Fun in Disney World – Orlando, Florida

This is Part 2 of a three part series about the Fantasyland section of Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom.

Once you step outside Cinderella Castle the enchantment does not end. Beside the castle you may find a special little place called Fairytale Garden where Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) stops several times a day to read a story and mingle with guests. Check the Park Times Guide to find out show times.

Moving on from Cinderella Castle, fans of Tinkerbell might want to get there early. The first one to enter Tinkerbell’s Treasures, right on the other side of Cinderella Castle, may awaken the fairy by opening her wooden box on a shelf behind the cashier at the back of the shop. If you are not the first you may still observe the pixie dust trail she leaves as she moves through the shop during the day. Peeking through the first keyhole of the sewing drawer near the front of the shop you can catch a glimpse of her. The shop is divided into the Darling children’s nursery and Captain Hooks ship with the ships wheel in the middle.

Willie the Giant

Across from Tinkerbell’s Treasures you will find Sir. Mickey’s Shop, based on Disney’s version of Jack and the Beanstalk. Looking at the ceiling toward the back you might spot Willie the Giant lifting the roof to peek in the building. Down the street, before reaching Cinderella’s Golden Carousel you will find Excalibur protruding from an anvil just like in the legend of King Arthur. Another little detail, if you look down at the pavement you will find the bricks to be shaped like the blade of a sword.

When you come to Cinderella’s Golden Carousel you should look for Cinderella’s Horse. It is the one with a golden ribbon around its tail. This carousel was made in 1917 at the end of a golden century of carousel building. Discovered in Olympic Park in Maplewood New Jersey after the park closed, it was brought to the Magic Kingdom and refurbished.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic is to the left of the carousel, and it is a show you will not want to miss as Mickey and other well known characters play in this mixture of music, special effects and 3-D animated film. Perhaps you will catch a whiff of jasmine or apple pie as you watch the show.

Toward the back of Fantasyland you will find Ariel’s Grotto. Your passage from land to under the sea starts with a sandy beach full of shells underfoot. By the time you pass the squirt fountains you will be on your way to Ariel’s home beyond.

This is Part 1 of a three part series about the Fantasyland section of Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom.

As you leave Main Street USA you enter the Old World setting of Fantasyland. Subtle differences in landscaping, sound and architecture gently merge from one land to another.  On the far side of the central Hub in front of Cinderella Castle one passes the “Partners” statue of Walt and Mickey. You may notice the land rise toward the castle. Beneath the pavement are the Utilidors; facilities, offices and tunnels that allow for the flawless functioning of the show.  All of The Magic Kingdom is raised in this way, above the Florida water table, using the earth dredged from the Seven Seas Lagoon, except for Mickey’s Toontown, which opened after the park was opened.

Fairy Tales Come Alive in Fantasyland

As you enter Fantasyland, the Disney classics based on the tales of the Brothers Grimm, are brought to life in this recreation of the old world. Castles, medieval style tents and other details inspire you to imagine yourself in a fairy tale handed down through the generations. The temporary tents were there originally to hide some unfinished work but remained as they add to the atmosphere.

Cinderella Castle is a prime example of the charm of the old world setting, seeming to tower above the land. In reality much of that is the result of forced perspective to trick the eye into thinking something is taller than it is. Many of the buildings in Disneyland are built to the scale of 80/60/40 with 80 being at the bottom and 40 at the top. This is necessary since the buildings can only be so high because of the requirement of airplane beacons over 200 feet.

The three-circle design of the stone fence as you approach the castle will cast Mickey’s shadow at certain times of the day. To prevent children from sticking their heads through the circles and getting stuck, the rose in the center was added. The original design remains on the front of Cinderella Castle to either side of the clock.

When you enter the castle be sure to look up to see the Disney coat of arms over the entrance and exit. Once inside if you look to the left you will see a mosaic of Cinderella’s story and notice along the way the columns are covered with carvings of her forest friends. Crests can be seen along the walls, family emblems of Disney executives and imagineers. A book of the various crests may be requested to identify each one. Behind the castle is a fountain with Cinderella’s likeness made in such a way that when you bend down to take a drink you are bowing to the princess as her crown magically appears on her head.

As you move on beyond the Cinderella Castle you will find Tinkerbell’s Treasures to your left.  We’ll talk about the rest of Fantasyland in Part 2 of this series.

Hoping to catch up with Miley Cirus or the Jonas Brothers while you’re at one of the Walt Disney World Parks?  Well catching up with one of the bigger stars that attract mobs of screaming fans on your vacation to one of the parks might be a little be tougher than you planned.  Disney doesn’t really promote special “Disney Channel Stars” days, especially in the summer time when most families are visiting the parks.

