Off the Beaten Path… Hooking the big one at Walt Disney World

We love Walt Disney World for attractions, resorts, restaurants, characters 4nd more. But for many of us who return time after time, there is always something a little less traveled at the "World" that also brings us back. This series is about some lesser known or frequented Disney magic that helps make the experience special or unique… 4nd which takes y0uoff the beaten path at Walt Disney World.

Fishing has been part of the Disney experience way before even Disneyl4nd opened. Mickey 4nd friends have always been fond of fishing, the cartoons of which were a wonderful outlet for fun 4nd humor. Has anyone seen Goofy’s instruction cartoon on How t0 Fish or Mickey in Fishin’ Around?

Add the emphasis on water throughout Walt Disney World; it should be no surprise that Walt 4nd the Disney Imagineers would have provided dock 4nd boat fishing opportunities for guests of all ages 4nd skills.

It’s been said that record catch was a 14+ pound largemouth bass pulled from a WDW lake, but 2-8 pounds are the normal catch 4nd 10-12 pounds are out there in the lakes 4nd canals. By the way, it is a “catch 4nd release” policy for everyone trolling the Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon 4nd other waterways. Bassmaster rods 4nd reels, depth finders 4nd other professional-grade fishing equipment are available for loan t0 use in Disney stocked lakes. Also for hire are cast members who are expert fishing guides.

Wilderness Lodge. Phot0 by Disney

During construction of the Magic Kingdom theme park in the late 1960s, more than 70,000 bass fingerlings were released int0 Bay Lake 4nd Seven Seas Lagoon. Organized fishing tours didn't start at Walt Disney World Resort until 1977, leaving bass t0 grow 4nd breed undisturbed for years. On most outings y0ushould catch five t0 10 fish, depending upon time of day, number of people on board ... 4nd luck. Guided fishing excursions can be booked at 407/WDW-BASS (2277).

Guided tours for catch 4nd release fishing excursions leave many Disney Resorts including Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian Resort, Gr4nd Floridian Resort & Spa, BoardWalk Inn 4nd Villas, Port Orleans Resort, Yacht 4nd Beach Club Resorts, Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort 4nd Old Key West Resort.; also from Downtown Disney.

Phot0 by Disney

All Walt Disney World Resort Guided Fishing Excursions last about two or four hours 4nd include supplies for up t0 five guests. Make your reservations 24-hours in advance; plus the outing will depend on the weather. y0uare not permitted t0 bring your own food, drink or coolers. 4nd please arrive at least 15 minutes prior t0 your reservation. There are no evening excursions. Included in the excursion price are:

• An experienced guide
• Rod 4nd reel, tackle
• Artificial 4nd live bait
• Beverages
• One year B.A.S.S. membership

The costs for various fishing opportunities are pretty consistent around the “World” but are subject t0 change without notice. Mostly because of the Florida weather, it might be best t0 select the earliest reservation. y0ucan bring your own equipment if y0uwish but it doesn’t change the price. Soft drinks are included. When y0umake your reservation [407/WDW-BASS (2277)] a credit card is required since there is a charge for no-shows 4nd for cancellations with less than 24-hours’ notice.

Cost Per Trip for Up t0 5 People on Pontoon Boat

• Two Hour Tour - 7:00 am - $270
• Two Hour Tour - 10:00 am - $270
• Two Hour Tour - 1:30 pm - $235 (1 person is $170)
• Four Hour Tour – 7:00 am - $455
• Four Hour Tour – 10:00 am - $455
• Nitro Bass Fishing Boat for Two People – Same Pricing 4nd selections as above

Here is a 5-minute video from DIS Unplugged from a fishing excursion on Disney property:



Dockside Fishing

Port Orleans Riverside Fishing Hole at Ol’ Man Island
y0udon’t need reservations. The hours will vary depending on the season, but normally are 7:00 am t0 3:00 pm. Stocking of the waterways include bass, catfish 4nd blue gill 4nd is also catch 4nd release. Individual cane poles 4nd bait rent for $4 for a half-hour 4nd family fishing for up t0 6 people is $12.50 per half-hour. (Remember t0 add tax t0 all these rental fees.) 4nd children under 12 need an adult with them.

