Q.

In a previous Notes article, 

"Steven writes: Hi Brian, You had helped me out with some information before but I just read something from another site that concerns me. My family & I are staying at the Wilderness Lodge and we have a character breakfast scheduled for Chef Mickey's on Tuesday during the trip. My plan was to drive to the Contemporary have the breakfast then jump on the monorail to EPCOT meaning I would be leaving the rental car parked all day at the Contemporary. I read that they tow the cars after a certain period of time if you are not a guest at that hotel. Do you know if this is true? It would really stink to come back from EPCOT only to find our car gone. If they do tow cars, is there a water shuttle I can take from the WL to the Contemporary for the breakfast? I am trying at all costs to avoid having to take the bus from one resort to another."

and you answered,

"Steven, With a Wilderness Lodge parking pass in your front window, you won't have to fear about being towed away. If you were staying off-site, and would not have a WDW parking pass, I would have suggested that you plan to go to the Contemporary for the breakfast, then drive over to Epcot to continue the day. In your case, though, you won't have any problems.

"There is no direct boat transportation from Wilderness Lodge to the Contemporary."

Brian, this last statement is incorrect. My wife and I just returned from staying at the Wilderness Lodge (April 23-28, 2002) and there is in fact direct boat transportation to the Contemporary. We took it on several occasions. It is the "Blue Flag" boat. There were two boats running in opposite directions all day (I think 7:00AM until 10:00PM) Wilderness Lodge ->Contemporary->Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge->Fort Wilderness->Contemporary. I would advise this person to take the boat. It is very pleasant short ride and you don't have to worry about having your car towed!

Regarding your latest “Notes from the World,” there is boat transportation available from Contemporary to Wilderness Lodge and back. We did just that thing back in November of 99.  However, I do not remember if it was a Contemporary, WL, Ft. Wilderness loop, or a MK, Ft. Wilderness, WL, Contemporary loop. Then again, my info may be outdated, because I know a lot of the boat routes have been cut back. But at the very least, the person with the original question should be able to take a boat from Wilderness Lodge to MK, and then a short walk over or monorail ride to the Contemporary.

Jackie wrote:

Brian, I have to make a correction to an answer you had given regarding boat transportation from the Wilderness Lodge to the Contemporary. Actually there is a boat that travels between WL, Fort Wilderness and the Contemporary. It leaves from the same boat dock as the one from WL to the MK and runs about every 20 minutes.  By the way... I really enjoy your column!

Jane writes:

Hi Brian, I was reading your notes from 5/6, and I noticed what I think is an error. Someone asked you a question about taking a boat from the WL to the Contemporary, and you responded that no such boat exists. I stayed at the FW Campgrounds in February of this year, and at that time at least, there were two water shuttles: one to the MK and one to the Contemporary. Each stopped at both the FWC and the WL. We rode it to Chef Mickey's one morning. I think it didn't start running until 8:00 AM though, so it wouldn't work for an early PS.

Jason writes:

Hi Brian! In today's column, you told a reader that there is no direct boat between wilderness lodge and the contemporary. My wife and I just returned from a stay at the Wilderness Lodge (first time there- what a beautiful hotel!) and I just wanted to let you know that there is a boat that goes to the contemporary. The same boat also goes to Ft Wilderness, but it stopped at the Contemporary first. We used this several times. There is a different boat that goes to the Magic Kingdom. One was a blue flag, and one was a green flag.

Jim wrote:

Hi Brian, We just returned from a great stay at the Wilderness Lodge. We loved it and highly recommend it to others! Thanks for all your helpful advice.

I just read your following statement in an answer to a question:

"There is no direct boat transportation from Wilderness Lodge to the Contemporary."

Actually at the dock there is a sign stating that boats with green flags go to the Contemporary, and blue flags go to Magic Kingdom (or vice-versa), and there were boats running with both of those flags. But we had no reason to go to the Contemporary, so I can't say for sure that's where the boat ACTUALLY went. I do know people got on the boat expecting to go to the Contemporary! Of course the signs also said boats went to River Country, so they obviously weren't quite up-to-date.

By the way, one of the little unexpected only-at-Disney surprises for us was that our housekeeper left extra towels on the bed folded in animal shapes - Mickey (just 3 circles), then a puppy, then an alligator (with our daughter's alligator headband made at the Cub's Den arranged beside it)! It was so cute - we'd never heard about this before.

A.

...Ok, so actually I blew it. Thanks for letting me know. :)

By the way, if you're curious about the towels-into-animals thing that Jim is talking about, check out Sue Holland's latest piece (published last Friday) and scroll down to the bottom of the page to see an example.

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Here is my problem. The parks may well fill to capacity on the 4th. Resort guests have guaranteed entry, but we wouldn't typically because we are offsite. We will be armed with special "Convention Tickets" which are essentially park hopper passes, but with a 14 day expiration date.

