Abbreviations, Acronyms and Initialisms for newbie Disney Dorks

 By Dawn Gosdin

WDW-Walt Disney World Resorts:

VALUE

ASM-All Star Music

ASMO-All Star Movies

AS SPORT-All Star Sports

PC-Pop Century

AOA-Art of Animation

MODERATE

CBR-Caribbean Beach Resort

CSR-Coronado Springs Resort

POR-Port Orleans Riverside

POFQ-Port Orleans French Quarter

FW- Fort Wilderness

DELUXE

AKL-Animal Kingdom Lodge

AKV-Animal Kingdom Villas

BC-Beach Club

BCV-Beach Club Villas

BWI-Boardwalk Inn

BWV-Boardwalk Villas

GF-Grand Floridian

GFV-Grand Floridian Villas

CR-Contemporary

YC-Yacht Club

POLY-Polynesian

WL-Wilderness Lodge

WLV-Wilderness Lodge Villas

OKW- Old Key West

SSR-Saratoga Springs Resort

SOG-Shades of Green (Military Resort onsite)

S&D-Swan & Dolphin Resort

Parks:

MK-Magic Kingdom

AK-Animal Kingdom

EC-EPCOT

DHS-Disney Hollywood Studios

BB-Blizzard Beach

TL-Typhoon Lagoon

DTD-Downtown Disney

WWOS-Wide World of Sports (Sports Complex)

Key Words:

WD-Walt Disney

CRO-Central Reservation Office

AP- Annual Passport

APR-Annual Pass Rate

PAP-Premium Annual Pass

CM-Cast Member

ADR-Advance Dining Reservation

TIW-Tables in Wonderland (previously DDE-Disney Dining Experience)

EMH-Extra Magic Hour

TTA-Transit & Ticket Authority (Transportation Main Hub)

TTC-Transportation & Ticket Center

DCL-Disney Cruise Line

FE-Fish Extender (DCL Family Mailbox Game)

DVC-Disney Vacation Club

DME-Disney Magical Express

MCO-Orlando International Airport

MNSSHP-Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (seasonal extra purchase)

MVMCP-Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (seasonal extra Purchase)

ECV-Electric Convenience Vehicle

DQ-Disney Quest

EWP-Electrical Water Pageant (Monorail Resort Hotels can watch from their Resort this Magical Lighted Water Parade) GF, POLY, CR, WL, FW & their Villas.

FP-Fastpass (Before Magic Bands)

MDE-My Disney Experience (Disney Website Personal Reservation System)

IG-International Gateway (Entrance to EPCOT from Boardwalk)

WS-World Showcase (Restaurant Row in back of EPCOT Park)

MYW-Magic Your Way (Park Ticket)

P&PD-Prayers & Pixie Dust

PM-Private Message

PS-Priority Seating

Dining (few):

CRT-Cinderella’s Royal Table

BOG-Be Our Guest

B&C-Beaches & Cream

WC-Whispering Canyon

CP-Crystal Palace

CG-California Grill

V&A-Victoria & Albert’s

LC-Le Cellier

R&C-Rose & Crown Pub

Ressie-Reservation

Pixie Dust-Magical Disney LOVE, Glittery Happy Thoughts.

CM’S-Chef Mickeys

Family:

DH-Disney Husband

DW-Disney Wife

DD-Disney Daughter

DS-Disney Son

FIL-Father in Law

MIL-Mother in Law

BIL-Brother in law

SIL-Sister in Law

DBF-Disney Boyfriend

DGF-Disney Girlfriend

DF-Disney Fiancé

Previously published on http://theadultsideofdisney.com/.  

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 Beyond Rides at WDW

 

With your Walt Disney World ticket purchase, you receive access to more than just rides. Enjoy all of Walt Disney World has to offer, possibly giving you the chance to explore sites & sounds that you otherwise would not have. Disney offers Broadway style shows, Arcades, Themed Lands, etc. Dining is also a favorite activity amongst my family, from fine dining to yummy snacks like Mickey Bars, Dole Whips, Lefou’s Brew or try a caveman treat, the infamous Jumbo Turkey Leg (just not in front of me, yuck). Go for it, guilt free-because you’re at Disney World of course!

Let’s not forget my fave thing while at Disney- SHOPPING at all the Disney themed stores or take it all in & relax on a bench while taking pictures of your family & surroundings. Another perfect thing to do while enjoying your time- find Hidden Mickey’s, make it a contest with your family (My family is very competitive, kids unfortunately win with Hidden Mickey’s.) If at Magic Kingdom, Roam Magic Kingdom Park in search of clues for “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom” or EPCOT’s Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure, it’s a lot of fun for the entire family.

• If you have a blog or enjoy writing- find a nice little corner or hidden spot to write about your experiences. If you’re pregnant maybe this would be great info to add to the baby book or in general about your family’s experiences. Maybe tweet, FB, Instagram & all forms of Social Media about your vacation, make peeps jelly that you’re at WDW, that’s always fun (muhaha).
• Character Meet & Greets for the kids, just you or with family & add these to the vacay scrapbook.
• If you have great chops, try out for American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, blow them away-great bragging rights too!
• Maybe enjoy Food & Wine or The Flower & Garden Festival during your dates of travel- the special events are a terrific way to enjoy Disney differently. They run throughout the year and you can pop over to; https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-events, for current dates for special events, maybe even the Concert Series depending on your dates.

