Walt Disney World Hacks

How to Save Your Feet at Walt Disney World

You're tired. You're achy. Your head hurts. But most of all, your feet feel like they're on fire.

Welcome to Walt Disney World. Check your feet at the door. Anyone who has ever spent an entire day at any of Disney World's theme parks knows exactly what I'm talking about. Sore feet seem like a trademark of the Disney theme park experience.

It doesn't have to be that bad, though. Here are a few tips to help save your feet at the parks.

• Crocs. They're ugly, but they work. No tennis shoe has ever matched these babies for comfort. I scoffed at them until I tried them. I mean, look how ugly! But then I tried them and like so many others, my sore feet won the battle against fashion.
• Rest. Oh it seems like a given. Rest a little during the day and your feet won't hurt so much. But then you find yourself at the parks going non-stop. If you're staying on property, take the monorail or the bus or a boat to the hotel and rest for an hour, then go back. Your feet and the rest of you will thank you.
• Fastpass. Fastpass as many of the rides as you can. This saves you from standing in the stand-by lines - some of which can leave you standing for over an hour.
• Table service restaurants. It might be tempting to go counter-service the entire trip. After all, we're in harsh economic times. But if you let yourself rest occassionally at a table service restaurant, you're find you'll be a lot less likely spending cash on treatment at the podiatrist's office. Not only does someone bring the food to the table, but you have a tendency to really rest while your food is served to you instead of gulping down some fast food in the parks. Furthermore, no standing in line waiting for food.

Above all, listen to what your feet are telling you. If you can go no further, stop for awhile. Or for the day.

What are your tricks for saving your feet at Walt Disney World?

*Photo Credit: ALBOWIEB

The History of Walt Disney World’s Fireworks Spectaculars

If you’ve ever been to Disney World, chances are you’ve been a witness to one of their amazing fireworks shows. They are explosive (obviously), amazing and quite the spectacle.

Walt originally wanted a fireworks spectacular to bookend the night for his original park, Disneyland in California. A way to give the finale the visitor’s day needed, insure that they guests stayed longer than a few hours and accentuated the center of Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

Inevitably, the fireworks show was copied to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and it became a staple of the theme park experience. Soon, fireworks were exploding all over Walt Disney World across three parks.

Through the years, Walt Disney World has offered a number of different fireworks shows, discontinuing some and adding others. This post chronicles each of them. If I miss out on any, be sure to let me know in the comments.

Fantasy in the Sky – Magic Kingdom

Fantasy in the sky was the original fireworks showcase of the Magic Kingdom. Like Wishes, it took its cue from classic Disney films. The show was a staple of the Magic Kingdom nightly from 1976-2003 until it was replaced by Wishes, the current fireworks display at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Fantasy in the Sky – 4th of July Edition

This particular edition of the trademark Cinderella Castle show is no more. But thanks to video, we can always remember it fondly.

Disney World apparently not hurt by Swine Flu epidemic

It’s inevitable. You’ll have to hear about it. Even when it comes to Walt Disney World.

Of course when it comes to Walt Disney World you’ll be hearing about this. The top vacation destination in the world, drawing visitors daily from all over the world, where better to be cautious, right?

Reuters is running a story on the impact of the possible pandemic entitled, “Disney World still draws crowds despite flu alert”. It seems that despite Joe Biden’s assertion that he wouldn’t let his family travel on an airplane, most others aren’t worried about the possibility of infection.

For the most part. Disboards has a popular thread going currently about precautions those visiting the World should be taking in light of the epidemic. The conversation, like most message board conversations, takes numerous paths with suggestions on brands of anti-bacterial lotion, to how that doesn’t really work, to talk on individual immune systems.

One thread in particular has a concerned guest ready to cancel reservations in fear that Disney will close.

Disboard poster WillCAD possibly had the best words of wisdom: “Panic kills more people than flu does.”

The best way to combat this is the same way you combat all illness: preparation and cleanliness.

