At each Walt Disney World theme park you have the ability to rent either a standard wheelchair that can be pushed, or an electric convenience vehicle (ECV) that the user can drive. Located near the entrance of each park, the Disney rentals are available in limited quantities and are subject to availability. The earlier you arrive in the day, the more likely your chance to obtain a rental.

“Disney Park Wheelchair/ ECV Rental Fees (Prices are subject to change.)

• $12.00 USD per day for wheelchairs at Theme Parks
• $12.00 USD per day plus a $100.00 USD refundable security deposit for wheelchairs at the Downtown Disney Area
• $50.00 USD per day plus a $20.00 USD refundable security deposit for ECVs at Theme Parks
• $50.00 USD per day plus a $100.00 USD refundable security deposit for ECVs at the Downtown Disney Area

Disney Theme Parks offer a length of stay rental ticket where you make a one-time payment transaction for as many days of rental as you will need. Wheelchairs are available for $10.00 USD per day when rented for multiple days. Upon visiting a Disney Theme Park, show your receipt at the wheelchair rental location and you will be expedited through the queue with a reduced wait time. The length of stay rental option is not available or valid at Downtown Disney”

There are rentals available from outside companies that may have lower prices. However for someone who can walk some distance but occasionally needs a little extra help, I find the Disney option excellent. There’s a learning curve when it comes to navigating the bus system from a chair, that other guests don’t always understand. For myself, being in an EVC at the park, allows me the opportunity to be pain free and walk back to the hotel at the end of the night.

You don’t need to slow down on your Walt Disney World Vacation just because you or a loved one has a problem with mobility. All Disney theme parks are wheelchair friendly with convenient rentals to make your time as a guest filled with pixie dust.

Source: WDW Guest Services

Here’s our list of items to consider:

Forms of payment: Cash, credit card, Key to the World card or Disney gift card — whatever it is you’re using for food and souvenir purchases. Just don’t bring your ENTIRE wallet or your checkbook. That way, if something gets lost, it won’t be a huge hassle to get things canceled out and replaced.

Health insurance card: You never know what could happen. Carry your health insurance card and the information for your family members, too. Laminate them if you plan on going on water rides.

Cell phone: If you’re a smartphone addict, follow these tips from Disney EveryDay.com to adjust the settings on your phone for optimum battery life. Or take it a step further and invest in a smartphone case with extra battery life.

Camera: If you want more pictures than what you can snap on your cell phone, go ahead and bring your camera. Make sure it’s charged up, and don’t forget that memory card! Or, you can use Disney’s PhotoPass service, in which case you’ll need to keep your PhotoPass card with you for your entire visit.

Sunscreen and lip balm: Even cloudy days harbor potential sunburns at Disney World. Invest in a good sunscreen for your family with a high SPF to keep the UV rays at bay. There’s even some new sunscreens on the market that work even when skin is already wet – genius! And don’t forget some lip balm with SPF, too.

Sunglasses, hat and/or visor: Whatever you require as additional sun protection. If you’re not wearing a hat, remember to put sunscreen on the part of your hair!

Water and snacks: Yes, you can bring your own food and drink into Disney parks — just no glass containers or alcohol. Be sure to bring a water bottle that you can refill at the numerous water fountains around the parks.

Poncho: Small, packable ponchos are available at your local discount store. Pack one for everyone — Florida is known for sudden, quick showers.

Sweatshirt or light jacket: During the cooler months, or even during the middle of summer in a frigid restaurant, an extra layer can come in handy.

Backpack or tote: Ladies, a shoulder bag that can allow you to go hands-free will be much better than a hobo-style bag. Your shoulders will thank you! We even hear that fanny packs are back in style. Hmmm….

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a top pick for teens.

If you’re the parent of a teenager, then you know that sometimes, teens can be a little “too cool for school” when it comes to Disney World. They might view it as a place for babies and little kids, and loudly declare it as such.

But the good news is that Disney World has done an excellent job of adding attractions that teenagers will love. Here’s our list of top attraction for thrill-seeking teens at Disney World.

Magic Kingdom:

It’s not just for kids. There’s a whole mountain range, in fact, plus the crowd-pleasing Pirates and Haunted Mansion attractions that teens will love. Our top picks for teens in the Magic Kingdom:

Splash Mountain

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Space Mountain

Haunted Mansion

Pirates of the Caribbean

Epcot:

Epcot has done a great job adding some major thrills for teens with Test Track and Mission: SPACE. And Soarin’ is just fun for everyone.

