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 August 11, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. I read that as of September 27, 2009, Pleasure Island will be closing for good. I would like to know if that is also for shops and restaurants at Pleasure Island, and what about the Downtown Disney Pleasure Island boat rental and marina? (Submitted by Mark C.)

A. Hi, Mark. I'm not sure if the date in your email was a typo. I hope so, as I'd hate to be the bearer of the bad news that Pleasure Island, as it exists today, is closing for good on September 28, 2008. Disney is "taking Downtown Disney to the next level" which, for many Disney fans boils down to the closure of beloved clubs, namely the Adventurers Club and the Comedy Warehouse. Disney is spinning these changes as a response to guests' requests for more shopping and dining options at DTD. Many (including me) are lamenting the loss of these original entertainment venues and could do without more shopping or eating establishments. (Note: care to share your opinion about the new and "improved" Pleasure Island with Disney? Email wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com.)

But I digress, Mark. After September 27, during the transition to the "re-imagined" Pleasure Island, there will be stores and restaurants open. Raglan Road and some outdoor food and beverage locations will continue to operate, and the Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Curl by Sammy Duval, and Orlando Harley-Davidson stores will be open. For boat rentals, try Cap'n Jack's Marina at the Marketplace. They rent out canopy and pontoon boats, Sea Raycers, plus book catch and release fishing excursions. Call 407-939-7529 for more info. Hope that helps!

Q. I have a Disney trip planned for December 10-17 and didn't purchase the water park option for my family of five. What is the weather usually like during the month of December and can tickets be purchased at the entrance of the water parks if the weather is favorable? I'm also wondering if there is a Cirque du Soleil or a similar show on Disney property? (Submitted by Amy T.)

A. Hi Amy. You are traveling to Disney World during my all-time favorite time of year, but you are right, the weather sometimes isn't warm enough for a water park visit – unless you're coming from very northern climes, where a sixty degree day is an invitation to break out the shorts and swimwear. Highs could be in the 80s, but 73 is the average high, and the average low is 51. While the pools are heated, that's still not balmy weather. So waiting and purchasing a ticket for a water park when you are there is a great idea. You can certainly purchase tickets at the front gate at either Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard beach ($42.60 for adults, $36.21 ages 3-9). And passing on the Water Park Fun and More option is probably a good decision on your part, since adding that option only makes financial sense if you will use up at least two visits.

As for your Cirque du Soleil question, La Nouba is their show in Orlando, designed exclusively for Disney World. For tickets, visit the Disney Cirque site , call 407-WDW-DINE, or contact your Disney-specialized travel agent. Or consider the discounted ticket offer mentioned in the Q&A below. Have a great trip, Amy!

Q. Hi – I am planning a Disney trip for my family of six and the price of the Disney World Park tickets is killing me. Are there any benefits to buying the tickets on-line, and are there any discounts available? (Submitted by Kathy S. from MS)

A. Hey Kathy, we feel your pain. As you'll know by now, Disney ticket prices went up on August 3 and Universal followed suit on August 6. Adult single-day one-park tickets at WDW went up $4 a ticket, to $75 a day (kids 3-9 pay $63). The price increase for Magic Your Way multi-day tickets varied from three to eight percent, and park-hopping increased by $5. All bad news for the budget-minded.

Even if you get a great deal on an airline ticket, and have a fabulous hotel rate, there's just no super-duper way to get deep discounts on Walt Disney World tickets. Well, not without attending a hard-sell timeshare presentation. ;-) There are a number of reputable ticket vendors that offer modest ticket discounts (Ticketmania and Undercover Tourist are two popular choices). Another option to explore is a perk that was just added for members of TheMouseForLess. TMFL group members may sign up for Tickets at Work and get discounts on entertainment venues nationally, including Walt Disney World and Disneyland (as well as SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Cirque du Soleil, etc.) For those planning to visit Disney World as well as Universal and/or SeaWorld, there are some nice combo tickets, at good prices. While it's nothing like the discounts you can sometimes get at your local grocery store for a Six Flags park, the savings will come in handy for a couple rounds of Mickey bars at the Magic Kingdom. To become a member of TheMouseForLess, and become eligible for a variety of excellent benefits, click here.

Finally, keep in mind that Disney tickets are priced for longer stays. If you have the time, you get more bang for your theme park dollar staying longer. The price difference between a 3-day base ticket and a 10-day base ticket is only $25 (plus tax).

Q. I promised my daughter we would try to go to Disney this year during October to see it decorated for Halloween. I remember reading that Jack Skellington made an appearance at the Haunted Mansion during Halloween. I cannot remember, though, if that was only at Disneyland or if Disney World also brings out Jack. Can you tell me if Jack Skellington will be making an appearance during Halloween and at which park? (Submitted by Mary L.)

A. Unfortunately, Mary, we've not yet heard of any Jack Skellington sightings at Walt Disney World. Disneyland does an awesome makeover of the Haunted Mansion, but so far, Florida's Magic Kingdom hasn't rated this "plussing." During the rehab last summer, some small Skellington-ish touches were added (like the Nightmare Before Christmas book in the Library). According to Jim Hill Media, however, the current Disney World V.P., Phil Holmes, doesn't like the Disneyland "Haunted Mansion Holiday" overlay, so don't hold your breath for it to come to the Magic Kingdom. That's too bad for WDW, as it seems like an fun extra for the Halloween season. For a thoroughly entertaining look at the Disneyland overlay, see this YouTube ride-through video.

Still and all, a trip to Walt Disney World in October has plenty of Halloween ambience. The Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party gets very good reviews (better, overall, than Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey's Pirate and Princess Party). The Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween parade, ushered in with creepy flair by the Headless Horseman, is one of the best Disney does. For a taste of "Nightmare," the Happy HalloWishes fireworks are narrated by none other than Oogie Boogie. During the party, don't neglect to chat with the lady ghost outside of Haunted Mansion — if she's back this year, she's worth a visit! Have a magical time with your daughter, Mary.