Tag Archives: PeopleMover

Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland – 5 Great Things

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RM-Tomorrowland-WalkwayI love Tomorrowland – yes, yes, I do love ALL the lands, but Tomorrowland holds a special little place in my heart.  Happy memories are involved and plenty of nostalgia – a red flag for my acceptance of any future (I’ll admit, necessary) changes to this side of Magic Kingdom.  Contradictory?  Indeed, but there you have it.  I’d say goodbye Stitch’s Great Escape without batting an eye.  The Speedway, while a wonderful vacation memory for many of my friends, has seen better days and could, at the very least, do with an upgrade to some sort of high tech vehicles.  I don’t visit Sonny Eclipse’s Starlight Café, opting for other Magic Kingdome eateries instead.  Buzz Lightyear’s fun, but not as much as Toy Story Midway Mania over at the Studios.  RM-Buzz-Lightyear-Mural RM-Buzz-Lightyear-Space-Ranger-Spin-InteriorIt’s weird how Tomorrowland mixes the old and the sorta new and still presents itself as Tomorrow-ish.  The mash-up isn’t bad, just strange – The whole being greater than the sum of its parts, to be sure.RM-Stitch's-Great-Escape RM-Sonny-Eclipse

No matter the odd assortment of attractions and details, I’m about to share my favorite bits and pieces in yet another list!  Friends, I give to you…

Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland – 5 Great Things

  1. Carousel of Progress – The rumors about this attraction, one of my most favorite of favorites, are a bit dire.  Said to be either going away forever (at some unspecified future time) or moving to Epcot, the Carousel is OLD like me – in fact, we’re the same age.  I say this makes us cool, hip, retro, and therefore awesome!  What would Tomorrowland be without guests singing, “It’s a great big beautiful tomorrow…”?  I like it best when I’m wearing my Carousel of Progress t-shirt when I see it!RM-Carousel-of-Progress-Exterior
  2. The PeopleMover – What is not to love about this attraction?  If you don’t like it, please don’t tell me…I could never understand your point of view and we couldn’t be friends.  This is the coolest, chill-est, most relaxing tour around Tomorrowland – in the most beautiful omnimover next to a Doom-buggy.  Full belly, tired feet, or just needing to dry off from Splash Mountain – the reasons to hop on the PeopleMover are endless!  The view never gets old.RM-PeopleMover-Outside-Sign RM-PeopleMover-Seat
  3. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor – I can’t help that I am genetically predisposed to adore puns – the best and most amusing form of humor I know.  I’ve passed this gene onto my children and they’ll agree with me – this show is hilarious!  Every single time.RM-Monsters-Inc-Laugh-Floor RM-Monsters-Inc-Laugh-Floor2
  4. Space Mountain – I try to score a FastPass when possible and the older I get, the harder the Mountain is on my body.  That doesn’t mean I want to change anything!  The queue, while not the most interesting, has a fantastic soundtrack.  I might not jump in and out of the rocket as easily as I once did, but there’s a lot to love about this attraction – the landscape of Magic Kingdom would not be the same without it.RM-Space-Mountain-Sign2
  5. The Details – Metal palm trees, soaring planets, cool colors, eye-catching shapes – the atmosphere in Tomorrowland is incredibly unique.  This is what Disney does best!  Total immersion into this alien land – while the whimsical Fantasyland and the old-fashioned Main Street U.S.A. are right next door.RM-Tomorrowland-Palm-Tree RM-Tomorrowland-Skyline

How do YOU feel about Tomorrowland?  What’s your favorite attraction there?  What would you change tomorrow (LOL!) if you could?

WDW – Best Top of the World Views!

