Things Disney Offers But Doesn't Advertise *Summary Added Oct 08*

[Cindy's Mom]

i can't, but that fence suggests, if that's anything in the area, it's the playground. the teardrop isn't enclosed. it's past that.

what do you mean you can't tell? Gosh I gave you a picture!

That was a cul da sac section, I even think there is a bench there. Its after tomorrow land speedway, on the way to Toon Town, but not QUITE in Toon Town yet.

 

[bradk]

no, you'd have to follow up that entire red trail. and then it'd be to the right of toontown.

i have sort of pictures somewhere but i dunno where. i'll just leave it. someone else will be able to explain it better

 

[disney25]

there are so many interesting ideas here.

Thank you everyone!!!

 

[xyzabc33]

OK...now you all got me wondering where this "teardrop" is. LOL
Great thread by the way. Love all the tips.

 

[luvmickey5374]

The teardrop section is....if you walk out of Mickey's house go to the left and the stop for the train is right there, a smoking area and the exit from Toontown fair. Hope this helps=) And yes it IS a GREAT place to see rare characters!!!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I never hear anyone talking about this, so I don't know if it is still being done, but we dined for the first time at California Grill (atop the Contemporary) in 2001 and while we were eating, the waiter came to our table and asked if we knew of any little girls that would want to start the fireworks. Of course my DD is sitting right there, smiling. They took her to the podium by the elevators and they made a very big deal out of the exact timing, and showing her which button to push. I think the control to dim the lights in the restaurant was also there.

At that moment the lights dimmed, the music started playing and the fireworks started. It was so magical! We returned to our table to enjoy the show, and they presented DD with a certificate stating she started Wishes with the date, manager signature, etc.

When we were leaving (excellent food and service, BTW) I spoke with the manager alone for a second, and kind of joked about"'Haha, yeah, like she really started the fireworks! Wink, wink!"

He swore ( well, not swore, but you know what I mean) that she did indeed start the fireworks, and this was not in front of DD. He said that it sends the signal, or something like that. I will say they make a huge deal about the time, there was a digital clock counting seconds next to the buttons. I still think he was just trying to extend that Disney Magic, and I appreciate it!

We told some friends of ours about it, and several months later they were there, had the same waiter as us, and were chosen.

My DD still talks about it. For instance, at school last month she had to write "3 things" about herself. She wrote that she has only gotten "As" on her report card, that she loves to golf and that she once started the fireworks at MK!

 

[lunapnp]

This is great! I'm getting more excited about our trip in October (with kids!) and then in November (just me and DH for anniversary!).

 

[Maine-iac]

2) Not sure if they still do this but they used to have a hoedown featuring Brer Rabbit (my favorite in case you can't tell from my avatar!!!!) and the Country Bears where they do the hokey pokey, and some other things. While I will take any chance just to see my fave in "person", last time we came across this we got to participate (thank you wedding ears!!!) I got to square dance with Brer Rabbit! I think this occurred between 4:30 and 5 in the stretch of Frontierland where the parade first comes out. Fun to watch, even more fun to participate.

This is now called Woody's Roundup with Woody and Jess. They still do the Hokey-Pokey.

 

[Elysiannn]

Subscribing to this most excellent thread. Thanks!

 

[aimeeg]

This is now called Woody's Roundup with Woody and Jess. They still do the Hokey-Pokey.

I heard the Army Jeep is at the first show of the day. Does anyone know if this is true?

 

[theparsons]

from allears.net:
The Bayside Marina near the Yacht Club also offers a special Albatross Treasure Cruise for children ages 4-10 -- Children will wear bandannas as they follow clues and sail to many exotic "ports of call" around Crescent Lake and Epcot looking for treasure. During the voyage, children will hear a reading of "The Legend of the Albatross." At the final port of call, children will have lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cookie, and juice box, and will split up the "buried treasure." Held Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Children must be potty trained -- no pull-ups. Price is $28.17 plus tax per child. Reservations are recommended. Call 407-WDW-DINE.

Port Orleans Riverside offers the Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise. Children travel along the Sassagoula River to learn the "Jester's" way of life. Along the way they explore the Sassagoula River and finally meet the character known as the Jester. The cruise is held Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for children ages 4-12. Cost is $28.17 plus tax per child. Call 407-WDW-PLAY to make reservations.

Island of the Caribbean Pirate Adventure - For children ages 4-10 (must be potty trained) -- young adventurers, wearing pirate bandannas, will board a boat to sail the Ports of the Caribbean, just like Captain Jack! They will be told the story of Old Port Royale and of the pirates that used to sail the waters. They will find props and signs leading to treasure. Once they recover the treasure, they will sail to Fort Cay and trade for some grub (lunch). When they return to Old Port Royale, they will unlock the treasure chest and bounty will be shared by all. As of 1/14/07, operates Sundays, as well as Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. $28.17 per child pus tax. Lunch: Peanut Butter and Jelly Uncrustables, Gummy Bears, Gold Fish Treats, and Apple Juice Box. Call 407-WDW-DINE for information on the resort marina at 407-934-2850.

Pirate Adventure - Children wear pirate bandannas and follow clues to search Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon for buried treasure. They sail to many exotic "ports of call" (Resort Marinas) to collect treasure. Children who are potty trained (no pull-ups) and ages 4-12 may attend. Lunch is provided (Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, Gummy bears, Krispy Treat and Juice box).


Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Available to all guests. Cost is $28.17 plus tax.
Reservations 180 days in advance at 407-WDW-DINE.



