Saturday, June 15, 2013
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Walt Disney World Best Kept Secrets
A few weeks ago Magic and the Mouse did a post on WDW fun facts. On a similar note here are some basic "best kept secrets" known by some of the most devoted park fans:
-At the Magic Kingdom, pick a seat in frontier land to see the afternoon parade. You will be able to see it go by twice!
-If you get to the MK (Magic Kingdom) early enough, run over to Tinkerbell's Treasure Shop and ask a castmember if your kids can wake-up Tinkerbell. They are given a wand or a sword and asked to tap on the treasure chest to see their favorite fairy dance about the room. A special certificate is even given to them for the magic they performed.
-There is said to be a special horse on Cinderella's Golden Carousel. Her personal stallion is marked with a golden ribbon on his tail.
-Various times throughout the day a unique trash can will make its appearance in Tomorrowland. It's sure to be an entertaining experience!
-A great photo-op at Hollywood Studios is right outside the Star Tours attraction. An AT-AT Imperial Walker has a foot raised off the ground just enough for someone to sneak under it and looked like they are getting squished!
-Also located near the "Backlot" of Hollywood Studios is another great photo-op for fans of the movie "Singing in the Rain". Pull down on the handle of the umbrella for a splashy surprise!
-Animal Kingdom presents an amazing cirque de solil type of performance on the streets of the park. DiVine is a living and breathing part of the Asian Jungle who thrills audiences with her graceful like performance.
The amazing thing about WDW is that these small little efforts of "surprise" become some of the most memorable parts of your trip. Castmembers want each of their guests to feel special in some way and these little touches of spontaneity help to keep the magic alive.
-At the Magic Kingdom, pick a seat in frontier land to see the afternoon parade. You will be able to see it go by twice!
-If you get to the MK (Magic Kingdom) early enough, run over to Tinkerbell's Treasure Shop and ask a castmember if your kids can wake-up Tinkerbell. They are given a wand or a sword and asked to tap on the treasure chest to see their favorite fairy dance about the room. A special certificate is even given to them for the magic they performed.
-There is said to be a special horse on Cinderella's Golden Carousel. Her personal stallion is marked with a golden ribbon on his tail.
-Various times throughout the day a unique trash can will make its appearance in Tomorrowland. It's sure to be an entertaining experience!
-A great photo-op at Hollywood Studios is right outside the Star Tours attraction. An AT-AT Imperial Walker has a foot raised off the ground just enough for someone to sneak under it and looked like they are getting squished!
-Also located near the "Backlot" of Hollywood Studios is another great photo-op for fans of the movie "Singing in the Rain". Pull down on the handle of the umbrella for a splashy surprise!
-Animal Kingdom presents an amazing cirque de solil type of performance on the streets of the park. DiVine is a living and breathing part of the Asian Jungle who thrills audiences with her graceful like performance.
The amazing thing about WDW is that these small little efforts of "surprise" become some of the most memorable parts of your trip. Castmembers want each of their guests to feel special in some way and these little touches of spontaneity help to keep the magic alive.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Nightime Spectaculars at Walt Disney World Resort
If you think Walt Disney World is magical by day, then make sure to check out all of the special night time shows happening all over the resort. Each theme park and even some of the resorts offer something imagineers call the "goodnight kiss" to send their guests home.
At the Magic Kingdom, there is always an evening parade followed by fireworks above Cinderella's Castle. Currently, the "Main Street Electrical Parade" is thrilling audiences night after night but every few years they switch off to the "Spectromagic Parade" which is currently at Disneyland. Each parade float is "blinged out" with hundreds of dazzling lights. Even some of the characters are lit up too! After the parade, comes the fireworks spectacular. Before the amazing conclusion of the night begins, a projection on the castle set to your favorite Disney tunes displays hundreds of pictures sent in by guests through out the day. The night in its entirety is an amazing way to say goodbye to one of the most iconic theme parks at Walt Disney World.
At Epcot, there is a different kind of nighttime fireworks show called "Illuminations". Set in the middle of the lake that holds all of the countries of the World Showcase together, an enormous rotating globe with enormous television screens tells the story of how people can come together and bring peace among all nations. Hundreds of fireworks and pyrotechnics explode before your vary eyes and is a wonderful sight to behold with a very important message encoded within it.
"Fantasmic" is the show presented at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In this stadium like theatre, imagineers use projections on water, large scale puppetry, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics to bring the story of Mickey and his dreams to life. This amazing story incorporates many of our old favorite characters and but puts them all together into a seamless and truly spectacular story. Definitely a must see! Also make sure to check out special dining packages offered at various restaurants within the park for exclusive VIP seating.
There are so many other great ways to spend an evening at Walt Disney World. It's almost impossible to name them all! However, no matter how you spend your last few hours of the day at WDW it is sure to have you coming back for more.
