BEYOND THE THEME PARKS

ANITA ANSWER
Archives

8/24/09
--Anita's Mini Blog for 8/24/09
--Space Mountain's Seating Configuration: Has It changed?
--Which Direction Was the Wand Set?
--Booking Accommodations for Six Online?

8/17/09
--A Brief History of Castaway Cay
--Name That Restaurant!
--The Morse Code Message in Spaceship Earth
--Answer to the 8/10 Trivia Question

8/10/09
--What Castle Served as the Inspiration for Cinderella Castle?
--The "Hotel" in the Canada Pavilion
--What About the Original Back Lot Tour?
--Anita's Mini Blog for 8/10/09

8/3/09
-- Anita's 8/3/09 Mini Blog
--What Was This Old Ride?
--Backlot Tour Bet
--Base Tickets and Extra Magic Hours
--Answers to Trivia Questions and Doctor Who Challenge

7/27/09
--Anita's 7/27/09 Mini Blog
--What Was the Name of This Ice Cream Shop?
--Square Footage of the New Treehouses
--When Do the Holiday Decorations Come Down?

7/13/09
--2009 Dates for Epcot's Candlelight Processional
--Using Music's Bus Stops When Staying at Movies?
--How Old Is Too Old for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?
--Answer to the June 29 Trivia Question

7/6/09
--A European Trip Blog
--The Difference Between B and C Tickets?
--A Lounge with Live Music?
--No Car, No Grocery Stop. Where to Get Alcohol?

6/1/09
--Where is the Randy Pausch Plaque Located?
--What Was This Old Store in the Studios?
--Rod Serling and the Tower of Terror Pre-Show
--Answer to the May 25 Trivia Question

5/25/09
--Is Christmas Really That Crowded?
--Adult or Child Ticket When Child Turns 10 in the Middle of the Trip?
--Which Was the First Disney Vacation Club Resort to Open?
--Answer to the May 18 Trivia Question

5/18/09
--Will Pirates and the Haunted Mansion Be Closed In June?
--Where Would Anita Stay and Dine?
--What Are Those Stone Things at Epcot's Entrance?
--Answer to the May 4 Trivia Question

5/11/09
5/4/09
--The Mural in the Contemporary
--Showers at Old Key West's Pool
--A Flashing Light above the Blue Bayou Restaurant
--The Wasps' "Sting" in Tough to Be a Bug
--Answer to the April 27 Trivia Question

More Anita Answer Columns

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Anita Answers

Hi! I'm Anita!

Got a question about Walt Disney World? I probably have the answer! Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Information Guide is the most comprehensive guide to the World on the Web, but if you still can't find the information you're looking for by using the Search Function, or the Anita Answer Archives, drop me a line and I'll do my best to find the answer for you. Since there are only 24 hours in a day, I can't answer every email I receive - however, I do read every one and try to answer as many as possible.

Check back weekly to see if your answer is waiting, check out my blog, Anita Talk, and be sure to subscribe to AllEars® to read my new Question of the Week featurette! Meanwhile, I'm All Ears!

Joe writes:

I asked this question a couple of years ago and got an answer from you, but I can't find it in your archives. We're going to the World very soon, and we want to schedule our individual park visits as wisely as we can. Which day(s) of the week are each of the parks statistically least attended? For instance, in the answer you gave me back in 2003, you pointed out an article that stated which day of the week the Magic Kingdom was least likely to be "overcrowded" and the same for the other parks. If you could point out where that article is again, I would be grateful. Thanks!

Hi Joe!

The reason you can't find that old answer is because it's, well, old! Things are always changing at WDW, and we at AllEars® try to keep our information fresh and up-to-date. Here's the most recent info I could find about which days of the week the parks generally have lower attendance, courtesy of our friends at Touringplans.com:

Magic Kingdom: Tuesday
Epcot: Wednesday
Studios: Saturday
Animal Kingdom: Friday
Water Parks: Saturday

Do keep in mind that this can and does vary due to many circumstances such as Extra Magic Hours, hard-ticket events, park hours, weather, time of year, addition of new attractions, and any number of other factors. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to attendance other than you can always bet on the weeks around Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's being the most heavily attended days of the year, no matter what day it is.

Have a magical trip, and thanks for being a long-time reader!

A.A.

