Things To Do in Walt Disney World

It Ain't Fair, but . . . -- Disney rides sometimes break down or need routine maintenance that can take them out of commission for a few hours, a day, a week, or sometimes months. Test Track at Epcot, for example, occasionally experiences technical difficulties. The Hall of Presidents (2009), Space Mountain (2010), the Haunted Mansion (2010), and Star Tours (2011) have all closed for several weeks at a time (some for several months) in order to complete scheduled renovations. Many, but not all, of the ride rehabs are listed on the Disney website (www.disneyworld.com). Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Information Guide (www.allearsnet.com) and A Parent's Guide to Walt Disney World, Orlando, and More (www.mouseearsandmore.com) list most ride rehabs as well. The moral of the story: Err on the side of caution and don't make promises to kids about specific rides just in case something happens (especially given the ongoing construction at the Magic Kingdom, with the Fantasyland expansion affecting existing rides and attractions). Note that refurbishments and technical difficulties are unfortunate but part of the deal -- neither Disney nor Universal will discount or refund any tickets when rehabs occur.

Frommer's Rates the Rides

Because there's so much to do, we're shifting from the star-rating system used for rooms and restaurants to one that has a bit more range. You'll notice most of the grades are As, Bs, and Cs. That's because Disney designers have done a reasonably good job on the attractions front. But occasionally our ratings show Ds for Duds.

Here's what Frommer's Ratings mean:

A+ = Your trip wouldn't be complete without it.

A = Put it at the top of your "to-do" list.

B+ = Make a real effort to see or do it.

B = It's fun but not a "must-see."

C+ = A nice diversion, if you have time.

C = Go if there's no wait and you can walk right in.

D = Don't bother.

Whether you're looking for mouse ears and wizard wands or the latest and greatest in designer labels, you'll find it in Orlando (ranked fourth among the top shopping destinations in the country, falling in behind New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas). Walt Disney World itself is home to an almost endless array of shops spread throughout its parks, resorts, and Downtown Disney. The House of Mouse, however, is not the only game in town. If you venture beyond its boundaries, you'll discover first-rate shopping malls, outlet centers, and charming boutiques.

But before you break out your credit cards, do remember to keep your shopping wits about you. The malls and their upscale stores, at times, can charge extremely outrageous prices that you'll easily better at home. And the outlets, which once offered tremendous bargains, now at times discount only marginally. The key to getting the best possible deals is to know what is and isn't a bargain.

And now, a note on souvenir shopping. If, after exercising your credit cards elsewhere, you've still got energy (and money) to burn, the parks and entertainment districts at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld feature some of the most distinctive souvenir shopping you'll find anywhere. Sure, many of the stores are filled with trinkets and T-shirts, but some offer more unique merchandise that you won't be able to find anywhere else -- Orlando or otherwise.

Ship It -- Because Orlando is geared to travelers, many retailers offer to ship packages home for a few dollars more (Disney definitely does). So, if you're pondering an extralarge purchase, or even just one you would rather not have to carry (especially in the age of outrageous airline baggage fees), simply ask. If a retailer doesn't offer such a service, check with your hotel. Many a concierge or business center staffer can arrange a pickup by UPS, the U.S. Postal Service, or another carrier -- or, at the very least, point you in the direction of the carrier located closest to the hotel. Anything's better than dragging that 6-foot stuffed Pluto through the not-so-friendly skies.

Pin Mania -- Pin buying, collecting, and trading can reach frenzied proportions among Disney fans, including many cast members. All of the theme parks have special locations set aside for the fun, which are marked on the handout guide maps. There are, however, a few rules of pin-trading etiquette that must be followed. You can learn more about the madness on the Internet at www.dizpins.com and www.officialdisneypintrading.com.

A Disney Bargain? The World's Best-Kept Secret

From a pink Cadillac to a 4-foot beer stein, tons of wacky treasures are regularly put on the auction block at Walt Disney World.

In addition to castoffs from the theme parks and WDW resorts, there are more routine items available, from over-the-hill lawn-maintenance gear to never-been-used stainless-steel pots and pans. If you're looking for a unique piece of Disney, the auctions are held six times a year. Some of the more unusual items sold in the past include a motorized surfboard and furniture from Miss Piggy's dressing room. The auction takes place on Disney's back lots. Call property control (tel. 407/824-6878) for information, dates, and directions.

Bigger yet are trinkets sold at www.disneystore.com (what was once www.disneyauctions.com is now under the Disney shopping umbrella). Mainstream items, including artwork, figurines, cookie jars, pins, and snow globes (as well as other modest merchandise), are available on a regular basis (and sold at a set price). But sometimes things go big time, when limited-edition trinkets, movie props, costumes, Disney resort furniture, and theme-park artifacts go on the block on www.mousesurplus.com (a division of eBay). In the past, a dress Glenn Close wore as Cruella De Vil in 102 Dalmatians sold for $5,000, a Dumbo car from the ride at WDW earned $9,000, and the Porsche from the Disney movie The Kid fetched $77,100. Recent items on the block include a FASTPASS sign from "it's a small world" ($3,499), a prop plane from the Animal Kingdom's Kilimanjaro Safaris ($5,999), and the Toy Story Van ($2,999) once used at Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios).

