Blog #11: The Haunted Mansion

Photo by Ted and Dina Hathaway

Welcome to another Friday edition of the Disney World Nation blog. Tonight Team Friday (Michelle M, Rachel, Sherry, James, and Katherine) talk about a classic ride in Magic Kingdom w/ some new upgrades. Here is this week’s question

Both teams have taken a lap around the world now, so lets head back to where it all began. The new Fantasyland is not the only refurbishment drawing attention. The Haunted Mansion has seen a few new additions in the past few months, including a new interactive graveyard queue and updated hitchiking ghost scenes. You question of the week is "Do you think the new additions to the Haunted Mansion make the ride better or take away from the classic nature of the ride" Does it make you want to go on it more now than before?

Michelle M: You know, there is a saying that if it ain't broke don't fix it.  Well, that theory is destroyed by pixie dust as soon as you cross the gates onto Disney property. {poof}.  This is definitely evident in the latest endeavors involving The Haunted Mansion.  The most exciting aspect is the new queue line.  In the past the queue line was a meandering stroll through an endless line of ropes.  Now :) "Can you tell I am excited" :).  This was an amazing idea!  Of course people are going to have to wait in line so why not give them something to do.  I cannot wait to play in the water and bubbles around the captain's bathtub.  I am super excited about the poet's corner.  The Haunted Mansion is already an eticket ride.  I predict that the new queue line and improved hitchhiking ghosts are going to be an even bigger draw.  I can't wait to experience the new hitchhikers.  The technology is phenomenal. Where else can you trade heads with a ghost?  Nowhere but Disney.  The Disney magic begins at the very beginning of the queue line and carries all the way through the ride. :) and out past the pet cemetery.  One can only hope that Disney will see the amazing reaction to an interactive queue line and incorporate it into other shows and rides.  Magic while you wait!!! Woohoo!

Sherry: I can't wait to see all the new additions to the Haunted Mansion.  Beginning with the new interactive queue, it has been enhanced so that the experience begins before you even enter Gracey Manor.  Also, at the end of the ride, the hitchhiking ghosts have become more playful.  I believe that with these substantial improvements, the ride will become fresh again, and will require many return trips!

Katherine: The Haunted Mansion is a classic and most people believe a classic shouldn't be changed. Recently however the Imaginears have given the Haunted Mansion queue a face lift, with friendly haunts and enchanted gravestones. I believe the new queue is a welcome addition it helps set the mood for what awaits you inside. Here in the queue you get to interact with the haunts, create music, help a ghost create a poem or two, or even cool off with the help of a sea captain. I am eager to see this queue on my next Disney vacation.    

Rachael: So, the question of the week is whether the new additions to the Haunted Mansion make the ride better or take away for the classic nature of the ride????  Having not been there to experience it personally (that is, until June…55 days), it’s hard for me to make a decision either way.  However, I’m excited to see it.  I don’t think it’s going to take away from the classic nature.  It’s really hard for me and I flip flopped back and forth on this question many times.  I’m a believer that one should preserve the classic nature of all of the attractions, but then if they do then people would get bored with the attraction.  I don’t think Walt would have wanted any of his parks to become stale.  Me being the DF (Disney freak) that I am, I don’t think I could ever see any Disney attraction as stale and I’m ready to experience it NOW. What I would like to see on the Haunted Mansion is a picture with the hitchhiking ghosts.  That would be so cool!  I would like to re-visit this question after I get to see it for myself (in 55 days, did I mention that?).  I still think it’s the change that keeps visitors coming back year after year.  So, until next Friday, see ya real soon!

James: This is a tough one for me. After spending the past 5 months on board the Disney Magic, I haven’t heard much about the updates to the Haunted Mansion. After reviewing the little bits of information that I’ve received, I have to say that I’m most excited about the new hitch hiking ghost scene. This is the only “trick” that I couldn’t figure out when riding as a “youngster” so an updated animated version of the scene would be a great asset to the theming and tone of the ride. I always see any updates to the parks as an exciting thing. As Walt once said, “We keep moving forward.” The Disney parks are meant to keep changing over the years, this way there is always something new for returning guests to see. Let's just say I welcome back the 999 ghosts... And if they still have room... Muhahahaha!!!

Whether these new additions make this ride better remains to be seen, but definitely is reason enough to take a ride next time you are in Magic Kingdom. Thank you once again for reading the Disney World Nation blog, please come back Monday when Team Monday talks about Epcot and characters… Bill Sauerbier



Blog #10: The Marketplace

Photo by Bill Sauerbier



Welcome to another Monday edition of the Disney World Nation. This week Michelle W, Bill W, Beth, Katherine (filling in for Lauren), Ted and Bill S. will answer a question about Downtown Disney. Here is the Monday question for 4/25/10.

Downtown Disney is a great place for Disney guests to go. It is broken up into three parts. The first part is the Marketplace. The marketplace spans from the bus stop by the Christmas shop, all the way to Fulton's Crab House. It has shops, food, and even a few kids rides. So your question for this week is "What is your favorite thing to see/do at the Marketplace".