At the Magic Kingdom, there is always an evening parade followed by fireworks above Cinderella's Castle. Currently, the "Main Street Electrical Parade" is thrilling audiences night after night but every few years they switch off to the "Spectromagic Parade" which is currently at Disneyland. Each parade float is "blinged out" with hundreds of dazzling lights. Even some of the characters are lit up too! After the parade, comes the fireworks spectacular. Before the amazing conclusion of the night begins, a projection on the castle set to your favorite Disney tunes displays hundreds of pictures sent in by guests through out the day. The night in its entirety is an amazing way to say goodbye to one of the most iconic theme parks at Walt Disney World.
At Epcot, there is a different kind of nighttime fireworks show called "Illuminations". Set in the middle of the lake that holds all of the countries of the World Showcase together, an enormous rotating globe with enormous television screens tells the story of how people can come together and bring peace among all nations. Hundreds of fireworks and pyrotechnics explode before your vary eyes and is a wonderful sight to behold with a very important message encoded within it.
"Fantasmic" is the show presented at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In this stadium like theatre, imagineers use projections on water, large scale puppetry, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics to bring the story of Mickey and his dreams to life. This amazing story incorporates many of our old favorite characters and but puts them all together into a seamless and truly spectacular story. Definitely a must see! Also make sure to check out special dining packages offered at various restaurants within the park for exclusive VIP seating.
There are so many other great ways to spend an evening at Walt Disney World. It's almost impossible to name them all! However, no matter how you spend your last few hours of the day at WDW it is sure to have you coming back for more.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Christmas Time at Walt Disney World!
It's only a few days after Halloween and Christmas time has started at Walt Disney World. In just two short nights the Magic Kingdom has gone from spooky to snowy. It takes a huge team of hard working castmembers to literally overnight transform the park into a winter wonderland. The garlands have been hung, the lights have been lit and the only thing left to do is get into the holiday spirit! Special events during this time of the year include, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights and the Candlelight Vigil Ceremony. Hundreds of guests flock to WDW during this time of year to catch the most magical place on earth during one of the most magical times of the year so start booking now!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Walt Disney World's Halloween Spectacular!
Halloween at Walt Disney World is one of the most special times of the year. Basically overnight, this magical world turns into a festive autumn wonderland. With hundreds of carved pumpkins and garlands of fall leaves around every corner it's no wonder why hundreds of people keep the turnstiles turnin'!
The spectacular decorations are not the only great thing going on at the parks during this time of year. "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" is a sure-fire sell out every season. For a few special nights during the month of October and early November, Mickey and his friends host a spooktacular extravaganza filled with candy, dancing and fun! Adults and kids alike dress up in their best costumes and get the chance to hang out with all of their favorite Disney pals. An exclusive parade and fireworks show are apart of the main events during the party! Tickets are limited so it's important to plan a few months in advance. Happy Halloween!!!!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Did you know? (Walt Disney World Fun Facts!)
Here a few quick little "tid bits" about the most magical place on earth :)
-Did you know that all of the buildings on Main Street are built like film sets? (full scale bottom smaller on top)
-There are undocumented "Hidden Mickey's" displayed throughout the parks. Imagineers incorporate them as a special salute to the Mouse himself!
-All together WDW is TWICE the size of Manhattan!
-How many stones do you think Cinderella's Castle is made up of? NONE! It's made of steel and fiberglass!
-All of the other Walt Disney World Parks can fit inside the Animal Kingdom with room to spare!
- Underneath the Magic Kingdom is an elaborate system of tunnels for employees to get around the parks! This is why you will never see a Tomorrow Land cast member in Adventure Land!
-Ever wonder where Cinderella stays when at the World? There is a suite built just for her inside Cinderella's Castle!
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-Did you know that all of the buildings on Main Street are built like film sets? (full scale bottom smaller on top)
-There are undocumented "Hidden Mickey's" displayed throughout the parks. Imagineers incorporate them as a special salute to the Mouse himself!
-All together WDW is TWICE the size of Manhattan!
-How many stones do you think Cinderella's Castle is made up of? NONE! It's made of steel and fiberglass!
-All of the other Walt Disney World Parks can fit inside the Animal Kingdom with room to spare!
- Underneath the Magic Kingdom is an elaborate system of tunnels for employees to get around the parks! This is why you will never see a Tomorrow Land cast member in Adventure Land!
-Ever wonder where Cinderella stays when at the World? There is a suite built just for her inside Cinderella's Castle!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Not Just for the Kids: Walt Disney World Tips for Couples
When asked most people who have been to Walt Disney World would say that family-fun is the name of the game. While this is definitely one of the most classic ways to experience the resort, I personally have had the opportunity to see things differently. This past summer my boyfriend and I celebrated our first anniversary together at Walt Disney World. I found it to be surprisingly romantic and a perfectly whimsical way to celebrate.
