The Rest of Walt Disney World

Over the years additions have been made to the Walt Disney World Resort that have resulted in even more fun and entertaining things to do. Water parks, driving adventures, sports arenas, and even business training centers are all part of what Walt Disney World has to offer.

Blizzard Beach

This ski-resort-themed water park has a colorful story behind it. Legend has it that a freak snowstorm hit Florida causing a ski resort to pop up overnight. Of course, Florida weather being what it is, the heat quickly returned causing the new winter resort to melt. Fortunately, an enterprising alligator saw the potential in the waterlogged ski slopes, and slid down them, whooping it up all the way. Thus, a winter-themed water park was born. Take a chairlift or the stairs up to attractions like Snow Stormers, Runoff Rapids, Downhill Double Dipper, and the world's tallest and fastest free-fall slide - Summit Plummet.

Posted by: mousefiles
Posted youTube: June 26, 2007

Tips

• Ladies, a one piece bathing suit is recommended, especially if you're going to brave Summit Plummet - otherwise you might make it to the bottom before the top of your suit does!
• Secure some chairs when you arrive so you have a place to go when you need a break. Remember that the sun moves from the "front" of Mt. Gushmore around the left side of the park and ends up in the "back" of Mt. Gushmore in the afternoon. Keep that in mind when setting up your chairs.
• Tackle the bigger slides in the morning before they get too busy.
• When the lines at the chair lifts are long, consider taking the stairs to the top of the slides. There are a lot of them, but it might be faster.

Typhoon Lagoon

Like Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon is a water park that has a creative story behind it. According to Disney legend, Typhoon Lagoon was created in the wake of a major meteorological disturbance. In what was once a pristine tropical island, a crazy storm hit and surf boards and boats were tossed into trees, and a big shrimp boat called Miss Tilly ended up teetering precariously on top of Mount Mayday, a very unstable volcano (that threatens to erupt every half hour). After the storm swept out to sea, it left behind a topsy-turvy tropical paradise full of waterways, rivers, rapids, and slides. Attractions include Castaway Creek, Humonga Kowabunga, Storm Slides, and Shark Reef (where you can swim in a salt water tank filled with marine life).

Posted by: mousefiles
Posted youTube: June 26, 2007

Tips

• Try to arrive either first thing when the park opens, or in the warmer months when the park is open at night, come in the mid-to-late afternoon. That way, you can get on the slides when everyone else is heading out for dinner.
• The park closes during rainstorms, but is usually very light on traffic when it reopens, so try to take advantage of that when possible.
• Don't wear swimsuits with any buckles or exposed metal as they are not allowed on the rides.
• Surf lessons are offered at Typhoon Lagoon for an extra price. Guests must book ahead of time.
• If you're going to tackle the shark reef, do so early before it gets too crowded. Otherwise you might be swimming with more people than marine life.
• Bring your own towels rather than renting the small ones that are offered at the park.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

Located next door to the Magic Kingdom, the Richard Petty Driving Experience lets you get behind the wheel of a stock car and take it out on the track. There are four different packages available, one of which is for passengers only, with the other three offering different driving experiences. For the ride-along experience passengers must be at least 16 years of age and have parental consent, while the driving experiences require drivers to be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license. All of the driving experiences include 40 minutes of on-track and in-car instruction before you get behind the wheel. At the end you'll receive a Graduation certificate and a lap time sheet showing your fastest lap.

Posted by: DISUnplugged
Posted youTube: July 01, 2008

Tips

• Book this experience at the beginning of your holiday in case rescheduling is necessary. Florida is notorious for unpredictable weather patterns, especially in the summer.
• Remember, little to no shade, loud engines, and fumes are all a part of the experience. Keep that in mind when bringing along small children, as they probably won't enjoy it as much as you do.
• The ride-along is available every day, but reservations are required for the driving experiences. Be sure to call ahead to book an available time.

Wide World of Sports

The ultimate destination for athletes and fans alike, this multi-million dollar sports complex is one of the world's premier sports destinations. The complex spans 220 acres and includes 9 venues. It hosts numerous amateur and professional sporting events throughout the year, and can accommodate more than 50 sports. It's also the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. In addition, there's a 5,000-seat field house featuring six basketball courts, a fitness center, and training rooms; major-league practice fields and pitching mounds; 4 softball fields; 12 tennis courts, including a 2,000-seat stadium center court; a track-and-field complex; a golf driving range; and more. In this international sports complex there are plenty of activities to entertain the sports enthusiast in every group.

Disney Institute

There's no doubt that Disney is a very successful company. Not only did Walt Disney re-define the world of entertainment, but his legacy is found in a worldwide scope of motion pictures, theme parks, stage shows, books, magazines, television, merchandise, music, apparel, resorts, a cruise line and more, and his innovative business strategies have proven successful time and time again. At the Disney Institute business professionals from all over the world can benefit from seminars, workshops, and presentations that teach the methods and practices that have sustained the Disney organization for decades. Like with every Disney experience, participants are lifted out of their everyday affairs, and are taken into a world where magic and extraordinary vision rule. In the case of the Disney Institute, participants will learn and come to understand the 'business behind the magic'.

See also International Drive | Disney's Animal Kingdom | The Magic Kingdom | Disney's Hollywood Studios | EPCOT Center | Islands of Adventure® | Universal Studios® | SeaWorld® Orlando | Discovery Cove® Orlando | Gatorland | Kissimmee and Lake Tohopekaliga

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