Ask Magically Speaking

In each issue we like to answer questions from you. 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 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 February 28, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. We just booked our seventh trip to Disney World, for late 2008. I'm pretty excited about it, but my wife thinks "Not another Disney trip!" Could you recommend some special things we could do, outside the Disney norm? We'll have our 11 yo son, and our 15 yo daughter with us. Thanks for the advice. (Submitted by Stan)

A. Thanks for writing, Stan. It takes all kinds, eh? There are the Disney lovers, like us, and the not-so-Disney lovers, like your wife. The great thing about Disney World, though, is that there are plenty of things to do there that don't scream "Disney!"

The first thing for you to do is think about the kind of vacation your wife really loves. Is it relaxing on the beach? Is it taking in Broadway shows in New York City? Or is she more a dude ranch kinda gal? If you aren't sure, it may be time for a trip-planning family meeting. Since we don't know your wife, we'll give you a variety of options that should satisfy a variety of tastes.

One way to make a Disney World visit more appealing to the non-Disney fan is to try to book meals outside the parks. If you are planning on watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, schedule your dinner at one of the beautiful monorail resorts, or at Wilderness Lodge. That way, you're away from the crowds at the park, but still close enough for your kids to enjoy the nighttime entertainment. Same thing at Epcot and the Disney Hollywood Studios. There are great restaurants to choose from all around Crescent Lake -- our personal favorite is Flying Fish.

If your wife is the kind of person who doesn't mind some alone time, plan on a day or two where you and the kids go off to the parks, leaving her to sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast at your resort, and maybe some solo time shopping at Downtown Disney. You'll qualify for Husband of the Year if you book her a spa treatment at any of the area spas: Grand Floridian, Saratoga Springs, or Mandara Spa at the Dolphin.

If you are comfortable leaving your older child in charge, consider scheduling some couple time. It might be fun to take a tour together. One tour that seems particularly un-Disney is the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at Fort Wilderness. You and your wife can learn to ride a Segway, then enjoy an off-road jaunt along the backwoods trails through Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. If gourmet meals are more your wife's speed, maybe splurge on a dinner at Victoria and Albert's. This is no Mickey Mouse meal- you get personalized menus, long-stem roses, world-class wines, and a romantic Victorian setting. Might be just what your wife needs to start loving Disney World.

Finally, think about other area attractions that might be more your wife's speed. SeaWorld has a whole different feeling from the Disney parks, but is still offers quality entertainment for the whole family. If the beach is more her style, it's not too far to Cocoa Beach, or SeaWorld's new Aquatica water park, which has a beach-style atmosphere. A round of golf at one of the numerous golf courses is another option.

We really could go on and on. It will come down to knowing the vacation preferences of your spouse, and going from there. A Disney vacation can work for almost everyone, if you tailor the trip to fit their needs. Good luck, and have fun!

Q. We have 11 people in our party, and we booked a reservation at the Rainforest Cafe in the Animal Kingdom. The dining rep. told me they can't seat us together and can't guarantee we'll be at tables next to each other! (What's the point of me coordinating a dinner together with our group if we'll have to wave to each other across the restaurant?! And there's 5 kids and 6 adults...So do we have to split the kids up?!) I was hoping to contact someone at Disney to try to receive some help. Thanks for any advice you can offer! (Submitted by Fiona)

A. Hi, Fiona. There is a group dining number, but you might be better off calling the Rainforest Cafe directly at (407) 938 9100. Most guests' experience has been that Disney will make accommodations to put large groups together. Not at the same table, maybe, but with each other. Rainforest is a huge restaurant, so they should be able to accommodate your party easier than some smaller establishments can. We would also suggest that when you arrive early to check-in for your reservation, ask again and, if you want, offer to wait a little extra to accommodate your request. Have a wonderful trip and let us know how it goes.