what a wonderful, Disney World...

A Castle fit for a Princess

2008-08-16T19:52:00.003-04:00

I already talked about Cinderella's Castle in a previous post, so here is a link to that page!

Sing to me!

2008-08-16T17:00:00.005-04:00

For every little girl who loves Ariel, meeting the red-head Princess would be a dream come true! This little cove in Fantasyland is the perfect place to do just that! Here, at "Ariel's Grotto", guests can sit with Ariel for a photo-op and for autographs!

This little attraction used to be a neighbor to "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" (another water-based attraction). After the ride was closed up, a statue of King Triton (Ariel's Father) sat heroically in the middle of the water. The water has since been removed and filled with cement and now houses Pooh's Playful Spot!

you can even see ride elements still under the water!

This is definitely an attraction for people of all ages! I have seen the line get pretty long, so don't be discouraged by a long wait ...or just come back later!

Where dreams come true

2008-08-16T16:44:00.002-04:00

"All you need is a little pixie dust!" is certainly the motto in this Magic Kingdom land: Fantasyland. This is by far the longest segment of posts because there is so much to see and do in Fantasyland! Castles, Fairytales, and Disney Movie favorites all join here to make a truly magical land!

Attractions in this land:
1) Ariel's Grotto
2) Cinderella's Castle
3) Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
4) Dumbo the Flying Elephant
5) Fairytale Garden
6) "it's a small world"
7) Mad Tea Party
8) Mickey's Philharmagic
9) The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh
10) Peter Pan's Flight
11) Pooh's Playful Spot
12) Snow White's Scary Adventures
13) Sword in the Stone

Dining Opportunities in this land:
1) Cinderella's Royal Table
2) Enchanted Grove
3) Mrs. Pott's Cupboard
4) Pinocchio Village Haus
5) Scuttle's Landing

Shopping Opportunities in this land:
1) Fantasy Faire
2) Pooh's Thotful Shop
3) Sir Mickey's
4) Tinker Bell's Treasures

Food, Grog and Ye Olde Shoppes

2008-08-14T19:57:00.003-04:00

There are many shopping and dining experiences in Liberty Square! Either Columbia Harbour House or Liberty Tree Tavern are your best bet for eating a nice lunch. Both offer general lunch foods and are open all the time (as in, not seasonally).

A cute spot to eat that is (unfortunately) only open seasonally is Sleepy Hollow (pictured below). It is a quaint little eatery that offers beverages, snacks, fruit cobblers and cappuccino.

There are plenty of places to shop as well! Like the Heritage House, for example! The Heritage House is a great place to find gift items about the History of our Country. The Yankee Trader is a yummy shopping experience - it is chock full of yummy treats like pasta, jams, jellies as well as cooking supplies like pots and pans. Another fun shop is Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, where it's Christmas year round! I especially love this store because Christmas is my favorite holiday! What's best is that in addition to having Disney themed decorations, they also carry traditional decorations - for those who want the magic of Disney in their home, but aren't quite ready for Mickey and Donald to be on the tree!

Lastly, another unique "shopping" experience is at the Liberty Square Portrait Gallery. At this outdoor cart, Disney World guests can have their portrait professionally done - and they always look great! In addition, it's always fun to sit, relax and watch the artists at work!

Here is a pretty picture of Liberty Square at night!

Well, that's it for Liberty Square! Next stop, Fantasyland!

Would you care to join me for a boat ride, madam?

2008-08-14T19:22:00.003-04:00

Come and enjoy your trip aboard the Liberty Square Riverboat. This attraction is a slow 17-minute cruise along the "Rivers of America" (the canal surrounding Tom Sawyer Island) narrated by Mark Twain himself!

This is a fantastic way to get away from the bustling sidewalks of the Magic Kingdom! While there are a few seats, the majority of the room on this boat is standing room only. You can escape the sun on the middle deck, but the top deck is a great place to get unique photos of Tom Sawyer Island, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and The Haunted Mansion.

