While there's no Premium option with the Illuminations, you can fork over an extra $25 for a decorated boat. Plus there is a very special alternative. In the past, the Breathless, a 1933 mahogany Chris-Craft speedboat replica, offered a unique experience for those lucky enough to book her. Sadly she cruises no longer, but she will soon be followed by the aptly named Breathless II, a sleek Hacker-Craft. The Grand 1, a 44-foot Sea Ray yacht docked at the Grand Floridian, is another deluxe option. It rents for a cool $400 an hour, morning, noon or night, and can cruise with up to 13 guests.

The Wishes Basic cruise will set you back $225 (tax included). The Wishes Premium cruise runs $275 (which, remember, gets you two additional seats and audio feed). The IllumiNations Basic cruise runs $250. Add $25 to any cruise for decorations. You may order private catering for any cruise- snacks, soda and water are included.

Now, on to your concerns. Ear protection is not offered on any cruise, so you may want to consider bringing your own, just in case. Since the Wishes cruises take place out on the lake, you're much further away from where the fireworks are launched than if you were by the castle watching them, so sound should be minimal - even less if you are on a Premium cruise which will have the music (and just the music) drowning out any surrounding noise. With Illuminations, you are closer to the barges from where the fireworks are launched, but this is no different than watching the fireworks from around the World Showcase Lagoon. In short, the noise level isn't higher for fireworks cruisers.

As far as smoke conditions go, it's the Illumination cruises that have been known to occasionally suffer from this problem, so it is a genuine concern. So much a potential issue that someone even created an online resource to indicate the current wind (and smoke) conditions for Illuminations. You can find it, as well as directions for accessing it from your web-enabled phone (if you have one) at WDWMagic IllumiNations Smoke Direction Forecast . Unfortunately it's more of a help to someone trying to decide where to watch the show from that evening as opposed to someone who's already paid for the special cruise.

Both fireworks options are winners and won't disappoint, which means they're also competitive when it comes to booking them. The cruises are booked starting 90 days out by calling 407-WDW-PLAY; call right at 7:00 a.m. ET. A credit card is required to book. For the Grand 1, call 407-824-2682, also 90 days prior.

Another special activity if your group consists of eight or more (and meet additional requirements) is the Magical Fireworks Voyage Grand Gathering. In addition to the fireworks, you'll be joined by storytelling pirates and appearances by Captain Hook, Mr. Smee and Peter Pan. Check here for more TheMouseForLess details on this and other Grand Gathering opportunities.

One last thing. Remember, with little ones, that these boats do not have 'facilities.' Plan accordingly.