Tip Tuesday: Take the Ferry

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week, I wanted to remind you about a charming piece of Walt Disney World history that still is in operation to this day.

Of course, I'm talking about the Magic Kingdom ferryboats.

For those guests traveling from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to the Magic Kingdom (and back), there are two options to do so: take the monorail or the ferry. All too often most guests will decide to head to the monorail and make their way around the Seven Seas Lagoon. While I'm a huge fan of the monorail, there are other options to get to the Magic Kingdom (and back), going across the Seven Seas Lagoon on the ferry.

Why, you might ask? Well take a look at this view:

Where else would you get such beautiful and magnificent view of the Main Street Train Station with Cinderella Castle in the background? The way the ferry comes around one particular island and slowly reveals the entrance to the Magic Kingdom is like the curtain slowly opening on the show.

There are three ferry boats currently in operation at the Magic Kingdom. Originally known as the "Magic Kingdom I", "Magic Kingdom II" and the "Kingdom Queen," the boats were renamed to the "Admiral Joe Fowler," "Richard F. Irvine" and the "General Joe Potter" respectively. Each boat can carry about 600 passengers fully loaded. Each boat has two covered decks. I personally recommend the top deck as it affords beautiful views of the Magic Kingdom and the resorts surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon.

On average, it takes about five minutes to cross the one mile from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom. Depending on the line to board the express monorail, the ferry might be a quicker option. It also can be a more relaxing option, especially when you think about riding in a packed monorail.

Also, with word that Disney is planning to stop monorail service just one hour after regular park closing (not after evening Extra Magic Hours), the ferry might become a more popular option.

The next time you're heading into the Magic Kingdom from the TTC (or heading back), take the ferry and enjoy your journey!

Tip Tuesday: Finding some quiet time to walk

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

For this week's post, I wanted to take a moment and help you find ways to relax while at Walt Disney World.

"What??? Relax???? Time not spent in the park is time wasted!!!"

Ive heard that statement several times, especially from hardcore, commando-style Disney fans, and, to be honest, I thought the same thing myself at first.

As I spend more time at WDW, I've come to really appreciate those moments where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the parks and even the resorts. There are lots of places to find a quiet place for a romantic stroll with a loved one. Perhaps a relaxing stroll with the family to allow some time to simply talk about Disney, or even a nice, fairly uncrowded place to get in a bit of a jog.

I happened to come across the path leading from the Grand Floridian to the Wedding Pavilion, through the Polynesian and on to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). This path provided some beautiful morning views of the Polynesian and Contemporary resorts.

As my family and I walked along the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon admiring the beautiful views, we came upon the Wedding Pavilion (why do I have the feeling I will be back here in 15-20 years?). The path from the Wedding Pavilion to the Polynesian was made up of some special bricks I had forgotten were placed here.

In 1994 Disney announced a program to sell special bricks as part of a new "Walk Around the World" program. Guests could purchase a customized brick which would become part of the walkway. The program ended in 2000. These bricks make up part of the pathway in front of the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary Resort, from the TTC to the Polynesian (short segment) and from the Polynesian to the Wedding Pavilion. I personally never had a chance to take part in this program (and really wish Disney would start it back up).

These bricks are a wonderful testament to the spirit of the Disney fan. As we walked we would see the different messages inscribed on the various bricks. While we didn't see it personally, there is a brick that the Disney family purchased. I have seen pictures of it.

What made this pathway so wonderful was the serenity of the experience. Once we were away from the Grand Floridian, there was no background music to interfere with the sounds of the world around us (aside from the occasional monorail passing overhead).

This pathway would be a fantastic place to take your significant other on a romantic stroll, perhaps walk all the way to the Polynesian and up to Sunset Point for a bit of alone time (hey -- not THAT kind of alone time -- this is Disney after all!). Pretty much anywhere along this pathway is a perfect place to stop and watch Wishes. Depending on where you are (especially if you're close to one of the resorts), you just might hear the music being piped in through the sound system.

This is another example of a larger tip I've talked about before -- take your time. Allow some time to relax. It is a vacation after all.