Tag Archives: Disney World

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – So Long Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade

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Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade PuppetDisney’s Animal Kingdom – Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade

Twelve years is a pretty good run for a parade.  Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade, which debuted in 2001, took its last trip around Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 31st – and that made me a little sad.  I’m all for change and everything, but it’s still hard to see the parade that had become such a normal part of a day at Animal Kingdom go away – I’m sure for good.

Let’s take a minute to look at the current Walt Disney World Parade situation…Animal Kingdom Parade Character

Magic Kingdom’s Festival of Fantasy and Main Street Electrical Parades, along with some special occasion parades (and the Electrical Water Pageant) are the only ones left at Walt Disney World!  There used to be a daily parade in ALL FOUR PARKS!  Tapestry of Nations (became Tapestry of Dreams) ran at Epcot (1999 to 2003), Hollywood Studios had a daily parade almost continuously from 1991 to 2013, which changed themes many times over the years (Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun was the final one).  And now we’ve said farewell to the parade at Animal Kingdom.  Do people just not love parades anymore?  Is this the result of Disney cost-cutting?  Is a parade too old Minnie Mouse at Animal Kingdomfashioned?  Too much maintenance and dependence on good weather?  WHAT?

Back to Animal Kingdom and Mickey’s Jammin Jungle Parade…

Since we were at Walt Disney World during the last week of May – and since I most certainly do love parades (and always will), I felt I needed to watch Mickey’s Jammin Jungle at Animal Kingdom one last time and bid it a fond farewell.  Sources say the parade route is being negatively impacted by new construction for Avatar land.  Ever since the daily parade at the Studios ended in 2013, I’ve always felt Animal Kingdom’s parade would be next on the chopping block anyway.  I DO want Animal Kingdom to get more rides and attractions.  I am also thrilled beyond words about the Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade Birdprospect of getting to enjoy Animal Kingdom at night.  I’m still going to be sad about the parade.  But that’s okay – changes happen, sacrifices must be made, and, well, Disney is never more exciting than when there’s something new to see or do.

Weigh in – are you sad about the lack of a daily parade at every park or is it not important to you?

Donald in Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade

Disney’s Kali River Rapids – You’ll Get WET (or will you?)

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Disney's Animal Kingdom EntranceI’ve mentioned several times before, but it bears repeating – Disney’s Animal Kingdom is NOT a half-day park.  If you think so, you’re not giving Animal Kingdom the time and appreciation it deserves.  You make me mad, you half-day person.  You should go away from here now – we don’t see eye to eye, so kindly remove your eyes from this blog.  Of course, I mean that in the nicest way possible under the circumstances.

Still here?  Love Animal Kingdom as a FULL DAY experience?  Good!  Me too.  Let’s talk about Kali River Rapids, want to?  I like Kali River Rapids in general – well themed, great queue, fun ride (most of the time).  There’s a tiny detail that always gives me pause, though – you may ride it oneView of Kali River time and barely get a drop of water on you…but, ride it again and you may get completely soaked from head to toe!  It’s a risky proposition, that ride.  Lots of times I think I’ll ride it, then chicken out because of the uncertainty.  Still, on our last visit to Animal Kingdom, I was fully committed to riding everything except the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch – if I want to go there, Animal Kingdom becomes more than a full day park for me!

So, back to Kali…

Kali River RapidsI wanted to film our trip down the rapids with my new GoPro camera.  I like the experience of riding in the round raft and I like making friends (or at least trying to) with our fellow passengers.  I don’t like being soaked and especially don’t like wet shoes (which you are NOT allowed to remove for the ride, by the way).  So as we made our way through the ride’s queue (it has some of the best, most beautiful details in all of Animal Kingdom!) I dug our rain ponchos out of my backpack and handed them out all around.  As we approached the boarding platform, we all suited up, so to speak, and took our seats.

There’s a bar around the boat’s middle section you can put your feet on – don’t know if that Animal Kingdom's Kali River Rapidshelps keep them dry or not, but it makes me feel more prepared.  Since I was wearing my poncho over my backpack, I didn’t feel the need to store it in the bin provided in the middle of the boat, but the bin is there if you need it.  GoPro at the ready, we found ourselves in the boat with a couple of other families who were really friendly and nice and gave me permission to film them knowing I’d put the video on YouTube.  I made a joke as we left the dock – you can hear it on the video – I joked that we were the people who were going to stay dry since we were wearing ponchos while everyone else was going to get wet.

Kali River Rapids BoatIn the end, WE were the ones on the side of the boat that got completely drenched.  Thank goodness we were wearing ponchos and had the hoods up!  My shorts were somewhat wet – as was the front of my hair, but in no way was I as completely soaked to the skin as I would have been without proper protection.  SO glad we’d come prepared!  The best part was this frog that hitched a ride during the big splash and ended up jumping right on me which was really funny.

