Tip Tuesday: Talking Disney

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

For about a year and a half, I've been posting different tips and thoughts about Walt Disney World. In many of these tips, I've been using Disney "lingo" that is common-speak among serious Disney enthusiasts. Most are acronyms that would make no sense of you didn't know the meaning.

After a conversation today with a friend who works at Disney, I realized that I need to take a little time out and give you a bit of a Disney Fan Dictionary, much like a chat lingo dictionary, especially for those who are not constantly immersed in all things Disney.


So here we go!

WDW = Walt Disney World. Where all the magic happens. It also claims to be the world's #1 vacation destination.

MK = Magic Kingdom. The first park to open at WDW (opened Oct. 1, 1971). Modeled after Disneyland in California, the MK is roughly twice as large as Disneyland.

EPCOT (now Epcot) = Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. This was Walt Disney's ultimate dream. A Utopia-like city in which people would live, work and play. Sadly, Walt's true dream for EPCOT died when he did in 1969. In Oct. 1982, a different vision of EPCOT opened at WDW, making it WDW's second park. This EPCOT combined a land dedicated to the future (Future World) and a land dedicated showcasing the nations of the world (World Showcase).

DHS = Disney's Hollywood Studios. The third park to open at WDW (opened May 1, 1989). It was originally called Disney's MGM Studios, but was renamed DHS in January 2008.

AK = Animal Kingdom. The last park to open at WDW (opened April 22, 1998). Animal Kingdom is the largest park at WDW by far.

DTD = Downtown Disney. Originally known as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, the area underwent a few name changes before being called Downtown Disney in 1997.

DCL = Disney Cruise Line. First introduced in June, 1998, the DCL initially consisted of two ships, the Magic and Wonder. DCL is in the process of constructing two new ships, the Dream and Fantasy.

ABD = Adventures By Disney. First announced in the summer of 1995, ABD offers guided tours at several destinations across the globe, all with a Disney touch.

DME = Disney's Magical Express. A special service provided by Disney for on-property guests. DME is a complimentary shuttle bus taking guests to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO).

ADR = Advanced Dining Reservation. As the name suggests, this is a dining reservation that is made in advance (up to 180 days for most restaurants). ADR's are highly recommended as restaurants at WDW get filled up quickly, especially more exclusive dining options like Cinderella's Royal Table, Le Cellier or the California Grill. Call 1-407-WDW-DINE or go online to http://www.disneyworld.com/dining to make ADR's

AP = Annual Passholder. Disney (like many other attractions across the nation) offers a special pass that allows guests to pay one fee to visit Walt Disney World as often as they like within a 365-day period. AP holders often receive additional discounts on lodging, food and shopping. For more, see the Walt Disney World Passholder Program page.

TIW = Tables in Wonderland. The TIW program allows guests to purchase a discount card whereby guests can save 20% of table-service dining. The card costs about $100, though discounts for AP holders and Florida residents are available.

EMH = Extra Magic Hours. Every day a park at WDW opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours late exclusively for resort guests. This is an extra benefit of staying on-property.

DVC = Disney Vacation Club. Walt Disney World offers a timeshare-like option for frequent visitors, where guests can purchase a certain amount of points that can be used each year to secure lodging at different resorts all across WDW. For more about DVC, see the DVC Web site.

IASW = it's a small world. (note the all lower case name). First envisioned for the 1964-65 World's Fair, IASW came to Disneyland after the World's Fair closed. IASW is one of several opening day attractions at WDW's MK on Oct. 1, 1971.

HM = Hidden Mickey(s). A hidden Mickey is any Mickey Mouse shape that is embedded, or hidden, anywhere at WDW (as well as other parks and DCL). There are hundreds, if not thousands of HM's all over WDW. For a catalog of reported HM's see Dr. Steve Barrett's Hidden Mickeys Guide.

CM = Cast Member(s). The heart and soul of the Disney Parks. Anyone who works for Disney is a cast member.

HISTA = Honey I Shrunk the Audience. 3-D film attraction located at the Imagination Pavilion in Epcot's Future World.

BTMRR = Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Located in Frontierland in the MK, BTMRR simulates a railroad adventure through a mining town.

POTC = Pirates of the Caribbean. Located in Adventureland in the MK, it is one of the most popular and beloved attractions at the MK, POTC inspired the film of the same name, which, in turn, inspired an update to the original attraction. The Disneyland version of POTC is much longer than the MK version and has a different story order.

TTA = Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Located in Tomorrowland at the MK, the TTA was originally known as the WEDWay People Mover.

TTC = Ticket and Transportation Center. Not to be confused with the TTA, the TTC is a central transportation hub for the Magic Kingdom area of WDW.

TSMM = Toy Story Midway Mania. Opened in 2009, TSMM is a wildly popular attraction at Pixar Place in DHS. This attraction features a 3-D arcade game. TSMM most likely is the most popular and most crowded attraction in all of WDW.

TOT = Tower of Terror. Based on the famous Twilight Zone show, the TOT takes guests on a ride with a runaway elevator.

RNRC = Rock'N Rollercoaster. Featuring the band Aerosmyth, the RNRC uses linear induction motors to launch guests into the attraction. RNRC is the largest and fastest "dark ride" in all of WDW.

F&G = Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival. This event takes place every Spring and early Summer at Epcot and features different themed topiaries and gardening exhibits. For more, see the Flower & Garden Festival Web site.

F&W = Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival. This event takes place every fall and features cuisine from all corners of the globe. For more, see the Food & Wine Festival Web site.

MNSSHP = Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. This is a special hard-ticketed event at the MK that features different ghosts and goblins as well as some of the best trick-or-treating you will ever find. A special parade and nighttime fireworks show are part of the festivities. For more on MNSSHP, see the event's Web site.

MVMCP = Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. This is a special hard-ticketed event at the MK that features the ultimate in holiday decorations and activities. Guests can enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies all night and can see a special parade and nighttime fireworks show. For more on MVMCP, see the event's Web site.


I'm sure there are more bits of Disney lingo that I've left off, so be sure to post a comment and add your bit of lingo!

Until next time -- HAMD!!! (Have a magical day!!!)