Disney's Polynesian Resort

Disney's Polynesian Resort is one of the most luxurious that guests will find on property at Walt Disney World. Themed after the tropical islands of the South Pacific, this hotels grounds are full of lush vegitation and white sand beaches.

The resort is situated across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom Park. It is also on the resort monorail line, which offers quick access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is located near by and guests can visit by following the beautiful pathway between resorts.

Disney's Polynesian Resort's main building is called the Great Ceremonial House. It includes the registration and conceirge desks, quick service meal locations, and two table service restaurants. There is also a quiet lounge on the second floor, which frequently has live music, and offers a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks named Wishes.

Step out the back doors of the Great Ceremonial House and you will arrive at the main pool area. It is one of the nicest pools on property, offering a waterslide which loops through a volcano, and a zero-depth entry for small children. The pool is also just steps away from white sand beaches which stretch the whole length of the resort, with views of Cinderella's Castle in the background. There is also another quieter pool, that adults may enjoy for a little time to themselves.

For dining option, guests can choose between grabbing a quick meal at the Polynesians food court, and having a more memorable meal at one of the table-service restaurants on property. Ohana is the Polynesian's character buffet, which includes visits from Lilo and Stitch. This is a favorite among many guests to Walt Disney World, for the entertainment as well as the food. Just around the corner from Ohana is the Kona Cafe, offering reasonably priced island-inspired meals for the whole family.

If your family is looking for more of an experience with you dinner, visit the Spirts of Aloha dinner show. Guests view an authentic luau style show, while eatting the unlimited dinner that is based around a traditional luau meal. This is an amazing show, that your family will not forget!

The resort is also home to the Neverland Club, a wonderful childcare facility. They are there, should you need a night of romance away from the kids. In addition, there is a resort marina, where guests can rent watercraft or book parasailing tours.

Disney's Polynesian Resort is one of the most saught after resorts on property, and if you stay there, you will soon see why. As one of the most beautiful and convenient hotels on property, while still offering unmatched Disney service. A stay here will truely make your vacation a step above the rest!

A Look Into Toy Story Midway Mania

In early 2008, Toy Story Midway Mania opened at both Disney's California Adventures and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is without arguement, the most complex and popular ride at Walt Disney World to date. And for good reason!

Toy Story Mania is located within Pixar Place, near the back of Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll know you are close by the larger than life Green Army men, and the endless crowds of people.

Enter through Toy Story Mania's door, and you are shrunk to the size of a toy. The line up to the attraction winds through Andy's room, full of giant playing cards, and Candyland pieces. Also in the waiting room is Mr. Potato Head, who tells stories, tells jokes and sings for the waiting visitors. Try to get his attention when you are close by, as he can actually see the people waiting in line, and uses them for his jokes.

When you arrive at the attraction, put on your 3D glasses, the fun is about to start! You are seated in groups of two into cars that have spring-action shooters. You simply pull the string on your gun and it fires your shots at the 3D targets. The ride cars zip along a track spinning and racing to the different Midway games. Some of the games you will play along with your favorite Toy Story characters are baloon-pop, dart throwing and ring toss. The amazing part about this attraction is not only does the screen appear in 3D, so do what you are shooting! You can actually see your rings being tossed towards the targets! Each car is equiped to keep tally of each rider's score and displays them to you along the ride.

This attraction is perfect for a little friendly competition. However, don't waste all your energy at the beginning, you are going to need it at the end.

Because this attraction is so innovative and fun for ALL members of the family, the lines are very long. If you plan to ride this attraction, make sure to arrive at Disney's Hollywood Studios at least 30 minutes before park opening. FASTPASSes also are distributed quickly and run out usually before noon. So plan ahead, and be sure not to miss this AMAZING attraction!

Let's Talk Weather

I've seen a lot of questions latley from people asking what to expect from the Florida weather for their vacation. So here is a short summary of what you may experience weather-wise when on your upcoming Disney vacation.

Florida is a tropical climate, and for the most part the days are hot and humid. For summer travel, you can expect it to be upper 80s, and frequently hitting temperatures in the 90s. At night it does cool down a little, to usually around the 60s. There are also lots of rain showers during the summer and fall months. The morning will be sunny and warm, then usually around 2-3pm, there will be some short rain showers, and then the sun will return.

Because of the high humidity and tempurates for most of the year in Florida, I have a few tips that may make the day more enjoyable.

1) Buy a hand fan and mister. These sell in the park for nearly $20, however you can get one at Walmart for about $6. It will save you when you are waiting in the hot sun for an attraction.

2) Dress in thin, fast-drying clothes. Make sure to wear clothing that the air can flow through: no jeans, or heavy materials.

3) Get FASTPASSes early for the water rides so that you can ride it once it gets hot, without waiting in a long line.

4) Visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach in the afternoon, when your family needs a break from the heat.

5) Visit attractions that are inside with air-conditioning, such as PhilharMagic and Space Mountain, once everyone gets tired of the sun.

Although Florida is usually hot and sunny, the tempurature can also drop to suprising lows. If you are traveling in November to February, you should expect it to be slightly colder, with also the possibility of it dropping to 40 degrees or cooler. It is a good idea to pack pants, sweaters and coats along with your summer wear for a winter vacation to Orlando. When visiting the park, bring along a small backpack that you can fit sweaters into, should it get chilly that night.

Hope this helps!

Enjoy the sun!

Favorites

I thought I'd start by listing my Walt Disney World favorites. Here is a list of my must-see attractions, hotels and dining experiences. Enjoy!

Favorite attractions:
1)Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom
2)Test Track at EPCOT
3)Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios
4)Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios
5)Splash Mountain

Favorite hotel: Polynesian
Favorite quick service restaurant: Casey's Corner at the Magic Kingdom
Favorite full service restaurant: California Grill, during Wishes
Favorite little-known restaurant: Beaches and Cream at the Yacht/Beach Club
Favorite nighttime show: Illuminations at EPCOT
Favorite day show: PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom

What are your favorites? Post as a comment!

Welcome!

Welcome to the In The Magic blog! This blog is written in conjunction with http://www.InTheMagic.com to share tons of Walt Disney World insider info, tips and hints! Check back frequently for in-depth reviews and descriptions of each and every Walt Disney World attraction, show and restaurant. I will also be posting helpful tips and ideas that your family can use to help plan your vacation and get In The Magic!