Tag Archives: Disney World

Who Would Love Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Ride?

Posted on by

IMG_0907Last time we were at Walt Disney World, Raymond and I took a break from the parks and went back to the Contemporary – he had a massage scheduled at the Olympiad Fitness Center (a birthday gift from ME!) and I, as usual, was starving.  So we had a few minutes before Raymond’s appointment to grab a bite at The Wave (excellent!) – then he went his way and I was, for the first time in my life, on my own at Disney World.

I walked straight to the Magic Kingdom.  The day (end of May) had been a bit rainy and, while the rain had stopped, it was kind of cool out.  I remember I was wearing my favorite Donald Duck sweatshirt (and received lots of random compliments on it from strangers) as I made my way toward the as yet mostly unfinished Fantasyland expansion.  The park was unusually un-crowded.

I was curious – nosy even (shocker that!) and wanted to see the new Circus area since I’d heard a IMG_0874LOT about the animal footprints and peanut shell marks in the concrete.  I wanted to check out what little I could see over the construction walls…I wanted to ride Goofy’s Barnstormer.

A strange thing happened on the way to the Circus – I, all alone at the Magic Kingdom, picked up (unknowingly) what would be one of the last paper fastpasses I would ever obtain.  For The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  Don’t ask me what prompted that – I was on a mission to see the Storybook Circus.  There was just something about the look of Winnie the Pooh – I had never ever ridden it.  I was on my own and feeling like I could do anything I wanted…I wanted to ride Winnie the Pooh.  Go figure.

IMG_0902Walking on, fastpass in hand, I had time to see the ground in the Storybook Circus area with the footprints and peanut-marks in the cement.  I had time to ride Barnstormer – seriously?  TIME?  The ride lasts literally less than a minute! – Great first coaster for little ones, by the way.  You only need to be 35″ tall to ride.  Mission accomplished – time for Pooh!

At the time, I had no idea that the original queue for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh was supposed to be much cooler than the final version.  I thought it looked pretty neat!  Rabbit’s garden, honey everywhere, interactive parts, highly detailed, well-themed.  I was pretty impressed.

No waiting – I played that fastpass – and suddenly, I found myself waiting to board my pot-o-IMG_0908honey!  I think that’s when it hit me that I was alone in Magic Kingdom, but didn’t feel weird or uncomfortable.  Heck!  I felt adventurous.  For many years, I’d been MAD at Pooh for booting Mr. Toad to the curb and was ready to let bygones be bygones and give it a try!

Annnnnd.  It was cute!  Sweet (ha! pun intended) and the characters were adorable.  For 3 whole minutes, I rode along solo in my little honey pot and remembered how much I used to love those Winnie the Pooh stories.  Piglet was always my favorite character – the IMG_1259blustery day story particularly.  Here it was!  All lovingly recreated by those clever Disney Imagineers – All the gang, even Heffalumps and Woozles were there.  It hit me when I saw the small tribute to Mr. Toad himself, that I shouldn’t have been mad at Pooh to begin with.  I’m normally the least-adverse-to-change person I know – why I’d been holding a grudge for years and years against the very existence of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh without even giving it a chance – I have no idea!

This ride is great for all ages, but particularly the very young.  As a beginner dark ride, it’s perfect.  If you grew up with Pooh IMG_1261and friends, you’ll enjoy the different scenes.  The little kiddos will like the queue, the ride vehicles, and the colorful characters along the journey.  Who would love Disney’s Winnie the Pooh Ride?  I would!  You will!  And so will your children.

IMG_1262

Disney’s Epcot – The Norway Pavilion

Posted on by

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?

Five Great Things about Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Posted on by

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?

 

Disney’s Mission: SPACE – Which Color’s for You?

Posted on by

IMG_0969Way back in 2005, I rode Mission: SPACE in Epcot.  It was, to me, the Disney equivalent of a double-dog dare.  I had to do it.  I had to prove to myself and The Fam that I had the right stuff, so to speak.  No backing down, no backing out – I stood in line, reading the dire and serious health warnings, and reminded myself that I was one tough cookie who had never, in her adult life, tossed a single cookie due to motion sickness.  There was only one version of the ride (now called Orange) and I was getting in that cockpit and performing my crew-member duties perfectly, regardless of any challenges I faced as we blasted off to Mars.

Mission SPACE

Photo Credit: Christina Lawrence

Front of the line.  The time came for The Fam and I to take our seats – the four of us became a crew of astronauts (pilot, navigator, commander, and engineer).  There was no way to ignore how small a space we were climbing into – four seats, side-by-side, facing control panels, seats separated by partitions.  I knew what not to do – I would heed the warnings.  Do NOT move your head.  Do not look to the side. Do not close your eyes.  Stare straight ahead at the control panel’s screen and wait for your turn to perform your duties.  I’m not going to lie – I was scared!  I remember chanting in my head – do not move, do not look away, do not move, do not look away.  The g-force was strong enough that I had a hard time reaching out to the control panel to do whatever it was I was responsible for, but I did it.

The ride ended and we crawled out of our vehicle.  Megan and Joseph were pretty stoked!  They were feeling proud and I heard them discuss riding Mission: SPACE again.  Raymond turned and looked at me – at the exact same time we both said, “I’m good.”  As in good for life – never need to ride it again.  We proved we were tough enough to ride Mission: SPACE and emerge unscathed, but Raymond and I each felt we had taken a terrible risk – what if?  What if we had gotten sick?  At the least – what if we’d gotten queasy and felt horrible for the rest of the day?  That would have been tragic!  To be at our most favorite vacation place in the whole wide world and waste even part of a day with self-imposed nausea!

I don’t care if you are passionate about Rock’n’ Roller Coaster, The Mad Tea Party, or the IMG_2338Primeval Whirl – Mission: SPACE Orange is fraught with PERIL, I tell you – BEWARE!  Seriously, people, ride at your own risk.  There are extremely valid reasons this ride comes with a dozen posted health warnings and a handy barf bag when you find your seat (nope, not kidding).  If you have even the slightest case of claustrophobia, you’ll be miserable even before the chance of illness and health issues strikes.

Here’s the deal:  This ride is an excellent example of a simulated rocket launch – actual NASA scientists and astronauts were involved in creating Mission: SPACE.  It’s good.  It’s very realistic.  To achieve that perfect reproduction of how it feels to blast off into space, your ride vehicle must create g-force by spinning in a giant circle – imagine you are attached to the outside of a wheel as it spins.  Add other simulator effects that bounce you around – bouncing, spinning, very tiny space – you get the idea.  Green, the milder version of the ride, is reportedly very realistic without the spinning.  Choose wisely, my friends.

There’s a great article here at Touring Plans.com with tips for mitigating the risks of riding Mission: SPACE Orange.

So?  Which color’s for you?