Special tips for kids!

[Tank]

I fell in love with these boards and started reading them right after I booked my trip for Oct. But I have read so much that most of it I have forgotten. I want to start a thread with all the "special" things we can do with the kids. I read about taking the sword out of the stone, but don't remember where that was. I read about letting tinkerbell out of her box but am not sure when. Let's put all these special treats for the kids(and of course mom and dad) in one place so I can print them out and not miss any on our trip. Thanks in advance for all your help. Rich, proud father of two

 

[Sandybottom]

Good idea Tank,..... I, like you have forgotton a lot of stuff also. I will be there for the first time in Sept. and will have 4 of my 5 DGC with me so all the little "extras" would sure be fun to do with them. Hope you get a lot of replies to this thread

 

[laurie31]

Originally posted by Tank
I fell in love with these boards and started reading them right after I booked my trip for Oct. But I have read so much that most of it I have forgotten. I want to start a thread with all the "special" things we can do with the kids. I read about taking the sword out of the stone, but don't remember where that was. I read about letting tinkerbell out of her box but am not sure when. Let's put all these special treats for the kids(and of course mom and dad) in one place so I can print them out and not miss any on our trip. Thanks in advance for all your help. Rich, proud father of two

I've been collecting tips from the DIS and putting them in a word document

Here's the ones about tink and the sword -but I don't have the credit for who originally posted. Sorry...

"Be sure to stop in to Tinker Bell's Treasures, where you can spot the flighty Miss Bell flitting among the merchandise. Be patient -- it sometimes takes a few minutes to find her!"

I know I read somewhere that the first child into the store can "wake up" Tinker Bell, and I believe the shop opens when the park does. So if this is priority for your little ones, I presume you'd have to hotfoot it there first


"Several times each day, your young prince or princess has the chance to become King or Queen for the Day at the Sword in the Stone ceremony, held right next to Cinderella's Golden Carrousel. That wacky wizard Merlin challenges guests to pull the magical Excalibur from the stone, then presents the strongest lad or lass with a regal crown, cape and proclamation. This brief encounter is well worth the wait for the photo ops alone. "


Here are some other tips of interest for kids. (or rather, that I think would be of interest to mine They are 4 and 6 now.

"The first time we visited Minnie's house here, we thought it was pretty boring. But that's because I didn't know its secrets. Don't you pass by the microwave, which pops a bowl of popcorn when you turn it on, or the dials on the stove, which cause the coffee pot to perk and the utensils hanging above the stove to dance in time to music. You can even listen in on Minnie's answering machine messages!"

"I love the photo gallery area in the rear of the Kodak
Camera shop on Main Street USA. We went over Christmas
break, and this room was a quiet getaway before the New
Year's Eve celebration. The wooden cut-outs of different
Disney cartoons make great photo ops with your kids sticking
their own heads through. "

 

[Tank]

Thanks lauri for the great tips. Epcot is my favorite park and these tips will help me get the kids excited about it to. We will be at ASMu Oct 8- 16th. I know I read somewhere about a lady that makes candy animals, maybe in Japan. And I also read about a place that the kids can make cookies, maybe the land. I never wrote them down because I thought I would remember, but after reading so much I start to get them all confused. I know there are a lot of tips for kids out there. Please everyone help to gather them all in one spot. Thanks again for your help. rich

 

[FFerret]

The candy lady is in Japan

I'm enjoying this thread, too! Opened up a word file just to keep the tips handy--thanks to everyone for contributing!

 

[laurie31]

Originally posted by Tank
Thanks lauri for the great tips. Epcot is my favorite park and these tips will help me get the kids excited about it to. We will be at ASMu Oct 8- 16th. I know I read somewhere about a lady that makes candy animals, maybe in Japan. And I also read about a place that the kids can make cookies, maybe the land. I never wrote them down because I thought I would remember, but after reading so much I start to get them all confused. I know there are a lot of tips for kids out there. Please everyone help to gather them all in one spot. Thanks again for your help. rich

Thanks Epcot is my favorite too

I found the tip about the candy lady in Japan:

"The "candy artist" you are looking for is in Japan. Her show is called "Miyuki" and is scheduled a few times throughout the day. You can get the showtime hours from Steve Soares' wonderful site. (This was about a lady who makes figures out of candy and gives some of them away.) "

but I can't find the one about making cookies in the land! And I not only read it, but planned for my kids to do it! I believe it was in the afternoons, and there are no reservations; it's first come-first served, and about 20 kids can do it?

Ooh! I found the thread about it:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=397238&highlight=land+cookie+kids

Laurie, off to put the "cookie thread" in her word file!

