United States History at Walt Disney World

Today I’m excited to welcome guest writer, Andrew Carrieri!  Andrew can be found as a regular blog contributor at The Mouse for Less 

“I’m a huge fan of the various Disney theme parks and movies. I’ve made several trips to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland with my family. Additionally, I’m interested in sports and American history.” – Andrew Carrieri

“United States History at Walt Disney World”
Andrew Carrieri

The American Adventure / Epcot / Walt Disney WorldWalt Disney World is one of America’s greatest playgrounds, a place where people can go to escape their troubles and have fun. Still, there is a serious side to the destination; numerous aspects of United States history are represented there. I will discuss 10 examples of such representations in this post.

1) Tom Sawyer Island: Located in the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland and only accessible via raft, this oversized playground is based on one of the great works of American literature: Mark Twain’s 1884 novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

2) The American Adventure: The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot houses an impressive 30-minute audio-animatronic show that highlights great moments in United States history from founding to the present. Featured individuals include suffragist Susan B. Anthony, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The show is hosted by Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin.

it's a small world / Magic Kingdom / Walt Disney World
3) It’s a Small World: Walt Disney originally created this alternately heartwarming and infuriating attraction—ahh, get that song out of my head!—for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. The boat ride, located in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, uses themed sets and singing animatronics to promote “peace through understanding,” which was the theme of the 1964 World’s Fair.

4) Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress: Another animatronic attraction created by Disney for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the Carousel of Progress, located in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, shows guests how technological advances altered American family life through the course of the 20th century. The gas lamp, the radio, the automatic dishwasher, and the high-definition television are among the highlighted technologies.

5) Wilderness Lodge: This deluxe resort, situated only a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom, pays homage to the culture and history of the American northwest. Contemporary Resort / Walt Disney WorldThe main building is based on Yellowstone Park’s Old Faithful Inn and features a breathtaking eight-story lobby. Dining options range from the upscale Artist Point to the raucous Whispering Canyon Café.

6) Contemporary Resort: Noted for its impressive main tower that allows the monorail to pass through it, the Contemporary Resort hosted one of the most infamous moments in American history. At the resort on November 17, 1973, President Richard Nixon gave his “I am not a crook” speech such as to deny involvement in the Watergate Scandal. The speech notwithstanding, Nixon eventually became the only president in United States history to resign from office after almost-certain impeachment loomed.Liberty Square / Magic Kingdom / Walt Disney World

7) Liberty Square: This Magic Kingdom land is placed between Frontierland and Fantasyland, and exudes a colonial vibe. A replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell is present as are numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants. The full-service Liberty Tree Tavern offers traditional American fare, such as pot roast and roast turkey at lunch, and a family-style meal of turkey, pork loin, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and macaroni and cheese at dinner. Meanwhile, at the counter-service Sleepy Hollow restaurant, guests can enjoy funnel cakes and waffle sandwiches. Attractions include the heralded Haunted Mansion, the Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Hall of Presidents, which I will describe in more detail below.

Hall of Presidents Exterior / Magic Kingdom8) Hall of Presidents: A must-see for history buffs, the Hall of Presidents combines audio animatronics and film to survey United States history from the Revolutionary War to the present. The lives and presidencies of George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy are especially highlighted, but a comprehensive roll call is given to include all of the leaders. This 23-minute show is updated whenever a new president takes office.

9) Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: Featuring the three animated protagonists, Panchito Pistoles, Jose Carioca, and Donald Duck, from the 1944 film Gran Fiesta Tour / Mexico Pavilion / Epcot's World ShowcaseThe Three Caballeros, this boat ride through Epcot’s indoor Mexico Pavilion may not seem overly serious on the surface, but the reason for creating the film was serious. The Three Caballeros emerged from Disney’s previous animated feature, Saludos Amigos (1942), which came about after President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Disney to tour Latin America and create a related film that would positively depict the region. The purpose of his “Good Neighbor Policy,” Roosevelt wanted to garner support for the United States in Latin America at the expense of Germany during World War II.

10) Great Movie Ride: This attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios transports guests through scenes from some of the greatest films in American history, including Singin’ in the Rain (1952), Mary Poppins (1964), and Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981).

What other aspects of United States history are featured at Walt Disney World? Let me know your thoughts in a comment!

Epcot’s Test Track for the Technologically Impaired

Epcot's Test TrackI drive a Toyota Prius and her odometer just rolled over 200,000 miles.  My car is 8 years old, has a few dings and scratches and still gets me from points A to B very well – I like it because its a pretty Disney-looking red and allows me to display my considerable number of Disney antenna toppers.  I’m not a car buff and I care not at all about the automotive technology involved in HOW I’m getting well over 40 miles to the gallon on every tank of gas.  I know to get the oil changed at regular intervals.  I could maybe change a flat if there were an extreme emergency, but I live in the South where a woman with a flat tire somehow magically sends out a “damsel in distress” beacon and the tire immediately gets changed by a stranger who calls you “Sweetheart”.  But ratherChevrolet Design Studios at Epcot than making you feel the pitiful, frail and helpless female, you somehow end up feeling like a cherished family member and wind up with a new friend – who you will very likely see again at the grocery store, ballpark, or local 5k race.

