Tag Archives: WDW

Planning that Trip to Walt Disney World

Now is a good time to start planning that summer trip to Walt Disney World next year. What–already? Yes. Take it from Juanita Maberry, whose article “Let’s Go to Walt Disney World,” appeared in the October Eagle Peak Quarterly.  This post is excerpted from her article. 

If you’ve never been to Disney World I really recommend it, no matter what age you are. [Note: While you will see people there with toddlers, bringing your own will complicate your life–requiring naps, getting tired and cranky, etc. You and they will enjoy the experience more after they’re six or seven.] I mentally feel 50+ years younger when I am there and I always have a great time. From your resort (if you’re staying on site, which I recommend), to the parks, restaurants, shopping areas, and lounges you’re surrounded by all things Disney. There is a wonderful themed pool at each resort. Some resorts have beaches, many have table service restaurants, others have lounges and some have entertainment.”

Those Disney critters are everywhere!

Disney World has four theme parks: Magic Kingdom (the first park to open on October 1, 1971), Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. There are also 2 water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), 29 resorts and a campground, 5 golf courses, 2 mini-golf courses, many lakes (offering water sports, boating, and fishing), 2 dinner shows, an entertainment district (BoardWalk), and a shopping/restaurant district called Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney).

Each park is located in a different area of Disney World, which is massive?the size of San Francisco or 25,000 acres. Animal Kingdom Park is 500 acres, Epcot is 300 acres, Hollywood Studios is 154 acres, and Magic Kingdom is 107 acres. Just for comparison, Disneyland in Anaheim, California is 85 acres (they have now opened a second park there, California Adventures, 72 acres). So a vacation in Disney World means walking, walking, and more walking but you’ll love the free buses to get you from your resort hotel to the parks. There are also two monorail lines and boats along waterways. Each Disney World park is different with different attractions and shows.


Stuff no one tells you about Disney World

It is huge! Each park is huge and you will do a lot of walking. It is important start walking months before you go to Disney World. You can easily walk miles a day at any of the parks. If you’re not used to walking, it can be a grueling experience. Don’t wear new shoes to Disney World, bring those that are well worn in, this is extremely important. You can also shop for stuff like ear hats and backpacks before you leave home; the Disney Store sometimes will even have sales. Stuff you buy at Disney World is expensive.

If you don’t want to do all this work yourself, many travel agents can help you with this. However, you still need to provide them with your budget, when you want to go, and other information as I have mentioned. I have heard that some of them will do everything for you at no cost to you and will apply any discounts and deals that pop up automatically.

One critical thing to know: you cannot do it all in one visit. You need to select what you can do or want to do and set your priorities. You can always go back. Be aware that things are always changing at Disney World. They will discontinue a ride or event and replace it with something else periodically.

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The October Edition of the Eagle Peak Quarterly is Online

It’s here–in living color! The October Eagle Peak Quarterly. Read it all at once or a little at a time.

We’ll try something new in this promo. Today, the list of articles with short excerpts. Then, for the next two weeks, we’ll post more of each article every other day. If we don’t get to your comment, it’s because we’ll be offline for a few days.

 

Vietnam and Waiting for Westmoreland–two anniversaries

Most people, I suspect, celebrate anniversaries as special occasions. These are different. They’re reference points in the tapestry of life. Signposts of events that have significantly affected the trajectory of my existence or describe it. Arriving in Vietnam 50 years ago. Writing a book about what transpired and how it changed me for the better.

 

The Global Solidarity of Youth: Ushering in a New Era of Hope

Franco-American writer and professor Michele de Gastyne offers her views and agreement on SGI leader Ikeda’s proposal to put youth in the forefront of dealing with the problems of nuclear proliferation, refugees, xenophobia and more. It’s a long and densely worded article, reflecting both the thoughts of Daisaku Ikeda and de Gastyne’s consideration of them.

 

An Interview with Tony Goodlette

Tony Goodlette spent eight years in Vietnam from 1967-1975. He still suffers health effects from that time. But the Buddhism he began practicing a few years later has enabled him to make even more valuable contributions to America and the world, with humanism and compassion. Read the interview for details of this man’s interesting life.

 

Let’s Go to Walt Disney World

It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it. Be advised: this is not a “wing it” vacation. Planning is essential if you’re to make the most of your family’s time and money. Juanita explains it all–well much of it anyway.  But she tells you where you can find out more.

 

Worth Noting (8) Things We Think You Should Check Out on the Web

Did you watch the PBS series on the Vietnam War? This 10-part, 18-hour film is among the best and most comprehensive feature on that war–with interviews from both sides and more. Stream it from the web and much more on the PBS site. Or take a peek at some beautiful travel photos from Nat Geo.

 

Previews of Articles Coming in January

More on financial planning (boring or droll–it’s important). Weight-loss techniques that actually WORK–the publisher can prove it! You won’t believe how much he’s lost. Building that dream home–realizing a boomer fantasy; another true-life experience. We’ll explain some alternatives and offer tips on buying a house. Plus the usual: Like an interview and items worth noting.

 

Smorgasbord, Variety is the Spice of Life–the fifth of our links to writer sites

Sally Cronin’s fabulous site is indeed a smorgasbord, with a potpourri of posts across a broad topical spectrum. There’s health, nutrition medical news. She freely promotes fellow authors. Most importantly, Sally tells readers about her own books–providing reviews and telling us where to get them. She’s been a storyteller most of her life, she says.