by Rosanna on July 19, 2010
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.
Willie the Giant
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 ship’s wheel in the middle.
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 peak 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.
[click to read on…]
by Rosanna on July 14, 2010
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.
by DisneyWorld Fan Girl on July 12, 2010
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.
by DisneyWorld Fan Girl on July 7, 2010
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 2nd 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 4th, 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 15th, . 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.
