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Toy Story Mania Tips

Sun, 04 May 2008 20:49:45 +0000

I received my Summer 2008 copy of “Mickey Monitor” (the Disney annual passholder newsletter), and I was excited to find some sneak peak tips about the new Toy Story Mania ride that’s opening in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World and Disneyland this summer.

The ride is schedule to open in Walt Disney World at the end of this month. I can’t wait. Passholders can go to a Passholder Preview on May 10th-12th from 9 am to 7 pm each day and when they show their Annual Passes and Photo IDs, they can ride Toy Story Mania before it opens to the public. I did this for Expedition Everest, and frankly, the line was longer than if I had just waited a couple of weeks after it opened to try it. But that’s another story entirely.

Here are the Toy Story Mania tips revealed in “Mickey Monitor”:

Each guests spring-action shooter has an unlimited supply of “virtual projectiles”, so you can keep shooting at targets without having to reload. In other words, don’t stop shooting if you want a high score!
There are many higher value targets hidden in out of the way spots such as at the top, bottom and sides of each booth. Shoot in all different directions to increase your score!
There are special targets called “two-stage” and “multiple-stage” targets. If you hit one of those targets, they trigger higher value targets.
“Easter eggs” are “extra-special two-stage targets”. These sound like they offer the ultimate payout!

I can’t wait to try Toy Story Mania and look for some of the special targets, especially those Easter Eggs!

You can read more about Toy Story Mania in these posts on The Disney Traveler:

Photo source: Flickr

Post from: The Disney Traveler

View a NASA Shuttle Launch During Your Disney World Trip

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 02:48:37 +0000

Viewing a NASA shuttle take-off is an amazing experience, and one that you just might be able to coordinate with your Walt Disney World vacation. Kennedy Space Center is less than an hour from Walt Disney World, and it’s easy to check the schedule for shuttle launches in advance of your Disney vacation on the Shuttle Launch Schedule page of NASA’s website. You can buy tickets to view the launch from the closest viewing location open to the public on the Kennedy Space Center ticket site.

It’s important to remember that shuttle launches are highly dependent on the weather and can be cancelled at any moment. Also, keep in mind that shuttle launch tickets purchased through the Kennedy Space Center website are nonrefundable, so if the launch is cancelled for any reason, you won’t get your money back. A great alternative is to view the launch from one of the most popular local spots. You can find a list of sites to view a shuttle launch for free on the NASA website.

If you’d rather not plan your vacation around whether or not a scheduled shuttle launch will actually take place, don’t forget that you can see the shuttle in the sky from anywhere in Central Florida. I even got the chance to watch a shuttle launch once while I was riding the Walt Disney World monorail between the Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian Resort. In other words, check the NASA schedule before your trip then look up to the sky when the launch is scheduled (if it hasn’t been cancelled) and you’re bound to see it. And by the way, it’s awesome to watch at any time and in any place!

Have you seen a shuttle launch? Where were you? Do you have any recommendations to share with The Disney Traveler readers?

Photo © NASA

Post from: The Disney Traveler

Radical Scripting Changes for the Haunted Mansion

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 02:31:26 +0000

For 40 years, the servants of the Haunted Mansion have been welcoming guests in the same macabre way. As guests enter the foyer and the portrait room, they’re typically greeted by one of those servants delivering a droll pun such as, “Drag your wretched bodies to the dead center of the room.” Well, those days are over.

It seems some guests were offended by those classic lines which were generally ad-libbed by cast members, and those guests actually complained to Disney about it. Disney’s reaction is to keep even the smallest minority of guests happy, so they’re writing a new script that the Haunted Mansion cast members will be required to follow. Disney is even going so far as to hire an acting coach who will train cast members in Disneyland and Walt Disney World who work at the Haunted Mansion teaching them exactly how to act, deliver lines and move.

Naturally, Disney is saying the scripting changes are not a reaction to guest complaints but rather a planned enhancement to the attraction. Whether that’s true or not is anyone’s guess, but the change is coming soon. According to Jim Hill Media, the new script will be delivered to Disneyland and Walt Disney World this month. No word on how long the training will take or when the new script will be put into action.

Disney claims the changes will be great. I have to assume they will be, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see. What do you think about the servants’ script changes at the Haunted Mansion? Do you think the ad-libbed scripts should stay or are you looking forward to hearing something new?

Post from: The Disney Traveler

Epcot Quick Tip: The Trains at the Germany Pavilion

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 02:48:22 +0000

Don’t forget to take some time to see the elaborate train display outside of the Germany pavilion in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. Technically, the train display can be found in between the Germany and Italy pavillions, but it’s considered an extension of the Germany pavilion. You can also buy model trains inside the shops at the Germany pavilion.

The trains, themselves, are great, but the gorgeous scene created by Disney’s horticulturalists is not to be missed. Clearly, the Disney Cast Members who care for this train display take great pains in tending to every detail (as you would expect in Disney World). The extensive miniature houses, buildings, bushes, trees and plants are beautifully maintained and decorated for every holiday. The Christmas decorations are fantastic!

Hidden Mickey Alert:

While you take a breather and watch the trains go by, take a moment to find the hidden Mickey located in the building on the back hill of the display. A keen eye will see a small Mickey Mouse statue standing in a window.

Post from: The Disney Traveler

Don’t Carry Packages – You’re on Vacation

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 20:43:46 +0000

When I am on vacation, I don’t want to do any work, and to me, carrying anything is work, not to mention inconvenient. This is especially true at Walt Disney World where guests are continuously getting on and off theme park rides. I know from experience that packages are not only cumbersome on most Walt Disney World rides, but they can often be a complete nuisance. For example, trying to fit in a “rocket” on Space Mountain with anything larger than a cell phone is a challenge fit for a contortionist. Of course, I am exaggerating, but only a bit.

To ease the package carrying inconvenience and to liberate guests to buy more, Disney created a service where resort guests can have their packages for purchases made at most stores on Walt Disney World property delivered directly to their hotels. This includes stores in the four theme parks, water parks, hotels and Downtown Disney. The best part is that it’s free! Packages are delivered to the guest’s hotel the next day, although if the purchase was made late in the day or evening, the delivery may take an extra day to make it to the hotel.

An alternative to hotel delivery is package pickup. When you make a purchase at one of Walt Disney World’s parks, you can have your packages sent directly to the main gate for pick up at the end of your day. This option is most useful for people who are staying off Disney property or just visiting for the day.

If the cast member helping you when you pay for your purchase does not suggest package delivery, ask for it. It just takes a minute to fill out a delivery slip, and your hands will be free to hang on during the next thrill ride you’re brave enough to board.

Post from: The Disney Traveler