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