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Ever wondered where you can find the best views at Walt Disney World?  Want to take in the most scenery?  See the big picture?  Here are a few of our favorite spots:

WDW – Best Top of the World Views!RM-Expedition-Everest

Expedition Everest (Animal Kingdom) – Hands down (or hands up, if you prefer), this attraction offers the very best (in my opinion) view of any other Disney World attraction.  As my little tea train sets off on an amazing Himalayan adventure, I look forward to so many special moments along the way.  Among these is the spectacular view offered on the way up the Forbidden Mountain.  The going is slow enough for guests to take in the breathtaking, really spectacular scenery.  There’s so much to love about this attraction, this view is often overlooked (hahaha) and underappreciated.RM-PeopleMover

The PeopleMover – If you have not taken a spin on this Tomorrowland attraction (Magic Kingdom), you do not know what you’re missing.  It’s a tour of Tomorrowland and a tunnel of love all in one.  You’ll go inside for some fantastic behind-the-scenes looks at Tomorrowland attractions and outside for a bird’s-eye view of others.  A smooth, relaxing ride, exceptional scenery, and a couple of kiss-stealing opportunities – what more could anyone ask for?  Some of you may remember the old Skyway gondola ride in Magic Kingdom (1971 – 1999) , it was (to me) once the very best way to see the World.RM-Top-of-the-World-Lounge-View

Top of the World Lounge – This little corner of the World is especially reserved for Disney Vacation Club members and guests.  Like the next location on this list, it offers exceptional Magic Kingdom views and is a fantastic place to end the evening at Walt Disney World.  The interior is a tribute to the monorail offers a unique and different atmosphere.

RM-California-Grill-ViewCalifornia Grill – Yes, you can see Wishes from the balcony of this signature dining restaurant atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  The views from the windows that surround the dining room are always awesome – with or without Magic Kingdom fireworks.  I particularly love sunset while enjoying the Cali Grill’s excellent food and service. (Full review here.)Twilight-Zone-Tower-of-Terror

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – It’s a fleeting view, but whoa!  It’s a haunted hotel, you’re in a crazy service elevator with a mind of its own and there – for a mere moment at a time, your elevator allows you a glimpse outside from high atop the tower!  Scream all you want to, but do try to keep your eyes open so you won’t miss the view!

Cinderella’s Royal Table – The one and only time we went, our table was in the middle of the room and it was dark outside.  My friend Heather and her family LOVE this Magic Kingdom dining experience, though, and find the views to be particularly enchanting.  Catch all the details here.

Where are your favorite views at Walt Disney World?  Your resort room balcony?  Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse?  Characters in Flight?  Tell me what I’ve missed.

 

 

Best Ride Vehicles at Walt Disney World

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STUDIO_ROCKNRCOASTERRIDE_7071496091Let’s talk about ride vehicles!  There are so many different kinds of rides and vehicle types at Walt Disney World, there’s something for everyone!  Imagine for a minute you’re on your most favorite ride!  Now answer this:  Does your favorite ride also contain your favorite ride vehicle?

I’ve been spending a lot of time running lately in preparation for the Glass Slipper Challenge – which means I’ve had a lot of time to daydream about Walt Disney World.  I started thinking about which rides and attractions I like the most and then I was thinking more specifically about each ride’s vehicle and realized that some rides I love, actually have vehicles I…hmmmm….let’s say “dislike”.

It’s true!  For example – I love Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but find getting in and out of the limo verywd001wdw201414578668651 awkward and the harness very restrictive – I know it has to be secure for safety reasons, but that restraint makes me very glad I’m not claustrophobic like my friend Heather!  Space Mountain is so near and dear to my heart, but those rockets are ridiculously uncomfortable.  I guess what I’m getting at here is that I’m about to name my most favorite ride vehicles which, in some cases, have nothing to do with my overall feelings about the ride in which they reside.

