Monthly Archives: July 2014

United States History at Walt Disney World

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Today I’m excited to welcome guest writer, Andrew Carrieri!  Andrew can be found as a regular blog contributor at The Mouse for Less.  

“I’m a huge fan of the various Disney theme parks and movies. I’ve made several trips to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland with my family. Additionally, I’m interested in sports and American history.” – Andrew Carrieri

“United States History at Walt Disney World”
Andrew Carrieri

The American Adventure / Epcot / Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World is one of America’s greatest playgrounds, a place where people can go to escape their troubles and have fun. Still, there is a serious side to the destination; numerous aspects of United States history are represented there. I will discuss 10 examples of such representations in this post.

1) Tom Sawyer Island: Located in the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland and only accessible via raft, this oversized playground is based on one of the great works of American literature: Mark Twain’s 1884 novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

2) The American Adventure: The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot houses an impressive 30-minute audio-animatronic show that highlights great moments in United States history from founding to the present. Featured individuals include suffragist Susan B. Anthony, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The show is hosted by Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin.

it's a small world / Magic Kingdom / Walt Disney World
3) It’s a Small World: Walt Disney originally created this alternately heartwarming and infuriating attraction—ahh, get that song out of my head!—for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The boat ride, located in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, uses themed sets and singing animatronics to promote “peace through understanding,” which was the theme of the 1964 World’s Fair.

4) Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress: Another animatronic attraction created by Disney for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the Carousel of Progress, located in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, shows guests how technological advances altered American family life through the course of the 20th century. The gas lamp, the radio, the automatic dishwasher, and the high-definition television are among the highlighted technologies.

5) Wilderness Lodge: This deluxe resort, situated only a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, pays homage to the culture and history of the American northwest. Contemporary Resort / Walt Disney WorldThe main building is based on Yellowstone Park’s Old Faithful Inn and features a breathtaking eight-story lobby. Dining options range from the upscale Artist Point to the raucous Whispering Canyon Café.

6) Contemporary Resort: Noted for its impressive main tower that allows the monorail to pass through it, the Contemporary Resort hosted one of the most infamous moments in American history. At the resort on November 17, 1973, President Richard Nixon gave his “I am not a crook” speech such as to deny involvement in the Watergate Scandal. The speech notwithstanding, Nixon eventually became the only president in United States history to resign from office after almost-certain impeachment loomed.Liberty Square / Magic Kingdom / Walt Disney World

7) Liberty Square: This Magic Kingdom land is placed between Frontierland and Fantasyland, and exudes a colonial vibe. A replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell is present as are numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants. The full-service Liberty Tree Tavern offers traditional American fare, such as pot roast and roast turkey at lunch, and a family-style meal of turkey, pork loin, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and macaroni and cheese at dinner. Meanwhile, at the counter-service Sleepy Hollow restaurant, guests can enjoy funnel cakes and waffle sandwiches. Attractions include the heralded Haunted Mansion, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Hall of Presidents, which I will describe in more detail below.

Hall of Presidents Exterior / Magic Kingdom8) Hall of Presidents: A must-see for history buffs, the Hall of Presidents combines audio animatronics and film to survey United States history from the Revolutionary War to the present. The lives and presidencies of George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy are especially highlighted, but a comprehensive roll call is given to include all of the leaders. This 23-minute show is updated whenever a new president takes office.

9) Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: Featuring the three animated protagonists, Panchito Pistoles, Jose Carioca, and Donald Duck, from the 1944 film Gran Fiesta Tour / Mexico Pavilion / Epcot's World ShowcaseThe Three Caballeros, this boat ride through Epcot’s indoor Mexico Pavilion may not seem overly serious on the surface, but the reason for creating the film was serious. The Three Caballeros emerged from Disney’s previous animated feature, Saludos Amigos (1942), which came about after President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Disney to tour Latin America and create a related film that would positively depict the region. The purpose of his “Good Neighbor Policy,” Roosevelt wanted to garner support for the United States in Latin America at the expense of Germany during World War II.