Michelle W: For us, we usually hit Downtown on our first day in WDW or in the middle of our trip to break up the week. First stop for my daughter is a ride on the carousel & the little train. She just loves taking a ride on both of these knowing that at some point during our vacation she’ll get to go on the Big versions! Then I’m usually allowed to take some time to look at the new selection of pins at “Disney's Pin Traders” while the rest of my family ventures off to “Once Upon a Toy” to see what new Star Wars items are in-stock. Then one of our favorite places to grab a quick bite to eat is at Wolfgang Puck Express (we love the meatloaf). After that, if we’ve left room, then it’s ice cream time at Ghirardelli’s! Now if we want something not so quick to eat, then we’ll head over to T-REX Café. It’s like Rainforest Café but with Dinosaurs & a meteor shower!  Then no shopping trip is complete without a stop at “World of Disney”. They have everything & anything there. I usually like to try and get all my “big” shopping done first, so that I don’t forget anyone, but usually we’ll make one more trip here before we head home.  I also want to give an honorable mention to one of my favorite places to visit that is no longer at Downtown Disney, which would be the Adventures Club, which was located in the Pleasure Island area. Back in the day, that would be the place where I would spend most of my evening while at Pleasure Island. There was just nothing else like it, that’s for sure! How I miss it! Kungaloosh!

Bill W: The Marketplace at Downtown has so many things to do, and stuff to buy. There is one place we visit every time, without fail, Goofy’s Candy Company. There is something magical about making your very own customized Disney sweet treat. I love putting special touches on a Mickey Rice Krispie bar, while my wife and daughter can’t resist making a yummy caramel apple. We always leave there with smile on our face and a sugar high.

Beth P: Our first stop at the marketplace has almost always been the Lego Imagination Center. I'm convinced we have a budding “Imagineer” on our hands. My twins were born in 1998, and I think the Village was their first 'Disney Adventure" even before they were born. We like to see what new things have been added to the store, and count the many wonderful colors and shapes of the many models. It's also so much fun to take pictures everytime we go, and on our return home, we like to take out the pictures and compare how we have changed, and how the Lego Store has changed.

Katherine E: Downtown Disney is a great way to get a dose of Disney without being in the parks. It offers shopping, dining, and entertainment which one of these three is bound to draw anyone in.  For me and my Husband shopping tends to be our biggest draw in the Marketplace section of Downtown Disney. Our goal on every trip is to look in the gift shops as you go and at the end of the trip head to Downtown Disney. We always head straight to the World of Disney and buy up our must haves. We also love this store because of all the extras it has. Even if you were not there to buy something just walking through and enjoying the decor is fun, true you might need to maneuver around a lot of people to see them but you can still have fun. 

Ted H: I always enjoy going to downtown Disney.  And although Dina and I always hit up world of Disney to go shopping, our favorite time at the marketplace was when we went to T-Rex for dinner.  The planets were aligned that day, cause it was a cold January day during the off peak season and we strolled up and asked how long the wait was expecting for a ridiculous wait time.  To our surprise they sat us at that moment no wait.  The food was great, the staff was very nice and how many people can you say ate at a restaurant where you are surrounded by dinosaurs and a meteor strikes every 20 minutes. Not to many.  Now when we walk by T-Rex and see the long lines to be seat, we laugh and remember our great dinner there and can't wait for our next.

Bill S: So I have two answers for this (I know that’s cheating, but it’s my blog J). It’s a dinner/dessert combination like no other. First head over to Wolfgang Puck’s Express. The Pizza here is the best I have ever tasted, and the four-cheese macaroni is amazing. Once you have eaten there, head across the way to Ghirardelli’s for ice cream. This place is great, not only does it taste good, but it is fun to watch them make the tasty treats. The Gold Rush (peanut butter hot fudge sundae) is my favorite. Each ice cream also comes with a Ghirardelli’s chocolate square, how can you go wrong with that??  After hitting these two stops you will be so full, you will feel like you need to be rolled back to the WDW Motorcoach, but it will be so worth it.

I hope this gives you some idea for your next trip to Downtown Disney, thank you once again for visiting the Disney World Nation Blog, come back Friday when the Nation debate does adding new features help or hurt a classic Magic Kingdom ride. Till next time, See You Real Soon Bill Sauerbier  

Blog #9: Best place to see Animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Photo by Katherine Ehrisman

Hello all, here we are again on another Friday edition of the Disney World Nation Blog. Today Team Friday (Michelle M, James, Katherine, and Bill S.) answer a question about Animal Kingdom. Here is the Question for 4/22/11

Michelle M: Magic Kingdom creates memories of Fantastical lands.  Epcot pushes our imaginations to explore the future and our World around us.  Hollywood Studios brings us to the edge of Tinseltown both past and present. But if you are looking for tangible memories of the basic interaction within our Earth then it is Animal Kingdom that you are searching for.  Animal Kingdom resonates with the primal sounds of Earth. There are many choices for exploring the animal world within the AK starting with the Oasis as you enter and leading to Kilimanjaro Safaris.  One favorite choice of my family is Maharajah Jungle Trek.  There is a giant enclosure that you can enter to view Fruit Bats (I should issue a warning here--the smell is not pleasant in this room) the only separation between you and the bats is a mesh across the viewing area.  But, it is the Tiger enclosure that always draws a crowd.  The tigers are allowed to roam in an expansive area and the separator between human and tiger is a glass wall.  It is in the Tiger enclosure that we have one of the best pictures of all our vacations.  The tigers were laying against the glass, one of which was on his back like a house cat waiting for his belly to be rubbed.  In our photo it looks as if the tigers are lying at our feet.  You cannot see the glass wall in the photo.  Disney has definitely provided a great service to hard working families such as mine who could never dream of seeing many of the provided animals in their natural habitat.  Disney's Animal Kingdom is a budget conscious families' answer to long held dreams of Safaris and Jungle Treks.

