Walt Disney World is approximately 40 square miles. So, how do guests maneuver around this expansive magical place? There are four basic modes of transportation: bus, monorail, boat, and on foot.

Bus

The bus system at WDW is amazing. Every location is serviced by the bus system. Each resort has at least one bus stop for guests. All you have to do is to wait for the correct bus, get on, and leave the driving to them.

For instance, if you are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and you want to go to the Magic Kingdom, simply wait at the convenient bus stop for the bus with the Magic Kingdom sign. Or, if you are at EPCOT and want to go to the Pop Century hotel, at the EPCOT bus zone check the list for the corresponding number of the Pop Century hotel and wait in the appropriate area. Busses run about every 20 minutes. Signage is easy to understand.

Monorail

The monorail is another mode of transportation at WDW. The monorail services three resorts (The Contemporary, The Polynesian, and The Grand Floridian) as well as The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and the TTC (Ticket Transportation Center). There are three monorail lines: one services the three hotels, TTC, and The Magic Kingdom, the second services the TTC and EPCOT, and the third is an express between The Magic Kingdom and the TTC.

Now, if you are at The Magic Kingdom and want to go to EPCOT, you have two options. You can catch the appropriate bus that will take you directly to EPCOT or you can take the monorail to the TTC. Once you arrive at the TTC you must switch to the other line and there you can catch the monorail directly to EPCOT.

If you are staying at one of the three hotels, the monorail can take you directly to The Magic Kingdom. If you are at The Grand Floridian and want to go to Disney Hollywood Studio, even though the monorail has a station at this resort, it won’t take you to Disney Hollywood Studio. You must take a bus.

While the monorail system is a great method of transportation, it doesn’t service the entirety of WDW. It would be great if it did. Perhaps one of these days they will extend it to all of WDW. In the meantime, it has limited service.

Boat

There are many waterways in WDW. The Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake, Crescent Lake and Lake Hollywood areas each provide boat service to other locations within WDW. As with the monorail, boat service is limited to the immediate vicinity, however if you are in one of the areas, a launch is an easy way to get from point A to point B.

For instance, if you are at The Polynesian, you can catch a launch directly to The Magic Kingdom. If you are at The Boardwalk, you can catch a launch to EPCOT or Disney Hollywood Studio. Boat access is available to minimal locations from Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs. The resorts that have boat access to the Magic Kingdom are the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, the Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge. Resorts with water access to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are the Boardwalk, the Beach Club, the Yacht Club, and the Swan and Dolphin. Boat access to Disney Springs is available from Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West resorts.

Walking

The final way to get around WDW is on foot, however only nominally. Since this place is so large, several areas are connected by pathways, however you wouldn’t want to walk the entire world.

It’s an easy walk from the Boardwalk resort to EPCOT. It’s also an easy walk from the Polynesian to The Grand Floridian or the TTC.

Once you get inside a theme park, you’ll do plenty of walking, so if you don’t need to add to your Fitbit step count for the day, you might as well opt for the bus, monorail, or boat.

Magical Express

If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, getting to your hotel from the airport is another convenient experience via the Magical Express. Once you make your reservations with the hotel and the Magical Express, you’ll be mailed special luggage tags. When you arrive at the airport you have two options: you can collect your bags and continue to the Magical Express location or you can let them collect your luggage (hence the special luggage tags) and you can proceed directly from the gate to the Magical Express location. You will then board the appropriate bus that will take you to your resort.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

No one can put on a fireworks show like Disney. And now the great Imagineers have added a laser show to accompany the fireworks, or possibly the fireworks to accompany the laser show. Whatever way you look at it, “Happily Ever After” is the most amazing night show I have seen, to date.

When the sun goes down Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom becomes a screen for the big event. During the show the castle morphs into a whole lot of different things. Clips from many memorable Disney films light up the castle, which changes for each film. The castle, which is normally white, takes on several personalities during this amazing show. It moves, the towers spin, and it is simply awe-inspiring. If you don’t hear all the cheers and “wows” being uttered by those viewing this amazing spectacle, you are not in the Magic Kingdom.

