Trekeo

Sorry for the delay in postings.  Stephanie had a major battle with sciatic pain and was down for a few weeks.  With trying to work full-time and run the entire Longyear operation, I (Scot) had little time to post.

Steph is feeling better, just in time for our family vacation to Disney World.

Normally Stephanie has every detail planned to the minute.  While that has not been the case, she is still way ahead of the game. We have Ridemax installed on the laptop, so we can update our plans during the week. 

We will keep you up on what we learn.  I can tell you one thing from 1st hand experience; my wife is Queen of Disney.  As the ultimate tour guide, we see and ride in 3 hours what it takes most people a full day to see.  They zig, we zag.  They look at a map on main street, we are getting off of our 2nd and 3rd rides.  Lucky for me, I get to hang out with her.  How does she do it?  Ahh, stay tuned trekeo grasshoppers (and crickets); you shall learn all things in good time.

by Dave Wetterstroem

Stephanie: I found these tips for newbies on the DISboards and loved them. Dave says that he comes across a number of people that are going to Disney for the first time or have not been for a long time and they ask him for some tips. He decided to gather up a top ten list for Disney newbies and have them printed out to give to people who ask. I think Dave did a great job giving newbies just the right amount of information. Not too little. Not too much. Great job, Dave! Thanks for sharing with us at Trekeo.

1. Research – You will likely be spending thousands of dollars on your Disney Vacation. Spend some time researching your trip. Get maps so you will know your way around. Pick up a touring guide like the Unofficial Guide to Disney World. Check out bulletin boards like DISBoards, they can be invaluable and have lots of Disney experts that are happy to help you have a Magical trip. On these boards you can find out everything from menus to information about hidden Mickeys.
2. Have a Plan – Choose your dates trying to avoid holidays. Once you have your dates, chose which park you want to go to each day. Consult the calendar on the Disney website for current hours. Disney hours are not the same everyday and can change often. Disney also offers Extra Magic Hours for Disney resort guests. These times allow resort guests only in the park before and after the non resort guests may enter. These can make the parks extra busy on the day that a park has an EMH. Decide before getting in the park which rides you want to do first, second and third and know where these rides are at. This will save a considerable amount of time trying to figure out where to go. There are also pay sites like TouringPlans, Tour Guide Mike and RideMax. Considering how much a trip costs spending an extra $20 for some great advise is cheap.
3. ADR – Advance Dining Reservation. If you want to eat at a sit down restaurant while at Disney World you should have reservations. ADR’s can be made 90 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Most of the better restaurants will fill up quickly and not take any walk up requests for dining. There are also many Counter Service restaurants that don’t take reservations. Eating early will lesson the crowds, as there is a huge difference in the lines from 11:30 to 12:00.
4. Park Hopping – If you want to go to more than one park on the same day you need a Park Hopper ticket. You cannot just use an extra day from your Magic Your Way ticket to hit 2 parks in the same day. If you are unsure that you will use park hopping, don’t get it but put the money aside (currently the hopper option is $50 per ticket for your entire stay whether it is one day or 10) and then if you need to add the hopper option you can upgrade at any ticket booth or even at your Disney resort. If you don’t end up hopping you just saved a considerable amount of money that you can spend on that stuffed Mickey you have been eyeing.
5. Transportation – Getting around the parks is easy, but can take a while. Buses, monorails and boats go between resorts and theme parks and from theme parks to theme parks but not from resorts to resorts. Allow for 30-60 minutes to get from a resort to a theme park and a bit longer to get from one resort to another. Disney’s Magical Express provides free airport transportation to and from Disney resorts. (advanced booking for DME is required)
6. Rope Drop – Disney gets crowded. The earlier in the day you start your tour of the parks, the more you will get done. If you get there 30 minutes before the park opens for the day you will be at the turnstiles when they open 15 minutes before the park opens. From the turnstiles you will be held inside the park by a rope. When the park officially opens for the day they remove the rope and you may then proceed to the attractions. You will get more done in the first hour than you will in the next 3 hours and more done in the first 3 hours than you will the rest of the day.
7. Fastpasses – They are free and are included with your park admission. You get a Fastpass by inserting your Key to the World card or park ticket into the Fastpass machine at the attraction you want the Fastpass for. This will give you a ticket with a return time that will allow you to ride with a minimal wait. You can get a second Fastpass as soon as the return time on the ticket or 2 hours from the time you got the previous Fastpass whichever is less. Fastpasses may be used after the return time that is printed on the ticket but never before the time printed.
8. Take Care of Yourself and Your Group - Make sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause meltdowns and muscle fatigue. If someone in your group starts to imitate Grumpy from the Seven Dwarfs have them drink some water. There are many drinking fountains around the parks but filtered water is also available for free from any location that has fountain drinks. Bring a couple of pairs of comfortable shoes that are broken in. Take a first aid kit with moleskin for putting on blisters and check your kids feet regularly to make sure that they don’t have a blister starting. Extra dry socks are a good idea to take with you into the parks. Medicated powders can be helpful for keeping chaffing under control. If your in pain, your not feeling the Magic.
9. Know your Group – Gear your trip to the needs and interest of all members of your group. Not all people are into big coasters or meeting characters. Plan something for everyone. Also remember that you are only as strong as your weakest link. Young children (some adults too) may need a break in the afternoon whether it is a nap or a swim in the pool. You will then be better rested to hit the parks in the evening. Remember that you can get Fastpasses before you leave that you can use when you get back to the park.
10. Have Fun – Remember that this is a vacation and not a military exercise. You will not be able to see and do everything in a single visit. Slow down and enjoy what you are doing instead of rushing around trying to get it all done. If you miss something, don’t get upset about it. Just think of it as being the reason for your next trip to the Mouse House.

