10 Best Children's Activities at Walt Disney World

I'm sure you all know about Disney World's amazing theme parks, but are you familiar with the myriad of fascinating activities for children offered throughout Walt Disney World that are either complimentary or offered for a reasonable fee to Disney resort guests? Here are some of the best:

• Snag a Bass On a Kid's Fishing Excursion. - 1-hour angling trips just for children are available from the resort marinas of Disney's Contemporary, Polynesian, Yacht and Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn and Villas. For miles of shore fishing head over to Disney's Ft. Wilderness where cane poles and rods and reels may be rented at the Bike Barn in the Meadow Recreation Area. Fishing excursions are approximately $25 per child. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.

• Enjoy the Old West. - Hayrides depart each evening from Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness for a 45-minute trip. Very tame, cowboy-guided trail rides are also offered, or younger children can opt for a $2 pony ride at the Fort Wilderness Petting Farm. Hayrides are $8 per adult and $4 per child; no reservations taken. Trail rides are $30 per person; reservations are required and may be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

• Sing-Along in Front of the Campfire. - Families gather round the campfire each evening at Ft. Wilderness for a sing-along, marshmallow roast, and a Disney animated movie. Complimentary to all Walt Disney World resort guests.

• Watch the Electrical Water Pageant Parade. - Nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon is a delightful 1000-foot string of illuminated barges featuring King Neptune and his court of whales, sea serpents, and other deep-sea creatures. The free show can be seen from the beaches of Disney's Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge Resorts.

• Ride Up Front with the Monorail Driver. - Simply ask the Cast Member on duty. They will be happy to oblige as long as the front car is empty.

• Take a Spin on a Watermouse Boat. - Rent one of these two-seater mini-power boats and zip around one of Disney's lakes at 22 miles per hour. Kids love them, particularly because they need only be 12 years or older and at least 5 feet tall to drive one without adult supervision. Available at the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, the Yacht and Beach Club, Downtown Disney, and the Wilderness Lodge. Approximately $22 per half-hour.

• Dive into One of Disney's Fabulous Themed Pools. - You can't do much better than a dip in one of Disney's wonderful swimming pools. Children's favorites: the Volcano Pool at Disney's Polynesian Resort featuring a smoking volcano slide, underwater music, and sparkling waterfall, all with a superb view of the Seven Seas Lagoon; the Wilderness Lodge's boulder-lined pool featuring waterfalls, rocky overlooks, water slide, and a nearby geyser; the eye-popping Stormalong Bay, a mini-water park complex that meanders between the Yacht and Beach Club, offering three acres of winding, watery delight including sandy bottom pools, a giant "shipwreck" waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart's delight.

• Search for Buried Treasure on a Pirate's Cruise. - Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, children ages 3-10 sail from the dock of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort on a 2-hour supervised trip to a deserted island. $28 fee includes snacks, bandanas, and treasure. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

• Attend a Children's Tea Party. - A "Wonderland Tea Party" happens Mon-Fri at 1:30 P.M. in 1900 Park Fare at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Hosted by characters from Alice in Wonderland, the little ones play games, listen to stories, and drink apple "tea". $28. Strictly for children ages 3-10. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

• Take in a Character Meal. - These extremely popular dining opportunities, offered at both the Disney theme parks and resort hotels, are a perfect way for your children to spend extra time with favorite Disney characters. Meals are offered in three ways depending on the restaurant: buffet-style, family-style, or pre-plated meals; regardless, it's essentially all-you-can-eat. Characters work the room, stopping at each table to interact with guests, pose for photos, and sign autographs. Book priority seating early, particularly for Cinderella's Royal Table, Epcot's Princess Breakfast in Norway, and Chef Mickey's by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore. Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com. Mailto:info@luxurydisneyguide.com

A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world.

For information about Disney theme parks, visit http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com.

PARENT'S TIME-OUT AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

So you think a trip to Walt Disney World is one only the kids can enjoy. Well, think again! Here are a few tips for making your vacation to Mickey Mouse Land a memorable one for the whole family.

•Hire a babysitter for an evening alone. - If you're a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 per hour, per child. They'll be given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid's Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare.

• Plan a date at one of Disney's world-class restaurants. - For the height of romance, head to Victoria and Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. In its intimate, dimly lit dining room you're served a sumptuous 7-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparking crystal. Or try the California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort. Here you'll find an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes Fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

• Consider springing for two rooms. - Disney guarantees connecting rooms for families with children, thereby guaranteeing Mom and Dad some alone time. After the kids are in bed, order in a romantic meal in the privacy of your room.

• Enjoy a bottle of wine in your room or on your balcony. - It's a perfect way to enjoy Disney's wonderful ambience. The bottled wine selections at the Disney resort shops are a bit sparse, but room service usually offers a nice selection.

