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.

Your turn – when’s the last time YOU took a trip on the Liberty Belle?

My Recent Visit to the Country Bear Jamboree

Posted on November 5, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

The jokes are lame, the songs are cheesy and I love every single moment of the Country Bear Jamboree! From the waiting area in the lobby to the ornate theater to the talking huntin’ trophies, this attraction’s a riot! Even if you’re not a huge fan of the Jamboree’s style, you have to admit its a pretty clever show, especially considering how long the gang’s been around. If you’re looking for one of the Disney-est Disney World attractions you can find, you can’t beat the Bears. It does happen to be one of the last attractions Walt Disney himself helped develop.

On one recent picture-perfect October day in the Magic Kingdom, I announced to Raymond in my most cheerful voice, “I really want to see the Country Bears!” What I got in return was a look. This look spoke volumes. Raymond’s a man of few words to begin with and after 25 years of marriage he communicates with me silently much of the time. At that particular moment Raymond’s look said, “I’d rather not, but if you’re that excited about it, we can go…but only because you’re so cute and lovable.” And just like that, off we went to Frontierland’s Grizzly Hall.

In my mind I think of the Country Bears as old (the show premiered on October 1, 1971) so while I was waiting to enter the theater, I was picturing worn, mangy-looking fur coats and rusty, out of date animatronics. Boy, was I surprised! Those critters are in excellent shape and their movements are fluid and, well, I’d say “realistic” except they’re bears playing musical instruments and singing songs. I wouldn’t change a single thing about the entire experience.

From my most favorite bears, like Baby Oscar and Henry, the Master of Ceremonies, to the fancy hat-bearing Sun Bonnet Trio (sorry, can’t help myself), I thought the show was grand. If Animal Planet and Hee Haw got married and had a baby, it would be the Country Bear Jamboree. What a show! I completely agree that a hoedown might not be an enjoyable hootenanny for everyone, but the charm of the Country Bear Jamboree lies in its perfect theming for Frontierland, its quaint and sometimes irreverent dancehall humor, and the well-paced and surprising variety of acts. How can anyone not find Liver Lips McGrowl at least a little bit interesting?

I adored every hair on the Country Bears’….well, everything, I suppose. I know there are a lot of haters, but honestly, the Country Bear Jamboree is so iconic, so classically Disney, I hope they’ll be around for many, many years to come.

It’s your turn – Love ’em? Hate ’em? Tell me what it is about the Country Bear Jamboree that makes you feel the way you do about it.

Walt Disney World’s Frontierland

Posted on September 8, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

Every land in the Magic Kingdom has its own charm and magic, but Frontierland holds a special place in my heart. I’m not sure I can explain why I love this particular section of the park more than the others, but it’s true nonetheless. It’s not the Churro Cart or the Turkey Legs, it’s not the Country Bears or the Shootin’ Arcade – it’s the combination of the parts, the blending of the sights, sounds, and smells that make up Frontierland; it’s that mixture – the sum of the parts that makes Frontierland the place I love the most.

Stand on the walkway (no, not right in the middle blocking traffic, pick a place out of the way) between the Shootin’ Arcade and the Country Bear Jamboree. Turn slowly in a circle – see the weathered buildings? Look across the water at Tom Sawyer Island, check out the red rock of Big Thunder Mountain, scan the briar patch and watch for a giant burst of water from Splash Mountain’s water cannons. Nowhere else, to me, demonstrates the perfection of Magic Kingdom than this one place.

Where else can I hear Dallas McKennon say, “Now then, hang onto them hats and glasses, ’cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!” before climbing aboard Big Thunder Mountain’s train for four minutes of unsurpassed scenic excitement? Then visit Splash Mountain and hear, “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, Zip-a-dee-ay! My oh my, what a wonderful day! Welcoming back Br’er Rabbit today. We always knew that he’d get away.” while floating along, soaking up some of the very best characters and music Disney Imagineering has ever designed. And if that’s not enough, I can listen to Henry, Wendell, Liver Lips and the gang croon their bear-y special brand of country music in Grizzly Hall. Who wouldn’t be charmed by “Momma Don’t Whip Little Buford”? The Frontierland entertainment options are amazing!

If I’m hungry in Frontierland, I can stop at the very popular Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café for a quick bite of basic fare (burgers, salad, wraps, and famous fixin’s bar). If I want a snack, there’s always the churro cart and the Golden Oak Outpost – which has recently introduced some very delicious-sounding waffle fries…the Barbeque Pork and the BLT fries both sound great to me!

Frontierland is wonderful – the atmosphere, the details, the attractions, the excitement and even the corny, cheesy Country Bears! It all works together to make magical, memorable vacation happiness!

What do YOU love most about Frontierland?

WDW Magic Kingdom’s Main Street U.S.A.

Posted on September 1, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

Is there a better feeling in the World than stepping through the entrance to the Magic Kingdom and finding yourself on Main Street U.S.A? That first moment when you pause to take it all in – The gorgeous colors – on the buildings, in store windows, floating in the hands of balloon vendors. The sounds – guests laughing, a piano playing, people singing, an old fashioned car horn. The smell! Delicious. The view – Cinderella Castle’s majestic splendor in the distance – hands down, this moment is my favorite of every Walt Disney World vacation and never fails to make me a little misty. While we’re thinking about this, let’s look at a few of my favorite things on Main Street U.S.A….

The buildings whisk you away to a perfect American small town, back in a simpler time – before our lives were filled with complex technological distractions. Every detail of each storefront and window, each railing and shingle are perfect and, if you’re paying close attention, hold very important discoveries for guests to find.

The Main Street Vehicles are a wonderful treat – allowing children of all ages to experience early 20th Century transportation. Catch a ride on a fire engine, a jitney, a horse-drawn car, or an omnibus and take a one-way ride to Cinderella Castle.

The entertainment along Main Street U.S.A. provides the perfect accompaniment for a stroll back in time. The Dapper Dans croon their old-timey barbershop quartet favorites – and often delight onlookers by serenading guests celebrating a special occasion. The Casey’s Corner Pianist (tucked around the corner at the Castle-end of Main Street on the left) amazes visitors with a huge repertoire of happy tunes!

There are plenty of excellent souvenir shops! The Emporium on Main Street U.S.A.’s left side stretches nearly the entire length of the street – pins, shirts, snacks, batteries, toys – the Emporium’s a gigantic general store – Disney-style! If you’re looking for a customized Earhat, there’s no better place to shop than The Chapeau – a Main Street classic!

Main Street U.S.A. is a great place to visit when you’re hungry – any time of the day! Catch some breakfast at the Main Street Bakery, lunch at the Crystal Palace with all your favorite friends from the Hundred Acre Wood (Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet usually), and dinner at Casey’s Corner for some super fancy hot dogs. Need a sweet treat? The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is a delicious way to beat the Florida heat any time of the day!

Let’s not forget the parades! Main Street’s a great place to secure a spot for the Festival of Fantasy Parade in the afternoon and the Main Street Electrical Parade at night. Stand on Main Street for Wishes – oooh and ahhhhh with the people around you during the fireworks.

As the place where every visitor begins and ends each visit to the Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A. couldn’t be more perfect.

What’s your favorite part of Main Street?

Living a Disney Life

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Category Archives: Magic Kingdom

Disney World – Cruisin’ on the Liberty Belle

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My Recent Visit to the Country Bear Jamboree

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Walt Disney World’s Frontierland

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WDW Magic Kingdom’s Main Street U.S.A.

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