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

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.

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.

Best Places to Watch Wishes in the Magic Kingdom

 

Wishes is one of those must-do events when you visit Walt Disney World. Who hasn't seen the iconic images of fire exploding above the castle?

Wishes also regularly plays a part in big life events. I've personally seen marriage proposals take place during Wishes. And many other guests make Wishes a special event for honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays and the like.

So, obviously, people want the best experience for their Wishes excursion. The fact of the matter is, there are a number of excellent options when it comes to watching Wishes. I'll give you all of the options that I possibly can and try to highlight the pros and cons of each.

It's important to note that there is a location within the Magic Kingdom that dims the lights during Wishes. I've outlined this area on the map below. While there are some not-so-great spots in this area, I'd easily say that the best spots to view Wishes are right within this area:

Where To Find the Villains - Maleficent, The Evil Queen, Cruella and More

Maleficent greets the crowd at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Some of my favorite Disney characters are the Villains and it was years before I could finally hunt down my favorite villains in order to get a snapshot. Yes. I wanted a picture with The Evil Queen and Maleficent. Sue me.

It's understandable why so many people want to find the Villains once they get to Walt Disney World. They're the epitome of cool. Here are a few ways to find your favorite villain so you too can take a photo with your favorite.

• Obviously, the best time to find the villains is during the Halloween season and particularly during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. They even have their own show, The Villains Mix and Mingle, which takes place on the stage in front of Cinderella's Castle. After the show, the villains come down to mingle with the crowd and take photos.
• Disney Hollywood Studios is a hotspot for the villains. During the day, you're very likely to see them hanging out in the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theatre. Um, that's where the big Mickey's Sorcerer's hat resides.
• Cruella can sometimes be found hanging out near Tony's Restaurant just near the entrance at the Magic Kingdom. There are *always* characters around this area and, if you can catch a Character Assistant (they'll be the cast member in the yellow, red and black shirt assisting the character), ask them if they know when Cruella, or any of the other villains, will be making her next appearance.
• The really "hot" villains seem to make random appearances near the Castle. I've heard of impromptu appearances taking place in Fantasyland, near the castle, during nightly Extra Magic Hours.
• Captain Hook is the easiest villain to find. He and Mr. Smee make scheduled appearances near Pirates of the Caribbean throughout the day.
• If you simply want to see the villains, you can find them in a number of shows. Currently, Maleficent and her ilk can be see in the Dream Along With Mickey show at Cinderella Castle's forecourt. You can also see them:
• During the Magic Kingdom's Disney Dreams Come True parade.
• The Evil Queen, Captain Hook and even Ursula make appearances during the nightly Spectromagic parade. This parade doesn't take place all nights, so check the daily schedule. Also, this parade *will* be canceled if weather is inclement.
• Fantasmic at Disney Hollywood Studios is a show centered around the villains and the havoc they can cause within Mickey's dreams.
• The Boo To You parade during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom is a villains fan's dream come true. You'll even see a couple of villains you don't normally see such as Captain Barbossa from The Pirates of the Caribbean.

Unfortunately, one of the best parades in which to see the villains was Disney Hollywood Studios now retired Disney Stars and Motorcar Parade. It was replaced by Pixar's Block Party Bash (grumble). Rumor has it that the parade will resume its "route" at Disneyland Paris (weep!).

Good luck with your villains hunt! Feel free to send me links to your photos.

And if you've had any great villains experiences, post them in the comments below.

How To Get Your Kid Into Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial

Awhile back, I uploaded video of Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial at the Magic Kingdom. The video became instantly popular and has amassed over 20,000 views since uploading it.

One of the most common questions people ask in the comments and via messages on YouTube in response to that video is, "How can I get my kid into the pirate tutorial? Any tips?"

The first thing to remember is that Jack and Mack, Jack's pirate assistant, just can't say no to most kids. However, if you want to really get your kid a one on one "training session" with Jack, here are a few tips that might help you achieve your child's dreams of being a Disney pirate.

• Never hurts to dress the part. If your child already has a pirate hat or one of those nifty sets of Mickey ears with the pirate sash, your chances of taking front and center are much greater. I once saw Jack pay particular attention to a little boy wearing an Aztec Gold pirate necklace. 
• Make sure your child is lively, but not too lively. Tales circulate of little boys and girls who were a little too lively with their plastic swords. These children are almost always returned to their parents post-haste. 
• Get to the show area early. Times are posted at the schedule just in front of the castle hub. Don't get there late and then push your way to the front (or worse yet, push your child to the front). This is just rude and I have seen parents called out for it. Which makes it not only rude, but embarrassing. 
• When Mack and Jack call for pirate volunteers, do NOT shove your child into the open circle. I think I've had to hear Mack tell parents not to shove their children into the open circle a number of times. Don't do it. If your kid is too shy and doesn't want to do it: DON'T MAKE THEM. 
• Peak times mean more people and more spectators for the Pirate Tutorial. Try to visit during a time when visitors aren't in peak attendance. This is not only good for this particular situation, but also just makes your visit more enjoyable in general.

Above all, enjoy it and don't take it too seriously. If you really want to see your kid in the midst of the pirate tutorial and they don't get picked the first time around, try for a second. You'll usually have your wish granted. :)