Soarin’

Test Track

Mission: SPACE

Hollywood Studios:

Hollywood Studios might just be your teen’s favorite park. With two major thrill rides down Sunset Boulevard, plus an awesome car stunt show and a newly reimagined Star Wars attraction, what more could they ask for?

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Star Tours- The Adventures Continue

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

Animal Kingdom:

At Animal Kingdom, your teen will have a chance to meet the Yeti AND a whole lot of angry dinosaurs. They’ll enjoy going on a safari, then getting SOAKED on Kali River Rapids!

Expedition Everest

Kali River Rapids

Kilimanjaro Safaris

DINOSAUR

And don’t forget Disney World’s water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon,  for some wet ‘n wild thrills for your teen.

Toddlers can meet characters, but can also ride plenty of rides!

Traveling with a 1-, 2-, or 3-year-old toddler to Disney World? Character meals, meet-and-greets, parades and fireworks are all things that kids and adults of any age can experience. But what about real, actual rides? Here’s our list of top attractions for toddlers at Disney World.

Magic Kingdom:

Much of what’s toddler-friendly at Magic Kingdom resides in Fantasyland. Start your day out here, then take a ride on the railroad and the magic carpets!

• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – Fantasyland
• “it’s a small world” – Fantasyland
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Fantasyland
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Fantasyland
• Mad Tea Party – Fantasyland
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic – Fantasyland
• Peter Pan’s Flight – Fantasyland
• Country Bear Jamboree – Frontierland
• Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin – Tomorrowland
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – Tomorrowland
• Tomorrowland transit Authority Peoplemover – Tomorrowland
• Astro Orbiter – Tomorrowland
• Walt Disney World Railroad
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Adventureland

Epcot:

Much of Epcot is geared toward thrill-seekers and adults. But there are still some attractions that your toddlers will love.

• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
• Journey into Imagination with Figment

TODDLER TIP

Loud noises like fireworks can turn a toddler into a tantrum. Consider bringing kid-friendly ear-plugs or noise cancelling ear-muffs.

• Spaceship Earth
• Living with the Land
• Circle of Life
• Gran Fiesta Tour

At Animal Kingdom:
Animal Kingdom is very toddler-friendly. Take time to see all the animals, and see these attractions:

• Kilimanjaro Safaris
• Finding Nemo the Musical
• Festival of the Lion King
• It’s Tough to be a Bug!
• TriceraTop Spin in Dinoland U.S.A.
• The Boneyard in Dinoland U.S.A.
• Conservation Station and Affection Section– take the Wildlife Express Train to meet animal experts and experience a petting zoo!

At Hollywood Studios:

Much of the rides at Hollywood Studios are for big kids and adults — but there’s still much to do! Take your toddlers to these:

• Voyage of The Little Mermaid
• Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
• Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D
• Disney Junior — Live on Stage!
• Toy Story Mania
• “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure

If you’d like to know more about visiting Disney World with toddlers, our friends at WDW Strollers have put together a FREE email guide to teach you all about it. Just sign up for their mailing list in the box to the right and they’ll send you the guide, plus other valuable information to make your Disney World trip a complete success.

]]> http://www.disneyworldbasics.com/2011/02/best-disney-world-rides-for-toddlers/feed/ 0 http://www.disneyworldbasics.com/2010/11/disneyquest-interactive-indoor-theme-park/ http://www.disneyworldbasics.com/2010/11/disneyquest-interactive-indoor-theme-park/#comments Sun, 07 Nov 2010 01:32:41 +0000 Kristen Heptinstall http://www.disneyworldbasics.com/?p=346

Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold

DisneyQuest is a great place to take the whole family for a day of interactive fun. What is DisneyQuest? It’s a unique concept that Disney debuted in the late 1990s. It’s 5 stories of interactive attractions, including virtual reality games and recent and classic arcade games.

DisneyQuest is located at Downtown Disney’s West Side, close to Cirque du Soleil La Nouba. It’s open fairly late — Sunday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

If you opt for the Water Park Fun & More option on your Disney World ticket package, then entrance into DisneyQuest is included. Otherwise, expect to pay $36-$42 for entrance into the indoor theme park. Depending on daily attendance levels, late-night tickets are sometimes sold for half-price two hours prior to closing each night.

You’ll start out your visit to DisneyQuest with a special elevator ride to the 3rd floor, with Genie as your guide. Be sure to pick up a map if it’s your first time visiting.

Some of the most popular attractions are Invasion! An ExtraTERRORestrial Encounter, on the 5th floor; Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam and Buzz Lightyear’s Astroblaster, on the 3rd floor; Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride and CyberSpace Mountain, on the 2nd floor; and the Virtual Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, on the 1st floor.

