For the first page of this review of Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, click here.

THE POOLS AT DISNEY’S ALL-STAR MUSIC RESORT

Each of Disney’s All-Star Resorts has two pools.

There’s a larger one between two accommodations buildings just outside of the central lobby/dining/shops area, and a smaller one back in a different area.

At All-Star Music, the larger main pool is between the Calypso buildings, is themed as a guitar, and is accompanied by Donald Duck and the other two Caballeros.

Here you’ll also find pool games played with Disney cast members and evening movies.

The smaller one is in the center of the other four themed areas, is themed as a piano, and is accompanied by Ariel.

The larger Guitar pool.

Closer.

The Three Caballeros.

From another angle.

And another.

In the evening.

Movies are shown here some nights.

The head of the guitar serves as a kids pool.

You’ll also find at the main pool ping pong…

…and a cornhole set.

Between the pool area and the food court you’ll find this bar.

On cooler days it may have outdoor heaters.

Further back in the resort is the second pool, the Piano Pool, with Ariel.

The Piano Pool.

Another view of the Piano Pool.

The Piano Pool in the evening.

None of the pools at Disney’s value resorts have slides, and they also traditionally don’t provide towels–you are to bring your towels from your room. But if you look closely at my photos, you’ll see that towels were provided on my last visit.  The first time you go to the pool, bring towels, and change your future behavior if the pool provides them!  (Call housekeeping if you need more.)

MATERIAL IN THIS REVIEW OF DISNEY’S ALL-STAR MUSIC RESORT

• Overview of All-Star Music
• Accommodations and Theming at All-Star Music
• Photo Tour of a Standard Room at All-Star Music
• The Family Suites at All-Star Music
• Amenities at All-Star Music
• The Pools at All-Star Music

OTHER KEY PAGES FOR WHERE TO STAY AT DISNEY WORLD

• Where to stay–the Basics
• Where first-timers should stay
• Reviews of all the Disney World resorts, based on my 150+ stays in them

Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest!!

The latest edition of WDW Magazine, which focuses on fun outside the theme parks, is out!

The magazine is available on iTunes, for Android, and on the web.

Editor Carl Trent has this to say about this month’s edition:

“This month we take a close look at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach; which are, in our opinion, the best water parks anywhere. It doesn’t get any better than the Disney water parks, but we also wanted to cover some of the other entertainment options around WDW. Check out our articles on WinterSummerland, Fantasia Gardens and DisneyQuest.”

My column for first-timers focuses on all the different out-of-the parks stuff that first timers might not know about. Curious?  Of course you are! Sample a free issue here. Also, now available is a preview function–check it out!

Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or Pinterest!!

(For the first page of this review of Shades of Green, see this.)

If you are military folk and don’t know Steve Bell, you should.

He writes Military Disney Tips and its blog, is the author of an ebook on Shades of Green, and is an expert on and advocate for military families making the best of their Disney and Orlando trips.

Steve is also the military moderator for this site.

For all these reasons, but especially his unmatched expertise on Shades of Green, I asked him to write about which Shades of Green amenities can be enjoyed by military families who aren’t even staying there.

Military folk aren’t staying at Shades for one of three reasons: they prefer an alternative; one of Disney’s deals is just too attractive; or they didn’t find out about Shades until it was too late.

But whatever the reason, there’s still much at Shades of Green open to them wherever they are staying!!

SHADES OF GREEN AMENITIES AVAILABLE TO ANY ELIGIBLE PERSON

By Steve Bell

Photo: Steve Bell

At Shades of Green you will find all of the amenities that you’d expect at the best Disney resorts such as a wide selection of restaurants, recreational options, valet parking, bellhop service, spa, fitness room, two pools, free Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry facilities, plus a military discounted ticket sales office and mini Exchange.

Did you know that you can use many of Shades of Green’s amenities even if you are not staying at Shades?

You may be a WDW day guest, staying at a Disney owned resort as yourfirstvisit.net recommends for first time Walt Disney World visitors who may never return, or you may be doing a “split stay” between Shades and a Disney resort. In all cases as a Military/DoD member you are always welcome to stop by Shades of Green. At least one member of the party must have a military ID, CAC or DoD CAC to use its amenities.

Exactly which amenities are non-Shades guests allowed to use?

• Shades of Green’s Ticket Sales Office
• The AAFES Store
• All of the restaurants at Shades
• The Magnolia Spa

All of these cost less than the comparable services at the Disney resorts and there is no sales tax added!

Other amenities such as pool and fitness center use are reserved only for those actually staying at Shades.

