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 March 24, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Has anyone used a particular travel agency for planning their Disney World trip? I live in Indianapolis, IN. Any suggestions are appreciated. I am not sure what property to stay at while I am visiting May 12-13. Thank you. (Submitted by Laura)

A. Hi, Laura! Well, around here, we're a little biased to our sponsor travel agency, The Magic for Less Travel. There are some reasons other than they sponsor us, though. It definitely pays to book with a travel agent who knows their stuff, and the agents at The Magic for Less Travel are all very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of a Disney vacation. The agents will also help you book your Advance Dining Reservations and provide a host of tips to clients as they prepare for their trip. Plus, your agent is always on the lookout for discount codes that may help you save some money for your stay. You receive wonderful, personalized service at no additional charge -- the price you pay through The Magic for Less Travel is the same price you would pay through Disney, plus you get all of the services of a Disney travel agent for free!

So, yes, we are a little biased, but we feel that the agents (many of whom we know personally) have earned their reputation. Give them a try!

Q. I am taking my 3-year-old son to Disney in a few weeks. He is nuts about pirates, so I expect to spend lots of time at Peter Pan and Pirates of the Caribbean. I heard that Tom Sawyer's Island has been turned into a pirate island, or that there is some kind of expansion of the Pirates ride that includes a pirate island.  Is that true?  What other type of pirate fun can we find at the Magic Kingdom? (Submitted by Candi)

A. Well, Candi, Pirates aren't hard to find at Walt Disney World these days! However, the Tom Sawyer Island makeover you heard about is at Disneyland (in California), not the Magic Kingdom. But fear not, your little guy will still find plenty of pirates.

Of course you know about Pirates of the Caribbean and Peter Pan. There is also the "Pirate Tutorial" held at a new stage just across from the Pirates ride. Captain Jack Sparrow is looking for new recruits, and a member of the audience needs to prove him- or herself worthy. This show is offered several times a day, so check your Times Guide when you enter the park to make sure you don't miss it.

If you find yourself shopping (it's Disney, how can you not?), then you won't be at a loss for Pirate merchandise. Although many items are the same from store to store, your pirate might enjoy a trip to Downtown Disney, where the huge World of Disney store has a pirate-themed room. Swashbuckling shoppers can even fill a treasure chest with pirate loot to bring home.

Although geared to children ages four to twelve, there is Disney's Pirate Adventure. The little ones get pirate bandanas and spend some time searching various locations, accessed via boat, for buried treasure and enjoying lunch. This is an activity cruise that leaves from the Grand Floridian. Similarly themed activities leave from the Yacht and Beach Club (Albatross Treasure Cruise), Caribbean Beach Resort (Island of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise) and Port Orleans Riverside (Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise). The cruise costs $30 per child, but anyone can participate regardless of the resort they are staying at. The adventure can be booked by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

Finally, there is a very popular hard-ticketed event: Mickey's Pirate and Princess Party. If your son can stay up a little later, this event will definitely give him the pirates he seeks. There are many experiences at the party which can only be had during the event. One in particular that he may enjoy is the Pirate Play Spot. Pirate Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto can be found here as can pirate-themed carnival games. The special parade on these evenings is chock-full of Pirates, too. You can read more about this party in a previous article from Magically Speaking here.

So, Candi, you won't have any trouble with finding Pirates at the Magic Kingdom. Have a wonderful trip!

Q. I have gotten some great tips for my Disney vacations thanks to your newsletters. I have a question: I have decided to take my family to Walt Disney World to celebrate my husband's 40th birthday in December. I'd like the day to be magical for him. What can I do to make it memorable? Thank you for your suggestions. (Submitted by Corinne Y.)

A. Corinne, thanks for the kind words.

Without knowing your husband, and who you'll be traveling with, it's tricky to know what to recommend. So let's look at some broad-strokes options. At the very least, that will give you a jumping-off point.

You probably know the basics, but let's cover them anyway. Make sure that you have your husband's birthday noted on your resort reservation (if you are staying on-site), and also have the dining Cast Members note the special day on any Advance Dining Reservations you make for the trip. Once you get to Walt Disney World, be sure to get him a birthday pin at the first theme park you visit; they have them at Guest Relations.

The birthday pins used to be different for all four parks, but now they have one style. Have him use it for the whole vacation! Folks who have done so report getting all sorts of special extra attention, from constant "Happy Birthday!" greetings from Cast Members, to birthday cupcakes at table-service restaurants. My own brother's pin was spotted by the Dapper Dans at the Main Street Bakery, and they serenaded him through our breakfast.

You have definitely set the stage for a wonderful vacation by traveling in December. The extra atmosphere at Walt Disney World from all the holiday decorations and events ensures a memorable visit. All the resorts are dressed up for Christmas, so no matter which one you've chosen, that will be a special touch. Then there are the additional holiday events offered to all guests: the Candlelight Processional, Lights of Winter and Holiday Storytellers at Epcot, Christmas tours, and the Osborne Family Dancing Lights at the Studios. Once the Candlelight Processional narrators are announced, see if there's one that might especially appeal to your husband (with the caveat that Disney often reshuffles the narrator list, so don't get your heart set too much on your first choice). We highly recommend reserving the Candlelight Processional package if you are considering this event. See the Candlelight Processional article on TheMouseForLess for more details.

If you are looking for an adults-only opportunity for your husband, there's lots to choose from. The Richard Petty Driving Experience springs to mind, where for a $100 and change your husband can do a ride-along with a professional racecar driver. Or put him in the driver's seat ($400-$800, depending on the package). Maybe fishing is more his thing? Jane Jones wrote a great article about bass fishing at the World -- check it out here.

Golf is another pastime that appeals to guys, at least in stereotypes. Is that your husband? If so, maybe treat him to a round of golf at one of the five championship golf courses at Disney World. Depending on the time of year, greens fees can run as much as $169, but if you are willing to take a later tee time, there are reduced fees and specials.

Is your husband a Disney fanatic? Lunch or dinner with an Imagineer might be the perfect gift. The meal includes VIP treatment for lunch at the Hollywood Brown Derby at the Studios, or dinner at Wilderness Lodge's Artist Point. Up to eight guests are joined by a member of Disney creative team for an informal glimpse into working at making the magic. Lunch goes for $61 and dinner is $89, plus tax and tips. These meals aren't offered every day, so call 407-WDW-DINE to check your dates and to book.

Another meal that's the pinnacle of gourmet dining at Walt Disney World is Victoria and Albert's. An April article in Magically Speaking will focus on that fine establishment -- be sure to tune in.

One final way that you can ensure your husband has a magical birthday is to coach the rest of the family. Be sure that they know the day is about making his dreams come true. Eat at his favorite restaurants, ride his favorite rides, indulge his preferences for the day, even if what he likes to do isn't necessarily the group's first choice. He's the focus- make it his day of a million dreams.