We especially recommend Pirates of the Caribbean, a slightly newer attraction with 3D shooter technology similar to Toy Story Mania at Hollywood Studios, as well as CyberSpace Mountain, where you design your own roller coaster, then ride it!

Interspersed among these larger attractions are classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger and Tron; plenty of sports arcade games; and newer games like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. And of course there’s crowd-pleasers like air hockey, pinball machines, and skee-ball.

See more about the attractions at DisneyQuest.

Disney World is home to two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during season, and both have one day of extra magic hours each week. Locker rentals are available, and it’s advised to wear water shoes or flip-flops if you’ve got ‘em! Keep in touch with Disney’s park hours, though — both of these parks usually close for a month or so for renovations during the colder months.

Typhoon Lagoon's Giant Wave Pool

Typhoon Lagoon
Typhoon Lagoon is the older of the two water parks, and opened in June 1989. It’s located in the Downtown Disney area, just across the street from Downtown Disney’s West Side. Here, the theme is storm-ravaged tropical — a typhoon visited the area once, perching the Miss Tilly shrimp boat on the top of Mount Mayday, now home to may water slides.

Here, the main attraction is the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool — the world’s largest — with 6-foot waves. Guests 8 and older can even take surf lessons before the park opens!

Crush ‘n’ Gusher is a newer addition to the park, where up to three guests at a time can experience a wet and wild rollercoaster-like water slide experience.

Typhoon Lagoon also boasts 9 water slides, a children’s play area, the Castaway Creek lazy river, and the Shark Reef, where you can snorkel with real sharks, rays and schools of fish in a saltwater tank!

Click here for more info about Typhoon Lagoon.

Blizzard Beach's Death-Defying Summit Plummet

Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach is Typhoon Lagoon’s younger brother, and opened in April 1995. It’s located closest to Animal Kingdom, not far from the Coronado Springs Resort. The Blizzard Beach story is that a freak Florida snowstorm caused some forward-thinking entrepreneurs to build a popular ski resort; but when the warmer temperatures came back and the snow began to melt, they turned the resort into a massive water park. Brrr! The centerpiece of the park is Mount Gushmore, with ski lifts and a ski jump that’s been “turned into” a water slide.

Blizzard Beach is known for its multiple thrill water slides. Teamboat Springs is one of the world’s longest family raft rides, with rafts that hold 4 to 6 guests.

Not for the faint of heart, the Summit Plummet is a 120-foot slide where guests can reach 50 to 60 MPH as they plunge toward the pool below (did someone say “water-wedgie?”). Several other thrilling water slides call Blizzard Beach home.

Blizzard Beach also boasts the Cross Country Creek lazy river, the one-acre Melt-Away Bay wave pool, and two different children’s play areas.

Click here for more info about Blizzard Beach.

Which One Should You Visit?
While both water parks offer a relaxing, cooling respite from the other theme parks, they offer very different activities for families! Typhoon Lagoon offers more family-friendly options, while Blizzard Beach has great options for dare-devils! We always suggest you keep an open mind and try both!

Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge.

Disney World veterans know that there’s more to life than burgers and hot dogs while at the World. Fine cuisine can be found all around the theme parks and resorts. So here’s a primer on the crème de la crème of Disney World cuisine.

All listed below are 2 table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan, unless otherwise noted.

Artist Point, located in the Wilderness Lodge. Evoking the tastes and feel of the Pacific Northwest. Famous for its seasonal Copper River salmon.

Bistro de Paris, located in Epcot’s World Showcase. (Not available on the Disney Dining Plan.) Authentic French cuisine — the brainchild of three of France’s most decorated chefs: Paul Bocuse, Roger Verge, and the late Gaston Lenotre.

California Grill, located in the Contemporary Resort. Located atop the Contemporary Resort with a spectacular view of Magic Kingdom fireworks, the menu changes often and gets great reviews.

Citrico’s, located in the Grand Floridian Resort. Fresh, upscale American dining. Great steaks, seafood, and famous for its Tropical Fruit Creme Brulee.

Flying Fish Cafe, located in the Boardwalk Inn. Seafood is the name of the game here. It has a fresh, whimsical, carnival-like atmosphere.

Hollywood Brown Derby, located in Hollywood Studios. A replica of the famous Hollywood landmark, the food here is top-notch. Famous for its Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake.

