What a difference a year makes. Filming of the Disney Channel Games began today at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex, and unfortunately, it was not as fan-friendly as last year.

That became apparent from the start when, during the bag search, we were informed that no food or drinks could be brought into the stadium. Obviously, the folks at Disney want visitors to spend money at the concession stand, but even the theme parks allow sippy cups and snacks! And food and drinks were allowed at last year's games.

Once inside, we were disappointed to see huge production tents side by side on the field. Between those and the stage set up for Saturday's concert, it was almost impossible to see the games. This was not unexpected; Disney Channel was clear in its promotional material that the games were not staged as a sporting event but as a working production. Really, though, would it have hurt to show on the large screens what was going on with the filming?

We made a return trip this week to Epcot and discovered even more kid-size activities, thanks to reader Jennifer's suggestions. Growing Future Gardeners near Germany did indeed offer a lot of fun choices for kids of all ages.

The activities in this area are mostly ladybug-themed because at 1 p.m and 3 p.m. daily there is a ladybug release (left) that everyone can participate in. It starts with a light-hearted explanation of why ladybugs are "good bugs" by Lulu the Bug Lady and Dr. A. Morphus (pictured on the jump), two cast members who then distribute the matchboxes filled with the gentle insects. Kids are encouraged to release the ladybugs in the flowers and plants -- not the ground by the play equipment, where they become "crunchy."

On the day we visited, a group gathered at 3 p.m., but it wasn't unmanageable. It only takes a couple minutes for the ladybugs, and the humans, to scatter so don't be deterred by crowds. And be sure to check out the innovative sculptures in the garden -- everything from a schnauzer to Disney scarecrows to a vegetable pizza.

Goofy's Mystery Tour occurred this week at Disney-MGM Studios. It's an annual trivia/puzzle/scavenger hunt event for cast members. Teams of four scatter to collect clues and answers across the park. Oh, and they're tethered together with a bungee cord, so choose your friends wisely, right?

There were 50 trivia questions, ranging from somewhat common knowledge (among cast members, at least) to the interesting and obscure. Folks bone up beforehand, but that's a lot to cover since it's 100 years of history of Walt Disney (the man) and a world of Disney (the company) to go through.

I'm reprinting a few of my favorites from the Goofy tour here, with answers after the jump. Play along (bungee cord not included).

1. What was the original name of the Disney's Animal Kingdom attraction, Dinosaur? (A) A Blast From the Past (B) Dinosaur Kingdom (C) Tour to the Dinosaurs (D) Countdown to Extinction

2. 2007 marks how many years of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival? (A) 9 (B) 10 (C) 11 (D) 12.

3. Walt Disney built a miniature railraod on his estate in California. What did Walt name his railroad? (A) Carolwood-Pacifi (B) CP and Lake Erie (C) Aliquippa & Southern (D) Chicago Great Western.

4. In Italy, Mickey Mouse is known as __________? (A) Topolino (B) Mickey Maus (C) Raton Mickey (D) Musse Pigg.

5. What did Walt give Lillian for their 31st wedding anniversary? (A) A diamond ring (B) A walk-on role in Mary Poppins (C) A petrified tree stump (D) A new radio

6. In the Broadway production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, how many yards of human hair were used in the Beast's tail? (A) 3 yards (B) 5 yards (C) 7 yards (D) None

7. What attraction brings you from the ground to third floor in DisneyQuest? (A) WEDway People Mover (B) Cyberlator (C) Hydrolator (D) Wonkalator

8. What animals were the first to take up residence at Disney's Animal Kingdom? (A) Elephants (B) Warthogs (C) Giraffes (D) Flamingos

9. On average, how many pairs of sunglasses are turned into lost and found at the Magic Kingdom theme park every day? (A) 25 (B) 100 (C) 250 (D) 500

10. In the Haunted Mansion attraction, you'll hear the spooky song "Grim Grinning Ghosts." Complete this missing lyrics: "Creepy creeps with eerie eyes/Start to _______." (A) Scream and harmonize (B) Shriek and harmonize (C) Shriek and vaporize (D) Shriek and idolize.

Remember, answers after the jump.

Universal Orlando is trying to scare up actors and performers for its Halloween Horror Nights. This includes singer, celebrity lookalikes, stilt walkers and motorcycle riders for features including the Bill and Ted show and the new Rocky Horror Picture Show inspired presentation.

Click here for audition dates and requirements for certain roles. For instance, stilt walkers must appear in "stilt walking attire" and must not weigh more than 190 pounds. Talk about scary: They are going to weigh you at the audition. But on the plus side, it's not B.Y.O.S. -- they provide the stilts.

And motorcyclist candidates (Aug. 8) must complete a skills test that includes an obstacle course.

The audition hot line is 407-224-7622.

Bits of tid left over from the past week:

Sign of the times. Busch Gardens had cute billboards over in Tampa promoting the new version of SheiKra. "MISSING. Have you seen my floor?" they read, plus a telephone number that connects you to the coaster's urgent plea (1-888-388-3088). But am I a sexist pig to be surprised that SheiKra is male? Or is this just residue of my Shakira vs. SheiKra issues?

On the home front. It's worth mentioning that you don't have to drive to Tampa to go floorless. SeaWorld Orlando's Kraken was built floorless and for a while could claim to be the only such ride in Florida. Both parks are in the Anheuser-Busch family, so let's chalk it up to sibling rivalry.

Snap decision. Spotted a guest of the Universal Orlando parking garage taking a picture on his cell phone of his parking area designation. So ob yet so bril! Just last week I couldn't remember if I was parked in section 24 or 42 at Disney. Never again. (A friend reports that he heard that advice over the loudspeaker while tramming from the Epcot lot. Pass the word.)

Give her Space. Speaking of Epcot, while waiting to load at Mission: Space last week, my capsule was to include a little girl who, frankly, was freaking out. The pre-show can be intense for young and old. There were tears. One of the cast members was great with the kid, squatting down to her eye level and, in a comforting tone, asking her questions such as "Why are you afraid?" and eventually "Would you rather not ride? We can wait over here." She bailed, but she felt OK about it. So here is my first Theme Park Rangers Salute -- to a cast member wearing a "Christopher" name tag. We should all be so nice. I'll try to remember that next time a mom runs a double-wide stroller up my calf.