Some Interesting trivia: The original boat used for this attraction was named after Admiral Joe Fowler, a man who helped with construction of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In 1973, the Richard F. Irvine was added as a second boat. In 1980, Admiral Joe Fowler went for dry-dock maintenance and never returned. Now, it is just the Richard F. Irvine who transports guests along the Rivers of America.

Boo!

2008-08-14T18:19:00.002-04:00

"When hinges creak, in doorless chambers. And strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls. Whenever candlelights flicker, where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present. Practicing their terror, with ghoulish delight!" - Ghost Host

Welcome to The Haunted Mansion! The premisce of this beloved attraction is that you, the guest, are entering the abode of 9 hundred and 99 ghosts - but, there's always room for one more! *mwahahahaha*

Though this ride is supposed to be scary, it's often just eerie. There are some moments where things pop up, causing an immediate surprise, but nothing is really gory or especially disgusting. Young children may be frightened (I know when I was little, I rode through the ride the first time with my hat over my face!). Now that I'm older I still spook easily, but even I can handle this ride.

The attraction is a slow-moving dark ride; guests sit 2 to a "doom-buggy" (although, you can sometimes fit three in one doom-buggy) and ride through the old mansion.

As you leave the ride, make sure to listen for "Little Leota" who says:

"Hurry back, hurry back. Be sure to bring your death certificate if you decide to join us.
Make final arrangements now. We've been dying to meet you..."

After the inauguration, what do Presidents say?

2008-08-14T15:35:00.002-04:00

"We're Going To Walt Disney World!"

And that's where many of them stay, for good - at The Hall of Presidents! The Hall of Presidents features a unique learning opportunity for all!

In this attraction a video illustrating important moments in history (mainly the Constitution and the founding of the presidency). Then, after the film, a curtain is raised revealing every one of our presidents. Each animatronic President moves, nods or waves a hand when their name is called. The program is concluded with speeches by current president (George W. Bush) and Abraham Lincoln.

This attraction will most likely be enjoyed by children ages 8 and up - it could be boring or too hard for younger children to enjoy and understand. It is a great supplement to any History class or anyone's general arsenal of knowledge!

3 Cheers for America!

2008-08-14T15:09:00.004-04:00

As you continue through Frontierland, inching farther and farther away from Adventureland, you suddenly enter Liberty Square. The sights are relatively similar, but they change ever so slightly that it takes a minute to register the change in scenery. Since these two lands are from similar time periods, the shift is seemless . This land is significantly smaller than the other lands, but it certainly packs a punch!

Attractions in this land are:
1) The Hall of Presidents
2) The Haunted Mansion
3) Liberty Square Riverboat

Dining opportunities in this land are:
1) Columbia Harbour House
2) Liberty Tree Tavern
3) Sleepy Hollow

Shopping Opportunities in this land are:
1) Heritage House
2) Liberty Square Portrait Gallery
3) The Yankee Trader
4) Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

General Stores and Grub

2008-08-13T22:54:00.007-04:00

Like in all other lands at the Magic Kingdom, there are plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in Frontierland. A classic, General Store style store is the Frontier Trading Post - this store features typical Western garb and souvenirs as only Disney could do it. Another store is the "Briar Patch." Technically the gift store to Splash Mountain, they offer general items (post cards, pens, penny press machines, ponchos, etc.) as well as Splash Mountain souvenirs!

As far as food in Frontierland goes, there are a few recognized food vendors, but my favorites are the non-descript carts. Pecos Bill's Tall Tales Cafe is a great place to grab a quick lunch as is Frontierland Fries. When I was younger, I remembered absolutely adoring Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn (pictured below) but it is rarely open anymore. It's too bad, because it was really a cute place to get some great food!

My favorite Frontierland eateries, however, serve Turkey Legs and churros. I do not eat Turkey (I am a pescetarian) but, I know for a fact that people absolutely LOVE the Turkey Legs. I personally, love the churros in Frontierland (and the Mexican Pavilion at EPCOT). They are yummy to have (fresh and warm) while watching Wishes! I also love the big, fresh pretzels they serve! Here are pictures good enough to make your mouth water!

yummmm - churro!