While the castle is changing and characters we all know and love are highlighted on the walls, fireworks accompany the scenes and go right along with the visuals. For instance, when Merida shoots her arrow, it manifests into a big burst in the sky.

Tiana, the characters from Toy Story, Up, Moana, Frozen, The Lion King and scenes from so many other films are shown while laser lights and fireworks accompany the spectacular. The projection show would be amazing in itself as would the fireworks show, but add them together and you get something that is extraordinary.

To say this is a “must see” is an understatement. It is a “must see again” event. There is so much going on that there is too much to take in in one viewing. However if you only have on night to spend at Walt Disney World, by all means, this is the place to spend it. This show surpasses everything else Disney has produced to date. After seeing this the little fireworks show in your home town on July 4th will seem like a major disappointment (Apologies to all the hard workers in all the towns across America). But no one can put on a spectacle like the folks at Disney. And look for Tinkerbell near the end of the show as she flies from the castle off to Neverland, or Pixie Hollow, or wherever she flies off to.

Their second new laser show is “Once Upon a Time” that uses “projection-mapping technology” to also show scenes from Disney classics on the iconic castle. Mrs. Potts begins the show by telling Chip some bedtime stories, and they are projected onto the castle walls. The stories immerse viewers in the visuals, as like in “Happily Ever After.” The effects are spectacular and the show is another memorable experience for guests to the Magic Kingdom.

Ariel, Pinocchio, Aladdin, Cinderella, Anna, Elsa, Heffalumps and Woozles, Belle and the Beast, Peter Pan, and others are projected onto the castle, which turns into some remarkable scenes. It is truly amazing to see how the castle transforms to show the various scenes.

“Happily Ever After” and “Once Upon a Time” are definitely major advancements in nightly shows and give guests to the Magic Kingdom a magical end to a magical day.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

During the summer of 2017 guests at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios will be greatly entertained by the new concert in the park’s Hollywood Bowl-style theater. This is a concert for eyes and ears. “The Music of Pixar Live! – A Symphony of Characters” features scenes from several popular films while a full orchestra plays the memorable music from the movies.

When guests enter the Theater of the Stars, they are initially greeted by Green Army Men who are also on hand at the end of the concert. Video segments from Finding Nemo, Toy Story, Finding Dory, Cars, Up, and The Incredibles play on large screens while the orchestra plays the live music. There are also behind-the-scenes segments from Pixar that give guests more insight into the movies and the music.

The characters themselves also make live appearances throughout the show. Monsters Inc.’s Mike Wazowski tells some jokes while Sulley interjects his own comments. Carl Fredricksen and Dug appear to show off the segments from Up. Woody, Jessie, and Buzz are on hand to celebrate the Toy Story clips. And Dory is there before the Finding Nemo and Finding Dory segments.

At the end of the concert, all the characters join together in the theater to highlight the celebration of the movies and the music of their iconic films. And guests follow along to the lyrics of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” in a joyful finale. While exiting the theater the Green Army Men are once again present to put in a final appearance.

This is a special treat for guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is a show of sights and sounds, and will leave everyone happy and content. By combining a live orchestra with clips and characters, the concert is a memorable experience for every member of the family. All ages will enjoy it. It brings up all the emotions of the films with sights and sounds that wow the senses.

When you are in WDW this summer, definitely check the schedule for the concert and stop by to experience the fun for yourself.

On a personal note: As someone who loves these movies and comes from a musical background, this performance was one of the most memorable concerts I have been to in a long time. Everything about it was enjoyable, and having a full live orchestra combined with the visuals made it an experience I highly recommend to everyone. Unfortunately, it goes away on August 27, 2017.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

The Polynesian Village in WDW is a combination of a Hawaiian vacation combined with the magic of Disney. If your family is divided about where to take your vacation this year – Hawaii or Walt Disney World – you can have the best of both at this resort.