Have you ever ridden Kali River Rapids?  What did you think of the experience?  Which side of the boat were you on?

 

 

 

Disney Character Surprise

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Disney Character SurpriseOnce again, please welcome back guest poster Nick from Disney Musings!

Disney Character Surprise

In January of 2011, Barbie and I were with our friends Kandi and John at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We were just leaving the park for the afternoon, when Barbie asked a Cast Member to see her pins. Barbie spotted a Stitch pin and asked to trade. As the Cast Member was handing her the pin, she asked if she liked Stitch. Barbie said he was her favorite, to which the CM responded “Follow me.”

We all followed her to a little cul-de-sac by Guest Services, where she asked us to wait a moment. A couple of minutes later, Stitch peeked out from behind a corner! But the surprise didn’t end there. As Stitch walked out, he was followed by Donald Duck, then Daisy Duck, Piglet, and Minnie Mouse! We had our own private meet and greet! I wish we’d gotten the wonderful Cast Member’s name, as this was really a highlight of that trip.

For more great Disney stories, reviews, history and more, be sure to follow Nick and Disney Musings in all these places:

What IF – You Had Unlimited Funds on Your Next Disney Vacation

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What if WednesdayFellow Disney Fans!  It’s time once again for What-If Wednesday!  The game show where we use our imagination to answer Disney-specific “What-if” questions.  Contestants from Twitter and Facebook go head to head and
compete to invent the most popular answers.  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!

Do you know what I love about What-if Wednesdays?  The passion and creativity contestants bring to the table when coming up with answers.  This week, those two characteristics were especially evident in the responses I received to this question…

What if you had unlimited funds for your next Disney Vacation?  What would you FINALLY get to do?  What would change?

This week, Facebook readers by far had more to say than Twitter followers!  Answers fell CR Instagrammostly into three categories:  WHAT type of Disney vacation you’d take, WHERE you’d be staying and eating, and finally WHAT specific activities you’d enjoy.

Here’s what our Facebook participants had to say:

Our own Megan played along this week with:  “So. Many. Souvenirs. Hahaha.
Really tho I would like to see Cirque du Soleil again. Perhaps stay at the grand Floridian. A very epic spa day maybe!   Some shopping at Down Town Disney.”  – That’s my girl!  I’d want in on that spa day action.  Think about it – halfway through your stay, you book and entire day for a massage, facial, pedi – you’d be so rejuvenated and ready to get back out to those rides and attractions!

Niki said,  “This is a great question!!! I would definitely stay at the Beach Club…maybe Poly…I would spend the extra money on boat rental for fire works, maybe serious shopping at DTD and definitely purchase a come back trip!!!”  I’d never even thought about one of those fireworks cruises.  I LOVE this idea!  Here’s a link to Specialty Cruises at Walt Disney World (in case you want to know what Niki and I are so excited about!).

IMG_5111Randi would enjoy dining at “Victoria and Albert’s and stay at Contemporary.”  I like Randi’s way of thinking – stay at a Magic Kingdom resort on the monorail loop (and the Contemporary is GREAT!), eat at the best fine dining experience at Walt Disney World and then just hop back on the monorail to get back to your resort when dinner is over.  Winner, winner, chicken dinner! (or seafood, or veal, or lamb, or beef – no telling what those chefs at V&A’s will come up with!)

Jenni wins the prize for most substantial plan!  “I’d go to Anaheim, then Hawaii, then Tokyo, Beijing, Paris, Disney cruise, then WDW. You said unlimited funds… I’d spend at least 4-5 days at each with a 7-10 days at WDW.”  I suggested doing the cruise last as a means of recuperating from all that traveling and theme-park walking, but Jenni loves Walt Disney World, she wanted to save the best for last.  Go, Jenni!

Christine had only two items on her wish list: “Stay  at a deluxe resort and spend a night in IMG_5038Cinderella’s castle for my daughter.”  I don’t know how old Christine’s daughter is, but having a mom who wishes she could give you the unbelievably magical experience of staying in Cinderella Castle is pretty darned special!  Loving-mom bonus points to Christine!

Ruth was very decisive when she jumped into the discussion with:  “AKL for one week followed by a week with a MK view with all the backstage tours.”  Well, Ruth, I have to agree with you about the tours!  I’m embarrassed to say that (like the fireworks cruises) using unlimited funds to take the tours never entered my mind until now.  I’ve always wanted to do one of the tours, but they are kind of pricey.  Plus the Backstage Magic tours take 7 hours – that’s a lot of precious vacation time, but if you’re going to be at the World, then there’s plenty of time for pretty much everything!