Best Ride Vehicles at Walt Disney World:

DoomBuggy – This timeless classic is the Model T of the ride vehicle world.  Basic black, smooth and rounded, they glide gently along, keeping you safe from the ghosts and ghouls of the Haunted Mansion.  Turned backwards, they easy you comfortable downward through the cool and eerie darkness.  This mode of attraction transportation is about as perfect as can be!RM-PeopleMover-Seat

PeopleMover – These beauties represent omnimover awesomeness.  Maybe I love the fact that their blue upholstery matches my eyes.  Maybe it’s how you can sit facing forward or backward.  Maybe it’s the cars’ boxy shape.  Whatever the reason, the humble PeopleMover vehicles rank high on my list of favorites.RM-Jungle-Cruise-Backside-of-Water

Jungle Cruise Boats – Happy little sailing vessels with snappy names and shady awnings.  What else needs to be said?  Plenty of room for everyone – party on the rivers of the world!RM-TSMWM-Vehicle

Toy Story Midway Mania Cars – Have I mentioned lately that Rex is my TSMWM spirit guide?  Of all the vehicles in all of Disney World, this is the one I most want to take home!  Think about it!!!  Armed and dangerous on my morning commute – cut me off and bam!  Dart to the tire.  An armory of virtual missiles at my disposal.  I’d add projectile goo – because when you are driving slow in the fast lane?  You deserve goo to teach you a little bit of a lesson.  Driving down the highway, wind in my hair, launching an array of items from my vehicle’s cannon….livin’ the dream, baby!

I really want to know!  What is your favorite ride vehicle and why?  Which one would you most love to take home?

 

Ode to Walt Disney World’s PeopleMover

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RM-PeopleMover-Outside-SignDiehard Disney fans!  What’s the Tomorrowland attraction we love the most?  Is it Space Mountain? Nope, not that one.  Buzz Lightyear and his Space Ranger Spin?  No, that’s not it.  Ask around among long-time Disney lovers and one attraction stands out as a traditional, perennial favorite – The PeopleMover!  It’s not very thrilling, it’s not speedy, hilly, or packed with special effects or fancy animatronics.  Why, then, is it so popular?  Glad you asked!RM-PeopleMover-Track

There’s just something so DISNEY about riding the PeopleMover.  Originally, the ride was called the WEDway PeopleMover when it debuted in 1975 (WED = Walter Elias Disney).  Now it’s officially named the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and also affectionately know as the TTA.  The cars, powered by eco-friendly linear induction, move silently along a mile-long route around Tomorrowland.  During this 10-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to rest your feet or even catch a quick nap if you like.  The views are great and include a peek into both Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin.  Day or night, there’s rarely a wait for this hidden gem of an experience.  On our most recent visit to the Magic Kingdom, we rode the PeopleMover late one morning to dry off after getting soaked on Splash Mountain.  We may RM-PeopleMoverhave been the only riders at that time and we loved every minute of it.

A few days ago, I invited my friends over on Twitter to show their love for the PeopleMover by writing a haiku in tribute – the speed at which these awesome works of poetic artistry were tweeted back to me is a testament to how passionately we Disney fans feel about our most beloved Tomorrowland attraction.  You know when some of my favorite podcast hosts are writing poetry on Twitter, they are serious about their favorite attraction! (If you aren’t currently listening to the Mighty Men of Mouse, the WDW Northeast Podcast, or the Por Favor Podcast, you should be!)

Ode to Walt Disney World’s PeopleMover (Many thanks to Dutch, Dean, Gary, Deb, and Heather!)

Zero incline track
Breezy Tomorrowland views
There’s never a line – Dutch Lombrowski (@DutchLombrowski) Host, Mighty Men of Mouse

Slow but exciting
See true Disney history
Love to ride at night – Dean (@CT_Mickey_Man) Host, WDW NE Podcast

Every single time
You hope Space Mountain is lit
Darn, perhaps next ride – Por Favor Podcast (@PorFavorPodcast)

Oh, PeopleMover we love thee
You give us a break from walking
Please keep on moving us – DisneyDeb (@DisneyDeb67)

Ever moving round
People watch, photo op spot
Tomorrowland fave – Heather Lebischak (@HLebischak), contributing writer as “Tangled Diva”, Tips from the Disney Divas and Devos.

What about you?  Is the PeopleMover a must-do attraction for you?  RM-PeopleMover-Seat