Disney Attractions I Love (More Than I Should)

RM-Country-Bears-HenryYou know I love a Friday Five and today’s no different.  I have, at any given time, about 27 blog post ideas running around in my head vying for attention, but this one was completely off the radar and sprung up out of nowhere!  In my Disney geek-ery, I usually shout from the mountain tops (like Expedition Everest, Space, Splash and Big Thunder Mountains) about those E-Ticket attractions that (most of) you and I find irresistible.  But what about the less popular stuff?  What makes my little heart pitter-patter among the non-headliners?  You KNOW you’ve got at least a couple of favorite rides that you have to fight for – nobody understands the passion, it’s yours and yours alone.

Disney Attractions I Love (More Than I Should)

The Seas With Nemo and Friends (Epcot) – I have no explanation other than I’m crazy about pretty much any and all omnimovers.  Combine that with how much I have always loved Finding Nemo and I’m dragging my family aboard a clam-mobile on every single visit!  There I ride, sitting on the edge of my…what…mollusk-innards?  Soaking up the tiny details and listening to the comments by my favorite Nemo characters as we glide along.  I love this thing!  Don’t try to talk me out of it.  Just get in the clam or get out of my way.RM-The-Seas-Mr-Ray

Primeval Whirl (Animal Kingdom, Dinoland U.S.A.) – About the most ridiculous attraction in all the World, right?  Wrong!  For me, it’s not too fast, not too spin-ny, not too jerky – just a big bunch of weird fun.  The vehicle is like something the Jetsons would own, the queue is akin to waiting in a cartoon.  If I could explain this ride’s magnetic draw, I’d break the spell and avoid the ridicule.  I. Cannot. Resist.RM-Primeval-Whirl-Sign

Country Bear Jamboree (Magic Kingdom, Frontierland)- I blame Curtis Stone (Geekin’ on WDW Podcast) for my semi-newfound addiction to the Bears.  I wouldn’t have made a visit to this ride ever-for-the-rest-of-my-life but for Curt waxing poetic about its allure.  If you avoid over-analysis of certain song lyrics and just enjoy the Wild-West-Saloon style of entertainment, you’re bound to notice the genius of this particular brand of Disney magic.  Seriously, I love the bears…baby Oscar in particular.RM-Country-Bears-Baby-Oscar

Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom, Adventureland) – Cheesy, eye-rolling, sheer perfection in pun-delivery.  What’s not to love?  From the queue’s announcements to the names of the boats to the unbelievably adorable animatronics, this attraction’s got a lot going for it.  Add comic artistry in the form of boat captain commentary and this ride is hard to beat!  No, really!  Where else on earth can you experience the backside of water?  Classic Disney fun!RM-Jungle-Cruise-Backside-of-Water

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – I’m stealthy about this one.  I act all nonchalant about going into the Mexico pavilion in Epcot.  It’s not a family favorite, but I’m getting on this ride if I can manipulate the situation properly.  I love Donald Duck!  He’s my favorite character (in case you hadn’t heard) and I’m going to check times for possible Fiesta Donald meet-and-greets when we’re in Epcot.  Once we’ve paused at the Mexico pavilion for my moment with Donald, I’ll just casually suggest we take a small detour and hit the Gran Fiesta Tour.  Works every time.  The chances of my family reading this today are slim, so shhhhhh.  Don’t ruin this by telling them.RM-Gran-Fiesta-Tour

Now you go.  Which not-so-popular attractions are your own personal favorites?

Surviving the Heat at Walt Disney World

RM-Meg-Eating-Ice-CreamIf you’re planning a summer vacation at Disney World…or one in the spring…or fall, it’s gonna be HOT!  Sure, you should have strategies for beating the heat and avoid roasting and burning in the sun, but you can also make sure you carry just a few supplies in your park bag that can make coping with the whole sweaty, sticky, hot mess you (and your loved ones) will become much easier.

Surviving the Heat at Walt Disney World

Besides staying hydrated – which is the #1 thing you must focus on either by carrying your own beverages or taking advantage of Disney’s free ice water (available at restaurant counters upon request), here’s a list of what I make sure I keep with me on super hot days:RM-Baby-Wipes

1.  Baby wipes – I cannot tell you how much these mean to me!  I’ll wipe off sweaty arms and legs – oh, how heavenly a fresh neck feels!  Little ones perk up with a cool wipe-down and the overall advantage of toting around some wipes is that we feel instantly more…well, presentable.  If there’s no time to freshen up at our resort, these babies will do in a pinch and make us feel more suitable for a table service dinner.