So…Epcot’s Test Track doesn’t seem much like something I’d like, does it?  Once again, I have to hand it to those Disney Imagineering geniuses – it’s actually fun!  Guests get the opportunity to design a virtual vehicle – based on a number of options like efficiency, power, aInside Epcot's Test Track Buildingppearance, and so on.  Then the designs are put through a series of tests as you ride along on the Test Track – which involves both indoor and outdoor simulated test situations.

On our last visit, Megan and I teamed up to design a car while Raymond and Joseph worked together on their own.  Megan and I were primarily concerned with our car’s appearance while our family’s other team was concerned strictly with their vehicle’s power.  Sure, their virtual ride outperformed ours in the tests, but we couldn’t have cared less – our car was adorable!Display Vehicle in Epcot's Test Track

And if, when I’m in Test Track and I see those shiny new display vehicles, I’m giving them mental make-overs involving Disney decals and antenna toppers, well…that’s just how I roll.

For a feel about what to expect on Test Track, watch my Test Track POV video on Living a Disney Life’s YouTube Channel.

What about YOU?  Do you like Test Track?  What makes it fun for you?

Walt Disney World – Hidden Pleasures

Treats-and-time-with-LindsayPlease welcome today’s guest, Curtis Stone!  Curt and his daughter, Lindsay, are the hosts of the Geekin’ on WDW Podcast (and website).

Walt Disney World’s Hidden Pleasures

There are some men in this world that think Disney World is not for them. They think there’s not a lot of things for them and it’s just for kids. As men, we typically hide our feelings and put on a tough act. Today, I’m going to expose myself.  Uh, wait, relax, let me rephrase that.  There are many attractions at Disney World that I would say are on my “Hidden Pleasures” list. These are the ones I would not admit I like in front of a bunch of macho men over at Gaston’s Tavern over a brew. But, today I’d like to reveal these beauties even if they are a bit testosterone weak. I don’t care if you make fun of me. I like’m, I’m over 50 years old, I’m a 6′ 2″ dude and comfortable in my masculinity.

Here’s my corny hidden pleasure list in no particular order:Goofy Thinking

1. Carousel of Progress – My wife loves this one and drags me in every year. It’s turned out to be one of my must do’s and I love it too. The tune grows on me. I love Walt Disney the man and this is one of his classics.

2. Small World – I don’t know who nailed all those little kids feet to the floor but they sure are cute and sing good. It’s the song that keeps on giving and giving and giving. I can’t get that tune out of my head for hours and I don’t care.  We never miss it and I enjoy it.

3. Art of Animation – I waited in a long line for this on my last 2 trips. I really enjoy drawing the Disney character and showing off my artistic ability. Strike that. I like pretending I have artistic ability. Co-workers can’t believe I drew the Goofy that hangs in my office at work. I hope we draw a different character this year.

4Gaston 2. Pictures with characters – I won’t wait in a long line for Duffy but I do like to ham it up and get a few pictures with characters. When I leave work on the Friday before vacation, all seriousness of the world is turned off and I’m getting as Goofy as possible.

5. Figment – Imagination! Imagination! Come on, Sing it with me !!! You know the words. I’m a big Monty Python fan and of Eric Idle. This ride is pure fun.

6. Muppets – Remember the first time you saw Muppets in Muppet Vision. Very cool, right? I know these are characters for kids. They were a big part of my childhood with Sesame Street.

7. Peter Pan – My kids recently told my wife that they thought the Peter Pan ride was awesomechef mickey when they were little. We still enjoy the Fantasyland rides. As long as we get there early and the lines are short.

8. Electric Water Pageant – This by far the corniest of attractions at Disney World. If you stay at a Resort Loop Resort, you have to check this out. It’s a series of boats that have neon lighted characters that run around Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon and blast music. If you hit the hay early from a long day in the parks, this attraction will wake you up around 10pm as it goes by our Bay Lake Tower room.  We go out on our balcony and enjoy it.  It’s hilarious.

9. Old time singers/dancers – I love the ol’ time flavor of MK. This takes me back to a simpler time. I enjoy the old time music, costumes and fun.

10 – Googleman’s, Ziti Sisters and World Showcase Players – I always look forward to see a lot of these acts and even play a role. Slapstick and the cornier the better. Hey, my favorite comedy movie is “Dumb and Dumber” and I’m a huge fan of the Three Stooges. What do you expect?

Laugh at me if you want. I don’t care. You can even post YouTube video’s of me doing the Hoochie Coochie with the World Showcase Players. I hope I’m chosen as “That Guy” at Monster, Inc.’s Laugh Floor. At least I won’t have a sour puss like most of the guys I saw last year.   Just go with it, lose yourself and you’ll have more fun too!

For more Disney favorites, memories, reviews, tips, and Walt Disney World travel stories, visit Curtis at Geekin’ on WDW.com , on Facebook and on Twitter.  Be sure to download the podcast and give it a listen (I recommend Episode #5!).