Bill S: For me the best place to see the animals of Animal Kingdom is none other than the Oasis. The Oasis is a bunch of different paths at the beginning of the park that leads from the entrance to the Tree of Life. There are paths, caves, and many different types of animals. Cast members are in the area usually carrying a creepy looking animal, a real life Pumbaa lives there, and the best part about the Oasis is that it is covered in shade, and I definitely want that in Animal Kingdom :)

Katherine E: When thinking of Disney's Animal Kingdom the first thing that comes to my mind is my father saying "nahtazu” or not a zoo. Even though you do get to experience a variety of animals the focus here is to entertain while you learn about the animals and their natural environment. While there are a variety of places to see animals in this park my favorite place to see them is the Maharajah jungle trek in Asia. Through this trek you get to see a variety of animals from fruit bats to tigers, but to me what makes this the most interesting trek is the atmosphere. Here you find yourself in the middle of the Maharajah jungle, with the ancient ruins you can really get caught up and almost forget that you are in the middle of Orlando.

James H: Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers many great places to see the wildlife, the most popular being Kilimanjaro Safaris. However if you forgot your fast pass and don’t fancy waiting 50+ minutes in the heat for the truly adventurous attraction, The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail offers some great spots to see the animals by foot. My favorite place on the trail is the Gorilla enclosure. Just watching these magnificent animals walking through the trees and bushes instantly makes you think of times in the past when beasts roamed the globe without a human being in sight. The Gorillas have so much character and emotion hidden deep within their focused eyes and you can learn a lot from the Cast Members there too. So next time you are tired of running around the park and need a bit of a break, just head on over to The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and watch one of the Gorillas for 10 minutes... It may turn into 30 minutes, but will definitely leave you feeling like the next Dr. Doolittle.

Animals are lurking everywhere in the Kingdom so keep your eyes peeled, because you never know where you will see them. Thank you once again for visiting the Disney World Nation blog, come back on Monday when the team talks about their favorite places to go in the Marketplace at Downtown Disney. Till next time, See You Real Soon, Bill Sauerbier

Photo by Ted and Dina Hathaway

Blog #8: The Best Shows at Hollywood Studios

Photo by Bill Sauerbier

Welcome to another edition of the Disney World Nation Blog. This time Team Monday (with Michelle M. subbing for me) will answer a DHS question. Here is this week’s question

We all know, Disney Hollywood Studios has the Big Three (Tower of Terror, Rock and Rollercoaster, Toy Story Mania) but what it also has is amazing shows as well. Some of these are stage shows, some movies, and some are just happening on the street. Some have actors, some have cars, and others have puppets. Your question of the week is "What is your favorite show in Hollywood Studios"?



Beth P: My favorite shows at Hollywood studios? The audience participation ones of course are my faves. There's nothing as funny as watching the Casting Director catch an unsuspecting family leisurely strolling down Hollywood Ave, even better if it's your own family. The Director has a way of making you feel like a star. Even if there’s not a talented bone in your body. He seems to draw you into his imaginary production and you want nothing more than to be the most amazing newcomer he’s ever seen.  Last year as we left the park, and by all appearances, we looked like lambs off to slaughter, the Director approached our family. He saw we were in need of a last bit of Disney magic, and he made my son , who was having a birthday, a star, for a moment. Their steps were a little quicker, their smiles a little brighter, and we were not so sad to leave, "there's always another Disney trip

Bill W: One of the best things about Disney’s Hollywood Studios is all of the great shows they offer. They have high speed car chases, epic stunts, mermaids, and even American Idol wannabes.  But by far my favorite show is Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. The show really makes the movie come to life with real people. It was the first Broadway style show that Disney produced, and it even premiered in the park the same day the movie came out. How often does a Theme Park Attraction inspire actual Broadway shows?

Michelle M: Walking into Disney Hollywood Studios is like taking a stroll through Hollywood (without the bad parts of town).  Part of the magic is that the Hollywood you get to experience is both past and present.  Disney style is evident in the awesome rides but to truly see the Disney magic one need only look as far as the shows.  Hollywood Studios is graced with a couple Broadway type shows in Beauty and the Beast and The Voyage of the Little Mermaid.  It also has shows for the adventure lover in your group in Lights Motors Action and Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.  Then there is the nightly spectacular Fantasmic that follows the ranks of Wishes and Illuminations.  But in order to experience the "pearl" of Hollywood Studios, one will have to look a little deeper in the oyster.  The street shows are the gem of Hollywood Studios. The comedy contained in the improv shows on the streets of HS is very contagious and indicative of Disney magic.  There have been two important occasions that my family had a hilarious experience in street shows.  One experience involved Francis Farmooth recent transplant off the bus to Hollywood, who singled my daughter out to take a message while he called his mother on his MASSIVE cell phone.  The other experience involved my husband and the cost of repairs to a car that amounted to more than the car's worth.  Although we enjoy the produced shows on Disney stages it is definitely the improv shows that produce magical memories that my family speaks of for years and years.

Ted H: My favorite show at Hollywood Studio has to be Indiana Jones.  I know it has been running for a while now. I remember seeing it on a vacay 15 years ago and I just saw it again a month ago and it still gets the adrenaline pumping. Maybe it's the classic character or the special effects or the way they involve the crowd into, Indiana jones is a fun adventure to witness.  Go early and grab a good seat in the center for the best view.  A show I hope to see in the future is the events they have for Star Wars the weekend but we shall see if I get to visit then.

Michelle W: This was a tough one, as I have two favorites! My first favorite “show” at Hollywood Studios has to be “The Great Movie Ride.” I’ve always been a huge movie buff & taking a ride on TGMR brings all those great scenes to life! From the early movies of Busby Berkeley, to the finale of The Wizard of Oz, this ‘show’ has a little bit of everything for everyone. The end of the ride, where they recap the history of movies, is always a fun little way to quiz everyone to see who can name the most movies, as well as see if any new movies have been added. Then my second favorite show would be “Voyage of The Little Mermaid.” This is one of my favorite movies & seeing it brought to life just adds to the magic of the movie. I love the way they create this show using live action, actual movie clips & puppets, along with some of the great songs of the movie, to bring the show to life. Just sitting in the theater helps to bring out the magic that you are truly under the sea with Ariel & all her friends! 

