Disney Debunked

First of all, this page is meant to be a guide to help you reduce your rampant stress levels that can arise while traveling, in particularly at the Walt Disney World Resort outside Orlando, Florida. I began this project after reading so many bad reviews on the internet pf people who had terrible experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort. Most of their complaints could have been avoided if they had only done a bit of research before visiting. I can't promise that following this guide will save you money or shoe leather, however, it might make your trip a little less stressful and a bit more pleasant. Enjoy!

A Quick Overview of Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is a resort located in the heart of Central Florida. It is just outside of Orlando within the counties of Ornage, Osceola, Polk, and Lake. At 47 square miles, the entire island of Manahattan could fit into it... TWICE! There are four theme parks, 27 hotels, 2 water parks, and several other themed areas.

The Parks:

• Magic Kingdom is the original park, which opened in 1971. Filled with seven themed lands and enough attractions to keep you occupied for hours and hours on end. It's not just a kiddie park, like people want to call it.

• Epcot is the most under-rated park of the four. Having two very distinctive sections: Future World and World Showcase. People generally look at Epcot and say "why would i want to walk around those countries?" Simple. If you're at least 21, World Showcase can be the most enjoyable place because of the potent potables. Yes, Epcot is the place to drink around the world. Starting in Mexico and working your way around, you can get a different kind of beer, wine, or whatever in every single country!
• Disney-MGM Studios lets you experiemce the thrills of the movie industry and is not to be confused with it's Orlando neighbor, Universal Studios. Please don't call it "MGM", especially to a Cast Member. They work for Disney, not MGM. MGM does not own the Disney-MGM Studios. Disney, in fact, has a partnership with MGM to use their name, logo, and scenes from their films. The partnership will never expire, contrary to rumors. The park is also not called "Disney's MGM Studios" as Disney does not own MGM.
• Disney's AnimalKingdom brings out the explorer in us all. Yes, they have animals. No it's "Nahtazuh", as the ever-clever motto states. It's so much more.

Water Parks:

• Disney's Blizzard Beach is themed as a melted ski resort with its own summit and chair lift.
• Typhoon Lagoon is more laid back and themed as an island that's been hit by a typhoon (a tornado over water) It isn't unuasl to hear the soft sounds of Jimmy Buffett as you float along the lazy river.

Other Areas

• Downtown Disney is home to three areas:
  • Pleasure Island is party central. Every night is New Year's Eve. 7 different clubs for one price!
  • Westside upscale and contemporary shopping district with large chain stores
    • DisneyQuest indoor theme park with all virtual reality attractions
  • MarketPlace Walt Disney World texclusive themed shopping district
• Disney's Boardwalk located at the Boardwalk Inn, Disney's Boardwalk is a boardwalk like that of Atlantic City in the 1930's without the diving horses.
  • Jellyrolls a dueling piano bar where you request it, the performers play it and everyone sings along. Tons of fun! One of the best bars in all of Florida!
  • Atlantic Dance is more of a venue than anything. Contemporary music dance hall that no one ever goes to. Normally only gets the overflow from Jellyrolls.

The Hotels: ***note*** Disney also operates several villa resorts, a campground, and vacation ownership opportunities. Many other hotels are located on Disney property, however, they are not owned by Disney.

• • All Star Music Resort
  • All Star Sports Resort
  • All Star Movie Resort
  • Pop CenturyResort
• • Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Coronado Springs Resort
  • Port Orleans Riverside Resort
  • Port Orleans French Quarter Resort
• • Animal Kingdom Lodge

  • BoardWalk Inn
  • Contemporary Resort
  • Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Polynesian Resort
  • Wilderness Lodge
  • Yacht Club Resort

    • Beach Club Resort

      Do's and Taboos

      This is not where i say which attractions to see or skip. I don't believe in that. I believe that if you solely base your trip on someone else's plans then you don't get the trip YOU want. You get theirs.