Alisha writes:

Hi Anita! I know that bed rails are available at the Wilderness Lodge, but can you tell me if all resorts (even Value resorts) offer them for those of us traveling with toddlers? Thanks!

Hi Alisha!

Bed rails are available at no charge on request at all Disney resorts and the Disney Cruise Line, no matter which pricing or amenity level they're on. In addition, bed rails may be requested for any guest who may need them, not just small children.

It's a good idea to make your bed rail request (or any special requests, for that matter,) when you make your resort reservation, especially if you are planning on visiting during a busy time, as quantities are limited. If you have made your reservation, but not made your special request, call Disney reservations (1-407-939-6244) and have them add it to your existing reservation. If you booked through a travel agent, have them add your request for you.

For more information about traveling with infants and toddlers, please read AllEars.Net's Infant and Toddler FAQ.

Have fun planning your visit!

A.A.

Doug writes:

Hi Anita, I love reading your answers each week. I learn so much about the place I love.

My wife and I are planning a trip soon for my birthday. We have park passes, so I was planning to pick up the Birthday Fun Card. My birthday would actually be the last day of our trip, and we are leaving around 4 in the afternoon. We will be going to the parks the days before my birthday. Can I pick up the Fun Card on my birthday if I am not actually entering the parks that day? We will probably just shop at Downtown Disney or hang by the pool before we leave. Thanks and keep up the great work.

and Others write:

Where can I get my Birthday Fun Card? Does it have to be picked up on my birthday? What can I use my Birthday Fun Card for? What can't it be used for? Does it ever expire? Do I have to use it all in one place? How much is it worth? Can I get any unused balance in cash?

Hi Everyone!

Go get a cup of your beverage of choice and settle in, because this will be a long one! Birthday celebration perks questions have most definitely replaced the Dining Plan as the most frequently asked questions in my inbox!

OK, let's get started:

Q. Where can I pick up my Birthday Fun Card?
A. The BFC can only be picked up at the special Birthday Will Call window outside of the four major theme parks.

Q. Do I have to pick up my BFC on my exact birthday?
A. Yes, unless you were born on February 29, in which case you can choose between February 28 and March 1 as your pick up date.

Q. How much will the BFC be worth?
A. This may change if ticket prices increase over the course of the What Will You Celebrate? promotion, however, currently they are equal to the price of a One Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket. As of today, that would be approximately $75 for adults, age 10 and over, and approximately $63 for children age 3 to 9. Children younger than 3 do not require a ticket for park admission, so will not receive the BFC benefit.

Q. Does the BFC ever expire?
A. When the program was first announced, the BFC had to be used on your birthday, however that announcement was amended on 12/31/08 and the BFC no longer has an expiration date. NOTE: In the official fine print of the brochure given to BFC recipients, Disney makes it clear that they reserve the right to change the program in any way at any time without notice, so at some point in the future, the BFC may indeed expire if Disney wants it to.

Q. What can I use the BFC for?
A. According to the official brochure, the BFC can be used for things like: Merchandise at Disney-owned locations, stroller, wheelchair and ECV rentals, certain recreational activities, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, prepackaged food items like chips or candy at merchandise sales locations, Photopass services, golf cart rentals at Fort Wilderness, etc. When in doubt, ask first before trying to use your card for payment!

Q. What can't I use the BFC for?
A. According to the brochure, the BFC cannot be used for food or beverage service (except as noted above), Disney gift cards, Disney Dollars, alcohol, cigarettes, resort folio charges, spa services or products, or personal services like face painting, caricatures, hair braiding or wrapping. In addition, the BFC may not be used at the following locations: the China, Japan, and Morocco pavilions at World Showcase, Arribas Brothers, Basin, Basin White, Cirque du Soleil, Curl by Sammy Duval, Ghirardelli, House of Blues, Hoypoloi, LEGO Imagination Center, Magic Masters, Magnetron, Niki Bryan Spas, Orlando Harley Davidson Store, Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, Richard Petty Driving Experience, Rubio Balloon Arts, SD Watersports, Sosa Cigar, Starabilias, Sunglass Icon, Surrey Bike Rental, Virgin Megastore, Wyland Galleries and any other locations or kiosks that are not owned and operated by Disney. Once again, when in doubt, ask first!