Turkey Legs

yummmm - big pretzel

That's it for Frontierland! Next stop, Liberty Square!

My favorite southern boy

2008-08-13T22:13:00.013-04:00

My favorite southern boy, Mr. Tom Sawyer, has one of the most fantastic spots in the park! I love every bit of Tom Sawyer Island; the unique views it provides of the rest of the park, the fun atmosphere, the view of the Liberty Belle, the caverns, the Gristmill, the Windmill, Fort Langhorn and all of the rocks and hills for climbing and exploring. Fairly recently, my friend and I went to Tom Sawyer Island and had a field day playing and taking pictures - here are some of my pictures!

Blacksmith's shop at Fort Langhorn

Mystery Mine!

At the boat landing on the island

Look, a Windmill!

How cute! - Love on the whitewashed fence

Dry is not an option...

2008-08-13T21:40:00.004-04:00

...when you ride on Splash Mountain! This 5 story drop water ride is a favorite for many and features many lovable characters from the Disney Movie "Song of the South." The ride follows Br'er Rabbit as he is chased by Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear while looking for his "laughing place."

Everyone knows about the big drop at the end, but how many "fake drops" are there before the big one - and what are their heights! The info is currently being researched and will be here soon!

This ride has a height requirement - and for a good reason too! Even when I was far taller than the requirement, I was too scared to ride! I finally did ride, and it was enjoyable, although, I haven't been on in many years (I hate big drops...). Although, no matter how much you hated the drop, you always end up laughing when you're at the bottom...I guess, it is a great laughing place!

Shoot 'em up...

2008-08-13T21:09:00.003-04:00

...at the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade! Fun for all ages but generally fun for guests of the young-male persuasion! I have never tried this, but people who do venture inside usually have a great time!

This is just like your usual shooting arcade game just with real targets (as in, 3D, right in front of you, etc.) Here are some of the targets:

Just a bit of trivia: This attraction used to feature guns that used real lead pellets. That got changed upon the realization of how harmful lead is, how dangerous it could be, and how annoying it became to repaint the targets every night! The attraction now uses lasers.

Meet Smokey's cousins!

2008-08-13T20:45:00.005-04:00

By Smokey, I mean Smokey the bear of course!

And by his cousins, I mean all the bears at Country Bear Jamboree! Here, in this bear-led hoedown is family fun for all ages!

"So clap your hands, and stomp your feet
and try to keep right with us.
One sure thing the bear band's got
is good old country rhythm."

This attraction features bears such as Henry, Liver Lips McGrowl, Wendell, Teddi Barra, Ernest, Terrance (aka Shaker), Trixie, Big Al, The Sun Bonnet Trip (Bunny, Bubbles and Beulah), Gomer, The Five Bear Rugs (Zeke, Zeb, Ted, Fred and Tennessee), Baby Oscar and Rufus. Other animals featured in this attraction include Buff (Buffalo head), Max (Stag head), Melvin (Moose head), and Sammy (Henry's raccoon pal). The bears and animals sing, tell jokes and dance in an entertaining sit-down attraction suited for any member of the family.

Prepare to sing along to cute songs like:

My Woman Ain't Pretty, but She Don't Swear
Mama, Don't Whip Little Buford
Tears Will Be the Chaser for My Wine
All the Guys That Turn Me On Turn Me Down
Blood on the Saddle
The Ballad of Davy Crockett
and more!

NOTE: Some of the songs seem to have innapropriate topics, but it is a Disney attraction (after all) so the topics are handled with tact and in a way that is appropriate for the whole family!

'Cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!

2008-08-13T15:36:00.005-04:00

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, my favorite ride in all of Walt Disney World It provides "mild but wild" thrills that tend to please the masses. This ride's plot is that of an old mining town that is suffering from flooding. Runaway Big Thunder (the resident mine train) takes you on a whirlwind journey through the town and Big Thunder Mountain.