 

[Tank]

Thanks Laurie for that link. My DD5 will love to do that. She's always baking in her easy bake. Maybe we should try this thread on the family board we might get more reply's.

 

[mecook]

I requested Dalmations building...hope I get it. I just can't wait to walk around and make pictures of all the neat props...the dogs watching people on the "tv", the Toy Story bedroom/toys, etc.
Melanie (also from AL)

 

[tenaseewalker]

WOW!!! There is gonna be a lot of people from this board at Disney World in October. We should make plans to meet up somewhere. We will be staying at All-Star Movie too but from Oct. 3 thru the 10..
Hope to see you there..

 

[disneyluvers]

Bump!!!

 

[Msslaydbug]

I am enjoying all the posts and tips as well !! Keep them coming !

 

[KatieKate16]

MGM
* Honey, I Shrunk the Kids play area - climb the stairs between the garden hose and the slide coming out of a roll of film. Put your hand in the dogs nose. The dog sniffs you!
* Andy Mation , the balloonimator, performs in the Animation Courtyard of MGM M-F, 11:00-4:00. His "Disney" balloon creations are very elaborate, and he teaches as he creates. Children wait patiently hoping to receive one of his creations, and adults come back set after set just to be entertained by his quick wit and trivia. He's easy to find-- just look for his yellow "artist" costume. He is not listed in the guide map.

MAGIC KINGDOM
* Expo Hall on Main Street. There's a small theater that shows old Disney cartoons, a couple exhibits, some nice photo opportunities, and usually in the late morning a variety of Disney Princesses (Aurora, Cinderella, Snow White, Mary Poppins).
* The Shadowbox on Main Street will do a silhouette cut out (black paper pasted on a white card) of a child's profile. Takes a few minutes, and costs about $5-$7.
* When you go to Sir Mickey's Shop in Fantasyland look at where the roof meets the walls. You will see Willie the Giant from Mickey and the Beanstalk peeking into the shop.
* Cinderella's Carousel - one horse with a gold ribbon on its tail, that's supposed to be Cindy's horse.
* In the video arcade near Space Mountain there is a Kodak booth where you can make personalized stickers for about $4.00 complete with mouse ears (many choices).
* Tiki god statutes in Adventureland next to Bwana Bob's -- they spit water at you!
* Telephones in the stores along Main Street. Pick one up and you will hear a conversation.
* ToonTown Penny Presses – only place you’ll find “baby” characters. (Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Goofy)

EPCOT
* Talking water fountain in EPCOT (near Mousegear).
* American Adventure in EPCOT and view the American Flag that was taken from the rubble of 9/11/2001.
* A store in China you can purchase a fan, and they will personalize it for free. They write the name in Chinese.
* Nestle hosts a cookie baking class in The Land pavilion at EPCOT. They get chef's hats (paper) w/ their names on it and help make the cookies. After a little bit of magic, the cookies are done and they get 2 cookies to take with them. It's usually 12:30 - 4:30 on the half hour (12:30, 1:30 etc).

DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Go to Downtown Disney Marketplace and ask at one of the (Disney) store cash registers for the Sticker Hunt booklet. There are 15 different stickers to collect at each of 15 stores. It makes browsing around the Marketplace that much more fun.

MISC
* Wal-Mart sells a plastic ID holder on a breakaway lanyard. The holder "zip locks" closed. Only 97 cents. You can find them near the jewelry and sunglasses. Protects passes at water parks, etc.
* BLIZZARD BEACH- arrive 30 minutes before opening, get in line where it says "exit" at the turnstiles. They open these up for the first impact at opening, and the lines are shorter until people realize they are open. Go straight to the wave pool and get chairs under an umbrella. If you plan to ride the summit plumit or double dipper do these as soon as it opens, this is a must or you will spend hours. Also ride all the slides that you want before doing anything else. The lazy river gets very crowded.
* Ask Cast Members for “Timon and Pumbaa’s safety tip cards”.

