Category Archives: Walt Disney World

Disney’s Epcot – The Norway Pavilion

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IMG_2862Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

Situated between Mexico and China and designed to look like a Norwegian village, this little corner of Epcot’s World Showcase is an absolute gem.  If you happened to read my post about a certain hat from the Norway pavilion, then you know how near and dear we hold this particular area of Epcot.  What is it about the Norway pavilion?  I’ll tell you…

Five Great Things about the Norway Pavilion in Epcot:

1.  The Norwegian Cast Members – As far as we can tell, Norway’s citizens are among the kindest, most attractive people on Earth.  Every Cast Member in Norway is easy on the eyes and very engaging.  We’ve IMG_2876been charmed by their ready smiles and willingness to answer all our questions about their homeland.  I don’t know about you, but pretty much everything I know about Norway I learned in Epcot.  I adore their costumes especially.  They’re a representation of traditional Norway folk costumes called bunad.

2.  Maelstrom – As far as World Showcase attractions go, this one’s a winner.  Board a Viking ship and learn all about Norwegian folklore as you sail the Scandinavian seas.  This log-flume dark ride holds more than a couple of surprises for guests of all heights and ages!

IMG_07463.  The Giant Troll – Located in The Puffin’s Roost gift shop, this gigantic troll has become a “must see” at Epcot.  What’s not to love?  The troll is always smiling for pictures.  A bonus is the store’s merchandise – a wide assortment of clothing, toys, fragrances, and accessories – not to mention Viking helmets!

4. Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe – Home of the beloved, the famous, the much discussed School Bread.  Go on and give it a try.  Even if you are not a fan of some of the ingredients, you will find when they’re combined in this particular way, they are magically transformed into a delectable treat.  Don’t let the fact that it’s a coconut covered, cream-filled cardamom bun put you off.  Fans are legion.

5. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – Need a princess dining experience and want to enjoy wine with that dinner?  Can’t get an ADR for Cinderella’s Royal Table?  Then Akershus is the place for IMG_0737you.  Designed to replicate an actual medieval castle near Oslo, Akershus contains all the right elements to make it suitably royal.  Exposed dark wood beams, huge chandeliers and hanging banners adorn the ceiling.  White washed walls, arched doorways, and heavy furniture all combine to make you feel just like you’re dining in the real castle.  Then brace yourself for a princess palooza!  Belle, Aurora, Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White, and even Mary Poppins (oddly enough) may all be on hand for the feast (some or all may appear, princesses may be subject to change without notice).  Dressed in their regal finery, the princesses mingle with diners and offer excellent photo ops for adoring commoners.

Are you a fan of Epcot’s Norway?  What’s your favorite reason to visit?

What Makes Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad So Great?

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IMG_1263“Howdy, folks! Please keep your hands, arms, and legs inside the train, and
remain seated at all times. (Laugh) Now then, hang onto them hats and glasses,
’cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!” – Big Thunder Mountain’s Prospector

Frontierland in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is chock full of action-packed, fun-filled excitement.  So much to see and do packed into one place – Tom Sawyer Island, Country Bear Jamboree, Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade, Splash Mountain – and the attraction I want to talk about today….Big Thunder Mountain Railroad,  There is SO much to love about this ride – it’s an absolute “must do” for every Disney World visit.

Since September of 1980, Frontierland guests at Magic Kingdom have been hopping aboardIMG_1206_4 this runaway mine train in the Wild Western landscape (based on Monument Valley in Arizona) for a super-fun, thrill-filled ride.

What’s so great?  That’s easy:

The music!  The setting is the gold rush era of the late 1800’s and the music fits the times.  Personally, I love the song “Big Rock Candy Mountain”.  Listen carefully and you’ll also hear “Buffalo Gals”, “Pecos Bill” and more!

The Prospector!  Isn’t it always the little details that make Disney attractions so fantastic?  The announcer on this ride is every bit as loveable as Haunted Mansion’s “Ghost Host” or Dame Judy Dench in Spaceship Earth (Epcot).  Voiced by the late Dallas McKennon, the prospector (and his safety warning) is an essential part of the experience we’ve grown to love at Big Thunder Mountain.