10) Great Movie Ride: This attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios transports guests through scenes from some of the greatest films in American history, including Singin’ in the Rain (1952), Mary Poppins (1964), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

What other aspects of United States history are featured at Walt Disney World? Let me know your thoughts in a comment!

Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion – Five Great Things

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Morocco in Epcot's World ShowcaseOne of the most amazing things about the World Showcase in Epcot is how each country’s pavilion embraces guests in a way that allows them to feel they are actually visiting that country.  I love that!  This magic – taking you away to an exotic place far away – is particularly well done in the Morocco Pavilion.

Located between the Japan and France Pavilions, Morocco is unique, extremely well-themed, and absolutely charming.  With warm colors, beautiful landscaping, and exotic architectural shapes – you genuinely feel transported.  Here’s a fun fact – If you look past the Morocco Pavilion, you can see the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror off in the distance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The tower’s color was chosen specifically because it would be visible in such a way – it’s painted to blend in with the color of the buildings in the Morocco Pavilion.Mo'Rockin entertainment in Epcot's Morocco

Five Great Things about the Morocco Pavilion

1. Entertainment – Mo’Rockin!  This is my favorite part of visiting Morocco – live music and belly dancing!  Talented musicians play Middle-Eastern and African inspired music on an outdoor stage (on the side of the Morocco Pavilion closest to Japan).  The belly dancer performing with them is amazing.  The act appears several times throughout the afternoon and evening.

2Epcot's Morocco / Spice Road Table. Food – So many choices!  Restaurant Marrakesh:  Table Service dining offering flavors of Morocco and the Mediterranean for lunch or dinner. Tangerine Café:  Quick/Counter Service restaurant (Mediterranean wraps and Shawarma platters are the specialty) , and Spice Road Table:  Newest eatery in Morocco offering small plates; perfect for a light meal or evening snack.

3. Shopping – Morocco’s shops are a treasure trove of authentic merchandise.  You’ll feel like you’re in an exotic marketplace as you shop for jewelry, clothing and accessories, wood crafts, baskets, musical instruments, carpets, and textiles.  There’s a lot to choose from!

4. Characters – Jasmine and Aladdin are available in the Morocco Pavilion for meet-and-greets.  Jasmine and Aladdin in Epcot's World ShowcaseThese are two of our favorite characters because of the way they interact in perfect character for fun and great pictures.  Once we even ran into Jafar in Morocco and while he wasn’t a speaking character, he was exactly the way you’d expect – aloof and arrogant and very funny.

5. Henna Tattoos – Opportunities to learn about the Moroccan culture abound in this pavilion and include the opportunity to get an ornate, unique and completely temporary henna tattoo.  Both Megan and Joseph took the time for this experience several years ago.  Design books are available for help in selecting just the right image.

Is Morocco one of your favorite stops along the World Showcase?  What’s your favorite thing to do or see there?Tile Closeup / Morocco Pavilion / Epcot's World Showcase Tangerine Cafe / Morocco Pavilion / Epcot's World Showcase Morocco Pavilion's covered seating area

Disney World’s Flights of Wonder

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Birds in Flights of WonderThere’s not much I don’t love about Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom!  Here lately, I’ve had a lot to say about this oh-so-much-more-than-a-half-day park.  Today’s no exception.  I want to talk about Flights of Wonder.  Over along the walkway between Africa and Asia, you pass right by the theater for this very special show.  Sometimes there’s a Cast Member outside the theater’s entrance with a bird – talking about what makes that bird special, how they live, what they eat and so on.  Sometimes there’s just a sign posting the daily show times.  It’s pretty easy to just keep waking, but then you’d miss out on something pretty special and unique.  Unless you’re afraid of birds…but we’ll get to that in a minute.

Flights of Wonder is worth a spot in your touring plan at Animal Kingdom.  If you took the kidsOwl / Animal Kingdom / Flights of Wonder out of school to visit Walt Disney World and they need something educational to make the teachers feel better about their absence – See Flights of Wonder.  If your feet are tired and you need a place to sit and relax for a few minutes –  See Flights of Wonder.  Do you love learning about animals or have a special fondness for birds?  See Flights of Wonder.  It’s a great show for the whole family!  Unless you’re afraid of birds…but we’ll get to that in a minute.