While this ride has a height limit, I feel that it is a family-friendly ride. The first time I rode it, I rode it wedged between my parents and loved it! It depends on the child though, some may find it too scary although I find it less frightening (from the young child's prospective) than Goofy's Barnstormer in Mickey's Toon Town Fair. This ride is relatively tame, only a few small drops, but packs a bit of a punch!

TIP: If you want a calmer ride, sit up near the front of the train (pictured above). For a wilder ride, sit near the back! I also know that the grease on the track gets heated up during the day, thus causing the trains to go faster at night - same general speed... unless you ride the coaster a lot, you probably wouldn't even notice!

The Wild, Wild West

2008-08-13T11:23:00.003-04:00

Frontierland is the second stop on our Magic Kingdom round tour. As you leave the entrance area of El Pirata y el Perico, you see the sights begin to change and hear western folk music begin to play. You are entering the back/side entrance of Frontierland; if you want to enter from the main entrance, you can enter Liberty Square from a bridge by the bridge to Adventureland and go through Frontierland's "main gates" (pictured above).

Attractions in this land are:
1) Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
2) Country Bear Jamboree
3) Frontierland Shootin' Arcade
4) Splash Mountain
5) Tom Sawyer Island

Other entertainment:
1) Diamond Horseshoe (a great character meet-and-greet spot!)
2) Walt Disney World Railroad (see previous post: Meet The Magic Kingdom and Main Street USA" for information about the trains)

Dining opportunities in this land are:
1) Peco's Bill's Tall Tales Cafe
2) Frontierland Fries
3) Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn (Tom Sawyer Island)
4) Various food carts (don't forget to check out the Churros and Turkey Legs!)

Shopping Opportunities in this land are:
1) Briar Patch
2) Frontier Trading Post

A small segway

2008-08-12T22:32:00.000-04:00

I found this quiz online and thought it was really fun!

My results:

You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)

Thoughtful and loving. Authority figures probably have been sheltering you all of your life. Thankfully you're a very tranquil person who is content with what life has given you, but secretly you want to know how the outside world works.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

you should take the quiz too!

Food and Store galore!

2008-08-12T21:57:00.000-04:00

There are many eating and shopping opportunities in Adventureland alone!

As far as the eating goes... I have never actually had more than snacks from Adventureland, ergo, I have never eaten at El Pirata y el Perico Restaurante. That said, I have heard great reviews about the restaurant and many complaints about it only being open seasonally! I have had some yummy smoothie like drinks from the Sunshine Tree Terrace and absolutely loved them! As for Aloha Isle? I have not yet tried a dole whip, although people constantly rave about them! I'm game for one though, in fact, the fruity soft-serve-like treat sounds pretty good right about now! Here is a picture of a dole whip (pineapple flavored)

In addition to eating, there are fun, themed shops in Adventureland as well!

One of my personal favorites is the Pirates Bazaar gift store. Located after the exit ramp to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, this gift shop offers a plethora of Pirate themed gifts. I am quite obsessed with the POTC trilogy (hence my blogspot username) and absolutely love the Disney World ride so I find this store one of my must-go-to-stores on the Walt Disney World property. Here is a picture of the store:

Another Adventureland store is the Agrabah Bazaar - this store is located near the Magic Carpets of Aladdin (hence the store's name) and is your typical tropical-themed gift store. More interesting than the store (I find) are the trinkets in the ground all over Adventureland - another tribute to Disney's attention to detail. Here is an example of one of the trinkets (and this one happens to have a Hidden Mickey on it!):

One more adventureland store that is quite fun is the Island Supply Company. This store has "un-Disney" merchandise like bathing suits by "surf" companies and other beachy/tropical items. What is really fun about this store is that there are many pressed penny machines around it. What are pressed penny machines? They are machines in which you insert money (it costs two quarters, plus the penny you want to press) and they heat/press images onto the penny! Here is a picture of one of the machines (this particular machine is not located in Adventureland, but it is similar to those that can be found in Adventureland):

Those stores aren't all, however, there are a few other small carts like Bwana Bob's and various jewelry and crystal vending carts (pictured below).

Well, that's it for Adventureland! Next stop, Frontierland!

boating anyone?