Dave Wetterstroem is from Columbus Ohio. He is known on the DISboards as DaveStroem. While he has only been to Walt Disney World three times he has done a lot of research on the World. During his latest trip he put most of these tips to use and found out the hard way about a few others (it took 1 1/2 hours to get from POR to the Poly for dinner at Ohana).

Photo by PSD.

by Stephanie

What? Can you imagine spending your hard earned money and vacation time for a trip to Walt Disney World only to arrive at the gates of the Magic Kingdom and be told, "Sorry folks. The park is closed. The Mouse out front should have told you."

The Magic Kingdom has closed twice this week already due to the park reaching capacity. I am hearing reports that this has also happened at Epcot. What does it mean when they close a park, how is it done and what can you do about it?

According to Cheshire Figment on the DISboards:

The turnstile master computer at each park keeps track of both entries and exits. When a park capacity closes (which is done in stages) there has to be a certain number of people exiting, with the total "in park" below a certain number, before they start allowing people in again.
There are four stages to park closing:
Stage 1 – The parking lot entrance is closed. You can only access the park if you are using Disney Transportation.
Stage 2 – The ticket windows are all closed (and the automated Ticket Vending Machines are turned off). Unless you already have a ticket you cannot get in.
Stage 3 – Only people with Annual Passes or current Resort IDs will be allowed in.
Stage 4 – Nobody is allowed in.
Note – having restaurant reservations in a park, even with written proof, will not override a stage closing for you.
Also, if you are staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort and have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry into A park. Not necessarily the one you want (unless you want to go into AK). And if you have entered and left a park and do not have a hopper you may not get into anything.

I’m not sure what the actual capacity at each park is. There seem to be some conflicting numbers out there, but once a park reaches capacity the above measures are taken until capacity drops and the park is reopened. I’m not sure which is worse being turned away at the gates or being in a capacity crowd at the park waiting in line for hours to ride your favorite rides. The pictures I have seen of the crowds this week are unbelievable.

How are some tips to help you either avoid the crowds or deal with them.

