Magic Kingdom A-Z (Part 2)

Where else but at Magic Kingdom could I see and hear all the presidents- we’ll start at the Hall of Presidents and end up at a place Walt Disney held very near and dear Main Street U.S.A..

Hall of Presidents

When I was younger I liked this because it was air conditioned and I could rest for a while. Now, it means more to me. Each time I hear it, I seem to take away something new. Something I didn’t get the time before. I’m not a history buff. I don’t know many of those presidents by name. But I do know that it’s incredible that we can sit and watch and learn from it on the same day we’re having so much fun at the park. That was Walt Disney’s genius.

It’s a Small World

I feel I may have equal parts of dislike and like for this ride but as a good Disney freak I go on it like I’m supposed to. It drives me a bit mad but I feel guilty if I just say “No, I won’t do it.” It has its good parts. It’s just that song. Maybe if I’m working on that touring plan I talked about I should put this at the end of the day so the song doesn’t haunt us all day! Once again, hunting for Hidden Mickeys will get me through the tough times.

Jamboree- Country Bear Style

I’ll admit that this is an experience that in the past I’ve walked by as quickly as I could. I was raised that way and never gave it a chance.

This time around we’re trying new things and Country Bears are new to us. I know they are much beloved by many and I hope to add my name to that list soon. It feels like I’m making up for lost time.

Kingdom Exploring-Walt Disney Marceline to Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom has a new tour in 2011 called Walt Disney Marceline to Magic Kingdom. It is a walking tour that gives insight into some of Walt Disney’s inspiration starting with his home town. It is a three hour tour and I’m really looking forward to some behind the scenes information. It was the perfect tour for me to pick for us and at about $65 for the two of us it is also very affordable.

Laugh Floor, Monsters Inc.

I need to find a joke to text in to Monsters Inc. as we are walking in. That would be a fun way to participate. I just DON’T want to be that person they constantly cut back to as comic relief. Maybe I shouldn’t sit by the cameras! I love Laugh Floor. Even if I know how it goes, each time something happens that makes it memorable. And I never, not once, have been with a crowd that couldn’t fill those laugh tanks with energy.

Main Street U.S.A.

Main Street U.S.A. is such a special part of the park, not only because it’s the first part of the park we enter but also because of how it makes us feel nostalgic for the good old days. It was designed by Walt Disney and I think he knew what he was doing pumping in smells and sounds to help with the emotional reactions. My main street doesn’t look like this anymore but I sure have a part of me that wishes it did. It seems like only good things can happen here.

My next entry is filled with good times: space rollercoasters and birds that once sung that will soon sing again. Come back next time to find out more.

Magic Kingdom A-Z (Part 1)

In the final A-Z collection we visit Magic Kingdom, where the magic in Orlando all began. Our first installment starts with the ever popular autograph and ends with those ghosts that just might follow you home.

Autographs

Never been a fan of the autograph. Until now. I received some autograph books which I looked at and gave as gifts. I then began designing my own. If it gets done it will be great! I love the idea of collecting something from your interaction. Waiting with children- no problem, I’m an Elementary teacher. We’ll try it and see how a day of autograph collecting goes. Right now, it sounds like fun!

Buzz Lightyear: Space Ranger Spin

Since becoming a Galactic Hero three years ago on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin I have tried repeatedly to conquer the ride and reach my top score again with no luck. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a lot of fun trying! I didn’t have a method the time I maxed out my score so I try not to have much of a method when I play now other than to shoot a lot. I still let Jim drive and I focus intently but so far there has been no repeat. I haven’t given up hope though and this summer may be the one when I once again reach Galactic Hero status!

Carousel of Progress

I’ve heard many people don’t know what this is. Some get done and say they don’t need to do it again. Not me. I find Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress (straight from the World’s Fair) to be an interesting look at what people thought the future would be like years after that future has already happened. It’s nostalgic and touching and I believe it still belongs in Tomorrowland.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

I have never ridden Dumbo. I may never get too, but elephants with oversized-ears flying are intriguing. This ride is a classic “What do you think of when you think of Disney?” answer. I don’t have a little one as an excuse and I’m not sure I, the roller-coaster rider, am ready to do this one alone. Instead I will watch and take in the joy of other first time riders as they learn baby elephants can fly.

Emporium

Did you know you can lose family members in this store (I speak from experience) It’s that big. I love to shop and this is one of my favorite places to do it because it goes on and on and has such a variety of items.

Fireworks

I come to Disney World over the 4^th of July every year and spend the 3^rd at Magic Kingdom watching the most impressive fireworks display. Their regular nightly ones aren’t bad either J  This place does fireworks well. I guess they should, they get a lot of practice. The lighting, precise timing, and music make it so memorable. We have a favorite spot that we’re giving up this year to try Wishes Dessert Fireworks Party. That’s new to me and I’m looking forward to it. I also hope to finally see Tink after years of spots where I couldn’t. I’m one of those people who are always moved to tears by the fireworks. It makes the 4^th of July a favorite holiday of mine. But at Disney, I get fireworks every night!

Ghosts at the Haunted Mansion

I did not get to see ghosts last summer. I have been reading of recent updates. I haven’t made my touring plan for Magic Kingdom but I’m beginning to thing we may head to the back of the park first to visit Gus, Ezra, and Phineas and see how things are in the mansion. I’ve been trying to avoid leads about the updates so they are a surprise for me but I do know what I read sounded promising. Of course I liked things the old way so I won’t be disappointed.

When we return to Magic Kingdom we get an interesting history lesson at the Hall of Presidents and then meet up on Main Street U.S.A.