24 April, 2016

Oo-de-lally: Recreation

I figure I would do a post here about Mickey's Retreat, and other recreational offerings you can take advantage of while on the Disney College Program, Professional Internship Program, or Management Internship Program. I will start off with Mickey's Retreat, and then move on to ones on The Walt Disney World Property.

Mickey's Retreat is open to all Cast Members of The Walt Disney Company, and their families to enjoy. It is located in the area of Little Lake Bryan across from Chatham Square Apartments, and CPs staying in Patterson, Chatham, and The Commons can walk to it. For those who live off property there is plenty of parking available inside Mickey's Retreat as well as street parking outside of Chatham Square as well.


What are the operating hours?

Monday - Friday:
Park | 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Pool | 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm (6:00 pm on Friday)
Marina | Closed

Saturday - Sunday:
Park | 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Pool | 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Marina | 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

*As a note in early November - mid March Micky's Retreat closes at 7:00 pm
**Also Lifeguards who have training at Mickey's Retreat you can ignore the hours when you have training scheduled there earlier then they open.

What is at Mickey's Retreat?
  • Marina Rentals
    • Pedal boats, canoes, and sports equipment
  • Two swimming pools
  • Playground
  • Tennis Courts
  • Full-Length Basketball Court
  • Pier for fishing (although it is Catch & Release)
  • Sand Volleyball Courts
  • Baseball Field
  • Areas for grilling
  • Covered Picnic Tables
  • Soccer Field 

How much does it cost too get into Mickey's Retreat?
Well for once I would like to state it is Free yup you got it $0.00

How much does it cost to rent from the Marina?
According to a sign from 2014 (may have changed) it was this amount per hour:

Pedal Boats | $2.00 per hour
Canoes | $2.00 per hour
Sports Equipment | Free

Can I bring a guest?
Cast Members with a valid company ID may bring as many Guests to Mickey's Retreat as the number on their Main Entrance Pass plus three additional Guests (for those who don't want to do the math that means you can bring yourself and 6 guests).

Is the lap pool always open for swimming during regular hours?
Yes, unless lifeguards are training or doing re-certification then it will be closed until they are finished with Ellis.

Is it open to all Cast Members?
Yes, anyone who is employed by The Walt Disney Company is more than welcome to use Mickey's Retreat just show your Blue ID at the entrance of the park.


Another option for recreation is the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake which are basically the hotels near the Magic Kingdom if were wondering. This much like Mickey's Retreat is not 100% free, and is a little bit more expensive however still an option. Now before moving on I want to be 100% clear pools ar the resorts are meant for guest staying at those resorts not CMs on their days off. Also I will save you the time people who just ignored what I said the Polynesian's Lava Pool is gated, and can only be accessed by a Magicband attached to the resort. 


Activities
  • Movie Night Under the Stars 
    • It is a free option offered by most deluxe hotels, and the movie changes every night. 
    • Also as a note I prefer Fort Wilderness Camp Grounds for this as it has bleachers, s'more (not free but honestly they are cheap), and if you get there early enough a campfire with Chip 'n' Dale. 
  • Marina Rentals
    • Sea Raycer (fits up to 2 guests)
      • Must be over 12 to drive
    • Boston Whaler Montauk boat (fits up to 6 guest)
      • Must be over 18 to drive
    • Sun Tracker pontoon boat (fits up to 10 guests)
      • Must be over 18 to drive
  • Firework cruise 
    • First off I would book it early, but really it is watching the fireworks on a boat on the Seven Seas Lagoon with synchronized audio to match. 
    • In case anyone was wondering it is the Contemporary that offers the Pirate cruise 
  • Kayak and Canoes 
    • They are available at Fort Wilderness Camp Grounds 
As a note I will leave this here yes the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has a yacht called the Grand 1, and chances are unless you are ready to drop a couple hundred you are not renting it. 


Yes you read that correctly Sammy Duvall's Water Sports offered at Disney’s Contemporary Resort marina off of Bay Lake. You do get a discount, and honestly it is a fun thing to do when you do not feel like going to the parks again. So, I suggest any CP, PI, or MI take advantage of it especially if you live inland.


As for what they offer they currently offer the following activities:
  • Parasailing
  • Wake Boarding
  • Wake Surfing
  • Tubing
Of course the Contemporary also offers the same rentals as the resorts in the Seven Seas Region as well. 


I feel like I should add this in here as well, and yes I know most CMs know about Typhoon and Blizzard so I won't go over all the rides and such. However, there is something that most interns should take advantage of if surfing is your kind of thing. There are two options for surfing the first is a more affordable option that is meant for first-time riders or intermediate surfers. It is a group lesson offered prior to park opening on selected days (call (407) 939-7529 to find out when), and yes instructions will start on land then you'll head out in the wave pool. For those who are more experienced, and are looking for some one-on-one time private lessons are also available (for a very high cost), and they are offered before park open or after park close (you can check the calendar here). 


Things to know surf lesson (aka group):
  • Sessions can be booked calling (407) 939-7529
  • Lessons available to guest ages 8+
  • Admission to Typhoon Lagoon is not required for the lesson (however if you want to stay in the park admission is required)
  • Classes are only 12 at a time
  • Towels are provided
  • Beginner surf boards are provided (aka soft sided boards)
  • The class is about 2.5 hours
  • Surf instructors are from the Cocoa Beach Surf School

Things to know private lessons: 
  • Sessions must be booked using this website
  • No age limit, but any guest under 18 must have a consenting parent or legal guardian present
  • Admission to Typhoon Lagoon is not required for the lesson (however if you want to stay in the park admission is required)
  • You may bring up to 25 guest to the event (includes spectators)
  • May bring food and drinks, but no glass containers or alcohol
  • Depending on number of waves the session last 3-4 hours
  • Must provide their own towls
  • Must provide their own surfboard
    • Acceptable boards are: surf board, long board, paddle board, or boogie board (no body surfing allowed)
    • Also no exceptions you must bring your own board to the event
  • Waves are 5-5.5 feet tall
  • You can choose the type of waves you surf
    • However during park open center peak waves are not allowed


I want to be clear that there are still a lot more options that I did not list on here as things to do outside of the theme parks, but at least this gives you an idea of the options you have.

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