tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55626098773255084052024-03-05T00:57:16.538-06:00The Magical Mouse PadIt's fun to be free.
To be on the move.
To go anywhere with ever a care to.
Do all you've wanted to do.
It's fun to be free.LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-72869249004906678242015-03-05T08:01:00.000-06:002015-03-05T08:01:46.269-06:00Journey Into Imagination<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">One of my favorite original EPCOT attractions, "Journey Into Imagination" opened on March 5th, 1983. In 1998 the attraction closed for a major refurbishment and The Dreamfinder left for good. While Figment remained, his role wasn't expanded until 2001 with the attraction became "</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Journey into Imagination with Figment". I still miss the original theme song, "One Little Spark", as sung by The Dreamfinder and composed by the famous Sherman Brothers. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ3MlGzzYUYnemzKY1_bnq0wKm5uHfwdIEyL-OeDCbzFRWKthPHMf-5vW2R6HXeKGWSER_-TEVgongTOP8tQGsgeR5p0jxbZPSYdlNAg-8jgnFWVZ0jP8U6eTNxM25DLBSKkdAUfSTKE/s1600/figment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJ3MlGzzYUYnemzKY1_bnq0wKm5uHfwdIEyL-OeDCbzFRWKthPHMf-5vW2R6HXeKGWSER_-TEVgongTOP8tQGsgeR5p0jxbZPSYdlNAg-8jgnFWVZ0jP8U6eTNxM25DLBSKkdAUfSTKE/s1600/figment.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>"Two tiny wings, eyes big and yellow.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Horn of a steer, but a lovable fellow.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>From head to tail, he's royal purple pigment.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And there, Viola!, you've got a Figment!<span style="font-size: x-small;">"</span></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/EPCOT%201989/file_zps146181ee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/EPCOT%201989/file_zps146181ee.jpg" height="227" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl23AOSoyQQxyHBr02v2kH-DMVNX1jd9XnfUObM2CVYGSDRYkWBZXQF_EG5WB6R59Cjbp9kx5JAAnt9GSAyqWZOtVs7bzpcgs_0K_nkfZT-Ly54PRnWyMJEBuUW4OHVX2lZjBat7TfZG0/s1600/imagination+water+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl23AOSoyQQxyHBr02v2kH-DMVNX1jd9XnfUObM2CVYGSDRYkWBZXQF_EG5WB6R59Cjbp9kx5JAAnt9GSAyqWZOtVs7bzpcgs_0K_nkfZT-Ly54PRnWyMJEBuUW4OHVX2lZjBat7TfZG0/s1600/imagination+water+fall.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-66536317971302976852015-02-26T08:23:00.000-06:002015-02-26T08:23:46.784-06:00The Legend of Big Thunder Mountain<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b>"Hang onto your hats and glasses, folks, cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness!"<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3LS6ASVrBsze-vt15G1mto6yuCFPvGL5TSRrW_lTfrr-krYFT70DGFjHtfNZV7_rMlojybgKWL4sxGeB-b2m8gt46oVtmPzDJDfXrppg_zX7rQlgn1S2KfekDXDB46RAaweygrHcyCM/s1600/BTMR+56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3LS6ASVrBsze-vt15G1mto6yuCFPvGL5TSRrW_lTfrr-krYFT70DGFjHtfNZV7_rMlojybgKWL4sxGeB-b2m8gt46oVtmPzDJDfXrppg_zX7rQlgn1S2KfekDXDB46RAaweygrHcyCM/s320/BTMR+56.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so it is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr45GX1mHhcf7fvrp7FK72h3Tgt2fQpk-RAsAeUaKyV6sTc0-PRPh7TVfaFPyVrbSbh6SdS6_eWyYEMk69OYubnEJdqXBTdBzyWnnBeyBie8s-fkePfeFxGPoKQ3cIXsRvwGkSqYWwPg/s1600/P8210179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhr45GX1mHhcf7fvrp7FK72h3Tgt2fQpk-RAsAeUaKyV6sTc0-PRPh7TVfaFPyVrbSbh6SdS6_eWyYEMk69OYubnEJdqXBTdBzyWnnBeyBie8s-fkePfeFxGPoKQ3cIXsRvwGkSqYWwPg/s320/P8210179.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As your mine train car rushes in and out of the mine, into the mountain, through canyons, into the town and over the river, you can almost believe the spirits of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Thunder</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> are real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disney lore tells us that gold was discovered in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Thunder</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> in the late 1800s and the towns of Tumbleweed and Dry Gulch sprung up around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, you need a mine train to transport your gold to and from the mine and, hence, the establishment of the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon, the miners began to experience eerie things – cave-ins, flooding, equipment malfunctions and ghostly sounds in the caverns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trains themselves seem to take on a life of their own, apparently possessed by spirits of the mountain who were angry with the removal of its gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Word soon spread that the mine was haunted, the mine subsequently abandoned, and the towns became true ghost towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs_s0OdVrLdaRTvUZWcak3QkH6rwuJKKkda42j1rJDGQ9LF142nzbBy_DHkhQg-l-cln-M6UDZElW4y_cC7W_yoUhwsb2htXVxTNT6Hzea67N2wAInJ7qWQ0M3EAuqUsCIENIa0Tasio/s1600/P8210180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMs_s0OdVrLdaRTvUZWcak3QkH6rwuJKKkda42j1rJDGQ9LF142nzbBy_DHkhQg-l-cln-M6UDZElW4y_cC7W_yoUhwsb2htXVxTNT6Hzea67N2wAInJ7qWQ0M3EAuqUsCIENIa0Tasio/s320/P8210180.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Fast-forward to today and we see that new prospectors, ignoring the legends of old, have resurrected the Mining Company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as we soon shall see, some legends are merely the truth in disguise!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKWX5tDH7Fkvio-EIVoR5OO8_eiBQJUzAplOIJPoJNKCUw9gbFJi1_fuPowbBxF42Pk6uTIO52-vYaz8Ulk3SbPX4tILKxA1cTZqFAo4okn4WHc-vGZBrkvTpuaq2kv5A1NeiyXBPBQA/s1600/Disney+1989+237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKWX5tDH7Fkvio-EIVoR5OO8_eiBQJUzAplOIJPoJNKCUw9gbFJi1_fuPowbBxF42Pk6uTIO52-vYaz8Ulk3SbPX4tILKxA1cTZqFAo4okn4WHc-vGZBrkvTpuaq2kv5A1NeiyXBPBQA/s320/Disney+1989+237.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQXHYUQJDpNxWkI2JBhhrw5yD1sAWfGvk9LeND4RdQGl42dclmn9kwvyxHNYjme62b9AT-ULK-t5nrGIzry7BjxBwSgg2Sfm8El0n3OZurB-ITTR9xzCmL464NuDYDm89GH_hE9EpDwI/s1600/Disney+1989+236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQXHYUQJDpNxWkI2JBhhrw5yD1sAWfGvk9LeND4RdQGl42dclmn9kwvyxHNYjme62b9AT-ULK-t5nrGIzry7BjxBwSgg2Sfm8El0n3OZurB-ITTR9xzCmL464NuDYDm89GH_hE9EpDwI/s320/Disney+1989+236.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
On November 19, 2012 Disney announced a new backstory for <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Thunder</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>. According to the Disney Parks Blog: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-7e0cKCyc0xsmGIRC0aXjWMPb7Iw6He8H_ZwMcvVyAXsye3Lv6pg0tlNIlaaMZP0RtOFt4MRAqaIgYn-gj5PuBA5SFjeLHDBW2nWznwxVjr_dIWGPVXZI0yRuTXPpYAfpEpKcB7R5T0/s1600/por111512SMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-7e0cKCyc0xsmGIRC0aXjWMPb7Iw6He8H_ZwMcvVyAXsye3Lv6pg0tlNIlaaMZP0RtOFt4MRAqaIgYn-gj5PuBA5SFjeLHDBW2nWznwxVjr_dIWGPVXZI0yRuTXPpYAfpEpKcB7R5T0/s200/por111512SMALL.jpg" height="200" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portrait of Barnabas T. Buillion.<br />
He's supposed to look like Tony<br />
Baxter (Disney Imagineer credited<br />
with the design of BTMRR), but I<br />
think he looks a bit like a young<br />
Donald Sutherland. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>“Barnabas T. Bullion is the founder and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company. The longtime mining magnate comes from a powerful East Coast family and considers gold to be his very birthright by virtue of his oddly appropriate name; in fact, he considers the ultimate gold strike to be his destiny. And that is why he is having so much trouble with <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Thunder</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>. According to superstitious locals, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Thunder</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place> is very protective of the gold it holds within, and the unfortunate soul who attempts to mine its riches is destined to fail. And so far that prophecy is coming to pass. The mine has been plagued by mysterious forces and natural disasters ever since. And yet the Big Thunder Mining Co. is still in operation. In fact, Bullion is discovering new veins of gold and digging new shafts every day, offering a closer look at the Big Thunder mining operation than ever before. But a word to the wise for anyone attempting to visit the mountain: watch out for runaway trains.” </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
