Dictionary

Contents

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  • 180 Day Window (Advance Dining Reservations) Starting 180 days before the start of a guest’s vacation, an ADR can be made at any Disney restaurant . At few restaurants, an extra 10 days are added on, making a 190 Day Window.
  • $50 Cookie (Magic Kingdom Parties) Originally referring to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, this term has come to derogatorily refer to Hard Ticket events.
  • $46 Bead (Magic Kingdom Parties) Originally referring to Disney’s Pirate and Princess Party, this term has come to derogatorily refer to Hard Ticket events in general.
  • 90 Day Window (Advance Dining Reservations) See 180 Day Window

A

  • A-Ticket One of the lesser rides at the Walt Disney World Resort. A walk-on attraction that usually doesn’t have a line and will get skipped over by a vast majority of guests. The term comes from the fact that in the early days of Disneyland, park guests paid a nominal rate to enter the park and then paid additionally on a per-ride basis. E-Ticket rides were the most expensive, and A-Ticket rides were the least. Main Street Vehicles are an A-Ticket. See Episode 655: Theme Park ABC’s (Epcot).
  • ADRs See Advance Dining Reservation
  • Adult According to Disney, an adult is anyone 10 years old or older.
  • Advance Dining Reservation (Advance Dining Reservations) These reservations can be made for nearly all on-property restaurants up to 180 days in advance (and possibly up to 190 days in advance for those staying on property).
  • Adventurers Club (Other WDW Entertainment) One of the many night clubs at Pleasure Island. The club is actually a dinner show without a dinner, high in improvisation and audience participation. Various events (shows) are scheduled at various times during the night.
  • Afternoon Break The time, usually 12-4, during hot Florida days when it is often best to rest in an air conditioned room or attraction rather than a hot crowded queue. Or the time when a guest, after a busy morning spent touring, needs a few hours to recharge for the night.
  • Animal Kingdom (Animal Kingdom) The last of the 4 main parks to be built. It is the Panel’s least favorite park, and it is a running joke that it is only a half-day park.
  • Annual Pass (Annual Pass) There are several types of APs, but the most common allows for access to all 4 Theme Parks and includes certain discounts at restaurants and some retail locations. An AP also entitles the holder to select special events and reduced rates at many Disney Resorts.

B

  • Baby (Children) A baby, by Disney standards, is a person from 0-35 months of age. Babies do not need a ticket to enter the parks and are generally not counted in room occupancy. Some of the Panel disagree on the value of bringing a baby, toddler, or other small child to the parks, and whether or not they are too young for the experience.
  • Base Ticket (Tickets) The standard Magic Your Way ticket. Every extra day added to the ticket costs progressively less. Without add-ons, this ticket allows the user to visit only one park per day, does not permit visits to water parks or Pleasure Island or DisneyQuest, and expires 14 days after first use.
  • Beastly Kingdom A land/theme park that was never built. It was supposed to have thrill rides and rollercoasters, to “compete” with Islands of Adventure, but was scrapped. Rumors of its return are persistent, but the panel thinks that it is unlikely. Camp Minnie-Mickey is alleged to be in the spot where Beastly Kingdom was going to be built.
  • Biometrics (Tickets) As a ticket is being swiped for admission to a Theme Park, Disney takes a digital scan of a guest’s index finger, and sometimes a two finger scan of the index finger and middle finger. Disney does this so that guests don’t swap tickets and to make sure tickets are being used by the same guest. Disney says they do not store finger scan information or use it to keep track of specific guests.
  • The Book The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Authored by Len Testa and Bob Sehlinger. This book in Blue Font is the Ultimate Resource, according to the Panel, for the average family going to the parks. It is generally updated twice a year, in August and February.
  • The Break-Even Point (Annual Pass) Originally an Economics term, it refers to when something becomes cost-effective, money wise, or more convenient to do an action, such as buying an AP instead of a MYW Base Ticket, or renting a car instead of relying on Disney Transportation.
  • — Button (Birthday) Disney offers various buttons for guests to wear prominently on special occasions, like a Birthday, Anniversary, or First Visit. The Panel highly suggests guests wearing a button, as magical moments and special treatments are more likely to occur.