My kids did the one at CBR back in December, it was fantastic, they had a great time. And my kids are 5 and 4, but there were kids older (up to 10) on the cruise with them.

So am I reading this right...it's for the kids only, so no adults? A part of me says "Hey I wanna go"...the other part says "I hate Peanut Butter Sandwiches....and I could get a 2 hour nap while the kids have fun" My girls will be 11 by the time we go so I know they'll be alright to go alone....kinda liking the idea of 2 hours on my own. Hmmmmm.....now if only there were princesses involved instead of pirates! They'd go in a heartbeat.

 

[theparsons]

Each day at the MK around 5:00 PM (I think it's 5PM) there is a ceremony at the flag pole at the start of Main St. just passed the train station. It is called the Flag Retreat. Each day a U.S. Military Veteran assists the WDW color guard in taking down the flag. It is a very moving ceremony as everyone around stops whatever they are doing, the MK band plays patriotic songs and our National Anthem, and the veteran of the day along with the WDW color guard salute the flag and fold it military style. If you are a veteran or traveling with a veteran, you can check in at City Hall (early in the AM) to see if you, or someone you know, can be the veteran of the day.
This is a very nice way to honor our vets! Jim

Saw this at Disneyland....and yes, it is very moving.

 

[bradk]

So am I reading this right...it's for the kids only, so no adults? A part of me says "Hey I wanna go"...the other part says "I hate Peanut Butter Sandwiches....and I could get a 2 hour nap while the kids have fun" My girls will be 11 by the time we go so I know they'll be alright to go alone....kinda liking the idea of 2 hours on my own. Hmmmmm.....now if only there were princesses involved instead of pirates! They'd go in a heartbeat.

yes, those cruises are children only. so is the mad tea party with alice and the mad hatter.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

We were at the International Gateway entrance at Epcot for the opening one morning, and my son was selected to serve as the "ambassador" for the day, which consisted of dropping the rope and saying "Welcome to Epcot!". He got a certificate, and a cm took a photo of us with it and the rope. He was so excited.

It really was magical, because we had no idea there was any sort of ceremony for those of us entering from the less-used portal.

 

[theparsons]

At DisneyQuest there's a cafe with free internet access. We always make a stop there to eat cake and email our friends back home saying "Haha! We're at Disney and you're stuck in cruddy old Michigan."

I don't know if they still do it, but I was at All Star Movies during December of 2002 and they had a free cookie (gingerbread, my favorite) decorating station at the food court at the hotel.

Did anyone mention the Sword in the Stone show yet? I love that. Or the passive-aggresive drinking fountains at EPCOT? Or the Singin' in the Rain umbrella at MGM?

What do you mean by free internet access? Bring along your laptop and wi-fi in....or there are a few computers there to check your email and send a few (and is there usually lines?). I'm going to have to have access to my email (work never stops, lol)....but was hoping to find somewhere onsite that I could wifi in every couple days and do my thing instead of paying $10 a day for access. My other alternative is I'm nearly ready to get a new cell phone and I just might get the smartphone with Internet Access so I don't have to lug my laptop with me on weekend excursions, lol.

 

[wdwthreethiels]

I never hear anyone talking about this, so I don't know if it is still being done, but we dined for the first time at California Grill (atop the Contemporary) in 2001 and while we were eating, the waiter came to our table and asked if we knew of any little girls that would want to start the fireworks. Of course my DD is sitting right there, smiling. They took her to the podium by the elevators and they made a very big deal out of the exact timing, and showing her which button to push. I think the control to dim the lights in the restaurant was also there.

At that moment the lights dimmed, the music started playing and the fireworks started. It was so magical! We returned to our table to enjoy the show, and they presented DD with a certificate stating she started Wishes with the date, manager signature, etc.

When we were leaving (excellent food and service, BTW) I spoke with the manager alone for a second, and kind of joked about"'Haha, yeah, like she really started the fireworks! Wink, wink!"

He swore ( well, not swore, but you know what I mean) that she did indeed start the fireworks, and this was not in front of DD. He said that it sends the signal, or something like that. I will say they make a huge deal about the time, there was a digital clock counting seconds next to the buttons. I still think he was just trying to extend that Disney Magic, and I appreciate it!

We told some friends of ours about it, and several months later they were there, had the same waiter as us, and were chosen.

My DD still talks about it. For instance, at school last month she had to write "3 things" about herself. She wrote that she has only gotten "As" on her report card, that she loves to golf and that she once started the fireworks at MK!

I LOVE THIS POST

 

[DizzDoll]

Getting writers cramp from note-taking. Subscribing!!

 

[Jubilee]

On my last trip, I found out through another guest that you can get a character to come to your room and give you an hour back massage. It was a lot of fun. I chose Belle from beauty and the beast and my wife chose Goofy. It was a lot of fun, and the back rub was pretty good.

It cost $65 for the hour, plus tip. I highly recommend it.

 

[Jubilee]

Each day at the MK around 5:00 PM (I think it's 5PM) there is a ceremony at the flag pole at the start of Main St. just passed the train station. It is called the Flag Retreat. Each day a U.S. Military Veteran assists the WDW color guard in taking down the flag. It is a very moving ceremony as everyone around stops whatever they are doing, the MK band plays patriotic songs and our National Anthem, and the veteran of the day along with the WDW color guard salute the flag and fold it military style. If you are a veteran or traveling with a veteran, you can check in at City Hall (early in the AM) to see if you, or someone you know, can be the veteran of the day.
This is a very nice way to honor our vets! Jim

how touching!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I LOVE THIS POST

Thanks! It is one of our favorite family memories.