Discovering Disney World Tours

Nancy Disney Vacation Planning, What to Do at Disney World , , , , , 2 Comments

One of the things we enjoyed the most on our recent Disney World trip occurred on the last day, and was something new for us. We took the Undiscovered Future World tour at Epcot. Having previously done the Keys to the Kingdom tour at Magic Kingdom, as well as the Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot, we have found that there is lots of fascinating information shared “behind the scenes”, and so we now try to do a new tour every couple of visits, as the budget will allow.

If you have never had the opportunity to take any of the great tours at Walt Disney World, let me just say that the 3 that we have taken are well worth the cost. Having said that though, it is important to know that there IS a cost, and some of the tours are not cheap. And the cost for most is in addition to park admission (so be sure to ask when reserving to be prepared). But there is a huge variety in the Disney tours, as to subject, length, and cost, so there really is something for nearly everyone. Especially for folks who travel to Disney regularly, tours are a great way to learn some new things and make your visits even more fun!

So, if you want to take a tour on your next Disney World vacation, what do you need to know?

First, you will want to see what tours are available. The Disney World website offers a basic description of each, along with the cost, length, and age restrictions. (And a number of tours do have age restrictions on them: for those that go “behind stage”, you have to be old enough to be ok with what you will see….or potentially not see, if you get my drift…. 🙂  )  I also found Allears.net to be helpful for additional information, reviews, and details like the fact that some tours offer discounts to Disney Visa cardholders, Annual Passholders, DVC members and more. (Note that her prices are not current, however: for up-to-date pricing refer to the Disney World website, or ask when calling to reserve).

Some things to think about as you decide on a tour are the weather forecast (many are outside, and you might want to consider, for example, a forecast of temps in the 40s when you book a Segway Tour), time of day and day(s) of week offered, and again, age restrictions.

Once you know which one you want to do, call 1-407-WDW-TOUR to make your reservation. Note that you will be paying in advance, however there is typically a 48 hour advance notice for cancellation to receive a full refund. Make note of what time you need to check in, and where: typically check-in will be 15 minutes or so before the tour starts. Inquire also about early admittance to the park, if your tour is at one of the parks, as many start before the park is officially open. Similar to early admittance for a character breakfast, you typically will enter at one designated turnstile, after giving the castmember your name.

And speaking of early admittance be sure to allow plenty of time, if using Disney transportation, to get from your resort to the park.  🙂

So, let’s talk about the tour that we took. The Undiscovered Future World tour is offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 a.m. We were asked to check in at Guest Relations (left of Spaceship Earth) by 8:45, so in order to make certain we were not late, we were at our bus stop at Saratoga Springs at 8. 🙂

Once we signed in, we were given headphones so that we could better hear our guide as we toured the parks. I’m not a big headphones fan, but these were comfortable to wear, and really helpful, especially as we walked around outside. And when inside and not needed, we had the option to turn them off if we wished.

As to the Tour itself, well it was 4 hours long…and included lots of walking, as we visited nearly all of Future World. So comfortable shoes were definitely a must!

Our guide first started with a history of Walt Disney himself, and then gave the background and initial plans for Epcot. And then we began visiting most of the pavilions, where he offered a great deal of interesting background information, and details, many of which I am embarrassed to say that I just never really noticed before. For example:

  • There are two “sides” to Future World and they are color-coordinated, with the walkways, signage, even the benches being either blue on one side or green on the other. This was specifically designed to help in providing guests directions: rather than saying “east” or “west” (which no one can figure out anyway), folks are simply directed to the “blue” or “green” side.
  • The balloons in the Land Pavilion actually depict the 4 seasons (hence the name of the eatery “Sunshine Seasons”), and the 4 sections of Sunshine Seasons eatery actually are color-themed to each season. Take a look at the details for the “Autumn” section (notice the color scheme and fall leaves pattern on the table?):
  • The mosaic that you see as you enter the Land pavilion depicts the layers of the earth.
  • And so much more!! In fact, one major thing that I will always remember from this tour was to always “look up and look down” because pretty much everything you see is there for a reason. And those reasons are usually pretty cool!

We also had the chance to go “backstage” a few times as well, to see behind the magic, and that part is just as interesting. For example, we visited where the costumes are kept, we saw some of the animatronic figures in the Universe of Energy pavilion, toured the shop where the Test Track vehicles are serviced, and finished the tour where the Illuminations barge was being prepared for that night’s fireworks extravaganza.

