Monthly Archives: March 2014

Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean – A Must-do Ride!

Posted on by

IMG_0816When family and friends ask about must-do rides and attractions at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, I’m always tempted to direct them right to the mountains:  Space, Splash, and Big Thunder.  I think “thrills” first and foremost – everything else second.  Wrong way to go.  I should be steering newbies to the best, most quintessential, iconic attractions first.  The most Disney-ish rides of all.  While I have (surprise!) several favorites in that category, today I’m just going to focus on one…Pirates of the Caribbean.  Why?  Multi-generational appeal, superior theming, top-notch effects, and old school Disney style.

The queue for Pirates does a great job setting the mood – you descend into underground caverns.  Stone walls, arched doorways, cannons, cannonballs, barrels of gunpowder – all set just the right tone for what happens once you board your boat.

“Dead men tell no tales” – the haunting voice repeats the words over and over as the ride IMG_0819begins.  You set off on your journey by sailing through several scenes with a multitude of very spectacular effects to take in – if you get to ride twice, pick a different side of the boat each time – there’s so much to see.

Purists may be bothered by the modernization of Pirates, but the 2006 refurbishment kicked the ride up a notch with fantastic new things to see and hear!  The addition of Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa (and other Pirates of the Caribbean movie tie-ins) at several points during the ride added more excitement – especially for first-time visitors who have seen the movies.  Those partial to the theme song from the movies will love that it’s now in the ride.  And, guests still get to visit Port Royale and see all of the original and beloved animatronics that make this ride a classic!

Pirates is cool and dark – If you’ve been outside in Florida’s scorching summer sun, this ride is a perfect way to cool off!  There are no major twists and turns and only a little bit of up and down (one big-ish drop) as your boat sails leisurely through the pirate-infested waters.  Before FastPass+, Pirates rarely had a long wait – it’s my understanding that things may be different at this time.  I would still recommend you spend your valuable FastPass+ choices on other rides, but it may be worth trying to fit Pirates in early – at the very least, keep an eye on the wait times via your My Disney Experience smartphone app and catch the ride when the lines are shorter – otherwise be prepared to wait 30 minutes or more.

IMG_1220The gift shop at the ride’s exit is one of the best in the parks.  The unique and plentiful merchandise is as fun as the ride!  Even if we don’t make a purchase, we love to take a few minutes to look at all the pirate gear.  Parents of little boys may want to keep this particular shop in mind when planning souvenir shopping.

If you’re really lucky, you may even run into the real live Jack Sparrow outside the ride entrance!

What’s your favorite part of Pirates of the Caribbean?  Is it a must-do ride for you?  

 

 

Walt Disney World’s Monorail – Five Great Things

Posted on by

IMG_1008Stated simply, I love the monorail.  I’m pretty sure it’s a family thing, too, since we ALL love the monorail, and the resorts, restaurants, and shops on the monorail loop!  We have stayed at all three resorts on the loop (The Contemporary, The Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian) and became DVC members at the earliest possible time once Bay Lake Tower was complete.  Yes, we can walk to the Magic Kingdom from our DVC “home”, but let’s be honest – it’s the MONORAIL that drew us in.

If you’ve ridden the monorail EVER, then I’m sure you love it too!  I’m sharing today the FIVE things I love most about this most unique, special, fantastic, dare I say magical mode of transportation in the whole wide World!  Please don’t hesitate to comment with what YOU love most about Disney’s “Highway in the sky”.

1.  The VOICE – and I’m not as picky as some.  I do love the late Jack Wagner’s “Please Stand Clear of IMG_1007the Doors. Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas.” – the original voice of the monorail system and still the voice that says that particular line.   I’ve loved ALL the voices!  Joe Hursh, voice of the monorail from 2004 to 2012 is probably the one I like the best – because I have incredibly happy vacation memories from those years!  In 2012, voice actor Tom Kane (Star Wars, The Clone Wars) took over…taking a bunch of flack from die-hard monorail fans for being too bland in his delivery.  The first time Joseph looked me in the eye (around age 9) and deadpan, perfectly lip-synced “Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas” was one of the most memorable, happiest moments of my life as a parent!

