BEYOND THE THEME PARKS

ANITA ANSWER
Archives

12/22/08
--So, What About Leap Year Birthdays?
--Can One Person Get Everyone's Fastpasses?
--What Has Happened to the Yeti?
--What Is That Large Building Behind the Canada Pavilion?
--Magic Kingdom Parade and Show of the '90s?
--What Is This High Tech Dining Room Device?

12/15/08
12/8/08
--What Is This French Toast Dish?
--Park Purchases, Fireworks and Lights
--How Strict Are the "Birthday Rules" for the New "Celebrate" Promotion?
--A New Fairy Ride in the Magic Kingdom?
--What Is This Epcot Ship?
--One Last Time Before Christmas: How to Buy Park Merchandise From Home

12/1/08
--Best Way to Tote Tickets
--Checking In at a Resort for a Southwest Flight?
--What Are the Sci-Fi Dine-In Movie Trailers?
--Nearest Pharmacy to the Wilderness Lodge
--Will MouseFest and Pop Warner Events Affect Crowd Levels?
--Is There an Age Minimum to Purchase Packages?

11/24/08
11/17/08
--Booking a Room Overlooking the Boardwalk
--How to Tell Who Charged What When a Resort ID is Used
--Christmas Day at the Magic Kingdom?
--Why Can't You Go to a Park from Downtown Disney?
--Automatic Gratuities and Counter Service Restaurants
--What Does "BVG" Stand For?

11/10/08
--A Disney "Big Wig" Book?
--Tusker House and Jiko
--Why Aren't We Able to Walk Through the Castle?
--Why Are the Pepper Market's Prices Higher Than Other Food Courts?
--What Are the Alternatives to Free Birthday Admission?
--New Show at the Hall of Presidents

11/3/08
--The Semi-Annual Refillable Mug Question
--Disneyland Disappointment?
--Does This Question Make Scents?
--Dining on a Steamship?
--Was Barbie Ever at Epcot?
--Restaurants with Organic Foods on the Menu?

10/27/08
--The Path between Epcot and the Studios
--It's Holiday Shopping Time! How to Purchase Park Merchandise from Home
--Which Resorts Have Only One Bus Stop?
--What Is That White Plastic Card on a Lanyard?
--Stroller or Pediatric Wheelchair for a Disabled Child?
--Where to Rent a Car on Property

10/20/08
--Dining at Crockett's Tavern?
--Is Changing Resorts Mid-Trip a Good Idea?
--What's Going On When Cast Members Show a Slip of Paper and Switch Places?
--When Does Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade Begin Daytime Performances?
--Will Universal Tear Down Dueling Dragons for Wizarding World?
--Who Is the Candlelight Processional Celebrity Narrator on Christmas Eve?

10/13/08
--Who Lives Behind the Magic Kingdom?
--License Plates on the Sci-Fi Dine In "Cars"
--Anita's Annual Holiday Crowd Predictions 2008
--If You Knew Sushi...
--The Demise of Pal Mickey/Will He Still Work in the Parks
--Harry Potter Coming to the World?

10/6/08
--Is There a Lounge at the Wilderness Lodge?
--Characters That Can't Sign or Stamp/A Hunchback of Notre Dame Show?
--YoMD: Can You Still Send in Postcard Entries?
--When Are the Summer Crowds Lightest?
--What Is the Difference Between the Dining Experience and the Dining Plan?
--Best Place to Get Sushi at the World?

9/29/08
--Treasure Hunts at the World?
--Is Park Admission Necessary to Dine at Cinderella's Royal Table?
--No More Characters at the Garden Grill?
--How to Get a Christmas Tree for Your Resort Room
--Fort Wilderness Movie Schedule
--Who Is the Voice of Teddi Barra?

9/22/08
--When Does the Holiday Decorating Commence?
--Looking for a Wooden Leg Named Smith?
--More, MUCH More on Those World Showcase OmniBuses
--An Old-Fashioned Phone on Main Street?
--Name of Soap Store at the Grand Floridian?
--Two Tracks at Everest?

9/15/08
--Parking Fees: How Many Times Per Day to Pay?
--Where Is Roy O. Disney's Statue Located?
--Castle Dream Lights for 2008?
--What Happens in Stormy Weather?
--A Mardi Gras Parade at French Quarter?
--Where Is This Hidden Mickey Located Inside the Haunted Mansion?

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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 and see if your answer is waiting, and be sure to check out my blog, Anita Talk. Meanwhile, I'm All Ears!

Bob writes:

Hi, Anita! I noticed that some of the Halloween Party nights are referred to as "Premium Dates" and these cost a little more. Can you explain the difference between these Premium Dates and any other nights the Halloween Party is happening? Is there more to do, or longer hours perhaps? Thanks, and have a magical day!

Hi Bob!

The only thing "premium" about these "Premium Dates" is exactly that -- the dates. These are the dates of the Not So Scary Halloween Parties that Disney expects to be the most heavily attended. On those dates, they can expect people to be willing to pay a higher price for tickets to those parties. The other nights are discounted to try and boost the number of tickets sold for the less-heavily attended parties. Ironically, if you choose a Premium night, you'll pay more to attend a more crowded event. Go figure... Other than projected attendance, there is no difference between the Premium parties and the regular party nights. If it fits your schedule, choose the lower priced nights.

