Ode to Disney World’s Carousel of Progress

Posted on March 20, 2015 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

As we know, a lot of great things (and people!) came out of 1964. Walt Disney’s imaginative and innovative contributions to the World’s Fair in New York that year were not just the technological beginnings for many of the modern rides and attractions we enjoy today, but also the debut of a few of the most beloved and enduring attractions that remain near and dear to our hearts. One of those is Walt Disney World’s Carousel of Progress.

After the World’s Fair, the Carousel, originally named Progressland and sponsored by General Electric, moved to Disneyland and was renamed Carousel of Progress. Guests (up to 3600 per hour) at Disneyland enjoyed the attraction until 1975 when it moved to Disney World and opened with a new song, “The Best Time of Your Life“. GE’s corporate sponsorship officially ended in 1985. A 1994 refurb returned the attraction’s original music, the song we all know and love, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow“.

The Carousel of Progress gets a bad rap. Kids think it’s boring, thrill seekers think it’s simply a cool spot for a nap. I’ve heard “boring”, “old-fashioned”, “antique” (that one really hit a nerve!) and “never seen it” when I asked some folks about one of my favorite Tomorrowland attractions. A few of you, though, are firmly in my camp – we, the lovers of Dad, voiced by Jean Shepherd of “A Christmas Story” fame, Mom, Son and Daughter, Grandmother, Grandfather, Rover, and Cousin Orville, think Carousel of Progress is wonderful. How can you not adore the dialog and carefully crafted scenes that illustrate how inventions over the past century changed the daily lives of a single family?

I asked and you were more than up to the task! A call across social media for haikus paying tribute to the Carousel of Progress was answered with enthusiasm! While not every entry was necessarily from a Carousel fan, all the poems were heartfelt and creative! Way to go, Disney friends!!! Prepare to be amazed…

Ode to Disney World’s Carousel of Progress

Rotate through the years
Uncle orville in the tub
Feel Walt’s touch throughout. – Dean (@CT_Mickey_Man) of the WDWNE Podcast

Nineteen Sixty Four
An innovative display
In New York City – Andrew Carrieri (@AndrewCfran) of The Mouse for Less blog

“Walt Disney presents”…
Those words mean so much to me
This was Walt’s project

Quickly time passes
Everything getting better
Don’t burn the turkey.

Do people still ride
The carousel of Progress?
I wish they all would – TRIPLE entry by poetic genius Wesley Snyder (@365DaysOfDisney)

Dad is in a chair
He celebrates holidays
Grandma Shoots Spaceships – M. Parrish (@Schmadvertising)

So the seats rotate.
It’s the Christmas Story guy!
I am so sleepy. – Chad Reno (@Chad_Reno13)

Electric servants
Improving family life
Progress with each turn – HowBowers/LiquidLuau (@GoawayGreen)

Now is the best time
So the new old song proclaimed
Shining at the end – Paulie (@YoPaulieNJ) of the WDWNE Podcast

On this New Years Eve
Virtual Reality
Is still The Future – Trish (@Babbletrish)

So what, the stage turns.
Wait, the theater can turn?
My mind has been blown – March Dizwireness (@Dizwire)

“Are you awake, dear?”
“Give ‘im a left, ya big lug!”
Grandma is on fleek – The Redhead (@TheWickedWench)

Lonely in the back
Tommorowland’s old relic
Smells like a barnyard – Jerusha (@OrangeBirdSwirl)

Beautiful refrain,
running endless through my brain,
just a dream away…. – Heather Brainerd via Facebook

O, moving circle!
Rest and breathe nostalgia.
Comfort me, again – Lyn Maszk via Facebook

Special shout-out to my buddy Sean (@1MinDisneyDream) from the Enchanted Tiki Talk Podcast who could not contain his enthusiasm for Carousel of Progress into a haiku and submitted this poem instead:

Carousel oh Carousel ur always progressing.
Let it be known ur lines are short but ur message is long and clear
it’s a great bit beautiful tomorrow.
The end.

Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun! Sing with me now….

“…Man has a dream and that’s the start
He follows his dream with mind and heart
And when it becomes a reality
It’s a dream come true for you and me

So there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow
Shining at the end of every day
There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow
Just a dream away…”

Watch for more opportunities to join the fun on Facebook and Twitter.

Which attraction do you think needs to be featured on our next “Ode to” article?

Best Ride Vehicles at Walt Disney World

Posted on February 12, 2015 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

Let’s talk about ride vehicles! There are so many different kinds of rides and vehicle types at Walt Disney World, there’s something for everyone! Imagine for a minute you’re on your most favorite ride! Now answer this: Does your favorite ride also contain your favorite ride vehicle?

I’ve been spending a lot of time running lately in preparation for the Glass Slipper Challenge – which means I’ve had a lot of time to daydream about Walt Disney World. I started thinking about which rides and attractions I like the most and then I was thinking more specifically about each ride’s vehicle and realized that some rides I love, actually have vehicles I…hmmmm….let’s say “dislike”.

It’s true! For example – I love Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but find getting in and out of the limo very awkward and the harness very restrictive – I know it has to be secure for safety reasons, but that restraint makes me very glad I’m not claustrophobic like my friend Heather! Space Mountain is so near and dear to my heart, but those rockets are ridiculously uncomfortable. I guess what I’m getting at here is that I’m about to name my most favorite ride vehicles which, in some cases, have nothing to do with my overall feelings about the ride in which they reside.

Best Ride Vehicles at Walt Disney World:

DoomBuggy – This timeless classic is the Model T of the ride vehicle world. Basic black, smooth and rounded, they glide gently along, keeping you safe from the ghosts and ghouls of the Haunted Mansion. Turned backwards, they easy you comfortable downward through the cool and eerie darkness. This mode of attraction transportation is about as perfect as can be!

