BEYOND THE THEME PARKS

ANITA ANSWER
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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 All Ears® to read my new Question of the Week featurette! Meanwhile, I'm All Ears!

Sheila writes:

We have read that the parks are a lot busier on days they have Extra Magic Hours (EMH). We are trying to plan our trip and we are staying onsite at Walt Disney World. What do you suggest would be the best for us to do in regards to EMH -- go to the park that has EMH that day or avoid that park? Would the answer to this question change if you purchase the park hopper option?

Hi Sheila!

Yes, the answer does change depending on whether you have park hopping privileges, you clever girl! I see you've been doing your homework, and it makes me so happy when readers do that. Now, where was I? Oh yes, Extra Magic Hour.

Morning Extra Magic Hour:

If you have park hopper tickets and are early risers, take advantage of that extra hour. When the park begins to get packed (between 10 a.m. and noon, usually) leave the EMH park and go somewhere else. In general, the slowest park will be one that had EMH the evening before.

If you have one day/one park tickets, my advice is to avoid the park that has morning EMH because you'll be trapped there when it gets crowded and you will be unable to go to another park.

Evening Extra Magic Hour:

If you have park hoppers, spend the day at the park that had evening EMH the night before, as it will generally be the least crowded. Later that evening, closer to regular park closing time, hop over to the EMH evening park and enjoy the three extra hours of park time.

If you have one day/one park tickets and want to take advantage of EMH evening hours, you'll only be able to go to the park with the EMH evening that day. This park tends to get very crowded in the late afternoon as those Disney Resort guests with park hopper tickets begin to find their way over for EMH. If you can wait out the crowds until park closing when the day guests leave, you'll get to enjoy the extra three hours. If you don't think it's worth it to brave the crowds, avoid the EMH park entirely that day and go to the park that had EMH the evening before. Another option you have is to go to the EMH park, leave to have dinner or a swim in the afternoon/evening, and then come back to the same park closer to regular closing time. Note that you can only come back to the SAME park, and no, you cannot use two entries on a multi-day one day/one park base ticket (no hopper option) to enter different parks on the same park operating day.

The bottom line is that the park hopper option, even though it's an added expense, is always the most flexible option. It will allow you to come and go from parks as the crowds ebb and flow, whereas a one day/one park base ticket traps you in one park without options.

For more information about Extra Magic Hour, click here. For more information about how to choose the ticket scheme that's right for you, please read All Ears.net's Ticket FAQ.

Have a magical time on your vacation!

A.A.

April writes:

First let me say thank you so much for the wonderful wealth of knowledge you provide. I am so nervous about our first trip to Walt Disney World and your answers have been so helpful.

Everyone says bring a backpack, diaper bag, etc. to carry all the things you will need throughout the day, and we will have children in strollers. My question is, when you get on a ride, are there "safe places" to leave these backpacks and strollers? What do people typically do with their backpacks and such when on a ride?

Hi April!

I'm not one of those "everyones" who says to bring bags, boxes, bins and backpacks into the parks. I'm just the opposite, because, as I tell every first time visitor, the less you drag with you, the better. Now, it's understandable if you have small children with you, you'll want to pack some extra clothing, sunscreen, diapers, wipes or maybe some snacks, but what else do you actually need to bring with you? Try to stick with the bare minimum in a small totebag or drawstring backpack and you'll find yourself much happier in the long run. Here's why:

-- If you choose to bring a big bag or backpack, the first problem you'll encounter is at the bag security checkpoints outside the parks. You'll be asked to unzip every pocket, and each area of the bag will be searched. That's a few minutes of park time you could be enjoying. The more stuff you're hauling with you, the longer it takes. If everyone would pare down to only what they really need, those lines would move much more quickly -- I'm just sayin'... By the way, if the bag you're carrying is too large or violates policy, you may be asked to take it back to your car or hotel. That would not be good use of your vacation time, right?

