Category Archives: Disney Travel Tips

Haunted Mansion – My 10 Favorite Things

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So, I’m cooking dinner.  I do this a lot – cooking relaxes me and I like it.  Maybe mowing the yard relaxes Raymond the same way.  I hope so, since I wouldn’t know how to start the lawn mower, much less maneuver it around the yard.  But I digress.  Back to the cooking.  I’m waiting for the pasta to boil and the sauce to do its thing and I see the leftover wine from last night, secure in its bottle with my Haunted Mansion bottle stopper.  That’s how many of these blog posts begin – so many things around me to remind me of Walt Disney World and what I love about spending time there.IMG_2439

Haunted Mansion – My 10 Favorite Things

DWR2009 078Location – You can’t beat the setting in Liberty Square – just at the edge of Frontierland.  I prefer to approach from Fantasyland for the best first look of every visit – I’m weird that way, but hey!  Makes me so happy!!!

Exterior – Sure, the view from land is awesome, but the Mansion, viewed from the water (aboard the Liberty Belle), is breathtaking!  The color of the stone, the shapes of the different wings, towers, and solarium, the black wrought iron fence, the green awning…all of it!RM-Haunted-Mansion-Queue

Queue – Purists will lament the 2007 refurb that added many new elements to the waiting-outside part of the Mansion’s queue.  This was a huge improvement to us and we love all of it!  Because the ghost horse & hearse and the cemetery are original and amazing on their own, don’t miss them while you’re taking in all the other interactive and hilarious elements.  A feast for the senses, the Haunted Mansion’s queue invites you to touch, look, and listen to an amazing number of details, large and small.RM-Haunted-Mansion-Graveyard

Costumes – Some of the outfits Cast Members wear are less than memorable to me, but at the Mansion, they look great!  Also, those appropriately-attired hosts know how to play their part.  Sure, some are better than others, but overall, the Mansion’s “help” couldn’t be better!

Humor – This is not a haunted house to be feared.  Puns, sight-gags, and creepy charm abound.  These spooks are friendly and funny – from the stretching room portraits to the ghoulies in the cemetery at the end of the ride…the mix of fun and fright is pure genius.RM-Haunted-Mansion-Stretching-Room

Doom-buggy – What omnimover ride has a better vehicle?  None.  This shiny, black, rounded and oddly cozy capsule is the perfect transportation.  The ghost host (voiced by Paul Frees) speaks directly to you!  This makes the experience seem personalized and adds a special element to the fun.

Madam Leota – Leota in the crystal ball, Little Leota at the ride’s conclusion – I love all her forms!  (“Goblins and ghoulies from last Halloween…Awaken the spirits with your tambourine!”).  She’s mysterious and beautiful and her voice is perfectly frightening!Haunted Mansion's Madame Leota

Wallpaper – Now available on Disney’s Dooney & Bourke handbags, the Mansion’s wallpaper is but one of the hundreds of tiny details that make every tour special.  I’ve ridden dozens of times and still, every time, I find some previously unnoticed element.  This alone is why I may ride several times in a single vacation and more than once or twice in a single day.  Glowing eyes, moving shadows, floating objects, ever-changing portraits, dancing, singing, partying spirits  – all if it amazing!RM-Haunted-Mansion-Bride-Constance

Constance – She’s weird and clearly insane!  Constance is the bride in the Mansion’s attic.  She’s been busy, our Constance, and proof of her misdeeds is all around you as you glide through her diabolical history.  If you’re fortunate and you look carefully, you can find her ring outside in the Mansion’s queue before you go inside.RM-Haunted-Mansion-Singing-Busts

Singing Busts – I LOVE these guys!  First of all, catchy tune!  They’re also fun to watch as you glide toward the attraction’s finale.  Lighthearted and well-crafted, the final scenes are clever and interesting.

“Hurry Baaaaaaack……Hurry BAAAaaaaaaaack….Be sure to bring your death certificate if you decide to join us.  Make final arrangements now.  We’ve been dying to have you…”-Little Leota

What do YOU love most about Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion?RM-Haunted-Mansion-Shrinking-Room-Portrait

 

 

 

 

WDW – Best Top of the World Views!