The only times that Disney Stars perform in the parks, or make advertised appearances, are for parades, special shows, holiday celebrations or specials of some kind.

The Disney Christmas Parade has stars perform, and that tapes the first week of December each year. Disney also has some its celebrities be the master of ceremonies at Epcot’s Candlelight Processional.

Disney Stars might occasionally perform on the 4th of July. Keep in mind though, this is the busiest time of year to visit the parks. The biggest thing to remember about hoping to meeting the Disney Channel stars is that Disney needs to protect their stars and their guests equally.  If they had lists of when their stars would be at the park, mob scenes would likely occur which can put the young children in the park in as much danger as their stars.

If you are looking to meet any celebrity while you are in Orlando one of the better times to be in Walt Disney World is for the ESPN Weekend which is in February at Hollywood Studios. During this weekend you can usually catch up with a few of the more famous athletes that are in the park making appearances for this special weekend.

You never know who you might see walking around the park on any given day, at the end of the day, celebrities are just like any of us, they want to enjoy the magic that is Disney World too.

August is right around the corner and if you are heading to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida during August this year, you might want to check out the special events in the various parks.  With concerts, pin trading, fireworks and parades, there’s bound to be something that will make your trip extra special.

Walt Disney World Parks Special Events:  August 2010

• “Sounds Like Summer” Concert Series

  Disney’s Epcot,  June 15 – August 9, 2009
  These fun & rockin’ mini-concerts take place in Epcot’s American Gardens Theatre at the far end of the park.   Shows are three times a day at 5:15, 6:30 & 7:45PM.    Performances are subject to change but here’s the remaining current schedule for August 2010:

• July 27 – August 8:  2U – The World’s 2^nd Best U2 Show
• August 3-9:  Petty Theft – A Tribute to Tom Petty

• Disney Pin Celebration 2010 – Trade City USA

  Epcot: World Showplace – August 27-29, 2010
  This is an exclusive ticketed event that guests who attend the Disney Pin Event will enjoy all the fun trading activities, the also having the opportunity to purchase specially designed pins, and meet Disney pin traders from around the globe. Pin traders & enthusiasts will find themselves in a special place, Trade City, a cute little, eclectic town nestled in Trading Valley. Trade Valley is home to the world’s biggest ear hat and the world’s longest lanyard.

• Bay Lake Tower Grand Opening

  The newest Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort is scheduled to have its grand opening on August 4^th, 2009.   It is located in the Magic Kingdom resort area near the Contemporary Resort.

• Last Tour to Endor

  August 14, 2010, 8:00 pm – 1:00 am, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  Bring along your best Star Wars costume for this event (no really costumes are encouraged)!   This unique celebration is highlighting the original Star Wars ride in Disney.  The event will allow guests a last chance to ride the original Star Wars attraction before it closes for a yearlong refurbishment. Last Tour to Endor will be held on August 14 during Orlando’s Star Wars Celebration V. The special event costs $75 and will include themed party zones, fireworks and a Death Star Disco.

• Summer Nightastic!

  Magic Kingdom: June 6 through August 14
  Shimmering shining Disney magic lights up the parks until August 14, 2010. The wonderful sights and sounds of the Main Street Electrical Parade return to the Magic Kingdom again with a parade led by Tinker Bell, who travels on a brand new float.

  Summer Nightastic Fireworks Spectacular also lights the night sky with wondrous vivid colors and exciting visual effects set to a backdrop of whimsical fairytale like music. Finally there’s also a dance party featuring high-energy music played by popular DJs.

• Summer Nightastic!

  Disney’s Hollywood Studios: June 6 through August 14, 2010
  Just like at Magic Kingdom, the park lights up with shimmering shining Disney magic lights here, too! In addition to that:

  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will have a few unexpected surprises with new lighting effects created just for Summer Nightastic!
  • At the courtyard of the Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster popular DJs will pumping out your favorite summertime tunes at the “Rock N’ Glow Dance Party.”

• ENCORE!: DREAM OUR DREAMS

  Epcot’s World Showplace -August 6, 7, and 8
  The popular cast choir & orchestra, formed in 2002 by a group of Disney Cast Members, will be performing a musical tribute to the legacy of Disney. Over the past eight years ENCORE! has raised more than $110,000 for a variety of Central Florida charitable organizations. Pas performances included concerts featuring the music of Broadway, patriotic songs, gospel hymns, rock anthems, movie themes, and pop favorites. ENCORE!’s designated charity for this year’s performances is Make-A-Wish.