— Disney Parks Blog<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-nvyZiH26_l7FjW2ZYUA_kFYyXgUQ_FMedsDvr1qWejy5rUHJ1k0KGSsY1WhcXxuEnxEne8BsZPj5IvuncMOXgpNLUVnof7WHpBlHXw8hYFwvVyPrWhtHfJWNJus8t2oY_mxCHKRJho/s1600/P8210178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-nvyZiH26_l7FjW2ZYUA_kFYyXgUQ_FMedsDvr1qWejy5rUHJ1k0KGSsY1WhcXxuEnxEne8BsZPj5IvuncMOXgpNLUVnof7WHpBlHXw8hYFwvVyPrWhtHfJWNJus8t2oY_mxCHKRJho/s320/P8210178.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This new piece of information ties in nicely with the original backstory of <st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Thunder</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype> Railroad, and enhancements to the queue will provide more to the story as well as the introduction of a new character, Barnabas T. Bullion to the story line which currently includes two colorful residents of the town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Tumbleweed</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cousin Elrod floats along the now flooded town in his bathtub, and Professor Cumulus Isobar, with this rain making machines, which seems to have worked a little too well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Speaking of the residents of the town of Tumbleweed, i</span>f you take a peak inside the Gold Dust Saloon, you’ll see a lively party upstairs and evidence of a card game on the first floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cards are facing up on the table and it appears to look like a real hand in a card game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look quick, because your mine car travels fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might have a better view of the town from the Walt Disney World Railroad which passes just along the edge of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Big</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Thunder</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often wonder if the cards on the table have a secret meaning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the dead man’s hand?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similar to what you might find on the wall in Pecos Bill’s Tall Tales Inn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love to find out if anyone knows? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcXFxQHTeJJqHkiAHwfZq8atAyRE8inZ8NNqiJW7cRJ-LqmyZoUaM14jzkvfvS_4bl-Gkzhm0WeJqPp75UlpOx4DaOl2hjDZRP7XKMMUbm0FSaxxAeV0za03cJLjgNfkZp_0SabHEoGs/s1600/P8230534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcXFxQHTeJJqHkiAHwfZq8atAyRE8inZ8NNqiJW7cRJ-LqmyZoUaM14jzkvfvS_4bl-Gkzhm0WeJqPp75UlpOx4DaOl2hjDZRP7XKMMUbm0FSaxxAeV0za03cJLjgNfkZp_0SabHEoGs/s320/P8230534.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look quickly! It's the flooded town of Tumbleweed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qa5n8ZyILZaCj35ZSVIMrQxO-PfHM8v3BaQIm8-mnccapWlNH9f9eeg3itp5mt4RPFB8_Xk8yqpyjcIynn3ChAA_osqxOuS3B06oUCi2O_5J50YGjjJ3W5kRYaMNb3vbG9NnVB7I7m0/s1600/saloon+closeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Qa5n8ZyILZaCj35ZSVIMrQxO-PfHM8v3BaQIm8-mnccapWlNH9f9eeg3itp5mt4RPFB8_Xk8yqpyjcIynn3ChAA_osqxOuS3B06oUCi2O_5J50YGjjJ3W5kRYaMNb3vbG9NnVB7I7m0/s320/saloon+closeup.png" height="201" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to see but there's a table with cards inside. Anyone<br />
know what hand is being played?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzJgeNDRzBVcCX00jleo-JdbJ8tIHo-j0ZGsZcmGPjG1Rdsx-J5AxQAlfl6TW0Qi_fNtm3tqWqzobW7C5OrBnInYXRBCrPBVH85E4g7zR5YnBCnP3mqwK43Tjh_5IPTqXy8odl7AXLYY/s1600/dead+man's+hand+lo-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzJgeNDRzBVcCX00jleo-JdbJ8tIHo-j0ZGsZcmGPjG1Rdsx-J5AxQAlfl6TW0Qi_fNtm3tqWqzobW7C5OrBnInYXRBCrPBVH85E4g7zR5YnBCnP3mqwK43Tjh_5IPTqXy8odl7AXLYY/s320/dead+man's+hand+lo-res.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could it be Wild Bill Hickok's "dead man's hand"? This <br />
item can be found inside Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-19598471124091961562015-02-13T07:44:00.001-06:002015-02-13T07:44:19.512-06:00Your Room is Ready!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"></span>Today is Friday the 13th...mwah, ha, ha.... I thought today would be appropriate to revisit my favorite queue at Walt Disney World -- Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCobQxHEGwaAJBAzD2a0yOq2Gyt4TMaZOesesNWnP6L9P7b5TFFLlpkNEYMDShyphenhyphenrXny5Mu5kzXd6hhMfJOJFqHYhRC4_oUTuyK-rm_4xxC69wLLbBwTlpdqaO0jwIGNoXbxsXl3GjQI4/s1600/DSCF1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCobQxHEGwaAJBAzD2a0yOq2Gyt4TMaZOesesNWnP6L9P7b5TFFLlpkNEYMDShyphenhyphenrXny5Mu5kzXd6hhMfJOJFqHYhRC4_oUTuyK-rm_4xxC69wLLbBwTlpdqaO0jwIGNoXbxsXl3GjQI4/s320/DSCF1039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The story of the hotel, adapted from elements of the Twilight Zone television series, includes the hotel being struck by lightning on October 31, 1939, mysteriously transporting an elevator car full of passengers to the Twilight Zone and causing an entire wing of the building to disappear. Disney Imagineers create an atmosphere that transports the guest from the hustle and bustle of Sunset Boulevard to the eerily abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel in the Hollywood Hills.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">According to Disney lore, the Hollywood Hotel opened in 1919. It became a famous place for Hollywood and film star elite. One day, on Halloween in 1939, the hotel was struck by lightning. </span><span style="color: #101010; letter-spacing: 0px;">Part of the building was destroyed and 5 guests who had just entered the elevator disappeared. All of the other guests ran out of the building in terror leaving all of their belongings behind. The Tower of Terror is left empty until 1994 when it mysteriously re-opens. To the bellhops and porters that work the hotel, it’s as if the hotel never closed. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">While all this is never thoroughly explained during the attraction, you can easily see how the queue and pre-show ties itself into the backstory behind the Hollywood Hotel. It’s quite an eerie atmosphere.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeZKM-CLMpRPdlrFKVlHN8FCN5tRazXMeJO0fueXZISKTaPjcZ0OEyGi_jEsHhoQvDAlUUO1tUaJs5RgXKDB5_ZmMGAc4h_7tbAam1WJuZmi3xH9QdplIGqnN4PCMeLZ75xvJwanVRMQ/s1600/DSCF1042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeZKM-CLMpRPdlrFKVlHN8FCN5tRazXMeJO0fueXZISKTaPjcZ0OEyGi_jEsHhoQvDAlUUO1tUaJs5RgXKDB5_ZmMGAc4h_7tbAam1WJuZmi3xH9QdplIGqnN4PCMeLZ75xvJwanVRMQ/s200/DSCF1042.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEhk3qk8PzNxafpFwabfMRB0ZNuuU0MpgdO1VGaHQjca3eq1avgYJ6iR3tGEgkWya5p5bNfgqcguNpv0XzeMWiubu7QG9fvqx3VX5y8MCRl3SZRIqqsLDQ1LQk6Nl_dcmHRze7aesWkY/s1600/DSCF1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEhk3qk8PzNxafpFwabfMRB0ZNuuU0MpgdO1VGaHQjca3eq1avgYJ6iR3tGEgkWya5p5bNfgqcguNpv0XzeMWiubu7QG9fvqx3VX5y8MCRl3SZRIqqsLDQ1LQk6Nl_dcmHRze7aesWkY/s200/DSCF1044.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Guests enter the Hollywood Tower Hotel though the main entrance gate. The outdoor queue winds through the overgrown gardens of the hotel. The outdoor queue takes you through gardens of broken stoneware and decaying plants. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">An empty fountain and cracked fountain awaits you at the entrance to the hotel. In the background you're listening to haunting melodies from the past by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Vera Lynn, and other notables from that era. And your eyes haven’t deceived you, that is fog rolling through the gardens. Once inside the lobby, it is dimly-lit and covered in cobwebs and dust. There is a yellowing copy of the Los Angeles Examiner dated October 31, 1939, a table set with tea and stale pastries, several suitcases, and a cobwebbed owl sculpture surrounded by a circle of dead flowers that appears to be the centerpiece of the room.</span></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Behind the front desk is a broken elevator, a sign still reads "Out of Order". Everything in the hotel has apparently been left undisturbed ever since it mysteriously closed decades ago. Guests are informed that their rooms are not quite ready yet. For the time being, guests are asked to simply enjoy themselves in the hotel's library. The library is full of not only books, but exotic antiques, a television, and plenty of Twilight Zone memorabilia. Through the window, you observe that there is a thunderstorm going on outside. At this point, the pre-show starts with a lightning strike and the television coming on, apparently of its own accord. The opening sequence of The Twilight Zone plays, followed by a supposedly "lost" episode. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccKEsaXFMaQH_vl77qG7tZgINPS0-wIL7Tu9OIQJDXf8fXlKmVjaex7ZWUJimhuF7mo79FGBh7s8l4iDRubHpegtmBr9huTaFcBt6ET4k-q7J81P3G_amjlrrn0NtD2crVuYpQNJLZZ0/s1600/DSCF1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccKEsaXFMaQH_vl77qG7tZgINPS0-wIL7Tu9OIQJDXf8fXlKmVjaex7ZWUJimhuF7mo79FGBh7s8l4iDRubHpegtmBr9huTaFcBt6ET4k-q7J81P3G_amjlrrn0NtD2crVuYpQNJLZZ0/s200/DSCF1043.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The attention to detail throughout the queue is amazing here. Even if you can’t or don’t want to ride the attraction, please take time to traverse the queue and watch the pre-show. Don’t worry, there is a chicken-out door for you. Just ask any cast member. As you travel the queue, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered into a hotel that was long since abandoned. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #101010; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your room is ready...do you dare?
