Tween Boys in Disney World–No Princesses Allowed!

Fairy tales, castles and princesses. Pixie dust, magic wands and snuggles with Winnie the Pooh. A lot of times these are the images that come to mind when you think about visiting the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL.  What many people do not realize is that beyond the world of tulle and tiaras lies Disney World’s alter-ego—the world of ultra fast race cars, roller coasters that send you flying down an 80-foot drop or hurl you forward from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, roguish pirates, haunted mansions, spiraling missions to space, death-defying stunt shows, and fabulously themed, interactive gaming attractions. Enter into the realm of Disney World for ‘tween boys. Toto, we’re not in Fantasyland anymore!

I’ve compiled a list of the most exciting, boy-friendly attractions, shows, activities, and dining experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando in order to dispel the myth that Disney has little to offer for ‘tween and teen boys. With an itinerary filled with such adventures, families with boys who roll their eyes and say, “Disney World is just for girls!” will be yearning for more!

The Magic Kingdom

*Splash Mountain
*Big Thunder Mountain
*Space Mountain
*Pirates of the Caribbean
*Astro Orbiter
*Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor
*Mickey’s Philharmagic (incredible 4-D film experience)
*Haunted Mansion
*Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (interactive, computer animated, gaming experience)

Epcot

Future World Section

*Mission Space
*Soarin’
*Test Track
*Sum of All Thrills
*The Universe of Energy
*Club Cool
*The Jammitors

World Showcase Section

*The Dragon Legend Acrobats in China
*Sergio the Juggler in Italy
*Mo’ Rockin’ & their belly dancer in Morocco
*Serveur Amusant in France
*Off Kilter in Canada

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

*The Rock n’ Roller Coaster
*Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
*Toy Story Midway Mania
*Star Tours-The Adventure Continues
*The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
*Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show
*Disney’s American Idol Experience
*Studio Backlot Tour
*Fantasmic! Nighttime Spectacular

Animal Kindgom Park

*Expedition Everest
*Dinosaur
*Kilamanjaro Safaris
*Kali River Rapids
*Primeval Whirl
*Flights of Wonder
*It’s Tough to be a Bug

There are over 20 different resort hotels on the Walt Disney World property designed to meet the budget of every Disney guest. Resort accommodations range from quirky and fun to luxurious and magnificently themed.  Each and every one is host to truly world-class Disney service, amenities, recreation opportunities, dining, family activities and more. And practically all of them have something fabulous in store for families with ‘tween and teen boys!

Resort Hotels

There are over 20 different resort hotels on the Walt Disney World property designed to meet the budget of every Disney guest. Resort accommodations range from quirky and fun to luxurious and magnificently themed. Each and every one is host to truly world-class Disney service, amenities, recreation opportunities, dining, family activities and more. And practically all of them have something fabulous in store for families with ‘tween and teen boys!

Dining

The Walt Disney World Resort is home to an incredible array of restaurants from family-friendly counter service locations to memorable, signature dining experiences. Below is a list of some definitely ‘tween & teen boy-friendly eateries throughout the World.

Magic Kingdom & MK Resort Area

*The Liberty Tree Tavern (Magic Kingdom)
*Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Café (Magic Kingdom—Counter Service)
*‘Ohana (Polynesian Resort)
*Whispering Canyon Café (Wilderness Lodge)
*Trail’s End Restaurant (Fort Wilderness)
*California Grill (incredible views from the Contemporary Resort)

Epcot’s World Showcase

*San Angel Inn (Mexico)
*Via Napoli (Italy)
*Restaurant Marrakesh (Morocco)
*Teppan Edo (Japan)

Epcot Resort Area

*Beaches and Cream (Beach Club Resort)
*ESPN Club (Boardwalk Area)
*Big River Grille & Brewing Works (Boardwalk Area)
Hollywood Studios & Animal Kingdom

*Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano (HS)
*50s Prime Time Café (HS)
*Sci-Fi Drive-In (HS)
*Pizzafari (AK-counter service)

Downtown Disney Area

*T-Rex Café
*Splitsville
*Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
*Goofy’s Candy Company

Other Activities at Walt Disney World

*A day spent at one of Disney’s water parks—Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach (this may be a must-do with the boys!)
*A day at the Fort Wilderness Resort—fishing, bike rentals, boat rentals (canoes and kayaks at the bike barn and motor boats at the marina)
*The evening campfire and movie at most resorts, but especially at Fort Wilderness Resort (it’s fantastic!)
*Yee Haw Bob—hysterical, vaudeville-style, slapstick piano player in the River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans Riverside Resort
*A round of miniature golf
*The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness Resort (Disney’s longest running dinner show—it is totally corny but an absolute hoot—the boys would love it!)
*An afternoon spent at DisneyQuest in Downtown Disney

Contact Me Today!