C

  • The Cardinal Rule of Disney Dining (Specific Restaurants) Never eat in Fantasyland. See Touring Commandments for additional rules.
  • Casey’s ( Specific Restaurants) Casey’s Corner Restaurant on Main Street U.S.A. Known for its Hot Dogs.
  • Cast Member (Characters/Cast Members) A Disney Employee. This term is used instead of employee as Cast Members help set the scene of the resort and present the experience for the Guests. According to Annette Owens, they are the people in the parks wearing funny clothes and a name tag.
  • Celebration The Town of Celebration. Celebration is located within Disney property. It was built as Disney’s attempt to realize Walt’s EPCOT dream. The residents of Celebration have now taken control of the town from Disney, who had operated the town since its founding. The town includes a hospital, fire station, and one of the top schools in Florida.
  • Celebration Vacation A term used by Disney for their 2009 marketing campaign that describes a vacation at WDW as a party, like a birthday, anniversary, or graduation, for example.
  • Character (Characters/Cast Members) A representation of a Disney animated or hand drawn character, played by a Cast Member. Characters can be either Face Characters (e.g. a Princess) or a non-speaking Fur Character (e.g. Chip or Dale). Due to their size, Characters can be frightening for small children. Characters can be found in their ‘homes’, a predetermined meeting space, a parade or show, a character breakfast, or occasionally strolling the parks.
  • Chicken exit ( Chicken Exits) A (generally) non-advertised exit for guests who, at the last minute, decide not to experience the ride. Ask a Cast Member for the “Chicken exit”, and they will show you the back-door exit from the attraction.
  • Child (Children) According to Disney, a child is anyone under the age of 10, but older than 2.
  • Child Swap (Child Swap)See “Switching Off”.
  • Christinaism (Guests who have appeared on the show, Comedy) Named after Len’s sister Christina, the term has come to refer to a seasoned park goer getting upset, or annoyed, at newer guests.
  • Commando Not using a predetermined touring plan while visiting the parks. Going from ride to ride to attraction, going with the flow. Implied in this is a sense of still trying to maximize the experience – ‘going with the flow’ does not mean ‘taking things easy’, but rather seizing opportunities as they arise. First used in Episode 5: Favorite Places to Eat.

D

  • Dawn Dawn Testa, Len‘s wife.
  • Deb’s Book (Guides) PassPorter’s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line: Easy Access Vacations for Travelers with Extra Challenges. This book, the Panel notes, is a great resource for vacationers with special needs, whether it be a handicap, an impairment, or dietary restrictions. By Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma.
  • Deb’s Site AllEars.net. This site, the Panel agrees is the most comprehensive unofficial Disney website on the internet. Scopa is a blogger for the site. Run by Deb Wills.
  • Dinner Mongolia ( Specific Restaurants) The Yak and Yeti Restaurant in Animal Kingdom.
  • Dinner Package Either the Fantasmic!, Night of Joy, or Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages where, when booking through the package, guests can get a reservation at a preselected restaurant and a reserved seat at the show. The Fantasmic! Dinner Package is considered a waste of time and money by the Panel, while the other two are generally deemed favorable.
  • DisMeets See MagicMeets below.
  • DisneyQuest Downtown Disney Located in Downtown Disney’s West Side, this 5 story building includes computer games, simulators, and access to the Internet. There are constant rumors that DisneyQuest may close.
  • The Disney Dining Experience card See Tables in Wonderland below.
  • The Disney Dining Plan (Dining) Guests can pay in advanced for one of a number of plans that will allow them a certain number of meals per day. Does not include Alcoholic beverages, extra meals, or an additional 18% gratuity. The Panel agrees that careful planning is needed to make the DDP worthwhile. The Panel generally prefers the DDE discount card to the DDP..
  • Disney Transportation (Travel between locations in WDW) Disney provides for guests “public transportation” free of charge. Examples are the Bus System, Monorail, Ferry Boats, Friendship Boats, and the Magical Express and DCL Buses.
  • Disney Vacation Club Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s version of timeshare.
  • Disney Widows (Special Guest) The significant others of WDW Today Hosts and Guests, especially when revealing insights into their disney loving loved ones.
  • Dole Whip (Dining) A sort of ice cream available for purchase in Adventureland and Captain Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This treat is a favorite of Mike Scopa. Discussed in Episode 440: Frontierland And Liberty Square Dining to 12’05”. See also Dole Whip.
  • Downtown Disney Downtown Disney Part of the World, this includes several shopping areas, including the largest Disney Store in the World. Separated into Marketplace (East Side) and West Side, the West Side includes Pleasure Island and DisneyQuest.
  • Dr. Scopa’s Miracle Elixir (Dining, Inside Jokes) Dole Whip.
  • Drinking Around the World (Epcot) The idea of an event where participants consume an alcoholic drink from each pavilion while touring World Showcase.