Jiko, located in Animal Kingdom Lodge. A highly acclaimed taste of Africa, with an extensive South African wine list. The signature entree: Oak-Fired Filet Mignon with Macaroni and Cheese and Red Wine Sauce.

Canada’s Le Cellier Steakhouse, located in Epcot World Showcase (2 credits for dinner starting March 2011, 1 credit for lunch). It’s almost impossible to get a reservation here, so book early. Famous for its bread service, Canadian cheddar cheese soup, steaks, and maple creme brulee.

Narcoossee’s, located in the Grand Floridian Resort. Upscale, but casual, located on the Seven Seas Lagoon with an excellent view of fireworks and the Electric Water Pageant. Surf and turf is the name of the game.

Victoria and Albert’s, located in the Grand Floridian Resort. (Not available on Disney Dining Plan). The most critically acclaimed restaurant in Florida, with a AAA five-diamond rating. This is the place for a truly special meal experience.

Yachtsman Steakhouse, located in the Yacht Club Resort. Known for its hand-cut steaks, this is the place to go for meat lovers.

This post is part of the DisMarks Disney Blog Carnival! Check it out for more great Disney-related content and information.

If the standby wait time listed is short, there's no need for a FASTPASS.

One of the first things a Disney World newbie should learn about when planning a trip is Disney’s FASTPASS system. Utilizing the FASTPASS service can dramatically lessen the amount of time spend waiting in lines at the most popular attractions in the four theme parks.

Disney’s FASTPASS is a way to “reserve” a 60-minute window of time during which you can return to the attraction and experience it with a minimal wait time. And the best part is that there’s no added cost, though you may feel like a VIP as you receive the velvet rope treatment and get to saunter pass hundreds waiting in line, especially on busy days!

The first question Disney World guests usually have is, “How does the FASTPASS system work?” And the next is, “Which attractions offer FASTPASS?” We’ll answer both of these questions here.

The FASTPASS system works with your park ticket, or for guests staying on Disney World property, your Key to the World card. The first thing you’ll want to do is look for the “Disney’s FASTPASS Distribution” sign outside your attraction of choice. Then, check the return time listed on the display above. That time tells you when you can return to experience the attraction if you choose to get a FASTPASS.

So, for example, if you arrive at Space Mountain at 10 a.m., and the return time listed is 12:30 p.m., then you can put your card in the FASTPASS machine, and it will spit out a paper card telling you that you can return between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. for your minimal wait. Then you’re free to experience other low-wait attractions or grab a bite to eat while you wait for your return time window. When you return, go to the FASTPASS line, show the cast member your FASTPASS ticket, and you’re free to go — you VIP, you!

Keep in mind that FASTPASSes are only good for the day of issue. Also, there’s a limit to how many you can have at one time. Be sure to look at your FASTPASS for the next time you’ll be allowed to get another one. Don’t waste time trying to rack up a bunch of FASTPASSes at multiple attractions because they will not be valid.

A tip: You can send everyone’s ticket or Key to the World with one person in your party to get FASTPASSes for everyone.

The following attractions offer FASTPASS, though keep in mind that attractions sometimes add or take away the FASTPASS option based on popularity and season.

* denotes FASTPASS recommended.
** denotes FASTPASS highly recommended.

Animal Kingdom:

*DINOSAUR
**Expedition Everest
It’s Tough to be a Bug
*Kali River Rapids
*Kilimanjaro Safaris
Primeval Whirl

Epcot:

Captain EO starring Michael Jackson
Living with the Land
Maelstrom
*Mission: SPACE
**Soarin’
*Test Track

Hollywood Studios:

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
*Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Star Tours
**Toy Story Mania!
*The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Magic Kingdom:

**Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
*Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
*Jungle Cruise
*Mickey’s PhilharMagic
**Peter Pan’s Flight
**Space Mountain
**Splash Mountain
*The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade at the Magic Kingdom.

The Christmas holidays are a very special time at Walt Disney World, filled with special events in and around each of the four theme parks.

Magic Kingdom events

Magic Kingdom is host to the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party featuring Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. This is a hard-ticket event held only on certain dates. You’ll need theme park admission plus your ticket to gin entrance into this special event, where you can sip on cocoa and much on Christmas cookies, take in the parade with Santa himself, see the special Wishes holiday fireworks, meet and greet with characters, take in special shows, and much more.

Every year, part of the “Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade” is taped at Magic Kingdom a few weeks prior to Christmas. Either go and enjoy, or stay away to avoid the crowds!