Lauren R: When asked what my favorite show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is, my answer was instant and emphatic. There is no doubt in my mind that the absolute best show at DHS and dare I say, in all of Walt Disney World, is Fantasmic! I adore Fantasmic! I would willingly wait in line 90 minutes just to get a good seat, and waiting at Disney isn’t my strong suit. The water, the music, the fireworks and the characters I love all rolled into 26 minutes of pure Disney beauty. And villains. Of course good and Mickey win at the end, but the use of Disney’s most wicked villains is for me the best aspect of the show. Sure, you can find Captain Hook in the parks sometimes, but how often do you get to see Maleficent in full regalia or even better as a full-blown dragon? Even Chernabog makes an appearance. Usually we try to make Fantasmic! a special occasion for the family. We like to take advantage of the Fantasmic! Dinner package. For a reasonable fee we catch dinner at one of three great restaurants (Mama Melrose’s, Hollywood & Vine, or The Brown Derby) and get a pass that allows us to use a special entrance for Fantasmic! We have reserved seating waiting for us in the amphitheater and can show up 30 minutes early instead of an hour and a half. Fantasmic! for me is a can’t miss show. It doesn’t play nightly but I recommend to anyone visiting Walt Disney World to make sure they fit it into their schedule.

For me my favorite show is Mulch Sweat and Shears (the gardening rock band on the Streets of America, aka Los Lawn Boys).Well thank you again for joining us here at the Disney World Nation blog. Please join us again on Friday when we talk about great spots to see your favorite animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Till next time, See You Real Soon. Bill Sauerbier

Blog #7: Cram-Dining at Epcot

Photo by Katherine Ehrisman

Welcome friends to another chapter of the Disney World Nation Blog. Here is the question for Team Friday to answer.

So in my book The Cram Zone Guide to Walt Disney World 2010, I had a chapter called Cram-Dining. Cram-Dining is another term for a counter service restaurant. I put it in there to let readers know where they could get a quick delicious meal. Cram-Dining is more than just a hot dog or chicken fingers, and nowhere proves that better than at Epcot. So your question of the Week is “where do you go in Epcot for a great Cram-Dining meal”????

Michelle M: Consider this-You are in Epcot with no ADR's and you are very hungry.  Where do you go to grab a quick bite before heading back to Soarin' with that fastpass?  The first question I would have for you is- When are you visiting?  Is it during the Food and Wine Festival?  Because if it is then you have hit the munchie jackpot.  During the food and wine festival there are kiosks set up with authentic food from Countries around the World.  It is at those kiosks that you can walk up and order such fare as steamed mussels with roasted cream garlic sauce, Lobster rolls and Maple Sugar Candy Snacks.  Meander from booth to booth.  There is a wealth of foods available AND you are trying something new.  Suppose you are not traveling during the Food and Wine Festival, then Epcot has the answer to your varied tastes.  The Sunshine Seasons Fair offers several different options for parties with picky eaters.  It is like a food court in a mall.  The baked potatoes are great and it is a wonderful choice if you are looking for a salad.  It is often true that repetitive Counter Service meals do not offer a lot in the forms of vegetables but at Sunshine Seasons you can get veggies and/or salads.  The best part is you are in the same building as Soarin so you can zoom right over and use those fast passes.

Katherine E: I know when most people think of Epcot they normally think of the variety of food awaiting them. From Chinese to Moroccan you can find food with every turn you take. When I am in Epcot and I am looking for some good quick food I usually head to Sunshine Seasons food court in the Land Pavilion. This food court has a variety of foods all in one location, so if you are like my family and everyone wants something different, they will find it here. We also like Sunshine Seasons because even though it is a food court the quality of food is a step above what you would find at other food courts.  Then after eating your meal you can head to one of our favorite rides Soarin.

Sherry W: When I received this week’s assignment, I was determined to choose a “cram-dining” restaurant in the World Showcase.  And, I was definitely NOT going to choose Sunshine Seasons at The Land in Future World, because I thought that would be too easy.  However, after revisiting all of the restaurants (in my head), I had to go back to Sunshine Seasons.  The menu is so diverse that everyone in your traveling party will find something to love.  The choices range from American to Asian, and even include bakery items!  Whether you are looking for a meal, or a snack, everything is wonderful.  The only issues I have with Sunshine Seasons is that it is always crowded and not the easiest place to maneuver.   

Rachael J: This week’s question is a tough one.  There are so many great counter service options in Epcot.  I mean, when you think of Epcot, you think of food; right?  Or, is that just me?  Let’s see, there is Yakitori House, Boulangerie Patisserie,  Kringla Bakeri og Café, La Cantina de San Angel, Sommerfest and much more.  But my family’s favorite has to be Sunshine Seasons.  Whether you’re in the mood for Asian, soup & salad, sandwiches or something from the grill, there is something to satisfy everyone.  Don’t have time to eat?  There is also a grab n go!  My husband and I also like Taqueria Del Lago in Mexico.  We love to sit and people-watch with a plate of Flautas and a nice frozen passion fruit margarita.  Talking about all of the wonderful options in Epcot has made me hungry, so until next week…