SHADES OF GREEN’S TICKET SALES OFFICE

With the introduction of WDW’s FastPass+ it has become best to purchase your Disney tickets well in advance. Those staying at Shades can do so ahead of time through its ticket office.

Those who do not care about FastPass+, and day guests, can stop by to buy their Disney World tickets here.

The ticket office doesn’t just offer Disney tickets–you can also find military discounted tickets for all of the major (and many minor) Central Florida attractions here. You’ll find tickets for:

• Universal Orlando
• SeaWorld Orlando
• Legoland Florida
• Busch Gardens
• Kennedy Space Center
• Wet n’ Wild
• Gatorland
• Many Orlando Dinner Shows
• And Disney World’s minor parks: Disney Quest, WDW’s Water Parks, and WDW’s Mini Golf Locations

The line for service can be long in the morning, so drop by in the afternoon for a shorter wait.

SHADES OF GREEN’S AAFES STORE

The Army Air Force Exchange Service operates what is essentially a shoppette at Shades of Green. Here you will find all of the sundries that you might need during your vacation. Some of the offerings are: all kinds of snacks and quick food options, a wide range of beverages (general consumption and adult -beer, wine/liquor), toiletries and medicines, Disney, Orlando and the various services souvenir items.

A military ID is required for the sale of liquor and tobacco products. [Note from Dave: Liquor is MUCH cheaper here than at the Disney resorts.]

Photo: Steve Bell

This is a great place to stock up on snacks and drinks for the room and theme parks at good prices.

SHADES OF GREEN DINING

You are always welcome at Shades of Green’s restaurants.

Photo: Steve Bell

Breakfast options are the Java Café and Express Café, both quick service (grab and go) locations, and the Garden Gallery buffet, which often has long lines for breakfast.

For lunch your options are the Java Café (Starbucks pastries), the Express Café which has great sandwiches, On the Greens Grill offering hot dogs and brats by the Magnolia Golf Course, Manginos Italian Restaurant (table service), and Evergreen Sports Bar on the weekend.

If you are around for dinner you can choose from the Garden Gallery which offers a regional/international buffet with daily rotating items, Manginos Italian Restaurant, the Java Café (Starbucks pastries), the Express Café, and Evergreen Sports Bar.

Shades of Green’s dining locations are cheaper to considerably cheaper that the corresponding Disney venues, so drop by here to get filled up.

Shades offers a handy chart indicating what is open when during your visit.

SHADES OF GREEN’S MAGNOLIA SPA

The Magnolia Spa is a full service spa operated by Niki Bryan Spa, which operates the WDW Spas.

They offer a full range of services at prices 15-25% lower than the Disney Spas:

• Massage
• Facials
• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Salon and Barber Services
• Packages, and
• Princess Makeovers

The full list of services and prices is here.

HOW TO GET TO SHADES OF GREEN

If you have your own car the easiest thing to do is drive yourself.

Follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom. When you arrive at the parking toll booth get in the furthest right lane that you can [Dave: where the camping trailer with its subtle Hidden Mickey is in the photo]–the very far right lane is reserved for Disney buses). Then tell the parking cast member that you are heading to Shades of Green. They’ll let you pass without paying for parking.

Merge right then drive straight ahead following the single lane, rather than the multiple lanes curving to the left to parking. Get into the left lane and turn left at the first stop light. Follow this road past the Polynesian Village Resort on the right and then turn right at the “T.” Shades will be just ahead on your left.

At the guard shack just show your ID (military ID, CAC or DoD CAC) and tell the security host what you are there for i.e. “I’m going to the ticket office to buy tickets.” They’ll then direct you to parking.

If you are depending on Disney Transportation you have a couple of options.

You can take Disney transportation to the Polynesian Village Resort or Transportation and Ticket Center and walk to Shades. From the Poly, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your walking speed. Add another 5 to 10 minutes from the TTC.

Or, with a military/DoD ID for everyone in your party, you can use Shades of Green’s transportation.

You’ll first need to get to one of the Shades of Green drop off/pick up spots (at the TTC, Disney Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, both water parks, and Downtown Disney). The Shades bus will then take you right to the resort to run your errands. When finished just take the Shades bus to your desired destination, or walk to the Poly or TTC to use the transport options there.

EXTRA SAVINGS FOR YOUR DISNEY WORLD VACATION

Using these extra benefits available at Shades will help you save a little extra on your vacation.

