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 October 20, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. We're heading to the Animal Kingdom for Extra Magic Hour. We are dying to ride Expedition Everest! Do you think we will have to make a beeline to the ride to get on right away? We were also thinking of grabbing FASTPASSes (FPs) for another ride later in the day. Good idea or not, or does the FP kick out a time for right away? After Everest, we want to do the safari ride and river rapids. Again, FPs necessary, or not? We figured that the park may start getting busier as the official gates open to the rest of the public and would probably leave a bit earlier and maybe head to a water park. (Submitted by Amy)

A. Amy, it sounds like you have the makings of a fun day. Extra Magic Hours (EMH) are a great way to get a jump on off-site Disney guests. Just be sure that you take full advantage of the whole hour by arriving at the park a bit before it opens to on-site guests. Once the park opens, I would highly recommend walking briskly to Expedition Everest. It's going to be the first destination of the majority of park visitors, so don't dawdle. You can grab a set of FPs — your ride return window won't be until after 10 a.m., so that should work fine for you.

After riding Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris is a good option. The Kali River Rapids is not open during the morning EMH, so you'll have to save that until regular park hours. Here's the current list of attractions open during morning EMH at the Animal Kingdom: DINOSAUR, Expedition Everest, It's Tough to be a Bug!, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. For evening EMHs, all of these attractions are open, as well as The Boneyard, Festival of the Lion King, Kali River Rapids, Primeval Whirl, and TriceraTop Spin. For more information, visit TheMouseForLess.com's Extra Magic Hours Info page.

You almost certainly won't need FPs during the EMH, which is a good thing as the FP lines aren't up and running until normal park hours. We are firm believers, however, in using the FASTPASS system, no matter what time of year. We always grab another set when our FP window opens. Worst case, you won't need them. Best case, you will avoid a lengthy line, with the only downside being perhaps a twinge of guilt as you walk past hundreds of guests who haven't used the FASTPASS system.

It's an excellent plan to leave Animal Kingdom when it starts to feel too crowded. What could be better than a couple hours of attractions and animals, followed by a drop down Summit Plummet?

Q. How can I find the height restrictions for all WDW parks rides? (Submitted by Karen B.)

A. Hi Karen, I think you'll like the handy-dandy Vertical Limits page on TheMouseForLess.com, which lists all height restriction for the four parks as well as Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Just click here.