The Polynesian is one of three resorts at WDW that is serviced by the monorail. The others are The Contemporary and The Grand Floridian. You can get right onto the monorail at the resort and go directly to The Magic Kingdom. Or, you can take a launch across The Seven Seas Lagoon right to The Magic Kingdom. From there you can easily access busses to The Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the other parks and resorts. Or you can take the monorail from The Polynesian directly to the Transportation and Ticket Center and catch another monorail to EPCOT. Actually, it is an easy walk from the hotel to the TTC, if you’re up to it. It’s a short distance to the TTC to catch the monorail to EPCOT.

When guests enter the lobby they are greeted with leis and the warm hospitality of the islands. With soothing tropical songs playing throughout the resort, you will feel like you are in Hawaii. The spirit of Aloha is infused in this resort.

The Ohana restaurant is one of several places to dine at this resort. They have a fun character breakfast with all you can eat scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and Mickey and Stitch mini-waffles. Everything is delicious. And to top it off, Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, and Stitch come around to everyone’s table for a meet and greet and some photo opps. Plus, everyone can join in the character parade around the restaurant. Kids love taking part in this activity, following all the characters in a musical parade.

Lilo’s Playhouse is open from the late afternoon until midnight, providing supervised activities, meals, and care for young kids. Plenty of Disney characters often stop by to visit the little guests during their time at the playhouse. It’s a carefree – and guilt-free – way for parents to make sure their kids are well cared for while they go off to explore the magic of Disney on their own. Children must be potty trained in order to attend Lilo’s Playhouse.

Two pools – one with a great water slide – are available to guests to cool off in the hot Florida sun. And in the evening there is an entertaining light show on the lagoon prior to The Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show. From the beach at the resort guests can see the castle across the lagoon, albeit not as well as being in The Magic Kingdom. However with the water show (which is like a miniature Electric Light Parade on the water) and the fireworks, guests of The Polynesian have plenty to see in the evening. I do recommend taking in the nightly laser/fireworks show in the park at least once, however. It is amazing. Nightly movies are also shown on the grounds of the resort.

The Polynesian is the place to indulge in savory Dole Whips at the Pineapple Lanai just outside of the lobby. This frozen treat is soft serve pineapple. They also have soft serve vanilla and swirls, for a refreshing taste of both. Plus guests can treat themselves to a float of pineapple juice with either a Dole Whip or soft serve vanilla. You won’t be able to have just one during your stay here. This is a popular place and definitely delicious.

A nightly Luau is also offered at the resort. Take advantage of the Polynesian food, hula dancing, fire dancing, and Island entertainers as you are transported across the continent – and the Pacific Ocean – to the islands of Polynesia. You will forget you are in Florida. Reservations are a must for the Luau and the character breakfast.
The Polynesian Village Resort has recently been updated and the over-the-water bungalows have been added for vacation club members. This is a Pacific tropical escape in the middle of Florida. Plus, it offers all the magic of Disney in the heart of Walt Disney World. Aloha.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

It took six years to build but Pandora is finally here on earth. Located at the Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Pandora is a place like no other. Once you step over the bridge you are instantly transported into the movie Avatar and the wonderful world of Pandora. “We are taking our guests on a journey to this world in an experience that’s as realistic and immersive as possible,” said Joe Rhode, Walt Disney Imagineering portfolio creative executive. And that’s even an understatement. Guests will be asking themselves, “How did they do it?” How did Disney create a world that is 4.4 light years from earth?

Pandora is a different experience by day than it is by night. In the day it is a lush, green, and colorful landscape and at night it is even more incredible with the bioluminescent landscape awing guests. The plants glow, as do the pathways. It’s an experience that is out of this world (no pun intended). Only the Imagineers at Disney could create this amazing land.