1. Don’t travel during peak season – to avoid the overwhelming crowds all together travel off season.

WDW is the busiest at these times: President’s Week (February), Spring Break (mid April – mid July, worst weeks surrounding Easter), Memorial Day Weekend, Summer Break (mid June – mid August, peaking at the 4th of July), Thanksgiving week, Christmas Break (week before Christmas – first week of January).

WDW is slowest at these times: January, February (except President’s Week), Fall (after school starts, except Thanksgiving week), between Thanksgiving and Christmas (week after Thanksgiving to week before Christmas).

2. Arrive at rope drop – arrive at the park before it opens. You will be insured entry into the park and it will not fill to capacity most likely until afternoon which means less crowds to deal with in those first few hours.

3. Use the Fast Pass system – You can avoid long waits in ride lines even during peak season if you understand Disney’s Fast Pass system and use it wisely. Please click here to watch my video explanation of the Fast Pass.

4. Have a plan – if you must travel during peak season, have a plan. I have used several planning tools over the years. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. Over the next few weeks I will review the following for you: The Unofficial Guide, TouringPlans.com, Tour Guide Mike and RideMax.

by Stephanie

I love to travel and I love a good deal. When I can marry the two it’s like a symphony to my ears. Can you hear it? If not, I am here to help you with three tips for getting a great deal on a hotel room.

Watch my video on Expo and then come back for some more details. None of this will make sense without seeing the video.

1. Use Priceline to book your room. Look midway down on the left side of the page for the name your own price section. Click bid now under the hotels heading. Enter your information on your city and dates and click bid now. Check out the possible areas of the city you can bid for on Priceline.

2. Don’t bid blindly. Go to BetterBidding or BiddingForTravel.com to learn about successful bids in your chosen city. On both these websites travelers post their successful wins on Priceline. You can benefit from their experience.

3. Use free rebids. If your first bid on Priceline is unsuccessful, you have two options. You can either wait 24 hours and try again or you can bid again immediately if you change one of the following variables: dates of your stay, star level or location. Usually my dates are already set and I am fairly committed to trying for the star level I am bidding on. I can change my location using any free rebids available to me.

I will use Orlando as an example. Go to the Priceline name your own price area and input some dates for an Orlando stay and click the bid now button. I’ll wait. Go ahead.

You will see that Step 1 is to choose where you will stay. If you click on each area individually you will find that the Step 2 section, Choose the star level for your hotel changes to reflect the level of hotels offered in that area. I found the following for Orlando:

1. Disney World Vicinity – all star levels available

2. Downtown Orlando – up to 4 star

3. Kissimmee – up to 2.5 star

4. Maitland – Altamonte Springs – up to 3.5 star

5. Orlando Airport – up to 3.5 star

6. Orlando East – up to 2.5 star

7. Sand Lake Corporate Park – up to 2

8. Universal Studios – Sea World – all star levels

9. West Disney – up to 3 star

10. Winter Garden – up to 3 star

11. Winter Park – up to 2 star

I have learned that there are 11 areas I could stay in in the Orlando area. I want  to stay in the Walt Disney World Vicinity. I know that others are getting a 3 star hotel in that area for around $40. I can bid for a 3 star in that area and if I don’t win I have 4 free rebids. Kissimmee, Orlando East, Sand Lake Corporate Park and Winter Park are all free rebids for me because they do not have any hotels available above the 2.5 star rating. That makes them free rebids because I can add them as an area I am willing to stay in, thus changing a variable and allowing me to rebid, but I know I won’t win a hotel there because Priceline does not have any 3 star hotels in that area.

