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

[Dcanoli]

What is the cost? Is there any cost to pick the oyster (or do they pick one out for you) or do you pay for just for the setting?

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

subscribing...this is a great thread! Leaving on saturday at the crack of dawn and Have added many new ideas to our plan!!!

 

[Rocktire]

I've never heard about this... can anyone elaborate on what happens at the opening of toontown?! I have a 1 yr old and 4 yr old, so is this something not to be missed?

I can only give my own experience. We were there in 2003, and it was our last morning in WDW...we had an afternoon flight so we figured we'd spend out last hours in MK. The older kids took off for the big rides, so my wife, myself and our 3 year old went over to Toontown. It wasn't open yet so we sat on one of the benches on the side by the train tracks, patiently waiting for the rope to be taken down, not knowing or expecting a thing. Suddenly, Alice in Wonderland comes over to where we were seated and asks my daughter if she'd like to open Toontown with Mickey....Of course what can we say but yes( as soon as we got over the shock), and with Alice holding my daugters hand, we walk into Mickey's house...where he proceeds to invite us in...I must say of the 6 times I've been to Disney, this was by far the most magical thing to happen...to see my daughters eyes light up in wonder while having a private visit with Mickey himself...as he gives us a tour of his house....is a memory we'll all have forever. Of course, I don't know who was more excited, my daughter or my wife. On the downside, as we were leaving that day, my digital camera was packed away. Thankfully, my wife had a disposable in her purse that had a few exposures left on it.


Just a wonderful experience.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

What is the cost? Is there any cost to pick the oyster (or do they pick one out for you) or do you pay for just for the setting?

These booths are sponsored by Mikimoto Pearl, I did this and had it made into a pendent with a little diamond above the pearl. I only paid for the pearl, setting and chain. They drilled a hole thru the pearl to put it on the pendent with a little glue. I got it on my honeymoon in 2003, my 15month old just bit it off the setting a few days ago!

Some other things you might forget..

Spa experiences

You can have a massage in your room at Disney's Old Key West (I would assume at other DVC resorts too). THis is not a spoof- it's real and it's about $125 I think.

If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary have it noted on your reservation. Often the resorts will do something for you. Maybe a card or balloon in your room, its left up to the resort what they want to do. Cards are sometimes signed by characters.

Victoria and Albert Chef's Table
you can have a special table in the back with the chef who prepares custom menus for everyone present and describes all the foods. Only one table per night. $165 pr person, more if you wish to have wines paired with your dinner. Book 180 days in advance, but it cant hurt to call and see if theres a cancellation for the date you want.

Birthday Specialty Cruises- $220, up to 10 ppl, boats are decorated, includes cake and snacks and a viewing of the fireworks. (or book your own WISHES or Illiminations cruise and bring a cake)

Parasailing or Waterskiing- Disney's Contemporary Resort, we did the parasailing.

Fishing Excursions- I believe PO does a a spin off this, you can rent a pole, etc and fish off the docks. Or get a boat, guide, etc for a couple hours, Contemporary Resort (you have to throw the fish back-no eating) prices range from about $100-$400
WDW PLAY

Horseback Riding at Ft Wilderness- dont know the prices. If you dont mind staying at a walk and enjoying the Florida scenery.

Epcot Flower and Garden Show- I guess it is advertised, but it's amazing to see all they do at Epcot- my favorite time to go is early May

Epcot Food and Wine Festival has LOTS of ticketed dining events (Sept-Oct)

Regarding the Pirate Cruise- adults and kids can do this together as part of the Grand Gathering option I believe.

Sunrise Safari is available as AKL concierge guest, or grand gathering I think.

Behind the Scenes Safari Tour- $65 pp (ask about discounts for DVC or AP) get a private safari ride and watch how animals are cared for, etc. No kids under 16 is what they told me.

 

[Dcanoli]

Okay, we can all get our hankies out now!

Great story! Just picturing Mr. Mouse showing you around his house!

 

[MNWDWMANIAC]

I can only give my own experience. We were there in 2003, and it was our last morning in WDW...we had an afternoon flight so we figured we'd spend out last hours in MK. The older kids took off for the big rides, so my wife, myself and our 3 year old went over to Toontown. It wasn't open yet so we sat on one of the benches on the side by the train tracks, patiently waiting for the rope to be taken down, not knowing or expecting a thing. Suddenly, Alice in Wonderland comes over to where we were seated and asks my daughter if she'd like to open Toontown with Mickey....Of course what can we say but yes( as soon as we got over the shock), and with Alice holding my daugters hand, we walk into Mickey's house...where he proceeds to invite us in...I must say of the 6 times I've been to Disney, this was by far the most magical thing to happen...to see my daughters eyes light up in wonder while having a private visit with Mickey himself...as he gives us a tour of his house....is a memory we'll all have forever. Of course, I don't know who was more excited, my daughter or my wife. On the downside, as we were leaving that day, my digital camera was packed away. Thankfully, my wife had a disposable in her purse that had a few exposures left on it.