IMG_0803The dips and curves, the drops and tunnels!  It’s not just any old mine, but a haunted one in the American Southwest.  This ride’s got a lot of thrills, but in a middle-of-the-road way.  Not as tame as Barnstormer (Magic Kingdom, Storybrook Circus) nor as extreme as Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom, Asia) – Big Thunder’s perfect (and not too jerky) for most thrill ride fans.  Yes, that’s my opinion – your actual experience may differ.

The length of the ride!  For riders (over 40″ tall) there’s a LOT to enjoy during the very impressive nearly-4-minutes it takes to ride this attraction.  That’s a long time!  Even then, it’ll leave you wanting more because…

There’s so much to see!  The scenes, the scenery, the characters – all so cleverly crafted!  RideIMG_1207_4 again and again – you’ll have a hard time taking it all in during just one or two times around.  Personally, I love the mountain goat, the dinosaur bones, the guy in the bathtub, and the mule!

The Fam and I have not ridden BTMRR since before it’s 2012 rehab and are rarin’ to go on our next visit to the World later this spring.

When’s the last time you rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad?  Is it one of your “must-do’s”?

What if Wednesday – What New Disney Show or Parade Would You Add?

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What if WednesdayLadies and Gentlemen!  It’s time once again for What-If Wednesday!  The game show where we use our imagination to bring about Disney change.  Contestants from Twitter and Facebook go head to head and compete to invent the most popular (pretend) changes.  Get ready to let your imagination run wild!  And as Drew Carey would say, this is ”the show where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.”  Let’s play!

This week’s episode – Bringing a New Parade or Show to Walt Disney World!

1 Min Disney Dream (@1MinDisneyDream) suggested this: “New nighttime parade at MK incorporating both Spectro (SpectroMagic Parade) and MSEP (Main Street Electric Parade) music and new floats including some more villains” My two cents:  This is a great idea!  As long as the villains replaced those creepy Spectro dolls – those things completely freaked me out.  I know it was a combination of their facial expression and how they moved.  Usually, I don’t have a fear of clowns or dolls, bot those Spectro Magic characters were just spooky!  I’d take villains over them any day  For that one reason only, the Main Street Electric Parade has always been my favorite.  If you have no idea what I’m talking about watch this YouTube video from Orlando Attractions Magazine:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv2IlwcMXaM

IMG_5212Disney20Somethings (@DisneyTwenties) was also thinking about villains and would like to see a  “villains parade at DHS in old style villain modified cars” was their idea and WOW!  Think about that!  How much fun would it be to see all our favorite villains and instead of parade floats, they were riding in their own bad-guy-mobiles!  Cruella’s roadster is an obvious choice, but what kind of cool car would Hades drive?  What about Captain Hook?  A ship-like ride?  I can just picture Professor Ratigan in a steam-punk ride!  Jafar in a snake-y ride or maybe a genie-lamp-shaped one?  Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog – I picture a low riding, stretched out magical purple and black car with flames!  Think about Yzma and a funky art-deco-looking flintstone-ish vehicle – driven and powered by Kronk!  Oh, the possibilities.

Michele T Williams (@MSimbaspride) – Michele wants her new parade to be at the Studios and she said, “I would bring out the Star Wars characters at DHS all year round for a parade once or twice daily. May the force be with you”  Michele, being a huge Star Wars fan, clearly doesn’t think Star Wars Weekends are enough – and I’m inclined to agree.  If a Star IMG_4880Wars Land ever became a reality, a parade that included Jedi Mickey, Yoda, R2-D2, C-3PO, Wookies, Ewoks, Storm Troupers, Jabba the Hutt, and (duhn-duhn-duhn, dun-da-dun-dun) – Darth Vader!!!  Yes!

“Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is.” – Yoda, Attack of the Clones

A couple of members of The Fam wanted in on this What-if Wednesday…

Megan had ideas for several parks and agrees with Michele from Twitter that Star Wars needs a year-round representation and also voted for “a Star Wars parade at the Studios”.  Megan would also like to see “a parade of Disney throughout time at Magic Kingdom. The parade starts with floats and characters from Disney’s early works and ends with today’s stuff like Frozen. A parade at animal kingdom that incorporates live animals, maybe.”  My favorite of these is the Disney Through Time idea – the floats and characters could even start out in black and white (Steamboat Willie)!  The musical styles would change as time goes by as would all the costumes and characters – yes, that would be a bunch of fun to see.