My bidding strategy looked like this:

1st bid – I offered $35 for a 3 star in the Walt Disney World Vicinity – unsuccessful

2nd bid – I offered $36 for a 3 star in the Walt Disney World Vicinity and Kissimmee area – unsuccessful

3rd bid – I offered $37 for a 3 star in the Walt Disney World Vicinity, Kissimmee and Orlando East area – unsuccessful

4th bid – I offered $38 for a 3 star in the Walt Disney World Vicinity, Kissimmee, Orlando East and Sand Lake Corporate Park – unsuccessful

5th bid – I offered $39 for a 3 star in the Walt Disney World Vicinity, Kissimmee, Orlando East, Sand Lake Corporate Park and Winter park- I got it this time. I won 3 star hotel in the Walt Disney World Vicinity, the Radisson Resort Orlando – Celebration. I needed two nights and here is the cost breakdown:

Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: $39.00

Subtotal: $78.00

Taxes and service fees: $18.02

Total charges: $96.02

By using Priceline, not bidding blindly and using free rebids, I got a great deal on a hotel room in in Orlando. I’ll let you know how our stay is when we return.

To see our video review of Walt Disney World for Adults, click here.

As in leaving the kids at home and going to Disney without them. Why not? Scot and I have taken several adult only trips to the Walt Disney World Resort. Our most recent was this past January when Scot ran the Walt Disney World Marathon. I used to think Disney was for kids, but then I found out I was wrong. Way wrong. WDW has a lot to offer for adults. Check out my video to find out some of my favorites things to do sans children.

Do you have any favorite activities as an adult at Walt Disney World. We would love to hear them.

By Scot, Stephanie, Mariah and Madison

For our video review   of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, click here.

The massive Tree of Life is the icon for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. This beautiful majestic tree stands 145 feet tall and 50 feet wide. From a distance it looks very much alive, but on closer inspection it is actually a man made wonder. The trunk has been hand carved with over 325 animals and more than 100,000 leaves have been attached to the branches. You can wander around the tree on the Discovery Trails for a close up view of the Tree of Life and all it’s intricate details. Inside the tree is a great 3D film, It’s Tough to be Bug, that is not to be missed (unless you are a small child who may be frightened by the dark, loud noises and bugs crawling under you).

The Animal Kingdom which opened in 1998 is the newest Walt Disney World theme park. This park gets mixed reviews from my family ranging from loving it to it’s a lame zoo with some good rides. Who likes it and who doesn’t? Read on to get all of our opinions on the park.

Scot: OK, So I wouldn’t say it is a lame zoo, but Animal Kingdom is my least favorite park.  Why do I keep going back?  It has some fantastic rides and experiences.  Here are my favorites, in no order:
1.  It’s Tough to be a Bug
2.  Festival of the Lion King
3.  Expedition Everest
4.  Kilimanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest has the best queuing of all the Disney Parks.  A cast member reported that they sent Disney Staff to Nepal with a large amount of cash and told them to buy up everything they could.  The queuing is the real deal.
Why am I not big on the park?  I’m not a big zoo guy, although Kilimanjaro Safaris is a good ride and depending on the time of year or time of day, you can see some good movement of animals.  Also, there are several rides in the park (and it is a big park) and only a few are my favorite.  Still, I make the trek because my favorite rides are just that good.

Stephanie: I fall in the love it category. I will admit it’s not my favorite park of the four, but it’s unique in what it offers and it has a good mix of animal attractions, rides and shows. The atmosphere of the park is great. I truly feel immersed in the things around me – the sights, sounds and smells. I quickly forget that I am in central Florida. My favorite attractions are:                                                                                                   1. Expedition Everest – A great roller coaster with some of the best Disney theming ever.                                                                                                                                2. Finding Nemo: The Musical – I love the amazing use of puppetry in this show. I find it very engaging.                                                                                                                3. The Festival of the Lion King – A very high energy show that is a lot of fun. I love those monkeys.                                                                                                               4. It’s Tough to be a Bug – This 3D film is one of my favorite on property because of it’s use of special effects.                                                                                                      5. Devine – This unique performer is a must for me at the Animal Kingdom, but you may have a hard time finding her because she is camouflaged as a vine. I find it interesting that I did not list an animal attraction. I do like the Safari and animal trails, but I guess I just like some other things more.