E

  • E-Ticket One of the best rides at the Walt Disney World Resort. A headliner, in the top 5-10% of attractions. The term comes from the fact that in the early days of Disneyland, park guests payed a nominal rate to enter the park and then paid additionally on a per-ride basis. E-Ticket rides were the most expensive, and A-Ticket rides were the least. Expedition Everest is an E-Ticket. See Episode 655: Theme Park ABC’s (Epcot).
  • Eating Around the World (Dining) A variation of Drinking Around the World, where contests eat a unique food item at every country in World Showcase. See especially Episode 414: Snack, Sip (And Sick).
  • Eisner Michael Eisner, former CEO of the Walt Disney Company from 1984-2005. Saw the construction of two theme parks, two water parks, resorts, and restaurants while in charge of Disney. Believed strongly in keeping guests onsite, and providing an all-in-one vacation.
  • Epcot (Epcot) The second of the parks to be built, separated into two areas: Future World (at the front of the park) and World Showcase (at the rear of the park). World Showcase typically opens 2 hours after Future World, and most of Future World typically closes 2 hours before the Fireworks. The Panel often gripes about the staggered operating hours.
  • EPCOT (EPCOT) The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, Walt Disney’s dream of a village where people worked, lived, and played in a utopian setting. Currently, the onsite town of Celebration is Disney’s attempt to create EPCOT.
  • Evac Evacuated. When a ride stops, breaks down, or needs to have all guests taken off of it, Cast Members will come around to collect guests, and escort them safely off the ride.
  • Extra Magic Hours (First/Last Hour) The time where Resort Guests at Disney Hotels and other selected hotels may enjoy a theme park an hour before opening or three hours after closing. EMHs rotate amongst the parks, and are either extremely helpful or hurtful when considering Touring Plans, both for guests who can and who cannot attend the EMHs.

F

  • Fab 5 The name for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. Sometimes, Chip and Dale might be considered part of the Fab 5.
  • FASTPASS (FASTPASS) A method for bypassing queues. By swapping a guests admission ticket at a kiosk at select attractions, a slip of paper can be obtained that lets the guest come back to the attraction later in the day to enjoy the attraction with minimal wait. One FASTPASS may be obtained per ticket every 2 hours. This service is free of charge for all guests, but there have been rumors that this may change (see Episode 255: FASTPASS Changes).
  • Fixin’s Bars (Dining) The retired “condiment plus” buffet at Pecos Bills Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom.
  • Flower and Garden Festival (Flower and Garden Festival) Typically held between mid-March and late-May/early-June, this refers to additional topiary displays in Epcot during standard operating hours. The price of admission to the Festival is included within the park admission price.
  • Food & Wine Festival (Food & Wine Festival) Typically held between mid-September and early November, this refers to additional food booths being set up in World Showcase, and gastronomic events held within Epcot. Some of the events, including concerts, are included in the park admission price. Others, including purchase of food and some drink, has an extra charge.
  • Free Dining (Free Dining) Free Dining is a promotion offered by Disney during the slow times of the year (September and January) to boost park attendance. This deal is generally a good deal, according to the panel, and requires the booking a vacation package.