2. The SMELL – call me weird, but the monorail has a unique smell and I love it!  Maybe it’s the air IMG_1264conditioner – for sure, on a hot day, the monorail is a cool and relaxing oasis – nearly a destination on its own – the fact that it takes you places while you’re listening to #1 and riding in cool, shaded comfort is just a great bonus!

3. The WRAPS – if you missed “Tronorail” or “Avengerail” I’m so sorry!  The outside of the monorail occasionally gets a totally fabulous new groove.  There have also been wraps for Iron Man 3 and Monsters University.  Inside and out, the monorail often adopts an alter-ego based on Disney’s latest cinematographic endeavors.  It’s just the coolest thing EVER.  Anybody IMG_5265remember when Stich was inside the monorail with you?  Ah, good times.

4.  The EATS – No, the monorail hasn’t started serving snacks, but it can take you to some of the very best, most exciting (and delicious) restaurants on Disney property.  Take ‘Ohana for example – this resort-loop favorite has been, for a long time, one of the hardest places to get into for a meal.  Or, how about Chef Mickey’s?  I’ve waxed poetic a time or two about the wonders of eating with the Fab Five.  Soon, I’m going to post another “Unfair and Unbalanced” review of the resort loop eateries, so stand by for more on that topic.

5.  The CONVENIENCE – even if you are not staying at a resort hotel on the monorail loop, you DSCN0958can’t beat the ease of jumping on the monorail at the Magic Kingdom, making a quick switch at the TCC (Ticket and Transportation Center) and…presto!  Arriving at Epcot!  If you haven’t had the pleasure of riding the monorail into the station at Epcot, you’ve been missing out!  Also, if you ever want to see some truly exceptional Christmas decorations – jump on the monorail at the Magic Kingdom, hop off at each resort for a look-see, and end up back at the Magic Kingdom.  Grownups can do the very same thing for happy hour – hop off at each resort for a snack and a beverage!

One time, six of us were anxiously awaiting the monorail to whisk us off to our ADR at ‘Ohana and we could see it in the distance (Magic Kingdom station) – inching, literally, barely moving forward.  As our ride drew slowly closer we could see what the problem was…not a mechanical DSCN2472malfunction as we would have expected, but a squirrel on the rail!  And that squirrel was running for his life – straight towards all the spectators on the platform now watching the drama unfold with rapt attention.  Surely, that squirrel would jump off the track and head for safer ground….but NO!  He kept on running towards us – the HUGE crowd waiting for a ride – and holding our collective breath in anticipation of what fate the squirrel might face.  As it ran ever closer, the poor thing began stopping every few feet to rest – and we all just quietly looked on!  The air fairly crackling with anticipation.  Finally, AT THE STATION – the poor squirrel leaped for safety and the crowd sighed in relief before, as one, everyone began to cheer!  With that uproar, the monorail came to a stop and shortly, we were off – to enjoy our evening.

Now, it’s your turn!  What do YOU love most about the Walt Disney World monorail system?

More Musings on My Disney Experience / MyMagic +

Posted on by

IMG_2531In a couple of weeks, The Fam and I will be able to make our FastPass+ selections for our upcoming Walt Disney World Vacation (pretend that last part was said in a loud booming voice with an echo!).  I’ve been listening to a ridiculous number of podcasts, pouring over other Disney blogger’s posts, and surfing Disney message boards in preparation.

Now, I feel I need to preface the remainder of this post with a disclaimer:  This is my blog and the words you are about to read are my personal, amateur, Disney non-specialist opinions…Opinions formed by all the unofficial research I’ve been doing.  There, now, I may proceed with a clear conscience.

The FastPass+ portion of the My Disney Experience / MyMagic+ is still a very hot topic.  Overall acceptance to the new way of vacationing at the World is gaining traction – people seem much more positive today than they were even a month ago.  More users are reporting positive experiences with the structure of the program as it stands today (still in testing, according to Disney).  I am absolutely certain we are going to love Magic Bands!  I also believe that Disney is indeed still actively testing and we still haven’t seen the final version of the experience.