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Ever wondered where you can find the best views at Walt Disney World?  Want to take in the most scenery?  See the big picture?  Here are a few of our favorite spots:

WDW – Best Top of the World Views!RM-Expedition-Everest

Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) – Hands down (or hands up, if you prefer), this attraction offers the very best (in my opinion) view of any other Disney World attraction.  As my little tea train sets off on an amazing Himalayan adventure, I look forward to so many special moments along the way.  Among these is the spectacular view offered on the way up the Forbidden Mountain.  The going is slow enough for guests to take in the breathtaking, really spectacular scenery.  There’s so much to love about this attraction, this view is often overlooked (hahaha) and underappreciated.RM-PeopleMover

The PeopleMover – If you have not taken a spin on this Tomorrowland attraction (Magic Kingdom), you do not know what you’re missing.  It’s a tour of Tomorrowland and a tunnel of love all in one.  You’ll go inside for some fantastic behind-the-scenes looks at Tomorrowland attractions and outside for a bird’s-eye view of others.  A smooth, relaxing ride, exceptional scenery, and a couple of kiss-stealing opportunities – what more could anyone ask for?  Some of you may remember the old Skyway gondola ride in Magic Kingdom (1971 – 1999) , it was (to me) once the very best way to see the World.RM-Top-of-the-World-Lounge-View

Top of the World Lounge – This little corner of the World is especially reserved for Disney Vacation Club members and guests.  Like the next location on this list, it offers exceptional Magic Kingdom views and is a fantastic place to end the evening at Walt Disney World.  The interior is a tribute to the monorail offers a unique and different atmosphere.

RM-California-Grill-ViewCalifornia Grill – Yes, you can see Wishes from the balcony of this signature dining restaurant atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  The views from the windows that surround the dining room are always awesome – with or without Magic Kingdom fireworks.  I particularly love sunset while enjoying the Cali Grill’s excellent food and service. (Full review here.)Twilight-Zone-Tower-of-Terror

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – It’s a fleeting view, but whoa!  It’s a haunted hotel, you’re in a crazy service elevator with a mind of its own and there – for a mere moment at a time, your elevator allows you a glimpse outside from high atop the tower!  Scream all you want to, but do try to keep your eyes open so you won’t miss the view!

Cinderella’s Royal Table – The one and only time we went, our table was in the middle of the room and it was dark outside.  My friend Heather and her family LOVE this Magic Kingdom dining experience, though, and find the views to be particularly enchanting.  Catch all the details here.

Where are your favorite views at Walt Disney World?  Your resort room balcony?  Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse?  Characters in Flight?  Tell me what I’ve missed.

 

 

Disney Dining – Try This Not That

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RM-Yak-&-Yeti-Restaurant-ExteriorDisclaimer:  I’m the least picky eater I know.  I like nearly all foods.  I shy away from fried foods as they tend not to agree with me (although I think they taste great), I’m not eating tuna-noodle-casserole or black licorice – not really a problem since I can’t think of a single person I know who would happen to accidentally serve those to me should I be a guest in their home.  I suppose, actually, under those circumstances, I’d give the consumption of my personal culinary kryptonite my best try so as not to be considered rude.  My mom taught me better than  that.  And back to the point of this post.

Disney Dining – Try This Not That

Let’s assume for the purposes of today’s sharing-of-Disney-advice that we’re all adults.  I’m talking to you as a grownup, not to those of you trying to please little ones with park food, okay?

  1. Try the Roasted Pork Shank (NOT the Turkey Leg) – What they have in common:  fatty, roasted, savory meaty goodness.  What the Pork Shank has over the Turkey Leg is that it’s texture is better, its seasoning is more delicious, and Gaston’s Tavern (Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland) is far superior in atmosphere than anyplace offering the Turkey Leg.  You’ll still feel like Medieval royalty, don’t fret.RM-Gaston's-Pork-Shank-and-Lefou's-Brew
  2. Try the Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel (NOT the plain Mickey Pretzel) – Oh, stop it!  Mickey is cute and iconic and delicious, I’ll give you that.  The Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel is just SO much better (and unique versus what I can get in my local mall’s food court).  If you like a little spice in your snack, this one’s for you.RM-Jalapeno-Cheese-Pretzel
  3. Try Italy or France for Ice Cream (NOT the ubiquitous ice cream cart) – I’m not saying you should go an entire Disney vacay without a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar or your beloved Dole Whip.  I’m just saying, give the “Gelati” gelato stand in Epcot World Showcase’s Italy Pavilion a try (our favorite: Espresso Gelato “Affogato”).  Or the L’Artisan de Glaces shop in France – YUM!  The beauty of these more exotic frozen treat options is that they have something for everyone.  You will not be disappointed.RM-Epcot-Italy-Gelato-Affogato
  4. Try Yachtsman Steakhouse (NOT Le Cellier) – Both are beef-lovers’ hot spots in the Epcot area.  Yachtsman’s is a short walk from Epcot via the International Gateway (a.k.a. the backdoor) at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.  Le Cellier is in Epcot’s Canada Pavilion.  The problem with Le Cellier is that it’s overcrowded and overrated (our opinion, which is heartbreaking since in the early years, this was a must-do for us).  For the price, Yachtsman’s menu, atmosphere, and service are superior.  Both restaurants are considered “Signature Dining” locations – so if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, they’ll cost you TWO Table Service credits.RM-Yachtsman-Filet
  5. Try Il Mulino (at The Swan) (NOT any other Italian restaurant on Disney property).  We loved everything about this place and can’t wait to go back.  It’s not Disney-owned, but IS easy to get to – and worth the effort and the price.  You can read my full review here, but let me just say – if you’re looking for a casual, grown-up evening out without pressure to eat quickly and leave and you want delicious food, great service, and a complimentary swig of limoncello to top off  your meal…this is the place for you.RM-Il-Mulino-Interior

