Walt Disney World - Off the Beaten Path - Bet you didn't know Disney offered these (Part 3)

June 23, 7:29 AMFlorida Travel ExaminerLarraine Stacey

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Disney's Backstage Magic tour

This is the third in three articles on things to do at Walt Disney World that most people aren’t aware of.  We’re not talking about the ‘new’ attractions.  These are the ones that are ‘off the beaten path’ at Disney World.

    * Discover the magic backstage -- A “must do” for any true Disney fan, the Backstage Magic tour unveils the fine points behind the artistic, technical, and scientific operations found throughout the theme parks.  This 7-hour behind-the-scenes adventure guides guests through the magic of one man's dream, Walt Disney.  Highlights may include a journey beneath the Magic Kingdom theme park to view support systems located in the “tunnel,” the opportunity to observe the unique technology that brings the story of the American experience to life at The American Adventure at Epcot, or a peak into the Disney's Hollywood Studios Creative Costuming area to examine the process of Disney costume design and fabrication. A family-style lunch at Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano is included. Guests must be 16 years of age to participate; $199 per person. 407/WDW-TOUR for more information.

    * Build your own roller coaster at DisneyQuest's CyberSpace Mountain attraction -- Bill Nye the Coaster Guy walks guests through the design process where they choose from three different speeds, three world settings (fire, ice or outer space) and an infinite number of track combinations. The roller coaster of your dreams (or nightmares!) can do flips, corkscrews and even wild maneuvers such as a loop that flies off the tracks. A digital card tracks guests' personal coasters and the simulator re-creates it both visually and physically. Guests must be 51” to ride, 407/938-6253 for more information.

    * Wonder of wonders -- The Disney Wonder, the most magical ship afloat, received an extra dose of pixie dust recently, adding major enhancements that appeal to all members of the family. Adults will enjoy the expanded fitness center and new spa villas -- an industry-first spa treatment room with private outdoor verandah complete with hot tub. Families can gather for poolside movies with the new 24-by-14-foot Ariel Vision jumbo screen, and the youngest cruisers will delight in a brand new toddler splash zone.

    * Learn to hula dance at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where complimentary classes take place most days in the resort’s lobby. Auntie Kaui, a hula dancer and instructor with 50 years experience, leads most of the classes offered Monday through Saturday at 3:45 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. until noon. Weekday classes are geared toward the younger set, with leis and grass skirts aplenty, while the Saturday morning lessons encourage guests of all ages to do the hula shake. And whether guests stay for five minutes or the full two-hour Saturday classes, they’ll learn a variety of chants and dances from such tropical locales as Hawaii, Tahiti and more.

    * The Archery Experience at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – Whether novice or expert marksman, an archery guide offers training and tips on how to hit the bulls-eye.  Open to resort guests and non-guests alike, the 90-minute experience costs $25 (plus tax) per person, includes equipment and instruction and can be booked up to 90 days in advance by calling 407/939-7529. Offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons.

For more information about Walt Disney World Resort, guests can visit disneyworld.com or phone 407/824-4321. 

WDW-Off the Beaten Path (Part 1)
WDW-Off the Beaten Path (Part 2)
WDW-Off the Beaten Path (Part 3)