Here are my questions. If we are at a park which has filled to capacity and want to leave for a short while in the afternoon, can we be guaranteed access back into the park with a hand stamp? Or once we leave, might we be denied access back in because we aren't WDW resort guests?

Second, we will have special "Convention Park Hoppers" that have been made part of the package. Will these tickets allow us to attend E-nights if we choose to purchase the option? Or will we be denied because we are off-site?

Lastly, what's the reason that NO WDW hotels allow pets? It completely eliminated those resorts as an option for us this year. (I know about the Kennel Clubs, but they are not really set up for an extended stay) The Hard Rock at Universal allows them, but they are too far away during a huge traffic time of year.

By the way, one very positive note. We were at WDW two weeks ago and spent time at the Magic Kingdom and at MGM. The attractions were operating better and more efficiently then I have seen them in a long time. The Haunted Mansion, in particular, appeared to have been given some long needed TLC. The sound was clean, the animatronics were all working well, and the CMs were tremendous. Splash Mountain and Pirates were also working very well. No down animatronics there either. Every attraction seemed to be running better then I have seen them in awhile. Maybe WDW is again working at this stuff. Last year when we were there, we noted lots of upkeep problems and were kind of depressed about it. Not so last week.

Keep up the great work on the site.

A.

First off, I'm very glad you had a great trip! I, too, had noticed some serious declines during my last trip, yet I also had noticed some on-going work to bring some things back to proper condition, so maybe my Fall trip just hit a low point before some serious sprucing-up was finished up. In any case, I'm very pleased that WDW's maintenance situation appear to be improving.

On to your questions...

On-site resort guests are the only ones that are guaranteed re-entry on a day that a park has reached capacity. That's the official policy, although the actual implementation of that policy seems to vary from park to park and from cast member to cast member. What will actually happen to you, should the parks reach capacity during your visit, is hard to say. However, as an off-site visitor, you're certainly at more risk of being denied re-entry than an on-site guest would be.

On E-Ride nights, again, according to the official policy, only on-site guests with multi-day passes are eligible to buy E-Ride tickets. If you show your convention pass, you may be allowed to buy an E-Ride ticket, but you'd be doing so against policy and if you were asked, at the time of trading in the ticket for example, to show proof that you're staying at a WDW resort (by showing your resort ID), you'd be at risk of disappointment. The bottom line is that E-Ride is a pay-for perk that WDW has chosen to offer as an incentive to stay on-site. If you want to enjoy E-Ride, you really do need to make reservations at an on-site resort to be completely "legal."

I'm not privy as to why WDW has decide to not allow pets to stay at their resort hotels. There are, actually, five different kennels across WDW where pets may be boarded, so things aren't as bad as you may think. Also, contrary to your comment, the kennels are all set-up to handle overnight (and multiple day) stays. There's a lot more information on what to do when taking a pet to WDW on this page.

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WDW transportation generally starts running a good hour to an hour and a half before the park officially opens. When you check in at the resort, simply ask when the first bus run to the Magic Kingdom will take place (and explain your concern about your early seating at Cinderella's). On the day of the breakfast, make sure you're at the bus stop to catch that first bus. If, that morning, you find yourself in time trouble, find a cast member at the resort and explain your dilemma and they'll probably make special arrangements (sending you over in a company van, for example) if there's no other way to get you to the park on time. However, I'm sure you'll be in plenty of time if you are reasonably diligent.

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I have received word from a Disney CM that tickets for kids that had children's tickets from previous trips are upgraded to adult tickets at no cost. The actually statement from that email was, "I just wanted to let you know, that if a guest was 8 on their first visit to WDW and now they're 10, all the parent has to do is visit any of the four theme parks or DTD Guest Relations and we'll fix the ticket. There is no charge. We don't charge kids for growing up!" Maybe you won't have a problem... but Personally, I'd see what I could do to pull the trip ahead a few days and miss the deadline completely as that would completely, and truthfully, solve the dollars issue.

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Q.

While at WDW I was planning on carrying a backpack with me to carry; water bottles, ponchos, cameras, etc. My question is will I be able to carry my backpack on to the rides and attractions with me? It seems kind of pointless to me to pack all that stuff with me to the park just to have to stick it in a locker, and then not have it with me when I need it. forgive me if this is a stupid question. But any response would be greatly appreciated.

A.

Folks carry backpacks around the parks all the time! If that's what you want to do, don't hesitate at all. However, be aware of a couple of issues. First, due to heightened security at the parks, you should expect to have your bag inspected before entering. Second, there isn't a great place to put such belongings when you're on many attractions. For example, on the Mountains and other high-end rides, you'll be hard pressed to find a good place to stash your pack. Still, people do so every day, so if having that stuff readily available is important to you, just do it.