      • The number one complaint i have always heard is about the crowds.
        • DON'T - go during peak season. Check online or call ahead to find out when these times are. If your kids have time off from school, chances are so does everyone else's kids. And they have the same idea as you.
        • DO - IF possible, plan your trip between September and November or January - February. It's more quiet than other times.
        • DON'T - yell at Cast Members if a line is long. It's not their fault!
        • DO - Use FASTPASS!!
          • About FastPass - It's free! Use it! Don't complain to Cast Members about the FastPass line getting into an attraction before you. It's called a "Stand-by" line for a reason. FastPasses can be obtained at all of the most popular attractions. Use your park ticket to obtain one. It's one ticket = one FastPass. Not one per family. If a child doesn't have a ticket, he or she does not need a FastPass. FP reduces the wait time at the most popular attractions by utilizing virtual queueing. Your time window to return to the attraction will be printed on it. It may be an hour later or it could be several. I have seen the machines giving out FP times at 10 am for ride times at 7 pm. It all depends on how busy the park is. You cannot have more than one FP at a time. (Although, there are some exceptions.) You couldn't go to Epcot and get a FP for each attraction as soon as you walked into the park. For example: You could get one for Soarin. The FP will have your return time as well as the time you can get your next FP printed on it. EXCEPTIONS: You could get one at Epcot for Soarin that would be later on in the day, ParkHop to Magic Kingdom and you would still be able to get another right away. That's because you're at a different park. Again, FP is FREE. USe it! ***NOTE*** Attractions are only alotted a certain amount of FP per day and they could be out by the time you get to the machines. In that case, use the stand-by queues.
        • DON'T - smoke in the parks.
        • DO - Use the designated Smoking Areas. All Disney Parks, Water Parks, Trams, Buses, Hotel Rooms, etc... are Smoke-free. Be nice to the non-smokers around you. and use the designated areas. Ask a Cast Member for the closest one before lighting up. Non-Smokers are Non-Smokers for a reason. They don't smoke. and they certainly don't want to inhale your second-hand smoke.
        • DON'T - complain about the weather to the Cast Members. Again, it's not their fault that it's raining.
        • DO - take your own poncho. Buy them before you get to the parks. They're way expensive in the parks and can be purchased at WalGreens or Wal-Mart for a tenth of Disney's price.
        • DON'T - be afraid to talk to the Cast Members. They know or can find out ANYTHING pertaining to the WDW Resort. They are friendly and very willing to help you out.
        • DON'T park strollers along walls or leave them under awnings. They will be moved. Disney prides itself on the safety of its Guests, first and foremost. Strollers left unattended are always moved to the nearest stroller parking area.
        • DON'T be upset if your stroller is moved while in the stroller parking. Look around, it most likely got pushed forward by a Cast Member. Strollers get pushed forward in parking areas because otherwise, they would be backed up everywhere. People, in general, do not look around for parking anywhere. They go to the first place they see.
        • DO - take your own snacks. While coolers are not allowed in the parks, your own food is. Not only can you save money that way, you can bypass lines at the counter service restaurants. You've got your own food while everyone else waits.... and waits... and waits.
        • DON'T take your own drinks.
        • DON'T drink from the water fountains. They're normally hot.
        • DO - get those little packets of drink mix and take with you. Little known fact: Every counter service restaurant gives out free cups of ice water. No matter the size of cup.
        • DON'T go to the parks just to ride rides.
        • DO - see shows, visit the characters, enjoy the fine dining. The shows are some of the best you'll see outside of Broadway. WDW is not just rides. If you're a hardcore coaster enthusiast, you may not be as happy at WDW than you would at Islands of Adventure or Busch Gardens.
        • DO use times guides. they tell you everything.
        • DON'T yell at Cast Members.
        • DO take time to explore the parks and hotels.
        • DON'T be afraid to have fun. (that's mainly for the teenagers who think that Disney World is uncool)
        • DO stop by Guest Relations. Talk to them about your trip, whether good or bad. ASk for their help. Compliment the Cast Member who went out of their way for you. Let them set up dining arrangements for you. (this can also be done by any table service restaurant for any restaurant)
        • DO learn things. Learn about Walt Disney, himself.
        • DON'T miss "One Man's Dream" at the Disney-MGM Studios
        • DON'T call it "MGM"
        • DO compliment the Cast Members on jobs well-done. Cast Members are very proud of what they do. Let them know that you appreciate them.

          • • • • DO your research before you go. Check for attraction closings and certain events. The best place to find updated Closings and Happenings is Mousplanet.com