And then at the end, we each received a pin. 🙂

While not free, I truly recommend budgeting for some of Disney’s tours as a wonderful way to add some additional magic to your Disney World vacation!

Disney Fun From Around the World: Week of January 10, 2011

Nancy Disney Fun From Around the "World" , , 0 Comment

Happy Weekend Disney friends! Our weekly blog roundup is back to Saturdays now, with the addition of our new Friday writers. 🙂 I found the usual great sampling of fun and interesting Disney information from the Disney blog world, just the thing to warm you up if you have been experiencing lots of snow and cold. So grab a nice hot beverage, sit back, and enjoy!

Let’s start with our good friends over at Chip and Co. who shared one of the Best Things I Love About Disney – The ‘Friendship’ Boats and then offered a new Disney Confidential: Fantasyland, Pirates, and the Dream. Jen discussed something I have wondered about, as I do not currently have a Droid or iPhone…and after reading this, am not sure I need it at Disney….Disney Droid Apps? I Don’t Need ‘Em! Finally, Lisa discussed how she is now Rethinking Disney Souvenirs

Kelly from Disney Guru (and now “our Kelly” too!) provided some helpful information with Tuesday’s top 10 things I learned while at Disney World and Money Saver Monday!! Deluxe dining and value resorts

The folks at Growing Up Disney had a very interesting, and touching Team Post: Favorite WDW Attraction EVER

Studios Central shared some very valuable information for Eating vegetarian in Hollywood Studios

I loved this very touching post from The Disney Driven Life: THE GIFT OF MAGIC. Usually we think of surprising children with a Disney trip…but sometimes grandparents are excited to go too. Be sure to watch the video of the surprise at the end. 🙂

Do you do matching shirts on your Disney vacations? The Relocated Tourist does. She tells The Story of the Same Shirt

And last, but absolutely not least, Bob at the Disney Dispatch had one of the funniest articles I have read in a long time…and very timely, as I am a current sufferer: Disney Post-Partum Depression. Apparently there are lots of us Bob: support group anyone?

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

Disney’s Pop Century Resort: Hustle Over For Savings

Guest Affordable Disney Vacations, Disney Vacation Planning, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Accommodations , , , , , , 7 Comments

I am so excited to announce the addition of some new writers for The Affordable Mouse! Going forward, our Friday post each week will be written by one of 3 very talented…and very Disney-loving ladies. This week, please welcome Kelly (who also happens to write for her own blog, the Disney Guru). Take it away Kelly!

The most fabulous thing about Disney is that there is something for everyone! No matter what your budget or taste there is sure to be a Disney resort that is just right for you. Personally, my lodging experience has taken me through every resort category except for Disney Vacation Club. I have always enjoyed each and every stay while on Disney property.

As you begin to plan your next or first Walt Disney World vacation, besides the time of year you choose to visit, where you choose to stay is one of the most important decisions you will make. Both the time of year and resort location can dictate how much money you save on your vacation.

Are you thinking about saving? Think value…..

While there are a fair share of deluxe and moderate resorts on property think about the value of staying at a value resort. Disney Pop Century Resort is my personal favorite resort on Disney property. This resort has the ability to take you back in time through American pop culture.

Similar to other value resorts on property, Pop Century Resort is divided into themed sections. Each section represents a decade spanning from the 1950’s through the 1990’s. Within each themed decade building is memorabilia that relates directly to that time period. The pop memorabilia is sure to give you some childhood flashbacks. Buildings are adorned with phrases and larger than life icons from each time period.

Like all things Disney, one of the values of staying at Pop Century is the extra attention to small details. Beginning with Classic Hall, the main building, you get the feeling that you are walking into a museum. From the “Hustle” playing on the radio to the nostalgic shadow boxes perfectly aligning the lobby walls….you are sure to take a trip down memory lane. Also included in the Classic Hall building is “Everything Pop”, the resort food court and resort shop.

Be sure to have your camera ready! Once you check in and you make your way through the grounds of the resort, you will be greeted by larger than life icons of the past. Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, a 3-story tall big wheel, giant sized rubix cube and Play-Doh are amongst some of the icons you can plan to see on the trip to your room. Say cheese!!!

