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

[mikmouse]

To be honest - my b'day is in January and we are usually there on the actual day. Trust me when I say we are usually happy, bouncing and smiling - I am a HUGE Disney nut - just being there makes me grin like an idiot. I just think the birthday pin "works" for some and not for others. By that I don't mean free stuff = just a few extra happy birthdays. I will say that I did get serenaded by the barber shop quartet on main street one year. Gotta give credit where credit is due. This year we are going for DS's b'day - maybe they see it more on the littler folks in the group.

Last year when we were there for my birthday, not only did I get loads of Happy Birthday's from everyone (including bus drivers) I was showered with free stuff like popcorn and drink from the stands. We weren't going to attend the Candlelight processional because of the crowds. We sat in front of the America pavillion at dining tables for the night and just thought we'd relax and listen to the beautiful music. However, the line suddenly was gone and the theater was filled, so we just took a walk over. The CM saw my birthday button, he wished me a happy birthday, and asked me and our whole party to please come in and follow him. Suddenly we found ourselves in the 3rd row dead center for the Candlelight Processional It was a wonderful surprise.

 

[kimberh]

Last year when we were there for my birthday, not only did I get loads of Happy Birthday's from everyone (including bus drivers) I was showered with free stuff like popcorn and drink from the stands. We weren't going to attend the Candlelight processional because of the crowds. We sat in front of the America pavillion at dining tables for the night and just thought we'd relax and listen to the beautiful music. However, the line suddenly was gone and the theater was filled, so we just took a walk over. The CM saw my birthday button, he wished me a happy birthday, and asked me and our whole party to please come in and follow him. Suddenly we found ourselves in the 3rd row dead center for the Candlelight Processional It was a wonderful surprise.

This just warms my heart to hear that Pixie dust still abounds! How many days did you wear your B-day pin? I wore mine one day at Magic Kingdom. Maybe I should have wore it the whole week. I told my whole family that I wanted to turn 50 with Mickey. Believe you me, I am the one in my family that is all Disney. My kids are really not that in to it. My husband made my trip so special, We were having a wonderful trip, so for all that think we weren't in the park being happy, well it just isn't so. He gave me a present for every day we where there. He numbered them just like Deal or No Deal. Then I had to pick a number.

 

[ilvdisney1234]

We just got back from Disney and at the Magic Kingdom they did a Family Parade and it was awesome. They picked out families in front of the castle and gave out stickers to a set number of families that wanted to participate. Then they assigned each group of families a part and a character - we were tamborines and flags with Clarabell, another group was hula hoops with Pluto, etc. The performers then show their groups what to do in the parade and everyone then marches down Main Street. It was great!! Everyone was lined up on the sides of the street taking pictures and videotaping and we felt like true Disney performers in the parade. We all then formed a circle around the hub at the begining of Main Street and danced and waved flags while the crowd cheered. Try to be a part of this parade if they still do it!

 

[Shelton123]

P.U.S.H. the talking trash can. I can't praise him enough.

 

[lingber]

subscribing. Great thread!

 

[yrdlyprincess]

I of course didn't read all the posts, I didn't even get to read the whole summary list yet, but this was such a great idea thanks to all!

 

[sters]

This tip from another site:

"Each evening at 6pm (Tuesday - Saturday), one of the fire-dancers from the “Spirit of Aloha Polynesian Luau” show positions himself just inside the Great Ceremonial House.

Another member of the cast is also on hand and announces the commencement of the “Torch Lighting Ceremony.” The fire-dancer then creates a trumpet-like sound as he blows on a conch shell. His fanfare complete, the announcer then asks everyone in attendance to step outside.

Two supervisors cordon off an area near the entrance and the announcer takes his place behind two large drums. He then begins a Polynesian chant while beating the drums in rhythm. Moments later, the fire-dancer returns with a large baton, fire blazing at each end. A few ceremonial theatrics are performed with his fiery wand and then he proceeds to light several of the torches. The show continues as he “eats” fire and does an impressive baton twirling. The event lasts maybe five to seven minutes.