RESORTS
* Request “Timon and Pumba Safety activity book” at check-in.
* Ask about All-Stars scavenger hunt.
* Go to Fort Wilderness for the campfire/sing-along, nightly at 7pm behind the Meadow Trading Post. A Disney classic movie follows the sing-along (Movie begins approximately 7:40pm). The Fort Wilderness staff will provide a campfire; marshmallows and sticks are available for purchase at $2 for 2 sticks and plenty of marshmallows; $5 for a s'more kit. In the event of inclement weather, a "Porch Jam" sing-a-long will take place at the Ol' Meadow Swimmin' Hole.
* Wilderness Lodge: see Disney's version of Old Faithful (erupts on the half hour); check out the Pacific Northwest Indian art at the gift shop. Sit in the rows of rocking chairs in front of a huge stone fireplace (Chip and Dale may visit). Ask at the Front Desk for a kid's activity/coloring book. The bag of goodies also includes a map of the WL, samples of 4 different animal tracks you can find around the lodge, a word-find game, and a WL Hidden Mickey Clue Sheet where you can search for 10 Hidden Mickey’s in the WL.
* Take a ride on the monorail. Be sure to ask for the front car. The view is great at night and it's easier to get because the monorail is less crowded. After you ride the full circuit, stop at the Polynesian. Grab hamburgers and fries from Captain Cooks and head to the beach. You have a great view of the Water Pageant and the MK fireworks!

DOWNTOWN DISNEY
* Go to Downtown Disney Marketplace and ask at one of the (Disney) store cash registers for the Sticker Hunt booklet. There are 15 different stickers to collect at each of 15 stores. It makes browsing around the Marketplace that much more fun.

 

[sters]

Don't forget about the Kidcot stations at each country!

 

[sters]

Also in Downtown Disney, my boys had a blast at the Lego store. They have little stations outside that the kids can build lego creations and there were also some elaborate lego creations, (e.g. a spaceship that sent out some mist) There was a small playground nearby, too.

 

[Baloo]

EPCOT.....You might like to pick up an Epcot WS Passport for your kids.They are available everywhere in Epcot and also at DTD MktPl.The CM in each country will write a note to the child and put a special stamp in it for them.There are stickers of pictures and flags of each country with the passport that your kid's can put in themselves.Be sure to visit the Kidcot Stations.That's where
the CM will usually be signing the passports plus there is a fun thing for the kids to do.Your child will get a mask to decorate.As you make your way around WS they add something to their mask from each country.It makes a nice free souvenir to take
home!

MK....There is a little play area that pre-schoolers really enjoy which is found under the bridge near the exit of Splash Mountain. This is a great place for the smaller ones to play while the bigger kids ride Splash or Big Thunder mountain.Have some pennies handy because there is a penny squisher located here too!

MGM...
Check out the "Singing in the Rain" umbrella that is attached to one of the streetlights near the Hunchback theater. Grab the umbrella and step on the black square embedded in the cement underneath it for a nice surprise

There's a neat photo op available as you exit Star Tours. Go right across the walkway and you'll see the STARCRUISER backdrop

Outside of Indiana Jones is a rope that goes into >a well. Next to it is a sign that say "Do not pull" ..not is crossed out..for a surprise..pull it!

AK....There are 27 hidden Mickeys in the mural in the Animal Kingdom Conservation Station

Pizzafari - This restaurant has been themed beautifully! Be sure to visit all the different rooms and explore the walls and ceilings. Themed rooms include: Home Room, Nocturnal Room, Upside Down Room, Camouflage Room, Four Seasons Room, Bug Room

One of the best things to do in the AK was to go to the bridge where the Kali River Rapids ride ends. There are 2 elephants that people on the bridge can make shoot water by pushing a button. By this time in the ride the riders think they are safe and start taking off their rain gear, but no!


MKTPL.....Downtown Disney and the Market Place.The Rainforest Cafe is a great place to dine with kids!The MKTPL has fountains for them to play in so you might want to bring along their swim suits!There is a a small train and carousel(for a small fee)that they can ride.A big don't miss is Legoland! Kid's can spend hours here!

 

[Baloo]

Hidden Mickey's
...................................
Hidden Mickeys started out as inside joke among the Imagineers. A Hidden Mickey is an image of Mickey Mouse concealed in the design of a Disney ride ,resort,etc. To begin with it took the shape of a head and ears silhouette, °o°, one large circle with two smaller circled on top in the correct place, but Hidden Mickeys can take on many forms.In designing, constructing or adding the final touches to an attraction, Imagineers try to "hide" Mickey Mouse silhouettes in plain sight! Word spread and soon Disney fanantics went searching for Hidden Mickeys in theme parks and movies.

Here's a list of a few that we have searched for in past trips to WDW.We've found a few! Hope you have fun looking!

Animal Kingdom

Kali Rapids
1. In line there are 3 grape fruit arranged like Mickey.
2.Big drop center of rock wall above raft.

Maharahjah Jungle Trek
1.On the path near the entrance ot the bats building.
2. Mural has one made out of painted leaves.

Africa
1. Side walks pebbles around utility covers.
2.In pavement by Harambe Fruit.