2. Zip Lock Bags – For so many reasons!  You can carry a few of those baby wipes if you’ve invested in a large package of those.  You can pack your basic first aid supplies (see #3) in a zip lock.  You can even keep Disney pins for trading or Sharpies for autographs easy to find by toting them in a zip lock bag.  When traveling with little ones, sometimes a baby wipe just won’t do the trick.  Carry a clean washcloth in a zip lock bag – moisten when necessary and do a great big wash-down.  Then pop the dirty washcloth back in the zip lock so it doesn’t ruin anything else in your park bag.WDW Park Touring Necessities

3. Mini First Aid Kit – This has come in handy more times than I can say!  When the sun, heat, humidity and walking begin to take a toll, you’ll be ready.   Ibuprophen or Tylenol, band-aids, anti-chafing balm (oh, stop it with the “T.M.I” thing – you may appreciate this someday), sun screen, lip balm, blister relief, antacid, and even blotting papers (Thanks, Heather!).  You can find everything in travel or sample-size, bundle it up and be prepared to save the day!

4. Hair-aphernalia – I’m not talking about a huge inventory of hair products.  All you may need is a comb.  I like a brush and a travel-sized hairspray or, at the least, a ponytail holder or hair clip.  Call me old fashioned, but my mother raised me to be presentable at the dinner table.  Everyone can take a sec to tidy up – especially if we’ve been soaked on Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids or we’ve been tossed about on Rock’n’ Roller Coaster or Test Track.Building at Disney's Old Key West Resort

5. “Plan B” – This may come in many forms.  The first Plan B is that we might want to abandon the park during the hottest time of the day to enjoy a leisurely meal, go swimming, or just explore other resorts via monorail or boat.  Many rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are just as, if not more, exciting at night when it’s at least a little cooler.  Other Plan B’s may be carrying a change of shoes and socks, a rain poncho, fresh shirt, or perhaps opting to watch things from afar rather than up close.

Once again, I’d be right there with you if you’re an obsessive planner!  In the warmest months, I’d advise you to plan to be ever ready to escape from, recover from, hide from, guard against, or otherwise cope with the heat.

Experienced Disney vacation fans!  What are your best tips for coping with the heat at Walt Disney World?

Don’t Take Your Kids to Disney World This Summer!

You may have seen this article out there in The Federalist (an online magazine) – Why I Won’t Take My Kids to Disney World This Summer, by Nicole Russell.  I respect the opinions of the young and idealistic Ms. Russell – and actually agree with her on a couple of points.  I even applaud her for taking a stand that will reduce the crowd my family has to contend with on our next trip to Walt Disney World.  There are, however, a couple of things she’s standing firm on that I absolutely do not agree with and isn’t that the beauty of this whole article-writing thing?  We can agree to disagree.RM-Sunrise-Magic-Kingdom

Don’t Take Your Kids to Disney World This Summer!

First of all, I’ll freely acknowledge that Disney is a for-profit company.  As a person who appreciates the free enterprise system and our ability to invest in big, for-profit businesses, I’m okay with corporate income.  My nest egg appreciates good business sense…even if I’ll miss Maelstrom.  Ms. Russell is correct in her comments about price:  It can be expensive to visit Disney World (though tons of folks with big families do manage to do it for less than $4,000) and, if you have the money, there’s no doubt Disney will be happy to have you open your wallet in their resorts and theme parks.  As Ms. Russell states, Disney World is manufactured fun.   And sometimes, fantastic, made-up fun is exactly what a family needs.  I know mine does – in regularly scheduled doses.RM-Epcot-Blue-Tang

At first, I have no problem with Ms. Russell’s opinions until she gets to the part that says, “Disney World is really narrow.” – Here’s where our opinions seriously diverge.  I do firmly believe that it is important to visit historical landmarks and learn about coastal life at the beach or wildlife at the local state park.  I’ve taken my children to musicals, art museums, aquariums, zoos, and even on a pilgrimage to the ancestral home of my many-times great grandfather Daniel Boone.  All time and money well-spent!  On the other hand, I find Disney World to be quite broad – SO broad, that if we want to, we can also learn about important historical landmarks (Hall of Presidents & The American Adventure), coastal life (The Seas in Epcot), wildlife (Animal Kingdom), musical performances (Festival of the Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo, the Musical), foreign lands (World Showcase) and, by the way, artistic talent is on display literally everywhere.Italy Pavilion / Epcot's World Showcase