G

H

  • Hannah Len Testa‘s daughter
  • Hard Ticket Event (Magic Kingdom Parties) An after-hours event that requires an additional admission (not included in any MYW package). Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and the Pirate and Princess Party are Hard Ticket Events. The park closes early for the event, and stay open only to those paying Guests to the event (who can generally enter the Magic Kingdom from 4 p.m. onwards). It is not necessary to have paid admission to the Magic Kingdom for the same day in order to attend a Hard Ticket Event.
  • Hollywood Studios (Hollywood Studios) The third of the 4 main parks to be built, renamed in 2007. Matt Hochberg runs three websites about the Studios.
  • Hurricanes (Where to go if …) Hurricane season runs from June 1 until November 30, which coincides when many visit WDW. Since its opening, WDW has only had 4 closings,3 of which where for Hurricanes Floyd, Charley, and Frances. The panel notes that Disney’s communication and care for guests is excellent, and hurricane season should not be a deterrent from visiting the World.

I

  • Iger Robert Iger, the current President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company.
  • Imagineers The creators, builders, and creative team behind the parks that are part of Walt Disney Imagineering. Imagineers, a portmanteau of Imagination and Engineers, create attractions for the park, and also work on park theme and look. Originally WED Enterprises (after Walter Elias Disney), WDI is located in Burbank, CA.

J

  • Jersey Week Time when the Jersey school system has days off at a time when the rest of the states’ school systems are still at school. This results in higher attendance at WDW than would otherwise be expected.

K

  • Key to the World A card, issued by Disney, that acts as a guests room key, theme park admission ticket, resort charging card, and general identification while on property. This all inclusive card was created by Disney with the introduction of MYW, and Eisner’s onsite philosophy.
  • Kungaloosh The official drink of the Adventurers Club.

L

  • Land and Sea A trip that combines a vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort (land) and a voyage on the Disney Cruise Line (sea).
  • Legendary Years The second half of Scopa Towers that is under-construction, but postponed after the 9/11 attacks.
  • Lou Mongello (Inside Jokes) Lou Mongello is a lawyer from New Jersey who hosts his own podcast, and is a notable figure in the Disney online community. Although the guys give him a hard time, they are good friends with him and think he is a great guy.

M

  • Magic Kingdom (Magic Kingdom) The first of the 4 main parks to be built.
  • Magic Your Way (General Trip Planning) This is the Base Ticket for entering the parks which replaced individual park tickets in 2005. Usable at all four parks, a guest may upgrade, or add-on, different options, such as Park Hopper or Water Parks and More.
  • MagicMeets (MagicMeets) A meeting of WDW enthusiasts held in the Mid-Atlantic region (usually Pennsylvania), generally in July, run by Fred Block. WDW Today has exclusive broadcasting rights for the event.
  • Magical Express (Transport) A free service offered to resort guests from Orlando Int’l Airport to onsite hotels. Guests can add Magical Express to their vacation packages, and rely on Disney Transportation, instead of renting a car or using a taxi or car service. Luggage is transported by the service, and is deposited in the guests’ rooms up to 3 hours after arriving at check in. Guests may not simply use Magical Express as a way to transfer their luggage to the World.
  • Marissa Matt Hochberg‘s wife.
  • MGM Studios (Hollywood Studios) A previous name for what is now the Disney Hollywood Studios.
  • Mickey’s … Party (Magic Kingdom Parties) See Hard Ticket event above.
  • Mongello (Inside Jokes) First name of Lou Mongello (see above). Also a greeting.
  • MouseFest (MouseFest) An annual meeting of WDW enthusiast in the parks, usually held in early December. The Sea part of the event takes places before the Land portion. The land part of the event consists of dozens of Disney online communities having “meets” or “get-togethers”, kicked off traditionally by Mike Scopa’s Dole Whip Meet.
  • MouseWorld Radio Mike Newell‘s radio station that broadcasts Walt Disney World Music 24/7.
  • Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Mystery Science Theater 3000) Audio of certain attractions, with narration by the Panel. This type of show gives the listener the feeling of beeing on the ride with the panel, while hearing the panel’s detailed perception of the rides various parts.