Mariah: I would say I fall somewhere in between the “love it” and “lame zoo” categories. I enjoy the Animal Kingdom, but one day there is enough for me. I have a few favorites that I can’t go without, but I could skip the rest. Here’s a list of my favorites:                                                                                                                         1. Expedition Everest- This might be my favorite all-time Disney ride. It’s a great thrill, (especially if you sit in the back), and the staging is amazing.                                        2. Festival of the Lion King- I love this show. The Lion King is one of my favorite Disney movies and this show brings it to life.                                                                             3. Kilimanjaro Safaris- Once you enter the safari vehicle it’s like you’re really in Africa. You get to see lions, giraffes, and hippos. Oh my!                                                          4. It’s Tough to be a Bug- This is a funny 3D show that will get you every time. But I can’t tell you too much, I wouldn’t want to ruin it.

Madison: I love the park and the animals. My Top Five are:                                            1. It’s Tough to be a Bug – It’s very funny.                                                                        2. Expedition Everest – It’s an awesome roller coaster.                                                 3. Kali River Rapids – Watch out! You will get wet. Just ask my dad.                             4. Festival of the Lion King – It’s a musical.                                                                      5. Kilimanjaro Safaris – I love to see all the animals.                                                       I really want to see Finding Nemo: The Musical. It looks like a really good show.

It looks like we can all agree on a few things. We all like Expedition Everest, It’s Tough to be a Bug, and Festival of the Lion King. I am the only one who didn’t list Kilimanjaro Safaris, but I really like it. The kids haven’t seen Finding Nemo: The Musical. I think it will soon be a favorite of theirs. So even if it is not my families favorite park, we still have some don’t miss attractions there. Seriously, don’t miss Expedition Everest. We would probably go just to ride it!

By Scot and Stephanie

For our video review of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, click here.

The 122 ft tall Sorcerer Mickey’s Wizard Hat is the icon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios which opened in 1989. Everything at this park seems to change, the icon (once the Earffel Tower), the name (previously Disney – MGM Studios), the parades. It is ever growing and changing which I think is a positive thing. It keeps getting better.

The entire family enjoys this park because of great rides like Rock N’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and now Toy Story Mania as well as things like the Lights,  Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show and the Magic of Disney Animation. Our most memorable experience is one that is no longer available though, Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Disney had a studio set up just like the TV game show where guests could participate. Here is Scot’s take on our experience at the show.

Like a blow of the dice at the craps tables in Vegas, luck strikes the Longyear’s once again. And luck was a lady. Sunday, August 13, 2006 while at Disney’s MGM Studios, we stopped by to view “Who Wants to be a Millionaire (Play It Edition).” This is just like the real deal except that the prizes are not monetary in form and the top prize is not a million big ones, but is a cruise on a Disney Cruise Line (not too shabby). About 400-600 people attend each show. It is professional, flashy, high tech and high energy. Everyone is eligible to get in the hot seat.

The first question is a fast finger question. The fastest person out of the audience gets invited to the hot seat for a chance for fame and prizes. Each person has a keypad in front of them and when the question is asked, they enter the answer. The fast finger question is always a question that has to do with putting the answers in some certain order (like “order these books from earliest published to latest”). To be honest, there is no way to look at the question and put them in order in time, so most of the audience hits four letters at random and hopes for the best. The chances of getting them all in order and being the fastest are, well, highly unlikely.

So, today the host throws some question up about putting Kevin Costner movies in a certain order. When they reveal the answers, I know I am out because I hit the wrong order. They show the correct order and the fastest person, “Seat Number 413″ says the hostess. The crowd goes nuts. I look at my seat number to see if I am sitting anywhere close to the winner. I’m #410. Mariah and Madison are to my right (#411 and #412). Stephanie (#413) jumps up “Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh.”

