Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

World Showcase for the Weary

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Epcot's World ShowcaseSometimes, a Walt Disney World vacation starts off like gangbusters.  You’re blowing and going from rope drop to park closing – hitting every E-ticket attraction along the way.  After three or four days, you notice fatigue has set in.  Your dogs are barking, no matter how comfortable your shoes are.  Your legs and back are achy, you’re a tad sleep-deprived.  Sure, you could spend a day basking in the Florida sun poolside at your resort…but what if you don’t like basking in the sun?  Swimming is only exciting for a couple of hours?  What to do…

World Showcase for the WearyView of World Showcase

Nothing beats a day at Epcot for a more relaxing and laid-back park touring plan.  If you’ve shelled out the big bucks for some park-hoppers covering each day of your vacay, hanging out at the resort for a day will seem like a gigantic waste of money.  Book a couple of early morning fastpasses for Future World attractions like Soarin’, Spaceship Earth, and Turtle Talk with Crush or the Seas With Nemo and Friends.  Spend the time between fastpasses watching the manatees in The Seas or enjoying breakfast at Sunshine Seasons (may I suggest the chocolate croissant?).  Just take it easy until World Showcase opens (usually at 11:00 am).  Then prepare to take it easier for the rest of the day.RM-Spaceship-Earth-and-Boat-Epcot

Each country offers it’s own interesting food, beverages, and entertainment.  Take them each as a low-key, mini-adventure.  Sample flavors, browse shops, experience unique entertainment.  Sit back and relax on one of the plentiful benches or board one of the Friendship Boats and sail across the World Showcase Lagoon.  RM-German-Beer-ManYou do NOT have to rush, no need to be anyplace at a particular time…unless you want to.  Give your overworked feet a rest!  While the movies in the Canada, China, and France pavilions are not going to knock your socks off, you will be sitting down, in air-conditioned comfort.  RM-Mary-Poppins-and-PenguinAfter all the rushing around Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, Epcot’s World Showcase is like a refuge – a shelter from the storm of thrill rides and must-dos.

If you happen to find yourself in the World Showcase during Epcot’s Flower and Garden or International Food & Wine Festivals, consider making time for one of the concerts offered during those special events.  They’re yet another way to chill while having fun.

If, in the evening, you find that you’ve gotten a second wind, put those park hoppers to good use and check out Wishes or the Main Street Electrical Parade in Magic Kingdom to top off the day!

Are you a World Showcase fan?  What are your favorite things to do there?

5 Types of Disney World Dads

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RM-Main-Street-USA-Magic-KingdomPeople watching is fun to me!  While I’m at Walt Disney World, I find it especially entertaining.  Watching families having fun, seeing kids bravely try their first major thrill-ride, looking at the cute just-married couples posing in front of Cinderella Castle.  I’ve met some great fellow Disney fans waiting in long lines for rides like Soarin’ and Splash Mountain.  In all this people watching, dads prove to be among the most interesting subjects.  I’ve come to the conclusion that most dads fall into one of five categories. (Thanks to Raymond for being the model for all the dads!)

5 Types of Disney World DadsDad checks his watch at the Grand Floridian

1. Dad of Misery – This dad would rather be anywhere else.  He had no idea what would be required of him on a Disney World vacation and he is not amused.  Unused to and unprepared for standing in line, walking great distances or enduring the heat of a Florida summer, this dad’s cranky and irritable.  Some Dads of Misery suffer silently, but others make their displeasure known – loudly and frequently. #shouldhavestayedhomeRM-Dad-and-Meg

2. Confused Dad – It’s his first visit and mom did all the planning and dealt with all the details.  Confused Dad loves seeing his kids having so much fun, but he doesn’t know the names of all the characters and most of the attractions.  On his own, he’d be completely lost, but he’s married to an exceptionally well-organized woman.  He’s pleasantly surprised and having way more fun than he imagined he would since he had no idea Disney World would be so entertaining for adults.  Before vacation ends, Confused Dad’s eyes have been opened, a Disney park fan has been born, and another trip is in the works.RM-Dad-at-Studios

3. Adventurer Dad – Thrill-ride junkie, this dad loves new experiences and is up for anything exciting.  This is the dad who rides Rock’n’ Roller Coaster multiple times and will try every food booth at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival.  Adventurer Dad is at his best when his kids reach the minimum height requirement for every ride.  He also loves Disney water parks and resort pools – especially ones with big slides.RM-Dad-at-AKL

4.  Boy Scout Dad – This is one über-prepared father!  He’s wearing an enormous, over-stuffed backpack and has carefully arranged every aspect of a gigantic double-stroller to ensure the comfort of his offspring.  “Be Prepared” is his motto and he’s thought of, and is ready for, all possible contingencies.  Sadly, Boy Scout Dad is a worrier and spends most of his time imagining what tragedy or illness may befall the family next, instead of relaxing and having fun.  His stroller navigation skills are unparalleled!RM-Dad-and-Perry

5. All-In Dad – This dad embraces Disney magic in all its forms.  He’ll wear his Disney t-shirt and earhat with pride!  The ultimate Disney fan, All-In Dad needs no park maps or times guides.  Disney World is his happy place.  He’s soaking up the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes while patiently nurturing his children to follow in his Disney-loving footsteps.  All-In Dad is the easiest to spot by his attire and pin-trading lanyard.  He’ll usually be holding a churro or a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar, wearing a happy smile.RM-Dad-and-Joseph

Are you (or do you know) a Disney dad?  Which type?

