Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [93]
Chair Lift
Map Location 4
The Chair Lift offers direct transportation to the top of Mt. Gushmore where Summit Plummet, Slush Gusher, and Teamboat Springs await. It’s also a fun little diversion in itself, but lines can grow unbelievably long in the afternoon. Hiking up the steps is a lot faster. And while there’s nothing scary about the ride, it’s tough to hold on to a squirming toddler who’s been slathered with sunscreen, so there’s a height requirement of 32 inches.
Melt Away Bay
Map Location 8
Unlike the huge Surfing Lagoon at Typhoon Lagoon, this swimming area is relatively small and offers mild swells instead of big waves. Fed by “melting snow” waterfalls, the pool is perfect for young kids and unsteady swimmers. There are plenty of chairs and shady huts nearby for relaxing but these tend to be claimed early in the day.
Cross-Country Creek
Map Location 12
Blizzard Beach has its own version of a lazy river. There are plenty of inner tubes—just wade in, climb on, and float along on a relaxing loop of the park.
List of Maps
Getting to the Rest of the World
Staying on-site? Although the Disney transportation system does a good job of shuttling guests between the on-site hotels and the major theme parks, it slows down a bit when it comes to the minor parks. Consult the transportation guide you’re given at check-in for the best route from your resort to anywhere on Disney property. If the trip involves two transfers and you don’t have a car, consider taking a cab. They’re easy to get from any on-site resort, and the cost of being hauled from one end of Disney property to another is around $15–$20.
Staying off-site? If you have your own car, use it. Off-site hotels rarely offer shuttle service to anything other than the major parks. If you don’t have a car, call a cab.
Getting to Downtown Disney
On-site hotels have direct bus service to Downtown Disney. The buses make three stops, which means a fairly lengthy commute, especially to get to DisneyQuest or the Cirque du Soleil, both of which are at the final stop, in the West Side. Those staying at Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs, or Old Key West have boat service directly to the Marketplace.
In addition, on-site and off-site guests can drive directly to Downtown Disney. There’s no charge for parking.
Getting to the ESPN Wide World of Sports
The fastest route is to drive your own car. Otherwise, buses are an option, but few run to this out-of-the-way location. Check your transportation guide for the best route from your resort; if more than two transfers are involved, take a cab.
Getting from One Resort to Another
On-site guests with their own cars can simply drive to the new resort and inform the guard they’re visiting for dinner or another activity. If you don’t have your own car, your simplest option is to take a cab. Your cheapest option is to use the theme park that’s closest to you as a transfer station. For example, if you’re staying at the Grand Floridian and have dinner reservations at the BoardWalk, take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and catch a bus to the BoardWalk from there.
Downtown Disney
The enormous entertainment, dining, and shopping complex known as Downtown Disney is packed at night. Families who’d like to visit when there are fewer crowds should show up in the afternoon and eat dinner relatively early, like at 5 PM. It’s a great spot for the first afternoon or evening of your vacation. It doesn’t require a ticket, but still has plenty of Disney spirit.
“We didn’t want to buy a ticket for our first day, since we were landing in Orlando around noon,” reported one woman who visited with her husband and 14-year-old sister. “Instead we went to Downtown Disney, and had a great meal and then did some shopping. It was a low-key, perfect introduction to Disney World.”
Off season, Downtown Disney sections open at staggered times. If you have questions about hours, check with Guest