A.A.

Dave writes:

Is there a new land being built at the Animal Kingdom? I was just looking at a satellite picture of the Animal Kingdom, and I'm seeing something I haven't seen before. There's a large cleared area that looks like a construction site. It's just north of Asia and east of the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. I haven't heard of anything, but they're doing something there. Thanks.

Hi Dave!

What you're seeing was a construction site, or to be more precise, the staging area for equipment and supplies used during construction of Expedition Everest. Those satellite photos are not always up-to-date. As far as I know, there is nothing new planned for that particular area of Animal Kingdom.

CAUTION, RUMOR AHEAD

However, People-in-the-Know say the area to watch is in the opposite corner of the park near Camp Minnie-Mickey, and that's all I'm sayin'. This information is only RUMOR, hearsay, and speculation. Nothing has been officially announced by the Walt Disney Company as of yet. It's fun to think about though, isn't it? I mean with the new Harry Potter stuff going in over at that other park and all, and the Pocahontas show closing down soon and WDW's 40th birthday rapidly approaching... you just never know what may happen!

A.A.

Steve writes:

What a great service you provide!

What is the quickest, most direct way to get to Expedition Everest once you have entered the park? My wife and I are both seniors and I have just spent a year on chemotherapy, so short routes are now a priority.

Hi Steve!

Unfortunately, there is no direct or quick route through Animal Kingdom to Expedition Everest. Expedition Everest is located on the far side of the widest part of the Discovery River, and no matter which way you go, you have to go around the water. By locating the attraction in an area somewhat difficult to reach, it conveys the feeling of remoteness, just like the real Everest. The use of forced perspective and color also make the "mountain range" seem much farther away than it really is.

That said, I'd be glad to share my preferred route with you. Your mileage may vary (kidding!) but it seems slightly faster to go from the gate, through the Oasis, and over the bridge to Discovery Island, the colorful village. . Take a sharp right -- pretty much a U-turn, and go toward Dinoland USA. Just before you get to Dinoland, turn left toward the Theater in the Wild (where Finding Nemo: The Musical is performed) and follow the path around past the theater to Everest.

Before you go, I'd suggest looking at the map to get your bearings. Have a wonderful time at the World!

A.A.

CG writes:

Hi Anita. We are flying AirTran to Orlando. Our travel agent said not to put on the luggage stickers until we get to Orlando and that we have to claim our baggage there and put on the stickers before proceeding to Level B. However, in the booklet it states to put the stickers on before we leave home and Magical Express takes care of our luggage. In addition, it states we need to make reservations with Magical Express but the travel agent said no. I am confused! Do you know? Thanks!

Hi CG!

I'm a little confused as well. If you have the Magical Express booklet and yellow luggage tags, then your travel agent has made your reservations for you already. Just to be on the safe side, you may want to call Magical Express (866-599-0951) to confirm those reservations. Reservations are absolutely necessary when using Magical Express.

I'm also confused as to why your travel agent doesn't want you to put the luggage tags on your luggage. If your flight originates inside the United States, put the tags on before you check your luggage in at your home airport. (Flights originating outside the U.S. require passengers to claim their own luggage and go through Customs.) Magical Express' luggage service will claim your bags for you at the Orlando airport and transport them to your Disney resort. You don't have to do a thing with your checked luggage after you check it at the airport. Unless you actually want to go to baggage claim and drag your own luggage to the bus, follow the instructions in the booklet and let the luggage service bring it to you at your resort.

To familiarize yourself with Magical Express and its various services, read All Ears' Magical Express pages here.

Have a fun trip!

A.A.

Bob writes:

What is the name of the hotel by the bus stop at Downtown Disney (by the Saratoga)? Thanks.

Hi Bob!

As you mentioned, Saratoga Springs Resort is near the Downtown Disney bus stops on Buena Vista Drive. The only other hotel, which is located across Buena Vista Drive from both Downtown Disney and Saratoga Springs, is the Buena Vista Palace. The Buena Vista Palace is not owned or run by the Walt Disney Company; however it does sit on Disney-owned property. The property is an LXR hotel, but is an "Official Walt Disney World Hotel."

A.A.

Kelly writes:

Hi Anita! I am a huge fan of your column and look forward to reading it every Monday. My mom and I were in the car listening to a Disney CD when Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee (An Actor's Life for Me) came on. I commented to my mom that it sounded very similar to Yo Ho from Pirates of the Caribbean and she agreed. My question is: Did the song writers who wrote Yo-Ho take the tune from Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee? Thanks a bunch!

Hi Kelly!

I can't find any evidence that connects the two songs in any way, although the tunes are similar in some ways. "Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee" predates "Yo Ho" by at least 27 years, and was written for the film "Pinocchio" in 1940 by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington. "Yo Ho" was written for Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in 1967 by George Bruns and Imagineer X Atencio. It was supposedly loosely based on the sea shanty "Dead Man's Chest" in Robert Louis Stevenson's book, "Treasure Island."

Sorry I wasn't able to help, but if anyone knows more about a possible connection between these two famous Disney tunes, Kelly and I would love to hear about it!

A.A.

That's it for this edition!

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