“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

• Walt Disney

Hello all! My name is Jamie and I am a huge Disney fan.  At 26, I have been to the House of Mouse nine times and am actively counting down the days to trip number ten in June.  I have also made a stop in Disneyland.  I decided for my intro blog to steal my good friend Donna’s (That’s not just talk, Donna and I had many classes together in college) Top 10 Memories List idea from her intro blog.  With that, let’s get started.

#10- A decent number of DisneyWorld trips have been accompanied by coaching softball at the Wide World of Sports.  Only Disney can turn a pitcher’s circle into a not-so-hidden Mickey by drawing two extra circles.  One year, we had a night game which was a really awesome experience.  Under the lights, playing at the Wide World of Sports is something I will not forget.

#9- 2001 at Disney-MGM Studios- While the rest of our group saved seats at Fantasmic, a few of us went on one last ride of the Tower of Terror.  At the conclusion of the first ascent scene, with the window breaking, the doors closed.  However, nothing happened after the doors closed! Being stuck on the ride in pitch dark for what felt like forever (more like 12 seconds) was definitely a freaky experience.

#8- 2011 at Caribbean Beach Resort- On all of our previous trips, my family and I had always stayed at either All-Star Music or All-Star Sports.  Our most recent trip took us to the Caribbean Beach Resort.  After receiving our Keys to the World and then leading my family on a 30 minute trek, we finally arrived at our room.

#7- 1998- 1998 saw our first year to Disney and the unbelievable amount of planning that commenced between my mom and I.  We read all of the Disney books and called for our dining reservations.  A folder was created that ended up 2” thick, but it sure lead to an awesome first trip.

#6 2007 Animal Kingdom- First ride of Expedition Everest.  Since we were making the trip for a softball tournament, we had limited time and went through the Single Riders Line.  I was with my parents and my mom is not a huge fan of certain rides as she gets sick.  She loves Big Thunder Mountain, but is not a fan of Rock ‘n Roller Coaster.  I read all the reviews and knew the layout before riding.  I went on the ride ahead of my parents and got through to the point of the switchback where the ride then goes backwards.  At which point for the rest of the ride I was thinking, “Oh no! I forgot it goes backwards, Mom shouldn’t be on this ride”.  Needless to say, I was waiting in anticipation for them to get off the ride and I finally see my mom who is as white as a ghost.

#5 2011 Magic Kingdom- I was truly in awe during my first viewing of The Magic, The Memories, and You.  The nighttime castle projection show is truly amazing.  As a big technology fan, I love that show and think it’s a great addition in-between Spectromagic and Wishes!

#4 2011 Disney’s Hollywood Studios- I was amazed by my first ride of Toy Story Midway Mania.  The 4-D attraction filled with carnival games is absolutely awesome.

#3 All trips- Orlando International Airport- While a DisneyWorld vacation truly starts when I wake up in the morning, I really start getting excited when we arrive at the airport.  Taking the monorail to baggage claim and Disney’s Magical Express is always a great feeling.

#2 All trips- IlumiNations at Epcot- The conclusion of IllumiNations starting with “With the stillness of the night” is one of the most emotional experiences in Disney.  The finale is always powerful and always ranks at the top of my memories.

#1 Anticipated future memories- Starting June 27th of this year, I will be adding more Disney memories.  I look forward to this trip and the many more trips I hope to take in the future.

Thanks for reading and a special thanks to Donna and Bridget for allowing me to blog about Disney!

Please feel free to comment. Thanks again!

- Jamie

And we’re back!  Thank you to all of the Magical Mouse World readers for your patience while we spent some time working on our Facebook Page.  Check us out there if you haven’t already.

In case you did not get the chance to check out numbers ten through six on our Top 10 Education Attractions list, please check it out here to get caught up to speed!  I am very much looking forward to hear YOUR thoughts on the list.  Education, like so many other things, is truly in the eye of the beholder.

5) Carousel of Progress (Magic Kingdom Theme Park, Tomorrowland) – As the narrator during the introduction to this rotating theater-style attraction will tell you, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress was created as the feature attraction for the GE Pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.  This attraction features an American family through the decades, and the Father-figure named John tells the audience all about the latest “gadgets” created to make every-day life easier.  The Carousel of Progress holds the record as the longest-running stage show in American theater history, and is oldest attraction anywhere on Walt Disney World Property.  When I take my students to Disney World each year, we exit the attraction and have a discussion about what the next scene added to the Carousel will showcase.  What do you think is in store?