Q. Do I have to use the balance of my BFC in one location?
A. No, you can use it in multiple eligible locations.

Q. If I don't use the entire amount, can I get cash for the remaining balance?
A. No. You cannot redeem the card for cash under any circumstances. In addition, I also found in the fine print that you cannot exchange the card for cash with anyone anywhere, so don't even think about putting your card on eBay or other such sale/auction sites, OK? The BFC is intended for the recipient's use only.

I think that answers all of your questions concerning the Birthday Fun Card. It took me six cups of coffee to write it. How many did it take you to read it?

Happy Birthday, everyone!

A.A.

Angelique writes:

I am asking this question for my parents who have a fond memory of an appetizer. Approximately 15 years ago the San Angel Inn offered an appetizer that consisted of mostly white cheese with some pieces of veggies mixed in. You ordered this dish and it came with tortillas and you put the cheese mixture in them. Help! What was this stuff called?

Hi Angelique!

Since I'm a fairly frequent visitor to Mexico (the country, not the pavilion -- Well, yes I visit the pavilion too, but I'm talking about the country here), my first thought was, "This has to be Queso Fundido," which is one of my favorite things to eat! When I spent a college semester in Puebla, this was a staple and we practically lived on the stuff, which we got from an abuelita in a tiny cafe on the Zocalo... Oops! I, of course digress, but thanks for the side trip down Memory Lane!

So anyway, I searched back as far as I could go to view old menus, and sure enough, Queso Fundido is listed on San Angel's 2000 menu. It's no longer available at the San Angel Inn, but you can easily make it at home, or ask for it at your local Mexican restaurant. Note that everyone makes it differently, and it can be made to suit your own personal tastes. You can throw practically anything into the cheese, however I do not recommend marshmallows. Just kidding, but yuck!

Here is the recipe, with my notes and additions:

QUESO FUNDIDO
San Angel Inn Restaurante, Mexico EPCOT

1/2 pound Muenster cheese
[Anita's Note: I prefer to use Jack or Colby-Jack cheese.]
1/4 pound chorizo sausage
[Anita's Note: I omit the sausage and use chopped red and green chilis or jalapenos; canned and well-drained work fine. Sometimes I throw in small pieces of leftover steak.]
6 flour tortillas

Slice or grate cheese and set aside.
[Anita's Note: Grated works best.]
Peel chorizo sausage and cut into large chunks. Saute in a small frying pan until nicely browned. Break up sausage into small pieces while browning and drain any excess fat.

Lightly grease a shallow oven/broiler-proof casserole dish. Arrange half the cheese in bottom of the dish. Top with cooked sausage [Anita's Note: Or pieces of steak and peppers] and remaining cheese. Broil until cheese melts and lightly browns.

Warm tortillas [Anita's note: Heat them slightly in a hot skillet or on a stove top grill, but don't make them crispy!] and cut into quarters. Spoon melted cheese mixture onto tortilla pieces and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings

A.A.

Emily writes:

I have read many great reviews on the Polynesian's Never Land Club, with most reviews ending with the high cost. No one, however mentioned what that cost was. Any ideas what the childcare costs are for a 4- and 9-year-old? Thanks!

Hi Emily!

The Never Land Club charges by the hour, and the cost is currently $11 per hour (price subject to change). The Club is open between 4 p.m. and midnight, and the $11 includes a kid-friendly buffet served from 6 to 8 p.m. The Club is for children who are Disney resort guests, aged 4 to 12, and all children must be potty-trained, no exceptions.

When Minnie Answer was little, this was her favorite place to go. She loved entering the club through the "window", the big screen TV where they show Disney movies, and all the other fun stuff they have for kids to do. She also liked the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club, which costs the same but opens a little later at 4:30.

For other childcare options at the World, please read AllEars.Net's Child Care FAQ.

A.A.

Brandi writes:

Hi, I want to plan a trip to WDW while Star Wars Weekends are going on. Do you have any idea when they will be this year, or how far in advance I can find out when they will be? My cousin is turning 16 this year and I wanted to take him for his birthday since he is a huge fan of Star Wars, but I need to know when I can plan on going so I can save up. Thank you for any information.

Hi Brandi!

The 2009 Star Wars Weekends will begin on Friday, May 22 and conclude on Sunday June 14. As usual, Star Wars Weekends will be held at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Details haven't been released yet, but you can get an idea of what to expect by reading about past Star Wars celebrations HERE.

Happy Planning!

A.A.

That's it for this edition!

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