Recreation

Other ways to be entertained at Disney World (lots to do outside the theme parks!)

New Yacht Sailing the Seven Seas Lagoon

If you're ready for a real adventure, check out the new Grand 1 yacht sailing on the Seven Seas Lagoon ant Bay Lake near the Magic Kingdom. It's a 52-foot Sea Ray yacht, seven feet longer than the "old" Grand 1. You can book voyages for the morning, afternoon and evening. Rates begin at $450 per hour (plus required tax and any tips you might add) for up to 18 passengers. Dining and butler service are available for additional fees.

Of course, the obvious question is this... Why book a cruise? Specialty cruises are very popular at Walt Disney World. The Grand 1 is largest in the fleet. Other watercraft hold only 12 guests, so if you have a large group, such as your family reunion, the Grand 1 is definitely the way to go.

Want to know more? Call 407-824-2682 for details on booking.

Thanks to the Tourism Central Florida blog at the Orlando Sentinel for letting us all know about this upgrade.

Posted by Anne on Mon, 2007-07-30 17:18

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney World

Photo: Entrance to the Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World. Copyright 2006 Anne S. Easterling.It's that time of year... when football fans start celebrating. Training camps have begun... and if you're either a Tamp Bay Bucs fan or just happen to be at Disney World in the new few weeks, head over to the Wide World of Sports!

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back this summer for their sixth year of training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Sessions officially began on Friday (that's July 27 for those reading this post later) and continue through Thursday, August 16.

You can watch practice for free... Just go to the Wide World of Sports, located near the Pop Century Resort. My recommendation (as always) is to use Disney transportation. You should be able to catch a bus directly to the Wide World of Sports Complex from Disney-MGM Studios.

Here's the schedule as posted on the Bucs' web site :

Day Date Morning Practice Afternoon Practice
Friday July 27 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Saturday July 30 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Sunday July 29 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Monday July 30 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 3:55 p.m. (ST)
Tuesday July 31 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday August 1 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Thursday August 2 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 3:55 p.m. (ST)
Friday August 3 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Saturday August 4 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. None
Sunday August 5 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Monday August 6 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 3:55 p.m. (ST)
Tuesday August 7 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 4:50 p.m.
Wednesday August 8 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 4:50 p.m.
Thursday August 9 10:15-11:15 a.m. (WT) None
Friday August 10 New England at Tampa Bay - 7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday August 11 None None
Sunday August 12 None 2:45 - 4:30 p.m.
Monday August 13 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday August 14 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday August 15 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 2:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Thursday August 16 8:30 - 10:45 a.m. None

Visiting the training camp is just one of dozens of activities that are available outside the theme parks at Disney World. For more ideas, check out "The Rest of the World" chapter in the EZ Fun Guide to Walt Disney World , available in our ebook store .

Posted by Anne on Fri, 2007-07-27 10:24

Tours and Adventures

Add Special Adventures

Walt Disney World offers more than a dozen special tours and adventures that immerse guests in the world of magic. If you love the theme parks and want to see how the magic is created, consider taking one of the special tours.

Check off the adventures you’d like to try at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom, or plan one of the children's activities. Be sure to add your selections on your vacation planner.

Tips and Hints

Selecting a Tour

  • With a wide variety of tours, you are sure to find one that is perfect for your group. Talk with your family or traveling companions to see what tours might be of interest to them.
  • It’s tempting to arrange a children’s adventure for the same time as your “grown up” tour. However, most tours start at about the same time in the morning making it difficult to manage.
  • Many tours take place outdoors, so consider weather when making your reservations.
  • Annual Passholders receive a 15 percent discount.

Reservations

  • To find out when each tour is offered and to make reservations, call 474-WDW-TOUR (939-8687).
  • Some tours fill quickly, so call as soon as possible. Have two or three potential dates in mind when you call.

Other Tips

  • Cameras and backpacks are not allowed on some tours. Ask in advance to check what is allowed.
  • Carry your photo ID with you on all backstage tours.

Magic Kingdom Tours

Backstage Magic Tour: The mother of all theme park tours — Seven hours backstage at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios. See how the Disney folks create magic using special effects, art, entertainment, science and technology. Includes lunch. Must be age 16 or older. $199 per person.

The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour: Three hours with steam train engineers as they get the Magic Kingdom trains ready for the day. Visit the roundhouse, and ride the trains. Must be age 10 or older. $40 per person.