Stephanie had a very well-thought-out list (including my most favorite answer of the day):  “Stay at a deluxe resort, eat at the more expensive restaurants, buy souvenirs for kids I IMG_2544don’t know at the parks, do the dolphin adventure at Epcot, and take a couple of tours.”  Yes, Stephanie said with unlimited funds she would buy souvenirs for kids she doesn’t know at the parks!  Oh, Stephanie!  You are so sweet!  Haha!  For me, other people’s kids are, well….let’s be honest – they’re like a huge downside of Disney vacations and you want to buy them presents.  You are absolutely the nicest person and I’d say I want to be you when I grow up, but…I’m pretty sure I’m WAY older than you and totally (supposed to be) grown up already.  You get 100 bonus points for generosity and liking children!!!

Ellen knew exaction what she’d do:  “I want to go to Aulani!”  Oh, yeah!  Aulani…Disney’s Hawaiian resort.  It looks like a slice of paradise and there are all those Hawaiian things to do and see!  Plus, Disney service, kids programs, and activities!  If you haven’t checked out the website for Aulani, take a peek!  Good answer, Ellen!

Here’s what our friends on Twitter had to say:

IMG_3280Jayne Phipps (@JaynePhipps)  tweeted that the idea of unlimited funds “gives greater freedom especially when shopping :)”  Well, there are a lot of shopping options – and even more in the future when the new Disney Springs (Down Town Disney) is complete.  Trust me – shipping it home instead of trying to keep up with purchases is worth the extra cost – which you can pay with the imaginary What-if money you’re pretending to use right now.

 Wonders of The World (@V24Wonders) “Last year I would easily have said stay at the Poly but because of the construction/refurb I’ll go with Tree House Villas”  – Now, I have heard a rumor that the pool at the Poly (Polynesian) will be closed later this summer for the resort’s re-design (and the addition of DVC rooms/villas) and the pool closure may last a YEAR!  If that’s true, then Tree House Villas would be awfully fun!  If you haven’t seen them yet (at Saratoga Springs) – look here.

 Oli Oliver (@OliRage) Knew exactly what to do with unlimited funds, “Never leave. Victoria and Albert’s.” – Hilarious and brilliant at the same time!  I confirmed with Oli that he hadn’t yet had the opportunity to dine at Victoria and Albert’s and neither have I.  You bet if I had unlimited funds I’d go hang out there with Oli for a meal or two.  It’s quite the splurge, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews.

Sarah (@CheshireCanuck) would “Stay at the Grand Floridian for a week!”  Then added, “Oh I’d also buy out the Magic Kingdom for a night and have all my friends and family show up to a surprise vow renewal for us” – what a creative and romantic answer – Unlimited funds would IMG_0834certainly mean being able to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something extra special.  I like the idea of a Disney vow renewal.  Well played, Sarah!

Jennifer (@Minnie_ears) Would, “Stay at the Poly and the Grand, club level for like, a month!”  Well, Jennifer, I can vouch for the excellence of club level – we were unexpectedly upgraded (Yay, Pixie Dust!) to club level once at the Grand Floridian…sadly, it was only a two-night stay.  The snacks, the breakfast foods, the service, and the Magic Kingdom view were all spectacular!!!  An entire month of that and you’d be SO spoiled!!!

Rebecca Kelly (@rkellyWDW) After careful consideration, Rebecca needed two tweets to respond: “OK. Unlimited funds: Land & Sea cruise and WDW trip. Deluxe Dining plan. Stay at AKL for 5 days before, Savannah level, &…then at the Poly for 5 days after the cruise. I think I’d have to do a 7-day cruise but doesn’t matter where. ;).  – So we’re talking a 17-day vacation!  Sounds DSCN3118perfect and I agree that as long as you’re cruising with Disney, it really doesn’t matter where you go – it’ll be a great time with phenomenal service, good food, and the best nighttime entertainment in the cruise industry.  All this imaginary fun! Can I pretend go with you, Rebecca?

DisneyPrincess83 (@OzGoofyPrincess) would “stay for 3 months. We stayed for 6 weeks last year. Just over 5 weeks at WDW and a Disney Dream Cruise.”  Really?  SIX weeks for vacation would be so incredible, I can’t even begin to imagine 3 months.  If you spent five weeks at Walt Disney World before your Disney cruise – and you still want to come back for more, then that answers one of the questions I’ve always had:  How long do you have to stay before you’re satisfied?  Clearly the answer is longer than five weeks.  The closest to a six week vacation I’ve ever had was maternity leave…and…. yeah, that’s not at all like a Disney vacation.  At. All.

WOW!  What great participation and thoughtful, creative answers!!!  I appreciate everyone for playing and if you have any suggestions for future “What-if” questions, be sure to let me know.