4) Animation Academy (Hollywood Studios Theme Park) - This attraction is an absolute hidden gem, tucked in around the corner from Voyage of the Little Mermaid.  Every 15 minutes or so, the doors to the studio will open, and you are in for a thrill like no other.  A Disney artist will take the audience, step-by-step, through the process of drawing one of the famous Disney characters.  Low and behold, at the end of the session, you WILL walk away with your very own drawing that looks mighty similar to what the artist at the front of the room has created.  Let it be known that I cannot draw.  Even my stick figures come out disproportionate and, well, weird.  However, every single time that I have participated in this attraction, I have really liked what I walked away holding.  (Note: Consider bringing an empty paper towel roll with you to the park.  Then you can roll up your drawing and place it in the tube, protecting it from folds and crinkles that would inevitably have occurred throughout the day.)  Photo Credit- K. Werling

3) Conservation Station (Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Rafiki’s Planet Watch) – Conservation Station, like the Animation Academy attraction, seems to be one of the attractions that most Disney guests pass on, not really understanding what they are missing.  Learning begins as soon as you board the train over to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, which gives you great views of the night-time living areas for many different animals that spend their days roaming around the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction.  Upon arriving at the station, guests walk down a walk that is an experience in and of itself.  You have the chance to speak to Disney Conservation team members, see endangered monkeys, and read signs along the path that talk about what you can do to bring the Conservation effort home.  Once inside the Conservation Station, guests can choose from a multitude of experiences that are not only educational, but fun.  You can watch an animal receive medical treatment; watch creepy crawly snakes and spiders get fed; interact with cast members who are preparing the food that will be given to the animals on the safari throughout the day; and even spend time outside at the petting zoo.  All of this included with your cost of admission to Animal Kingdom!  I cannot say enough about this attraction- at number 3 on the list, it is an absolute must-see.

2) Ellen’s Energy Adventure (EPCOT Theme Park, Future World) – Be forewarned: This attraction is NOT for very young children!  There are scenes that are dark, and can be very scary for little ones, withno way for parents to leave the moving theater once boarding the Great Movie Ride style trams.  This attraction features Bill Nye the Science guy along with Ellen DeGeneres as they journey from the distant past all the way to present time in order to better understand the whole concept of energy.  This 45-minute show that combines humor with information does a really great job of teaching the audience about energy, without them even knowing that they are learning.  My only criticism of this attraction is that it is probably ready for a refurbishment- the “cell phone” that Ellen uses in the opening scene is circa 1994.  Photo Credit – S. Shea

 1) World Showcase (EPCOT Theme Park, World Showcase) – I will admit it.  When I was a kid, my family would walk one loop around World Showcase, with the express purpose of eating in the Italy Pavilion and getting on the rides in the Norway and Mexico Pavilions.  It was not until three years ago, when I first took a group of my own students to the Happiest Place on Earth that I learned of the rich experiences to be had at each and every pavilion.  My friend and colleague, a Social Studies teacher named Courtney, took the time to do research about each country and the pavilion representing it throughout the World Showcase.  When we got to Florida, she did brief 5 minute presentations on each country, that ended with a tour of the pavilion highlighting everything from the plants brought in from that country to architectural similarities put in place by Disney to represent each country as accurately as possible.   I recommend that you take some time before heading to EPCOT to do some research on your own.  And don’t worry, folks, I am working on getting my friend to write her own book so that every guest can have the eye-opening experience I did three years back. 

I just got hit with an overwhelming urge to plan my next trip to Disney World.  *sigh* Since I know my husband won’t let that happen until 2013, how about some of YOU go instead and report back about all of the new educational experiences you have while you’re there.  For now, folks, that will have to do.

Have a wonderful day,

Donna

This just in!!!

As they have done in the past, Disney is offering FREE DINING for Disney Visa Card holders who book a 6 day/5 night room and theme park ticket package from March 5th through May 18th for stays August 25th through September 29th.  Right now this offer is being made exclusively to Disney Visa Card members, but we do expect it to be offered to all guests as soon as Monday.

For guests wishing to stay at a Disney Value Resort (Pop Century and the All Stars), the Quick Service Dining plan is included at no charge.  That Dining Plan includes two quick-service meals, a snack, AND a resort refillable drink mug per person.  Those guests wishing to stay at a Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts, or Deluxe Villa Resorts will be given the Disney Dining Plan, which provides guests with one quick-service meal, one table-service meal and one snack for each night of the stay.  Both are fantastic deals!

As always, please contact Bridget or Donna for all of your Disney Vacation Planning needs.

Don’t forget to “Have a Magical Day” (sorry, just couldn’t resist).