She immediately turns red and makes her way to the front. I am laughing like crazy. Steph’s biggest fear is speaking in front of groups and here she is, in front of a few hundred people, face on the big screen, answering questions, and hoping for the best. Ahh, it was too much. All this and the added bonus that she would win some prizes for a little kick in the gut to the mouse. All told, she correctly answered eight questions, won a hat (which Maddy wore all around the park), a lanyard , and some rare Disney Trading Pins. Obviously, nothing to cripple the mouse, but again, we take what we can get!

What a memory! Stephanie in all her Disney obsessiveness knows enough to get on stage at the show, which turns out to be her worst nightmare! Do you have any great memories from Disney’s Hollywood Studios? We would love to hear them.

by Stephanie

For our video review of Epcot, click here.

Left: Spaceship Earth is the icon Disney chose to represent the Epcot theme park.  You can’t miss it. Spaceship Earth, often referred to as that giant golf ball, stands 180 feet tall and is 165 feet in diameter. It is impressive from the outside and inside there is actually a ride to check out. The Spaceship Earth ride will take you on a journey through time to see the history of communication. This ride was recently updated to include a touch screen computer screen in each ride vehicle. This update was a fun surprise in my last trip.

Epcot opened in 1982 and was the second theme park opened at the Walt Disney World Resort. Epcot really is divided into two areas Future World and World Showcase.

Above: Living with the Land, The Seas, Imagination! Pavilion, Test Track

Future World is located in the front of the park and I describe it as a hands on, interactive science class. Their are exhibits and rides that explore the land, sea, imagination, space, technology, communication, transportation. Future World is a lot of fun, but watch out you might just learn something.

Above: Madison with her Epcot Passport, The British Invasion, Canada, Vikings

The World Showcase in the back of the park is comprised of pavilions showcasing eleven countries around a large lagoon.  The countries represented in clockwise order from left to right are Mexico, Norway, China Germany, Italy, United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada. You can travel around the world sampling foods, shopping, hearing live music all in the matter of a day.

We have been to Epcot several times, but not until we were adults and went with our children. Our most magical day ever at Epcot was during the summer of 2006 when we were chosen to be Family of the Day.

You can see more pictures and hear all about our experience as Family of the Day at Epcot here. Check it out and let us know about your most magical day at Epcot.

  By Scot, Stephanie, Mariah and Madison

For our video review of the Magic Kingdom, click here.

Left: Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom is probably the most recognizable icon at Walt Disney World. You can’t miss it. Main Street leads everyone directly to the castle and it is the center hub of the entire park.

The Magic Kingdom is the most well know of the four theme parks on the Walt Disney World Resort property simply because it has been there the longest. The Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. I’m sure that a lot of us have childhood memories that include the Magic Kingdom. Here are ours.

Scot: My motto in Disney – "stick it to the mouse."  I come by it naturally.  My Pop is a frugal guy and when it was vacation time, we would get the most for our money, and then some.  When I was in high school, we loaded up the camper and headed south for Spring Break.  On a glorious day, we took in the Magic Kingdom.  When my Dad recovered from the shock of ticket prices, the game was on.  We were on a quest to see and experience everything that Disney had to offer; in one day.  Oh, and forget pre-planning, Tour Guide Mike or RideMax.  This was tour guide Bill.  A Midwestern Dad armed with a map and a resolves to stick it to the mouse.  Man, I love my Pops.

The day was long, but we did it all.  Some of my favorite memories?  One had to be the time my Dad was convinced that the Hall of Presidents was filled with actors, and not animatronics.

Dad [to Cast Member outside The Hall of Presidents]:  "Are those Presidents alive?  They are alive, right?"
Cast Member:  "Some of them."
Dad:  "What?"
Cast Member: "Yea, Regan is alive, Ford is alive . . ."

Case closed.

An even better memory came the end of our long day at Disney.  As the park was about to close, Dad gathered the family and put us in line at Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.  Did I mention that I was in High School?  My brother and I looked at each other and at Dad.  Was he serious?  Did we have to ride this lame ride?
"It’s the only ride we have not yet ridden."  Translation:  "I paid a load of money to get your pasty white butts in this park and I vowed that we would ride every ride.  Mr Toad’s wild ride is the only ride we have not yet completed.  Suck it up boys, Daddy is stickin’ it to the mouse."