My first piece of advice to those planning a romantic get away is to seriously think about the accommodations you will be setting up for your vacation. As a couple, it is important to surround yourself with a relaxing and somewhat adult friendly environment. Disney has dozens of different hotels to choose from ranging in a variety of price ranges. Places like the "Yacht or Beach Club Resorts" offer a cosy, deluxe, east coast kind of vibe while hotels such as the "Polynesian" offer something a little more fun and exotic. Regardless of what hotel you choose, make sure it is a place you and your significant other will enjoy exploring together. As adults, you probably will be spending a little more time walking around your temporary home than those visiting with children.
Once on your incredible vacation, there are a few important things you must do depending on which park you are in. At the Magic Kingdom on Main Street USA is a customer service building just as you enter the park. Ask to get a pin representing the type of celebration you and your partner are having. My boyfriend and I received matching "Happy Anniversary" pins and we got compliments and a few special surprises throughout the day. The important thing is to make sure cast members know that something special is going on so they can help to make your visit as magical as possible!
In my opinion Epcot is the most "adult-friendly" of the parks. We spent a great deal of time at the World Showcase tasting different sweet treats and drinks from all over the globe. It gave us a chance to sit down, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery around us. If this is the kind of experience you are looking for, the Food and Wine Festival held every autumn might be the best time for you to visit Walt Disney World. Basically a jacked up version of the already amazing World Showcase, the Food and Wine festival also includes a series of concerts and cooking demonstrations to go along with all of the fabulous food and beverages you will be enjoying. Yum!!
If your looking for some non-park fun, Downtown Disney is the place to be. This enormous boardwalk has restaurants, shops and clubs of all kinds. We personally found it a nice change of pace compared to the kid packed lines of people waiting to get on rides. Another fantastic thing about Downtown Disney is Cirque de Soleil: La Nouba. This permanent white top is one of the most amazing spectacles on property. Although it is kid friendly, the show is definitely not just for kids. This could be a great way to spend an evening together in one of the most magical places on earth. :)
In general, I found the times that my boyfriend and I had the most fun was when we were virtually doing nothing at all. Whether this was enjoying a tasty treat or enjoying the view of Cinderella's Castle at night, the little things is what made our vacation truly memorable. The experience of going back to the roots of your childhood as a couple really is a fun-loving and quite romantic experience. The important thing is to give yourself time to relax and enjoy each others company. There is a lot of ground to cover at Walt Disney World and it is impossible to do it all. So sit back, relax and let the place where all your dreams come true take you on a journey you will never forget.
My first piece of advice to those planning a romantic get away is to seriously think about the accommodations you will be setting up for your vacation. As a couple, it is important to surround yourself with a relaxing and somewhat adult friendly environment. Disney has dozens of different hotels to choose from ranging in a variety of price ranges. Places like the "Yacht or Beach Club Resorts" offer a cosy, deluxe, east coast kind of vibe while hotels such as the "Polynesian" offer something a little more fun and exotic. Regardless of what hotel you choose, make sure it is a place you and your significant other will enjoy exploring together. As adults, you probably will be spending a little more time walking around your temporary home than those visiting with children.
Once on your incredible vacation, there are a few important things you must do depending on which park you are in. At the Magic Kingdom on Main Street USA is a customer service building just as you enter the park. Ask to get a pin representing the type of celebration you and your partner are having. My boyfriend and I received matching "Happy Anniversary" pins and we got compliments and a few special surprises throughout the day. The important thing is to make sure cast members know that something special is going on so they can help to make your visit as magical as possible!
In my opinion Epcot is the most "adult-friendly" of the parks. We spent a great deal of time at the World Showcase tasting different sweet treats and drinks from all over the globe. It gave us a chance to sit down, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery around us. If this is the kind of experience you are looking for, the Food and Wine Festival held every autumn might be the best time for you to visit Walt Disney World. Basically a jacked up version of the already amazing World Showcase, the Food and Wine festival also includes a series of concerts and cooking demonstrations to go along with all of the fabulous food and beverages you will be enjoying. Yum!!
If your looking for some non-park fun, Downtown Disney is the place to be. This enormous boardwalk has restaurants, shops and clubs of all kinds. We personally found it a nice change of pace compared to the kid packed lines of people waiting to get on rides. Another fantastic thing about Downtown Disney is Cirque de Soleil: La Nouba. This permanent white top is one of the most amazing spectacles on property. Although it is kid friendly, the show is definitely not just for kids. This could be a great way to spend an evening together in one of the most magical places on earth. :)
In general, I found the times that my boyfriend and I had the most fun was when we were virtually doing nothing at all. Whether this was enjoying a tasty treat or enjoying the view of Cinderella's Castle at night, the little things is what made our vacation truly memorable. The experience of going back to the roots of your childhood as a couple really is a fun-loving and quite romantic experience. The important thing is to give yourself time to relax and enjoy each others company. There is a lot of ground to cover at Walt Disney World and it is impossible to do it all. So sit back, relax and let the place where all your dreams come true take you on a journey you will never forget.
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