Soon You Can Join The Pirates League At Disney World's Magic Kingdom
Starting June 29th Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom will be teeming with more pirates than ever before. Jack Sparrow and his mates will be transforming mild mannered vacationers into full fledged pirates
Disney World is adding a new immersive experience called The Pirates League, for those who felt left out when your “little princess” went to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
There will now be an opportunity to become a pirate that is open to boys, girls, and grown-ups. For anyone who heard their calling during the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and movies here is your chance to join the crew of the Black Pearl.
The process starts at the recruitment office where you receive your official pirate name. Then you will head to the Muster Station where the transformation takes place as beards, eye patches, scarves, scars, earrings, and gold teeth are applied. After you look like a pirate you will pass through a hidden portal and into the treasure cache. Here you will recite the pirate oath and have your official “pirate portrait” taken.
Then you will take your new pirate self out into Adventureland in order to seek your fortunes (and speak like a pirate saying words like: Shiver me timbers, and Arrrrg! until you drive everyone crazy).
The Pirates League will be located next to the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
According to the Orlando Sentinel there will be 3 different packages available for would be pirates:
- First Mate Package ($49.95): bandana, choice of facial effects, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, 5x7 photo and a "personalized pirate oath."
- Empress Package ($49.95): bandana, "shimmering" makeup, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, 5x7 photo and a "personalized pirate oath."
- Captains Package ($124.95): choice of costume, facial effects, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, three 5x7 photos and the personalized oath.
Reservations
Like the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, reservations will be taken ahead of time. You can start making reservations by calling 407/WDW-CREW beginning May 11th.
Save Money By Using the Magical Express on Your Next Disney World Vacation

When flying to Orlando for your Disney World Vacation, one of the important details to figure out is how are you going to get from the Orlando Airport to the Walt Disney World Resort.
This is not a decision to take lightly. You could:
- Rent a Car - This is an expensive option, especially if you planned on staying on the Disney Property for the duration of the trip. You will find that you are paying for the car to sit idle most of your trip and it is not really necessary.
- Take the Mears Shuttle - This option could get very expensive as you will have to pay per person. Any group more than two makes this an expensive option.
- Rent a Towncar - We like this option as there are several reputable firms in Orlando that do a nice job of shuttling people to and from the Airport to their Disney Resorts.
All of the these options cost real money and become an expense that you have to include as part of your trip budgeting process.
Then Disney World introduced the Magical Express concept.
This is a wonderful idea that eliminates a big expense for those who want to fly to get to Disney World. Disney benefits by creating a more captive audience for the duration of their vacation.
Here's how it works:
- Once you make your airline reservations, you call Disney World and have them add this information to your resort reservation.
- About 4-6 weeks prior to your trip you will receive a packet in the mail that includes an information booklet with your Magical Express tickets and a set of special luggage tags.
- When it is time for your trip place one luggage tag on each piece of luggage and check them at the airport like you would normally do. You do not need to tell the airline that you are going to Disney World or give them any special information.
- When you arrive at the Orlando Airport (MCO), follow the directions in the booklet to the B side of the main terminal on Level 1. There you will find a Disney Magical Express Counter.
- Give them your booklet and they will pull up your reservation.
- You will then proceed to the bus line and be told which bus to board.
- The bus will then take you to your resort. In route it will play an informational video about Walt Disney World and Magical Express.
- Check in to your resort.
- Go off to the parks or whatever you choose to do. In a couple of hours the bags that you checked will magically be delivered to your room. (You do not need to be there!).
It's just that easy! No stress, no visiting the baggage claim area, no lugging bags around the resort, and no need to tip anyone! It all happens behinds the scenes magically.
The day before you depart, you will receive an envelope delivered to your room that tells you the information you need to return to the airport. Usually your bus will depart 3 hours before your plane is scheduled to take off.
When you are ready to return home, depending upon the airline you may be able to get your boarding passes at your resort before you leave. Before the airline added these "checked bag fees" Disney would even check your bags at the resort, so you wouldn't have to handle them any further.
Now in most cases you will have to claim your bag after your bus arrives at the airport and check it the old fashioned way and pay any necessary fees.