For those of who you actually have the energy after a day at the parks and simply can't call it quits, Orlando has plenty of after-dark venues suitable for a night out on the town. That said, even if you're Orlando veterans and not first-timers (the ones most likely to overdo it), if you try to go-go-go from morning until night, you will be completely exhausted after only a few days and will end up needing a vacation after your vacation.

Between the Swan and Dolphin hotels and Epcot, Disney’s BoardWalk (no admission required) is a lesser entertainment district that’s no match for the cocktails flowing at Disney Springs area. It can be reached from Epcot’s International Gateway side entrance, but if you park at Epcot, be careful because once the park closes, you can’t cut through to the parking lot. At the very least, BoardWalk is a scrubbed-down idealization of 1930s Atlantic City that makes for a pleasant backdrop for an evening stroll on the water. Most visitors grab an ice cream and stick around for a half-hour or so. Its two clubs thump along, sometimes in lonely desolation, although patronage depends greatly on what conventions are staying at the adjoining hotels.

Disney Springs is more about food, cocktails, and entertainment and not about clubs, but a notable exception is The Edison, new in 2017. It adapts a concept that originated in an abandoned electrical substation in downtown Los Angeles, where dance floors and cabaret acts share space with rusty, century-old equipment. The Disney version, while still steampunk and free-spirited, is more about contortionists and palm readers than burlesque—but it’s still a touch saucy and not for kids. Beyond that, there are tons of places to drink, including bars in pretty much every sit-down restaurant, highlights include Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (lots of rummy drinks looesly themed after Indiana Jones’s plane pilot), Dockside Margaritas, the waterfront Lava Lounge at Rainforest Cafe, and an outdoor slushie bar attached to Splitsville Luxury Lanes. Nearly all the major Disney Springs restaurants have their own bars, too—STK Orlando’s upstairs bar being one of the more high-minded.

Universal Orlando’s 30-acre nightclub mall CityWalk is found in the front yard shared by both Universal theme parks. Drinks are strong and the liveliness is bolstered partly by regular concerts at its Hard Rock Live venue, but it could use a refresh and some pertinence. There is no charge to enter the common area, which is a boon because that allows anyone to tour around before deciding whether they want to pay to enter any clubs. Buying a $12 CityWalk Party Pass ($15 if you want a movie ticket at its AMC Cineplex, too) from any of the kiosks at the complex grants you unlimited admission to any and all of them on a given night; the clubs usually open after 9pm and are otherwise $7 a pop. Some of them serve food during the day and turn into nightspots late, and others open only in the evening. All Universal park tickets with multiday admission automatically come with one Party Pass. Finally, there’s a package that buys a prix-fixe dinner at four of CityWalk’s restaurants with a ticket to the Cineplex for $22. Many clubs only admit patrons 21 or older because drinking is permitted outdoors anywhere in CityWalk.

Check the "Calendar" section of Friday's Orlando Sentinel for up-to-the-minute details on local clubs, visiting performers, concerts, and events. Many of its listings are also online at www.orlandosentinel.com. The Orlando Weekly, published every Thursday, is a free magazine found in red boxes throughout Central Florida. It highlights more offbeat performances. You can see it online at www.orlandoweekly.com. Another good source on the Internet is www.visitorlando.com, operated by the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

A Night Out -- Several of the higher-priced Disney resorts -- including Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Wilderness Lodge, as well as the Polynesian Resort -- have supervised kid care, usually from 4 or 4:30pm to midnight daily ($11.25 per child 4-12 per hour, dinner and activities included; tel. 407/939-3463). Disney also offers in-room sitters through Kid's Night Out (tel. 407/827-5444). The Walt Disney World Dolphin, an "official" resort, offers a supervised child-care program as well.

The Performing Arts

While Disney occasionally hosts classical music acts, you'll usually have to go downtown to get a taste of the traditional arts.

Disney does not turn into a pumpkin when the sun goes down, offering plenty of nighttime entertainment, including laser-light shows, fireworks, IllumiNations, and Fantasmic!. There are also two distinctly different dinner shows worthy of special note, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Disney's Spirit of Aloha, and a third show that's an occasional player. Note: While they offer family-friendly entertainment, don't expect haute cuisine. The food, though good, takes a back seat to the show.

If You're Lucky . . . -- Mickey's Backyard BBQ (407/939-3463; www.disneyworld.com) is offered at Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn allow you onto their home turf to have a thigh-slapping time and a feast in a covered outdoor pavilion. Expect Mickey and his pals to join you for a meal that includes barbecued pork ribs, chicken, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, baked beans, mac and cheese, watermelon, beer, wine, lemonade, iced tea, and dessert. $57 adults, $33 kids 3–9. Thurs and Sat (also Tues, Fri in peak season), Mar–Dec, but the weather plays a big factor and shows are canceled at times, so call ahead. Advance Reservations are accepted up to 180 days ahead. Payment in full is expected at the time of booking.