In addition to the parks of Walt Disney World, there are activities and amenities offered just for the asking. Use this as a guide.
Resort guests, those staying at Walt Disney World sponsored hotels, can spend and "Extra Magic Hour" in the parks. Each day one of the parks is open an hour before the parks official time. This hour is for resort guests only and is free with the purchase of a park ticket. Many of the most popular rides are open with little or no waiting as well as displays and activities. An E-Ride Night is a private party in the Magic Kingdom for a limited number of resort guests. For an additional fee added to a multi-day park ticket purchased at the Guest Services Desk of any Disney Resort, the ticket holder can enjoy the most popular attractions up to three hours after Magic Kingdom's scheduled closing. These perks do create a just-for-you atmosphere and allow you to enjoy the park throughout the day knowing you'll have plenty of time for the best of the best.
For adults who need an evening alone, or for kids that need a break from the old folks, Children Activity Centers are available at Walt Disney World's deluxe resorts. Cleverly named as clubhouses themed to each resort, they are fun centers for kids between the ages of 4 and 12. Open from 4:30 to midnight, with dinner included, kids can enjoy a special night of fun and games with an occasional character visit. Reservations are required and a fee is charged by the hour.
Additional recreational activities can be found at many of the resorts and parks. Though all require an additional charge, the activity can enhance your stay or even give you a break from the park rides, hustle and bustle.
One-hour specialty boat cruises are available for four to twelve people with or without beverages and snacks. Birthday and other occasions can be celebrated with champagne or cake for an additional fee and firework cruises are spectacular. Reservations are required. Boats departed from Disney's Boardwalk Inn & Villas, Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Shorter cruises can be booked on "Breathless," a 1930 mahogany reproduction Chris Craft run-about boat. With a seven guest maximum, 10 and 30 minutes excursion might fit the bill. "Breathless" is available at Disney's Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Beach Club Resort. Reservations are required.
Pirate adventures for children aged 4-10 can be enjoy at the Grand Floridian Resort. Kids receive a pirate bandanna and board their pirate ship (pontoon boat) equipped with telescopes and a map to explore the Seven Seas Lagoon. Lunch is served and a supervised treasure hunt is called for - you never know who or what you'll find. Reservations are mandatory.
Fishing excursions at the Seven Seas Lagoon, Epcot and Downtown Disney area are available for the serious or junior fisher of the family. The boat, guide, equipment and refreshments are available for one to four hour catch and release excursions. Reservations must be made in advance.
For those that want to try their hand at surfing, lessons are offered at Typhoon Lagoon before the parks official opening. Instruction is provided by Craig Carroll's Cocoa Beach Surfing School for a fee with small class sizes for anyone over the age of eight. Reservations must be made in advance.
Young, aspiring chefs can create culinary delights with Chef Drew at the Grand Floridian Resort. Apron and hat decorating, story hour and food preparation are supervised and enjoyed by anyone between the ages of 3 and 10. Simple recipes are used that don't require cutting and hygiene is greatly stressed. A parade through the lobby of the resort follows and, of course, eating the creations is mandatory. Guest services of the resort should be contacted for scheduling and costs.
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort offers guided trail rides for anyone nine years or older. Horses, guides, helmets and basic instructions are provided for a reasonable fee.
To view Disney from another point of view, try a carriage ride either through Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort or Port Orleans Resort. Thirty minute evening carriage rides are available for up to four people. Reservations are mandatory.
All the parks offer behind-the-scene tours for additional purchase. Most are 2 to 4 hours in length and provide inside knowledge to how Disney does its magic. Learn how firework shows are run, animal parks are maintained, parades are directed, or the basic daily running of a park. Dive into the Living Seas Aquarium, ride a Segway or have a family scavenger hunt created just for you. Most packages include lunch or snacks and have some restrictions. All require reservations.
For more information on these off beat events, contact Walt Disney World on the Internet or through an authorized travel agent.
Enjoy!