You are eligible, so if you have the time to stop by, you should definitely use them. Drop by to pick up supplies, buy any tickets you still need, and grab lunch.

*  *  *  *  *

Thanks, Steve! This is great info for military folk not staying at Shades!

MORE RESOURCES FOR SHADES OF GREEN RESORT

• e-book on Shades of Green
• Military Disney Tips
• Shades of Green Website

PAGES:  Previous |  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5

TOPICS IN THIS REVIEW OF SHADES OF GREEN

• Overview of Shades of Green
• Photo Tour of a Standard Shades of Green Room
• Amenities at Shade of Green
• The Pools at Shades of Green
• Using Shades of Green’s Amenities Even if You Aren’t Staying There

Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or Pinterest!!

Welcome back to Fridays with Jim Korkis! Jim, the dean of Disney historians and author of Jim’s Gems in The easy Guide, writes about Walt Disney World history every Friday on yourfirstvisit.net.

THE ORIGINAL WALT DISNEY WORLD MONORAILS

By Jim Korkis

Zooming along on a sleek concrete beam high in the sky for over forty years, the brightly colored Walt Disney World monorails have provided eager park guests with not only a different perspective of the vacation destination but also a glimpse into the transportation of the future.

According to Disney press information released in 1969 about the monorails at Walt Disney World:

“The principal means of travel from the parking center and main entrance to and from the theme park and hotels will be aboard the Walt Disney World-Alweg Monorail trains. Current plans call for the building of six five-car trains, some to stop at every hotel on the way around the circuit, while others carry passengers non-stop directly to the Magic Kingdom.”

Those newest monorails featured greater safety, comfort and efficiency than the ones operating at Disneyland at the time. They were dubbed the Mark IV and each one cost approximately six million dollars to build. The Mark IV had a high capacity design that could hold up to 210 guests in the five car train that was 171 feet long. There was improved air conditioning (considered vital in the Florida heat and humidity) and new door systems.

These newest monorails were designed in Burbank under the direction of Imagineer Bob Gurr and built in Orlando by the Martin Marietta Corporation.

The seats in the Mark IV were a rich royal blue with four aisles between guests facing each other going across each car. Each car had four doors, except for the middle car that had a special double door type of setup to allow guests in wheelchairs.

Just like for the trams today, back then there were waiting queue slots for guests that held roughly the number of people who could fit in the empty seats in each aisle to help control the boarding. There was no standing room capability.

At the Magic Kingdom during the early days, guests boarded the monorail by going up the middle ramp and exited the train by going down the side ramps. It is the reverse today because it proved to cause congestion when the park closed at night and guests flooded out of the Magic Kingdom to leave.

In theory, it all sounded smooth and seamless. Yet on Opening Day in October 1971, only three monorails were operating. A fourth would be brought on later that month and a fifth was being constructed. Even with light attendance, they were not enough to handle the guests clamoring to get to the park and spend their money.

Other forms of transportation were rushed into service, including six steam launches and other water craft including the Mike Fink keel boats from Frontierland. Half of the parking lot trams were needed to haul guests from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom and they frequently overheated and broke down on the incline near the Contemporary Resort.

Over the decades, additional improvements were made in the design and capacity of the monorails but guests were still awed by the originals when they debuted. Today, the improved Mark VI version of the monorail carries guests to their destinations at Walt Disney World.

*  *  *  *  *

Thanks, Jim! Come back next Friday for more from Jim Korkis.

In the meantime, check out his books, including The Vault of Walt, Who’s Afraid of the Song of the South?, and The Book of Mouse, and his contributions to The easy Guide to Your First Walt Disney World Visit, all published by Theme Park Press.

MORE DISNEY WORLD HISTORY POSTS FROM JIM KORKIS

• “Summer Magic” on Main Street
• Muppets and Mama Melrose
• Peter Dominick and the Wilderness Lodge
• Dixie Landing and Port Orleans Riverside
• The History of Splash Mountain
• The First Disney World Hotel
• The “Sharing the Magic” Statue
• The First Disney World Monorails
• The Water Park River Country
• The Epcot Fountain
• The Fireplace at the Wilderness Lodge
• Sid Cahuenga at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Spaceship Earth
• Downtown Disney
• The Missing Resort Hotels
• Echo Park and Echo Lake
• Typhoon Lagoon

Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or Pinterest!!

DISNEY WORLD NEXT WEEK: MAY 2 TO MAY 10, 2015

The material below details operating hours, Extra Magic Hours, parades, and fireworks.

The same stuff is in the image, but organized by park, not by topic. For more on May 2015 at Walt Disney World, click here.

