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 August 13, 2007 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Today we start with a revised answer from our July 30 Ask Magically Speaking.

The only thing constant at Disney is change. And even then...

In a recent issue of Ask, we quoted Disney management as insisting that the name of Disney-MGM Studios wouldn't be changing anytime soon - little did we know! Just this past week, WDW President Meg Crofton announced that beginning in January 2008, Disney-MGM Studios will now be known as Disney's Hollywood Studios, an attempt to shift the focus from the golden-age of movie making to recognizing the other forms of entertainment Hollywood encompasses today.

One popular concern as a result to this news has been how this may affect existing attractions, notably The Great Movie Ride. The answer we originally provided is still true -- the park's use of the MGM name has no ties with the use of any content in the park, be it MGM or other studios. As it is, the movie most associated with MGM, The Wizard of Oz is actually currently owned by Warner Brothers. Another popular former MGM property, Tom and Jerry, whose films are shown at SciFi Dine-In is also now owned by Turner/WB. So don't expect any changes there. But do expect changes!

Along with the name change, Crofton also confirmed many previous rumors and entertainment changes in the park. The earliest change, taking place in 2007, will be an updated High School Music Pep Rally featuring songs from HSM2. Another addition coming this year to the delight of millions of his fans will be meet & greet appearances by Handy Manny who will join fellow Playhouse Disney alum JoJo, Goliath and the Little Einsteins crew. Manny had been spotted previously making random test appearances at the Magic Kingdom earlier this year (you can see a photo of him and a fan here. Not mentioned but quite possible would be appearances by Manny during the Little Ones Extra Magic Hour promotion or at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, where Little Einsteins made their in-person debut in 2005.

2008 is also full of surprises according to the WDW President. The Playhouse Disney Live show will close temporarily in January to re-open in February with a much needed update. The last change made to the show was in early 2005, when the JoJo's Circus segment replaced Rolie Polie Olie. The new version will now include more current PHD shows such as Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and yes, Handy Manny. Other confirmations include replacing the Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade with the proven and well-dated Block Party Bash courtesy of Disney's California Adventure. Also noted in the news is an updated expected timeframe of summer 2008 for the very hyped 3D midway game inspired attraction Toy Story Mania.

Q. What about the tweens?! Those wonderful kids between the ages of say 11- 13. They are too old for all the kids clubs, and too young to go off by themselves at the parks, or be left alone at the resort. Yet I can find precious little just for them at WDW. Is there any thing that my 12 yr old can do without her mom and dad standing by? (Submitted by Judy Young)

A. There are a lot of things that will interest tweens at Walt Disney World. There are thrill rides at each park; bike and water rentals, arcades and pools at resorts; DisneyQuest and a world of shopping at Downtown Disney, and two fun water parks. Something in that list is sure to inspire some interest in your tween.

When my family goes to Walt Disney World, complete with our tween, we tend to stick together. This is our time to enjoy being together without all of the craziness of sports and activities at home. We have found that giving our oldest an increased amount of independence each trip helps satisfy her rebellion and our need to keep her close. Cell phones help with the nerves of any parent, as we can let her take one if we feel the need. This really becomes an issue of what the parent and child are comfortable with. This is also the age that a child might benefit from having a friend along on the trip or vacation with another family with a child of similar age. Two going off a little on their own is a bit more comforting than one.

As far as supervised activities, it seems that most entertainment venues seem to think kids in this age group aren't interested in those types of things anymore. Disney is not much different than a large shopping mall (with much better security). The best place to turn a 11-13 year old somewhat loose is a cruise ship as there are supervised activities for this age. I see older kids running around by themselves at Disney--like 14 and up.  But there are no kids clubs for tweens, or teen-only spa treatments, or other things that you typically find on a cruise ship.

There are things like the "Kids Around the World" fishing excursion that Jane mentioned in her Bass Fishing article that might pique their interest. If Mom and Dad would like some time to themselves, and aren't comfortable with a 12 year old roaming around, there are always in-room babysitters. This service is more than the name suggests. A qualified sitter is there, but you can pre-arrange this responsible adult to take your child to the parks, down to the food court for dinner, or just about anything you can image on property. Although this may not come cheap, it gives the parents some time and peace of mind without having your tween watching cartoons for the evening (or day, as sitters can be hired for any time of day).