James H: When working at the UK pavilion, most days I got my break I put on some “under cover” guest clothing and went to eat lunch at one of the other pavilions. Mexico offers great Nachos! You can get some tasty deserts at Germany. But I think the French Bakery takes the win for my taste buds! I often got the turkey and cheese baguette for around $5, a gorgeous strawberry tart for around $3, and a nice smile from a French girl for free. The setting is perfect to eat outside of the bakery in the main street. You get some nice spots in the shade, as all the buildings are quite built up around that area too. It truly offers a unique and authentic Cram-Dining experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Well for the first time since this blog has been written we have a majority, while it is obvious Sunshine Seasons Food Fair is the favorite of this panel, I like that other smaller places were mentioned here. My brother (who writes for the Team Monday blog) would be upset with me if I didn’t at least mention the Yorkshire County Fish Shop, it serves one item (Fish & Chips) and it always has a line cause people love it so much. Well it’s about that time, Thank you once again for joining us at the Disney World Nation blog. Come back on Monday when Team Monday talks about the shows of Disney Hollywood Studios. Till next time, See You Real Soon! Bill Sauerbier



Blog #6: Magic Kingdom's First Steps

Photo by Ted and Dina Hathaway



Welcome to another Monday edition of the Disney World Nation. Here is the question for “Team Monday” this week.

So now the Disney World Nation has gone to the four parks, and to the hotels. Let's head back to Magic Kingdom. You have arrived at the park ready and energized for a long day at the park. Once your inside the park, which direction do you head and why? Do you head left into Adventureland, right towards Tomorrowland, straight through the castle for Fantasyland, or do you even go down Main Street USA at all?

Michelle W: Ok… so we’re heading to Magic Kingdom!! First stop after walking through the gates, is taking a few moments to just stand on Main Street and take in it all in! If I just close my eyes, I can picture the sights, the sounds & the smells! Then we’ll move closer to the center of Main Street & catch our first glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle & be in awe!  We also enjoy watching everyone else’s reaction to seeing it for the first time! Then we’ll stop to get a family picture taken using our PhotoPass! It’s always great to see how much everyone changes over the years. OK, now that we did that, it’s time to head towards the “Partners” statue of Walt & Mickey & then we make a left to head towards Adventureland, but before we’re through, we make a quick right & head down a little path that takes you to Liberty Square. And from there it’s off to my ALL TIME favorite attraction… the HAUNTED MANSION!!! 

Beth P: “We’re here, we’re here!” My adventurous group of pirates and I have finally landed at the Magic Kingdom, after a 3 hour tour in the family van. So, the most traveled route for us is left, into Adventureland. My scalawag crew of “weekend pirates” and I always head straight for “The Pirates of the Caribbean”. It’s always a race to see how much faster I can get there. Most of the time, I am the first one to the ride. I try not to be too obnoxious, and run over small children and older people, as I would still like to sit with my family. The “POTC” movies have only made my identity crisis with the ride worse, and I swear, at some point, I may “accidently” fall overboard. The scenery in the story is amazing. The colors, the textures, the feel, it’s as if you’re a part of history. The addition of Jack Sparrow and his comedic antics only enhance the entertainment of the ride. I’m not sure if the ride mimics the movie, or the movie mimics the ride. Everytime we board our watercraft, we challenge each other to find something new. When the announcer says “No flarsh photography, we know he’s probably talking to me”. The countdown has begun for our next trip to the Magic Kingdom. I’m not sure when we will “land”, but I know where our compass will take us.

Lauren R: I love the Magic Kingdom for one major reason; it never fails to make me feel like a kid again. Back before I had kids of my own, my first stop of the day was always The Haunted Mansion. It was and always has been my favorite ride. A quick walk down Main Street, to the left past The Crystal Palace, avoiding the delicious smells of coffee and funnel cakes calling to me from Sleepy Hollow, and on to meet the Ghost Host in my doom buggy. I would find myself speaking along with the soundtrack and eagerly awaiting the opportunity to hear the next version of Grim Grinning Ghosts as we traveled from room to room. When my husband and I went on our anniversary trip last November to Disney World, he didn’t even bother asking what I wanted to do first. He just started making the trek to Liberty Square. The kids also love The Haunted Mansion, but when we go on trips with them, they want Dumbo! They don’t understand that Mommy is desperately trying not to stomp her foot in a childish tantrum demanding her favorite ride be top priority! To avoid the crowds heading towards Fantasyland through the castle, we usually look to see if the crowds are lighter heading into Adventureland or Tomorrowland. We then go with the lighter crowd and use the path on the right or left of Cinderella’s Castle, then to Dumbo and the rest of Fantasyland. The kids are happy and I know that my patience will pay off when my four year old asks when we can go see the ghosts.

Bill W: Our Magic Kingdom touring routine has changed a lot over the years.  We used to head straight for one of the Mountains, either Space Mountain or Splash Mountain depending on how hot it was.  Now that we are parents and visit Walt Disney World with an 8 year old we do things much differently.  Now we head straight towards Cinderella’s Castle right at rope drop, and head to Fantasyland.  We borrow a page from the Unofficial Guide and do a modified version of the Dumbo-or-Die-in-a-Day plan.  We jump on Dumbo and ride it right away, since it has some of the longest lines later in the morning.  The we ride Peter Pan and Pooh, that knocks some of the most popular kids rides off out touring list and lets us explore more of fantasy land at a more leisurely pace. We would also be at Toontown right at 10:00 when they opened so we could see Mickey and the Princesses before the lines get too long.  Now that Toontown is no more we will have to draw up a new gameplan for our next trip.

