In his recent article, “Take a Breather,” staff writer Steve Russo highlighted the necessity of allowing for some relaxation time during a Walt Disney World vacation. MousePlanet readers wrote in to share their own tips, and Steve responds in this week’s mailbag.
Gloria writes:
I really do understand your point of view. I feel the exact same way when visiting Disneyland. And the whole reason why I feel (or make myself feel) relaxed at Disneyland is because I do have the luxury of visiting many times (primarily because we live in California).
But for some people, such as I, visiting (or just thinking of visiting) Walt Disney World can be very daunting. My children are 8, 7, and 4, which I think would be a great age to visit Walt Disney World, but I can’t even begin to think where I would start to plan a trip there. There are just so many options for hotels, parks, etc.
So if we were to finally get to Walt Disney World, I seriously doubt that I would rest for a moment; because it is far away and trips there would be too far in-between, every minute of our trip would NOT be relaxing (at least not for me!)
Never getting to, but always dreaming of…Walt Disney World.
I understand your point and, trust me, not EVERY minute of any vacation I’ve taken has been relaxing. There can be a lot of stress in attempting to be sure you have a good time (sounds funny when I read that back but, it’s true). My point is that somewhere, in the middle of the chaos, you need to take a breather. Relax and enjoy.
Mike writes:
Read your article and completely agree. I think some time away from the parks keeps it fresh for the entire trip. Our family of four (including 2 teenagers) takes one day off completely in the middle of our vacation to just sleep in and rest. We catch up on some laundry (this permits packing less), swim, rent the racer boats (they ARE a blast) and then we like to go on a “progressive meal” eating tour of Walt Disney World. Since you are correct about there being so much to see at the other resorts, we try to visit all the ones that sound interesting to us so we can decide if we might like to stay there on a future trip. We visit the food courts and just get one item to share among us, it may be a dessert, could be an entree, etc. Whatever sounds good at the time. It gives a great look into the other resorts, what they have to offer and we enjoy traveling around on the buses, monorails and boats. One also quickly learns how to use the Walt Disney World transportation system to get the best out of it for the future (especially valuable information during those commando runs…) At first our teens couldn’t imagine being away from the parks, but once we did it, they now enjoy driving those racer boats and even asked if we could do it a second day on the next visit!
Too many folks forget there is so much more to do at Walt Disney World than go ride rides at the parks. Makes you want to go up to those poor commando families and let them in on the secret, that there IS a better way to do it… and it would probably result in them not feeling like they need to go on a vacation to recover from the vacation.
Thanks for those kind words. You make some great points and I couldn’t agree more. Finally… somebody else that enjoys “traveling around on the buses, monorails and boats.”
Kelly P. writes:
Thanks for your column–now I can relax even more! I read the first paragraph and realized I hadn’t made my Disney Dining reservations for October. Of course, with the Food & Wine festival, I had to make some Epcot reservations. So, I got on the phone and got most of what I wanted–we’ll be having lunch at Le Cellier, since there are no dinner reservations left. Anyway, thanks for the good advice, and we will breathe easy.
Mike W. writes:
Me again. You missed a couple of our favorites for taking a break in the parks. In Animal Kingdom, one of the best-kept secrets seems to be the eating area behind the Flame Tree BBQ. It overlooks the river and sometimes a boat with a calypso band floats by adding to the ambiance. The food isn’t bad either! In the World Showcase, there is another nice relaxing boat ride at the Mexico pavilion that is never busy. Even the new Three Caballeros overlay doesn’t take away from the relaxation factor.
In our last couple of trips, we make a point of taking an afternoon break back at our resort to just swim or sit by the pool with a cold beverage or two (or three, American beer is good for that). We are then energized to go back and hit the parks in the evening. We have been to Walt Disney World enough times that we don’t need to do and see everything but we do still have our must do’s, and still seem to be disappointed if we don’t get to them several times each. Oh well, just an excuse for another trip.
I’ve heard that tip about the Flame Tree area many times and I’ve yet to try it. I need to make a note for my next trip. I could have written your second paragraph – I feel exactly the same way (even the American beer – I’m partial to Sam Adams).
Joel writes:
You are right on with this article, especially the section about resting while in the park. After “commandoing” our first few visits to Walt Disney World before we had children, my wife and I learned the hard way to change our style of vacationing after our two children (now 10 and 4) were born. While we often take midday breaks, we’ve found that the proper planning of some of the attractions you mention can be a great substitute if that is not possible.
I was happy to see my favorite ride get some attention – the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) is a no wait ticket to relaxation at any time. It’s especially perfect because of its location around several popular rides. When used in conjunction with child swaps and Fast Passes, it allows one parent and a child to get quite a rest while the rest of the party is experiencing the more wild side of Tomorrowland. It also is a great way to fill up the time while waiting for your Fastpass time to come.
Some of my favorite memories of Walt Disney World over the years are just riding the “PeopleMover” taking in the atmosphere of the park while holding my sleeping infant sons. On every occasion, one nod of understanding between the attendant and myself was all it took for several trips around with no need to disturb my son by getting up. To this day, one of the major highlights of a Walt Disney World vacation for each of them is a trip around the TTA for some private time with Mom or Dad.
Thanks so much for writing. It’s nice to hear from a kindred spirit.
Bruce writes:
I enjoyed your article and it made me feel like I was reading from my family’s own playbook when it comes to pacing yourself at Disney World: the dark rides, avoiding too many reservations, the whole bit.
However, instead of leaving a park for a break and re-entering later the same day, we tend to spend an entire day or two away from the parks. One thing we really take advantage of is visiting the Disney Resorts, such as the Boardwalk area, as you mentioned. It took us a while to figure out that you are allowed (even if staying offsite) to visit any resort by telling the gate attendant you are just visiting and showing identification. Touring the unique architecture, having a meal or just shopping at their stores is a great way to spend some time. The parking is free so you don’t have to spend a dime if you don’t want to. And who knows? You may even find a resort you’d choose to stay at some time.
Yes, resort touring is a well-kept secret. Let’s not tell anyone. It can be particularly nice if you can swing a visit during the Holiday season when the resorts are decorated. You could easily spend a day.
Though not directly related to his article, Steve responds to some questions from a reader about an upcoming WDW trip.
Carrieann R. writes:
On our last visit to Disney we were celebrating my husband’s birthday and he received a button from a CM at our hotel. My daughter and a friend will be coming with us this May as a high school graduation gift to the both of them. Are there Magical Wishes buttons for them?
Also, will “Lucky” the Dino be coming back to Animal Kingdom or will he stay in Japan?
I’m not familiar with “Magical Wishes” buttons. Is that a specific type or phrasing on the button? What I do know is that you can stop into Guest Services at one of the parks and request a button. I know they have them for Birthday, Anniversary and First Visit. I’m not certain if they offer one for a graduation but it doesn’t hurt to ask. I have heard of at least one story where a graduate was given a set of Mickey ears with a tassel but, obviously, there are no guarantees. Good luck with it.
I’m sorry but I know of no plans to bring Lucky back to Disney World. Most recently, he was sent to Hong Kong Disneyland for their grand opening in September 2005.