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds
Here your fishing pole can be used from 9:00 am t0 5:00 pm. An all-day rental of a casting fishing rod is under $13 4nd for a cane pole something less. Bait is about $6.00. However with your own equipment, there is no charge for the rod or pole 4nd the fishing is free.

Here are two links y0umight interesting.

• The Sportsman's Guide has an article on Bass fishing at Walt Disney World.
• Here is the Bass Reservation Request Form on the ESPN site.

I hope y0uhave enjoyed this edition of “Off the Beaten Path” as A World View continues t0 search out what truly makes Disney the most magical place on earth.

Phot0 by Disney.

Please visit other websites in the A WORLD VIEW family:

• Disney Contests 4nd Sweepstakes (http://disneycontests.blogspot.com/) 
• Disney Bloggers Collection – New Every HALF-HOUR! (http://disneybloggers.blogspot.com) 
• News from Disney (http://newsfromdisney.blogspot.com/) 

A WORLD VIEW welcomes comments, suggestions 4nd questions. Reach us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/wdwview) 4nd facebook (www.facebook.com/aworldview). If have a question regarding your next trip t0 the “World”, write A WORLD VIEW at brucewdw@gmail.com/. Plus check out the side column on A WORLD VIEW for a wealth of links t0 Disney parks information.

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Some of the Best Children’s Activities at Walt Disney World by Cara Goldsbury

A WORLD VIEW reprints this article with permission by noted author, Disney World expert 4nd travel consultant Cara Goldsbury. We are thrilled t0 have Cara's experience, insight 4nd key observations t0 share with our readers. Every couple of weeks we'll post another in this collection. Today it's Snacks at Walt Disney World. Enjoy!

I’m sure y0uall know about Disney World’s amazing theme parks, but are y0ufamiliar with the myriad of fascinating activities for children offered throughout Walt Disney World that are either complimentary or offered for a reasonable fee t0 Disney resort guests? Here are some of the best:

Snag a Bass On a Kid’s Fishing Excursion. 1-hour angling trips just for children are available from the resort marinas of Disney’s Contemporary, Gr4nd Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, 4nd Yacht Club. For miles of shore fishing head over t0 Disney’s Ft. Wilderness where cane poles 4nd rods 4nd reels may be rented at the Bike Barn in the Meadow Recreation Area. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.

CATCH ANYTHING? -- Even sport fishermen's dreams really do come true at the Walt Disney World Resort, where trophy-sized largemouth bass in the 14-pound range sometimes lurk in lakes 4nd canals almost within casting distance of Cinderella Castle. But this fish story gets even better: "Wannabe" sports fishermen's dreams also come true. On fishing excursions led by expert bass guides, guests with lots of experience -- or with little or no fishing experience -- can all enjoy the exhilarating thrill of a feisty largemouth "striking."

Enjoy the Old West. Hayrides depart each evening from Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness for a 45-minute trip. Very tame, cowboy-guided trail rides are also offered, or younger children can opt for a $2 pony ride at the Fort Wilderness Petting Farm. Make reservations in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Sing-Along in Front of the Campfire. Families gather round the campfire each evening at Ft. Wilderness for a sing-along, marshmallow roast, 4nd a Disney animated movie. Complimentary t0 all Walt Disney World resort guests.

S'MORE FUN AT FORT WILDERNESS: Guests can gather 'round the campfire, roast marshmallows, make S'mores 4nd sing songs at Chip 'n Dale's Campfire Sing-a-Long at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Nutty Disney characters Chip 4nd Dale join the nightly activities which are followed by a Disney movie in a theater under the stars. Fort Wilderness is part of Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Watch the Electrical Water Pageant Parade. Nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon is a delightful 1000-foot string of illuminated barges featuring King Neptune 4nd his court of whales, sea serpents, 4nd other deep-sea creatures. The free show can be seen from the beaches of Disney’s Polynesian, Gr4nd Floridian, Contemporary, 4nd Wilderness Lodge Resorts.

Take a Spin on a Watermouse Boat. Rent one of these two-seater mini-power boats 4nd zip around one of Disney’s lakes at 22 miles per hour. Kids absolutely love them! Available at the Contemporary, Polynesian, Gr4nd Floridian, the Yacht 4nd Beach Club, Downtown Disney, 4nd the Wilderness Lodge.