Safari
1.In line branches of big baobob tree.
2.Flamingo island is a big Mickey head!
3.After passing under elephant bridge,see red ground with foot prints.On the left side 3 make a Mickey.
4.Look back at trees from elephant when song playing.Mickey painted on a tree trunk.
5.Past flamingo pool ,cave drawings, in middle a rock etching.

Pangani Trail
1.Naked mole rats lights in shape of Mickey.
2.Check desk. Bottle of aspirin has one.

Tree of Life
1. Find a tiger laying down.Below him in moss is a Mickey.
2.One a bove the hippo.

Camp Mickey Minnie
1.Totem pole with shark has one.
2. Funnel cake cart.
3.In line for Festival of the Lion King,one as hole in a bird house.


MGM/Disney Studios

Muppets 3D
1.The fountain out front.Rizzo rat has on Mickey Mouse ears!
2.In the big room where you stand to watch the tv look up to
find the Net Full of Jello...Annette Funicello! A different type of hidden Mickey!

Pizza Planet
1.In stars by register.

Great Movie Ride
1.Hieroglyphics there's a Mickey and a Donald.
2.Tarazan area on right...look up at the hut in the tree...there's a basket with grapes in it...3 grapes make the Mickey.

New York Street
1.By the church.

Fantasmic
1.Moutain becomes Sorcerers hat,rock 2 ears.

Magic Kingdom

Main Street
1.The bridles on the horses have some.
2. The manhole covers have Mickeys.

Jungle Cruise
1.Inside the Cambodian Temple Ruins, there is a giant spider on the left side of the treasure. On its back are three yellow circles.
2.In the temple there are 3 gold paltes that form a Mickey.

Piartes of Carribean
1.Lamps,cannonballs,barrels form the 3 circles.
2.First pirate drinking beer,tilts head ,shadow makes ears.
3.Pirate with cats,watch shadow,it becomes a Mikckey.
4.Jail cell,the locks.
5.Treasure room 3 plates by pirate with legs draped.

Splash Moutain
1.Stand looking at the mountain.The hole where the logs come out to make the drop is a Mickey.
2.Brer Rabbits house,vines make the ears.
3.In front of porcupine playing turtles back there's a purple/blue rock it's stamped into.
4.The projected scene on right,that Brer Rabbit is skipping over hill,at the end it appears as Mickey and laughs like Mickey!
5.Riverboat scene, the pinkish clouds look like Mickey profile laying on his back.
6.There's another small cloud shaped like his head.

Haunted Mansion
1.3rd portrait in 1st room,think it's sea Captain, the pupils are Mickeys.
2.Coffin handles,woodwork,3 flowers.
3.Party scene 3 plates arranged to look like Mickey.
4.Giant spider has 3 red circles on his back to form a Mickey.
5.Some of the gravestones.
6.Graveyard on right, grim reaper by fat lady,his open sleeve forms a Mickey.
There's also a Hidden Donald in the HM.
As you pass the long hallway with the candle floating way at the end, there is a red chair in the corner in front of the hallway to the left. On the chair is the shape of Donald's head with his hat on (front view) created by the white lines!

Small World
1. In the Africa scene look up.There's a long,vine with what look like purple flowers.Look again! They're Mickeys!
2.There are koalas hanging from a tree. If you turn around and look over your left shoulder after you pass them,the back of their heads are Mickey shaped.
3.In the last room there is a clown in a balloon with a "Help" sign, and his hair is fixed like mouse ears.

Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
1.In Rabbits garden a tomato marker has a Mickey on it.
2.Look in the honey comb.
3.Towards the end there's a honey pot spilled.Some of the drippings form one.
Pooh's ride was formaly Mr. Toad's wild ride.There's a framed photo of Mr. Toad still in here!

Buzzlight Year
1.When waiting in line look at the maps on the wall.
2.Some in the constellations of stars.

Space Mountain
1.The projected meteors that go by as you wait form a Mickey.By the way those meteors are pictures of chocolate chip cookies!
2.While leaving on the conveyor belt, the robot dog scene, the dog's collar has a Mickey on it.


EPCOT

Spaceship Earth
1.In the boys room,a cap and clock.
2.In the star constellations.

Universe of Energy
1.Fight scene between the t-rex and stegosaurus, large plant shaped like Mickey's head located to the front, right side of the dinosaurs.

Body Wars
1. Hidden Mickey in the mural above Body Wars. There might even be other characters.

