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Q&A for The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Walt Disney World by Doug Ingersoll

I’ve heard that there is a lot of renovation going on at Magic Kingdom. Can you give a brief summary?
Walt Disney World is always a work in progress, constantly adding new attractions, restaurants, and resorts. The current Fantasyland expansion is without question the biggest change to any park ever. The popular section of the Magic Kingdom theme park is going to almost double in size by 2013.
Belle, from Beauty and the Beast, and the Little Mermaid both play a prominent role in the expansion. A Belle-themed sit-down restaurant and a Gaston (Belle’s ill-fated—and rude—suitor) -themed counter-service restaurant will be added. New attractions will also be paired with re-imagining of classics such as the iconic Dumbo ride.
Disney is certainly addressing the need for more and better dining options in the park, while taking advantage of the massive popularity of the Princess franchise. It should be fun!
You’re a member of the Disney Moms Panel—how did that happen? And are you the only “Dad” on the Moms panel?
I was the second Dad selected to the Moms Panel. A few other Dads have been added since, but the panel is still primarily made up of Moms.
I was picked to join the panel during an annual selection process held in the fall. Disney searches for qualified parents who can help travelers preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation better plan their trip. They can ask us about anything, from the appropriateness of a particular ride, to suggestions on how to save money or plan a special experience. They can even review our bios to find a parent with a similar family, like one with teens, or perhaps a parent with a special needs child.
We are not censored by Disney. We can help show ways to save money on a trip. We can offer honest reviews of attractions, resorts, or restaurants, even if they are negative. Disney just wants their guests to have the best vacation possible, and if our answers can help that happen, then everyone wins!
Where are the best places or websites to find deals for airfare, park tickets, etc.?
I find that the best way to plan a Walt Disney World vacation, whether you are a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, is to use a Disney-authorized travel agent. They can scour all the best deals and recommend which is the best for you. If they are a no-fee agency (which many are), you pay no more than if you booked directly with Disney, and they offer a lot of nice perks, like booking all meal reservations for you.
What draws you to Disney World year after year?
I enjoy returning because it can be so many different vacations, all in one place. The obvious pull for a family with young children is clear. But I also enjoy the ability for my wife and me to get away to a vacation that offers fine cuisine, some nightlife, and even a bit of romance. It is also a place ideally suited for celebrations of so many different occasions and milestones. Add to that the nostalgic value since it has been the site of so many great past memories for me and my family, and it just feels like the right place to be for so many reasons.
So while it is not our only travel destination, it certainly is a versatile one that can fulfill a lot of what we want to get out of our vacations.
Can you share a few best-kept secrets about WDW?
Child Activity Centers: These day care-like centers are open to anyone staying at a Disney resort. Reserve a spot for your kids (ages 3-12), and while the counselors are leading them through games, arts-and-craft projects, and even feeding them dinner, you can go out for a romantic dinner or other evening diversion. With pager in hand, and a reasonable hourly fee for the service, this can help make the vacation fun for parents, too!
DiveQuest: Scuba diving in the roughly 6-million gallon aquarium at Epcot is a scuba diver’s dream!
Food & Wine: Dining at Walt Disney World can be far better than the theme park-grub you may be expecting. Did you know that they employ more sommeliers than any other place in the world? So if you are a foodie, plan some nice dining while visiting.
Aside from the Magic Kingdom renovations, what might I see that’s new if I haven’t been there in a couple of years?
Disney has really upped the game, even in terms of what you do when waiting in line. Interactive queue areas at attractions like Winnie the Pooh and even at the Haunted Mansion are entertaining and make your time waiting worthwhile.
At Hollywood Studios they have added a great new attraction, Toy Story Midway Mania. This interactive ride is fun for the whole family. There has also been a complete update to the Star Tours attraction, reflecting new technology as well as the more recent trilogy of Star Wars movies. There is also an American Idol show where guests can compete and perform.
A final one of note is the fun addition to the Epcot World Showcase of the Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. Cell phones lead you through a spy adventure where you actually cause things to happen on the building of the world showcase. Fun, even if like me you have never seen the Kim Possible cartoon.
Are you ever too old for Walt Disney World?
Absolutely not! Walt Disney World has something for all ages. Now to suggest that a senior citizen would not like roller coasters is just narrow-minded. But let’s focus on some of the more stereotypical things that might attract an older crowd. There is the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in the fall, complete with not only food and beverages from around the world, but cooking classes, varied concerts, and more. Next, in the spring, there is the Flower and Garden Show. Gardening displays are just the start, as HGTV stars showcase new techniques and style ideas as well.
Then there is the everyday Walt Disney World. Seniors can travel the world in 1.1 miles as they walk the 11 national pavilions of Epcot World Showcase. They can stroll the Atlantic City-inspired BoardWalk. They can dine, golf, cruise, and more in so many places I can’t even begin to list them all. So no, you can never be too old to enjoy Walt Disney World!
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