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All of the moderate resorts are very similar in terms of the amenities. The thing that distinguishes them is the theming. If the island flair of CBR interests you, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. One caveat, CBR is much, much larger than the French Quarter. Unless you're located close to Old Port Royale, you'll be quite a distance from the central resort facilities.

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Q.

Anyway, I've been checking the website for park hours as well. I think that I may have at least a partial reason for the late posting of hours.

It seems to me that last year (and for the past couple of years) the Disney/MGM Studios have had their "Star Wars" weekends. Since they are not having it this year (at least not nearly as big as last), my guess is that they are looking at last year's attendance figures and saying, "well we can't go by last year's numbers". So the only resource that they would have would be advance bookings. The problem is, from what I've been hearing about the travel industry in general, is that since 9/11 people are not booking as far in advance as they used to, so that a lot of decisions for the Summer that would have been made six months ago are starting to be made now.

Perhaps the fact that the parks have no major draw for May, coupled with closer than usual bookings and with belt-tightening at the parks, caused the powers that be to wait until May before making their decisions. But then, as Dennis Miller would say, "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong".

One other quick thing. The last time that I heard anything, it looked like the Pop Century resort was not going to open until 2003 at the earliest. Have you heard if they are still doing construction work on it? And, by the way, where is this resort going to be located?

Thanks for all the information you provide. You do a great job.

A.

Thanks for your kind words about those pages of mine that you've read. It's nice to know that I'm not alone with some of my opinions. :)

I can neither confirm nor deny your analysis of the hours issue.  You certainly have a logical argument, though.

Pop Century is located between Caribbean Beach Resort and the Wide World of Sports complex, in the South central portion of WDW. Last I'd heard, construction work had been slowed, but not completely halted. 2003 is the very earliest I'd expect to see the new resort open, simply because demand isn't there for that many new rooms on-site right now... "But then, as Dennis Miller would say, 'That's just my opinion, I could be wrong'."  ;)

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I really enjoy your site and the updates (although I did fall for your April Fool's notes for about 5 seconds... maybe because they were still showing up on the site on April 2nd or maybe I was just a sucker). I am also a trip report addict.

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Q.

ALTHOUGH!!! I will say that the crowds seemed lighter this Easter week than in past years at Epcot and the Studios and Animal Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom was packed. Animal Kingdom would have felt less full if the walkways were wider!! Getting thru the human traffic jam in Africa was terrible. Just had to share!!!

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Stay tuned, though... I have heard whisperings about some new projects that may be announced soon.  :)

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Thanks so much for your kind comments. I can't say that I agree with you -- there are a lot of experts out there that know a lot more than I do. 

Anyway, on to your questions... If you (or the person that booked the rooms) have the confirmation number, a call to Disney's central reservations office is all that is needed. Just tell them that you'd like to make some room requests as follows... and list all of your wishes in the order that they're important to you. For example, I always specify non-smoking (I have allergy and asthma so that's always good), my preferred location (that varies from resort to resort), and first floor (I'd prefer to not have to go up and down stairs if I can avoid it).

Keep in mind that the broader you keep your requests, the more likely it is that they'll be met -- but in any case, they are NEVER guaranteed!

If you want to have a little extra measure of possibility that you'll get what you ask for, call the RESORT directly, five days or so before your arrival, and ask to talk to "the person that assigns the rooms" or "the room controller." Just reference your reservation number and make the same requests again. Repetition never hurts as long as it's done with courtesy. ;)

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Q.

I had a couple of questions that I was hoping you could help me with.

1. Have you heard anything about the new value resort - Pop Century? when it will be opening, etc.?
2. How far in advance should I book my reservations if I want to get four (4) rooms together in a value resort, either pop century or movie, in the summer?
3. What are the benefits of purchasing an annual pass, with regard to room deals, etc.? I have heard you can get a deal on your room with an AP, could I use this rebate on all four rooms or just on the room I will be in?

Thank you in advance for any assistance. Keep up the great work!

A.

Pop Century is currently under construction, but it's opening has been delayed into 2003. Demand just hasn't warranted a quick construction schedule, so things have been slowed to save money.

I'd suggest making reservations as soon as possible for this Summer! There's no penalty for cancellation as long as it's several days out... so why delay?

The much-vaunted annual pass holder room rates are, indeed, excellent deals. However, they are usually available only during value season (slow) times of the year. However, it NEVER hurts to ask! If you will have an AP when you check in (you'll be asked to show it, so don't think you can bluff your way at check in), ask when you make your reservations about available discounts including AP rates. Maybe you'll strike the mother lode. :)

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Q.