What are your best suggestions for an eat-this-not-that Disney food or restaurant?  Would you choose Kona Café over ‘Ohana?  Sanaa over Jiko or Yak-n-Yeti?  School Bread over a Croissant Doughnut?  Tell me!  I’m 92 days away from needing to know!

Disney World Rambling and Meandering

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Bay-Lake-Tower-SunriseWhen asked, I always recommend my favorite rides and attractions, rope-drop strategies, snacks and restaurants to my Disney-vacation-planning friends.  So much to do and see – I try my best to suggest ways to make each day action-packed and fun-filled.  Probably I should do less of that.  Instead, I should stress the importance of taking a few minutes here and there to break away from the business of crowded park navigation.  I need to make a point of telling people to make time to relax and just soak up the beauty and atmosphere of Walt Disney World by roaming, free-styling, wandering…you get the idea.  Some of my family’s best vacation memories were made during many such expeditions.RM-Grand-Floridian-Exterior

Disney World Rambling and Meandering

Take a stroll on the path between the Polynesian Village Resort and the Grand Floridian.  Catch the monorail from Magic Kingdom to either one of these resorts to begin your exploration.  On a beautiful day, this little excursion is a calm and lovely way to spend a quiet few minutes.  Once you’ve completed your journey, hop back on the monorail and continue your day.RM-Fort-Wilderness-Waterway1

Explore Fort Wilderness.  You just might decide to hang out for a good, long visit.  Take a bus from the parks or a boat from Magic Kingdom or the Contemporary Resort.  Then catch one of the Fort Wilderness-specific busses for a short ride to the Meadow Depot where you can walk around the gorgeous grounds, rent a bicycle, kayak or canoe, take a Segway tour, or shop for souvenirs in the Meadow Trading Post.  You’ll forget you’re at Walt Disney World!  This place is an awesome destination and recreation area on its own.RM-Sunrise-Bay-Lake-Tower

Start your day off right.  No matter where you’re staying, rising with the sun on at least one morning is a wonderful way to begin the day.  Maybe it’s just us, but we think sunrise at Walt Disney World is particularly beautiful…dare I say magical?  Talk a walk with a cup of coffee in the early morning light, listen to the sounds of the resort coming to life – amid the incredible tropical landscape, you can relax a bit as you look forward to the excitement of the day ahead.Firepit on the Animal Kingdom Lodge's savannah overlook

Check out Animal Kingdom Lodge.  If there’s a resort at Walt Disney World I would give up park time for, it’s AKL.  Everything about this place is unique and interesting!  From the soaring, expanse of the Jambo House to the restaurants and lounges, this place is nothing if not exquisitely well-themed.Giraffe on the savanna at Animal Kingdom LodgeBest of all?  Watching animals on the savannah overlook off the back of the Jambo House.  We love it there!  We try to make a dinner reservation at one of the Lodge’s table service restaurants on a day we’ll be at Animal Kingdom (park).  It’s a quick bus ride from park to lodge and a perfect way to keep the day’s theme going in a much more relaxing atmosphere.Ostrich on the savannah at Animal Kingdom Lodge Exterior Rooftops / Animal Kingdom Lodge

These are just a few – my personal favorites – of the many places you can find some outside-the-parks places to take a stroll and soak up not just the Disney magic, but quiet moments that remind you…vacation is supposed to be relaxing!

Where are your favorite places to ramble and meander at Walt Disney World?