N

  • Narcoossee’s (Inside Jokes, Dining) Narcoossee’s is a fancier sit down restaurant at Disney, often joked by the Panel as being a front for an elaborate Swingers Club.
  • Newellitis Having fear of characters, meet and greets or character dining meals.
  • Newell’s Landing (Accommodation) Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This is where Newell owns DVC points.
  • Newell Rental Car A rental car that has limited “power” features, ie has crank windows, no sunroof, and lever seats.
  • Newell Special A BBC Cocktail. First ordered during Mousefest, it is comprised of Bailey’s, Banana Colada, and Rum.
  • No Expiration (General Trip Planning) An add-on to the MYW tickets, without this add-on tickets would expire 14 days after first use. According to research by The Book, only 10% of tickets with No Expiration are used on subsequent visits.
  • Not So Scary See “Hard Ticket” above.
  • “Not a Touring Plan” Touring Plan A listing of suggested touring times for attractions available through the Book or Len’s site. This plan doesn’t give a predetermined touring plan, but suggested times and hints for visiting attractions for guests who like commando touring, but would like to minimize waits.

O

  • Out of Pocket (Dining) When on the Dining Plan, it is sometimes better to pay “Out of Pocket” and spend money rather than credits. Some examples the Panel likes to use are certain two credit meals, and adults ordering off the kid’s menu.

P

  • Park Hopping (General Trip Planning) The add on to a MYW Base Ticket which allows a guest to attend multiple theme parks in one calendar day using the same ticket. The most popular add-on. No, you cannot use two days on a single ticket to park hop. It doesn’t work.
  • Pecos Bills Matt insists on pronouncing the name of this Frontierland eatery more like “Pee-kos” rather than the more commonly used “Pay-kos” most of us go with.
  • Planning Ahead Planning is one of the most important parts of a WDW vacation. The more work done before the trip to Orlando, says the panel, the less time and work (and potential hassle) while enjoying the parks. The panel suggests booking a room, then airfare, ADRs, then tickets generally when beginning to make reservation.
  • Pop Warner An event held in early December where young (5-13) athletes visit the World, specifically The Wide World of Sports, to compete in flag football. Although Value and Moderate Resorts receive extra bookings, Park crowds are generally unaffected.

Q

  • Queue Disney’s word for “Line”. Queue Line is redundant, meaning Line Line. Wait times for a Queue vary from 5 min (walk on) to up to 3 hours.

R

  • Rack Rate (Accommodation) The base nightly rate for staying in a resort room, without any available discounts.
  • Rhode Joe Rhode. Rhode is an Imagineer, and is largely credited with the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, especially Expedition Everest.
  • El Rio del Boredom (Epcot) The boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion, especially before the 2007 Three Caballero refit.

S

  • Scopa Special (Inside Jokes, Dining) A combination of the Cheddar Cheese Soup and NY Strip Entree at Le Cellier Restaurant.
  • Scopa Towers (Inside Jokes, Accommodation) Disney’s Pop Century Resort. In one calendar year, Scopa spent over a month combined at the value resort.
  • Single Rider Line Guests who are willing to ride an attraction alone, as opposed to in their party, are eligible to wait in the Single Rider Line at various attractions, and take advantage of often lower wait times. The panel especially notes the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as one of the best Single Rider Lines.
  • A Scopa Vacation A vacation that does not have children as a traveler.
  • Sorcery in the Sky (Hollywood Studios – Episode 417) The fireworks show that used to occur in the Disney Hollywood Studios. A personal favorite of Scopa.
  • Star Wars Weekends (Hollywood Studios) Typically 5 or 6 weekends in late May to June, where additional Star Wars themed events occur. Mention of same causes some of the Panel to start snoring (see Inside Jokes).
  • Streetmosphere A face character, specifically at the Hollywood Studios, where a cast member performs intermittently an improvised audience participation show.
  • Studios (Hollywood Studios) The third of the 4 main parks to be built, renamed in 2007-8. Matt Hochberg runs three websites about the Studios.
  • Swalphin (Accommodation) A portmanteau of Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Hotel. Although not owned and operated by Disney, these two neighboring hotels participate in many benefits available to resort guests, such as Disney Transportation, package delivery, and EMHs . However, guests of the Swalphin Resort may not resort charge.
  • Switching-off When a adults of a group want to experience a ride, whilst some of the children are unable (e.g. height-wise)/do not want to experience the ride, the group can use Switching Off. Some of the adults stay with the non-riding children, allowing the other adults to ride. Afterwards, those who have just experienced the ride stay with the children whilst the remaining adults ride.