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCQGJpSR2RM7RJFXD_njcnNzQTs35q5fLC1JMJ6aFpHuVCLIaIz3LHQo2w_QcSbmA6onTaYFhATzhFOZCsW0WjbG88RhtdKU4f47MKjpA7T_9qg5oFzM3SfO07SfiWoNiugKwtczPeas/s1600/TOT+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCQGJpSR2RM7RJFXD_njcnNzQTs35q5fLC1JMJ6aFpHuVCLIaIz3LHQo2w_QcSbmA6onTaYFhATzhFOZCsW0WjbG88RhtdKU4f47MKjpA7T_9qg5oFzM3SfO07SfiWoNiugKwtczPeas/s320/TOT+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #101010; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-89448268828646450712015-01-03T12:58:00.000-06:002015-01-03T12:58:39.567-06:00Welcome to 2015!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want to wish everyone the best in the upcoming year. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdw5b3c8ERqx_BWV71mbeqNWGWSUCVqykMJBKAo4VzHy6JLIikisojmgQW3B0gVNXDDrYdvY9lS4D5MXssgYTZuqzGJ_fgV78Fy0gnbGyBA3n7mKUsRyk_F0eEUfN9laqMmnp3sY5YFw/s1600/IMG_5305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdw5b3c8ERqx_BWV71mbeqNWGWSUCVqykMJBKAo4VzHy6JLIikisojmgQW3B0gVNXDDrYdvY9lS4D5MXssgYTZuqzGJ_fgV78Fy0gnbGyBA3n7mKUsRyk_F0eEUfN9laqMmnp3sY5YFw/s320/IMG_5305.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-64354027920666260462014-12-24T09:36:00.000-06:002014-12-24T09:36:01.301-06:00Happy Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Holidays from the Magical Mouse Pad!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRTeS4UM883P69JKjFtl4hJ8TgsMTxEASt2672lG76hi5Q8S07KVK-NYnbn71bKkI4ATbO_PQQidbd8dw62fmqwIwIdTg4i2gVkV5HzXS4tRiOT4ZotgNZn911ibsDtyFngq4tTnBo_w/s1600/IMG_0662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRTeS4UM883P69JKjFtl4hJ8TgsMTxEASt2672lG76hi5Q8S07KVK-NYnbn71bKkI4ATbO_PQQidbd8dw62fmqwIwIdTg4i2gVkV5HzXS4tRiOT4ZotgNZn911ibsDtyFngq4tTnBo_w/s320/IMG_0662.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope 2015 brings you joy and magic</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-24144285406835444322014-10-18T13:32:00.000-05:002014-10-18T13:32:47.008-05:00Attraction narration and dialog<br />
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Throughout the WDW attractions, you can find a variety of familiar voices providing ride-through narration and character dialog. Some of these voices are classic Disney staples who worked with the Disney studios on a variety of projects -- animations, promotions, commercials, and theme parks just to name a few. These folks include the likes of Paul Frees, Thurl Ravenscroft, and Pete Renoudet. Do those names not sound familiar? Paul Frees is your “Ghost Host” in the Haunted Mansion. Some of Paul Frees' most memorable voices were for various Disney projects, although he did work with at least nine of the major animation production companies of the 20th century. Thurl Ravenscroft is probably most familiar as Tony the Tiger, “They’re Great!”, but his voice can be found in Magic Kingdom in the Enchanted Tiki Room, Country Bear Jamboree, and Haunted Mansion. Pete Renoudet was an American voice actor who provided dialog for a variety of attractions in Disneyland and Disney World. Most notably, he provided Captain Nemo’s voice for the long extinct, but much loved, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. </span></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In addition to the variety of voice actors Disney studio’s employed in it’s heyday, now you may find more and more “famous” actors being used for narration or attraction dialog. In many instances the actor IS part of the attraction itself. Some are well know, others are not. See if you have recognized any of these famous voices:</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Epcot</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Spaceship Earth- Judi Dench. In previous versions of the attraction, Vic Perrin, Walter Cronkite, and Jeremy Irons provided the narration. </span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Soarin’ - Patrick Warburton is your Flight Attendant. </span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Canada’s Circle-Vision 360 - As a native Canadian, Martin Short provides the narration to this vivid film.</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mission: SPACE - Gary Sinise provides your introductory video and dialog during the ride. I can’t not think of “Lt. Dan” when I see him! </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Magic Kingdom</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hall of Presidents - Morgan Freeman narrates and Barack Obama even provided the voice of Barack Obama.</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Carousel of Progress - You may recognize Cousin Orville’s voice. It’s Mel Blanc!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hollywood Studios</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">MuppetVision 3D - Where would muppets be without Jim Henson and Frank Oz providing the voices of some of these memorable characters?</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tower of Terror - While it’s Rod Sterling we see in the pre-show video, the voice we hear is actually Mark Silverman.</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Toy Story Mania - Mr. Potato Head’s voice is Don Rickles.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Animal Kingdom</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It’s Tough to Be a Bug - You’ll hear a variety of familiar voices in this attraction: Dave Foley, Cheech Marin, Jason Alexander, Andrew Stanton, and French Stewart.</span></span></li>
<li style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dinosaur - The lobby announcements and descriptions are provided by Bill Nye (the Science Guy!). </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333233; font: 12.0px 'Comic Sans MS'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">These are just a few of the familiar voices that provide the backdrop to many attractions and show’s throughout Disney World. Hope you enjoy listening to them as much as I do. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-86178787159948699262014-09-25T08:31:00.000-05:002014-09-25T08:31:34.511-05:00The Details<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I talk to people about the Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts, one thing they notice is how emphatic I am about noticing the little details. It’s the thing that I most enjoy about the parks and resorts and what keeps me coming back for more because every time you look at something you’re bound to see something new. While most details are bold and grand, like the colors of the castle or the immense look of Tower of Terror, there are millions of subtle ones. What I find fascinating about these is that to the casual observer they are often overlooked. But, I wonder if your mind would notice if they weren’t there?!? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let me give you an example. I’m going to take you over to Epcot’s Japan pavilion for this one. Along the shore of the the World Showcase in front of the Japanese pavilion stands a red torii gate. A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine. This particular one is a replica of the torii of the Itsukushima Shrine, often called “floating shrine” because it sits in the water just off the island of Itsukushima in the city Hatsukaichi, Japan. This shrine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Japanese government has designated it as a National Treasure. The details and significance of this freature to the Japanese pavilion is fairly obvious. What is not so obvious is what is found at the bottom of the torii. Take a look...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/epcot/IMG_5227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/epcot/IMG_5227.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/epcot/IMG_5228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/epcot/IMG_5228.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/epcot/IMG_5229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/epcot/IMG_5229.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">What do you see? Barnacles and the appearance of high and low tide water marks. Hmmm...that’s odd, as the World Showcase lagoon is a freshwater lagoon with no tidal influence. EXACTLY what I mean!!! As a causal observer you don’t notice that, but if the torii stood freshly painted, at the water’s edge, would you notice the missing detail? Probably not, but it’s those little details that make the place seem so much more read and vivid to the imagination. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">What overlooked details have you seen the parks or resorts recently? </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-71286815408549979372014-09-13T11:02:00.000-05:002014-09-13T11:03:07.501-05:00Morocco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4GsSKfXM7F-Vf9XGFX-K07gfJCOwejk1W_bstcSIPAFWuWFaVRHDjZYLw9eQCOZJ0hjenaWwQmkjB-vfOqNgEqHhkeCgbZDaSV1lj6v9ZR6rqnBnfcz7Es2BRFvj2BuGOXnECtTs7qk/s1600/epcot-morocco-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4GsSKfXM7F-Vf9XGFX-K07gfJCOwejk1W_bstcSIPAFWuWFaVRHDjZYLw9eQCOZJ0hjenaWwQmkjB-vfOqNgEqHhkeCgbZDaSV1lj6v9ZR6rqnBnfcz7Es2BRFvj2BuGOXnECtTs7qk/s200/epcot-morocco-logo.jpg" height="60" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5226.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Koutoubia Minaret</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">of Marrakesh</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Quite unassuming on the outside, the Morocco </span>pavilion at World Showcase in Epcot<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> is often passed by for more familiar countries by many guests. Morocco doesn’t have an attraction, so most people don’t bother with it and that is a shame. Just inside the walled city, lies an amazing architecture, adorned with beautiful tile work and impeccable craftsmanship. A walk through the local bazaar (or market place) reveals delightful treasures. It’s a truly unique shopping experience.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Morocco Pavilion was the first expansion pavilion to be added to the World Showcase, opening in 1984. The pavilion is the only one designed with the named government’s aid. King Hassan II sent Moroccan artisans to design and create the many mosaics and buildings you’ll see in the pavilion. Due to Islamic beliefs on the content of art, the mosaics contain no representations of people. To this day, the Moroccan government continues to sponsor the pavilion, while corporations hold sponsoring rights to the other World Showcase pavilions. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5221.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bab Boujouloud gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Three cities of this northern African country are represented here: Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakesh. Guarding the entrance to the pavilion is a reproduction of the Koutoubia Minaret of Marrakesh. This intricately carved tower was built by native craftsmen. As you delve deeper into the pavilion, you’ll see more exquisite craftsmanship in the gate to the Medina (or old city) in a replica of the Bab Boujouloud gate. Through the gate, you’ll find the bustling bazaar. All the shops are interconnected to give you the feel of being in a real outside shopping bazaar and it’s easy to get lost in these shops! The bazaar is a wonderful place to find unique gifts for that hard-to-buy-for person in your family. Doesn’t your Cousin Tim need a Fez? How about a belly dancing video for your Aunt Helen? </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Enter the Fez House to see a representation of a typical Moroccan home. The tile and word work is amazing. If it’s quiet, I’m certain you can hear children playing in the distance!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5224.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
</span><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5222.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5225.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">One of many<br />
fountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span>A flower filled courtyard is surrounded by native plants -- citrus and olive trees, date palms, banana trees, and a fountain. Some of the gardens are irrigated by an ancient working waterwheel. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5218.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since these buildings were designed and sponsored by the country of Morocco, they hold great religious significant. As a result the pavilion is the only one not lit up during the nightly Illuminations performance. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<br /></div>
</span>
</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wD_8ZJq9WhsdLX5pp6JsYvKO_qhTKVaLS4NMcBx472teZmaND1oaPGozCCj9pNeHe9XdLwaHhMcL-sfgrO09JnxZgZph-VUJbXr9QiB_OGrYoyNVNTl5-qd-P3vik940JpbOF0SOuKw/s1600/morocco+food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wD_8ZJq9WhsdLX5pp6JsYvKO_qhTKVaLS4NMcBx472teZmaND1oaPGozCCj9pNeHe9XdLwaHhMcL-sfgrO09JnxZgZph-VUJbXr9QiB_OGrYoyNVNTl5-qd-P3vik940JpbOF0SOuKw/s200/morocco+food.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch at Tangerine Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5216.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