Note that typos happen, and schedules change! If something seems odd, or if you want to double check, use the calendar links near the bottom to get the latest official Disney World scoop.

OPERATING HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 5/2/-5/10/2015

The Magic Kingdom will be open  8a-12MN 5/2, 9a-12MN 5/3 through 5/5, 9a-11p 5/6 and 5/7, 9a-12MN 5/8, 8a-12MN 5/9, and 9a-11p 5/10

Epcot will be open from 9a-9p every day

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be open 9a-9.30p 5/2, 9a-10p 5/3 and 5/4, 9a-8.30p 5/5, 9a-10p 5/6, 9a-8.30p 5/7 and 5/8, 9a-10p 5/9, and 9a-8.30p 5/10

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open 9a-7p 5/2, 9a-8p 5/3, 9a-7p 5/4 and 5/5, 9a-6p 5/6, 9a-7p 5/7, 9a-6p 5/8, and 9a-7p 5/9 and 5/10

EXTRA MAGIC HOURS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 5/2/-5/10/2015

Saturday 5/2 Morning:  Hollywood Studios Evening: Magic Kingdom

Sunday 5/3 Morning:  Animal Kingdom Evening: none

Monday 5/4 Morning: none  Evening: Hollywood Studios

Tuesday 5/5 Morning: Epcot Evening:  none

Wednesday 5/6 Morning:  Animal Kingdom  Evening:  none

Thursday 5/7 Morning: Magic Kingdom  Evening: none

Friday 5/8 Morning: none Evening: Epcot

Saturday 5/9 Morning:  Hollywood Studios Evening: Magic Kingdom

Sunday 5/10  Morning: Animal Kingdom  Evening: none

PARADES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 5/2/-5/10/2015

The Magic Kingdom:

• Afternoon Festival of Fantasy Parade: 3p every day
• Evening Main Street Electrical Parade: 9 and 11p every day

FIREWORKS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD 5/2-5/10/2015

Wishes at the Magic Kingdom: 10p every night

Illuminations at Epcot: 9p every night

Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 8.30 and 10p 5/2; 9 and 10.30p 5/3 and 5/4; 9p 5/5; 9 and 10.30p 5/6; 9p 5/7 and 5/8; 9 and 10.30p 5/9; and 9p 5/10

SHOW SCHEDULES FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD 5/2/-5/10/2015

See Steve Soares’ site here. Click the park names at its top for show schedules.

LONG RANGE WEATHER FORECAST FOR WALT DISNEY WORLD 5/2/-5/10/2015

See this for forecasts.

DISCLAIMER

Everything is subject to change and typos! Check the Disney Calendars for updates and official schedules. These calendars can be found by clicking the following links:

• Magic Kingdom Calendar
• Hollywood Studios Calendar
• Animal Kingdom Calendar
• Epcot Calendar

Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook or Google+ or Twitter or Pinterest

“Absolutely amazing!”

SAVE YOUR TRIP WITH THE BEST DISNEY WORLD GUIDEBOOK EVER

Save dozens of hours in line, thousands of dollars, and vast regrets by using The easy Guide to Your First Walt Disney World Visit 2015 from Theme Park Press to plan your next Walt Disney World visit.

“The quintessential Disney World guidebook!”

The easy Guide 2015 takes you by the hand through all the key Disney World decisions—some that you probably didn’t even know you had to make—in the simplest, most straightforward, and shortest way possible.

Co-author Josh and I between us have unmatched experience with the Disney World rides, parks, restaurants, and hotels, and tremendous tested judgment from our years of helping more than ten million visitors to our websites yourfirstvisit.net and easyWDW.com.

“This is a great book!”

Combining my unmatched experience with the resorts with Josh’s world-beating expertise on how to manage your days, it’s also the first guidebook to be written from scratch for FastPass+, Disney’s billion-dollar initiative that fundamentally changes how to reduce waits in the Disney World parks.

Together, we’ve written the best Disney World guidebook ever—combining sound advice with easy, simple steps. Don’t believe us? In the last year, the two editions have had 151 reviews on Amazon–and 144 have been five star reviews!

“An amazing book!”

We designed The easy Guide to be short and sweet. It is, on purpose, the shortest major Disney World guidebook out there. We offer all the key guidance in less than half the length of alternatives. It’s really, really easy and fun to read and use.

“There is no better resource!”

The easy Guide to Your First Walt Disney Visit 2015. Keeps you sane, keeps you laughing, buy it here!

Click here to buy it!