Walt Disney World Parks:  Special Notices

• Fantasmic!:  Limited Showings
  Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  This really cool light show is no longer presented every night.  It will be offered August 2, 4,  6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 31.  It’s a hugely popular show so make plans to arrive at least 60 minutes early .  Keep in Mind: When the shows are limited performances, you know the park, in this case Disney’s Hollywood Studios park is going to be busier on days featuring a Fantasmic! show.  Warning: If you have small children you might want to take into consideration that while the show is excellent it does feature Disney Villains for about 10 minutes of the show and can be pretty intense & frightening for young children.

• SpectroMagic Nighttime Parade: Limited Showings
  Magic Kingdom

  This delightful nighttime parade will only be offered every night through August 15^th, .   SpectroMagic parade is only offered a few times a week in the second half of August on the before mentioned 1 – 15, and then on  August 18, 21, 22, 23, 27, 29, 31.  Keep In Mind: Magic Kingdom will be a lot more crowded on days featuring a SpectroMagic Parade.

As I am starting this Blog as a new writer the logical place to start is at the beginning. The Magic Kingdom was the first of the Disney World Parks and I believe still one of the most popular for children of all ages. As you enter the front gates of the park you walk down Main Street USA, the most amazing street in the world.

Take A Stroll Down Main Street

This is a place that allows one to suspend the imagination and immerse ones self in another world. The scent of fresh baked cookies welcomes and follows travelers the length of the street, giving a sense of familiarity and comfort as they explore the main street of an old fashioned small town. Walking from block to block the scenery changes subtly, allowing one to anticipate the new adventures ahead. But resist temptation and do not hurry for there is much to see.

One of the things to watch is the progression of streetlamps from gas to electric as you move through time from past toward present. Movie credits roll in the upper windows listing the creative people responsible for this show, advertising the services to be found there and representing the businesses involved in its creation.

Don’t Forget to Stop in Town Square!

Along the way you will run into the Town Square. On the left you will find fire station 71 across from the cinema and the town restaurant, Tony’s from Lady and the Tramp. At the central park there are benches where one can relax in front of City Hall and perhaps have a chat with Goofy. If you are around at 5 pm you will be able to see the flag ceremony, typically performed by veterans or people associated with 9/11.  Afterward the participants receive the flag that’s been taken down and a special pin.

Returning to Main Street one finds an old time General Store on the corner complete with a wall mounted telephone with party line call in progress. Back on the street you will notice Cinderella Castle at the end is much closer and dominates ones attention. Another little detail, barely noticed at first is that the shop windows have been getting progressively lower than normal. This is so small children can see the displays inside.

At the end of Main Street you will have reached the turn of the century with Casey’s Corner, a hot dog stand on one side and Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on the other. Above the Plaza Restaurant Walter Elias Disney’s window faces Cinderella Castle honoring the director of the Show. The master planners responsible for designing the Magic Kingdom are listed below. Beyond Main Street USA you will move into Fantasyland.

A highlight ride of Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. This high-speed, high-action roller coaster is a favorite among coaster enthusiasts as well as Disney fans. Separating itself from the traditional roller coaster, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith combines the speed and thrills of a coaster with a Disney-style light show and a driving soundtrack provided by Aerosmith. In keeping with the rock ‘n roll theme of the ride, the rider starts out in a ‘studio’ where he or she gets to meet the band, then is quickly ushered to a waiting limo for a high-speed ride through Los Angeles to the back stage of Aerosmith’s concert. The limousine-shaped cars of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are then launched from a dead stop to 60mph in less than three seconds. Once in motion, the thrills are non-stop as the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster goes through a series of twists, turns and corkscrews while Aerosmith tunes add the perfect background to your experience. As quickly as it started, the ride comes to a halt just in time for the Aerosmith show.

Disney World’s Hollywood Studios created the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith in classic Disney style, by seemingly making the impossible, possible. The entire roller coaster is contained indoors, with the track twisting and turning around itself. While the majority of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ride takes place in near total darkness, well-placed lighting highlight signs and visual effects along the route of travel, perfectly adding to the overall action of the ride. The Aerosmith soundtrack is delivered to the rider through perfectly-tuned speakers placed in the headrests of the individual seats and throughout each individual ‘limousine’. This provides a constant level of music for the rider to enjoy, while keeping it synchronized perfectly with the action of the coaster. Don’t be surprised if you don’t notice the quality of music the first time though, as the ride itself is very good at stealing your total attention.