Just a wonderful experience.

In 2003 we had the same thing happen to our kids (and my nieces). Alice and the Mad Hatter escorted them to Mickeys house and got a private tour . This was after we were selected to open the MK which is a whole other story in itself .

Then they got a chance to ride the tea cups alone with the Mad Hatter which was even cooler

Here are a few pics of the opening train ride stuff and the tour with Mickey.

 

[CarolinesMom]

Subscribing. Great thread!

 

[Dcanoli]

Wow! Those are really great memories!

 

[momof2dizkids]

What a great thread!! There are so many hidden things to do that I didn't know about. Thanks for the info.!

 

[party of 3]

Where in Epcot can you get the oyster with a pearl?

We're off at the crack of dawn tomorrow and just about dying with anticipation!

me too!!!!! i can't wait! see you there!!!!

 

[Rocktire]

Okay, we can all get our hankies out now!

Great story! Just picturing Mr. Mouse showing you around his house!

It's the unexpected things that are the best.


Don't see how anything can ever beat that experience.

 

[tres409]

discontinued for years to the best of my knowledge (all of the 7 seas lagoon resorts did this at one point). only place to release ladybugs on property nowadays is in epcot, either as part of the behind the seeds tour or during the F&G festival.



tink at mk, fighting hook at mk by potc, hitchhiking ghost at mk by haunted mansion, simba in dak, stitch in mgm.



guess you haven't been to the spa at the GF. $65 won't get ya too much. unless of course you meant $65 was way too cheap.

How can you get these "magical" pictures? Do you just tell a Disney photographer what you want? I would LOVE a picture at the Haunted Mansion with the hitchhiking ghosts in it!!!!!!!

 

[Farmersue]

1) what is photopass
2)what kind of cup do you get with your milkshake@Pinnoccio Village Haus
3)Can some one give me some more info on the Pearl In Japan. How do you
get it?
4)Someone found one good spot to view animals @ AK, anyone know of the
other 2?
5)Other then having the CM sign the Passport booklet, what else do you do
with them.
6)Does anyone have special places to find certain characters? (i don't know
if this was already talked about.
Thanks for any info. Sue

 

[Dcanoli]

...then BradK or someone else can answer the rest....

1) what is photopass
2)what kind of cup do you get with your milkshake@Pinnoccio Village Haus
3)Can some one give me some more info on the Pearl In Japan. How do you
get it?
4)Someone found one good spot to view animals @ AK, anyone know of the
other 2?
5)Other then having the CM sign the Passport booklet, what else do you do
with them.
6)Does anyone have special places to find certain characters? (i don't know
if this was already talked about.
Thanks for any info. Sue

1. Photopass is what Disney calls their "photo service." When a CM takes your picture, they give you a little plastic card, similar to a credit card. You keep it with you during your ENTIRE trip. Every time a photographer takes your picture, you give them the Photopass card, and they swipe it through their "reader." Then, when you get home, you can log onto Disney's Photopass website and view your pictures, add embellishments, and order the prints you want.

3. I just found out about the Pearl in Japan myself. I've seen them doing it in the gift shop at Japan. Apparently, you pick an oyster, they open it, you get a pearl, and you pick the setting. No idea the cost...

5. The World Showcase Passport books are great. They cost $10 and each country has its own page. A CMs from each country signs them. Since we go in September each year, ours always say, "Hello" (or something similar to that). They also come with stickers for each country that your child has to match up with the countries in the book. One other thing they do is stamp the book, like a passport, saying you "visited" that country. Great idea and cheap too!

Hope that helps!

 

[Farmersue]

Thanks for your info. I would love to hear how you liked having the digital SLR for this trip. I bought mine a year ago and would die without it. Thinking of buying another "base" so that I don't have to switch from zoom lens to reg. Have a good trip

 

[pixiemel]

Subscribing! Thanks!

 

[pirates4]

A Lot of useful information on this thread! We are going for my sons birthday in a few weeks and he is turning 8. We are having dinner in Epcot at the Coral Reef and we made arrangements for a diver to hold up a sign in the water. Also a special menu with his photos on it.

 

[CJ]

Outside the Indiana Jones show at MGM there is what looks like a dig site/deep well with a sign that says " Do not pull the rope"

Pull The Rope!!

 

[MareSINY]

Now for my fun one....Epcot...If Future World says its closed at say 7pm but WS is open till 9pm...don't think you can't get into the major attractions like Saorin', Nemo, Test Trac, etc. You can!! They keep those open!!

Really?? I never knew that!! I had thought about going to Epcot our first night after dinner, but then thought better of it because the rides I knew we wanted to ride were in FW. Now I might have to reconsider going there!

 

[mickeymyfavorite]

Great Thread!!