Orlando - Ask a Cast Member!

So I've been posting in the Delta Forums more than here so I feel like I owe you guys some contribution! Feel free to ask appropriate questions (please don't ask anything you think might be privileged, confidential, or break the magic for any of the guests).

Disclaimer: All opinons and posts are the sole opinion of this poster and not that of The Walt Disney Company, its partners, affiliates or subsidiaries :)

Glad to :)

If you're allowed to say, what area do you work in? A store or the parks since your location indicates LEX and not MCO or LAX :)

I've held a couple of different roles :)
I've worked at Hollywood Studios, in the Main Entrance

Currently, I work out of state with their College Program recruiting :)

I'l be transferring back down to Orlando in 2011 as well.

Ah, you're the person in charge of rah-rah :D :D :D

Not a leader :) I did Park Greeting, so the people for validated tickets

One question.. I've got the 2010 Preferred Parking Voucher from AAA.. they don't have the 2011 Vouchers out yet.

I was down at the CAA/AAA office today and they said I can use the 2010 Preferred Parking Voucher for the first days of 2011 so long as the parking attendant validates that my park tickets (21 day ultimate ticket) in fact started in 2010. So my question is can I use the Preferred Parking Voucher from AAA for preferred parking slots until January 4th, 2011?.. our last days at the parks.

One question.. I've got the 2010 Preferred Parking Voucher from AAA.. they don't have the 2011 Vouchers out yet.

I was down at the CAA/AAA office today and they said I can use the 2010 Preferred Parking Voucher for the first days of 2011 so long as the parking attendant validates that my park tickets (21 day ultimate ticket) in fact started in 2010. So my question is can I use the Preferred Parking Voucher from AAA for preferred parking slots until January 4th, 2011?.. our last days at the parks.

Is this the same as the Diamond Parking? That is the only one I am aware of that available at the parks. I wouldn't worry about that, though. Parking is usually pretty lax. However, if you do want to make sure, just drop by Guest Relations at Downtown Disney before heading to the parks and they should be able to verify, or at least accommodate you.

Is this the same as the Diamond Parking? That is the only one I am aware of that available at the parks. I wouldn't worry about that, though. Parking is usually pretty lax. However, if you do want to make sure, just drop by Guest Relations at Downtown Disney before heading to the parks and they should be able to verify, or at least accommodate you.

It's the Diamond Parking pass.. AAA doesn't have the 2011 Diamond Voucher for parking out yet. Thanks for the advice.

What Local know's events during Christmas would you recommend attending? I've got most of the events booked I think.. Just wondering if you can list off some of your favorites so I can do a final checklist. We'll arriving in Orlando tomorrow! And we're excited!:cool:

I doubt the parking guys even look at the year. I park for free with my annual pass, and I know the attendants just wave me through when I flash the pass. There's no way they can see the year, and I doubt they can even tell it's really an annual pass as quickly as they glance at it.

What Local know's events during Christmas would you recommend attending? I've got most of the events booked I think.. Just wondering if you can list off some of your favorites so I can do a final checklist. We'll arriving in Orlando tomorrow! And we're excited!:cool:

To be honest Ancien, I've only spent one holiday season in Florida, so I don't know too much. After visiting this year, I loved what they have done at Grand Floridian Resort with the Gingerbread House! It's completely made out of real candy and is awesome - check it out if you get the chance! Park wise, my favorite is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/special-events/osborne-family-spectacle-of-dancing-lights/)

To be honest Ancien, I've only spent one holiday season in Florida, so I don't know too much. After visiting this year, I loved what they have done at Grand Floridian Resort with the Gingerbread House! It's completely made out of real candy and is awesome - check it out if you get the chance! Park wise, my favorite is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/special-events/osborne-family-spectacle-of-dancing-lights/)

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was very good.. They say 5 million lights are on Main Street of America (I apologize if the number/street is wrong.. heard it over the announcements).

Last edition of Wishes went off with major hitches last night at Magic Kingdom. Major Fog, could hardly see 15% of the fireworks. Holiday Wishes will begin tonite, and Christmastime parade will begin tonite as well.. replacing Celebration parade.. so will be interested to see the differences tonite.

To be honest Ancien, I've only spent one holiday season in Florida, so I don't know too much. After visiting this year, I loved what they have done at Grand Floridian Resort with the Gingerbread House! It's completely made out of real candy and is awesome - check it out if you get the chance! Park wise, my favorite is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/special-events/osborne-family-spectacle-of-dancing-lights/)

robtking.. followed your advice and our family went down briefly to Grand Floridian to check out the Gingerbread house. Very nice, got like 10 pictures of the house. I thought it was quite exceptional that there was a staff of 2 working the cash register from inside the house.. selling.. of course, ginger bread products.:cool:

Any other festive features to advise? I heard there was a big chocolate something in one of the other monorail resorts..

Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier Ancien, I'll trust that you had a great time!
If anyone has any more questions, be sure to let me know! :)

To be honest Ancien, I've only spent one holiday season in Florida, so I don't know too much. After visiting this year, I loved what they have done at Grand Floridian Resort with the Gingerbread House! It's completely made out of real candy and is awesome - check it out if you get the chance! Park wise, my favorite is The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/special-events/osborne-family-spectacle-of-dancing-lights/)

Hi! I've been going for way too many years, and a few times during the Christmas holiday time. I actually thought the gingerbread house was better in years past? Did enjoy the piped in cinnamon smell, and the ambiance, but was sad that they don't sell a whole lot out of it (wish they had candies or something not containing eggs as my son is severly allergic and most gingerbread is egg free). I guess it was a little of a let down there.

The Osborne Family lights were SO COOL! We had a blast walking around and watching them! Definitely glad to see them, and impressed at how much work goes into that display!!!!

Overall, we have taken our kids (now almost 12 and 14) for over 10 years, multiple times a year, mainly since Disney can do food allergies like no other resort destination can even come close (other than our Marriott timeshare, where I can cook for us). I was almost blown away, when a chef would come out and talk to him every meal to make sure he could eat what's safe! Only time that didn't happen was at the California Grill this past Christmas (go figure, and it was our worst $300 meal at Disney ever). For the most part, way to go for food allergies! He's never had one reaction, and had so many awesome meals at Disney (I mean Orlando).

We did enjoy the displays at the Boardwalk and the Yacht Club, too. Very cute. Also the cookies and lemonade on Christmas Eve in the lobby of the Boardwalk were a nice touch (my DD had to eat one!!!!).

We noticed another Ginger Bread House at Contemporary, a floor beneath the monorail.. while walking to catch the next monorail. Weird the escalators up to the monorail at Contemporary was clearly labelled, but the elevators were not.. so we ended up going up the regular elevators a floor, only resulting having to catch another elevator down.. moving over to the escalators, we couldn't go up because of the baby stroller, and a cast member ended up helping us to another set of elevators going up to the monorail.. Is this a 70's design?

Sounds like the Osborne lights are new to Hollywood Studios? I had the impression it may have been around for awhile. I found that Hollywood Studios has many events and shows that make it worthwhile to visit at least 2 full days out of a trip. My only regret is not being able to ride the roller coaster before leaving. Tower of Terror is one of my favorite rides, and the Toy Story Mania was good if you are able to obtain fast passes. Otherwise, its' just a forever wait for a one shot crack at the game.

Is it just me? I found that Hollywood Studios uses more live action, actors, reality based shows than Universal?.. But I haven't been to Universal since Oct 08.. and of course, they've got Harry Potter.. wasn't enough of a draw to drag my one year old over there.. not enough to do for a young family at Universal from our opinion.

My wife, and our friends from California really took a liking to American Idol. I guess American Idol runs almost each hour and the final show are the winners from each American Idol segment. So it was quite exciting to watch the winners of each segment duke it out in the finale.. and there was actually a contestant I think that may have what it takes to go all the way that actually appeared in the finale as the final contestant (December 30th).. worlds' apart from the other contestants.. who I thought was pretty good to start with. American Idol is a great addition to Hollywood Studios.

We noticed another Ginger Bread House at Contemporary, a floor beneath the monorail.. while walking to catch the next monorail. Weird the escalators up to the monorail at Contemporary was clearly labelled, but the elevators were not.. so we ended up going up the regular elevators a floor, only resulting having to catch another elevator down.. moving over to the escalators, we couldn't go up because of the baby stroller, and a cast member ended up helping us to another set of elevators going up to the monorail.. Is this a 70's design?
The Contemporary was built in the 70's, so maybe it was 'Contemporary' for that time :)

Sounds like the Osborne lights are new to Hollywood Studios? I had the impression it may have been around for awhile.
Nope, it has been at Hollywood Studios (Formerly MGM Studios) since 1995.

The Contemporary was built in the 70's, so maybe it was 'Contemporary' for that time :)


Nope, it has been at Hollywood Studios (Formerly MGM Studios) since 1995.

So curious RobTKing.. I knew a Rob King in my Grade 9 class Nickel Junior High in Calgary.. long shot, but you wouldn't be him? He wore glasses.

Anyways, how is the employment outlook at Disney lately? Have they been more hiring or firing nowadays?

I saw that DT Disney was cleaned up a bit.. didn't walk that far in, just wanted to go home and sleep. Looks like the Discovery Cove Part is being revamped.

So curious RobTKing.. I knew a Rob King in my Grade 9 class Nickel Junior High in Calgary.. long shot, but you wouldn't be him? He wore glasses.

Nope, sorry :)

Anyways, how is the employment outlook at Disney lately? Have they been more hiring or firing nowadays?

I saw that DT Disney was cleaned up a bit.. didn't walk that far in, just wanted to go home and sleep. Looks like the Discovery Cove Part is being revamped.