Animal Kingdom / Flights of Wonder / PerformersThe show, which lasts about 25 minutes, begins with a Cast Member speaking about birds – suddenly, they are interrupted by the amazing Guano Joe – tour guide extraordinaire!  Guano Joe is quite a character and as it happens…is afraid of birds!  The rest of the show involves the Cast Members teaching Guano Joe (and the audience) all about different types of birds.  Several different bird behaviors (I hate to say “tricks”) are demonstrated while Guano Joe learns how and why birds behave they way they do – once he begins to understand, he starts to overcome his fear (fake, hokey, cheesy – you name it… embrace the experience).  It’s cute, funny and straight forward.  Birds fly overhead (quite low above spectators’ heads) from trainer to trainer, but birds also perform on stage.  It’s engaging, entertaining, and, for 25 minutes out of your day, a nice break from the sun and crowds.

If you are afraid of birds:  This show may not be for you – In case I’ve not been perfectly clear:  birds frequently fly close to the audience.  If you’re feeling brave (please, try to set a good example for the children) – Animal Kingdom / Flights of Wonder / Bald Eaglesit mid-way between the first and last row to the very outside.  Based on my last visit, this will minimize close encounters of the bird kind.  (OMG!  I KILL me sometimes.  I’m laughing so hard I have to end here…..)

So?  Flights of Wonder – Yea or Nay?

If you’re really afraid, check out one of many YouTube videos of the show to get the gist.

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Starring Rolls Cafe

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Baked Goods in Starring Rolls CafeOne of the most fun things to do while on vacation at Walt Disney World is eat!  There are so many choices, so many foods!  Snack food kiosks, counter service restaurants, sit-down table service dining, dinner shows…this list goes on and on!  If you visit Walt Disney World, it’s hard not to fall in love with certain foods and eateries that you’ll want to visit again and again.  One of those special places for our family is the Starring Rolls Café in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  I know!  You’re thinking – that’s just a little bakery, there are so many WAY better places to eat than that.  I’d have to disagree.Starring Rolls Bakery Goods

The reason we love Starring Rolls so much is that it fills a very specific niche in our dining lineup.  It’s the one place I can think of where we will eat two or three times in a single WDW vacation.  Here’s why:  We love to hit Hollywood Studios early in the morning and get right to our favorite rides and attractions.  I’ve mentioned before that we bring packaged breakfast foods from home so we don’t have to make time to eat while we get an early start on a busy park day.  We get up and GO!  So, at the Studios, once we’ve hit Toy Story Midway Mania, Tower of Terror, and Rock’n’ Roller Coaster, Bagels / Starring rols Cafewe can sort of slow down a bit before moving on.  We usually realize that our portable breakfast has long worn off by then and we need a little something to tide us over until lunch – THAT is what makes Starring Rolls perfect!  Centrally located at the beginning of Sunset Blvd., this little bakery/café offers us just exactly what we need – when and where we want it!

Bagels (and cream cheese), Danish, cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, sushi, fruit, cheese, yogurt, cupcakes – Starring Rolls is Darth Vader Cupcakes / Starring Rolls Cafelike a bakery and deli combined.  Big snack, small meal, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert – this place has got what you’re looking for and the food is very good!  Coffee, juice, water, tea, wine and soft drinks are all available to accompany your treat of choice.  The cafe’s outdoor seating area offers plenty of shade.  The cupcakes at Starring Rolls are a very popular treat for good reason.  One of the most popular is the Butterfinger Cupcake, but the Red Velvet is also excellent!  During the Studios’ Star Wars Weekends, the Yoda and Darth Vader cupcakes are a big hit!

To me, great counter service restaurants are not the Studios’ strong point.  Starring Rolls allows our family to catch a tasty and filling brunch Yoda Yum! / Starring Rolls Cafe(or Second Breakfast if you’re a Hobbit fan) while saving room for a more substantial dining experience later in the day.

Are you a Starring Rolls fan?  What’s your favorite thing to order there?

Starring Rolls Shaded Seating