For the most part, Pandora is an escape into the movie, but there are also two very interesting and different activities to experience. The Na’vi River Journey is a beautiful slow-moving boat ride down the river and through the land. Here the bioluminescence is on display day and night. Once you board your boat you’ll peacefully ride down the river through the valley. There are creatures all around and interesting plants as well. Near the end of the ride you’ll be greeted by the Shaman of Song, an amazing animatronic character that has taken the world of animatronics to a new level. And, when leaving the ride you will still have his song running through your mind. It’s a soulful and calming tune.

The second activity in Pandora is the Avatar Flight of Passage, which is not for the faint of heart. The pre-ride queue is an experience in itself, taking guests through the lab and exhibiting plenty of interesting Na’vi items. Then you’ll get matched up with your own Avatar and learn how to ride your banshee. Once you straddle the apparatus (similar to sitting on a motorcycle) your flight above the land begins. You’ll soar up and down through the valleys and the beautiful world of Pandora. For those who do not want to take the flight, you can still experience everything right up to the time of getting on the banshee. Just inform the cast member you do not want to ride and you can wait it out in the next room while the others in your party take flight. Those taking this incredible flight through the land will experience an amazing VR journey while at the same time actually feeling the banshee breathe and move. It’s amazing.

There is plenty to learn about the Na’vi history and culture and Pandora while wandering through the landscape with its floating mountains and waterfalls. The plant life is unique to Pandora with its blue Bladder Polyps that glow at night and other unique flora. I’m told the Bladder Polyps on Pandora taste like pickles. Humans have to take their word for it.

Eating in this picturesque land is also an interesting experience, The Satu’li Canteen is set in a Quonset hut that was abandoned by the invaders. Wholesome and nourishing food is available here where guests dine in the Na’vi designed interior. Next to the Canteen is the Pongu Pongu where you can take advantage of some interesting libations, including the Night Blossom frozen concoction that blends apple and pear topped with passion fruit boba. If you prefer a little alcohol in your drink, try the Mo’ara Margarita.

And let’s not forget merchandising. Even the Na’vi have plenty of items guests will want to bring home to remember their trip to Pandora. They have some fun and interesting items, including a plush Na’vi baby and a onesie to dress your own baby in a Na’vi outfit.

The goal of this land is to encourage careful attention to nature. This world of Pandora takes guests to Avatar a generation after the movie ends. Peace is everywhere. There is no conflict. After leaving guests will have a newfound appreciation of nature here on earth.
“Whether it’s planting a single seed, going out and getting involved in environmental issues in their home communities, or getting involved in animal care – whatever it is, they will be inspired to have a call to action in their own lives,” explains Avatar producer Jon Landau.

Pandora – The World of Avatar is a spiritual experience for the entire family. It is filled with the Na’vi spirit of harmony. To experience this magnificent land you must go to Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. Here you will be infused with the wonder and joy of Pandora and the culture of the Na’vi.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of travel and entertainment for over 20 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

When you visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, your pets can have as good a vacation as you do. At the Best Friends Pet Care facility, dogs, cats, and others are treated to Disney hospitality with plenty of attention and loving care.

Whether you want daycare or boarding, there are several options for guests to WDW. For those staying at a WDW resort, the fees are reduced, however if you are not staying on the property, the fees are still very reasonable.

Do you want the utmost pampering for Rover or Spot? The VIP Luxury Suites provides two walks per day, two playgroups, a flat screen TV for him/her to keep up on the latest Disney movies, a webcam so the caregivers can keep track of them, a nightly bedtime story, a comfy bed, and a going home bath. One step down from that are the Vacation Villas with one walk, a playgroup, a flat screen TV, and a nightly biscuit. Other options include walks as well as the comfy beds for all.

Besides the packages, you can always add an a la carte option: bedtime story, playgroup, extra walk, etc. Let’s face it, Rover will be treated just as well as his human family while at WDW.

