Tag Archives: Liberty Belle

At Disney World? Take Five! Best Places to Relax

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Sometimes, in spite of our best plans and intentions, we want to go, go, go! to see and do all there is at Walt Disney World, but reality kicks in. Be it in the form of a run-of-the-mill meltdown, overheating, overeating, too little sleep, sore feet – the list is long – something interferes with our momentum. ‘S Okay though! Disney World knows and Disney World understands! We need options! No matter the situation – you can cool off, calm down, take a load off, or nap!

At Disney World? Take Five! Best Places to Relax

In the Parks…RM-Hall-of-Presidents

Hall of Presidents – While I love this attraction, I get that it is definitely thrill-less. Let Morgan Freeman’s narration lull you into a state of relaxation. Little ones (and you) can easily nap during this nearly 23-minute show in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. The seats are comfy!RM-Ellen-and-Bill-Nye

Ellen’s Energy Adventure – Rumor has it that this outdated and underappreciated attraction is on the chopping block in the near future, so take advantage while you can of this glorious 40-minutes of air-conditioned prime napping opportunity! I’m not kidding – yours truly has snoozed (often involuntarily) on every visit. Once Ellen’s gone, we’ll have to take 5 at Epcot in the France Pavilion’s movie theater and chill during Impressions de France for 18 minutes of calming music and scenery.RM-Voyage-of-the-Little-Mermaid

Voyage of the Little Mermaid – This 17-minute show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios seems a lot longer when you’re in the theater. It’s wonderfully dark and cool, the story’s familiar and without anything unexpected. Tired feet, full belly, cranky offspring – no matter the ailment, Ariel and her adventures are soothing.

Finding Nemo The Musical – A whopping 40-minutes long, this attraction in Disney’s Animal Kingdom provides a wonderful opportunity to escape from what is arguably Disney’s hottest park. While this show does revisit Nemo’s familiar story, it does so in a unique way, by adding musical numbers. Details here. I’ve not been a huge fan, but certainly appreciate the prime rest and relaxation opportunity afforded in this little oasis set between Asia and Dinoland U.S.A.

Outside the Parks…Disney-Friendship-Boat

Take the Boat!  If transportation from points A to B by water is an option, choose it! Go from Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge, grab the boat from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the Epcot area, set sail from Disney Springs to and from the Port Orleans resorts…doesn’t matter where you’re going, a boat-ride is the ultimate in relaxation!  Personally, I’ll hop aboard the Liberty Belle in Magic Kingdom just for the scenery and to escape from the crowds.

Now it’s your turn! What is your most favorite place to take 5 at Walt Disney World?

 

 

Disney World – Cruisin’ on the Liberty Belle

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RM-Liberty-Belle-View-on-Deck 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.RM-Liberty-Belle-Fort

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!RM-Liberty-Belle-Haunted-Mansion-View

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.  RM-Liberty-Belle-View-BTMRRRM-Liberty-Belle-GeysersThen I was fascinated by an amazing view of Big Thunder Mountain – with Splash Mountain in the distance.

RM-Liberty-Belle-Frontierland-VeiwRM-Liberty-Belle-Parade-View2 RM-Liberty-Belle-Parade-View1It 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.RM-Liberty-Belle-Fort2

After we left Liberty Square and Frontierland behind, we entered a part of Magic Kingdom many people dismiss or ignore.  RM-Liberty-Belle-Faux-Fauna RM-Liberty-Belle-Fort2 RM-Liberty-Belle-Forest-ViewFaux Fauna, Fort Langhorn, an early American settlement, a Native American village – complete with realistic animatronics, Wilson’s Cave Inn, and so much more!

RM-Liberty-Belle-Village3 RM-Liberty-Belle-Village2 RM-Liberty-Belle-VillageRM-Liberty-Belle-HideoutRemember, 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.RM-Liberty-Belle-Rivers-of-America RM-Liberty-Belle-View2 RM-Liberty-Belle-View-Castle RM-Liberty-Belle-Rapunzel's-Tower-View RM-Liberty-Belle-HM-Queue

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

Walt Disney World – Lots of Love for Liberty Square

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The Liberty Bell in Walt Disney World's Liberty SquareSo much goodness can be found in a very special little corner of Magic Kingdom – Liberty Square!  I like to approach this section of the park through Fantasyland to fully enjoy this carefully crafted walk through time.  Don’t know what I mean?  Liberty Square is the symbolic beginning of these United States of America!  As you walk towards and through Frontierland, you move through history!

Let’s go back in time to Colonial America.  Check the buildings’ architecture, style, and colors and you’ll be transported back to a time when there were, in this country, just 13 colonies struggling for liberty – thus the name of today’s focus!  Don’t miss the Liberty Bell (reproduction) and the stockade for some great photo ops!  A humble little area with only a very few attractions and eateries, the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World would certainly not be the same without it.

Lots of Love for Liberty Square

The Liberty Belle is a beauty!  This paddlewheel boat is graceful and majestic and offers guests a relaxing way to enjoy the Rivers of America.  While I prefer to enjoy her beauty from the shore Hall of Presidents / Walt Disney Worldrather than aboard her decks – there’s no denying how impressive this riverboat is in all her whitewashed glory.

The Hall of Presidents – Don’t be ashamed if you’re a fan!  Go ahead, hold your head up with pride.  You’re not a stuffy, geeky brainiac – you’ve got a great appreciation for a unique and very “Disney” experience.  In New York at the 1964 World’s Fair, Walt Disney’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln first appeared in the Illinois Pavilion.  Once Disney had Honest Abe – the very first animatronic human – the rest of the presidents were not far behind.  A virtual haul of presidents!  (Don’t hurt yourself)

Walt Disney World's Haunted MansionHaunted Mansion – Don’t tell me this doesn’t rank in your top 10 favorite Disney attractions.  Either I won’t believe you or I’ll have to stop being your friend.  This ride’s got it ALL!  Great sound and special effects, perfect balance of fun and creepy/scary-ness, awesome ride vehicles, great music – what more could a Disney fan ask for?

What’s YOUR favorite thing about Liberty Square?