The Bottom Line is that this is a great FREE service that Disney World offers and it really makes a difference when you are trying to keep to a budget. You if you haven't tried it yet, make sure that you do.
Only WDWorld's Top 7 Disney Dining Plan Restaurants
For those of you not as familiar with the Disney Dining Plan ( DDP ) let’s start with a brief explanation. The basic DDP includes one table service meal ( entrée, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage), one counter service meal ( one entrée or combo meal, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage), and one snack ( wide variety of food items available all over Disney World that cost $4.00 or less). The adult (ages 10+ ) cost of the Dining Plan is $39.99 per day. The child (ages 3-9) cost of the plan is $10.99. During the meals you may order anything you want off of the normal menus at the Table Service and Counter Service restaurants, with very few exceptions.
The key to getting your money’s worth is to maximize the value of the restaurants that you visit and the items that you choose to eat. Your choices will determine whether the Dining Plan is a good deal or not.
By choosing the right Table Service Restaurants on your trips, you can pretty much guarantee that you will get a great deal. ( Note: we will only list restaurants that require just 1 dining credit per meal for this ranking.)
Without further ado:
Only WDWorld’s Top 7 Disney Dining Plan Table Service Restaurants (in reverse order)
7. Tony’s Town Square – This full menu sit down restaurant that is located within the Magic Kingdom is patterned after the Italian restaurant that you see in the classic animated film Lady and the Tramp. If you are lucky, you may be able to watch part of the Spectromagic Parade while you eat. It made the list due to its menu choices and location within the Magic Kingdom.
6. Chef Mickey’s – Only 2 buffets make the Top 7 and both include Disney Characters. This family favorite located at the Contemporary Resort ranks especially high on the must do list if you have young children, as Mickey Mouse himself is present along with several of his friends. Not only do you get an above average buffet meal, but you get personal interaction with each of the characters as they make their rounds to each table. Excellent photo opportunities and character meeting time.
5. 1900 Park Fare – This buffet meal includes a visit from Cinderella and Prince Charming. Although this isn’t quite the same as eating in Cinderella’s Castle, the Grand Floridian is a gorgeous resort and eating here gives you an excuse to check it out. The buffet is better than average, but the real reason to come here is to see and meet Cinderella.
4. Tutto Italia – This Italian restaurant located within the World Showcase of Epcot has wonderful homemade pastas and entrée selections. It is very pricey if you are not on the Dining Plan. While on the Dining Plan you are able to ignore the menu prices and eat whatever you wish to try. This allows you to relax and truly enjoy the meal.
3. Coral Reef – A unique restaurant situated in the Living Seas Pavilion in Epcot. An entire wall of the restaurant is glass and allows you to see into the main tank of the Living Seas. The feeling is upscale and the menu includes steak and seafood choices. Again forget the prices and eat whatever you are in the mood to try. Excellent dessert choices top off this must do dining experience.
2. Les Chefs de France – You feel like you are transported to Paris to enjoy this dining experience within the France portion of Epcot. A varied menu gives you many choices including: Beef, Seafood, Chicken, Lamb, Duck, and Vegetarian dishes. This restaurant suits families or romantic meals for two. Another wonderful meal will be had if you choose to eat here.
1. Le Cellier – Within the Canada section of Epcot you will find the crown jewel of theme park restaurants. This cozy restaurant will not disappoint. Its specialties include steaks, but you could also get plank grilled salmon or one of several other entrees. The desserts are also something to look forward to. Unfortunately the secret is out and reservations are hard to come by. You definitely need to make reservations well ahead of time if you want to eat here. This is my family’s favorite and I highly recommend it.
Get the most out of the Dining Plan
Utilize these Only WDWorld Top 7 restaurants to help you get the most out of your Dining Plan Experience.
If you need tips on choosing counter service restaurants: Disney Dining Plan – Maximizing Counter Service Credits
For Dining Plan Snack tips: Disney Dining Dilemma – Maximizing the Snack Credits
Get the most out of the Dining Plan, but also use it to take some of the stress out of dining at Disney World by allowing you to ignore the menu prices and let your family eat whatever they want!
Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios - The Special Activities
2009’s installment of Star Wars Weekends is not that far away. The festival runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for four consecutive weekends starting May 22nd through June 14th.
Earlier we posted articles about The Stars that will be part of Star Wars Weekends ( SWW ). There is also an article about The Parade that occurs each day of the event.
Now it’s time to discuss the other activities that go on during those four fun filled weekends.
Star Wars Characters Everywhere!
Everywhere you look there will be Star Wars characters. It starts right at the entrance gate to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here it is not unusual to find some Stormtroopers patrolling the rooftops. If you get to the park right at opening they usually put on a short performance that is fun to watch with humorous banter.
Once inside the park you will see Star Wars characters roaming about. They are great about posing for pictures with you. The lesser known characters will be roaming around, while the more noted characters, such as Queen Amadala and Darth Vader will be set up in specific areas where long lines may form.
Bring your cameras, because there are a lot of photo opportunities throughout the park. You can pose with characters or choose one of the many Star Wars backdrops that are set up to make you part of the movie.
Jedi Training Academy
One of the favorite activities is the Jedi Training Academy that is held several times per day at a special stage set up near the Star Tours attraction. Here young padawans are chosen from the audience to take part in light saber training. After their brief training, each will get a brief chance to face off against none other than Darth Vader himself.
Behind the Force
This special activity is held in a theater where people involved with the making of the Star Wars movies talk and show clips that take you behind the scenes. You will see how things were done and gain more fun insight concerning the movies.
Last year a special preview of the animated movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars was shown before the movie was released. This was the only place that you could see this special clip of the upcoming movie.
This year the actress that provides the voice for Ahsoka of the Clone Wars, Ashley Eckstein, is hosting the event.
Interviews
Each day a special talk show format interview takes place in a theater where the host for the events, in this case Jay Laga’aia (Captain Typho) will interview the special guest stars that are there that particular weekend. Here you get a chance to hear what it was like to be part of making these classic movies from the people that made them. You will find out that many of the actors are also fans of the Star Wars movies.
Souvenirs
Each year there is a special Souvenir shop set up with lots of special Stars Wars Weekends merchandise that is only available during the event. This includes limited edition pins & figurines, special T-shirts, posters, and numerous Star Wars items. They have used the name Jabba’s Hut and Wicket’s Warehouse in years past for this special shop.
Hyperspace Hoopla
At the end of each day there is a closing Star Wars Hyperspace Hoopla to wrap up the day on a high note. How can anything called Hyperspace Hoopla not be fun? This is a stage show with singing, dancing, silly Star Wars jokes and plenty of Star Wars characters. A great way to cap off your Star Wars filled day.
Make Plans To Be There!
Star Wars Weekends is fun! Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, these weekends add even more fun to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. All of the events and activities mentioned are free with your admission to the park. You may even dress as your favorite Star Wars character if you wish. Many fans do attend in costume.
Don’t forget to check out: http://www.starwarsweekends.net/ for more information about this great event. This is an unofficial site, but it has great information about the upcoming 2009 SWW and information from past years as well.
So whether you favor the Sith or the Jedi, grab your light saber and make plans to attend one of the best annual festivals that Disney World has to offer.
Stitch's Supersonic Celebration Is Coming In May To The Magic Kingdom

This new high energy, live show will feature none other than Experiment 626, better known as Stitch.
The show is about a live broadcast of the Tomorrowland News Network coverage of the Galaxy Day celebration that Stitch happens to interrupt.
Galaxy Day is where everyone around the galaxy celebrates everything that is worth celebrating.
It features singing, dancing, audience participation, and Stitch appearing on a specially designed video screen. It is intended to be a party as much as a show, so plan on having fun.
The show will use the advanced technology that is used in “Turtle-Talk with Crush” and “Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor” to provide real time animation. This allows the animated Stitch to react and respond to the audience uniquely for each show.
There will be 6 daily performances, so you will have plenty of opportunity to catch this new show.
Disney has done a great job utilizing this technology in the other two attractions, so I think this show will really be different than any other live performance that is currently at Disney World.