Ted H: When my fiancée and I head into Magic Kingdom, we stroll down Main St and head left toward Adventureland.  Our first stop is always Pirates of the Caribbean.  I think we do it just to get our first ride under our belt for the day and Pirates usually has no wait.  Once we get that ride out of the way, the park is open to our exploration and wonder.

Bill S: Wait!!! Where are you all going??? Actually I want everyone to head down Main Street USA, so I can head towards my first ride of the day, The Walt Disney World Railroad. Go in the entrance, head up the stairs (or elevator), and hop aboard the train over to Frontierland and it will leave you right in between the two mountains (Big Thunder and Splash). The Railroad is good cause you have already gotten on your first ride, you’ve stayed off your feet for a few minutes (if you are setting up for a long day at the park this is crucial), and the length of time it took is close to the same as walking from the entrance to the Mountains. Add to it the music from each land, and the narrator making nice fun comments along the way and you’ve got yourself a great way to get around the parks.

There really is no wrong way to enter Magic Kingdom. Just pick your favorite ride, and find the best path to get there. Thank you once again for joining us at the Disney World Nation. Join us again on Friday as “Team Friday” is introduced to “Cram-Dining” and discuss which are their favorites at Epcot. Till next time, See You Real Soon. Bill Sauerbier

Blog #5 Dream Hotel Stay

Photo by Katherine Ehrisman

Welcome to another Friday edition of The Disney World Nation blog. Here is the question for the week

You've just hit the lottery, so money is not a factor, which hotel do you stay at on your next trip to WDW and why? Is it the most expensive place, is it your current favorite, or is there something in the hotel that makes you want to stay there.

Katherine E: Winning the lottery and having no limit on where we could stay at Walt Disney World... Wow I think I would spread the joy by renting out a grand villa at Animal Kingdom lodge for me, my Husband and ten of our closest friends. I might have to get two depending on who would want to come. I know from just having my friends and family around for our wedding that sometimes just getting together is the most fun we can have. Sharing the magic of Disney with my loved ones is what I look forward to most when going to Disney. A trip like this, spending time together, cracking jokes on one another and just being together would create once in a lifetime memories that we would never forget. I would pick Animal Kingdom Lodge because it has an electric atmosphere that grips a hold of you and from the moment you walk in you know your stay will be magical. This resort truly makes you feel as if you are in Africa overlooking a Savannah full of animals. This is what Disney does best, it knows how to tickle your senses and trigger your imagination to make even the stuffiest adult believe in magic.

Michelle M: First of all woohoo!! I hit the lottery and I know who my cousins are so don't even try.  Next I am definitely planning a new LONG trip to Disney, but where to stay?  I would choose to stay at the Grand Floridian.  The Grand Floridian is the very essence of opulence.  I am enamored with the turn of the century grandeur within this resort.  This is the resort I always wanted to stay at as a young girl.  There are several deluxe resorts on Disney property but this was one of the first and even with the age it stands majestic amongst the best.  From the fresh flowers in the lobby to the band playing on the 2nd floor even common folks like myself feel like royalty.  We recently ate at Cinderella's Royal Banquet in 1900 Park and Fare and the food was amazing.  My husband noticed that the ashtrays in the atrium were immaculately maintained.  There were initials in the middle of the sandy that were instantly replaced as soon as something disturbed them.  With such attention to the smallest detail, I would love to immerse myself in all the Disney magic that the Grand Floridian has to offer

Sherry W: If money were no object, and I could stay anywhere and for as long as I wanted, I would choose the Animal Kingdom Lodge, at the Concierge level with a savannah view.  Oh, and I would stay for at least a month!  It would be so nice to wake up every morning, to wander out on the balcony to sip my coffee and watch the animals as they begin their day.  The Animal Kingdom Lodge actually sits on a 43 acre wildlife preserve and is home to over 30 species of animals.  Additionally, the Lodge is full of sights, sounds and smells which completely surround you.  It would be easy to forget that you are in Florida, and not in the heart of Africa. Of course, it is a Disney resort, so it is only a short ride away from all of the parks.

Rachel J: I just won the lottery.  The reporters ask what are you going to do now?  “I’m going to Disney World!!!!”  Sounds like the Superbowl; right?  Well that’s exactly what I would do.  I would be on the phone with Disney travel, booking a wonderful 8 week (minimum) vacation.  My choice resort would be the Tree House Villas.  I have a family of 5, so this would definitely accommodate us.  I’ve never stayed at the Tree House Villas, but I’ve been in them once.  I love the serenity and the secluded feel of this resort.  It doesn’t feel like a hotel, it definitely feels like home.  Think 8 weeks is long enough to close on property in Golden Oaks???

James H: When first reading this question I thought my answer would be easy to write, but as I started to remember more and more of the amazing resorts around WDW property I soon realized this question would be much harder to answer. From Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club with its beautiful beach that looks out over the Boardwalk to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa with its luxurious spa treatments and delightful live music, every Disney resort has something special to offer guests of all ages. However, nothing compares to spending some time away from the busy theme parks and relaxing in the outdoors at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. This resort holds many special memories for me and offers everything for the adventurous guest. From horse riding through the woodlands to a night time carriage ride, every turn is as far away from the typical Orlando tourism community as the next. The cabins are especially nice, offering a home away from home without feeling like you are staying at a hotel resort. Rent a golf buggy and take it out on the open roads, there are no revving sounds from engines as they all run on electric, just remember to charge it at every parking spot around the resort. But don’t worry if golf buggies aren’t your thing because busses also run on three routes around the resort. Catch a bite to eat at Trails End Restaurant, they serve breakfast, lunch and a dinner buffet. At night time the resort’s beach offers a great viewing of the fireworks over at Magic Kingdom, and of course a great night of entertainment is in store at The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. The food is great, the show is amazing, and the service is outstanding. Guests can even take part in the show themselves. From fishing in the morning, to taking a ride around the river by canoe in the afternoon, to relaxing at the pool in the evening, the resort offers guests so much to do and still come home at night feeling more relaxed and in touch with nature than ever. And that’s why I’m choosing Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground as my favorite.