That being said, there are still two areas that remain sources of angst I want to address:

  1. Folks still do NOT like the 3-FastPass, 1-Park, Tiered-attraction aspect.  A very decisive IMG_2608person normally, I find myself on the fence.  I’m okay with the 3-FastPasses (we very rarely used more than 3 in a single day, ever).  I think I can be okay with the 1-park restriction as we’d always planned (from the first time we heard about this) to book our FastPasses for the afternoon – do rope-drop (arrive prior to park opening) at park #1, ride E-Ticket attractions early (no FastPasses needed), then hop over to park #2 where we’ve booked our FastPass usage.  The tiered-attraction aspect is, most likely, going to hurt.  Attractions are tiered at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  In the old system you could have FastPasses for all the E-Ticket rides you could score in a day, no restrictions – as long as they were available and you were willing to use the specified return time.  I’m mulling this over and working out different strategies based on park hours and where we’re eating (Advance Dining Reservations booked months ago).  I’ll let you know what plan I decide on later.
  2. IMG_3040The forced planning of FastPasses 60 days in advance is troubling for many vacationers.  The biggest complaint being it’s too restrictive; it’s killing the magic and spontaneity.  This is a very hot issue!  And, never one to shy away from controversy, I have to say I completely disagree with these people!  The number one thing I did NOT like about the former system was how restrictive I thought it was with FastPass return times.  One of us, carrying all our park tickets, would run to gather FastPasses for a favorite ride, only to find out that the fast pass return time would not work for us at all.  It was either too late in the day or smack dab in the middle of a dining reservation.  Also, obtaining and using the legacy FastPasses often required a LOT of schlepping around, back and forth, across a park, in the summer sun!  I believe, if people would be a little open-minded, they could potentially find this pre-planning actually less stressful and more freeing.  No more sending a runner, no more having to go back out to a park at night specifically to use FastPasses that you would have much preferred using earlier in the day.  I’m picturing our commando-touring style still working for us – but we’ll know our FastPass times are times WE chose, not obtained at the mercy of the machines cranking out slips of paper to the other guests who got there before us.  There is positive feedback coming from actual users who are embracing these changes and making it work – believe it or not, they’re still having great vacations!  I’m convinced we will, too.  I’m fairly happy/content in stand-by lines up to about 40-45 minutes long.  Yes, that’s mainly due to not having small children, but even with little ones, some creativity can make waiting in line bearable.

Final Thoughts:

IMG_2522

Photo Credit: Nicholas Maglio

If you are unfamiliar with which rides are the most popular and would normally require a FastPass (to avoid wait times in excess of 30 minutes – sometimes as high as 90 minutes or more) – this may cause you to dislike the new system.  See, here’s the dealio:  With this new set up, FastPasses were added to rides that never had them before.  These are rides with normally low wait times (relatively speaking).  Haunted Mansion, It’s a Small World, and Pirates of the Caribbean come to mind at the Magic Kingdom.  So if you don’t choose wisely, you may end up with 3 FastPasses you don’t need at all and subsequently face very long stand-by lines for the rides you should have chosen instead.  To resolve this issue I suggest you research like crazy (online, books, podcasts) OR consult a travel agent that specializes in Disney travel.  A competent travel agent could be invaluable in helping you choose dining and attractions and then…wait for it…the travel agent will actually book everything (dining, FastPasses, tickets, accommodations, transportation etc.) for you so all you have to do is show up for vacation!!!  If planning, strategizing, and/or research is not your thing – just call a travel agent.  They don’t cost anything!

Okay – now it’s your turn.  Do you have (or have you taken) a Disney vacation this year?  What are your thoughts on My Disney Experience / MyMagic+ / FastPass+?

If you missed my previous posts about using MyMagic+ and Magic Bands and want to know what I said, go here.

What IF – You Had Unlimited Funds on Your Next Disney Vacation

Posted on by

What if WednesdayFellow Disney Fans!  It’s time once again for What-If Wednesday!  The game show where we use our imagination to answer Disney-specific “What-if” questions.  Contestants from Twitter and Facebook go head to head and
compete to invent the most popular answers.  Get ready to let your imagination run wild!  And as Drew Carey would say, this is ”the show where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.”  Let’s play!

