5-Star Disney
We stalked our sources (some official, some not) to create the ultimate compilation of betcha-didn’t-know Disney playtime experiences for you and your family.
Written by Jenny Fauser
Photo by Dave Kent
1ST HAIRCUTS
Celebrate your little Prince Charming’s first haircut while spending the day at the Magic Kingdom. The Harmony Barber Shop, located near the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., is a cut above the rest. With a signature candy-striped pole outside, the shop transports guests to a simpler time when barbershop quartets entertained and getting a haircut was a real treat. “First Haircuts,” the establishment’s specialty, treats young’uns to pixie dust, bubbles, Mickey Mouse stickers and an extra-special “My 1st Haircut” set of Mouse Ears. Haircuts are $14 for children and $17 for adults. Park admission is required for this experience, but remember, kids under 3 are free.
SEEING STARS
We’ve got the scoop on how you can ooh and aah over the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks without ever strolling down Main Street, U.S.A. The lake at Fort Wilderness offers great viewing of the sizzle in the sky. Get this: They’ve even piped in the music from the park … isn’t that sweet of them? Your evening looks like this: Hit the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review for chow time, grab a sangria for mom for dessert, hoot and holler in the playground afterward, and then settle into your seats on the dock for a nightcap of sparkles and explosive pixie dust. Magical, right?
EXOTIC SUNSETS
For the wild ones in the bunch, prowl on over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for a sunset safari sure to tame even the most inquisitive of minds. Offered only to guests of the lodge, ages 8 and older, the Wanyama Safari gets you practically nose-to-nose with wacky beasts like ostriches and giraffes, to name a few. Grab your bottled water and front row seats as you explore the resort’s three savannahs. Ravish your hunger with a savory South African feast at Jiko — The Cooking Place before returning to your room to hibernate for the evening. The 3 1/2-hour experience, including dinner, is $160 for guests ages 10 and up, and $80 for guests ages 8 - 9. Call 407-938-4755 to make your reservation.
PSST… DON’T PAY FULL PRICE!
Epcot offers an after dinner pass. It’s not overly advertised and doesn’t include parking, but it’s a great asset to have for those much-needed date nights. The After 4 Pass is $139 for ages 10 and up. Perhaps grab an appetizer at BoardWalk then enter the park through the International Gateway entrance. You’ll get to the countries quicker, and, well, parking at BoardWalk is free for those visiting or dining in the area. (wink, wink)
There is also a weekday pass that allows admission into all four parks, good for one year after purchase, for $169. Of course, there are tons of blackout dates with this one, but who wants to be there during peak season, anyway? Check out Disney’s annual pass site for more info. www.disneyworld.com
HULA SHAKE
Aloha, mahalo and a little booty shake. Just outside Magic Kingdom lies Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where complimentary hula dance classes take place throughout the week. If you’re lucky enough, Auntie Kaui, resident hula dancer and seasoned instructor with 50 years’ grass-wearing experience, will be your “kumu hula.” Classes are held right in the lobby … yes, people will be watchin’. Classes are offered Monday - Saturday at 3:45 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. If you’ve got little ones, choose a weekday class when resorts tend to be a little less crowded. Your kids will be super excited to wear the grass skirts and leis — photo op!
UNOFFICIAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR
Forget the annual neighbor stroll to check out the “Griswold” light-fest down the street and head on over to Disney for PLAYGROUND’s Unoffical Holiday Lights Tour — self-guided of course. Park at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to gaze at the gorgeous décor and humongous gingerbread house. Be sure to grab a cup of cocoa at the Gasparilla Grill before hopping aboard the monorail to check out the glitter and glow around the Contemporary. From here, if you still need some holiday cheer, we suggest hitting Disney’s Beach Club via the Disney bus. There you’ll wonder at the life-sized edible carousel.
DIVE RIGHT IN
Forget finding Nemo; find yourself a dive partner, and get on over to Epcot for an underwater experience even Dory will remember. DiveQuest at Epcot is every scuba diver’s dream — no current, unlimited visibility, guaranteed sea life (sharks, pretty fishies, dolphins). The cost, $140 per person, includes a T-shirt, refreshments, a dive certificate and a dive log stamp … making it a legit dive. You must be at least 10 years old and provide proof of SCUBA certification to participate. Don’t show up at Epcot expecting to take the plunge; you gotta make a reservation by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.
HOW TO SURVIVE THE LONG-ASS LINES
Thinking of spending a day at the parks but have angst over standing in the infamous lines with rambunctious kids? If continually telling your toddler to stop taking Teddy Grahams from the kid standing behind him is not your idea of family fun, then grab a copy of The Disney Queue Line Survival Guidebook, written by local mom Kimberly Button. This nifty book of creativity shares interesting trivia tidbits, takes you on visual scavenger hunts at different attractions and offers helpful tips on how to avoid those queue lines in the first place. Keep little minds and hands occupied using the only guidebook that is customized for the queues of Disney’s four major theme parks. www.disneysurvivalguide.com
FABULOUS FORT FUN
Is your inner tree hugger calling you? If so, romp on down to the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. We don’t have to tell you that now is the perfect time of year to get back to nature (before nature gets back to 100 degrees!). There are paths to take, ponies to ride, boats to float, canoes to tip, arrows to shoot and playgrounds aplenty. It’s the perfect place to play together for the day. Fort Wilderness even has a petting zoo; just make sure you take the right “goat-smelling creature” home with you when you leave. If you’re hearing those sleigh bells ring, be sure to snuggle up for a seasonal horse-drawn sleigh ride, now through December 30. Park in the guest lot and let security know you’re there to enjoy the wilderness.
Here’s what you don’t know. Fort Wilderness has the coolest evening entertainment for folks slumbering in the woods. Two open campfires are waiting for anyone craving ooey and gooey s’mores while Chip ‘N’ Dale kick off the hootin’ and hollerin’ with a good old-fashioned sing-along. After the roasting and romping, settle in for a nightly movie under the stars — a Disney flick, of course.
ROLE-PLAY
For the family that wants to shoot fantasy into hyperdrive, sign up for Disney’s Family Magic Tour at the Magic Kingdom theme park. Join family and friends for a 1½- to 2-hour guided interactive quest to save the Magic Kingdom from the dastardly plans of a Disney villain. The tour is best for guests ages 4 to 10, but of course, all ages are welcome. You’ll search for clues high and low while your party plays an active role in the experience. This lively scavenger hunt will foil the plans of the forces of mayhem and save the Magic Kingdom. Upon saving the park, you’ll be treated to a special surprise. YAY! Magic Kingdom theme park admission is, of course, required and is not included in the price of the tour, which is a mere $30 for guests 3 and up. Call 407-WDW-TOUR to make a reservation.
PLAY DATE
Are you shopping for a great play date with your pals? Downtown Disney Marketplace offers a wonderful way to take your toddlers to see the magic, without paying that not-so-magical price. Here’s our circuit. Start with lunch on the dock. The kids love looking at the cool boats. If brown-bagging it isn’t your style, you can get quick serve to go at Earl of Sandwich or grab a Happy Meal at the McDonald’s on property. Next tackle the world’s largest Disney character store, World of Disney. Take note of what the pixies pick up; consider it covert Christmas shopping. Afterward romp around the Lego store playground or adventure a dino dig at the T-Rex restaurant. Finish it off with a yummy sample from Ghirardelli before heading home.