</span><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Morocco/IMG_5217.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><ul>
</ul>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A final fact about the Morocco pavilion you may not know - The Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios is seen at an angle from the Moroccan pavilion. The top of the Tower of Terror is designed so it blends in with the Moroccan architecture.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span>LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-72719725783893423602014-09-09T07:55:00.000-05:002014-09-09T07:55:40.266-05:00Walt Disney Quote<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Laughter is America's most important export" - Walt Disney</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfxFWk8-MsB_sKQV7yXramaX-U1_lv_WIQzoby0_hDn5vU1neaLQFkUDd5z3WgLpvWtV3TpUMqVUsk5xOdnIgTg_aCCpHPn9EBGDfoEzxg28jSdAxE1hxuu9qaxqDWhcKnb8ZaSzqrOQ/s1600/partners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfxFWk8-MsB_sKQV7yXramaX-U1_lv_WIQzoby0_hDn5vU1neaLQFkUDd5z3WgLpvWtV3TpUMqVUsk5xOdnIgTg_aCCpHPn9EBGDfoEzxg28jSdAxE1hxuu9qaxqDWhcKnb8ZaSzqrOQ/s1600/partners.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-56039045016416956942014-08-07T10:29:00.000-05:002014-08-07T10:29:28.122-05:00The Loss of The Lawnmower Tree<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently found out that the Lawnmower Tree is no more. Sometime in the last year, it has been removed. This makes me sad. I walked past that tree as a kid many times, and showed it to my children. But, nature has taken it's course as in all things and the tree is no longer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I thought I'd publish this article one last time for posterity. </span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*****Original article posted in 2012*******</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRTfiVGYIdExFhHrDjjX0cqalz8jF_2pckHum4qNnobcet9NlqORteMlI3dzcTl-OKiKx7wrW_io7N0EKjrU03b9g55MA6C9z1fJ8DIKA-VctXSaM1VohdQb7rEOJKFPjkckOBVA4I2E/s1600/lawnmower+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRTfiVGYIdExFhHrDjjX0cqalz8jF_2pckHum4qNnobcet9NlqORteMlI3dzcTl-OKiKx7wrW_io7N0EKjrU03b9g55MA6C9z1fJ8DIKA-VctXSaM1VohdQb7rEOJKFPjkckOBVA4I2E/s320/lawnmower+tree.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lawnmower tree, Nov. 2012</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the pathway from the Pioneer Hall to the Marina at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground can be found an unusual item that has been a fixture at the Fort since it's opening in 1971 -- The Lawnmower Tree. Almost gone now, the lawnmower tree was a prominent fixture at the Fort in the early days, even marking it onto the original campground maps in the 70's. So what is the lawnmower tree and how did it get there?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_uhHdkKM8cvI0n_kpXFIAqloDCBjizeuK1VIorq1zKoFbeZVbfqdXiba4OC0NFchwAc9YB-KA_hL4S_GWc4-1A30jJy3iGgt-7rpyLbiBmj2DHewTJDU_F2thh39LpixWGUdxWTF7GI/s1600/FW19734+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_uhHdkKM8cvI0n_kpXFIAqloDCBjizeuK1VIorq1zKoFbeZVbfqdXiba4OC0NFchwAc9YB-KA_hL4S_GWc4-1A30jJy3iGgt-7rpyLbiBmj2DHewTJDU_F2thh39LpixWGUdxWTF7GI/s320/FW19734+map.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fort Wilderness map, circa 1973</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSPuPlMffSF4kBl38UrFIwnI-jdr2Ve0QYRb8as6a8mku1FrPQ8n1a0TfqFWkV0XRg8pXD5fb8WpZBtbItOTJ_oBNcn4Dx7aLATHC4f6U7lfwLdfCwjTLF2ufmMJWOrP8chY_6K9bPZo/s1600/lawnmower+tree+plaque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSPuPlMffSF4kBl38UrFIwnI-jdr2Ve0QYRb8as6a8mku1FrPQ8n1a0TfqFWkV0XRg8pXD5fb8WpZBtbItOTJ_oBNcn4Dx7aLATHC4f6U7lfwLdfCwjTLF2ufmMJWOrP8chY_6K9bPZo/s200/lawnmower+tree+plaque.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lawnmower tree plaque</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The lawnmower tree is the stuff of "urban legends" of Disney. According to Disney lore, Bill Bowlegs parked his mower much too close to this tree which quickly grew to encompass Billy's mower. Don't believe me? It's written right there on a marker next to the tree. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Too long did Billy Bowlegs</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Park his reel slow mower</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alas, one warm and sunny day</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Aside a real fast grower</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course, most Disney lore is a slight stretch of the imagination based on some reality. Long before Disney World became the theme park mecca it is today, the land was mostly orange groves, farmland, and swamps. There were a few buildings and some abandoned houses surrounding Bay Lake when the property was bought up by Disney's myriad of shell companies. Most likely, a farmer leaned an old-fashioned push lawnmower against this tree and left it many years prior. Why it survived the construction and became a staple of the Fort is classic Disney style. The designers integrated the tree into the history of the Fort and even crafted the poem you see above. I often wonder if Disney himself observed the lawnmower tree on one of the early excursion trips to the area. It is often noted that the decision to build on this particular piece of land was made while viewing Riles Island (now Discovery Island) from the air. Walt probably did not see the tree before his untimely death, but the allure of that idea is appealing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, hurricanes and bugs have gotten the best of the tree and it had to be cut down in 1997. Only about four feet of the original pine tree is left. You can still see the remnants of the lawnmower at the base of the tree along the quaint pathway. I'm afraid one day it's going to completely disappear. I can only hope that it will remain in our hearts much like our beloved River Country, Discovery Island, the Fort Wilderness Railroad, the trams, and the peacocks.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp6QGK-vsRkau8bXeY4DmoS-fqtYMSX3T3CZWvKiefkMyuCrbqOh1jcIB1ZOGWftyO4dgqijZJpN6nAmIs4-PYqscDgeiczihcZIgSTM4mNtf48LFweb9ZqPLn4hfQ7IYUB2q9ZGG_wo/s1600/FW1973LawnmowerTree-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp6QGK-vsRkau8bXeY4DmoS-fqtYMSX3T3CZWvKiefkMyuCrbqOh1jcIB1ZOGWftyO4dgqijZJpN6nAmIs4-PYqscDgeiczihcZIgSTM4mNtf48LFweb9ZqPLn4hfQ7IYUB2q9ZGG_wo/s320/FW1973LawnmowerTree-1.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Picture of the lawnmower tree from</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">early Fort Wilderness guide book</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-6724934988677420402014-08-05T09:23:00.000-05:002014-08-05T09:23:33.095-05:00My Experience with Mission Space<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are several rides
and attractions at Walt Disney World that I don’t care for: Magic
Carpets of Aladdin, TriceraTop Spin, O Canada, Wonders of China to name a
few. Definitely not a fan of Stitch's Great Escape. But, I’ll go on
these if someone in my group wants to do it. However, there is one
attraction that I will not ride…ever again. “Again” implies that I have
done it. That attraction is Mission: SPACE. You’re probably thinking
“why”; it seems odd to ban such a popular attraction permanently
especially now that there is a tamer version. My dislike of the
attraction has nothing to do with the attraction so much as it as to do
with my memory associated with that experience. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VfCMnNc66orXkrYSNQ_RC-omQaQ8O9uPKUP-5tU3lt32K7SIRc0_aonaCpVYOavPzJd3rMBtw3TZ-Bi1xPPqWGOiNxwt3LYv6qVDMDn5yHjKNu2Wieb3uQqPFiGMvr7s_C8lLHBFpxg/s1600/Mission_space_logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VfCMnNc66orXkrYSNQ_RC-omQaQ8O9uPKUP-5tU3lt32K7SIRc0_aonaCpVYOavPzJd3rMBtw3TZ-Bi1xPPqWGOiNxwt3LYv6qVDMDn5yHjKNu2Wieb3uQqPFiGMvr7s_C8lLHBFpxg/s200/Mission_space_logo.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In
early 2006, my husband and I took our son, then 3, on his first trip to
Walt Disney World. It was a milestone and one marked equally special
when we found out two weeks before the trip that we were pregnant. I
estimate I was probably no more than 6 weeks along. Nothing too
significant to change my stamina or energy level. Didn’t really think
too much about it, to tell the truth. So when we arrived at Epcot, we
knew we wanted to go on the newly opened, much hyped Mission: SPACE.
You see, both my husband and I work at NASA and given the attraction’s
collaboration with NASA, we wanted to see what it was all about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Despite the caution warnings and
spiels prior to the ride, I decided to go on it. The conversion in my
head went something like this: “you work at NASA, you can do this…no
problem”. What I really should have heard was “you work at NASA as an
analyst, you dummy, you’ve never been on a motion based simulator, you
don’t touch flight hardware…and oh, besides, you’re pregnant and you’re
equilibrium is probably really messed up right now”. I didn’t listen
and went on the full-up motion based ride. I am proud to say that I
didn’t lose my lunch, but it was very touch and go for a while. I
couldn’t get out of the capsule fast enough, and when I did, the ground
was not so stable. Once I found my bearings, I met back up with my son
and husband (we had done child swap) in the game area (Advanced Training
Lab) to rest my head. That didn’t help. Ate lunch. That didn’t help.
I felt like I had just woken up from a night of excessive drinking.
It was like a really bad hangover and I could not shake. Awful is
really the only way to describe the feeling. Finally, I went back to
the room to sleep it off. Didn’t help too much, and I remained messed
up the rest of the day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I should have read Wikipedia’s
definition of the ride mechanics: “The attraction is a multiple-arm
centrifuge that achieves the illusion of acceleration by spinning and
tilting sealed capsules during the four-minute "mission." Fans blow air
gently at riders to help avoid motion sickness, and a magnified display
in front of each rider simulates a window to space with high-resolution
computer-generated imagery. The attraction exposes riders to forces up
to 2.5G, more than twice the force of gravity at the Earth's surface
(effectively multiplying a rider's weight by 2.5).” Yep, that explains
it all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don’t know if my reaction to the
experience had anything to do with the pregnancy, or if I am overly
prone to motion sickness (didn’t think I was); but in either case the
memory of that experience is so bad that I won’t go on the attraction
again; even the Green team version which opened a few months after our
visit. As anyone who has ever experienced it, you don’t want to be sick
on a Disney vacation. Even for a day. It stinks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am disappointed that my
experience was so negative, because from what I recall and can review on
YouTube, the attraction is amazingly realistic. I have been very
fortunate to have worked in the mission control center complex during
many shuttle flights in the last few years of the Shuttle program. I’ve
been even more fortunate to sit on console with one of the most amazing
female astronauts in the astronaut corp. How she described the launch
sequence experience from the crew compartment is very similar to what a
guest would experience on Mission: SPACE. I especially like the detail
of the birds soaring over the launch platform just prior to launch.
They do that all the time and are recognized as a hazard to launch
vehicles. Big turkey vultures soar over the launch complex, catching
the updrafts of wind. (Did you know a Space Shuttle has impacted with
one during a launch before? Let’s just say, that’s not a good thing for
the bird or the vehicle). Also, the chatter you hear prior to, and
during the launch sequence, is similar to the voice loop chatter that is
heard in the control centers. Everyone in the control centers, whether
you are in front room or back room, has a headset and can monitor many
voice loops at one time which is why you hear multiple conversions just
before main engine start and lift off. At launch, on the screen, a
plume of white smoke billows up from below you. Your ship is mounted on
tons of highly explosive solid rocket fuel, after all! The whole
sequence is amazingly detailed and quite accurate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXrJPoBWoT_vllsyEYAjO2wuGJzRNsRf1H5Jtv3EJFV5w7P-aUe30dmfzlydSP3YCKH7thVkeiTsNAKGwIfhwwOE6CV6OaVhz2aO4X-vpctVzW20g_pXOihb9LOE2Tuqzld6z9unJy-8/s1600/nasa_logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXrJPoBWoT_vllsyEYAjO2wuGJzRNsRf1H5Jtv3EJFV5w7P-aUe30dmfzlydSP3YCKH7thVkeiTsNAKGwIfhwwOE6CV6OaVhz2aO4X-vpctVzW20g_pXOihb9LOE2Tuqzld6z9unJy-8/s200/nasa_logo.jpg" height="169" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The
Disney Imagineers collaborated well with NASA to get the experience
correct and they did hit the mark on many aspects. It’s a good
attraction and one that shouldn’t be missed if you like thrill or motion
based rides. By all accounts, the tamer version appears to appease
those less inclined for a thrill, but who still want to experience it.