Can You Pull The Sword From The Stone At The Magic Kingdom?
The crowd cheered and Merlin awarded the victor with a medal proclaiming his accomplishment. The child also was temporarily crowned and adorned with a royal robe to the cheers of the crowd.
See over 500 Butterflies Up Close During Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival
One of the many highlights during the annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Disney World is called Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden.
Epcot's 16th Annual Flower & Garden Festival runs from March 18th to May 31st.
Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios - The Parade
As the 2009 version of Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios approaches (May 22 - June 14), let's take a look at one of the highlights of each day: The Parade.
Each day a parade of the Star Wars Characters and distinguished guests is held. This parade is definitely not to be missed.
Even Mickey Mouse participates in Star Wars Weekends by transforming himself into Jedi Mickey.
If you are lucky you will be there on a day that the Florida 501st Garrison is there and marches along with the parade.
What is the 501st Garrison (http://www.501st.com/ )?
For the Star Wars fanatics there are groups around the world that create their own costumes and gather to celebrate the phenomena that is Star Wars.
The Florida Garrison (http://www.fl501st.com/ ) is very impressive and really adds to the parade. The people pictured here are not Disney Cast Members, but rather Star Wars fans who participate in the Star Wars Weekends each year. They design and make their own costumes based upon characters from the movies.
You can see the detail that they put into their costumes. Notice the dirt and stains added to make these Storm Troopers look like they've really been through some tough battles.
After the 501st Garrison then you will see all of your favorite Star Wars characters participate in the parade. You will see Wookies, Ewoks, Tuscan Raiders, Bounty Hunters, Droids, and don't forget the Evil Darth Vader or Darth Maul.
It is always enjoyable to get to see all of these Star Wars Characters together at one time.
Later, most of these characters are available around the park for photo opportunities.
If you enjoyed the Star Wars movies, then you will not want to miss Stars Wars Weekends (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) when you visit Walt Disney World this May - June.
You Want To Ride A Segway? You Can Do That At Disney World!
If you always thought that Segways looked cool and you’d love to take one for a spin, you can during your next vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort.
For those of you saying: What’s a Segway?
The Segway Personal Transporter is a two-wheeled battery powered, transport machine that you ride while standing up. It utilizes high tech gyroscopes to mimic human balance and keep the machine stable and upright. The rider leans slightly in the direction that he wants to go and the machine moves accordingly. The Segway makes adjustments to balance the rider 100 times per second. It can reach speeds of up to 12.5 mph and go 24 miles on a single charge. This is the essence of high tech cool.
Disney World actually offers three different Segway experiences to choose from:

1. Around the World at Epcot: A two-hour guided tour around the World Showcase in Epcot before it is open to the general public for the day. You receive a fun initial training on how to use the Segway Personal Transporter and Proper Safety Equipment. Once you have learned how to navigate and negotiate different types of terrain your guide will lead you on a 1.3 mile tour of the World Showcase. Not only will you get to get to practice your new found skills, you will learn interesting facts and details about the 11 Epcot “Countries”. Cost is $95 per person
2. Simply Segway: This is a one hour indoor experience at the Epcot Innovations building learning how to operate the Seagway Personal Transporter. Cost is $35 per person.
3. Wilderness Back Trail Adventure: This two hour tour takes place “off-roading” at the Fort Wilderness Campground. Here you will use a Segway X2 Personal Transporter that is designed especially for off-road use. This tour also starts out with a training and safety portion before you head out on the trail for a guided expedition. Cost is $85 per person.All 3 of these tours require that you are 16 years old or older. You can call (407) WDW-TOUR to make advance reservations. These tours do fill up fast, so making your reservations ahead of time is strongly recommended. Discounts are available if you are an Annual Passholder or a DVC member.
Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios - The Stars
Warwick has been coming to the Star Wars Weekends almost every year and he is very nice and does a wonderful job. He is very entertaining and is quite the engaging speaker.
Disney Dining Can Be A Wonderful Addition To Your Vacation
A recent comment to Only WDWorld reminded me that with higher crowd levels and increased popularity of the Disney Restaurants and the Disney Dining Plan, it is more important than ever to plan ahead.
