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 July 14, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. I have been to Disney over 30 times since its 1971 opening. I'm seen as sort of a Disney expert at work, as I help other firefighter families plan their trips down from New Jersey. But I have just been asked a question that I do not know the answer to! Someone recently mentioned to me that they would like to see the "Bug Man" at Disney. They heard that there is this expert guy who is at one of the resorts and seems to know everything about bugs! Since they are planning on coming down with their little nephew who loves bugs, they thought this would be a neat thing to do. Are you aware of any such "Bug Man"? (Submitted by Norma H.)

A.Well, we can't say for certain, Norma, but we think your colleague might have been talking about "Dr. L. Bug," a costumed Cast Member who did the ladybug releases at the various resorts on property and at the Epcot Flower and Garden Show. Unfortunately, the resort ladybug releases are not currently being held. The best bet for bugs at a resort is the butterfly garden behind the Acadian House at Port Orleans Riverside.

Beyond POR, if your travel dates are flexible, it'd be great to plan a visit during Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival. Typically, there are twice-daily ladybug releases (they were in Germany at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. during the 2008 festival). There's also Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden, a large screened house with literally hundreds of butterflies and flowers. The butterfly garden is located in Future World near Test Track. In the past, there have also been daily butterfly releases during the Flower and Garden Festival. Check the daily guide to see if there's one the day of your Epcot visit. Dates aren't out yet for the 2009 Festival, but any year you can count on it starting in late April, and running through early June.

For bugophiles who can't make it to Disney World in the spring, consider scheduling a Behind the Seeds tour. While it's not a guarantee, these tours often include a ladybug release. And even if it doesn't, it's a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the workings of The Land pavilion. The beginning of the tour offers much information about Epcot's use of bugs rather than pesticides on their plants.

Another Epcot option for bug lovers who are visiting the World is the Great American Farm Exhibit at Innoventions West. There's a Bug Tunnel for smaller kids, and additional games that will probably appeal to children interested in insects and the outdoors. Unfortunately, this exhibited is rumored to closing at the end of 2008, so get hopping on your trip planning!

If you are really a bug fan, maybe plan your visit to coincide with the infamous semi-annual love bug infestation, in late spring and late summer. We're mostly kidding, but one never knows what might appeal to the true bug lover.

Q. I'm planning a Disney World trip for the first time in Florida with a fifteen-year-old boy. I'm looking for a great tour for us. He likes computers, animation, etc. Any suggestions? Thanks for your wonderful newsletter. (Submitted by Melissa S.)

A. Melissa, thanks for the kind words. It sounds like you have a wonderful trip on tap. There is plenty to do with a teenage boy at Disney World, but you are right to plan ahead and know what would appeal to him, so that he doesn't think the Magic Kingdom is all Dumbo and "it's a small world."

For tours, you will be hampered by his age. Many of the Disney tours are for ages 16 and above. Your best bet would probably be to book one of the Dine with an Imagineer offerings. These experiences are small-group opportunities to talk with a real, live member of the Disney World creative team. You aren't guaranteed what area of expertise "your" Imagineer will have, but reviews for the Dine with an Imagineer events are almost universally good. Lunch is offered at the Hollywood Studios' Hollywood Brown Derby (Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m., $60.99 plus tax for ages 10 and up, $35 for ages 3-9). Dinner is offered every other Thursday at the Wilderness Lodge's Artist Point (5:30 p.m., $109 per person, $130 with wine pairings). These experiences can be booked 60 days in advance. Call your travel agent or 407-WDW-DINE for more information and reservations.

At the Magic Kingdom, you could book the Steam Train Tour, or if he's a Disney trivia buff, you could try Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour. The Family Magic Tour is definitely on the young side for a teenager. At Epcot, there are a couple dive-related tours open to kids under 16 (Seas Aqua Tour 8+, DiveQuest 10+, Dolphins In Depth 13+) but they don't sound like they'd be up his alley. At the Animal Kingdom, the Wild by Design Tour is open to anyone 14 and up, so that's an option if he's also interested in animals.

There are plenty of non-tour extras that you can considering including in your trip. An obvious choice would be Disney Quest, Downtown Disney's theme park in a box. It's a venue full of video games, virtual rides, and even has a class on drawing Disney characters. At Disney's Hollywood Studios, visit the Magic of Disney Animation and the Animation Academy, in the Animation Courtyard. At Epcot, there's Innoventions, with its exhibits that look into the future through technology and games. Also, remember that each of the Disney resorts have a video arcade, so if you are staying on-site, you might want to allot some time for game play back at the hotel.

The first trip to Walt Disney World is always a special one, so no matter what you choose to do, we're sure you'll have a magical experience, Melissa.