Ms. Russell insists, “If you spend $8,000 on a family vacation to eat dinner with Cinderella, those are your values, if by default. Those values communicate something, and just don’t reflect my family’s values.”  While I have never spent $8,000 to eat dinner with Cinderella (nor do I intend to), I’ve raised my children on Disney World vacations to teach them more than how to stand in line in the hot Florida sun – I’ve taught them that it’s okay to dream, good to imagine, important to pretend, and absolutely, perfectly fine to let go and relax, enjoy laughing and having manufactured fun in an incredible, magical, silly, interesting, and, yes, educational way – together as a family.  At Disney World we’ve learned much about other cultures by listening to a gentleman Cast Member from Botswana describe his homeland, having a Norwegian Cast Member explain the differences in what their lives are like after high school compared to Americans’, and chatting with a patient Italian server who was kind enough to help us practice our Italian.Epcot's World Showcase

Interestingly, Ms. Russell believes a family trip to Europe – home of her ancestral heritage – would better reflect her values and be a better way to spend money.  Having been fortunate enough to vacation with my offspring in Europe more than once, I do have to say, it’s an amazing place to visit.  On our most recent trip, we spent a brief time in Copenhagen, Denmark and what did we do?  You guessed it!  We had manufactured fun!!!  We visited Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks – home to manufactured fun since 1843!  So, I’m going to disagree with Ms. Russell’s statement about Disney World: “It’s so American. So first-world. So anti-cultural.” – Tell that to the Danes and see what they have to say about it.  Tivoli Gardens was an inspiration to Walt Disney for creating Disneyland.RM-Tivoli-Gardens-Arch

Let’s be honest.  I’m not really here to defend vacation choices.  I’m very secure in our decisions about how we spend our discretionary income.  I suppose I’m really feeling stung by this young woman’s assertion that my family is somehow flawed in the values department.  That by enjoying the incredible, gigantic playground that is Disney World, my family is somehow shallow, reflecting poor values and a lack of culture.  That’s the bottom line here.  Ms. Russell is free to raise her four children in any manner she sees fit as I was free to raise my two.  My parents chose not to take me to Disney World when I was growing up – and I turned out okay.  By contrast, my children have visited Disney World more than a dozen times and they’re pretty terrific, well-rounded, productive members of society…and their values aren’t too shabby either.  Much of their passion for history, travel and culture was born at Disney World.Waiting for Toy Story Midway Mania

Ms. Russell firmly states, “If I’m going to spend $5,000 to 10,000, I prefer to do something that engages my family’s minds and imaginations, broadens our horizons, and expands our cultural preferences.”  I agree with you on that point, Ms. Russell, 100%!  Vacation at Walt Disney World or not…I’m just going to say – don’t knock it ’til you try it.

Okay, readers, your turn!  What say you to Ms. Russell’s assessment of Walt Disney World and those who choose to visit?

Ranking World Showcase Pavilions

View of World ShowcaseI’m thinking Disney thoughts (aren’t I always?) and today they’re about World Showcase.  I know it has to do with the latest episode of the Mighty Men of Mouse Podcast – which I always listen to on the day it comes out.  I started thinking about my experiences in Epcot’s World Showcase over the years, how I feel about the different pavilions at this particular time in my life.  And if those feelings differ if the pavilions belong to countries I’ve actually visited versus the ones I only dream of visiting (or not).

So the meandering thought process goes, and thus the decision to rank the World Showcase pavilions – just for fun. When this is over – I really, sincerely want to know how your own ranking compares to mine.  I’ve put a lot of thought into my feelings and reasoning.  Mostly, my decision was based not on general appeal, or even logic, but how much I want to visit a particular pavilion and how much time I spend there.   Please comment what you’d change and why.  Let’s get started!