-- Whatever you drag in, you have to drag back out, usually with some purchases added in by the end of the day. I don't know about you, but the thought of schlepping a heavy bag around after a day in the parks isn't very appealing to me.

-- A big backpack or bag will not only be tiring for you to carry all day, it gets in the way of other guests. It's not a good way to make friends, if you know what I mean.

-- As you suspected, there's nowhere to put it while you're on the rides. You'll either have to carry it through the queue and onto the ride, or leave it in your stroller. You can rent a locker and leave it there, but that defeats the purpose of bringing it into the park in the first place. Solution? Leave it at your hotel and travel light.

-- If you leave a bag in the stroller it could get stolen, and sometimes unattended bags are treated as security risks. There's nothing quite like getting off a ride to find a K9 unit sniffing around in your belongings, is there? If you can't easily carry it onto the ride, leave it at the hotel.

-- Say you've pared it down to the bare essentials but it's still a lot of stuff. Divide it between two smaller bags and have someone else carry the other one. Remember what I said though -- the more you carry, the longer it takes to get through Security.

-- Did I mention you should leave everything but the essentials in your room and travel light?

I could go on all day about why it's better to carry less to the parks, but you get the idea. Now let's talk a little more about security and personal safety, which I already touched on above. At the World, it's very easy to get the warm, cozy feeling of being away from the real world causing you to let your guard down. The truth is that criminals can be found everywhere you travel. This is not to say that WDW is a hotbed of criminal activity, because it most certainly isn't. Disney security does a great job and as vacation resorts go, it's pretty darned safe. Unfortunately things can still be stolen if left unattended. It's extremely unlikely you'll be a victim of any sort of crime at the World, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to let down your defenses, does it? Would you leave a backpack unattended at the mall, for instance? Would you leave your car unlocked in the parking lot? Of course you wouldn't, and you should follow those same rules at the World just like you would at home. Keep this in mind when you consider leaving something unattended in your stroller in the parks, okay?

For more information about what to take to the parks with you, please read AllEars.net's What to Tote Around the Parks pages.

Lecture over. Have a safe, happy and unencumbered trip to the World!

A.A.

Eddie writes:

Hi Anita. I love your hard work. It keeps us informed on all the new and old that we didn't know in anticipation of our upcoming trips.

My question is about the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show in Epcot. How do they get the giant barges, especially the one with the rotating earth on it, into the World Showcase Lagoon? I've walked all around the lagoon several times and I can't figure it out. Does one of the bridges open up, and in classic Disney fashion, do they hide this so you cannot find it? It's been puzzling our minds for a couple of years now. Thanks a bunch, Anita!

Hi Eddie!

As you suspected, the answer is hidden in plain sight. Next time you're in Epcot's World Showcase, take a closer look at the bridge between the China Pavilion and the Outpost, and note the canal that runs between the two toward the backstage area. The bridge lifts and if you're lucky enough (or unlucky enough if you're in a big hurry!) you can see it happen every afternoon as the barges are brought into the lagoon. If you happen to be in World Showcase long enough after the park closes, you'll see them all go backstage again to be set up for the next night's show. Note that this can be difficult to do as the park is usually "swept" of guests before that time, but it's not impossible if you're patient enough and the circumstances are right.

Mystery solved!

A.A.

Dave writes:

I read the info on strollers on AllEars.net, but didn't see this specific item: Are strollers permitted in the lines for attractions? We had read in an older guide book that they were not. We understand that you can't take them ON the rides, but can you use them up until you get on?

Hi Dave!

The old guidebook is still correct. In general, strollers are not allowed in ride queues. There is one exception: The queue for Kilimanjaro Safaris in Animal Kingdom will allow strollers part way through the queue, but you must surrender it a designated point along the route. Cast members will take your stroller from there and park it in an area located near the ride's exit where you can pick it up again as you come out. At all other rides and attractions, you must park your stroller in the closest stroller parking area. Certain walk-through attractions may also allow strollers, so be sure to ask the cast member at the entrance.