2008-08-12T21:48:00.000-04:00

Shrunken Ned's Junior Adventure Boats are a unique alternative to other Adventureland attractions. This interactive attraction allows park guests to control their own boat using controls on the other side of the railing (shown on the right side of the above image) of the attraction.

I personally have never tried this attraction, but it seems like an amusing way to spend time! This is clearly a family friendly attraction, although some smaller children may not be able to reach the controls without help! Like The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, this is also a great pastime while waiting for thrill-seeking members of your party while they ride the thrill rides they enjoy!

Here is another image of the boats:

Welcome to Agrabah!

2008-08-12T21:00:00.000-04:00

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is a semi-exotic version of the Dumbo ride in Fantasyland. In this ride, guests sit in magic carpets and fly high above Adventureland. This ride offers fun views of Adventureland and the attractions within it.

Each ride vehicle has two rows. One row controls the tilt (upwards or downwards) and the other row controls the upward/downward motion of the carpet. Below is a picture of (the back row of) one of the carpets.

This is a completely family friendly ride, although some people (both young and old) may not like the height, even though it isn't too high! This is a perfect alternative for the long lines on Dumbo!

Look out for the camels positioned around the ride - they spit! A bit of trivia, these camels were first seen in the parade "Aladdin's Royal Caravan Parade" at Disney's MGM studios. After that parade ended, the camels were relocated to the Soundstage restaurant also at Disney's MGM studios. Here is a picture of one of the camels.

A Disney version of Gilligan's Island... in a tree

2008-08-12T20:47:00.001-04:00

The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House is a large attraction-filled-tree that is situated near the entrance to Adventureland from Main Street USA. This large "Disneyodendron" is a replication of the fabricated Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse (from books and movies). This elaborate walk-thru attraction shows many bed rooms, living areas and other essentials to living that were "made by hand" by the Swiss Family Robinson. Below is a picture of the dining room area (foreground of picture) and kitchen (near the back of the shot) from the attraction:

This attraction is great for the whole family - an interesting learning/discussion opportunity. In addition, it provides fantastic one-of-a-kind views of the whole park! For even better views, be sure to check it out at night! This attraction rarely has a line, and since it is a walk-thru, it can be viewed at your own pace (unless you want to go fast and have someone taking a leisurely pace right in front of you). A perfect way to relax and enjoy yourself and a great option for a party member waiting for thrill-seeking-companions riding nearby Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life For Me

2008-08-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

Possibly one of the better known Adventureland attractions is Pirates of The Caribbean. This ride is another Disney classic, but it has undergone a major renovation in the last few years.

The photo above is of the entrance to the ride prior to it's extensive renovation. This ride, a tour through a town being ravaged by Pirates, led to an extremely (and unexpectedly) popular movie series. So many people loved the movies (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End) Disney was inspired to add characters from the movies (Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa) into the ride. Below is an artist's rendition of one of the "proposed renovated scenes" (clearly, drawn before the renovation).

Here is the actual scene from the ride!

These renovations were taken well by most, but some people thought that what Disney did was overkill and were already sick of all the Pirates movies and franchise. Generally speaking, the renovations were very good for the ride because it brings a whole new generation into the ride and it will preserve it for years to come.

This ride is mostly a family-friendly ride. Some topics may go over the heads of younger guests, but will not be lost on adults. There is a dark moment and a small slope (to compare, tell children it's less than a third the size of Splash Mountain's drop ...which is far more visible, and is easy to compare to) which could be frightening to some. Over all, this is a definitely a must-see attraction and although the lines are usually quite lengthy, it is a ride worth waiting for!

Where else could you see the backside of water?

2008-08-12T20:02:00.000-04:00

The Jungle Cruise; Disney's first attempt at a safari attraction. This ride was also a classic Magic Kingdom ride. This ride takes you on a cruise down the Nile, Amazon, Congo, and Mekong rivers while your skipper tells corny, but always funny, jokes ("Here in the rain forest it sometimes rains 365 days per year...some years it even rains every day." / "Over there is Schweitzer Falls, named after the famous Dr. Albert [pause] Falls" then... on the other side of the falls "Look! The backside of water!" to name a few).