~ Donna

When looking at the maps for each of the four Walt Disney World parks, it is easy for a person to become overwhelmed with information and not know where to begin.  If I may, I would like to suggest that you make it a priority to visit each one of the attractions featured in this post.  Not only will you have a great time experiencing the magic that Disney has to offer, but you will learn something, too.  I guarantee it.

10) Hall of the Presidents (Magic Kingdom Theme Park, Liberty Square) - This attraction is one of the few attractions that debuted with the park’s opening in 1971 that still remains open.  (See, we’re learning already!)  The Hall of the Presidents features audio-animatronic figures that represent each of the 43 Presidents of the United States.  If you look closely, each President is wearing clothing that would be representative of the time in which he lived.  One other educational item to be on the look out for in Liberty Square is the replica of the Liberty Bell.  In 1976, 50 replica Liberty Bells were made to be distributed to each state.  However, Pennsylvania (the keepers of the original Liberty Bell) agreed to give their replica to Disney for display in 1989, and it has resided in Liberty Square ever since.

9) Spaceship Earth (EPCOT Theme Park, Future World) - Spaceship Earth is perhaps one of the most recognizable attractions at any Disney park.  Sitting at the entrance to EPCOT from the main gates, Spaceship Earth is housed inside of an 18-story geodesic sphere.  (Note: That’s one BIG sphere.)  The attraction takes park guests back in time to discover the advancements made in human communication and technology from the prehistoric era to modern day.  Toward the end of the ride, guests choose a future for themselves based on a series of questions posed by an interactive touch-screen monitor in each ride vehicle.  Young and old alike will delight in taking a glance into the “future”.   Photo Credit: The EPCOT Project

8)  Living with the Land  (EPCOT Theme Park, Future World) - While I feel as though Bridget (a former Living with the Land Cast Member) would be much more suited to comment on the educational facets of this attraction, I will do my best!  This slow moving boat ride takes you through several indoor and outdoor greenhouses, where guests can see cutting edge technology when it comes to growing fresh foods effectively and in various environments.  Best of all, perhaps, is the knowledge that park guests can enjoy some of the foods seen on this attraction at the Land Pavilion’s counter-service restaurant, Sunshine Seasons, as well at at other locations throughout EPCOT.  Kids seem to love looking at the Mickey-shaped pumpkins growing in plastic containers, and parents enjoy the overall tour of the greenhouses.  Note: You will NOT need to use the Fastpass option for this attraction, as lines typically do not cue longer than 10-15 minutes at non-meal times.

7) Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream (Hollywood Studios Theme Park) - I know what you’re thinking.  ”This sounds boring.”  I promise you, this attraction is much more than what it may appear on the outside, so give it a try!  Guests walk through the display area at their own pace, which allows for faster readers (and those who may want to skip ahead) to meet their parties at the video waiting area.  As guests experience the attraction, not only do they get to read about historic moments in Walt Disney’s life, but they also get to see some artifacts on loan from various Disney archives and museums.    Everything from Walt’s childhood school desk to original drawings he sketched while in the military are on display, leading to small-scale models of many Disney theme parks and attractions in the video waiting area.  The 10-minute video is well worth the time and shows how one man’s dream, along with quite a bit of hard work, did in fact become a reality.   Photo Credit: J. Spense

6) Maharajah Jungle Trek (Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Asia) - Guests walk through the “Anandapur Royal Forest of Southeast Asia”, which features not only beautiful murals and waterfalls, but also a unique assortment of animals including majestic Asian Tigers.  This tropical oasis features a Komodo Dragon, two different species of bats, and over 50 species of exotic birds.  One of the best parts of this attraction, for me, is that nothing is scripted.  The animals are free to do as they please within their own space, and you always have a different experience each time you walk the paths.  This not-to-miss attraction is certainly a hidden gem in Animal Kingdom.    Photo Credit: Express Monorail

Now that you’ve heard about five of the top educational attractions at Walt Disney World, I hope that you have read at least one piece of information that excites you.  I am confident that the more you learn, the more you will want to know and to experience these amazing attractions.  My next post will highlight what I consider to be the top 5 educational attractions at Walt Disney World, and I will include some tips and tricks for seeing them without hitting big crowds.  See, kids?  Learning CAN be fun.

~ Donna

I had to share this adorable creation with our followers… Mickey and Minnie Oreo Cookie Pops!   Jaclyn from cookingclassy.blogspot.com shared the steps for this sweet creation to help make your Valentine’s Day a little more magical.  Take a look!