Raymond, who has a lot of faith in Disney Imagineers, suggested a “Parade around the lagoon at Epcot. When the parade gets to a country everything changes to match that country. Costumes and all. If there are characters from Disney movies, they suddenly appear.”  Now, THIS idea would really be amazing!  How cool would it be to see the parade move along, morphing as it goes – flags, clothing, characters, music – all changing through Disney magic to match each of the World Showcase countries.  Oh, I give this one a big round of applause!

So, what about you?  What new parade or show would you add to Walt Disney World?

Thanks for playing, everyone!

Five Great Things about Disney’s Contemporary Resort

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CR InstagramDisney’s Contemporary Resort!  A Magic Kingdom resort on the monorail loop – fans are true blue, loyal to the soul – and The Fam and I are certainly among the Contemporary’s most adoring fans.  Some folks, though, have a difficult time understanding its charm – it is a strange-looking building, with very little theming (relatively speaking) and a pretty steep price tag – so what’s so great about it?  Well, I’m glad you asked!

Five Great Things about Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

1.  It’s Classic and Original – Yes, indeed.  For kickin’ it old school, nothing beats the Contemporary.  This hotel originally opened with Walt Disney World in 1971 and remains an iconic part of the landscape.  From its A-frame-shaped Tower to the Mary Blair mural in the lobby – everything about the Contemporary is unique.  Rooms are available in the main building (tower) or in the one remaining garden wing (the other wing was razed to make room for Bay Lake Tower).  Standard rooms are among the largest on property at 422 square feet (accommodate up to five people) and are decorated in a tasteful, modern style.

2.  Location, Location, Location – You cannot beat the Contemporary for making you feel like IMG_2676you’re right in the middle of all the Disney action.  From the Contemporary you can walk to the Magic Kingdom.  Yes – walk.  In the time it takes to wait for a bus, you can be at Magic Kingdom’s entrance (about 10 minutes).  You can’t do this from any other resort hotel at Disney World.  Located between Bay Lake and The Seven Seas Lagoon – the Contemporary is perfectly situated for enjoying all Walt Disney World has to offer.  Busses leave regularly for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.  Shoot – you can even catch a boat and visit either the Wilderness Lodge ( for some great dining there!) or Fort Wilderness (to catch the Hoop Dee Doo Review!)

IMG_26683.  Character Dining – There are many delicious restaurant choices at the Contemporary.  You can enjoy sushi and innovative entrees (currently featuring delicious items like Oak Fired Filet of Beef, Atlantic Swordfish, and Pork Two Ways) in the newly renovated California Grille at the top of the tower.  Down in the lobby, grab a darned tasty burger at The Wave.  There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Contemporary’s table and counter service restaurants, buffets, coffee shops and lounges.  By far, though, character dining at Chef Mickey’s is hard to beat for families (breakfast and dinner).  As I mentioned in great detail here, you can meet the Fab Five and enjoy a decent buffet with choice enough to please even the pickiest eaters.  AND – if you need more restaurant variety, many other fantastic dining choices can be found at both the Polynesian or the Grand Floridian – each just a short monorail ride away.

4.  The Views –  If you pay to stay in the tower, you’re going to love the view.  Rooms overlook either Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon (and the Magic Kingdom!).  We’ve been lucky enough to enjoy both of the tower’s views – the misty morning view of Bay Lake was peaceful and amazing.  Views from the Seven Seas Lagoon side are unbelievable (and the most expensive).  One of the most charming aspects of staying anywhere in the Contemporary’s tower is the Electrical Water Pageant – a really adorable nighttime show on the water (circles Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon) which makes a perfect ending to a day at Disney World – like a bedtime story!

IMG_10085.  The Monorail – Right in the very center of the Contemporary’s tower is a monorail stop.  To me, that is the most unbelievably cool feature of this resort!  Imagine – get up in the morning, have breakfast with Mickey and the gang, then head for the monorail to whisk you off to the Magic Kingdom or the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center) where a quick monorail change will get you to Epcot!  The monorail is so DISNEY!  It’s such a fun and special way to get around, even if you aren’t staying at a monorail resort, you can take it for a ride around – to explore or experience one of the great restaurants along the way.

What’s your favorite Disney World resort hotel?