For me, for now, I’m going to have to pass on it and hang out in the
Advanced Training Lab. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-75897511107213393602014-07-09T08:33:00.000-05:002014-07-09T08:33:00.407-05:00Hoop Dee Doo Revue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6EEHVv38t-K_ljhwLa9j7Rqoy81s68-EWBot0qmtQ-HKb3PvXBEV3h0Mi8_bGdmmoro-FnoJt_G_nKasVQmdahKDEGHENzvQbrakX9cmhIy96R_nKpcapLi1CuEBY8rGgdDsQr1Z_ps/s1600/HoopdeeDoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6EEHVv38t-K_ljhwLa9j7Rqoy81s68-EWBot0qmtQ-HKb3PvXBEV3h0Mi8_bGdmmoro-FnoJt_G_nKasVQmdahKDEGHENzvQbrakX9cmhIy96R_nKpcapLi1CuEBY8rGgdDsQr1Z_ps/s200/HoopdeeDoo1.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a>The Hoop Dee Doo Revue is one of my favorite dinner shows at Walt Disney World. The show is like no other on Disney World property, save for the long retired Diamond Horseshoe Revue. Billed as “an old-fashioned dinner show that includes foot-stompin' music, nostalgic comedy and an all-you-care-to-eat dinner”, the HDDR is the longest running show at Disney World. I dare anyone to not leave the show without a smile on their face. It’s corny, silly and fun!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH2kxEnNs93uEBxp1CIYejSQyGJN2ISE4of-WeJ2mgzpzIxagaSX5dhyphenhyphenaOF79KoiYb47s35q7VQMsogaHuLQ4fdtXQj-d4HDetaAk_abMcvNBTrTNarM-dJrYbABw_hQhejGJPP0RKxg/s1600/fort-wilderness-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglH2kxEnNs93uEBxp1CIYejSQyGJN2ISE4of-WeJ2mgzpzIxagaSX5dhyphenhyphenaOF79KoiYb47s35q7VQMsogaHuLQ4fdtXQj-d4HDetaAk_abMcvNBTrTNarM-dJrYbABw_hQhejGJPP0RKxg/s200/fort-wilderness-008.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pioneer Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The HDDR takes place in Pioneer Hall at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, just a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom. The show opened in 1974 and has run almost continuously since, making it one of the longest running musicals in America theatre history. The show itself is a Frontier theme vaudeville-style dinner show full of singing, dancing and comedy routines. Pioneer Hall has a stage at the front of the room, with tables on floor level with additional tables in a balcony that overlook the main floor. Food service includes an all-you-can-eat salad, ribs, fried chicken, assorted sides and strawberry shortcake served family style at your table in metal buckets which are plopped down in front of you when you least expect it. Unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea, milk, beer, wine and sangria are also included. For the kids that may not like ribs and chicken, typically Disney child-friendly food is available for the asking. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisaySX9FaTp3q_ttN_qtdCJiuiuKU0RAEFdXxC_q-MQJ7pnPT1U5WPo-B4wB-WqD5pklWg65ylQ39uSU7p1Ib4DzkmaawtPoIhzGGnjsmcNOlaRArY7gKhRwbvugMLtly-32isMJ5JwI/s1600/hoop-dee-doo-21494567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisaySX9FaTp3q_ttN_qtdCJiuiuKU0RAEFdXxC_q-MQJ7pnPT1U5WPo-B4wB-WqD5pklWg65ylQ39uSU7p1Ib4DzkmaawtPoIhzGGnjsmcNOlaRArY7gKhRwbvugMLtly-32isMJ5JwI/s200/hoop-dee-doo-21494567.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal plates, bowls & buckets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzl73kMhASM3TCEGOu9kM8RVpv_VCnK-7Kj9GlXVielAbT9f353g0pQEFpdzxhf285GZv_GRnot5EKQW_MBXVQ1k90aHb8N1Hac9wVdaDp4EZVBHm35JD3TbLa7ar5MPb0Mjpui9kVPhw/s1600/IMG_1629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzl73kMhASM3TCEGOu9kM8RVpv_VCnK-7Kj9GlXVielAbT9f353g0pQEFpdzxhf285GZv_GRnot5EKQW_MBXVQ1k90aHb8N1Hac9wVdaDp4EZVBHm35JD3TbLa7ar5MPb0Mjpui9kVPhw/s200/IMG_1629.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's as big as her head!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ3eY66BhUR77US7-WiAGhLJDR78W59_uEO12aMVtIrrykEYnmPYTC4-Hv1ayUzBxM0bqz2Q2VQtYAhb1RtR5NXt3753xER5Kcjh1puEX8svdX1SzGZwjJ8rwiSOIjoL0-FcKzuF6PdI/s1600/hoop_dee_doo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ3eY66BhUR77US7-WiAGhLJDR78W59_uEO12aMVtIrrykEYnmPYTC4-Hv1ayUzBxM0bqz2Q2VQtYAhb1RtR5NXt3753xER5Kcjh1puEX8svdX1SzGZwjJ8rwiSOIjoL0-FcKzuF6PdI/s200/hoop_dee_doo.jpg" height="161" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HDDR performers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The show consists of the three female and three male character performers: Six Bits Slocum and Dolly Drew (comic relief), Jim Handy and Flora Long (the singers), and Johnny Ringo and Claire de Lune (the dancers). The entertainers interact with the audience throughout the show, and even serve dessert at the close of the show while singing the Strawberry Shortcake song!<br />
<br />
The Hoop Dee Doo is memorable because for me it embodies all things “Disney” - great showmanship in a family friendly format. The characters are memorable (who can't forget the giggle?), the jokes (while corny) are funny, the actors are talented, and the laughter is contagious. I’ve seen the show 5 or 6 times, as a kid and an adult, and it never changes but is still just as good as the first time. <br />
<br />
For the first time guest, I would recommend the HDDR only if you have time. The show runs close to 2 hours and with travel time; you can expect it to burn an entire evening. Have an Advanced Dining Reservation and plan accordingly, but give it a try sometime. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-10625811772968219922014-07-03T08:27:00.000-05:002014-07-03T08:27:01.247-05:00Basin White in the Grand Floridian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.5in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHbObpcUieRfGoy0zul5hyphenhyphen7AM_bzFLDX4J0d9wPIvaDOLnGUsXDEqOcOZE4KfRpUY8Nox2D__NF9iOWynHWvVnW2Qdu1gvpM1rATrcm9WZ5BwkNJuH6XlcGOAk5VLxW6FDccA-Zio6nM/s1600/basinwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHbObpcUieRfGoy0zul5hyphenhyphen7AM_bzFLDX4J0d9wPIvaDOLnGUsXDEqOcOZE4KfRpUY8Nox2D__NF9iOWynHWvVnW2Qdu1gvpM1rATrcm9WZ5BwkNJuH6XlcGOAk5VLxW6FDccA-Zio6nM/s320/basinwhite.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Located on the second level of the Grand Floridian Resort, just inside the doors that lead to the monorail station, is a bath and body products shop, Basin White. Basin White is part of the Basin chain with products sold online and at few select locations in the United States. There is a Basin shop in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basin White is a premium version of Basin with its product inventory made with higher quality ingredients, as well as unique items that can’t be found in the other locations. </span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The store itself is attractive and inviting. Styled in black and white tile, with the appearance of an upscale Victorian bathroom, the store fits in well with the Grand Floridian theme. The layout of the store is long and skinny, and filled with an assortment of bath and body products ranging from lotions, salts/scrubs, soaps, and body bombs. The store is accessorized with sinks, a claw foot tub, white cabinets, and marble counters. </span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ji4xMnk6kpnaPzahiBOjobvV2mq272OBnPBa2_fyMcDinvQCtIcHjvk1KqnBLO6acJ2fHFcD6MzF7HvebUpH6iZnGtXRiMs_oPWWMn0XlGgvDS9PFFruckJd-GtFOKPQWvFbKlO_a3A/s1600/mickey+soap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ji4xMnk6kpnaPzahiBOjobvV2mq272OBnPBa2_fyMcDinvQCtIcHjvk1KqnBLO6acJ2fHFcD6MzF7HvebUpH6iZnGtXRiMs_oPWWMn0XlGgvDS9PFFruckJd-GtFOKPQWvFbKlO_a3A/s200/mickey+soap2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basin White offers a large variety of fresh cut soaps, including the popular Mickey ears soap which is sold only at the WDW locations. Priced at around $6.99 for a slice of approximately 100 grams, these make for inexpensive, unique and functional gifts. The assortment of fresh cut soaps is amazing, and interesting. In addition to milk-based and other specialty soaps, Basin White sells fresh cut glycerin soap with a variety of cute designs processed into the soap, most notably being the mickey ears. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.5in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> <u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_6RHRUG-Td9O_u-XgSXx9UoX4f4FY988-tq4vCzI5Pm7JAqnXSWzZ3-VXA442jedp_VL2EIK0AJNpr183lkYcRarLhktHc2b6Eo3eX1SkkA9cS6_WiHfz2LXwpJaFugjqdU4I5pF2mU/s1600/castle+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_6RHRUG-Td9O_u-XgSXx9UoX4f4FY988-tq4vCzI5Pm7JAqnXSWzZ3-VXA442jedp_VL2EIK0AJNpr183lkYcRarLhktHc2b6Eo3eX1SkkA9cS6_WiHfz2LXwpJaFugjqdU4I5pF2mU/s200/castle+soap.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another product sold only at the Disney locations is the Mickey-ears Bath Bombs. A Bath Bomb looks like a hardened scoop of ice cream, which when placed in a bath, bubbles and fizzes adding essential oils and aroma to your tub. The Mickey themed bath bombs include Mickey-ear confetti throughout the product. Another cute gift at a moderate price for yourself or your favorite cousin, dog watcher, or house-sitter. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition, Basin White sells a variety of spa accessory products, salts/scrubs, lotions, and body perfumes. Samples are provided throughout the store to “try” the products. The body salt scrub will make your hands feel so soft and smell delicious!</span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All Basin White products are made in the US, with no parabens, alcohol, or mineral oils. Also, their products are not tested on animals. </span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are a resort guest, you can have your purchases shipped to your room; however, because Basin is not an Disney affiliated store, it will take longer. Please be sure to ask the cashier. If you have a concern about what can be returned home with you in your carry-on vs. checked luggage, be sure to ask. The staff at Basin White are well versed with the TSA rules governing their products. </span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could spend a lot of time and money in Basin white. The aroma of the store is amazing and relaxing. If you want an at-home spa experience, Basin White is the place to go while at the WDW resort. A great place tucked away in the corner of the Grand Floridian, it is definitely worth checking out during a day of resort-hopping on the monorail. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdR8QsypTJ-vtz39UM3G1t4kXcre_Dz4w4Sg5m0jJ4gyAAYRJwpnQUk5w9lpy82nb98RuTh9X_X5byBO8ICbPfsVkgg0C2AZvlYv3WJ2Rn0B5PgQhroT4eWFzPxASohK-kt0m1OxwcMM/s320/mickey+soap1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrY92FoBw-eDe49uqrS0G5P9QUD1Fi0VLnKYyv1c33ZydgHV94_60ZNi0c-so3cVHsiB3aqO9NmcW6QF6XPFIGRK43j6CXOsvKY778S6z8_9vHRwNR9widlotkkKkSPC3kNJgwwpg0uCs/s1600/Blogorail+Logo+%2528square%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<em><br />
</em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<em></em></div>