This ride is a perfect ride for the whole family; the slow moving boat offers scenic views of animatronic animals and tropical foliage. Some of the jokes may go over the heads of younger guests, but none of the jokes are innapropriate for young ears (it is Disney after all).

"Elephant bathing pool"

In the tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki, tiki room

2008-08-12T18:57:00.001-04:00

The Enchanted Tiki Room has been a classic since The Magic Kingdom first opened. Though most of the animatronic figures have remained the same, some new birds have joined the cast!

The new "and improved" show now features the likes of Iago (Aladdin) and Zazu (The Lion King) as the show's new managers.

Some people liked the change... others (like me) don't. The plot of this attraction now seems pointless and silly whereas the original's plot was created by Walt; even if it was cheesy it was a piece of history. This new plot may have originally drawn in more people, it has settled out, and not many people go to see it (there is rarely a line, even in peak season). This ride still only pulls in Disney fanatics and admirers of the attraction in particular.

This attraction is a definite must-see if you have younger children, or are simply enthralled by Classic Disney because much of the original attraction is preserved. This ride does have it's "scary moments" (darkness, and "thunder") which could be too much for younger children, but generally speaking, this is a family-friendly ride!

A taste for the exotic

2008-08-12T11:18:00.001-04:00

Adventureland; the first land on our Magic Kingdom tour has an earthy, exotic feel. As you cross the bridge from Main Street into Adventureland, you hear tiki-esque music begin to play.

Attractions in this land are:
1) Enchanted Tiki Room
2) Jungle Cruise
3) Pirates of the Caribbean
4) The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House
5) The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
6) Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats

Dining Opportunities in this land are:
1) El Pirate y el Perico Restaurante
2) Sunshine Tree Terrace
3) Aloha Isle

Shopping Opportunities
1) Pirates Bazaar
2) Agrabah Bazaar
3) Island Supply Company

Castle of ...fiberglass?

2008-08-11T22:28:00.000-04:00

How many stones does it take to make a castle as beautiful as Cinderella's Castle?

None.

The Castle is made out of fiberglass and other materials - but not stone. The Imagineers created this gorgeous illusion, and it has been an icon of the Disney Parks ever since.

Inside the castle there are a few interesting things:
1) King's Gallery gift shop - a pricey shop full of "one-of-a-kind" Disney art and sculpture
2) Cinderella's Royal Table - a character dining experience right inside Cinderella Castle
3) Castle Dream Suite - a "dream suite" given to one lucky family/group per day by Cast Members at The Magic Kingdom
4) Mosaic Murals - There are murals inside the Castle that illustrate the story of Cinderella and her step-sisters. The mosaics are made with thousands of pieces of glass and gold inlay - fancy!
Here is an example of one of them:

Meet the Magic Kingdom and Main Street USA

2008-08-11T22:02:00.000-04:00

Main Street USA - classic, old American town. This is the first stop on the grand tour of the Magic Kingdom.

As you enter the gates, perhaps you pick up a map...which looks something like this:
After you get a good look at the map, you figure you might want to take a full ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad. As you board the train, you notice the train station seems to be a full replication of a turn-of-the-century train station. (See picture below)

Once you board the train, you look to your left and see a nice view of the lagoon - Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and the entrance to the Magic Kingdom itself. In addition, as the train pulls out of the station, you see the monorails whisking people to and from the most magical place on earth.

The first pass-thru is Adventureland. As the train chuffs by, you notice many still tableaus of natural scenes - animals, Native Americans, and even "train eating lions". The first actual stop on the train is in Frontierland, people get off and others get on and soon the train resumes motion. As you exit Frontierland, you see Big Thunder Mountain, and the many runaway mine cars fly by you. Before officially leaving Frontierland, you see even more tableaus out of the side of the train, except these all have to do with the Wild West, including a glimpse at Tom Sawyer's Island.