• Always wash your hands. Here’s my routine for handwashing. Turn faucet on, procure towel at this point if possible, wet hands, get soap, grab extended towel, turn off faucet with towel. Then, grab the door handle with towel, toss towel. The door handle of the bathroom can completely negate your handwashing. Always use a paper towel to pull the handle.
• Sneeze and cough into the crook of your elbow. This keeps you from expelling germs all over your hands.
• Hand sanitizer won’t kill many viruses, if any, but it’s not a bad thing to have for other germs that can get into your system. It WILL NOT, however, replace hand washing.
• When you wash your hands, use warm water. As hot as you can stand it. But, of course, don't burn yourself. It has to be said.
• When you get to your resort, disinfect your room immediately. Bring Lysol wipes or spray (look for the ones that mention killing flu virus specifically). Spray down hard surfaces such as the phone, the nightstand, headboards, bathroom vanity, etc. For porous surfaces such as fabrics, this won’t work. Ditch any unneeded, bulky linens (such as bed comforter) which are sometimes not washed in between visits (it’s true).
• Be mindful of what you’re touching. If you don’t need to touch that wall, don’t.

Honestly, there are many more. This comes from being a big of a germaphobe and some might be even considered extreme, but any avoidance of foreign germs is always helpful. You shouldn’t consider these things to only be relevant during an outbreak, but also at any time.

Oh and parents – please, teach your children to cover their coughs and sneezes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sneezed or coughed on by a child. It’s just good practice to teach your child from a young age how to be a responsible adult.

American Idol Live Opens at Disney Hollywood Studios on 2/14/09

The much anticipated American Idol Live attraction will finally have its grand opening at Disney Hollywood Studios on February 14, 2009. The American Idol Live attraction will have one serious advantage for serious American Idol potential contestants. Taken from the official press release:

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World, and the winner of the Grand Finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition -- to ensure no waiting in long lines -- for the "American Idol" TV show. But when it comes down to the television show auditions, everyone is treated equal.

Since I am not a big Idol fan and have never been to an audition, I’m not sure exactly if this will be as great as it sounds, but it should at least guarantee against getting turned away without an audition. Which seems like a pretty big deal to me.

Also, I imagine that lines for this attraction will be fairly long for spectators, not to mention those who wish to try out, so make sure if this is on your “must-do” list for WDW, you get to the park early and get your name in the pot quickly. First thing.

Good luck!

10 Best Photo Spots in Epcot

Of all the parks at Walt Disney World, Epcot may be the one that most lends itself to fantastic photo opportunities. With its World Showcase and amazing Spaceship Earth, it's hard to narrow the photo spots down to ten, but we're going to try anyway.

Spaceship Earth

Photo by Espiox [Flickr]

Easily one of the most recognizable structures at Disney World, you can't put together a photo list without including Spaceship Earth. From all angles, it's a work of art and, as you enter the park, you can't expect those entering not to stop and take photos of this masterpiece.

Bridge between the U.K. and France

Photo by ConspiracyofHappiness [Flickr]

Standing on this bridge provides the Eiffel Tower of World Showcase's France pavilion as a stunning backdrop.

The Torii in Japan, facing Spaceship Earth

Photo by Revo_2059 [Flickr]

One of the most stunning views of Spaceship Earth comes from Japan. Well, the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase that is.

Looking down the Lane at the U.K.

Photo by Moi

Stand here and you get the feeling you might have left Walt Disney World altogether. Well, if it weren't for the heat and the tourists. Seriously, this little taste of charming Britain makes for a fantastic photo spot.

Walking through Morocco

Photo by Moi

I've always just like the feel of World Showcase's Morocco pavilion. It also provides some great scenery for snapshots - be they artistic or to be used for backdrops.

Italy - From Norway

Photo by Moi

There are tons of fantastic photo spots around World Showcase Lagoon, but this is my favorite. Taken while waiting for Illuminations to begin. This is also, in my opinion, one of the best spots for watching the show. And I've tried just about all of them.

Germany at Night

Photo by Donna62 [Flickr]

With the orange light from the windows and twinkling light posts, Germany has a certain charm. Especially at Christmas.

The monorail as it passes Spaceship Earth

Photo by wjarrettc [Flickr]

Walt Disney World's monorail only passes through The Magic Kingdom and Epcot and Epcot is the only park that it truly enters. Catch it as it's making it's way past Spaceship Earth to combine two iconic images of Walt Disney World.

The spires of Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Photo by benostrander [Flickr]

These glass pyramids stand just before Canada as you leave Future World and enter World Showcase. Unique and gorgeous, they make for an interesting subject for photography.

Hidden Canada

Photo by thecrystalskull [Flickr]

It might be tempting to waltz through Epcot's Canada with nary a lingering glance past its impressive architecture. However, when you do, you're missing some of the best photography spots in Epcot. With its rolling guardians and hidden pathways, there's plenty of opportunity for photo ops.