My Favorite Limited Time Magic So Far...

OK, I must confess that so far this whole "Limited Time Magic" thing has seemed a little lame to me. Yes, it's fun to see characters that you don't often see...or hear the Dapper Dans sing boy band hits. But for a year-long promotion, this one has been rather lackluster. Still, this week is the start of a "Limited Time Magic" event that I truly wish we could take part in: The American Idol Experience Juniors Edition. From August 12 until August 18, kids 6-13 can now participate in The American Idol Experience, with a special Juniors Edition of the show each night at 6 p.m. No, there won't be any Dream Tickets given out, since the actual AI show doesn't permit kids under 14 to audition, but this is still a great opportunity for younger kiddos to show off their talents. A special song list has been selected, and kids can audition for a spot on the show every day from opening until 4 p.m.

Let's just say that my little wannabe Divas are sick--SICK!--over the fact that our trip to WDW isn't until October. This is totally their kind of thing! If you're lucky enough to be heading to WDW next week, you can get more specific information on this totally cool "Limited Time Magic" experience here.

Thursday's Tip

Did anyone catch last night's premier of the new "American Idol" season? I missed it, but I read that one of the contestants who scored the coveted yellow ticket to Hollywood was a Golden Ticket winner at the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In fact, when Gabbi Carrubba won the ticket in 2009 singing "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas, she was just 14 years old--too young to actually use the ticket for the real AI. So she held on to it until this year, where she wowed judges with her rendition of Adam Levine's "Sunday Morning."

You might be wondering about now, What does this have to do with Thursday's Tip? OK, I admit it's a stretch, but here it is: Visiting Walt Disney World is not a spectator sport. Become a part of the magic! No, that doesn't mean everyone should audition for the American Idol Experience. (There are those who have good pitch and those who don't. Know who you are and be that.) But there are dozens of ways to get involved beyond simply riding Space Mountain or watching Fantasmic! from the bleachers. Some require being at the right place at the right time. But mostly, Cast Members are looking for energetic, willing participants. Here are some of the ways you can "join the show" at WDW (I've put an * beside those that a member of our family has been fortunate enough to try):

• Audition for the American Idol Experience (DHS)*


• Get a bit wet as you star in the pre-show at the Backlot Tour (DHS)*


• Be an "extra" in the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular (DHS)


• Open the doors to The Voyage of the Little Mermaid (DHS)*


• Be a part of the Streetosphere entertainment (DHS)*


• Be the Rebel Spy on Star Tours (DHS)*


• Be a Jedi in training (DHS)


• Get chosen as That Guy at the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor (MK)


• Dance, dance, dance at the "Move it! Shake it! Celebrate it! Street Party" (MK)*


• Be serenaded by the Dapper Dans (MK)*


• Sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" with Casey (MK)*


• (Military only) Participate in Flag Retreat (MK)


• Learn how to be a pirate from Jack Sparrow (MK)


• Hold up some cash for the exotic birds at Flights of Wonder (AK)


• Join the parade and play percussion at The Festival of the Lion King (AK)*


• Talk to Crush (Epcot)


• Explore all sorts of science at Innoventions (Epcot)


• Help Kim Possible save the world (Epcot)

There are dozens more, I'm sure. If you have a unique way that you or a family member was able to become part of the magic, let me know in the comments!