 

• The Individual entertainment that Disney provides such as; Magicians, Citizens of Main Street at Magic Kingdom, The Dapper Dan’s or JAMMitors at EPCOT.

• Don’t forget about the fabulous parades at all four theme parks, my faves are at the Magic Kingdom and also remember the fireworks at both MK & EPCOT.

• The list goes on & on. Let me know what you like to do outside of rides at a Disney Theme Park, I’d love to hear. Wait, I thought of one more bonus you gain from NOT experiencing the rides- plenty of time-because you didn’t have to wait in the queue lines. WOOT!

Previously published on http://theadultsideofdisney.com/ and you can find me on  http://dawnsdorkydiary.com/.

Aloha from the Polynesian Islands By Tamela Hansen

     Have you been swept away to the Polynesian islands lately?  If not, then make a reservation at Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show!  This is the perfect show for all ages.

     Make sure to make reservations 180 days in advance.  You have to arrive 1 hr early to this amazing dinner show.  The minute you exit your, monorail, boat, or bus you will be wisp away to the islands!  Everything from the tiki torches, the lush greenery, and the beautiful waterfall will make you feel as if you have arrived in umbrella drink paradise!  After the beautiful walk to dinner you will be greeted with a leis in the island way.  Make sure to take the opportunity to make a family memory with a beautiful photo.  Now have an island drink and take in the scenery.  There are so many areas to take a great photo or a selfie!

     Then off to dinner and start with a fresh salad with seasonal veggies, honey lime vinaigrette, and delicious pineapple coconut bread!  Mmmm!  The little ones and kids at heart will be invited up to learn how to hula dance before the show.  Then the show will begin. Auntie Wini will invite you to join her in a fun filled luau to welcome a local girl who has been living on the mainland. 

     While you enjoy authentic dishes such as island pulled pork, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken and polynesian rice the island dances will capture the attention of all ages!  The dances are so beautiful and unique to each Polynesian island. The show stopping fire knife performer will keep you enthralled!  Then on to dessert!  You will enjoy warm pineapple bread pudding with caramel sauce.  Also, sodas, lemonade, coffee and tea are included.  For those 21 and older you can enjoy wine or beer included with your dinner.  They also offer several cocktails and a tropical rum punch in a hand carved coconut keepsake that is extra yummy!

   

     So if you are ready to show your Disneyside in the islands, why not make a reservation for Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show!  Just remember to Always Show your DisneySide!!!

#Disneyland60.....Today In Disneyland History......August 13, 1954

Disneyland Excavation Begins

August 13, 1954

Orange County Archives

On August 13, 1954, excavation began in Anaheim, California with the removal of walnut and orange trees of the site that would open as Disneyland just 11 months later on July 17, 1955.  The original vision for Disneyland first came when Walt Disney would take his two young daughters, Diane and Sharon, to play at the carousel at Griffith Park in Los Angeles every Sunday. While his daughters enjoyed their repeated rides, Disney sat on park benches with the other parents who had nothing to do but watch. It was on these Sunday excursions that Walt Disney began to dream of an activity park that had things for both children and parents to do.

At first, Disney envisioned an eight-acre park that would be located near his Burbank studios and be called, "Mickey Mouse Park." However, as Disney began to plan themed areas, he quickly realized that eight-acres would be way too small for his vision.

Although World War II and other projects put Disney's theme park on the back burner for many years, Disney continued to dream about his future park. In 1953, Walt Disney was finally ready to start on what would become known as Disneyland.

The first part of the project was to find a location. Disney hired the Stanford Research Institute to find an appropriate location that consisted of at least 100-acres, was located near Los Angeles, and could be reached by a freeway. The company found for Disney a 160-acre orange orchard in Anaheim, California.

Once the location was decided upon, the problem of funding came next.  While Walt Disney put up much of his own money to make his dream a reality, he didn't have enough personal money to complete the project. Disney contacted financiers to help but as much as Walt Disney was enthralled with the theme park idea, the financiers he approached were not. Many of the financiers could not envision the monetary rewards of a place of dreams.      

To gain financial support for his project, Disney turned to the new medium of television. Disney made a plan with ABC Television in that they would help to finance the park if Disney would produce a television show on their channel. The program Walt created was called "Disneyland" and showed previews of the different themed areas in the new, upcoming park.

On July 21, 1954, construction on the park began with the actual excavation of the orange and walnut orchards taking place some three weeks later. 11 months later, on July 17, 1955, 6,000 by-invitation-only guests were invited for a special preview of Disneyland before it opened to the public the following day. The total cost of building Disneyland would be $17 million. 