<br /></div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHbObpcUieRfGoy0zul5hyphenhyphen7AM_bzFLDX4J0d9wPIvaDOLnGUsXDEqOcOZE4KfRpUY8Nox2D__NF9iOWynHWvVnW2Qdu1gvpM1rATrcm9WZ5BwkNJuH6XlcGOAk5VLxW6FDccA-Zio6nM/s320/basinwhite.jpg" height="72" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 361px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 410px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-21388829500807033112014-06-13T13:53:00.000-05:002014-06-13T13:53:56.695-05:00Friday the 13th<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"></span>Today is Friday the 13th and the witching season fast approaching. I thought today would be appropriate to revisit my favorite queue at Walt Disney World -- Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCobQxHEGwaAJBAzD2a0yOq2Gyt4TMaZOesesNWnP6L9P7b5TFFLlpkNEYMDShyphenhyphenrXny5Mu5kzXd6hhMfJOJFqHYhRC4_oUTuyK-rm_4xxC69wLLbBwTlpdqaO0jwIGNoXbxsXl3GjQI4/s1600/DSCF1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCobQxHEGwaAJBAzD2a0yOq2Gyt4TMaZOesesNWnP6L9P7b5TFFLlpkNEYMDShyphenhyphenrXny5Mu5kzXd6hhMfJOJFqHYhRC4_oUTuyK-rm_4xxC69wLLbBwTlpdqaO0jwIGNoXbxsXl3GjQI4/s320/DSCF1039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The story of the hotel, adapted from elements of the Twilight Zone television series, includes the hotel being struck by lightning on October 31, 1939, mysteriously transporting an elevator car full of passengers to the Twilight Zone and causing an entire wing of the building to disappear. Disney Imagineers create an atmosphere that transports the guest from the hustle and bustle of Sunset Boulevard to the eerily abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel in the Hollywood Hills.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">According to Disney lore, the Hollywood Hotel opened in 1919. It became a famous place for Hollywood and film star elite. One day, on Halloween in 1939, the hotel was struck by lightning. </span><span style="color: #101010; letter-spacing: 0px;">Part of the building was destroyed and 5 guests who had just entered the elevator disappeared. All of the other guests ran out of the building in terror leaving all of their belongings behind. The Tower of Terror is left empty until 1994 when it mysteriously re-opens. To the bellhops and porters that work the hotel, it’s as if the hotel never closed. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">While all this is never thoroughly explained during the attraction, you can easily see how the queue and pre-show ties itself into the backstory behind the Hollywood Hotel. It’s quite an eerie atmosphere.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeZKM-CLMpRPdlrFKVlHN8FCN5tRazXMeJO0fueXZISKTaPjcZ0OEyGi_jEsHhoQvDAlUUO1tUaJs5RgXKDB5_ZmMGAc4h_7tbAam1WJuZmi3xH9QdplIGqnN4PCMeLZ75xvJwanVRMQ/s1600/DSCF1042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeZKM-CLMpRPdlrFKVlHN8FCN5tRazXMeJO0fueXZISKTaPjcZ0OEyGi_jEsHhoQvDAlUUO1tUaJs5RgXKDB5_ZmMGAc4h_7tbAam1WJuZmi3xH9QdplIGqnN4PCMeLZ75xvJwanVRMQ/s200/DSCF1042.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEhk3qk8PzNxafpFwabfMRB0ZNuuU0MpgdO1VGaHQjca3eq1avgYJ6iR3tGEgkWya5p5bNfgqcguNpv0XzeMWiubu7QG9fvqx3VX5y8MCRl3SZRIqqsLDQ1LQk6Nl_dcmHRze7aesWkY/s1600/DSCF1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEhk3qk8PzNxafpFwabfMRB0ZNuuU0MpgdO1VGaHQjca3eq1avgYJ6iR3tGEgkWya5p5bNfgqcguNpv0XzeMWiubu7QG9fvqx3VX5y8MCRl3SZRIqqsLDQ1LQk6Nl_dcmHRze7aesWkY/s200/DSCF1044.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Guests enter the Hollywood Tower Hotel though the main entrance gate. The outdoor queue winds through the overgrown gardens of the hotel. The outdoor queue takes you through gardens of broken stoneware and decaying plants. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">An empty fountain and cracked fountain awaits you at the entrance to the hotel. In the background you're listening to haunting melodies from the past by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Vera Lynn, and other notables from that era. And your eyes haven’t deceived you, that is fog rolling through the gardens. Once inside the lobby, it is dimly-lit and covered in cobwebs and dust. There is a yellowing copy of the Los Angeles Examiner dated October 31, 1939, a table set with tea and stale pastries, several suitcases, and a cobwebbed owl sculpture surrounded by a circle of dead flowers that appears to be the centerpiece of the room.</span></span></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Behind the front desk is a broken elevator, a sign still reads "Out of Order". Everything in the hotel has apparently been left undisturbed ever since it mysteriously closed decades ago. Guests are informed that their rooms are not quite ready yet. For the time being, guests are asked to simply enjoy themselves in the hotel's library. The library is full of not only books, but exotic antiques, a television, and plenty of Twilight Zone memorabilia. Through the window, you observe that there is a thunderstorm going on outside. At this point, the pre-show starts with a lightning strike and the television coming on, apparently of its own accord. The opening sequence of The Twilight Zone plays, followed by a supposedly "lost" episode. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccKEsaXFMaQH_vl77qG7tZgINPS0-wIL7Tu9OIQJDXf8fXlKmVjaex7ZWUJimhuF7mo79FGBh7s8l4iDRubHpegtmBr9huTaFcBt6ET4k-q7J81P3G_amjlrrn0NtD2crVuYpQNJLZZ0/s1600/DSCF1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccKEsaXFMaQH_vl77qG7tZgINPS0-wIL7Tu9OIQJDXf8fXlKmVjaex7ZWUJimhuF7mo79FGBh7s8l4iDRubHpegtmBr9huTaFcBt6ET4k-q7J81P3G_amjlrrn0NtD2crVuYpQNJLZZ0/s200/DSCF1043.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The attention to detail throughout the queue is amazing here. Even if you can’t or don’t want to ride the attraction, please take time to traverse the queue and watch the pre-show. Don’t worry, there is a chicken-out door for you. Just ask any cast member. As you travel the queue, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered into a hotel that was long since abandoned. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #101010; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do you dare?
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCQGJpSR2RM7RJFXD_njcnNzQTs35q5fLC1JMJ6aFpHuVCLIaIz3LHQo2w_QcSbmA6onTaYFhATzhFOZCsW0WjbG88RhtdKU4f47MKjpA7T_9qg5oFzM3SfO07SfiWoNiugKwtczPeas/s1600/TOT+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCQGJpSR2RM7RJFXD_njcnNzQTs35q5fLC1JMJ6aFpHuVCLIaIz3LHQo2w_QcSbmA6onTaYFhATzhFOZCsW0WjbG88RhtdKU4f47MKjpA7T_9qg5oFzM3SfO07SfiWoNiugKwtczPeas/s320/TOT+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="color: #101010; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 13px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-36324139195059306492014-06-02T09:22:00.001-05:002014-06-02T09:22:19.078-05:00The Rest of the Railroads in the World<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wrapping his 3 part series about Railroads in Walt Disney World….</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Howdy again all, this is League City Mouse’s brother with part three of my guest post series. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Where else can you find railroads and references to railroads in Walt Disney World?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVdakpR2gRNYqf62SJJMZhShmy1apDHmT2uRLZT1ACU8kYZncrXUgB4FowiYmUSm3CgV7Ll0s-dhcIfFtgJ5MDWrIGckCRrUjzxPWV-LXbPZxGbWJtIp6hhaW1_JJdWjKfcvTXm40lw0/s1600/to+the+trains+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVdakpR2gRNYqf62SJJMZhShmy1apDHmT2uRLZT1ACU8kYZncrXUgB4FowiYmUSm3CgV7Ll0s-dhcIfFtgJ5MDWrIGckCRrUjzxPWV-LXbPZxGbWJtIp6hhaW1_JJdWjKfcvTXm40lw0/s1600/to+the+trains+small.jpg" height="94" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">MAGIC KINGDOM:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVirW83Uf69E8caoE7lk50xYUAma9gKzNtXy3uHXKrXII5zJQ9zoc2mAqs8fi4KsfMDROwZZ96DcqIzGBoETfOnK0pB55Nncnv_HfMk-qJ7EdpOao94RyQca8-MyzRvaicxPVt1yDocU/s1600/Disney+1989+207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVirW83Uf69E8caoE7lk50xYUAma9gKzNtXy3uHXKrXII5zJQ9zoc2mAqs8fi4KsfMDROwZZ96DcqIzGBoETfOnK0pB55Nncnv_HfMk-qJ7EdpOao94RyQca8-MyzRvaicxPVt1yDocU/s1600/Disney+1989+207.jpg" height="138" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Main Street USA railroad station has a nice collection of railroading memorabilia. It is located under the station off the tunnel to the right as you enter the park. In my opinion the paintings are the highlight of the exhibit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now on to “the rip roarinist ride in the west,” Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. So hang on to your hats and glasses folks as this train takes you on a ride at break neck speeds around and through Big Thunder Mountain and the town of Tumbleweed. It is “pulled” by a replica engine, just for show, and guests ride in mine carts on this steel roller coaster ride.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkmiTeY1w9pyvbhkNr_YHHXe4bFrXuhSal-Arcb7kI4LXOZ8JAX1O85Fg5Q8tAsdiefidPGHzVqcA1XVUgt2OjiOLOAUi7jYfzTuXw_sjUpUeMP3V4VZJOxc6wGczH_yr4OHS14dzOpE/s1600/Disney+1989+237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkmiTeY1w9pyvbhkNr_YHHXe4bFrXuhSal-Arcb7kI4LXOZ8JAX1O85Fg5Q8tAsdiefidPGHzVqcA1XVUgt2OjiOLOAUi7jYfzTuXw_sjUpUeMP3V4VZJOxc6wGczH_yr4OHS14dzOpE/s1600/Disney+1989+237.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Big Thunder Mountain Railroad</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When you are in Fantasyland check out Casey Jr.’s circus train, but don’t get to close or you might just get wet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Staying in Fantasyland there is the new Seven Dwarfs Mine. No engine, but guests ride this roller coaster in replica mine carts that swing back and forth. It promises to be tamer than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad but more adventurous than Goofy’s Barnstormer when it comes to the thrill factor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last, but definitely not least, is the “Behind The Steam” tour where you get to visit the roundhouse, hear stories about the WDW railroad and see the engines being prepped for the day, finally taking a private guided ride, all before the park opens. Something that should be near the top of every Disney railfan’s bucket list, I know it is on mine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BthnP0alL5qdCzgl4K6FFJlqJSgIfXH1_ojcd9Z8GXD4KHtW_ygv8YHdp23wnY397MdbaTDAHTIroHD0MHLf7n9D1OkxMqAUVEVmUlH3GgSiIedRkfxT8_d8v-6PtPQO3AHOhFXzVCw/s1600/P7150083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BthnP0alL5qdCzgl4K6FFJlqJSgIfXH1_ojcd9Z8GXD4KHtW_ygv8YHdp23wnY397MdbaTDAHTIroHD0MHLf7n9D1OkxMqAUVEVmUlH3GgSiIedRkfxT8_d8v-6PtPQO3AHOhFXzVCw/s1600/P7150083.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is not a good sign!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ANIMAL KINGDOM:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the Animal Kingdom you will find 2 different railroads.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">First is the Wildlife Express Train, the Eastern Star Railway, that works its way through the Africa section on a 1.2 mile 7-minute ride. The engines are narrow gauge 2-4-2 and designed to look like engines built for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway of England in 1898. But these engines are diesel hydraulic, not steam. A diesel hydraulic engine uses a diesel engine to run a hydraulic pump and it is the hydraulic fluid that drives the train.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The second is Expedition Everest, a rollercoaster ride like Big thunder Mountain Railroad, where on the Anandapur Rail Service rid<span style="background-color: white;">ers race </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">through</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> an</span>d around the mountain and come face to face with the infamous Yeti.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EPCOT:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EPCOT only has one real railroading feature and that is the LGB G scale model garden train between the German Pavilion and the Italian Pavilion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Again not much railroading or railroading references in the Studios. The only one I can think of is a kiosk on Sunset Blvd designed to look like an old Los Angeles Red Line Trolley. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RESORTS:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Railroading references can also be found at several of the resorts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let’s start with the Carolwood Pacific room at the Wilderness Villas. In this room on the main floor you will find a replica of Walt’s original Lilly Belle, with other Carolwood Pacific memorabilia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9ayNwL68BPrY6MHQClkd_upC_fWZyMIAYNwQ9dfFxAIL5H3O95XhNpv3gG_7Sl2pyuaxEvxj-ALqi9i-mon4HCFQnVc1_aQNqK1t4n6Ac4r4CQH3QQPld_AlVxeyOIfCW9FEp8p6YCg/s1600/carolwood_fullscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9ayNwL68BPrY6MHQClkd_upC_fWZyMIAYNwQ9dfFxAIL5H3O95XhNpv3gG_7Sl2pyuaxEvxj-ALqi9i-mon4HCFQnVc1_aQNqK1t4n6Ac4r4CQH3QQPld_AlVxeyOIfCW9FEp8p6YCg/s1600/carolwood_fullscreen.