For me it would be Port Orleans Riverside, most peaceful place I have ever been. Thank you all once again for visiting the Disney World Nation blog. Please come back on Monday when we head over to the Magic Kingdom and talk about which direction to head upon entering the park. Till then, see you real soon Bill Sauerbier



Blog #4 Keeping Cool in Animal Kingdom

Photo by Ted and Dina Hathaway

Welcome back to another addition to the Disney World Nation blog. Here is the question for Monday April 4th, 2011.

So I have always said that they pump in hot air at Animal Kingdom, it always seems so much warmer at that park than the others. So my question is "How do you keep cool at Animal Kingdom??" Is it a ride, something to eat/drink, or a shady spot along the road? Please give your reasons why it’s your favorite way.

Bill W: Maybe it’s just my imagination, but the weather in the Animal Kingdom seems imported directly from Sub Saharan Africa.  It is always HOT !!  We are constantly looking for ways to cool off. One of the best places I have found to keep my cool is watching Finding Nemo – The Musical.  You sit in a dark air conditioned theater watching fish swim underwater. What a refreshing break from the heat waiting for you outside.

Lauren R: The Animal Kingdom has two major drawbacks for me, its sheer size and the constant sauna like atmosphere.  Neither one of these can be avoided but they can be managed with a little pre-planning. To start, you can’t stroll into Animal Kingdom at 10 or 11 am. The sun and temperature are already rising as are wait times at the major attractions. Whenever we decide it’s an Animal Kingdom day, we are up and waiting at the gates for park opening.  Since I am a mother of 2 small boys, this is actually an easy start to the day for us, we’re up anyway. For my husband and me, the major draw of Animal Kingdom is Expedition Everest hands down. For the boys it is Kilimanjaro Safaris.  Either ride in prime season can have well over an hour wait. We make a decision before we get into the park: who is braving the run to Expedition Everest for Fast Passes and who is dragging the kids to get in line at Kilimanjaro Safaris? I know running in what I’ve already called a sauna seems counterintuitive, but in reality the sun and temps at 8am are far more bearable than they are at noon. I also feel the Safari in the early morning is amazing. All the animals are out and moving, something they won’t be doing in 90 degree weather.  Heck, I don’t want to, why would they? With those attractions off our list of must- dos, we take the time to leisurely stroll through the remainder of the park.  By time we reach Dinoland, the boys usually need a break and time to cool down. While we use the parent swap option at Dinosaur, the one not on the ride grabs some ice cream from the stand near the entrance (a Strawberry Bar for me, Frozen  Chocolate Covered Banana for the hubby and of course, Mickey Bars for the kids) and has a seat near the exit doors of the ride. There’s a little water fountain and a seating area with fans and shade, plus there is also the cold breeze that comes whooshing out whenever someone exits the building.  A little break does everyone some good and keeps adults and children from becoming cranky! You can’t avoid the heat at Animal Kingdom but you can plan smart.

Ted H: “This is hot! This is Africa hot!” is one of my favorite lines from a movie.  So when in Africa at Animal Kingdom or the other areas of the park, How do I stay cool? Well Animal Kingdom tends not to have the largest walkways, to give you the feel of a crowded African outpost, or Asian mountain village.  So you really seem to be arm and arm with other guest to make it through the park.  Which I know to me, really makes it seem hotter than other parks.  My way to get out of the heat at Animal Kingdom, is enjoy the animal trails.  Most of the animal paths are well shaded and not to crowded.  It’ll take a little effort to find each path, most are not marked, so it adds a little discovery to your visit.  Plus the animals are really cool.  Also make sure to grab a fastpass for Kali River Rapids and hit it in the afternoon.  It will definitely cool you off, but please don’t wear a poncho on the ride.  Its made to get you wet plus you are in Florida you will be dry in 15 mins.  Finally, The Finding Nemo Show, one of my favorite shows out of all the parks, is a great show to get out of the heat. You may have to wait in line for the show, but you’ll be spending 45 mins in an air conditioned theatre watching an amazing show.  WARNING the music is catchy.

Michelle W: Well first off, my family is all about “Keeping Cool” no matter where we are! To prepare for a day at the Parks, my Husband always has his Umbrella Hats at the ready. Everyone always comments on how ‘cool’ they are. Even the cast members love them! We also bring portable water sprayers with us. These are great for the little one too, since it not only keeps her cool, but also keeps her occupied! When we’re at Animal Kingdom, a ride on “Kali River Rapids” is bound to cool us off, maybe a little more than some would want to be cooled off! So if we not in a mood to be soaked, then we’re either off for a thrilling ride on “Dinosaur” or off to a showing of “It’s Tough to be a Bug”!

Bill S: Well for me a safe bet is to head to an indoor ride or show. Air conditioning is your friend, especially at Animal Kingdom. One thing that I really love to get on an extremely hot day is a frozen Coke. There is a shop near the middle of the park that serves a couple of flavors of frozen drinks. I am not a big fan of the recycled paper straw, so I grab a spoon, find a nice shaded spot, and relax for a few minutes.