The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is billed as an action ride at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, so there are certain precautions that should be taken before experiencing it. The Rock ‘n’ roller Coaster isn’t recommended for expectant mothers, very young children or people with heart, back or neck problems. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, make sure to check with a Disney World Hollywood Studios cast member before getting in line for the ride. Fastpass is available for this ride, and it’s located close to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, so thrill-seekers can enjoy both rides back to back.

Bringing it all together, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith brings together the jolt of an aircraft carrier-style takeoff, the non-stop motion of a world class roller coaster and the music of Aerosmith to provide a total Disney World experience that will have you taking the ride over and over again.

One of the newer rides at Disney World’s Epcot is Soarin’, a flying experience that recreates a hang gliding ride along the coastline of California. What seems at first glance to be a ‘sit and watch’ attraction, Soarin’ separates itself by totally immersing the rider in a full-sensory flight over the different terrains of the west coast, from creeks and orchards to deserts all the way through to the California coast. The ride provides a wonderful simulation of the experience of flight; and not only do you feel yourself moving, but you feel the air rush by you and you can actually catch some of the scents of the terrain. Terrain like orange groves and pine forests make themselves known not only by their visual presence, but by their pleasantly distinct smells as well. The whole experience feels so real that you’ll find yourself ducking under things and picking your feet up so your toes don’t drag over anything.

The way Epcot’s Soarin’ works is by actually putting the rider ‘in’ the movie they’re watching. A large -and I mean large- array of machinery picks the ride up and places everyone in a fish-eye shaped movie screen. Computer controls rotate and tilt the seats of the ride to match the movement on the screen, while visors above the rider provide airflow, scents and even a quick spray of water. All of this, of course, is timed perfectly with the visual show in impeccable Disney World style. Once the ‘flight’ is over, the rider is smoothly and quietly set back down on the ground in the exact same spot that he or she started at. Taking a quick look around during entry or exit will give the rider a feel for the massive scale of the machinery involved in the ride, as well as the screen that provided such a pleasant ‘trip’.

While Soarin’ at Disney World’s Epcot park is billed as an ‘all ages’ ride, some thought should be given to taking very young children on this ride. Those who are uncomfortable with heights or flying may also want to put some thought into whether or not they are ready for a ‘total flight’ experience. The average rider, though, will find the ride very enjoyable. Don’t be surprised if you exit the ride asking, ‘want to go again?’

Soarin’ is one of the more popular rides at Epcot and the infamous Disney World Fastpass is available for this great ride. I would recommend to either get there early or use your Fastpass to reserve a time, as the lines build quickly. Although, even if the park says there will be over an hour wait to get on the ride, the lines do move quickly and are inside under cover, rather than standing outside in the Florida elements.

To sum it up, Soarin’ is a ‘must do’ for anyone traveling to Epcot and Disney World. While it doesn’t have the roller-coaster style of plunges and jerking movements that thrill-seekers look for, the total experience of Soarin’ will be one of your most memorable rides.

The whimsical ride, Peter Pan’s Flight, is located in the Fatasyland section of Disney’s Magic Kingdom and is geared towards children.  Parents along for the ride with their child will be delighted by their child’s reactions to the fun they are having on Peter Pan’s Flight.  So if  you do go with your kids here are some hints not only Peter Pan’s Flight, but navigating most of Fantasyland.

• Park your strollers in one spot.  Fantasyland is rather small so it is easier than loading and unloading at every ride.
• The best time to visit Fantasyland is before 11am and after 7pm.  The lines for these rides can get extremely long during midday and in the summer months.

Peter Pan’s Flight starts as you board a pirate ship that suspends riders just a foot or so off the floor.  As you sail above Nana’s doghouse and into the city lights of London, riders fly over Big Ben and then it’s off to the second star to the right and straight on till morning. as the story goes, you have now entered Never Never Land.

The ride continues to show you the wonders of Peter Pan’s home, flying you over the Indian camp, Captain Hook’s cove,  and the tree where the Lost Boys live.   Riders are also shown the mermaids, along with the Indian princesses held captive by Captain Hook.   Finally riders on Peter Pan’s flight are entertained by the battle between Peter and Hook, and of course Disney didn’t forget about the ol’ crocodile that Captain Hook “loves” so much, too.