For more information and tips about strollers at the World, please read AllEars.net's Stroller FAQ.

A.A.

Molly writes:

We just had our first visit to Walt Disney World. We loved it! One thing that doesn't really come across very well on the maps is how huge the whole property really is. Can you tell me what the size of the whole Florida property is, and what is that in comparison to a U.S. city so I can really understand the size? Thanks.

Hi Molly!

It's very common for first time visitors to be shocked and sometimes overwhelmed with the size of the Walt Disney World Resort. In actuality, the resort only covers part of the property, which is encompassed by the Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID), the government body that oversees infrastructure, utilities, tax collection, etc.

OK, you asked for it, so here comes the really dry stuff:

RCID is currently approximately 25,000 acres or 38.6 square miles. Until recently, when some parcels of land were divested, it was larger (about 47 square miles at its peak). For comparison sake, the city of Ocala, Florida is about the same size as RCID. The city of Orlando is larger at about 68 square miles. Speaking of cities, there are two cities in RCID: Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake.

More dry stuff:

Of the 25,000 acres, about 18,800 are in Orange County and 6200 are in Osceola County. 2118 acres are owned by RCID, 450 by the State of Florida, and the balance is owned by the Walt Disney Company and its subsidiaries. More than 2/3 of the property remains undeveloped, including about 12,000 acres devoted to the gorgeous Disney Wilderness Preserve. (www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/preserves/art5523.html)

Now I hear many of you asking, "So where do the parks fit in all of this?" Well, since you asked:

The Magic Kingdom is approximately 107 acres, Epcot is 300 acres, the Studios is 154 acres and Animal Kingdom is 500 acres. By the way, the Magic Kingdom's parking lot, at 125 acres, is larger than the park!

OK, that's enough math for this week. My brain is beginning to hurt!

A.A.

Barb writes:

We recently visited the Magic Kingdom and went into Monsters, Inc. I remembered going into that same building in 1989 or 1990 to see a Circle-Vision 360 film, but I can't remember the name of it. Something about America, perhaps? Thanks for all your great informative answers.

Hi Barb!

The correct answer is probably American Journeys, because it fits the dates you supplied.

There have actually been several Circle-Vision 360 films inside that theatre:

-- America the Beautiful ran from November 1971 until March of 1974;
-- Magic Carpet 'Round the World ran from March 1974 until March 1975;
-- America the Beautiful returned in March 1975 and ran until September 1979;
-- Magic Carpet 'Round the World returned from September 1979 until September 1984;
-- American Journeys ran from September 1984 to January 1994;
-- Finally, the last Circle-Vision 360 film attraction in this location, The Timekeeper, debuted in November 1994 as part of the New Tomorrowland redesign and ran (sometimes seasonally) until it closed for good in February 2006 to make way for Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club opened in April 2007.

Trivia Question: What is the actual title of The Timekeeper's Circle-Vision 360 film?

A.A.

Last Week's Trivia Question:

Which well-known Disney Animator/Director/Producer/Writer provided the voice of the Hypothalamus in the Wonders of Life attraction Cranium Command?

Hi everyone!

Lots of right answers this week! Eight Disney Geeks of the Week (ten if you count my friends Mickey and Donald,) had the correct answer, which is of course, the multi-talented Kirk Wise. Highlights of Wise's considerable body of work include directing Disney animated films Beauty and the Beast, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Atlantis: The Lost Empire. Animation credits include Oliver and Company and the Great Mouse Detective. He served as executive producer of Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, and as a writer on Atlantis, Oliver and the Lion King. Busy guy!

The Disney Geek of the Week salute goes to readers Catherine, Ken, Kevin, Denise, Glory, Leslie, Randy and George (and Mickey and Donald, of course!). Thanks, everyone!

A.A.

That's it for this edition!

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