Brian, Thanks for all the great information. I am planning a trip to WDW November 2002 for a long weekend. To save money we will be staying at the All Star Sports Resort. I think the pool will entertain my daughter and nephew. On a day we do not visit a park how feasible is it to visit another resort with a different pool. Last year when we stayed at the Grand Floridian people got off the boat in bathing suits and used the pool. I don't know if we will even do it but I thought about lunch at the Whispering Canyon and maybe a dip in the pool and the Wilderness Lodge later. What do you think?

and Michelle writes: 

Hi Brian, My family is planning a trip to WDW in July 2002. We're staying at Port Orleans Riverside. This is not a park trip, but a trip to relax and enjoy the pools and maybe spend a day at Universal. My questions is this: What is your experience with resort guests visiting other resort pools? My kids really want to try out the pools at the Boardwalk and the Polynesian. If we went to these resorts to eat, would it be a problem for the kids to try out the pools? I'm curious if any of your readers have experiences with "pool hopping"!

Thanks again, I am addicted to your website!

A.

Kerry, what you may have seen is either DVC members from the Villas at Wilderness Lodge that came over on the boat to use the Grand's pool or it might have been other guests crashing. If they were neither Grand Floridian guests or DVC members then they were certainly not "legal."

Before entering the pool area at any resort, you may be asked to show resort ID. Folks that are found to not be DVC members or resort guests at that particular resort are asked to leave.

Q.

If you had your choice, would you stay at Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter? We've got reservations at the Riverside for a room with a trundle bed, but the pictures I saw of those rooms in the Alligator Bayou didn't look so good compared to the ones at French Quarter. Also, I think my kids want to visit the pool at French Quarter. How long a walk would we have from Riverside to the pool at French Quarter?

Thanks again for your help!

A.

Since I just responded to your comment about pool hopping... I do want to make it clear that both pools at Port Orleans are open to guests from either Riverside or the French Quarter. The resort is one, common resort so pool hopping between these two is perfectly ok. :)

I don't know how to answer your question about which resort is better. Both are very nice, but have a slightly different theme to them. If you prefer one over the other, as it appears you do, then I'd suggest that you make your reservations according to your own wishes.

The walk between the two resorts central guest areas (Dixie Landings and Jackson Square) is about a fifteen to twenty minute walk.

Q.

Hi, Brian, thanks for your quick response to my questions. Just to verify what you said, either resort would have as nice a room as the other? One is not better than the other, just themed differently. Also, do you have any experience with staying in a pool view room? I know it is higher than a standard room, but I wonder if I could see the kids in the pool from a pool view room or if you just have a far away view of the pool. Pool side would be what I would like to have, but guest reservations called it pool view.

Thanks again, and I'll try to stop bothering you!

A.

Yes, the themes are different... but the amenities are the same.

You should not assume that "pool view" and "pool side" are synonymous. You will not necessarily be close enough to the pool in a "pool view" room to provide sufficient supervision for kids that are playing in the water!

Q.

Here is my latest question:

How do these 2 resorts' pools compare? I've never seen the pool at PORR (and haven't found a good picture of the slide yet). Best I remember, WL wasn't that large. I am looking for the best pool for kids ages 8-12.

A.

If you go to this page, you can find a link to MousePlanet's photo tours for both resorts... All of the photo tours are currently be reformatted, you'll note that the Wilderness Lodge photos are pretty fuzzy, but at least you'll get an idea of what the pools are like. Don't forget that you'll be able to use both themed pools at Port Orleans if you stay at Riverside.

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Q.

However, since River Country will be closed, are we allowed to use the pools at other resorts like the Wilderness Lodge?

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I don't think so, but you can always contact Fort Wilderness and ask...

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Let's just say this... I wouldn't purposely do something that I know to be against the official policy. For one thing, I wouldn't want to get caught and deal with the embarrassment... for another (and this is the comment that will likely upset you and get me in hot water), I don't want my kids seeing me trying to skirt the rules. That just opens the door to them trying to skirt my rules. Bad precedent, in my opinion. :)

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Sorry for sounding so harsh in my reply. The problem that Disney faces is that the quality of the themeing of the pools varies so much from resort to resort. The Volcano Pool and Stormalong Bay (Polynesian and Beach Club respectively) just blow the baseball pool at All Star Sports out of the water (pardon the pun). If they allowed pool hopping, the folks that pay the big bucks wouldn't even be able to enjoy the amenities that they paid for... thus the rule.

I know for a fact that the pool hopping rule is strongly enforced at times as I've known of people to complain about being "thrown out."

Click here to see some awesome WDW pieces that have run on MousePlanet recently!

Click here to check out the rest of Brian's Archive, including all of the previously published "Notes From the World" pieces!

I've always gotten email about the WDW Trip Planning Guide, but since we added the feedback form to the site several months ago, the number of questions has increased dramatically!  I do my best to answer each and every question personally, but I've noticed that a lot of the questions are asked again and again.  The question that one person asks might very well be the question that someone else is wondering about.  Thus this page!

So...I'll post reader email and feedback every once in a while, because the question someone else asks might be the same one you're thinking about yourself!