Disney’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Again

Posted on December 31, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

About six months ago, I visited the Magic Kingdom’s newly expanded Fantasyland to ride the much touted and highly anticipated Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. During that first experience I was admittedly underwhelmed. I’m 100% certain is was due all the build up and hoopla leading up (for a couple of years) to the ride’s opening and the subsequent realization that it is, in spite of all that hype, still a kiddie coaster.

I like to believe I’m a fair person and am pretty self-aware. I knew I’d had my expectations too high for those poor Dwarfs and their train – the ride is literally two minutes long. How much pizazz was I expecting in 120 seconds? I rode it once and, boom! just like that, it was over. I had to give the attraction a second chance. A do-over. A mulligan, if you will. The second time, I’d know the ride’s length and what to expect so I could pay much closer attention to each and every detail.

While first impressions may make or break a relationship – not so with Disney attractions, I’m happy to report! Attitude adjustment and FastPass+ firmly in hand, we made our way into the Seven Dwarf’s queue – it was a hot day and a couple of Cast Members were handing out cups of ice water to guests as they entered the attraction (nice touch!). Remembering the somewhat tricky lap bar (be careful not to pull it down too far – it’s easy to do because it “glides” into place and stays there). We climbed into our train car and waited for clearance to go.

On the first ride, I was disappointed by how “firm” the cars were. Rather than freely swinging from side to side as I’d expected, they felt stiff and barely moved. By the second try, I noticed right away there was a lot more movement adding just the right amount of extra action to what is an amazingly smooth and quiet ride.

When the train slowed down to enter the mine, I was ready! I took in many more of the details the second time around. This part of the ride is just fantastic! The change from outdoor coaster, riding through the trees and hills, to a slow trip past the Dwarfs as they work is what makes this attraction so unique. If you’ve not ridden this coaster before, be sure to pay close attention to this part!

I still didn’t get a good look into the Dwarf’s cottage at the end of the ride, but did notice a few more details that I’d missed before. I guess I’ll just have to ride it again next time I visit the Magic Kingdom. Since we’d purchased Memory Maker, we got the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train video as a souvenir and it’s very adorable.

Have you ridden Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? What did you think of it?

Disney World – Cruisin’ on the Liberty Belle

Posted on November 26, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

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.

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!

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. Then I was fascinated by an amazing view of Big Thunder Mountain – with Splash Mountain in the distance.

It 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.

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

Remember, 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.

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

The Hall of Presidents – Give it a Chance

Posted on November 7, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

The Hall of Presidents – Give it a Chance

I think the Hall of Presidents in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom gets a bad rap. Sure, there’s the fact that it’s not a ride – there is in fact no spinning, twirling, climbing, or thrilling drops. It might even smell a little bit educational and you know what? When most folks go on vacation, the last thing they want to do is be educated. History is boring, right? Patriotism is for old people maybe. Politics is a bad word. Whatever the reason, the Hall of Presidents isn’t all that popular unless it’s an extremely warm day and you’re looking for a quiet place to nap. Not me, though. I actually like the Hall of Presidents – I love history, I love the animatronics, and I love knowing that Walt Disney would have loved it too.

Located in Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents (modeled after Independence Hall) is an original Magic Kingdom attraction and opened on October 1, 1971. Obviously, since there have been seven additional presidents since Richard Nixon was in office, the attraction has changed quite a bit over the years. My fascination with the experience starts right when I walk through the door into the theater’s lobby.

The Great Seal of the United States is front and center. That’s pretty awesome, but the perimeter of the room is what interests me the most. The paintings are cool, the artifacts are interesting, but I love the first ladies’ dress displays.

I can’t help it – I love fashion and I think seeing different styles worn by first ladies like Laura Bush makes the imagined historical figures seem more real. If I arrive early enough, I take a long, slow stroll around the lobby to take it all in before entering the theater.

Morgan Freeman could read the phone book to me and I’d gladly listen to every name and number. The fact that Mr. Freeman is the narrator of the show in the Hall of Presidents makes it perfect. The show’s use of multimedia effects holds my interest. I really enjoy sitting close enough to study the details on each presidential figure.Honest Abe just floors me! And gives me goose bumps. I’m sappy, sentimental, and get all puffed up with patriotism during that show!

I don’t have to visit the Hall of Presidents on every vacation at Walt Disney World, but I’d be devastated if it ever closed. Many people feel the American Adventure in Epcot is the better “American” attraction – and I’ll agree that Epcot’s show is also excellent, just not exactly the same. Walt Disney had the idea for bringing American Presidents to life in animatronic form – he knew the impact that could have! Seeing our founding fathers and those that followed all together in one place makes quite an impression. At least to me.

What about you? Are you a fan of the Hall of Presidents or not so much. If you’ve never seen it or it’s been a long time since you’ve experienced it – are you willing to give it a chance?

My Recent Visit to the Country Bear Jamboree

Posted on November 5, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

The jokes are lame, the songs are cheesy and I love every single moment of the Country Bear Jamboree! From the waiting area in the lobby to the ornate theater to the talking huntin’ trophies, this attraction’s a riot! Even if you’re not a huge fan of the Jamboree’s style, you have to admit its a pretty clever show, especially considering how long the gang’s been around. If you’re looking for one of the Disney-est Disney World attractions you can find, you can’t beat the Bears. It does happen to be one of the last attractions Walt Disney himself helped develop.

On one recent picture-perfect October day in the Magic Kingdom, I announced to Raymond in my most cheerful voice, “I really want to see the Country Bears!” What I got in return was a look. This look spoke volumes. Raymond’s a man of few words to begin with and after 25 years of marriage he communicates with me silently much of the time. At that particular moment Raymond’s look said, “I’d rather not, but if you’re that excited about it, we can go…but only because you’re so cute and lovable.” And just like that, off we went to Frontierland’s Grizzly Hall.

In my mind I think of the Country Bears as old (the show premiered on October 1, 1971) so while I was waiting to enter the theater, I was picturing worn, mangy-looking fur coats and rusty, out of date animatronics. Boy, was I surprised! Those critters are in excellent shape and their movements are fluid and, well, I’d say “realistic” except they’re bears playing musical instruments and singing songs. I wouldn’t change a single thing about the entire experience.

From my most favorite bears, like Baby Oscar and Henry, the Master of Ceremonies, to the fancy hat-bearing Sun Bonnet Trio (sorry, can’t help myself), I thought the show was grand. If Animal Planet and Hee Haw got married and had a baby, it would be the Country Bear Jamboree. What a show! I completely agree that a hoedown might not be an enjoyable hootenanny for everyone, but the charm of the Country Bear Jamboree lies in its perfect theming for Frontierland, its quaint and sometimes irreverent dancehall humor, and the well-paced and surprising variety of acts. How can anyone not find Liver Lips McGrowl at least a little bit interesting?

I adored every hair on the Country Bears’….well, everything, I suppose. I know there are a lot of haters, but honestly, the Country Bear Jamboree is so iconic, so classically Disney, I hope they’ll be around for many, many years to come.