The Walt Disney World activities that appeal to ‘tween and teen boys are unlimited and this type of Disney adventure is sure to be one your kids will always remember. I would be thrilled to help you plan your magical Disney vacation! Contact me when you are ready to get started or with any further questions you might have. And as ever, have a magical day!

Gina Vercesi
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC
1-888-762-4142 (toll free)
914-330-6274 (cell)
gina@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com

Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…

The Holidays at Walt Disney World

Every day is MAGICAL at Walt Disney World, but during the holidays at Walt Disney World, the MAGIC is ignited and every inch of the Walt Disney World Resort comes alive with the beauty of the holiday season.

You may be thinking, how can I think about the holidays for 2013 when we it is still winter?    Believe it or not, the holidays book up quickly and I personally have already booked several families who will enjoy the holidays at Walt Disney World in 2013!

Why is it such a special time to visit?   Disney really gets into the festivities with every resort decorated to the nines as well we the theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney brimming with holiday decorations and merriment.    You stroll down Main Street USA and hear subtle holiday music in the background.   The smells of gingerbread baking and homemade candy canes fill the already sweet air.   You know you are a part of something special at this time of year at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Why not visit the life-size Gingerbread House at Disney’s Grand Floridian Café or the carousel made out of chocolate at Disney’s Boardwalk and Beach Club Resorts.   The enormous tree that decorates the lobby of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is worth the ride over to see it.   Don’t forget about every inch of the theme parks are buzzing with holiday cheer and magic.

To top it all off, on select nights in November and December, Disney offers Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party which is at the Magic Kingdom from 7pm – midnight.   This is a special ticketed event and Disney showcases a special holiday parade, fireworks, and different stations throughout the Magic Kingdom offering hot cocoa and fresh baked cookies.   Want to see it snow on Main Street…..they have that too.    If you want another holiday treat, head over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be in awe of the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights over on the Avenue of the Americas.   It is truly a sight to see.

It is not too early to start planning YOUR family’s holiday vacation to Disney.   What better place to celebrate such a festive time of year with the ones you love.   Holiday MAGIC is all around the Walt Disney World Resort between mid-November and the end of the year.    Let MickeyTravels help you celebrate your 2013 holidays in a MAGICAL style.

Contact me to learn more about a holiday vacation at Walt Disney World and to learn all about all our FREE Disney vacation planning services!

Elyssa Antonelle
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC
1-888-812-8750
elyssa@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com

Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…

Modes of Transportation at Disney World

There are many ways to get around the Walt Disney World Resort.   I suppose I should start with Disney’s Magical Express which takes its guests from the Orlando International Airport to the individual Disney resorts.   That is a fun bus ride with the video that gets everyone all excited about their upcoming vacation.

Once on property, there are the Disney buses which run all day and into the evening, transporting its guests to the different theme parks and resorts as well the water parks and Downtown Disney.   These buses are always available and are a great way to get around.    They are clearly marked as to their destination and easy to find them.   The Disney buses run from theme park to theme park and theme park to resort.   They also run to Downtown Disney and back to the resorts/theme parks.

Anyone who knows and loves Disney has a soft spot for the beloved monorail system.   There are 2 monorail lines that guests can ride.   One is the Magic Kingdom monorail line which runs in a constant circle from the Ticket and Transportation Center, to Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa then to the Magic Kingdom, through Disney’s Contemporary Resort and finally back to the Ticket and Transportation Center.   We all love this mode of transportation and who could forget…..”mantengase alejado de la puerta.”    There is a 2^nd monorail line running from the Ticket and Transportation Center to EPCOT and back.   This is about a 10-15 ride which is quite relaxing and fun.

There are also ferry rides from the Disney “Magic Kingdom” resorts to the Magic Kingdom and from the Downtown Disney resorts over to Downtown Disney.   This is another relaxing and fun way to get where you want to go using another mode of transportation.

When you stay on property at a Disney-owned resort, all of these modes of transportation are available to its guests all day, every day.   You can decide on the spur of the moment which suits you best and perhaps use another mode of transportation later that day to change it up a bit.   Whatever mode you choose, you will have fun getting around the Walt Disney World Resort and make it a trip to remember forever.

Contact me to learn more about the various modes of transportation at Disney World and to learn all about all our FREE Disney vacation planning services!

Elyssa Antonelle
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
MickeyTravels, LLC
1-888-812-8750
elyssa@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com

Making Magic One Vacation at a Time…