Is it worth making a special trip to the Polynesian Resort to see this mini-show? No. But if you happen to be in the area, perhaps waiting for your ‘Ohana reservation, then go for it. You'll be glad you did. I looked around at the others in attendance and everyone was smiling. This is one of the little details that helps make Disney special."

 

[Debs5angels]

We just got back from Disney and at the Magic Kingdom they did a Family Parade and it was awesome. They picked out families in front of the castle and gave out stickers to a set number of families that wanted to participate. Then they assigned each group of families a part and a character - we were tamborines and flags with Clarabell, another group was hula hoops with Pluto, etc. The performers then show their groups what to do in the parade and everyone then marches down Main Street. It was great!! Everyone was lined up on the sides of the street taking pictures and videotaping and we felt like true Disney performers in the parade. We all then formed a circle around the hub at the begining of Main Street and danced and waved flags while the crowd cheered. Try to be a part of this parade if they still do it!

We were just there last week and our family was picked also. It was so much fun. We were in charge of the flags. After the parade we were told to wait about an hour and go check out the pictures the professional photograghers took and add the ones of our family to our photopass card.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

(Sorry if this has already been mentioned)

At Fort Wilderness there's a haunted Carriage ride! We haven't done it yet but we have it planned for an evening in October. It just sounded really cool to get to take a horse drawn carriage at night and hear a tale about the Headless Horseman! And he even shows up and chases the carriage! I'm so there


I keep hearing people talking about the Singing in the Rain Umbrella. Where can I find this? I'd love to take a picture with it!

Also, at Epcot where is the Pearl thing? (I know that's really vague, sorry XD)

I'm trying to do as many new things as possible while i'm there.

 

[DizzDoll]

The "pearl thing" is in the Japanese pavilion gift shop - ya can't miss it - look for the large crowd. As a total FYI - the pick-a-pearl starts at 12:00 in the afternoon, but if you get there earlier you can check out the different settings.

The Singin' in the Rain Umbrella is down near the San Francisco backdrop.

 

[bradk]

sort of. it's closer to LMA. if you were at the SF backdrop, you could see it by looking towards LMA (and to your right, on the corner)

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

Thanks for the help guys!

I also have another question. While we're on our trip it's going to be my mom's eighth year of sobriety and it's a huge deal for everyone in our family. I really wanted to do something special for her like a customized congratulations menu or something.

I want it to say something like "Happy 8th birthday mom! Thanks for all your hard work. I love you"
I don't know if they can bring her a little desert or something. Can this be done at any restaraunt?

 

[bradk]

you can order a cake in advance for any restaurant.

coral reef, artist point and narcoosee's can offer personalized menus

 

[Disneydonnam]

What a great thread. I only wish I found it earlier.

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

you can order a cake in advance for any restaurant.

coral reef, artist point and narcoosee's can offer personalized menus

Are those the only restaraunts that offer personalized menu's? I'll call and try coral reef but it might be booked up.

 

[bradk]

those are the ones i know of. all i can suggest is to find a location you want, book an ADR and then call the restaurant and speak to the manager to see what can be done.

 

[gigi1313]

i read this and was wondering about it/wanting to learn more...
<<eating breakfast at Paris in Epcot before the park opens>>

 

[bradk]

it's not possible. the closest thing is princess storybook at akershus which starts serving at 8:30 am

 

[Seewhatimesdone]

those are the ones i know of. all i can suggest is to find a location you want, book an ADR and then call the restaurant and speak to the manager to see what can be done.

Thanks for the help!

EDIT: NM about the Paris thing. Wish it was true. I'm gullible

 

[gigi1313]

thanks bradk... that i knew... maybe someone should edit the main list? i was hoping it was true as it would be a nice change of pace