Since its opening, Disneyland has undergone a number of expansions and renovations, including the addition of New Orleans Square in 1966, Bear Country (now Critter Country) in 1972, and Mickey's Toontown in 1993. Disney California Adventure Park was built on the site of Disneyland's original parking lot and opened in 2001.

Disneyland has a larger cumulative attendance than any other theme park in the world, with over 650 million guests since it opened. In 2013, the park hosted approximately 16.2 million guests, making it the third most visited park in the world that calendar year. According to a March 2005 report from the Disney Company, there are 65,700 jobs supported by the Disneyland Resort, which includes, at the Resort itself, 20,000 direct Disney employees and 3,800 third-party employees. Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” Luckily for all of us, imagination and magic know no bounds. And that’s what happened today in Disneyland’s history. 

15 Tips to know before your first Walt Disney World Vacation

 

You’ve made your reservation, the magical trip is booked, congratulation’s the hard part is over- BREATH! I’ve compiled a list of fifteen tips; I think are important components when visiting the most magical place on earth. Here we gooooooooo…….

1. Have a strategic plan before your trip; Disney is not the place to wing it. Research the attractions, layout & meet & greets ahead of time. I promise the proactive approach is the only way to see WDW efficiently & will cause less headaches & aggravation. Trust me….
2. Do not park hop on your first trip, try to concentrate on one park a day. Disney World is too large & getting to & fro is more time consuming than you might think.
3. Make your advance dining reservations (ADR’S) before you leave home. Especially if you attend during peak season. Dining Reservations-(407) 939-1947, 0800 16 90 748 (UK)
4. Walt Disney World restaurants, resort hotels, shops & theme parks are smoke-free environments, except for designated smoking areas.
5. Nursing mothers or parents of small children; WDW has baby care centers available at all four theme parks. Open during regular park hours, each full-service facility is complimentary to use. Also a comfortable setting for a child who’s misplaced his parents, lost children will be looked after until a parent arrives.
6. Theme park parking-Depends on your vehicle, but each theme park lot charges the same rate per day. Automobile, taxi, limo or motorcycle: $17, Camper, trailer or RV: $18, Bus or tractor trailer: $21. Once you pay for the day, you may park at any of the theme parks. If you are a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you receive complimentary parking at Disney theme parks for the length of your Resort stay. 
7. You can have a wake-up call from a character- If you’re staying on-site, you can request a wake-up call and most the time- it will be a character. 
8. Adults can ride big rides even if the kids can’t- Disney has a system called “Rider Switch” that will allow the older members of your family to ride while the younger riders wait. You simply tell the Cast Member at any ride that has a height requirement that you’d like to do a Rider Switch. They’ll give you a Rider Switch pass (which works like a FastPass) so that after you ride, you can hand it to the other half of your party and they can ride without waiting in line. 
9. Free Disney world maps are available in advance of your trip. WDW provides interactive online maps or if you prefer, they can mail you customized maps (U.S. only.)
10. Walt Disney World Transportation makes it convenient to visit; Magical Express (Courtesy airport transportation to & from Orlando International, if staying at a WDW Resort Hotel) to the plethora of buses, boats & monorail that can take you between the Disney Resort hotels, theme parks, water parks and shopping venues. 
11. You are allowed to bring food items; such as light snacks or foods that do not require heating into Disney theme parks. Don’t go crazy peeps no giant watermelon, or three meals worth of entrée’s- or they will rule it out entirely. The Security Cast Member at the initial bag check will allow or disallow your food items when you enter the park. I’m sure they’ve seen it all, lol.
12. Restricted items from the theme parks: Wagons, Skateboards, Inline skates, shoes with built-in wheels, strollers larger than 36" x 52" (92 x 132 cm), coolers or backpacks with or without wheels larger than 24" (61 cm) long x 15" (38 cm) wide x 18" (46 cm) high. Coolers required for medication may be stored in a locker or at Guest Relations. Alcoholic beverages, weapons of any kind, Folding chairs, Glass containers (excluding baby food jars and perfume bottles),Pets (unless they are service animals) Balloons, straws and drink lids are not permitted in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park for the safety of our animals. Tripod stands or monopod stands that cannot fit inside a standard backpack (per the WDW website)
13. Walt Disney World provides Guests with disabilities -the Disability Access Service Card. It helps the guest and a number of people from his or her party—to schedule a return time at a specific attraction. For more information-guests should visit the Guest Relations Lobby located at the entrance of each theme park.  
14. Use your Fastpass + whenever possible. You can book in advance by linking your park tickets to your resort reservation by using “My Disney Experience.” You can book up to 30 days in advance. Bonus- If you’re a WDW resort guest you can book up to 60 days in advance.
15. Plan your park day appropriately- according to least busiest day of the week, calendar of special events, coincide with Extra Magic Hours (view online or at your resort) & even the direction in which you manage (walk) each theme park. All of the factors will aid in an overall magical experience.

 

I hope these hints were helpful and will encourage you to plan ahead without being overly structured. Have fun and enjoy “The Most Magical place on Earth!” This article was previously published on http://theadultsideofdisney.com/ Check out my blog http://dawnsdorkydiary.com/