Do you know what I love about What-if Wednesdays?  The passion and creativity contestants bring to the table when coming up with answers.  This week, those two characteristics were especially evident in the responses I received to this question…

What if you had unlimited funds for your next Disney Vacation?  What would you FINALLY get to do?  What would change?

This week, Facebook readers by far had more to say than Twitter followers!  Answers fell CR Instagrammostly into three categories:  WHAT type of Disney vacation you’d take, WHERE you’d be staying and eating, and finally WHAT specific activities you’d enjoy.

Here’s what our Facebook participants had to say:

Our own Megan played along this week with:  “So. Many. Souvenirs. Hahaha.
Really tho I would like to see Cirque du Soleil again. Perhaps stay at the grand Floridian. A very epic spa day maybe!   Some shopping at Down Town Disney.”  – That’s my girl!  I’d want in on that spa day action.  Think about it – halfway through your stay, you book and entire day for a massage, facial, pedi – you’d be so rejuvenated and ready to get back out to those rides and attractions!

Niki said,  “This is a great question!!! I would definitely stay at the Beach Club…maybe Poly…I would spend the extra money on boat rental for fire works, maybe serious shopping at DTD and definitely purchase a come back trip!!!”  I’d never even thought about one of those fireworks cruises.  I LOVE this idea!  Here’s a link to Specialty Cruises at Walt Disney World (in case you want to know what Niki and I are so excited about!).

IMG_5111Randi would enjoy dining at “Victoria and Albert’s and stay at Contemporary.”  I like Randi’s way of thinking – stay at a Magic Kingdom resort on the monorail loop (and the Contemporary is GREAT!), eat at the best fine dining experience at Walt Disney World and then just hop back on the monorail to get back to your resort when dinner is over.  Winner, winner, chicken dinner! (or seafood, or veal, or lamb, or beef – no telling what those chefs at V&A’s will come up with!)

Jenni wins the prize for most substantial plan!  “I’d go to Anaheim, then Hawaii, then Tokyo, Beijing, Paris, Disney cruise, then WDW. You said unlimited funds… I’d spend at least 4-5 days at each with a 7-10 days at WDW.”  I suggested doing the cruise last as a means of recuperating from all that traveling and theme-park walking, but Jenni loves Walt Disney World, she wanted to save the best for last.  Go, Jenni!

Christine had only two items on her wish list: “Stay  at a deluxe resort and spend a night in IMG_5038Cinderella’s castle for my daughter.”  I don’t know how old Christine’s daughter is, but having a mom who wishes she could give you the unbelievably magical experience of staying in Cinderella Castle is pretty darned special!  Loving-mom bonus points to Christine!

Ruth was very decisive when she jumped into the discussion with:  “AKL for one week followed by a week with a MK view with all the backstage tours.”  Well, Ruth, I have to agree with you about the tours!  I’m embarrassed to say that (like the fireworks cruises) using unlimited funds to take the tours never entered my mind until now.  I’ve always wanted to do one of the tours, but they are kind of pricey.  Plus the Backstage Magic tours take 7 hours – that’s a lot of precious vacation time, but if you’re going to be at the World, then there’s plenty of time for pretty much everything!

Stephanie had a very well-thought-out list (including my most favorite answer of the day):  “Stay at a deluxe resort, eat at the more expensive restaurants, buy souvenirs for kids I IMG_2544don’t know at the parks, do the dolphin adventure at Epcot, and take a couple of tours.”  Yes, Stephanie said with unlimited funds she would buy souvenirs for kids she doesn’t know at the parks!  Oh, Stephanie!  You are so sweet!  Haha!  For me, other people’s kids are, well….let’s be honest – they’re like a huge downside of Disney vacations and you want to buy them presents.  You are absolutely the nicest person and I’d say I want to be you when I grow up, but…I’m pretty sure I’m WAY older than you and totally (supposed to be) grown up already.  You get 100 bonus points for generosity and liking children!!!