And let’s not forget Fluffy. Cats are also treated to the wonderful Disney hospitality. There are several boarding and daycare rates as well as a la carte options: playtime, cookies and milk, tuna on a Ritz cracker, a toy, and a deluxe bed.

The Best Friends Pet Care luxury pet resort has 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned space, which is a must in the hot Florida summers. And there is plenty of outside space for playing and exploring.

And, smaller pets also have a reason to enjoy their own vacation. Birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other “pocket pets” are welcome here.

With the ability to accommodate 300 pets for daytime and nighttime care, no pet is squished into a tiny cage. On the contrary, this place is amazing.

With the Best Friends Pet Care Luxury Resort, a family vacation doesn’t have to mean keeping your beloved furry family member at home. This is truly a high-end facility staffed by caring people who take good care of their guests.

When you’re planning your vacation at Walt Disney World, check out www.wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com.

About the Author

Roy Brokaw writes about interesting things to do and places to see. He is also an accomplished travel photographer.

Every resort hotel at Walt Disney World is unique, each offering a different experience. For those of us who love animals, the Animal Kingdom Lodge next to The Animal Kingdom is the perfect way to spend time at WDW. Of course, most people will be out and about enjoying the fun of the theme parks, but when you return to the lodge you’ll find there is still a lot to do.

Animal watching is always a must while staying at the lodge. Disney did a lot of research to make sure the savannas are as close to their counterparts in Africa as they could be. Savanna-side rooms look out over the natural preserves. Don’t be surprised if you see a giraffe when you look out your window. And if you don’t have a savanna-facing room, don’t worry. There are plenty of areas to sit and watch the wildlife. Zebras and a vast assortment of animals live here and are always fun to watch, even if they are just taking a nap. This is definitely different than going to a zoo. It’s watching animals in their own natural habitat, or as close to their natural habitat as possible.

Stepping into the lodge is like a journey to Africa. There are drums beating throughout the day and African music playing to give guests a true sense of being on the continent. And you don’t have to have any shots to come here!

The Animal Kingdom Lodge has several restaurants from quick dining to fine dining. With flavors of Africa as well as ambiance of the continent, these restaurants provide some tasty delicacies.

There is a gift shop where you can buy anything from Disney merchandise to African items. Clothing, toys, sculptures, artwork, jewelry, and just about everything else is available here. There are also several interactive activities and learning experiences available for guests. Most of us have never visited Africa, so this is your chance to learn more about the land, its people, and cultures. Plus, you can book a special safari excursion to travel through the savannas. The safari is for ages 10 and up.

Besides the fun of animal viewing, there is a cool pool with a slide, an exercise room, and for kids there is Simba’s Playroom that is open in the late afternoons through evening. Drop your kids off here while you enjoy a nice romantic dinner in one of the restaurants. The only requirement for kids is that they be potty trained. And movies are often shown on a large screen down by the pool. To say there is a lot to do here is an understatement. This is a hotel that is just as much fun for kids as it is for adults.

Like the other hotels in WDW, there is access to the theme parks directly from the hotel. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is serviced by busses, which run continually and take guests to The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and the water parks. The busses are clearly marked so you won’t accidentally go to the wrong location.

We all know the hustle and bustle in the theme parks. Sure they are a lot of fun and the reason we keep coming back to WDW. But when all is said and done, it’s so nice to return to the lodge to sit and relax while watching the animals. Grab a drink and rest your feet from the day of traipsing around the parks, sit down, and wind down while looking at the zebras quietly meandering around the grass or the giraffes feeding on the trees. At dusk they all come out to feed and watch the humans watching them. Simba and Bambi aren’t there, but then again, they are animated characters. The animals you see from the lodge are real, and just as entertaining precisely because they are real.

For animal lovers, your hotel choice at WDW is easy – The Animal Kingdom Lodge.

About the Author

Roy Brokaw writes about interesting things to do and places to see. He is also an accomplished travel photographer.