Hope this helps you all the next time you are in Animal Kingdom. Remember it will be hot there so please take a break during your visit, the last thing you need is a visit from the emt’s due to heat exhaustion. Thank you once again for visiting the Disney World Nation. Please come back for Friday’s blog, where 5 of our bloggers talk about their favorite hotels. Till then see you real soon

Bill Sauerbier

Blog #3 The Backlot Tour, Disney Hollywood Studios

Photo by Bill Sauerbier

Welcome to Blog #3 of the Disney World Nation. Today is a trip over to Hollywood Studios for a ride on one of the parks oldest rides. Here is the question for Friday.

In 1989 Disney opened its third park Disney-MGM Studios. One of the rides that opened that day was the backlot tour. It took you through a working studio, down a road with some very familiar houses (such as the Golden Girls, and empty nest) and into a special effects show called Catastrophe Canyon.

Over the years The Backlot Tour has seen many changes, the soundstages are gone (now Toy Story Mania), the residential area is out (now Lights Motors Action), and even the canyon is not what it once was. Most recently the Tour Guide has left in favor of an automated tour.

Recently there have been rumors of The Backlot tours close, (with possibly a Monster's Inc. rollercoaster or something else in its place. If given the chance with the space that the backlot tour holds, what would you do with it? Would you keep the tour as it is or would you improve it, or build something new in its spot.

Michelle M: When Disney MGM Studios first opened in 1989 it was an awesome look into the behind the scenes of Hollywood.  The Backlot Tour promised the average guest a chance to experience and possibly participate in the magic of filming.  I remember as a young teenager the promise that somewhere in the backlot tour we may pass filming in progress was a huge thrill.  Sadly over the years, the backlot tour has taken a back seat to the addition of more appealing new attractions.  It has also suffered downgrades in the name of progress.  The Backlot Tour has become for many one of the attractions with the stigma that once you have experienced it there is no need to return.  In my opinion, Disney is missing a serious opportunity within this attraction.  The Backlot Tour could bypass all expectations if the execs put a little thought into it.  In my opinion Disney needs to look at appealing to the preteen/teen guest.  Instead of a drive through wardrobe, why not begin to utilize the prop warehouse and wardrobe space to actually film some of the popular Disney shows that touch the teen/preteen audiences...ICarly, Suite Life on Deck etc...or even some of the music videos played on the Disney Channel. Add props that were used in the filming of those shows that are actually tangible for tour guests.  Add a meet and greet area at the end of the attraction, bring in a different Disney star every day...there are definitely enough out there...they wouldn't even have to be huge stars  even the extras in popular Disney channel shows are recognizable and it would thrill the preteen/teen audience. After all pixie dust and vacation magic shouldn't be exclusive to adolescents.

Katherine E: The Backlot tour is a fawned childhood memory of mine, but over the passing years the once expansive tour has dwindled. I know many of us who have been to Disney over the years don't want to see our Disney disappear. But here is where I believe they need to rethink and revamp the Hollywood Studios Park. They have already started by bringing us Toy Story Mania, this attraction has brought new life to this area of the park.  Monster's Inc. attraction of some sort would be a perfect addition to Pixar Place. It is like what Walt Disney himself had said that Walt Disney world will never be finished it will always be expanding and improving areas of the parks. Even though certain rides or shows will be missed we must all look at it as the parks are changing with times, keeping their relevance means change and it is always for the better. 

Rachel J: The Backlot Tour is closing, and a Monsters Inc. roller coaster is going back there.  Well, at least that’s the rumor.  So what now?  What would you like to see replace the Backlot Tour?  I would love to see an expansion of a Pixar theme.  I would love to see Disney utilize the Disney Pixar movies that are not currently being utilized in other parks (such as It’s Tough to be a Bug in Animal Kingdom).  The popularity of these films would be a big win for DHS if they did this type of expansion.  I would love to do a ride-through in a car from the Cars movie, or take flight in an UP house, or help the Incredibles solve a crime…wouldn’t you?

Sherry W: Attractions come and go, that is what keeps Disney new and exciting.  If the Backlot Tour is replaced, it would be nice to have an audience participation attraction.  I envision a movie set, similar to that of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, but on a larger scale.  For instance, EVERYONE would have a bit part in the “movie.”  There would be a director and actors performing a scene.  For those with mobility issues and/or small children, they could ride by on a bus or train, and others could be placed in various locations of the scene.  After the movie is completed, the audience would go to a theatre and watch the production, perhaps being offered a chance to purchase their movie in the adjoining gift shop.

James H: One of my favorite things to do is kick back and watch a good movie, so it’s no surprise that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has always been a favorite of mine. The park opened two days before I was born, and although I wasn’t here for its early days, I went every single day off that I got while working at WDW. If given the chance, I would definitely update the backlot tour. Nothing is more exciting than getting the chance to visit the sound stages of your favorite T.V. shows, or pass through an intense action movie set. I think the biggest thing that WDI should improve on is the guest interaction in this attraction. By getting the guests involved, a tour guide could keep their attention pointing out amazing facts as appose to guests hearing the same voice and the same recorded spiel on every single ride of the attraction. With more and more movies being made each year I think that an updated version of the attraction would bring a lot of repeat guests back to the park and also introduce first time guest to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

One thing that everyone can agree on is that something needs to be done with the Backlot Tour. This ride is far too important to the history of Hollywood Studios and to WDW for that matter, to be brushed aside by the next big thing. Adding new hip exhibits may help (Do any of your kids know what the ship from Flight of the Navigator is?). If the WDI can’t find a way to bring back the spark to this ride, then maybe it is time to close and bring in something new. Thank you once again for joining us at The Disney World Nation. Come back on Monday for a new blog. Monday’s blog will talk about keeping cool at Animal Kingdom. Till then, see you real soon Bill Sauerbier