Depends on division. No massive layoffs but prospective hires and transfers for their new resorts in Hawaii and the new resort in Orlando. DTD is lighter because of some massive renovations over the next year. And with the closer of clubs at Pleasure Islands, I suppose less cast is need. Still pretty active though!

Nope, sorry :)



Depends on division. No massive layoffs but prospective hires and transfers for their new resorts in Hawaii and the new resort in Orlando. DTD is lighter because of some massive renovations over the next year. And with the closer of clubs at Pleasure Islands, I suppose less cast is need. Still pretty active though!

I heard the DVC is going to Hawaii.. I think Oahu if I'm not mistaken.. So what's going to be unique at the Disney Hawaii resort? We've been travelling to Hawaii annually for the past 8 years, and just booked our trip March break this year already. I imagine Mary2e would be interested since she frequents Oahu and Kuaui

http://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/

http://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort/

So looked into Aulani, rates, and DVC points.. I thought it was pretty expensive for Oahu. I get friends and family rates at Kea Lani and Orchid, and into a very nice Ocean View/Front Suite. To get into a decent Ocean View Suite, I calculated, need to spend $60K, and maintenance fees would be close to $2,300 US a year for a week. IMHO, I spend this much at the hotels I stay at, without having to shell out $60K, and get a nice one bedroom suite on Big Island and Maui. Maybe for a change of pace, if I can get a good deal on DVC points, or if there is less than retail promo.. and we've been talking about visiting Oahu.. we'll try Aulani. But even a good deal buying DVC points would be close to $4,500 for a week at Aulani with Ocean View plus taxes. So I dunno..

This may sound strange, but have you ever seen any merchandise in the complex with Ludwig von Drake or J. Woodlore Audubon? They are my daughter's favorites, and I've never seen anywhere.

I haven't seen them anywhere either. Some characters aren't done, and some are done at certain times of the year. I managed to get a Jiminy Cricket stuffed animal around Christmas, and a Ms. Bunny animal around Easter. Both were purchased in a park.

Somewhere in my photo box I have a pic of the kids with C3P0, and I think R2D2 is in it as well.

I've only ever seen them that one time....

R2D2 and C3PO used to be around all the time in Hollywood Studios near the Star Wars ride. I haven't seen them in ages either.

No r2d2 or 3cpo. Did take in the attraction where they trained the kids to be fighters. My 5 year old was going to join. I think Darth Vader was there though

No r2d2 or 3cpo. Did take in the attraction where they trained the kids to be fighters. My 5 year old was going to join. I think Darth Vader was there though

Jedi Training Academy!


Sorry folks, been busy and havent had a chance to hop on here in a while!

Anything I can help with?

Hi Rob

I was wondering about WDW during July, I have heard that there are so many people they stop admitting new visitors. Is this true.

I have two daughters 3 and 5 who are obsessed with Princesses. Contemporay is within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom, do you think the convenience is a good reason to stay there?

The only day I've ever heard of them closing in July is Independence Day (july 4). If you're staying at a hotel on-site, you will still be admitted unless they reach the worst possible crowd level (rare occurrence).

I strongly recommend the Contemporary if you have young children and plan to spend most of your time at the Magic Kingdom. It's a quick easy walk to the park entrance.

Keep in mind that it will be brutally hot and humid in July. You should plan to return to your hotel in the afternoon and go to the pool and/or rest indoors. The parks are all open very late, so you can benefit from returning after dark when the crowds are lighter.

If you want to plan any activities with individual access to the princesses - START LOOKING FOR RESERVATIONS NOW. That includes all the meals and the Bibbidi Bobbity boutique.

Hi Rob

I was wondering about WDW during July, I have heard that there are so many people they stop admitting new visitors. Is this true.

I have two daughters 3 and 5 who are obsessed with Princesses. Contemporay is within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom, do you think the convenience is a good reason to stay there?

My strong recommendation is to avoid July. People tell you it's hot, but that description cannot be understood until you live through it. The humidity is godawful. You are sweating before you can get 50 feet outside your hotel room.

We were there in mid-May once and my son almost fainted after an hour in the sun before noon.

In July, it's like you are walking through a pizza oven while someone hits you in the head repeatedly with a hammer. Unbelievable. Little kids have it even worse than adults.

No one ever takes my advice on this, but I notice they don't return in July/August either.

My strong recommendation is to avoid July. People tell you it's hot, but that description cannot be understood until you live through it. The humidity is godawful. You are sweating before you can get 50 feet outside your hotel room.

We were there in mid-May once and my son almost fainted after an hour in the sun before noon.


I usually go in both March and October. I've found that, even though October has higher temperature readings, it feels much drier. March tends to be humid, and it can get into the 80s. Even if it reaches the low 90s in October, it just doesn't seem as bad to me. It also helps that the resorts and the parks are less crowded unless you're at Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival (probably the best event all year at Walt Disney World, outside of the Christmas season stuff). But, Epcot is a huge park, so even with the crowds, you'll find getting around relatively easy.