PeopleMover – These beauties represent omnimover awesomeness. Maybe I love the fact that their blue upholstery matches my eyes. Maybe it’s how you can sit facing forward or backward. Maybe it’s the cars’ boxy shape. Whatever the reason, the humble PeopleMover vehicles rank high on my list of favorites.

Jungle Cruise Boats – Happy little sailing vessels with snappy names and shady awnings. What else needs to be said? Plenty of room for everyone – party on the rivers of the world!

Toy Story Midway Mania Cars – Have I mentioned lately that Rex is my TSMWM spirit guide? Of all the vehicles in all of Disney World, this is the one I most want to take home! Think about it!!! Armed and dangerous on my morning commute – cut me off and bam! Dart to the tire. An armory of virtual missiles at my disposal. I’d add projectile goo – because when you are driving slow in the fast lane? You deserve goo to teach you a little bit of a lesson. Driving down the highway, wind in my hair, launching an array of items from my vehicle’s cannon….livin’ the dream, baby!

I really want to know! What is your favorite ride vehicle and why? Which one would you most love to take home?

Disney’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Again

Posted on December 31, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

About six months ago, I visited the Magic Kingdom’s newly expanded Fantasyland to ride the much touted and highly anticipated Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. During that first experience I was admittedly underwhelmed. I’m 100% certain is was due all the build up and hoopla leading up (for a couple of years) to the ride’s opening and the subsequent realization that it is, in spite of all that hype, still a kiddie coaster.

I like to believe I’m a fair person and am pretty self-aware. I knew I’d had my expectations too high for those poor Dwarfs and their train – the ride is literally two minutes long. How much pizazz was I expecting in 120 seconds? I rode it once and, boom! just like that, it was over. I had to give the attraction a second chance. A do-over. A mulligan, if you will. The second time, I’d know the ride’s length and what to expect so I could pay much closer attention to each and every detail.

While first impressions may make or break a relationship – not so with Disney attractions, I’m happy to report! Attitude adjustment and FastPass+ firmly in hand, we made our way into the Seven Dwarf’s queue – it was a hot day and a couple of Cast Members were handing out cups of ice water to guests as they entered the attraction (nice touch!). Remembering the somewhat tricky lap bar (be careful not to pull it down too far – it’s easy to do because it “glides” into place and stays there). We climbed into our train car and waited for clearance to go.

On the first ride, I was disappointed by how “firm” the cars were. Rather than freely swinging from side to side as I’d expected, they felt stiff and barely moved. By the second try, I noticed right away there was a lot more movement adding just the right amount of extra action to what is an amazingly smooth and quiet ride.

When the train slowed down to enter the mine, I was ready! I took in many more of the details the second time around. This part of the ride is just fantastic! The change from outdoor coaster, riding through the trees and hills, to a slow trip past the Dwarfs as they work is what makes this attraction so unique. If you’ve not ridden this coaster before, be sure to pay close attention to this part!

I still didn’t get a good look into the Dwarf’s cottage at the end of the ride, but did notice a few more details that I’d missed before. I guess I’ll just have to ride it again next time I visit the Magic Kingdom. Since we’d purchased Memory Maker, we got the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train video as a souvenir and it’s very adorable.

Have you ridden Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? What did you think of it?

Disney World – Cruisin’ on the Liberty Belle

Posted on November 26, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

You can see her and hear her and, let’s be completely honest, avoid her for the undeniable yawn potential, but the Liberty Belle is an iconic and important part of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Let’s give her a little love today, hmm?

As you walk between Liberty Square and Frontierland, the gorgeous and majestic Liberty Belle paddle-wheeler calmly glides through the Rivers of America. I think she gets too little attention – she’s not nearly as fun as the Haunted Mansion nor is she as thrilling as Big Thunder Mountain – for sure she doesn’t offer the big drops or adorable singing characters like Splash Mountain. So what’s the draw? What does the Liberty Belle have to offer? A wonderful glimpse into the past! A completely different view of the Magic Kingdom and some of our most favorite attractions! Need a different perspective on what’s magical about the Magic Kingdom? Hop aboard and set sail on an incredible adventure.

I know what you’re thinking and it’s true – If you rode around Tom Sawyer Island on any of the Liberty Belle’s predecessors, you’ll remember a few things that were a bit more exciting in the past, but there are still some pretty awesome sights to see! We rode the Liberty Belle recently on a hot and sunny October afternoon – I will freely admit that I was roasting on deck in the sun and, oh, I could say something like “glistening” or “glowing” in that Florida heat, but truth is, I was sweating like a pig. I stayed glued to the railing all the same. Why? The sights, I tell you, there are cool things to see!!! Step onto the boat and get upstairs pronto. Have your camera ready!

Once the Liberty Belle pulls away from the dock, passengers are treated to a leisurely cruise along the Rivers of America. From the top deck, I had an excellent view of the Haunted Mansion. Then I was fascinated by an amazing view of Big Thunder Mountain – with Splash Mountain in the distance.

It was just after 3:00 pm and the Festival of Fantasy parade was beginning to snake its way through Frontierland – I could see some of the beautiful parade floats. I darted from one side of the boat to the other, to the back…uhm, stern, I mean, then to the bow and started the process all over again. Raymond, used to my adventure-taking style, found a place to relax and attempt to stay cool.

After we left Liberty Square and Frontierland behind, we entered a part of Magic Kingdom many people dismiss or ignore. Faux Fauna, Fort Langhorn, an early American settlement, a Native American village – complete with realistic animatronics, Wilson’s Cave Inn, and so much more!

Remember, if you last took a cruise aboard the Liberty Belle as a young ‘un, it’s time to give it another try! Keep your eyes peeled. There are plenty of surprises in store for your 17-minute adventure into America’s past.