Pop Century does have rather small rooms but they just went through a refurbishment that includes some really nice additions to help make your stay more magical and spacious. The refurbishment includes removal of wall paper and boarder. As a result a new blue accent wall was added behind the beds. Also, brand new Mickey themed bed spreads with the decade theme have been added. This and the blue wall give the rooms a very clean and warm feeling as you enter your room. Check out the new carpet that has been added….you may see some hidden Mickey’s in it. Disney also removed the old-fashioned TV’s and replaced them with flat screen TV’s…this also allowed for a new TV hutch. Now looking at the new hutch some may think that they lost space, but with some good organization I feel that I gained space. Disney also saw the need to add some hooks in the room; you can now hang up to 5 towels or hoodies on the hooks that are just outside the entrance to the vanity area in your room…yay!!! Last, my very favorite refurbishment is an addition of a curtain to separate the vanity area from the sleeping quarters. Thank you Disney!! We spoke and you listened!!! The addition of the curtain give the vanity area a more private feel, this allows one to use this area as a changing area or a way to filter out light while you get ready and some are still sleeping.

There are two room types at Pop Century. You can opt for a king bed or a room with two doubles. Each room comes with a TV, a seprate vanity or dressing area which includes and open wardrobe area, a small dresser/hutch, and a table and two chairs. You are able to get high-speed internet but no Wi-Fi. The cost for internet is $9.95 per day. Just like all other Disney resorts, mousekeeping is in full swing at Pop Century resort. On some of my most recent stays, I have noticed that upon check in I already have towel creatures waiting for me in my room….how fun is that?

To go along with the pop culture theme, Pop Century has 3 great pools!! Each pool is themed appropriately for the decade it resides in: a bowling pin pool in the 50’s section, a flower power pool in the 60’s and a computer themed pool shared by the 80’s and 90’s. The 70’s section does not have a pool but does have a giant sized game of Twister….be sure to check that out and again, have your camera ready!!

If you like a special beverage while on vacation take a stroll over to Petals Pool Bar…they can whip up some groovy concoctions!!!

Last and certainly, not least, is the food court at Pop Century. I have been on Disney discussion boards for years and “ Everything Pop” (the food court) always gets high praise as one of the best if not the best food court on Disney property. You can to find items such as, sandwiches, salads, pizza, pasta, Asian cuisine and bakery items. A few of my personal favorites are the Tie Dye cheese cake, and chicken Mediterranean flat bread….yummy!!! In addition to a plethora of food choices you will also enjoy their drink refill station, there are plenty of pop fountains to for you to choose from. Around the corner from the bakery the Disney channel plays on a screen for kids. The kids can enjoy some relaxation time on the carpet while you have some relaxation time on the chair. 🙂

What about the transportation?

Pop Century resort has a great bussing system. I just love the fact that there is a line for each stop, this keeps all of the patrons in order 🙂 . We have stayed there 5 times and have very rarely ever waited over 10 minutes for a bus. Another great feature is that this resort does not share buses with any other resort…yay!!

Rates for the Pop Century Resort range from $82 per night during value season to $160 per night during peak season, like holidays.

When you stay at Pop Century you are sure to save a ton of money and yet you do not have to forego any of the Disney magic while doing it. Hustle your way to the Pop Century….you are sure to have a groovy time!

Kelly, her husband, and three children live in the Chicagoland area. Kelly has been traveling to Walt Disney World since the age of two. She considers Walt Disney World to be her primary vacation destination.  With 20 plus trips under her belt she still enjoys researching and learning new things about the most magical place on earth! Kelly began Disney Guru in August of 2010 with the vision of sharing fun vacation tips and magic with all fans of Disney World.

Wordless Wednesday: A Sweet Disney Steed

Nancy Wordless Wednesday , , , , 0 Comment

Meet LuLu. She is/was one of the carousel horses this past Christmas season at the Beach Club. Having amazing decorations at many of the resorts is a Disney World tradition, and one of my personal favorites is the Beach Club carousel. Partly because the detail is amazing (check out the not-so-subtle shout out to Beaches and Cream’s Kitchen Sink on her back). Partly because I have always loved horses and carousels. And partly because I love chocolate even more.

And LuLu is/was made of chocolate. Completely.

Be still my heart. 🙂

But what I REALLY want to know is: What happened to all that chocolate when the Christmas decorations came down????

Memories of a Magical Disney World New Year

Nancy Christmas Holidays, Disney Vacation Planning, Travel Tuesday Tales, What to Do at Disney World , , , , , , , 8 Comments

So we had a wonderful time on our Disney vacation. 🙂

We tried new things, were blessed with amazing weather, and had the chance to share precious family time. We laughed, we sang, we clapped, we ate, we walked (and walked and walked), we were moved, we were silly, we learned new things and met new people….