This commentator mentioned that they did not have a good experience trying to eat during two days of the past week, which happened to fall during the busiest season of the year for Disney World besides the week between Christmas and New Year's.
During the busy seasons, planning ahead cannot solve all of your problems, but it can certainly help minimize them.
Table Service Restaurants
It is very important to make reservations ahead of time if you wish to eat dinner at a Disney World table service (sit down) restaurant. During a busy time of the year it is an absolute necessity. Although it may sound crazy that you need to decide which restaurant you are going to eat at 90 days ahead of time, that is when you are able to make dinner reservations. If you are thinking about trying one of the more popular restaurants then the closer to that 90 days prior date you make the reservation, then the better your chances are of getting a reservation during the time you desire. You can make reservations by calling 1-407-939-DINE.
Getting a walk up reservation ranges from difficult to impossible depending upon the night. Even if you were successful in the past without reservations, why leave things to chance? You invest too much money in a Disney Vacation, just take the extra time to make your dinner reservations and don't risk not being able to eat at the restaurant of your choice.
Counter Service
The counter service restaurants can also get crowed during the lunch hour. A key is to eat a little earlier or later than the normal Noon to 1:00 pm lunch time. Also avoid places that are near the exit of a large attraction just letting out. Find places a little more off the beaten path and your chances of getting served quickly increase dramatically.
Summary
- Planning ahead is your best defense.
- Choose your sit down restaurants well in advance a make reservations as close to the 90 day prior mark that you can.
- For the counter service locations, avoid the busiest time of day, especially the places that are in high traffic areas. Find a place a little off the main path and the crowds diminish greatly.
Do you remember when Cinderella's Castle Looked Like a Cake?

May Disney World continue to take risks in their attempt to entertain, enchant, and amaze us.
Triceratop Spin Re-Invents Classic for Disney's Animal Kingdom
The base of the ride itself was designed to look like a 1950's era tin toy top. If you look closely at the ride the next time you are at the Animal Kingdom, you will be able to notice this.
This is a ride for all ages. It is not scary, but certainly can be a thrill for the younger visitors. For the adults, it can be a relaxing break that affords good views of the area as the 4 person Triceratop ride vehicles rise to their peak height.
Although it does not provide the heart stopping thrills of Expedition Everest or Dinosaur, the Triceratop Spin still should be on your list of attractions to experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
New Only WDWorld Feature Brings Disney World Ticket Information and Pricing Together

A new feature has been added to Only WDWorld to make finding the information concerning Disney World ticketing even easier.
A separate page with the key information, like explanation of the Magic Your Way Ticket system and all of its Options, always at the top of the page. Up to date pricing tables from the Walt Disney World Resort are also easily found in this new format.
The page has a focused set of Labels in the right hand column to further make finding the Ticket Related information you need, easier than ever.
The new page can be found by clicking here: Only WDWorld Tickets: Fact Page
There is also a permanent link in the left hand column on the Only WDWorld main page.
Ticketing Topics that you will find on this page now include:

- Explanation of the Magic Your Way (MYW) Ticket System
- MYW Base Ticket entitlements and complete pricing table for adults and children.
- MYW Option descriptions and complete pricing table for adults and children.
- Annual Pass descriptions, entitlements, and current prices.
- Water Park ticket options, descriptions, and current prices.
- Ticket Upgrading
- Florida Resident Ticketing options and current prices.
The page will be updated as changes are made, and/or new options are available. Information for getting the best deal for buying tickets will also be linked to this page.
I hope that you will enjoy this new feature. Only WDWorld will continue to be a blog based site providing entertaining and useful information to help you plan your Walt Disney World Resort trips, learn interesting facts about the parks and attractions, and most importantly save money. This separate page will make it easier to find the important reference information.
In the future similar pages are planned to be added for topics such as the Disney Dining Plan.
Ratatouille Star "Remy" Now Appears Regularly At Epcot's Les Chefs de France

Remy follows in the large footsteps of the previous Living Characters. the first was Lucky the dinosaur that debuted in 2004.

