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 June 30, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Hi! We bought a Pal Mickey for my son in 2005 and he still plays with it! We will be going back this summer and he wants to bring his Pal Mickey. I vaguely remember the sales clerk telling me that it can be upgraded. Since a lot has changed in three years, I was wondering what I need to do to upgrade Mickey, or does he automatically upgrade while we are in the parks? Thanks so much! (Submitted by Suzanne H.)

A. Hi, Suzanne. You should definitely bring your son's Pal Mickey along to WDW, even though it's an older model. While the Cast Member who sold you the PM wasn't exactly correct, the 2005 Pal Mickey will still function fine. What it won't be able to do is pick up information on attractions that have opened since 2005 — such as Expedition Everest and The Seas with Nemo and Friends. The only way to truly upgrade Mickey is to plunk down $85 and get the latest model (ouch!). For our money, it's not worth it. Your son can still enjoy Pal Mickey, and may not even notice that he doesn't “talk” around certain attractions.

One aside — Pal Mickey uses lots of batteries. If you choose to bring batteries with you to keep him up and running, be sure to look at the new Travel Safety Administration's rules regarding lithium batteries in checked luggage.

Q. Do you happen you know how busy WDW is on Labor Day weekend? (Submitted by Heather B.)

A. Heather, that's a good question. Of the national holidays, Labor Day isn't one of the most crowded. Since school has just started for many children (or is about to start), a lot of families with school-aged kids do not consider traveling to Walt Disney World during this September holiday. Disney World includes the Labor Day weekend in its Free Dining promotion, which indicates that the resort is trying to bring in additional business during dates that haven't been booking heavily.

All that said, in recent years crowd levels have increased at Disney World, and a national holiday weekend is going to be more popular than a non-holiday weekend. Plan accordingly — make Advanced Dining Reservations if you plan on eating sit-down meals, get to the parks early, and make good use of the FASTPASS system.

Have a wonderful vacation, Heather.

Q. My name is Darlene, and my family and I went to Disney World in 2000. We are planning to go back in September when we move to Florida. Here's my question: When we went to Animal Kingdom, my daughter, Amy, who was three at the time, fell in love with the talking trash can outside the pavilion. She went around all week long trying to "talk" to other trash cans. Does anyone know if there are talking trash cans at any of the other parks, and if so, where have they been sighted? (Submitted by Darlene)

A. I have something in common with your daughter, as I too love the talking recycling bin at the Animal Kingdom. Her name is Pipa, and she can still be found at Rafiki's Planet Watch. You have to appreciate that she encourages people to recycle. There's also a talking palm tree at the Animal Kingdom, named Wes Palm. He seems to hang out around the park's entry, at and after park opening, makes the wait to get through the ticket turnstyles entertaining instead of boring. At the Magic Kingdom, there's a talking trash can, Push, who hangs out in Tomorrowland. To get specific times to see these fun, funny interactive characters, ask a Cast Member or at Guest Relations.

Also, Amy might be tickled by the talking water fountains at Epcot. One is beyond Spaceship Earth, near MouseWorks. A second one is near the play fountains between Future World and the World Showcase. There's reportedly a third one, outside the Innoventions West pavilions next to the restroom — that one I haven't seen (or, rather, heard). There's also a stationary talking trash can inside Innoventions East, beside the Electric Umbrella counter service restaurant. They aren't as interactive and impressive as Pipa, Push, and Wes, but they're good for a giggle.