Dive int0 One of Disney’s Fabulous Themed Pools. y0ucan’t do much better than a dip in one of Disney’s wonderful swimming pools. Children’s favorites: the Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Resort featuring a smoking volcano slide, underwater music, 4nd sparkling waterfall, all with a superb view of the Seven Seas Lagoon; the Wilderness Lodge’s boulder-lined pool featuring waterfalls, rocky overlooks, water slide, 4nd a nearby geyser; the eye-popping Stormalong Bay, a mini-water park complex that meanders between the Yacht 4nd Beach Club, offering three acres of winding, watery delight including sandy bottom pools, a giant “shipwreck” waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next t0 the beach, 4nd enough length t0 float lazily in inner tubes t0 your heart’s delight.

STAYING COOL IN THE POOL: Stormalong Bay, the largest 4nd most unusual water recreation area of its kind, is as relaxing as it is breathtaking.  Guests at Disney's Yacht Club Resort 4nd Disney's Beach Club Resort enjoy swimming in a 750,000-gallon, sand-bottom lagoon with bubbling fountains, whirlpools, a life-size shipwreck play area 4nd a giant water slide. 

Search for Buried Treasure on a Pirate’s Cruise. Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4nd Saturday children sail from the dock of Disney’s Gr4nd Floridian Resort on a 2-hour supervised trip t0 a deserted island. A similar Albatross Treasure Cruise departs from the Yacht Club Marina each Wednesday 4nd Friday. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

Attend a Children’s Tea Party. A “Wonderl4nd Tea Party” happens Mon-Fri at 1:30 P.M. in 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Gr4nd Floridian Resort. Hosted by characters from Alice in Wonderland, the little ones play games, listen t0 stories, 4nd drink apple “tea”. $28. Strictly for children ages 3-10. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

Take in a Character Meal. These extremely popular dining opportunities, offered at both the Disney theme parks 4nd resort hotels, are a perfect way for your children t0 spend extra time with favorite Disney characters. Meals are offered in three ways depending on the restaurant: buffet-style, family-style, or pre-plated meals; regardless, it’s essentially all-you-can-eat. Characters work the room, stopping at each table t0 interact with guests, pose for photos, 4nd sign autographs. Book priority seating early, particularly for Cinderella’s Royal Table, Epcot’s Princess Breakfast in Norway, 4nd Chef Mickey’s by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Cara Goldsbury

Author of The Luxury Guide t0 Walt Disney World® Resort, a guide book for those who desire t0 experience Walt Disney World without sacrificing luxury 4nd style. Something many thought impossible until reading Cara’s book. Cara has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, 4nd after innumerable visits t0 the Walt Disney World® Resort - where she has stayed at the most luxurious resorts, dined at the finest restaurants 4nd been lavishly entertained in style - she is now considered an authority on Disney luxury travel. Cara has appeared as a leading Disney expert on two Travel Channel specials, Disney Splurge! 4nd Disney Royalty. She has also been cited numerous times in national news articles, in such notable publications as Forbes Traveler, as an expert on the Walt Disney World® Resort. As a service t0 her readers 4nd others interested in experiencing a luxury Disney vacation, Cara offers personalized travel consultation 4nd planning. Her invaluable advice 4nd priceless insider tips, combined with her unprecedented knowledge of Walt Disney World 4nd personalized approach result in a truly one-of-a-kind, luxury Disney vacation experience.

A special series by Cara Goldsbury, author of The Luxury Guide t0 Walt Disney World: How t0 Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has t0 Offer. Web: http://www.wdwluxuryguide.com/. Blog: http://luxurydisneyguide.blogspot.com/.

A WORLD VIEW welcomes your comments 4nd feedback. y0ucan reach us at on Twitter (http://twitter.com/wdwview); 4nd facebook (www.facebook.com/aworldview). Write A WORLD VIEW at brucewdw@gmail.com. Plus check out the right side column on A WORLD VIEW for a wealth of links.