Test Track
1.Mickey Pez dispenser in cup on workbench in area 2B.
2.Area 8B there is a white workbench. There are three large washers that make a Mickey .
3.Car in the "Crash Test Car" there are 2 inspection stickers.The driver's door is signed just "Mickey", and the one on the passenger's door is signed "M. Mouse".
4.Cold Room has a Mickey in frost on the back wall.
5.Corrosion Room has a Mickey in rust on both sides of the room.

The Land
1.Paintings in line for Living with the Land.One has bubbles tah form Mickeys.
2.Cloud under blue balloon in pavillion center.

Living Seas
1.Second window after restrooms, full Mickey head in coral

Canada
1.Totem pole 2nd face down from the top. You will see a black traditional tri-circle Hidden Mickey among the markings.

France
1.Grates that are at the base of the trees .

Morocco
1.On the outside wall of the gift shop there are three baskets in the shape of a Mickey.

Japan
1.Fences around trees.
2.Grand Concourse level, stones in lagoon left of stairs.

American Adventure
1.Foyer painting, 3 holes on girder.
2.When Statue of Liberty is shown and torch set is coming up, behind torch, firework 'fizzles' and cloud of smoke forms Mickey.

Italy
1.Bottom right of corner sculpture are 3leaves in a distinct Mickey.

Germany
1.Look at the building to your right on the second floor. There are 3 suits of armor.The crown of the 3rd one has a Mickey.
2.Mini train area.
3.In iron work holding hanging basket near the Teddy Bear shop.Some of those look like the mouse ear hats.

China
1.In "Dragon, Ruler of the Wind and Waves" exhibit, head found in clouds of a dragon mural close to tail.

Norway
1.In the mural in line for Maelstrom, there is a Viking wearing a Mickey Mouse hat!

Mexico
1. El Rio del Tiempo at the marketplace scene there are 3 bowls.
2.From the San Angel Inn Retaurant if you are facing the temple, on the right of it is a volcano. If you watch closely, the smoke that is rising from the volcano Mickey.

 

[Baloo]

Saying Hello in EPCOT! =0)
Here's something fun we started when Erich was around 6yrs old.He's since taught his step brother Jonathan too.I thought y'all might enjoy it.

They practice saying hello in the WS languages before we go to WDW.The first time Erich was so excited about going to each country and talking to a CMs!The CM's seem to be really happy when you greet them in their native langauage!! So here's a few that I know!

Mexico...Hola (OH-lah)

Norway...god dag (goo-DAHG)

China...Ni hao (nee HOW)

Germany...gutten Tag (GOOT-en tahkh)Good Day

Italy...buon giornio (boo-on JOR-no)Good Day
or ciao (chow)hello or good bye

Japan...ohayo gozaimasu (oh-hi-yoh-goh goh-zy-ee-mahs) Good Morning

Morocco... Salam alekoum (sah-LAHM wah-LAY-koom)

France...Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

There's also a place in Innoventions West Side that you can send an e-mail hello back to family and friends at home! Be sure to check out the IBM e-mail postcards while there! There was no wait while we were there this past October.The best thing is if ya don't like the picture it took you can keep taking one until you get it right!

Journey Into the Imagination also has several computers that you can send a photo and email greeting home.This is really fun because you can "play" with your picture.Turn yourselves into cartoons or animals.Personalize your greeting several different ways.

 

[Tank]

Thanks for all the great info Katie. Thats just what I was looking for, all that information in one place. Anybody else have something to share for the kids?

 

[cgcw]

Ice Station Cool at Epcot -- one of DS8's favorite stops. Even our DS3 enjoyed it last year. Loved the little cups and being able to fill it himself.

I will definately be printing this out for our upcoming trip. Thanks for all the tips!

 

[DisneyCP2002]

Some fun suggestions if these still happen:

1) Ride the Pooh ride almost first thing in the morning(not more than 10 min after park opens) and you might get a treat and ride with one of the pooh characters.(hopefully they still do this)

2) Around 10 am Alice and The Mad Hatter will come out and greet guests near the teacups. On some days I remember they will also ride with guests on the tea cups.

3) Sometimes Brer Rabbit and Bear will ride Splash Mtn with guests early in the day.

Also do Belle's Storytime if possible. She will pick children out of the audience to help her re-enact the story. It is something very fun for the younger kids and the only adult in the whole show besides Belle is the Beast the rest are made up of kids.

Kidcot Stations in Epcot's world showcase are a blast. Not sure what they are making now but the masks were cool. Also get a passport for them to stamp.

At AK they used to have stations around the park where kids got to explore things and get stamps to complete a book. It was fun and the kids learned some wonderful conservation things.

Hope some of these will help.