Ellen knew exaction what she’d do:  “I want to go to Aulani!”  Oh, yeah!  Aulani…Disney’s Hawaiian resort.  It looks like a slice of paradise and there are all those Hawaiian things to do and see!  Plus, Disney service, kids programs, and activities!  If you haven’t checked out the website for Aulani, take a peek!  Good answer, Ellen!

Here’s what our friends on Twitter had to say:

IMG_3280Jayne Phipps (@JaynePhipps)  tweeted that the idea of unlimited funds “gives greater freedom especially when shopping :)”  Well, there are a lot of shopping options – and even more in the future when the new Disney Springs (Down Town Disney) is complete.  Trust me – shipping it home instead of trying to keep up with purchases is worth the extra cost – which you can pay with the imaginary What-if money you’re pretending to use right now.

 Wonders of The World (@V24Wonders) “Last year I would easily have said stay at the Poly but because of the construction/refurb I’ll go with Tree House Villas”  – Now, I have heard a rumor that the pool at the Poly (Polynesian) will be closed later this summer for the resort’s re-design (and the addition of DVC rooms/villas) and the pool closure may last a YEAR!  If that’s true, then Tree House Villas would be awfully fun!  If you haven’t seen them yet (at Saratoga Springs) – look here.

 Oli Oliver (@OliRage) Knew exactly what to do with unlimited funds, “Never leave. Victoria and Albert’s.” – Hilarious and brilliant at the same time!  I confirmed with Oli that he hadn’t yet had the opportunity to dine at Victoria and Albert’s and neither have I.  You bet if I had unlimited funds I’d go hang out there with Oli for a meal or two.  It’s quite the splurge, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews.

Sarah (@CheshireCanuck) would “Stay at the Grand Floridian for a week!”  Then added, “Oh I’d also buy out the Magic Kingdom for a night and have all my friends and family show up to a surprise vow renewal for us” – what a creative and romantic answer – Unlimited funds would IMG_0834certainly mean being able to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something extra special.  I like the idea of a Disney vow renewal.  Well played, Sarah!

Jennifer (@Minnie_ears) Would, “Stay at the Poly and the Grand, club level for like, a month!”  Well, Jennifer, I can vouch for the excellence of club level – we were unexpectedly upgraded (Yay, Pixie Dust!) to club level once at the Grand Floridian…sadly, it was only a two-night stay.  The snacks, the breakfast foods, the service, and the Magic Kingdom view were all spectacular!!!  An entire month of that and you’d be SO spoiled!!!

Rebecca Kelly (@rkellyWDW) After careful consideration, Rebecca needed two tweets to respond: “OK. Unlimited funds: Land & Sea cruise and WDW trip. Deluxe Dining plan. Stay at AKL for 5 days before, Savannah level, &…then at the Poly for 5 days after the cruise. I think I’d have to do a 7-day cruise but doesn’t matter where. ;).  – So we’re talking a 17-day vacation!  Sounds DSCN3118perfect and I agree that as long as you’re cruising with Disney, it really doesn’t matter where you go – it’ll be a great time with phenomenal service, good food, and the best nighttime entertainment in the cruise industry.  All this imaginary fun! Can I pretend go with you, Rebecca?

DisneyPrincess83 (@OzGoofyPrincess) would “stay for 3 months. We stayed for 6 weeks last year. Just over 5 weeks at WDW and a Disney Dream Cruise.”  Really?  SIX weeks for vacation would be so incredible, I can’t even begin to imagine 3 months.  If you spent five weeks at Walt Disney World before your Disney cruise – and you still want to come back for more, then that answers one of the questions I’ve always had:  How long do you have to stay before you’re satisfied?  Clearly the answer is longer than five weeks.  The closest to a six week vacation I’ve ever had was maternity leave…and…. yeah, that’s not at all like a Disney vacation.  At. All.

WOW!  What great participation and thoughtful, creative answers!!!  I appreciate everyone for playing and if you have any suggestions for future “What-if” questions, be sure to let me know.