Click here for info and prices for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Epcot events

Epcot plays host to the Candlelight Processional, held at the American Gardens Theatre three times nightly. The story of Christmas unfolds daily during this event featuring various celebrity narrators, a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra. While no extra tickets are needed for this event, you may want to book a special Candlelight Processional Dinner Package to ensure a good viewing location.

Holidays Around the World is another special Epcot event, where you can hear local holiday customs and folklore from around the world. Cap it all off with a special Holiday IllumiNations show.

Hollywood Studios events

Hollywood Studios is home of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. There’s a special story behind the event’s origins – as all the lights were originally shipped in from an enthusiastic Arkansas family – the Osbornes! Millions of lights twinkle and delight every night from Nov. 8 through Jan. 3. It’s not to be missed!

Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney events

Animal Kingdom is home to the Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade and Santa Goofy’s Holiday Village. Both of these are included with park admission. And finally, Downtown Disney is home to Festival of the Seasons, where you can pose for photos with Santa himself!

Click here for info about all of the special holiday events for 2010, including dates and ticket info!

Resort displays

Aside from special events at the theme parks, you can also check out beautiful holiday decorations at the resorts! The Contemporary Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge and all the rest are always decked out in their holiday finery. Some even have beautiful gingerbread house displays. This is a great no-cost way to enjoy some holiday cheer, even if you don’t have theme park tickets!

Holiday treats and meals

And who can forget special holidays treats? Only during Christmas time can you get special treats like holiday-flavored fudge, homemade candy canes, and special cookies, brownies, chocolates and more! Click here to see what you can expect.

Several Disney restaurants also serve special holiday menus. Click here to see some top picks for special holidays meals at Disney World.

We hope you have a wonderful time during the magical Christmas holidays at Disney World!

This post is part of the DisMarks Disney Blog Carnival! Check it out for more great Disney-related content and information.

Enjoy Crepes or Escargot in France

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is a yearly celebration of food and spirits from around the world, running in 2010 from October 1-November 14. This year, the festival is celebrating its 15th anniversary, and they’ve pulled out all the stops!

At the festival, you can try food, wine and beer at international booths situated around the Epcot World Showcase; attend free and low-cost seminars on food and wine with renowned chefs; and indulge in decadent meals from around the globe at culinary events at various Walt Disney World restaurants. Then you can top it all off with one of the nightly concerts – Sugar Ray, Air Supply and Boyz II Men are just a few artists who will visit the Epcot America Gardens Theatre stage.

Here’s more on what you can expect:

International marketplaces:
More than two dozen international booths will be set up around the World Showcase Lagoon, showcasing cuisine from around the world. Small plates will be available for purchase – some of which will be eligible as snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan. New this year is South Korea, Belgium, and Charcuterie and Cheese booths. You can also get a Marketplace Discovery Passport and receive stamps from all of the booths! Click here for Food and Wine Festival Booth Menus.

Free and low-cost events:
Culinary demonstrations and food and wine pairing seminars will be held daily for as little as $8 per person, with booking for the general public available Aug. 28 (Tables in Wonderland members and Annual Passholders can book on August 26th). And there are many free events to take advantage of, such as book signings and author meet and greets, bottle signings, short films and seminars. Click here for information onFood and Wine Festival free and low-cost events.

Special culinary events:
These more pricey events are for those wanting to truly indulge in a food experience for the senses. Booking for these events began on July 20, so hurry and get your spot reserved (call 407-WDW-FEST). Whether you’d like to get a taste of the festival before anyone else (Delicious Discoveries First Bites, Sept. 30, $195), experience a night with Cat Cora herself (Celebrating Family & Friends in the Kitchen at Kouzzina, Oct. 29, $140) or feed your cheese obsession (Cheese seminars, Saturdays, $75), there’s something for every foodie. Click here for 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events.

Eat to the Beat! Concerts:
Each night, various artists will play concerts at the Epcot America Gardens Theatre. Showtimes are 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. nightly. Taylor Dayne starts off the concert festivities from Oct. 1-3, while Big Bad Voodoo Daddy pulls up the rear from Nov. 12-14. In between are a host of artists such as Jon Secada, Taylor Hicks, Sister Hazel and more. Click here for the 2010 Eat to the Beat! Concert Schedule.

Hopefully that helps lay out what you can expect from the 2010 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival! You can keep you to date with the Disney Food Blog’s index page on the festival here! Or check out the 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Guide and Map!

Be sure to follow us over on Twitter (@DisneyBasics) to discuss your Food and Wine Festival plans!

This post is part of the DisMarks.com Disney Blog Carnival! To read more great Disney posts or learn how you can be part of the carnival, click here!