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

[pkondz]

This is a great topic! I need to start taking notes.

Forgive my ignorance but why are there so many posts that say "subscribing"?
Why don't people simply use the subscribe link under 'Thread Tools' or is there a purpose to such posts that I am missing?

Just a friendly way of saying you like the thread enough that you're subscribing to it. Also there are some people who aren't aware that you can subscribe to a thread without posting.

 

[Linda Farrell]

The Singing in the Rain umbrella is in the Streets of America section of MGM, facing the new Stunt Car show area. It's a really cute photo op.

 

[katysquid]

Okay, this thread was mentioned a few pages back, but I wanted to post it again so that folks who didn't have time to check this entire thread could see it.

Secrets Thread
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=311217

Deb/DCanoli keeps a Word (I think) document that compiles all these secrets, and keeps it up to date, and she will email you a document on request. See post #3425, page 229 for information.

Thanks for the info!!

 

[Pez Pez]

Just a friendly bump......

 

[mum of two pirates]

Are the talking water fountains working and does anybody have a pic. of what it looks like and where it is? The one of the umbrella really helped me to see what to look for thanks?

 

[Harley-Mouse]

any more out there?

 

[bradk]

talking water fountains are long gone.

 

[dpuck1998]

Just a friendly way of saying you like the thread enough that you're subscribing to it. Also there are some people who aren't aware that you can subscribe to a thread without posting.

Yes, just click on thread tools and subscribe to this thread. Helps from scrolling thru endless "subscribing" messages.

 

[ajcolorado]

I don't know if this really qualifies but it is certainly a good tip that I received in an email from my travel agent today:

"Disney Dining - are you desparate for a character meal and everything is booked?

The Garden Grove Cafe at the Swan Hotel in the Epcot Resort Area (Saturday & Sunday only) has weekend character meals featuring Goofy & Pluto. They do not accept advance reservations for this meal. They start serviing breakfast at 6:30AM but characters are present only from 8:00AM to 11:00AM. Buffet & ala carte menu options available. It is $18.99 per adult / $11.99 per child. This restaurant is not owned by Disney and does not participate in the Disney dining plan.

Currently, you generally will not encounter a wait if you arrive before 8:00AM. I recommend arriving by 7:30AM to begin your meal. The characters will arrive at 8:00AM and then you can leave early enough for a good start on either Epcot or Disney-MGM Studios.

If you're going to Epcot, you can take the boat from the Swan or just walk to the International Gateway near the Boardwalk resort.

Those going to Disney-MGM Studios should take the boat to the theme park.

You'll need to take buses from the front of the resort to the other theme parks or waterparks if you do not have your own transportation. "

 

[Brandi1leigh]

I don't know if this really qualifies but it is certainly a good tip that I received in an email from my travel agent today:

"Disney Dining - are you desparate for a character meal and everything is booked?

The Garden Grove Cafe at the Swan Hotel in the Epcot Resort Area (Saturday & Sunday only) has weekend character meals featuring Goofy & Pluto. They do not accept advance reservations for this meal. They start serviing breakfast at 6:30AM but characters are present only from 8:00AM to 11:00AM. Buffet & ala carte menu options available. It is $18.99 per adult / $11.99 per child. This restaurant is not owned by Disney and does not participate in the Disney dining plan.

Currently, you generally will not encounter a wait if you arrive before 8:00AM. I recommend arriving by 7:30AM to begin your meal. The characters will arrive at 8:00AM and then you can leave early enough for a good start on either Epcot or Disney-MGM Studios.

If you're going to Epcot, you can take the boat from the Swan or just walk to the International Gateway near the Boardwalk resort.

Those going to Disney-MGM Studios should take the boat to the theme park.

You'll need to take buses from the front of the resort to the other theme parks or waterparks if you do not have your own transportation. "

I received that same email and added this tip to my personal tip list. You beat me to posting it!

 

[HypKris]

Just bumping to see if there are any news ones...

Kris

 

[tinkeramy]

This isn't new but I have to echo a VERY early post - The Adventurer's Club on Pleasure Island is a RIOT! If you go in between shows, you may think it's dead, but hang out! They have all kinds of crazy things going on. One of my fave pictures from our last trip (pre-kids) was of my husband "helping" one of the actresses put something away on a high shelf while she took the opportunity to check out his rear! This isn't really a place for kids, though. It's not particularly off-color; I just think it would be really boring for kids as all the humor would probably go over their heads.

 

[sammi6]

Is there more than one room? I have been many times and the only room that I have ever been in for a "show" is the library. I love it either way so I will continue to go back, but I was just wondering. I agree with the last poster though, it isn't a place for kids.

 

[dunbarfamily]

Woah! That was one heck of a bump there HypKris! The last post was 2.5 months ago! I love it when the oldies but goodies come back again! Thanks for bumping it!

I haven't gone back to read through all 36 pages of this post, but if you're staying at the Wilderness Lodge, ask at check in about being a flag family. You get to go up on the roof and help with the flags in the morning. You cannot ask until you checking in, so don't try to call ahead.

 

[ZoZo]

This isn't new but I have to echo a VERY early post - The Adventurer's Club on Pleasure Island is a RIOT! If you go in between shows, you may think it's dead, but hang out! They have all kinds of crazy things going on. One of my fave pictures from our last trip (pre-kids) was of my husband "helping" one of the actresses put something away on a high shelf while she took the opportunity to check out his rear! This isn't really a place for kids, though. It's not particularly off-color; I just think it would be really boring for kids as all the humor would probably go over their heads.

I totally agree - we went to AC three times on our last trip! Once, I got pulled up on stage to be part of their radio show. I had about 15 seconds of stage fright, then really got into the flow. I even got to fake a Swedish accent (I was Inga, the fiance of the of the adventurers). Totally, totally fun. Kungaloosh!

 

[HypKris]

I was going through my subscriptions, and was like, "I wonder when the last time someone posted on this topic." When I saw the date I was like, "This needs to be bumped!" For the people who have gone and have new information, and for the people leaving soon.

I think we can get some GREAT ideas from this thread, that only the DISers will know about.

I personally have not been to Disney in seven years. But I have a trip planned with my family (of adults) January 1, 2009 (we are doing the land and sea package). So I know that we will be doing a lot of things mentioned in this thread!

Keep the ideas coming!

Kris

 

[yaksack]

Great thread.


subscribing

 

[IHEARTNY]

I know it's definitely not a secret but I didn't know about it until I went to Ohana. They away leis at the Polynesian. I know it's a small thing but I really enjoyed it and felt like I was actually in a Polynesian setting.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I know it's definitely not a secret but I didn't know about it until I went to Ohana. They away leis at the Polynesian. I know it's a small thing but I really enjoyed it and felt like I was actually in a Polynesian setting.

You are so right! When we ate at Kona's in Sept. the CMs in the lobby gave us leis while we were having them check how many days we had left on our tickets (and we weren't staying there) Oh, and that's another one-you can check on your tickets, make ADRs, at any resort Guest Services-even if you aren't staying at that particular one.

 

[iwynlea]

Something that I didn't know about we saw on the very last night of Osbourne Lights at MGM (and it was still MGM at that point!). My guess is that they do this every night of the Lights.

They picked a family to turn OFF the lights, using the giant light switch! It was pretty neat. It happened after park closing, since they keep the lights dancing for about 45 minutes after the park actually closes for the night. The crowd thinned considerably, but there were still a lot of folks around (could have been because it was the final night, though). We'd never stayed around that late before to have anything to compare it to. I thought it was a nice Disney detail, and since there are so many fewer people around than when they turn the lights on, odds of being picked go up!