Disney World Favorite Random Details

Posted on June 9, 2016 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

You know that expression (attributed to Aristotle), “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”? To me, that saying is never more true than when applied Walt Disney World. There are incredible components from the tiniest magical detail (like peanut shell impressions in cement) to the enormity of a single attraction like Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) or Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom) – add them together and the whole is more – so much more! That, I believe, is what makes Disney World infinitely more than a gathering of some hotels and theme parks – those millions of parts combine to make a destination like no other in the world.

Disney World Favorite Random Details

Let’s talk about a few of the parts that make up the wonderful whole of Disney World. Remember the other day when I talked about the things I think about while riding Spaceship Earth? This is sorta like that only these random favorites were chosen from the World at large based on my vacation history – small treasures gathered through the years that add to the happiest memories and keep our family coming back for more as often as we can!

Bouncy off-ramp – Have you ever noticed the exit ramp for Space Mountain’s extreme bounciness? No? Next time you leave the ride and you’re riding the conveyor belt, bounce a little bit on it. Seriously! It’s hilarious and fun and if you see me on those screens that show live video of guests leaving the ride, I’m the woman-of-a-certain-age jumping up and down. Every time.

Breaking plates – Is it just me or is the sound and feel of breaking plates on Toy Story Midway Mania ridiculously satisfying. Clearly this says something about my psyche, but that is what I love most about this attraction. So forbidden yet satisfying. Clearly I need help.

Yeti – it’s real! – Abominable snowmen…mythical creatures or not? Doesn’t matter! The queue for Expedition Everest has me 100% convinced the Yeti exists. I always wish there were a way I could take as much time as I wanted to see every single item in that Yeti museum and outfitter shop. If the line’s being held up by someone, it’s probably me! The footprint casts are my absolute favorite. If you’re too scared to ride this attraction – do not miss the queue!

Bathing beauties – I don’t get in line for Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom) thinking about those elephants in the water hole. The moment I see that one happy baby pachyderm though…instant happiness! He’s just the epitome of cute. Every time I see him, I wish I could buy him in lawn-ornament form to take home.

The first bite of a Mickey Bar – There are so many beloved snacks at Walt Disney World, but one stands out as my favorite for the thrill of the first bite. Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar – soft and creamy vanilla ice cream encased by a smooth, hard chocolate shell, shaped like Mickey Mouse. I peel the wrapper off carefully, clutch that thin wooden stick and savor the moment when cool chocolate gives way in an audible crunch and my teeth sink into that sweet ice cream. After that there’s no time to savor anything else since I’ve got to eat that puppy in record speed before it melts all over my hands and clothes!

Singing ‘Possums – You know the ones, don’t you? On Splash Mountain – there are so many animals and adorable details to take in, it’s hard to see everything. I look all around and enjoy the experience until our log floats us under those ‘possums, then I only have eyes for them and their extreme adorableness.

What about you? What random details are your favorites at Walt Disney World?

Adventureland – Five Great Things

Posted on May 27, 2016 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

It’s been a while since we’ve featured a land here! Today’s tribute is to Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland – There’s lots to love about this particular area. In such a small, compact space, there’s so much to see, do, and taste. Today I’ll focus on the very best this land has to offer.

Adventureland – Five Great Things

Bordered by Main Street U.S.A. and Frontierland, Adventureland is a completely unique experience. Where Main Street takes you back to a simpler life in small town America and Frontierland brings guests the thrills and excitement of the untamed Wild West, Adventureland captures all that is incredible about exploring the exotic and undiscovered.

Ridiculous yet classically perfect puns – If you don’t absolutely love Jungle Cruise, at least you’ll admit that as far as “the lowest form of humor” goes, this attraction is amazingly entertaining! We’re a family of pun-loving people and Jungle Cruise never ceases to delight – especially when our skipper has excellent timing. It’s an art, people, and should be appreciated as such. This attraction is a must-do for no other reason than seeing the backside of water!
Skipper Canteen (officially The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen) – The spirit of this very new table service eatery is what makes it awesome. The premise of the Jungle Cruise Skippers having to make ends meet by waiting tables is clever, the atmosphere perfectly reflects the Adventureland setting, and the menu has heart even though rumor has it, the offerings are currently being overhauled for more main-stream appeal. Magic Kingdom needs more table service choices, so I’m really pulling for this place’s future success.
Background Music – Setting the mood with upbeat, perky tunes, the Adventureland soundtrack may often be overlooked, but is integral to making sure the land’s experience is fully immersive. Want to hear what I’m talking about? Check it out here.
We Wants the Redhead! So many small components make up the whole of Pirates of the Caribbean. Classic Disney meets modern movie magic and the combination is irresistible. Sure, purists grumble about the updates and recent changes, but this attraction is nothing short of the perfect example of the best of what Walt Disney World has to offer. Boat ride / dark ride, scene after scene, animatronics and special effects galore – if you can’t find something to love here, you should spend your vacation dollars elsewhere and leave more room for the rest of us.
Cold, Tropical Snacks – Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace (recently these two switched places) are among the most popular snack stops in Magic Kingdom. Need a world-famous Dole Whip? Belly up to the counter at Aloha Isle and enjoy! Want a cool, refreshing Citrus Swirl? Stop by the Sunshine Tree Terrace (home of Orang Bird!). Two iconic Disney snacks – both in the heart of Adventureland!I know I said five, but I feel bad not even mentioning the Enchanted Tiki Room. Now that they’re back to their original form (no longer “under new management”), I love to try to fit them in our touring plans on hot, crowded afternoons. Kicking it old school, the birds, flowers, and Tiki guys are as much a part of Adventureland’s magic as anything else I’ve mentioned.