• Arrange for a couples massage in a candle-lit room at the Grand Floridian Spa. - Or choose the 3-hour Couples Instructional Massage with step-by-step instruction in massage therapy.

• Watch the evening fireworks spectacular from a Magic Kingdom resort. - You'll find the most romantic spot at Disney's Polynesian Resort where the two of you can relax in a swing or hammock on a sandy white beach.
• Take a Fireworks Cruise from one of the Magic Kingdom or Epcot resorts. - Bring along a bottle of champagne, 2 glasses, and enjoy!

• Party down at Disney's Pleasure Island. - It's New Years every night of the week at this 6-acre playground for adults. Wall-to-wall clubs and a nightly street bash with live entertainment and midnight fireworks make this the party-lover's choice for nighttime entertainment.

• Spend an evening at Disney's Boardwalk. - Rent a surrey for a spin around Crescent Lake followed by dancing at Atlantic Dance and the Illuminations show from the upstairs balcony.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, www.luxurydisneyguide.com, Amazon.com, or your local bookstore.
Visit her at www.luxurydisneyguide.com
mailto:info@luxurydisneyguide.com
A former travel agent and agency owner, she has traveled extensively throughout the world.

For information about Disney theme parks, visit http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com/

Remarkable Vacations Announces New Disney Specialist

Dallas, TX August 11, 2004 -- "The College of Disney Knowledge was extremely beneficial to me" said Mr. Quish. "it was a fun and informative way to learn more about the Disney Vacation portfolio. I also feel more confident about selling Disney destinations."

Anyone who plans to visit the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line will benefit from Shawn Quish's added expertise. "The College of Disney Knowledge has taught me how to add more value to each Disney itinerary so that I can help make every client's magical dreams come tru," said Mr. Quish.

Since 1933, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as been committed to educating travel industry professionals about Disney Destinations through the College of Disney Knowledge.

For Travel information or reservations, contact Shawn Quish at www.RemarkableVacations.com or call 972-814-1202


For information about Disney theme parks, visit http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com.

Visit Walt Disney World in Style

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—Walt Disney World is a magical vacation destination that captures the imagination of young and old alike. Its theme parks are so distinct, it's almost like taking four different vacations in one. Yet with so many potential diversions, where does a luxury-seeking visitor begin?

"The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer" is designed for those who wish to tour Walt Disney World in style by staying in the most luxurious resorts, dining at the best restaurants, and having a top-drawer entertainment experience. Written by world traveler and Disney aficionado Cara Goldsbury—a many-time visitor to the park—this book overflows with tips, techniques, and insider information that will guarantee a splendid vacation.

Is it possible for sophisticated travelers to really enjoy themselves in the land of Mickey Mouse? The answer is aresounding, "Absolutely!" With proper planning, Goldsbury shows readers how they can create a stress-free vacation—including the best time of year to visit Disney, which resort will be most suitable for their family and lifestyle, how to stay in the finest room possible for the lowest price, and which attractions are most worthwhile given their interests. All the Disney theme parks are included—the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom—as well as Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and other nearby theme parks.

The book emphasizes that the most successful vacations are those that are carefully planned and researched months ahead of time. Because of Disney's sheer size and the huge variety of choices it offers, forethought is a necessity. Goldsbury includes a wealth of options to fit the luxury-seeking vacationer, rating them according to price and level of fun, and whether they are suitable for adults, children, or both. Because some options are perfect for almost everyone but others are not, knowing the choices ahead of time can mean the difference between a smooth trip or an exasperating one.

The author covers the weather and what clothes to pack. She goes over what holidays and dates are busiest at the park and what times of year visitors are most apt to find things quieter. Telephone numbers and web addresses are included for making reservations and obtaining more specific, up-to-the-minute information on events and pricing. Detailed information on transportation options both to and from—as well as within—Walt Disney World and the resorts is also included.

Accommodations are described in great detail, including square footage of rooms and suites, themes, and views from the windows or balconies, giving newcomers as well as veterans tips on how they can get the most pampering for their money. Full-length restaurant reviews are included, as well as menu items and specialty dining options.

The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World can be purchased in bookstores, from www.amazon.com or by sending $19.95 (plus $4.95 shipping and handling) to BookMasters Inc., 30 Amberwood Parkway, Ashland, OH 44805. Call credit card orders to 1-800-247-6553, fax 419-281-6883.

Bowman Books, PO Box 15309, San Antonio, TX 78212, 210-215-4288 www.luxurydisneyguide.com

For information about Disney theme parks, visit http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com/

Fun and Fantasy

I have been to both Disney parks in the USA, Disney World and Disneyland, and I loved both of them. They're full of fun and fantasy.

For information about Disney theme parks, visit http://yourdisneythemeparkinfosite.com/