Next stop: Mickey's Toontown Fair. Once Mickey's Birthdayland, this land is perfect for young children. As all of the families with young kids exit the train, it is once again in motion. Leaving the colorful, cartoon-like buildings behind, the train chugs along towards Tomorrowland. The transition between the two lands is distinct - the bright colors suddenly give way to futuristic, shining chrome and various other metals. As you pass by, many brightly colored cars zoom along a track and a futuristic tram seems to hover high above the ground. To your left is a large white super structure: Space Mountain. The outside does not serve this classic coaster its justice - the plain white exterior seems like a futuristic tent, not like a building that houses a mission to the stars.

Soon, the train has returned to Main Street USA, and you exit the train. As you descend the steps onto the main street (see picture below), you hear a beep of a horn and you see a trolley car running along the congested street. The street is lined with many stores with The Emporium being one of them.

The Emporium is probably my favorite store on all of the Walt Disney World property. It spans at least "3 blocks" and has a huge selection of Disney merchandise. I have gone into the store many a time quite desperate ("The zipper on my backpack broke and I need a new one ...help!") and have always been greeted by a smiling Cast Member who was willing to help. Clothing, shoes, backpacks, stuffed toys, Mickey Ears, Candy and Princess Dresses to name a few fun favorite items that this store carries.

After browsing a bit in this store, you exit and smell the wonderful smells of the bakery, ice cream store and of Casey's. As you walk down the street, you happen upon the Barbershop, where you see a young child receiving their first haircut; this quite frequently happens and one often sees a plethora of young children wearing "First Haircut" buttons or mouse ears.

Here is a complete list of all Main Street USA has to offer!

Stores:
1) The Chapeau (don't forget your mouse ears to be monogrammed!)
2) Crystal Arts (fine crystals)
3) Disney Clothiers
4) Disney & Co. (assorted Disney merchandise)
5) Emporium
6) Engine Co. 71 - Firehouse Gift Station (All Fire fighter esque gifts)
7) Harmony Barber Shop (you can actually get hair cuts here - see stories above)
8) Main Street Athletic Club (Sports apparel and equipment)
9) The Main Street Cinema
10) Main Street Gallery
11) Uptown Jewelers

Eateries:
1) Casey's Corner (famous for its hot dogs!)
2) Confectionary (yummy candy and other sweets)
3) The Crystal Palace (a character meal with Pooh and the gang!)
4) Main Street Bakery
5) Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
6) Plaza Restaurant (sandwiches and other light fare)
7) Tony's Town Square Restaurant (a delicious Italian Style Restaurant)

Attractions and Entertainment:
1) Flag Retreat
2) Main Street Vehicles
3) Town Square Exposition Hall
4) Walt Disney World Railroad

As you walk down the street towards Cinderella's Castle (the central hub of the park), you decide your next "land" will be Adventureland

...although, you want to check out the Castle first.

Magic

2008-08-11T21:42:00.000-04:00

Possibly the most magical thing about Walt Disney World is the Magic Kingdom. Well, duh - it even has Magic in the name. But seriously, there really is something magical about the first theme park in the Walt Disney World Resort.

This park is by far my favorite, and soon, I will break each land down with the rides and other stores and fun facts. One of my favorite parts about this park is entering for the first time on each trip.

As you walk through the gates, underneath the railroad the sounds and smells of the park seem to wrap around you in a hug and no where is there a frowning face. At the end of the night, standing in front of the train station, looking up at the castle is the best place of all to see the fireworks, which seem to be more gorgeous every time you see the display.

Though possibly the most crowded, the Magic Kingdom has it's moments when it seems like it is vast and empty. Especially on "E Nights" - an event open only to guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels. It tends to be a lot quieter than during the day, and the later you stay at night the quieter it becomes.

Now, to give a guided tour of the park...

Humble Beginnings

2008-08-11T18:07:00.000-04:00

This blog is primarily about Disney (with a spattering of various other things).

Especially about Walt Disney World itself with reviews, tips, tricks, favorites, pictures, trivia - you name it.

Basically, this is a testimony to my favorite place in the world