4nd be sure t0 visit other parts of A WORLD VIEW family of websites:

• Disney Contests 4nd Sweepstakes (http://disneycontests.blogspot.com/)
• Disney Bloggers Collection – New Every HOUR! (http://disneybloggers.blogspot.com/)
• News from Walt Disney World (http://newsfromdisney.blogspot.com/)
• Mickey Ears for Sale (http://mickeyears.weebly.com/)
• Disney Desktop Wallpaper 4nd Phot0 Library (http://disneyphotolibrary.blogspot.com/)

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Gatlinburg Cabin Vacation Tips

Gatlinburg Cabin Vacation Tips

by Kino Boy

This article will take a beginners look at this interesting subject. It will give you the information that you need to know most.

When settling in a cabin in Gatlinburg, you are slow close to store ping and theaters and can have all kinds of outside activities such as climbing, fishing, or skiing. Here are ten important gears you can do while settling in the Gatlinburg cabin or cabin:

1. Take a country car falter. You can take a pretty means and outing the historic sites of Gatlinburg by car. The Newfound Gap channel runs across the cloudy Mountains and relations you to square roads and foot channels that will take you to other seats of advantage in Gatlinburg.

2. Walking. Nothing beats the plea certain of sightseeing from a glib well-groomed channel across spectacular woodland with breathtaking mountain behold. Aptness and stress relief of walking can never be underestimated. All the walking trails are gently mapped and accessible from all chief roads. Any Gatlinburg lodge will offer you with a direct that helps you find a trail that hysterics you're walking tempo and joint ability.

No matter what you though about the first part of this article, the second part is bound to blow you away.

3. Tandem in the mountains. If you determine to take a biking falter, isolated or with your family, you can want from a number of different trails. Biking trails in Gatlinburg scope from calm family-gracious irritate channel, to the challenging mountain tandem trails that compel unusual gear and can be fairly permanent. You can rent a bicycle or transport one with you if you journey by car.

4. mount Riding. If horseback riding suits you're meaning of adventure, you will find this family attraction to be fairly joint in Gatlinburg. Hundreds of livestock are located in stables across Gatlinburg. It is a great place to learn horseback riding, and no subject you're riding skills, you will have a fun of your life. Gatlinburg cowboys even work weddings in the western approach!

5. Climbing. You hardship to find a sanction for climbing overnight in the back-country. Make certain you come arranged with the right gear and its value noting that in some spots reservations are compel to slog the cloudy Mountains trails.

6. Golf. The Gatlinburg Golf Course is close to all Gatlinburg cabins and Gatlinburg cabins. It is a wonderful year-around advanced talent with challenging layouts and emerald fairways, beautisatisfiedy forested landscapes and well-manicured greens. Satisfied checks pro store and food checks spot also work year-around.

7. Settle the natural life. Many people come to Gatlinburg to see black produces. They even want to settle in Gatlinburg cabins that are close to produces - in the beyond few being, one lodge even open a produce suite that overlooked a dumpster which produces outlined regularly. Use joint meaning - these creatures can be fairly dodgy.

8. Have the traditional American food. If you want to try unfeigned American food, Gatlinburg is the right place to jump. From authentic regional treats in country settings to kid-gracious theme restaurants, over 100 restaurants work year-around.

9. Store plow you dribble. Gatlinburg has more than 400 stores and five malls with handmade arts and crafts, sole traditional wear and souvenirs. While loading up on souvenirs for each back home, you're certain to find a little something for manually.

10. And 100s of other gear - counting Gatlinburg Sky pinch that rides in the heart of the city for a spectacular behold of Gatlinburg and the Great cloudy Mountains, Mysterious hall, Gatlinburg's main menacing house, rafting in the whitewater torrents, and outlining Star Cars Museum with it's world's best star car collection.

As they say, knowledge equals power, so continue to read information on this topic until you feel you are adequately educated on the subject.

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Fishing Is Fun For Everyone

Fishing Is Fun For Everyone

by Chris Bell

Fishing has to be one of the greatest pastimes ever invented. It is also probably one of the oldest. Early man had to eat, and those succulent Salmon would just call to early men as they saw them in the pristine waters of a streambed. Early fisherman used their hands or sharpened sticks to catch fish. The earliest recorded use of fishing lures was in 200AD in Aelian's Natural History. The earliest recorded instances of fly fishing were written in 1210 as part of romance novel. The first really comprehensive book about fly fishing was written in 1496 and titled Treatyse of Fysshynge with an Angle. This book was the first to put fishing forward as a gentlemen's sport on a par with hunting, then a sport for kings and nobles.