Are you an Adventureland fan? What do you think makes this part of Magic Kingdom Special?

Random Thoughts – Spaceship Earth

Posted on May 23, 2016 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

Every fan of Spaceship Earth has their favorite parts of the attraction. What I want to know is if I’m the only one who has the same pattern of random thoughts every time I journey through the past, present, and future of communication technology. Seriously – it’s like my own little internal dialogue has become tradition for every Disney World vacation. If I’m alone and this is weird…hmmmm…I’m okay with that. Surely you’ve thought at least a couple of these thoughts at least once though, right?

Random Thoughts – Spaceship Earth

How cool would it be to listen to this thing in a different language! I’m gonna pick something new. How about….English. I might miss my favorite “Thank the Phoenicians” if I don’t hear the narration in English. Would it still be Dame Judy in another language? If not, I’d miss her too.
Why are the cavemen and wooly mammoths so dark? I can barely see them. I want to see them better. This part’s a disappointment…I wish there were an animatronic mammoth!
Papyrus pounding guy! I love you! You are working so hard every time I see you.
Ahhhh….the smell of Rome burning. Wait. I should feel bad about liking this smell. I mean, Rome! Oh, NO! How devastating!
Garlic hats! How did that even become a thing? How much do those weigh? I wonder what they’d look like with Mickey ears on them?
Painting laying down like that must be really hard!
Why is that paperboy facing away from us? He’s selling papers over there in the corner to nobody. Why can’t we see him? Has he been disfigured in some way and now hides in the corner? What is up with that?
That family watching the lunar landing. Hey, look! There’s Mousetrap! I love that game.
1970’s fashion. Ohhhhhhh….so unfortunate.
Yay! The going down backwards part. This is so relaxing. Is it hot in here or is it just me? Look at all those mirrors…you can see forever.
We are such dorks. Wait, that outfit makes me look super skinny though!
Look we have a dog! I miss Junior.

Do you have random thoughts on Space Ship Earth? What’s your favorite part?

WDW Attractions – Best Lead Up

Posted on May 20, 2016 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

We’ve talked about queues, we’ve talked about favorites and today it’s time to talk about the best attractions for attention-grabbing from afar – the one’s with real curb appeal, if you will. With some of the very best rides, it’s all about the lead up!

Some attraction exteriors offer absolutely no clue what to expect (think Soarin’, Country Bears, Space Mountain), but some attractions draw you in from far away – the theme, the park setting – long before you step into the queue, you know you’re about to experience something extraordinary! I’m going to talk about just five today – go ahead and leave a comment if your favorite gets left out – I’ll do a “part 2” in the future!

WDW Attractions – Best Lead Up

Haunted MansionFrom WAY far away, the draw to Haunted Mansion is incredible! It looks exactly the way you hope it will – Grand yet a bit sinister. You can immediately tell the Mansion holds room after room to explore – haunted corridors, ballrooms, attic and much more! The minute you see it, you know it’s going to be the perfect combination of scary and fun!
Big Thunder Mountain RailroadThe train flies along the track – you can see the passengers raise their hands, you can hear them screaming in delight, but that’s not the primary draw. In Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, the whole landscape of Big Thunder that makes you eager to get inside that mountain – so out of place with the surrounding Florida palm trees and lush tropical plants. Big Thunder Mountain is a wasteland of epic proportions and the details are mesmerizing! Best of all, the queue at this mountain is top notch.
Twilight Zone Tower of TerrorIt looks elegant and disheveled, classic but unique – first impressions are everything here in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Strolling down Sunset Boulevard, you can’t help but notice the tower’s façade and how it stands out. Walk a little farther, and you’ll notice something else – the SCREAMING! The sound will draw your eyes closer to the tower where in an upstairs window, you’ll see motion, but little else. If you’re a thrill ride junkie, this is the ride for you!
Rock’n’ Roller CoasterThe location actually hurts this attraction because Tower of Terror tends to steal Rock’n’ Roller Coaster’s thunder. You have to turn left at the very end of Sunset Boulevard to even notice the upside down Cadillac let alone the gigantic guitar, but once you see the setting, you know that for music fans and coaster addicts alike will find this the place to be!
Expedition EverestIn Animal Kingdom, you can be far from Everest and still be drawn in. Call me biased, but there’s a reason this is my favorite ride in all of Walt Disney World and one of the main reasons is that from the moment you see the mountain in the distance, you can’t help but want to be a part of its magic. “Forbidden Mountain” is like a double-dog dare to those of us who love an amazing coaster – every single detail is beyond perfect! Hands down, Expedition Everest has the best draw from afar of any attraction in the World.