Ranking World Showcase Pavilions

11.  Morocco:  (I have never visited the actual country)  I walk by.  If there’s entertainment, I walk by more slowly.  Epcot's Morocco Pavilion / Spice Road TableRaymond likes to grab a cup of coffee there sometimes, but the dining choices don’t appeal to the picky eaters in my family.  Sometimes we browse the shops and once, Megan and Joseph got henna tattoos there.  It’s nothing negative, this pavilion is generally off our radar.IMG_7118

10.  Norway:  (I just got back from the actual country and my vacation was amazing.)  I used to love this pavilion and would, in the past, have put it much higher in the rankings, but in its current condition, sans ride, unappealing (to me, right now) princess dining buffet at the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, lack of entertainment…it doesn’t do justice to the incredible beauty and culture of the country it represents.

9.  China (Never been there):  I love the way this pavilion looks.  I love the entertainment I’ve seen there through the years and the merchandise is always novel and fun to check out.  We’ve never chosen to eat there, but high marks for atmosphere and flair.

8.  Mexico:  (I have visited Mexico and enjoyed it very much.) It’s just ME – the place is awesome, but I’m married to a man who categorically dislikes the taste of Mexican food (unless you count Taco Tuesday at our house as Mexican food).  Great food has a serious impact on pavilion rank placement and sadly, I’ve not had a meal other than a quick counter service lunch.  Mexico PavilionI adore Donald Duck and Fiesta Donald is fun, sweet, and adorable!  The ride, shops, and musical entertainment (Mariachi Cobre) are all great!

7.  Canada:  (I’ve been to Vancouver and, very briefly, Toronto)  The beauty and grandeur of this pavilion evokes the beauty and grandeur of the actual country.RM-Le-CellierClean, beautiful and breathtaking – Canada (the pavilion and the country) brings back many happy memories.  (I may hate the Lumberjack Show, but don’t hold it against the pavilion…or the country.)

6.  America – I live here and I am very patriotic.  I just don’t get much out of the pavilion except for the Voices of Liberty!  I can’t say enough about what a great show they put on and how I love listening to them echo in the pavilion’s atrium.Voices-of-Liberty

5. France (I have been to France and it was wonderful):  Great restaurants, beautiful buildings, this pavilion is an enchanting place to spend time.  What I saw of France is well reflected here.  Epcot's France / Window DisplayI especially love it during Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival – they pull out all the stops.

4.  Germany (I’ve not been there, but am half German):  I love the pavilion itself – it is so warm and welcoming to me!  IMG_7112I love Sommerfest and any kind of beer they’re serving at the beer kiosks (by strapping young men in lederhosen).  I love the shops there and, if I can find a seat in the courtyard, am happy to spend quite a while soaking up the atmosphere.  Makes me want to go to Germany!

3.  Italy (I have been to Italy and LOVED it!) – This pavilion does the best job (to me) of evoking the feeling of its home country.  IMG_7103The meal, snack, and beverage choices are plentiful.  The wine shop is a particular favorite of my – they’ll send my selections to the front of the park for me to pick up on my way out.

2.  United Kingdom (I’ve not been there…yet):  There’s such beauty and charm in this pavilion.  So much to take in, loads of details, great food and drink and wonderful entertainment (British Revolution).  RM-Rose-and-CrownI love the Rose & Crown – both the pub and the eatery (I highly recommend the pub’s Single Malt Scotch Flight, if you’re a Scotch fan).  I also adore Yorkshire County Fish Shoppe.  And the beer.  See?  This is why it made it to #2!

1.  Japan (Never been to the country):  What this pavilion lacks (to me) in outward appearance, it makes up for in holding my attention.  I like the food, while it’s not on my must-do list, I think it’s good.  The Matsuriza (drum performance) is very cool.  What makes this pavilion #1 to me right now?  IMG_3815The Mitsukoshi Department Store!  It’s not about shopping – it’s about seeing the incredible assortment of Japanese goods and cultural items.  I could stay in there all day and never see everything!  Swords, bonsai tree kits, chop sticks, kimonos, teas, saké, clothing, toys, books, the pick-a-pearl counter, and – best of all – the amazing candy/snack room full of an incredible assortment of Japanese treats.

There is no right or wrong – no definitive, absolute ranking of World Showcase Pavilions.  It’s a jumble of feelings, memories, interests, and priorities.  What makes one country’s pavilion “better” than another will be different for each of us – how would YOU rank the World Showcase pavilions?