Magic Kingdom A-Z (Part 4)

When I started writing these I never believed I’d make it to the end and here I am telling you about Utiladors and Winnie the Pooh.

Underground Utiladors

Did you ever wonder why you never see garbage carried out through Magic Kingdom? Or why characters are never in the wrong spot?  It’s due to the utiladors, an “underground” (actually ground level the rest of the park is built above it) system of tunnels that covers 392,040 square feet of space at Magic Kingdom. Cast Members travel through here regularly but it is even large enough for an ambulance. There are 28 stairwells to it within the park. If you’d like to see it the Keys to the Kingdom tour is one of the tours that allows guests to view it.

Vehicles

I thought this time around we might see how many methods of transportation we can use getting to/from and within the park. This is what I have so far I may come up with more: monorail, bus, paddleboat, walking, horseless carriage, train, horse-pulled trolley, raft, omnibus, or fire engine.

Winnie the Pooh

I am a grown-up and I love this ride. I love riding in a honey pot to see all my Hundred Acre Woods friends. I’ve seen promotions for the new Winnie the Pooh movie and it only makes me want to ride it again more. It’s one I often Fast Pass because it can be quite a wait but either way it’s worth it.

Xtra Magic Hours

Could you pick a more magical park to have a longer day at? Starting early is fun but staying late when the crowd thins out is a real bonus!

Yo-Ho,Yo-Ho A Pirate’s Life For Me

As a child, Pirates of the Caribbean was not a favorite of mine. I found the lecherous men and their leg hair creepy.

Enter Johnny Depp and suddenly this was a ride I could get into. The movies brought the ride to life for me and now I enjoy it more each time I ride it. I am excited by prospects of Blackbeard making an appearance with this summer’s new movie coming out.

But as always, I will be hunting for Captain Jack Sparrow appearances… and won’t be disappointed.

Zipedee-Do-Dah, Zipedee-De-Ahhh: Splash Mountain

One of my favorite stories of my husband at Magic Kingdom takes place at Splash Mountain. After one of our longest, hottest waits at any of the parks we finally got on the ride. My husband is not a ride guy but thought he could handle this. Then he found out there were no safety belts or harnesses (there are restraints now). We went through the twists and turns. Being 1^st timers, we didn’t know what to expect. Finally the big drop and splash arrived. I loved it! My husband- not so much- but I did not know to what extent until we got off. He began to pick black rubber foam from under his fingernails. He had gripped the safety bar so tightly he actually had foam under his nails. I tell him he’s the reason for restraints today. The ride photo was hysterical as well as he is surrounded by laughing children while he holds on for dear life.

That is the end of my A-Z series. I do hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. Please use it to remind yourself of what YOUR favorites are and do them often.

Magic Kingdom A-Z (Part3)

Space Mountain is my one regret (read more below) but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it. And later we’ll get to the Tiki Birds who have been temporarily silenced but will be singing again in August.No More Space Mountain But I Would If I Could

I love roller coasters. I can still ride most roller coasters. But after having surgery for severe headaches there are some I know I can’t do even if I love them. Space Mountain is one of them. It just jostles my neck too much. Having said that, I wish I could because I really enjoy Space Mountain. I think it’s because it’s one of the first coasters I ever rode. I also like the darkness factor. Now that they have games to play while you wait in the queue, that’s even bearable. I will miss Space Mountain, but you shouldn’t.

Oh Yes, The Mad Tea Party

I just want the chance to spin.

When you grow up in a family of non-spinners and then marry a non-spinner, you can make it to adulthood without ever having experienced the teacups. And that’s just wrong

I have to right that wrong this trip but I don’t know how. I will have to find another lonely spinner like myself and we will spin together.

I know the idea sounds mad.

Philharmagic with Mickey

Mickey’s Philharmagic is kind of tucked out of the way over by Winnie the Pooh but it is so worth finding. A 12 minute 4-D musical starring Mickey, Donald and others it fills the senses and keeps you entertained. It has many of my favorite songs in from The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin.

Quick Serve at Cosmic Ray’s

I’m not a huge fan of Quick Serve when I’m at Disney but I really like Cosmic Ray’s. Bay 1 is Chicken. Bay 2 is Burgers. Bay 3 is Sandwiches. What makes Ray’s different is the topping bar. Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, relish, green peppers, mushrooms, grilled onions, BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and cheese sauce are available. For as busy as this place is they do a pretty good job of keeping it clean and stocked. When I need to eat a cheaper meal off my dining plan, Cosmic Ray’s is a sure bet.

Royal Table with Cinderella

I have never been in a castle and now I am going to eat in one and have my picture taken with the princess. I am excited and I am thirty years beyond eight.

As a girl I may have been too shy to like character meals. Now, I’m trying everything! Cinderella was the one thing I wasn’t sure about (picky eater issues) but I’m pushing on and having a great time. I’ll even have my autograph book.

Shooting Arcade in Frontierland

My 40 year old husband could be left here with some money and be happy. I used to think, “What a waste of time” until I realized it was his vacation too. Now I let him shoot a while. I usually search for Hidden Mickeys or people watch. It keeps both of us feeling good about our busy schedule.

Tiki Room

I am listing this even though it won’t be open when I go in June/July. The renovations from the recent fire will take until August from what I have read. That is too bad because I love those annoying birds in old or new form. I’m hearing they’re coming back old school, which I like, and which makes the wait understandable. Not getting to see them this time puts them at the top of the list next time.

In our final installment we’ll find out what sits under Magic Kingdom and what ride made the biggest splash in my book.