Keys to the Kingdom Tour: Visit backstage and several favorite attractions as you learn about Walt’s vision and the history of the park. Four to five hours. Includes lunch. Must be age 16 or older. $58 per person.

Mickey’s Magical Milestones Tour: Two-hour tour through the Magic Kingdom focusing on Mickey’s life. Great for families and Mickey’s fans. Must be age 10 or older. $25 per person.

Family Magic Tour: Two-hour interactive scavenger hunt that tests your knowledge of Disney trivia. High-energy jaunt designed for families with small children. All ages. $25 per person.

Epcot Tours

Around the World at Epcot (Segway) Tour: Two-hour tour on a Segway Human Transporter, an innovative two-wheeled powered vehicle. Includes riding lessons and outdoor tour around the World Showcase. Must be age 16 or older. $80 per person.

The Undiscovered Future World: Four-hour backstage tour that explores how Epcot was created. Great background on Walt’s vision and how Future World was developed. Must be age 16 or older. $49 per person.

Hidden Treasures of World Showcase Tour: Three-and-a-half-hour tour of cultural exhibits in the World Showcase. Focus on how art, architecture and costumes from each country are presented in an entertaining way. Must be age 16 or older. $59 per person.

Gardens of the World Tour: Three-hour tour of the lush landscapes and creative gardens throughout the World Showcase. Learn how to apply Disney’s creative techniques to your own garden. Perfect for gardeners and garden lovers. Must be age 16 or older. $59 per person.

Seas Aqua Tour: Two-and-a-half-hour tour “behind the seas” at the Living Seas Pavilion. After orientation, participants put on wetsuits and spend 30 minutes in the aquarium, home to 65 species of marine life. Includes gear, refreshments, T-shirt and group photo. Must be age 8 or older; guests age 8 to 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. $100 per person.

Epcot DiveQuest: Three-hour unique diving experience in the Living Seas. Includes 40 minutes in the indoor aquarium, during which participants are part of the “Disney show.” Includes all equipment and T-shirt. Must be age 10 or older and SCUBA certified; guests age 10 to 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. $140 per person.

Dolphins in Depth: Three-hour interactive experience with dolphins in the Living Seas aquarium. Participants stand in waist-deep water; no swimming or diving required. Includes photograph with a dolphin, refreshments and T-shirt. Must be age 13 or older; guests age 13 to 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. $150 per person.

Photo: Animal Kingdom.Disney’s Animal Kingdom Tours

Backstage Safari: Three-hour behind-the-scenes walking safari. See how Disney is involved in conservation, and talk with Disney animal specialists about how they care for the animals. Must be age 16 or older. $65 per person.

Wild by Design: Three-hour outdoor tour that explores how Disney Imagineers created the Animal Kingdom. Art, architecture, historical artifacts and storytelling are the focus. Must be age 14 or older. $58 per person.

Children’s Adventures

The following adventures are available for children age 4-10 (or up to age 12 for Activity Centers).

  • Grand Adventures in Cooking: Two-hour indoor adventure. Put on your special apron, decorate your own chef’s hat, and assemble your own kid-friendly treat. Grand Floridian. $25 per person.
  • Princess Tea Party: Morning party with enchanting storytelling, sing-alongs and princess parade. Includes My Disney Girl doll and many special treats. Grand Floridian. $200 for one adult and one child.
  • Wonderland Tea Party: One-hour afternoon party with Alice where little ones decorate their own cupcakes. Other snacks are included. Great for your child’s first “on my own” WDW adventure. Grand Floridian. $30 per person.
  • Disney’s Pirate Adventure: Two-and-a-half-hour morning adventure on the Seven Seas Lagoon during which youngsters search for hidden treasure. Sail on a pirate boat, look with a telescope and follow a treasure map. Includes lunch. Grand Floridian. $33 per person.
  • Children’s Activity Centers: Children age 4-12 can enjoy games, Disney movies, dinner and snacks in their own “club” open evenings. Perfect for parents’ night out. $10 per hour per child. Available at (page numbers reference the EZ Fun Guide book):
      • Animal Kingdom Lodge (Page 84)
      • Grand Floridian (Page 87)
      • Polynesian (Page 88)
      • WDW Dolphin (Page 91)
      • Wilderness Lodge (Page 89)
      • Yacht and Beach Club (Page 90)
Posted by Anne on Sat, 2006-08-12 00:00
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