In short, we started 2011 off in the most magical way.

As I have thought about doing a trip report for you, I realized quickly that I can’t do ONE because it would be a book! So instead, over the coming weeks, I’ll share different aspects of our trip that will hopefully help you in planning your next Disney vacation.

Today, I want to share a few highlights, along with some new things that this veteran Disney vacationer experienced on our trip to Walt Disney World:

First, we found a few “non-obvious” places for fireworks and parades. I have heard this recommended before but somehow we never actually did it. On this trip we did. We watched the Christmas parade over in Frontierland, right in front of Pecos Bill’s (having just finished lunch there) and had no problem finding a front row space to watch…on the day before New Year’s Eve. Likewise, we watched Holiday Wishes on one of the pathways that lead to the Tomorrowland bridge….it winds down below The Plaza Restaurant and there was literally no one there. Great view, and Tinkerbell flew right over us.

We went to Epcot for New Year’s Eve prepared to stay the entire day…which we did. While we might have been able to leave for a break and then return, based on the perfect weather and corresponding crowds, we decided not to chance it. We knew what to expect and took it very easy, keeping things low key and relaxed. Our daughter decided to try out the Kim Possible phones and had a blast (more on this in a coming article). I took advantage of places to relax when available. We found a place for the NYE fireworks EARLY, took turns blanket sitting, made friends with people from Brazil who were right next to us….and celebrated with them when it was the New Year in Brazil (which was before us).  In fact, welcoming a New Year with people who were literally from around the world seemed like the best possible way to celebrate…and we think that Walt Disney would have approved. 🙂

We were a bit lazy on New Year’s Day. We started with a late breakfast at Cape May buffet and then DD and I enjoyed a VERY special belated Christmas present from Santa: we went to the Grand Floridian spa. 🙂 If you ever have the chance to splurge on one thing for yourself….do this. You deserve it.

DD then joined DH at Magic Kingdom where they pretty much walked onto every ride there. Surprise for us: crowds practically disappeared starting on New Year’s Day, so it ended up being a very productive attraction day. After spending the afternoon taking pictures, I joined them for dinner at ‘Ohana, and then we returned to Magic Kingdom for the evening. Main Street Electrical Parade, Holiday Wishes….and riding Big Thunder Mountain in the dark all were perfect ways to end the perfect Disney day.

On Sunday we went to Hollywood Studios and those of you who were following along on our Facebook page know that we had a 5 minute wait for Toy Story Mania! We were there before park opening, and at rope drop, our DD went to Tower of Terror and apparently got the first FastPasses of the day there while DH and I went to get in line at Toy Story. We were entering the building as she arrived. Everyone else apparently went to get FastPasses for this ride, so the FastPass return time for TSM grew rapidly…while the stand-by line grew much more slowly. This strategy allowed us to ride/see everything we wanted to see before lunch. In the afternoon, we headed to ESPN Zone on the Boardwalk to cheer on our Steelers…and meet some really fun folks while there. 🙂

And I changed one of our ADRs again! At the last minute! Seeing that we were likely to be at ESPN Zone all afternoon, and then heading back to Hollywood Studios for the Osborne Lights in the evening, I decided to change dinner to the Captain’s Grill at Yacht Club since it was nearby, and I’m so glad that I did….it was amazing, in fact probably my favorite dinner! Once again, proving my motto for this trip: “Change is Good”. 🙂

Oh….and pictures of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights truly do NOT do them justice. If you love Disney World, put this on your bucket list!

For our last day, we returned to our favorite park, Epcot, and took the “Undiscovered Future World” tour. I cannot recommend this tour enough! Interesting, and fun, we were able to see some “behind the scenes” places, and ride Soarin’ again. And we learned a lot of fascinating details, not the least of which was to always “remember to look up and look down” because there are a lot of cool things to see that most of us normally miss because we’re so busy running to the next ride/attraction.

And then we left to return home. 🙁

Any Disney vacation goes so quickly, doesn’t it? It seems like you plan for an eternity (and for many of us that planning does last months or years even!) and then it finally arrives…..and in the blink of an eye, it’s over. But the memories remain, and that of course, is the true magic of Disney.

Then the planning starts all over again!