Photo courtesy of cookingclassy.blogspot.com

Traveling to Walt Disney World with a preschooler can be an overwhelming experience, especially with the multitude of attractions that the World has to offer.  But, narrowing down the top 10 must sees for preschoolers might just help your vacation be a little more relaxing.  The top ten attractions are listed in no particular order AND came from the opinion of our very little expert, my 3 year old son.

Flying with Dumbo

10.  Dumbo the Flying Elephant – Starting in, hopefully, the spring of 2012 Walt Disney World will welcome DOUBLE DUMBOS!  That’s right, this popular children’s ridethat catches every child’s eye as they pass through Cinderella’s Castle, will feature two carousels in what will soon be known as Storybook Circus, in the updated Fantasyland.  This is a relaxing ride that takes you high in the sky in a circular motion.

9. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – My son immediately says, “OH!  The one with the honey pot!” Along with a new interactive queue to help keep those busy little beavers occupied, yes, you ride in a honey pot.  This ride takes you along the original adventures of Winnie the Pooh, where you hop along with Tigger and float along in your honey pot after the “Rain, rain, rain came down, down, down.”

8. Peter Pan’s Flight – “You think of a wonderful thought…”, and then you can fly!  In Peter Pan’s flight, board a pirate ship that sails in the sky over London and Neverland and recounts the adventures of Peter Pan.  This is a not-to-be missed Disney classic.

7. It’s a Small World – There is something to be said for that catchy tune that drives some adults CRAZY!  But all in all this Magic Kingdom attraction will keep your preschooler mesmerized with the repetitious verses along with the blossoming colors and the overall busyness of the attraction.  There is so much to see, I spot something in the attraction new every time I ride!

6. Main Street Electrical Parade/ Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon – Colors, music, lights; what’s not to love.  Don’t get me wrong the Electrical Water Pageant isn’t quite as spectacular as the Main Street Electrical Parade, but both are Disney classics from my generation.  I give them both high credit in their longevity.  First, Main Street Electrical, in all it’s glory is far better than SpectroMagic.  I like SpectroMagic, but, being a classic Disney lover, Main Street Electrical to me is home.  And, what makes it even more special is that is the first parade my son ever saw in Magic Kingdom, the same as his mom.  Call me sentimental, but that tugs at my heart strings a little bit.  Electrical Water Pageant… another one I have fond memories of… walking out of our room at the Contemporary with my grandfather and my mom to watch the lighted floats glide by.  This water parade made me fall in love with Handel’s Water Music.  So, there’s Disney… throwing an educational spin in, once again.

5. Disney shows – For this I can’t name just one since Disney has so many to offer and many that would appeal to our little guys. Animal Kingdom features Festival of the Lion King with acrobatics and powerful music that would make anyone want to get up and join in the fun.  Disney Junior – Live on Stage, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage and Voyage of the Little Mermaid at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, are all shows that would appeal to our Disney loving pirates and princesses.  When entering the park, be sure to pick up a Times Guide to note the best time for your family to see these attractions.

4. Muppetvision 3-D – There is nothing better than seeing Kermit on the big screen.  This coming from a person who grew up with the Muppet Movie and the Muppet Show.  I’m sorry… did I just age myself?!  Nevertheless, the Muppets are timeless.  When you ask my son who his favorite Muppet is (thanks to his Muppet-loving parents), he will tell you Miss Piggy and then Fozzy Bear… because they are both funny.  This show has something for both kiddo, mom and dad.  You won’t be disappointed.

3. Mickey’s Philharmagic – some might say 3-D, some might say 4-D… but whatever “D” it is… it’s awesome.  Period. This show is featured in the Magic Kingdom and, if you aren’t looking, you might miss it.  It is located just beyond the Prince Charming Regal Carousel.  My words, just go see it, or you’ve missed a very special part of Disney.

2.  Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – My son rode it 3 times in a row.  Enough said.

1. Toy Story Mania – The queue line alone is worth the wait.  And then, once you get started with the actual ride/ game, every game is different.  Your ride is always changing.  This seems to be a new theme with Disney with the drops in Tower of Terror and the newly updated Star Tours.  If you have a Toy Story fan in your house, this is a must see.  My only recommendation, no matter WHAT time of year… even if you haven’t waited in ONE line your entire stay… FastPass it.  This ride is EXTREMELY popular.  My suggestion, as soon as you walk in the gates of the Studios, send a member of your party with everyone’s ticket to the FastPass line and get FastPass tickets for everyone.  This will ensure you get on sometime during the day, and remember, if you get the highest score, you get to stay on for an extra ride, so help your little one out.