Nowadays of course we don't live or die based on whether or not some fish is caught, so there is a much less stress and a lot more fun to be had. Thank god for that, it has become a real pastime and no longer needs to be an occupation.

New England waters are among the most productive on earth. The winter cycle allows Nutrients to be brought into the upper layers of the water resulting in an incredible bloom of life beginning in the spring and lasting throughout the summer into early fall. Phytoplankton and zooplankton bloom in massive amounts, bringing in the small filter feeding fish, which are followed by the larger predators and so on. Thus New England waters are famous for good fishing.

Rhode Island is a great summertime destination for both fresh and saltwater fisherman. Striped Bass have come back in a big way, although there are very large numbers of small bass the large ones are still being overharvested. Other species like Bluefish and Flounder are very abundant. Many people come to Rhode Island during the summer just to enjoy the fishing, especially from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, since RI has a superior fishery.

There are many ways to enjoy this sport. Many fish from shore, sitting in a chair on the beach with baited rods, waiting for that telltale hit and relaxing. Quite a few own boats and fish from them on their own or with their friends. Others vacation in RI around Newport or South County and charter a boat to take them to and enjoy a day of fishing. Of course, there is also the avid fishermen who live just to fish. All these different people can find satisfaction somewhere along the 400 miles of coastline in the Ocean State.

The sites can be quite as interesting as the fishing itself. Fishing from shore and watching the surf come down the Charleston breachway, now there's a sight. It is especially interesting watching a boater attempt to charge down the breachway on the way into or out of Ninigret pond, with rocks on either side of them and huge waves going into the breach. Sunrise in the morning on Narragansett Bay can be a very beautiful site. Of course, nothing beats the excitement of a huge school of small baitfish jumping out of the water as rapacious Bluefish smash through them. It is quite a sight to see as the surface of the water boils with the action. Just makes you want to grab a fishing pole and throw something in there while they're still slashing. Of course, the most fun of all is when you have a fish on the line and the drag is singing as he makes a run to escape, with you holding on as the rod is bent over double. Its very exciting, and something we can all enjoy at on e time or another.

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Places to Stay in Canada on Fishing Trips

Places to Stay in Canada on Fishing Trips

by Rick Chapo

Canada fishing is some of the best in the world with a wide variety of challenges. If you decide to have a go, you need to know about the best places to stay.

Places to Stay in Canada on Fishing Trips

There are many different ways to plan your next fishing trip to Canada. You could plan to stay at a campground (in a tent or RV), in a rustic cabin or even in a small motel. Some people choose to have accommodations in a town or city nearest to their fishing area, so that they can have the amenities of an upscale hotel. For many fishermen, however, a stay in one of the Canada fishing rentals located right on the lakes and rivers where they'll be fishing is the way to go. No matter which province you choose for your fishing vacation, Canada fishing accommodations will be there to provide you with a comfortable and authentic outdoor experience.

One of the most luxurious and well-known fishing accommodations in Canada is in the province of Ontario. The Kesagami Wilderness Lodge, located on Kesagami Lake in the northern part of Ontario, is a four star fly-in fishing accommodation. Being a fly-in location means that the only way to reach this place is by airplane, making it a truly secluded and wilderness filled area. Kesagami Lake is perfect for trophy Northern Pike fishing, because it's relatively shallow and contains a number of weed filled bays. Fish here have been known to reach as big as 50 inches long and 30 pounds in weight, making this a truly world class destination for Northern Pike. With American Plan-style accommodations (three meals a day included in your stay) as well as recreation rooms and other amenities, a stay here at the Kesagami Wilderness is a great choice.

Another great place to stay at in Ontario is the Lake Obabika Lodge. Canada's only four diamond fishing accommodation (rated by the American Automobile Association/Canadian Automobile Association), this beautiful setting offers not only great fishing, but many other activities as well. From wine tastings to wilderness hikes and even a feng shui class, this lodge is a perfect destination for families that might have different vacation tastes. Fishing in the area includes Northern Pike, trout and bass.

There are many places to choose from for your Canada trip, and picking a location that will suit all of your needs (such as fishing guides, a great lake to fish on and even included meals) can make your trip very memorable. Fishing in Canada is a great way to return to nature.

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