Out of all the the Fantasyland rides in Disney’s Magic Kingdom,  this one gives riders the feeling like they are riding really riding through a movie set as a spectator to what’s going on. A great ride for all ages, even parents will be reminded why they loved this Disney Classic.  If you are a fan of the Peter Pan movie, you’ll definitely love the ride and your children will too!

Long before Eddie Murphy’s movie of the same name, The Haunted Mansion, has  always been another hit at the Magic Kingdom. Located in Liberty Square, overlooking the small river that runs through the park, you cannot pass by the ride without hearing the ghoulish sounds from inside, and maybe a couple of hellacious screams too.  While you wait to enter the Haunted Mansion, the line winds you through a graveyard and actors telling you to ” Fill the Dead Space “.  As you approach the doors to the ride make sure you take a look at the headstones, your sure to get a chuckle out of the these.

As you are waiting to get on the ride, take a look at the building itself.  Along the rooftop is adorned with chess pieces, everything  from the pawns to queens.  The only piece that is not there is the knight. That’s just fine though, because it is always ( K ) night inside, as the players who entertain you in line say.  Another nice touch to the architecture of the house is the weather vane that sits atop, it’s a bat, quite fittingly for this house.  The original idea  for the house was for it to look like an early 1800′s Southern style mansion, however the Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe, PA turned out to be the final inspiration and the mansion looks more like a an old home in northeastern United States.

Once you enter you will be led to a strange room,  this is the staging area before you are loaded onto the ride.  There are portraits of the former owners on the wall,  and while you wait a story is being told about them as either the floor goes down or the ceiling goes up (can you tell which it is?).  The portraits elongate as well not as faltering as before. The story stops and a flash of lightning shocks the audience, they look up and it seems as if some one has been murdered.  With that set up for the ride, the door opens and you on your way to ride through the mansion.

As you are walking to the chairs of the ride, you will notice two  busts that resemble Romans , they do not take their eyes off you and follow you every where you got just as if the know your fate.  As you sit down your in your set, you are in  for a treat!  Some of the best wall to wall creeps with a few laughs thrown in throughout the Haunted Mansion ride.  There  is everything from ghostly needle-point, to a ghostly wedding reception that has a banquet hall full of dancers with a very unique face in a suspended in mid-air crystal ball. Just a side note of trivia about this neat crystal ball, the face in within it belongs to Disney’s own Leota Thomas.

The special effects on this ride are outstanding!  It’s spooks and ghouls even rivals the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.  There are not as many animatronics on the Haunted Mansion ride,  but it does have a lot to offer in the ways of fun and wow!  Make sure to look at the chandler during the dance a drunken patron has take his final drink from there.  And as one of the last parts of the ride, make sure you look into the mirrors closely as you may or may not have a ghost on your lap as you pass by.  Oh, and don’t forget to read some more gravestones on your way out.

This ride is more for an older patron to the park, as it is a little frighting  for the little ones because the ride is essentially in the dark.  If your children are accustomed to the dark and being “spooked” for fun, the Haunted Mansion ride is definitely one ride worth the wait, and maybe even a second ride, as there is so much going on you will always see or discover something new everytime you ride.

One of the most popular rides at any of the Disney attractions,  entirely due to the fame of the movies and their actors such as Johnny Depp, is Pirates of the Caribbean in Disney’s Magic Kingdom.  The movie mirrors the ride, such as the jail scene, waterfalls, ocean scenes and other very memorable scenes from the pirate village the cast visits. It is definitely an adventure from start to finish.

As you ride along this infamous attraction, you are besieged by the pirate ships battling each other, cannonballs exploding all around you and splashing in the water all as you travel in a broad beamed boat through the waters.  This might be a little scary for younger children due to the darkness of the entire ride, but if they are a little older this is definitely an experience they will never forget.

The animatronics have been totally reworked in recent years and are outstanding, especially with the new additions of characters from all three of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies including Captain Jack,  Captain Barbossa, Davey Jones and even the jail house gaurd dog.  Along with chickens, and pigs, and over 125 pirates and villagers this attraction definitely gives you a feel of going through the pirate towns featured in the movies. In addition to reworking the animatronics, Disney has so added new sound system , so that all the lines that are said can be heard and clearly understood as the riders pass by.

Due to the popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, lines for this attraction can become long, so this should definitely be your first stop when you arrive at the park.  As you exit the ride, you are dropped right into the Pirates of the Caribbean gift store with all sorts of pirate memorabilia including tshirts, frames, magnets and even those famous “Mickey Ears” in pirate style.  Once you are out of the ride, if you love it as much as myself  it should be your last stop before you leave the Magic Kingdom, too!