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

Q. Hi – I receive your newsletter and find it full of great info. I have a question regarding the closing of Tutto Italia that I read in one of your previous newsletters. My husband and I will be going to WDW Aug. 1-10 and have booked dining reservations at Tutto Italia during that time. When I read it was going to be closed I called dining reservations and they knew nothing about it. Could you help me with this? Could you tell me how you heard about the closing and when you heard it was going to close? (Submitted by Sherry N.)

A. Hi, Sherry! When Alfredos closed last year and Tutto Italia was announced, it was stated that this would be a temporary change with bigger changes coming later in 2008. One can assume that those who run the restaurant wanted to see what worked and what didn't before spending the money on a bigger rehab. As of yet, there haven't been any official announcements about the second closure. And, as you know, Disney Dining is still making reservations past your travel dates. One might think it would be unusual for Disney to close a restaurant before or during the free dining promotion in the fall, so it would be likely that Tutto Italia would stay open until at least after that. Although, just because we can reason through the closure doesn't mean that's what will happen, as has been proved before.

For now, we would recommend just sticking to your plans. When a restaurant closes and reservations have already been made (think Japan last year), Disney typically contacts the guests and offers them a change. We will also publish any changes in Magically Speaking as they are announced. There is no guarantee if or when the restaurant will actually close.

Q. I have a son who is afraid of the dark. Having been to Disney before, I know many of the rides start in the dark. Any ideas? (Submitted by Kelli)

A. There are a few tricks to help prepare a little one for dark parts to rides. Your pirate fan might be surprised by the darkness during the beginning of Pirates of the Caribbean, for example. To start, make sure you prepare your son for the darkness. Start small, and know his limitations. If he's old enough, tell him before you get on the ride that there might be some dark parts, but he will be with you and perfectly safe.

There are several items that can help your little guy shed some light without disturbing others' enjoyment of the rides. Perhaps he has a pair of shoes that light up. Teach him to tap his feet together when he's sitting down and set off the lights. This can be just enough to make him happy. You could also try a glow stick, or necklace. It will shed enough light so that he can still see himself and likely you, in periods of darkness. Finally, some people have reported using a small pen-type flashlight and shining it on the ground. If he can do with without shining it all over, that would work, too.

Q. How safe is Disney?  We are taking our 14-year-old daughter and her friend to Disney World this fall. Of course, the girls want to "go by themselves sometimes."  We don't feel comfortable with this.  What are your thoughts? (Submitted by Gail J. )

A. Well, Gail, it's a difficult decision for any parent. The kids want their freedom, but their parents want to ensure their safety. And there is not an absolute way to answer this question. Overall, Disney is a safe place. They make great efforts to ensure that guests are safe and that problems are dealt with quickly. That being said, Disney is still part of the real world, even though the magic sometimes makes us drop our guard. Many parents choose to go by the "mall test." If you wouldn't let your teen off on her own at the local mall, then sending her off at Disney might not be a good idea for the peace-of-mind of either of you.

Each child is different and how they would handle a situation depends a lot on the individual. Ultimately, it's up to a parent who knows the kids to make a good decision. If you aren't comfortable sending the teens out on their own, perhaps a smaller bit of freedom would be in order. Let them go on a ride on their own while you wait at the exit might help them. Letting them make some of the choices about rides and meals and perhaps they will feel empowered on their trip. If you do give them a little more latitude, make sure that you give them a cell phone and set a meeting time and place (not too far in the future) to get together again. Take small steps at first until you are comfortable. And most importantly, remind the teens that they should still be aware of their surroundings, even at Disney World.

Kate, our co-editor, has some experience with this topic. She shares:

I have a fond my memory of being a 14-year-old with my friend, allowed to be "alone" in Disneyland for a few precious hours away from my parents!

As long as the parents are comfortable with their kid being on her own in the parks (if she passes the "mall test" — a great comparison), my only additional Disney Park tip would be that it might not be a good idea for the youngster to wear a Mickey ear hat with her name on it when she's not with her parents. Speaking from experience, she might get some extra attention, and it could put her in an awkward position if there are some annoying teenage guys in line behind her who already know her name!