On The Long Drive to Disney

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View of World ShowcaseIf you’re the kind of family (we are!) who looks for creative, entertaining, and *gasp* educational ways to spend the time you’re riding in the car on your way to a Walt Disney World vacation, I’ve got an idea for you.  Normally, my podcast listening is mostly limited to Disney-related shows, but I’ve recently discovered The History Chicks Podcast and, let me tell you, this show is awesome!

On The Long Drive to Disney

The show’s hosts, Susan and Beckett, are two women on a mission – to make history exciting!  Yes, all the episodes (to-date, 55 full and several mini-casts) are about female historical (and some fictional) figures.  Each episode offers listeners a glimpse into the early lives of each featured person, what’s going on around them in history when their story unfolds, how they made their mark on history, and how you can learn more, if so inclined.  The podcasts show-notes are phenomenal!  As are the fantastic details and explanations revealed in each episode.The American Adventure / Epcot / Walt Disney World

Am I recommending this show because it’s quality entertainment?  Absolutely!  But I’m also suggesting a way to prepare for a more enjoyable Epcot World Showcase experience.  Whether you’re on an adults-only vacation or are traveling with teens or tweens, The History Chicks can make your tour around the World Showcase even more interesting than usual.  Let Beckett and Susan tell you about amazing historical happenings by famous women from countries represented in the World Showcase!World Showcase Lagoon View

Here are a few of my favorite episodes!

France

  • Joan of Arc (Episode 51)
  • Marie Antoinette (Episodes 53 and 54)

Great Britain

  • Jennie Jerome Churchill (Episode 10) (Yes, American born, but Winston’s mom!)
  • Queen Victoria (Episodes 11 & 12)
  • Queen Mary I (Episode 30)
  • Queen Elizabeth I (Episodes 43 & 44)
  • All the Tudor-related episodes are great!RM-Mexico-Pavilion

Mexico

  • Frida Kahlo (Episode 42)

America

  • Clara Barton (Episode 14)
  • Helen Keller (Episode 7)
  • Abigail Adams (Episode 4)
  • Dolley Madison (Episode 5)
  • Rosa Parks (Episode 26)RM-Cinderella-Festival-of-Fantasy

Fictional Characters you’ll love knowing more about

  • Red Riding Hood (mini-cast)
  • Alice in Wonderland (Episode 28)
  • Cinderella (Episode 3)
  • Mrs. Claus (mini-cast)

Susan and Beckett are easy to listen to, full of pop-cultural references, and make disclosures up front if a particular episode may not be suitable for very young ears.  For those of us who are already passionate about history, this podcast delivers exactly the kind of detailed information we love.  For those of us who want to learn more about history in an entertaining way, without feeling the slightest bit like we’re in a classroom hearing a lecture, this show is the bombdiggety!

Check out The History Chicks and let me know what you think.  If you have any podcast recommendations for me, I’m all ears!!!

Walt Disney World Water Park Memorabilia

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Typhoon-Lagoon-BoatHere we are in the dog days of summer (what kind of expression is that, anyway?).  I don’t know about where you are, but in these parts it is HOT!  Like seven-inches-from-the sun-hot.  We don’t have a pool at our house and I have to confess, I’ve never been to a Disney World water park before.  This post from Disney Musings got my attention though!  Imagine how much fun those Disney World vacationers are having at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon!!!  What a great way to beat the August heat?  Enjoy a cool, refreshing episode of Saturdays With Nick, everyone and have a great weekend!

Walt Disney World Water Park Memorabilia

by Nick

I haven’t been to the Disney water parks in years, since the mid 90′s, in fact, which is when these buttons and brochures are from.

The first button is from my favorite of the 2 parks, Typhoon Lagoon.

Opened in 1989, it is the home of the World’s largest outdoor wave pool, which is just awesome. The lazy river is also wonderful.

Another thing I love about Typhoon Lagoon is the back story. I feel that the stories that Imagineering came up with for it’s attractions in the late 80′s and early 90′s were very strong. This, of course, may just be nostalgia, as it coincides with my earliest visits.

As the story goes, the park was created by a typhoon that wreaked havoc upon a formerly pristine tropical paradise. Ships, fishing gear and surfboards are strewn about where the storm flung them. The centerpiece of the park is “Miss Tilly,” a shrimp boat impaled upon a mountain named “Mount Mayday” that erupts a 50 foot geyser of water every half hour.

I’ve actually been lucky enough to be directly under this when it went off, a thrilling experience.

There are also many slides, which aren’t really my thing.

I only went to Blizzard Beach once. It wasn’t a bad park, but it was more of a water slide park. So given the choice between the 2, Typhoon wins hands down.

Opened in 1995, Blizzard Beach also has a fun, although, in my opinion, a bit forced, back story.

It seems a freak snowstorm hit the area, leading to the construction of Florida’s first ski resort. Naturally, the snow didn’t last long, leaving behind a collection of waterlogged but snow-less ski jumps and chair lifts. The failed resort was in the process of closing for good when an alligator was seen sliding down a flume and splashing into a pool of water, screaming “Yahoo!” Thus the “ski resort” was reborn as a water park, with the alligator, named Ice Gator (maybe they could have come up with something a little more original than that?) as the mascot.

Doing this post has really made me want to get back to Typhoon Lagoon, and I will hopefully get there on one of my future trips!

To see more of Nick’s adventures, follow him on social media here:   Disney Musings Blog, on Twitter, on Facebook, On Instagram, On Pinterest.