T

  • Tables in Wonderland (Dining) This card, formerly known as the Disney Dining Experience Card, available only to FL residents and AP holders, entitles the holder, and party, to a 20% discount to most dining locations on property. Cannot be combined with any other discount, but can be used on alcoholic beverages and includes free parking at Disney Resorts and Theme Parks.
  • Ticket Calculator The Least Expensive Ticket Calculator. Found on Len Testa‘s web site, the calculator determines what type of MYW ticket is best to be purchased for a vacation.
  • Tip Board A board, located at all parks, which lets guests know about current wait times, openings and closing of attractions, times of shows, parades, and fireworks, and other information to help with Touring.
  • Touring Commandments See The Cardinal Rule of Disney Dining above.
  • Touring Plan (General Trip Planning) A predetermined method in visiting the park. Using a specified plan that goes from ride to ride to attraction based on factors such as historical wait times and personal preference. Also the name (in the plural) of a web site by Len Testa, where custom-made Touring Plans can be made.
  • Two credit meal (Dining) A meal that requires two ‘Table Service’ credits on the DDP. Disney’s ultra-luxurious and top level restaurants require two credits. Not to be confused with the infamous Narcoossee’s Joke (see Inside Jokes).

U

  • The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World The Book, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Co-Authored by Len Testa, this blue-font bible for all things Disney is updated twice a year, and is the number one rated Walt Disney World Travel Guide on Amazon.com.

V

  • Vacation Home A vacation home is a home or condominium, off property, owned and run by a third party company. Pros for a vacation home are generally more room, less money, and added private amenities. Cons for a vacation home are generally loss of Disney services, like EMHs and Magical Express, not being able to book a vacation package, and being outside of the magic. Vacation homes are generally a good idea for large parties, with many returning guests. All Star Vacation Homes advertises on WDW Today.
  • Vacation Package According to Disney, a vacation package is a vacation in which an onsite hotel room is booked with a MYW ticket. Separately booking a room and purchasing tickets does not count as a vacation package, however is often cheaper based on various available discounts.
  • Value Season (Accommodation) The time of the year, often New Years to Memorial Day (not including Spring Break), and the months of August-November where rooms are discounted to their lowest rack rate price. Pro: Cheap Rooms, as kids are back in school. Con: Parks are at their shortest operating hours.
  • The Villas at Wilderness Lodge (Accommodation) The Disney Vacation Club accommodations located next to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge deluxe resort.

W

  • Walk on No wait. An attraction is a walk on if there is no wait, or if the posted wait time is 10 or fewer minutes. Rides are walk ons because the park just opened, crowd traffic is not nearby, or few people actually go to the attraction.
  • Water Park Fun & More (General Trip Planning) An add-on to the Base Ticket, this enables the user to go a set number of times to Disney’s water parks, DisneyQuest and Pleasure Island.
  • Walt Disney World The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Boasting four Theme Parks, two Water Parks, thirty+ hotels, a shopping district, and “ninety-nine holes of golf”, WDW is the largest tourist destination in, the World. The topic of WDW Today.
  • What Will You Celebrate? Disney’s promotion for 2009 celebrates celebration vacations. Disney is offering a free admission for anyone on their Birthday during the 2009 year. Disney is also unveiling new special add-ons to Magic Your Way packages.
  • Wishes (Magic Kingdom) The fireworks show in the Magic Kingdom.

X

Y

  • Year of a Million Dreams The marketing campaign for WDW and DLR during 2006-2008. The highlight of the campaign is the Dream Squad, where special cast members randomly distribute prizes to guests.

Z

  • The Zoo Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Referring negatively to its being a “half day park”, and Disney’s attempt to make sure people don’t think of it as “just another zoo”.

Unofficial WDW Today Wiki – by Phillip Burton and Andrew Carrieri

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