Man, I love my Pops.

Stephanie: Well, It’s kind of hard to follow that. Scot has a much better memory than I do and he tells a great story, but I do remember several day trips to the Magic Kingdom while visiting Florida with my family in the 1980’s. The first trip I remember was during my junior high school days and my clearest memory is of the souvenir I purchased, a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt. I proudly wore Mickey on my chest when I returned to school after Spring Break. It was a status symbol to me (that was important to me in Jr. High). Wearing Mickey meant two things.

1. I had been to Florida on Spring Break.

2. I had been to Walt Disney World.

I don’t know how many people I impressed, but I wore it proudly. A lot! Here is picture of me in my Mickey Mouse sweatshirt.

I don’t know why I look so unhappy. This picture was taken at Camp Sky High, a church camp for Jr. High and High School students from Maryland Community Church . Judging by the look on my face I’m guessing it was one of two things.

1. It’s early in the day. You see, I’m not a big fan of mornings.

or

2. My best friend Paula, who I took to camp, was hitting on my future husband Back off, Paula. He’s mine!

Madison: My story is pretty hilarious. We were standing in front of the entrance to Magic Kingdom. I was tired and did not realize that my dad was gone. As you might know, I hug my dad a lot. It was one of those times where I wanted to hug my dad so I hugged him. Well, that is not true, I hugged the person I thought was my dad! Yeah, so embarrassing. He looked at me like I was an alien from a place that does not exist. I was creeped out and turned around. It did not help that my sister and mother were laughing. When my dad came back he wasn’t even wearing the same color as him. The guy did not even look like him.

From now on, I think that I will  make sure it is the right person before I hug anyone!

Mariah: I can’t remember any particular stories from Magic Kingdom, but I do remember one from my visit to Disneyland at the age of three. Ok, correction…I remember what my parents have told me about it. I have always been a fan of Pooh and his friends, so of course when I saw Tigger, I had stop and see him. We waited in line and when it was finally my turn Tigger was very happy to see me. We took a picture and he gave me giant hug, but he wouldn’t seem to let go. A few families in line got tired of waiting for Tigger to let me go and decided to visit with Tigger while he held me. As a result, I am sure a few families have pictures of their kids with Tigger…and me.

How about you? Do you have childhood memories that include visits to the Magic Kingdom? If so, please share. We would love to hear your stories and see your pictures.

by Scot

For Stephanie’s video review of the Walt Disney World Resort, click here.

If I go to Disney World, does that include that animal place?  What about the big castle that I see all the time?  How about that great big golf ball looking thing – is that in the Disney World park.  Ah, grasshopper, so much to learn. 

The Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Fl (USA) is home to four theme parks:

1.  The Magic Kingdom
2.  Epcot
3.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios
4.  Disney’s Animal Kingdom

That may be the Disney World you know, but the Walt Disney World Resort is home to so much more.  There is also tons of Disney-themed lodging, restaurants, shops, Downtown Disney, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, golf courses, and spas.  There are even two water parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Stick around Trekeo and we will break down the Disney experience park by park and ride by ride.  It’s almost as good as being there.  OK, that is a lie, but you can use the information here to beat the system and stick it to the mouse. 

Let me just be straight with you.  If you follow along with the information that will be posted on Trekeo, you will have a better Disney experience, guaranteed (or your money back).  My wife is queen of all things Disney.  She knows the tips, the tricks, the history, and the way to get the most for not only your money, but your time.  Don’t be the tourist that walks down Main Street USA (in the Magic Kingdom) and looks at the map and decides what to ride.  While you are doing that, Stephanie has already come off of Space Mountain for a 2nd time and has fastpasses in hand. 

Check back often as we explore the Walt Disney World Resort.