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Right next door at the Wilderness Lodge one will find a replica hand cart that is being used to hold fire wood for the amazing Grand Canyon fireplace, a whole another blog post in itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And who can forget the monorail system?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nNVc3vojAYksQa1vXKVHwHDa2HIdIB4pObSZ9-zMDff4QaUEgC807LN1IGovEtKO5uQDJ6VIT8qkXiEoD3cB21zYWyn4eCKUq3s4OZRR8FpVPhaMikMlT7PVwNbg5Zr8xzy0Npw0-hk/s1600/IMG_2136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nNVc3vojAYksQa1vXKVHwHDa2HIdIB4pObSZ9-zMDff4QaUEgC807LN1IGovEtKO5uQDJ6VIT8qkXiEoD3cB21zYWyn4eCKUq3s4OZRR8FpVPhaMikMlT7PVwNbg5Zr8xzy0Npw0-hk/s1600/IMG_2136.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">EXISTINCT RAILROADS:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0LJ0KUdGoUOFV-BH0VWZPLDhOWxV-n23RrPjYKo9ORwPPNZ-ONxq0n5H1B43s56zBq1xOB-OPNyiqHSVZJ3ZgUeAfoPz6eNWHpD8CCXYPOAkCBEoNfc5wy4MN801mHyWWQKAj-5U2Ls/s1600/FortWildernessRR_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0LJ0KUdGoUOFV-BH0VWZPLDhOWxV-n23RrPjYKo9ORwPPNZ-ONxq0n5H1B43s56zBq1xOB-OPNyiqHSVZJ3ZgUeAfoPz6eNWHpD8CCXYPOAkCBEoNfc5wy4MN801mHyWWQKAj-5U2Ls/s1600/FortWildernessRR_1.jpg" height="200" width="147" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Probably the most notable and infamous extinct railroad at Walt Disney World is the Fort Wilderness Railroad. Built by Disney, this scaled down real steam railroad ran on a loop through the Fort Wilderness Campground. Designed and built by MAPO, the railroad had rough life. Those that designed and built the train were apparently not real versed in railroads for the design was plagued with several issues that eventually spelled its demise. Those issues were: barely sufficient water for a round trip, too many grade (street) crossings, a track bed set on the soil that lead to the rails shifting causing derailments and using inexperienced cast members to operate the train. All of these were too much to overcome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ54xCAJk-XVHE97WdL7uU1mcT4tu4vK0TdlIOSUYCU2W0SGOvLgD3AAdkzm0dDI3jfGB4NX0nFlEbCsIlQ_VivFCQdh4mUJd_H_2SKe1ok92Y9f3ZzbD9afBOSTd22U-povp__9BN79E/s1600/Disney+1984+326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ54xCAJk-XVHE97WdL7uU1mcT4tu4vK0TdlIOSUYCU2W0SGOvLgD3AAdkzm0dDI3jfGB4NX0nFlEbCsIlQ_VivFCQdh4mUJd_H_2SKe1ok92Y9f3ZzbD9afBOSTd22U-povp__9BN79E/s1600/Disney+1984+326.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As far as other extinct railroad references when the World of Motion in EPCOT was a first opened it was a tame ride </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">through</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">, n</span>ot the pedal to the metal Test Track it is now, it took the riders<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">through</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>the history of transportation. In one scene a train in the old west is being held up by bandits.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And one of my personal favorite railroad encounters in the Magic Kingdom was in Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride where after breaking through the crossing arms and turning onto the tack the train “hits” you and you go straight to he…, well you know where.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">FINAL THOUGHTS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When at Walt Disney World look high and look low and you can find many references to railroading, one of Walt’s favorite hobbies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And if you wish to learn more you can seek out Michael Broggie’s book “Walt Disney's Railroad Story: The Small-Scale Fascination That Led to a Full-Scale Kingdom.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks all for reading this and thanks for letting me share some of this knowledge with your readers League City Mouse!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Till next time.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-80667989946443314792014-04-12T11:24:00.000-05:002014-04-12T11:25:32.279-05:00Live Steam in the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Howdy again all! This is League City Mouse’s brother with part two of my guest post, "Live Steam in the World"</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With Walt’s passing in 1966, it was up to his brother Roy to carry on the torch for The Florida Project. But one thing was for sure, steam trains would be involved. Just like Electric Park in Kansas City when Walt was growing up and Disneyland later on, nostalgic steam trains would circle the park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THE ROUTE</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyy9zR7RnkqeCrXSE8oSecH3cBvlg9U1OsQi2WNOe9aqz8p5dzNUe5ezA0d88_YeXYDTNW4E8WBSto_9EY3Hf2XY76d2FsUhBVLcXSjklImhufaTj_0w8dPFUoghyqkyrHpiSU_-vgoNY/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyy9zR7RnkqeCrXSE8oSecH3cBvlg9U1OsQi2WNOe9aqz8p5dzNUe5ezA0d88_YeXYDTNW4E8WBSto_9EY3Hf2XY76d2FsUhBVLcXSjklImhufaTj_0w8dPFUoghyqkyrHpiSU_-vgoNY/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An opening day attraction, the Walt Disney World Railroad (WDWR) runs on a 3 foot narrow gauge track, the same as Disneyland. Narrow gauge refers to track being set closer together than the US standard gauge (4ft 8 1/2in).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The track is 1.48 miles long (7817ft) and a full circuit takes approximately twenty minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Originally, there were only two stops on the route, the Main Street USA Station and the Frontierland Station, a third station for Mickey’s Birthdayland, now the Fantasyland Station, was added in 1989. The next major change was the controversial move of the Frontierland Station in 1990-1991 to make way for Splash Mountain. Originally one could see all the way to the station when one entered Frontierland from Liberty Square. This was done deliberately to mimic the fact that as the west opened, often the train tracks and station where one of, if not, the most important structures in these new western towns. They were the link to the rest of the world. The station is now, in my opinion, in a far worse location and hard to find.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zpsd5791b2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zpsd5791b2a.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If one gets a chance take some time and explore the stations as they are full of all kinds of details and nest stuff to find, along with few hidden Mickey’s I bet!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Normally there are only two trains on the route at a time but during especially busy periods a third train can be pressed into service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">THE ROLLING STOCK</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TIEGxqt3opA5DOhXbpx-d5FOuUegWRoQRxBOILaoIyaBgj_SeJsNCCJkeeUinO9e8iFufUGZqHO0fQ-F9rmlQMmbnuNSlVpsgyzvAGjiflHveDbK8esbz8jJb3YLF340ZYgxsVquysA/s1600/IMG_7911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TIEGxqt3opA5DOhXbpx-d5FOuUegWRoQRxBOILaoIyaBgj_SeJsNCCJkeeUinO9e8iFufUGZqHO0fQ-F9rmlQMmbnuNSlVpsgyzvAGjiflHveDbK8esbz8jJb3YLF340ZYgxsVquysA/s1600/IMG_7911.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">WDWR has 4 engines each pulling a tender and 5 custom built coaches that can seat over 300 guests.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The engines and tenders were rescued from the United Railways of Yucatan (Ferrocarriles Unidos de Yucatán) in Yucatan, Mexico and shipped by rail to the Tampa Shipyards in Tampa, Florida in 1969 where they were restored by Disney.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Engine Number 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Name: Walter E. Disney</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wheel Configuration: 4-6-0</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Color: Red Cab/Red Boiler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Manufacturer: Baldwin Locomotive Works</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Year Built: 1925</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">United Railways of Yucatan Engine Number: 274</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: This engine is serial number is 58444 and the Roger E. Broggie is 58445 making them “twins.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Engine Number 2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Name: Lilly Belle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wheel Configuration: 2-6-0</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Color: Green Cab/Green Boiler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Manufacturer: Baldwin Locomotive Works</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Year Built: 1928</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">United Railways of Yucatan Engine Number: 260</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: The Lilly Belle does not run in regular service, usually it is only used for the rope drop ceremony and if one of the other engines goes down. Currently this engine is out for service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Engine Number 3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Name: Roger E. Broggie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wheel Configuration: 2-6-0</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Color: Red Cab/Green Boiler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Manufacturer: Baldwin Locomotive Works</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Year Built: 1925</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">United Railways of Yucatan Engine Number: 275</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: Named after imagineer Roger E. Broggie. This engine is serial number is 58445 and the Walter E. Disney is 58444 making them “twins.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Engine Number 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><insert photo></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Name: Roy O. Disney</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wheel Configuration: 4-4-0</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Color: Green Cab/Red Boiler</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Manufacturer: Baldwin Locomotive Works</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Year Built: 1916</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">United Railways of Yucatan Engine Number: 251</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note: This was the only engine not operational at opening day. Roy Disney was offered to have engine number 3 named after him, it being the “twin” to the Walter E. Disney, but he deferred saying he "didn't want to be compared to all the great things Walt had done."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was a 5th engine purchased but it was determined to be too far gone and was sold and eventually scrapped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">THE TRIP</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Starting at the Main Street USA Station the route is a </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">clockwise trip around the Magic Kingdom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zps9679a993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zps9679a993.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Seven Seas Lagoon as<br />
the train is leaving Main Street<br />
Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the engineer sounds two short blasts of the whistle, indicating he is ready to depart, the train pulls out of the station. To the riders left, since the station and train are two stories above the lagoon, is a wonderful panoramic view of Seven Seas Lagoon and the associated resorts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As the train chugs out of the station you proceed thru the ever increasing “back jungle” of the Jungle Cruise, mostly bamboo. When you hear the engineer sound two long, one shot and one long blast of the whistle you know you are about to cross Caribbean Way, the access road for Pirates Of The Caribbean and Jungle Cruise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next we come to the first of two tunnels; this one is disguising the Pirates Of The Caribbean building. As you go thru the tunnel it you are actually traveling over the ride.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ever wonder what that drop in Pirates is all about? That is it - to get under the railroad tracks. Most of the actual Pirates attraction is outside the perimeter of the railroad tracks and the flume drop is the mechanism to get the guests to that lower level.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After exiting the tunnel back out into the Florida sunshine, or rain, or night, again it is only a short jaunt before crossing the road going into Frontierland where the Magic Kingdom parades originate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Into another tunnel, this time going under Splash Mountain before emerging for a stop at the Frontierland Station.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/file-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/file-13.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of BTMRR from the train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you leave the Frontierland Station, one of the other WDW railroads is on the right, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR). At the base of Big Thunder Mountain is the hamlet of Tumbleweed, population “dried up.” The train is a great way to see the many things going on there as it travels at a much more leisurely pace than the manic BTMRR.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a side note my sister and I have often have wondered exactly what is the hand of the cards left on the table in the Miner’s Hall?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Leaving the great Southwest behind we cross the swing bridge that lets boats onto the Rivers of America and off into a trackless forest wilderness. On this section you may see the steamboat plying the Rivers of America, an encampment of Native Americans, some very stiff deer, a shack on the river and the infamous “burned out” house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As we come around behind Fantasyland you get to enjoy some “native” Florida with lots of pine trees, sloughs and swampy areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crossing under Center Drive you approach the “Y” that leads back to the roundhouse, which is reality not round, and then the Fantasyland Station.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After a stop to pick up passengers and provisions you are once again on your way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">To the right one will see the racers dueling it out on the Grand Prix Raceway indicating we are moving into the future. And speaking of future ahead and on the left is Space Mountain. The train goes under the Tomorrowland People Mover but over the entrance to Space Mountain, that is why when entering and leaving Space Mountain you go down then back up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you continue your journey thru a nicely kept and cut lawn area you can see to your left the Contemporary Resort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And for the last time you cross another access road, this one going to cast parking behind Main Street USA and Tomorrowland.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finishing up your trek you pull back into the Main Street USA Station, completing your grand circle tour of the Magic Kingdom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC2P0t1XgH5waQ1eSVxRderYqFtoOhrewvYpQeoOZSLudIn3TwnqHXu6bKV2-2hV4tJDOV3RdsgI2eZfDMyxUoLAli8MXCmOLa_f323kLIZfzVs9nXES4rWTreYsgI6sf6HKzUr2o7H4/s1600/Disney+1989+207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLC2P0t1XgH5waQ1eSVxRderYqFtoOhrewvYpQeoOZSLudIn3TwnqHXu6bKV2-2hV4tJDOV3RdsgI2eZfDMyxUoLAli8MXCmOLa_f323kLIZfzVs9nXES4rWTreYsgI6sf6HKzUr2o7H4/s1600/Disney+1989+207.jpg" height="221" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Street Station circa 1989</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NEAT FACT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The WDWR was at various times a “C” or “D” ticket attraction when there were ticket books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next time, we finish up with other WDW railroads.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-V5I5xsgYfK0%2FU0lhQoxtgLI%2FAAAAAAAAA1A%2F4Fi_vyl9zwA%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7911.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TIEGxqt3opA5DOhXbpx-d5FOuUegWRoQRxBOILaoIyaBgj_SeJsNCCJkeeUinO9e8iFufUGZqHO0fQ-F9rmlQMmbnuNSlVpsgyzvAGjiflHveDbK8esbz8jJb3YLF340ZYgxsVquysA/s1600/IMG_7911.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rat_MRBU9G8%2FU0lhQpOIrlI%2FAAAAAAAAA08%2FUAV7jFy1zoU%2Fs1600%2FIMG_8618.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyy9zR7RnkqeCrXSE8oSecH3cBvlg9U1OsQi2WNOe9aqz8p5dzNUe5ezA0d88_YeXYDTNW4E8WBSto_9EY3Hf2XY76d2FsUhBVLcXSjklImhufaTj_0w8dPFUoghyqkyrHpiSU_-vgoNY/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TIEGxqt3opA5DOhXbpx-d5FOuUegWRoQRxBOILaoIyaBgj_SeJsNCCJkeeUinO9e8iFufUGZqHO0fQ-F9rmlQMmbnuNSlVpsgyzvAGjiflHveDbK8esbz8jJb3YLF340ZYgxsVquysA/s1600/IMG_7911.JPG" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TIEGxqt3opA5DOhXbpx-d5FOuUegWRoQRxBOILaoIyaBgj_SeJsNCCJkeeUinO9e8iFufUGZqHO0fQ-F9rmlQMmbnuNSlVpsgyzvAGjiflHveDbK8esbz8jJb3YLF340ZYgxsVquysA/s1600/IMG_7911.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyy9zR7RnkqeCrXSE8oSecH3cBvlg9U1OsQi2WNOe9aqz8p5dzNUe5ezA0d88_YeXYDTNW4E8WBSto_9EY3Hf2XY76d2FsUhBVLcXSjklImhufaTj_0w8dPFUoghyqkyrHpiSU_-vgoNY/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyy9zR7RnkqeCrXSE8oSecH3cBvlg9U1OsQi2WNOe9aqz8p5dzNUe5ezA0d88_YeXYDTNW4E8WBSto_9EY3Hf2XY76d2FsUhBVLcXSjklImhufaTj_0w8dPFUoghyqkyrHpiSU_-vgoNY/s1600/IMG_8618.JPG" -->LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-2271443550008189842014-03-27T08:33:00.000-05:002014-03-27T08:33:32.077-05:00It All Started with a Train?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Howdy all, this is League City Mouse’s brother with a guest post. Like your gracious host, I am also a big Disney fan and have been for years. Heck, I even got engaged at the California Grill! I am also a bit of a “railfan”. What is a railfan you ask? Per Wikipedia, a railfan “is a person interested in a recreational capacity in rail transport.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most people are familiar with the quote by Walt Disney about it all being started by a mouse, which is true of the company, but it can be argued that the parks were started, at least in part, by a train.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">WALT AND TRAINS</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Walt’s association with trains goes back to his early childhood. When Walt was a young boy at the turn of the 20th century the train, more specifically steam train, was the most common form of longer distance travel and it was by rail that Walt’s father Elias took his family on in 1906 to their new farm in Marceline, Missouri. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe ran thru Marceline on which Walt’s uncle Michael Martin was an engineer. It was here as a young boy he started developing his love of trains and railroading. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While the Disney's only stayed in Marceline for four years, Walt often credited that time as being the most formative and happiest of his early life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zpsfc621957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zpsfc621957.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next stop for the Disney family was Kansas City. Kansas City was a large railroad hub; by 1914 it had 12 railway lines entering the city and had one of the largest railroad stations in the country with the main building covering 15 acres. Also there was Electric Park that Walt visited often. Electric Park was one of the largest amusement parks in the US and, among other things, it was ringed by a scenic railroad. Sound familiar?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When Elias decided it was time to move again, Walt chose to stay in Kansas City and get a job with the Van Noyes Interstate News Co. as a “news butcher” selling papers, candy and sodas to the customers on the Missouri Pacific train running between Kansas City and Denver. He was only 15. While this endeavor was a financial flop for Walt, he did impress the engineers and conductors who taught the eager young man about train operations including running the engine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jumping ahead to 1928 Walt was returning to Los Angeles on the Santa Fe from New York where he had just lost the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. It was on this train ride that he conceived a little mouse character, Mortimer the Mouse. After some input from his wife Lillian the mouse’s name was changed to Mickey, Mickey the Mouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the years went on and the studio continued to have success and grow Walt was looking for a hobby to relieve the tension that came with helming a growing studio. Following the suit of many Hollywood elite he took up Polo. Walt was apparently an average player at best until he was hit in the neck by the ball and cracked several vertebra ending his polo career. This injury would plague Walt the rest of his life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next he tried golf, but just could not seem to get into it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One evening in July of 1948 When Walt was receiving his massage from studio nurse Hazel George she suggest since he liked trains that he go to the Chicago Train Fair that year. Walt thought it over and decided it was a good idea but did not want to go alone and Hazel again came to the rescue suggesting that he take Ward Kimball, one of his “nine old men” (Walt’s core team of animators).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ward was the first person in the US to have a full size private railroad in his backyard, the Grizzly Flats Railroad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbIlo72sOKapc7GbeB9_aYmhVUQ2rfYQSiGeBCMOcZzbpKUUhk0JZ6t_Fvr-Ne8BgpiCPx6gqnqPCzA-zhSoouLtuqjDFoM-1GuE0RjSe2hnwd5SazJMT7Q90owDTHwaFXQlky1Mw8og/s1600/carolwood_fullscreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbIlo72sOKapc7GbeB9_aYmhVUQ2rfYQSiGeBCMOcZzbpKUUhk0JZ6t_Fvr-Ne8BgpiCPx6gqnqPCzA-zhSoouLtuqjDFoM-1GuE0RjSe2hnwd5SazJMT7Q90owDTHwaFXQlky1Mw8og/s1600/carolwood_fullscreen.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Realizing his love of trains, especially steam trains, but realizing he did not have the space to indulge in full size Walt gravitated to miniature live steam trains. When looking for property for a new home in the Carolwood neighborhood of the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles he took the topographic plats of the property to Eddie Sargent to see if a scale railroad would work there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpy41Lq5BXBS7UzOT0-0CzfP0DEYl1i5dUWtqSUGN-TRszkeZ358Y1iajwPhgDv36VC3TUdyBII6lRQckRCxn0jQIzI9hRik-VaWwvv3jrvY1CuqMedh43FJDIAyH_RwubcrbPeJ1nH0/s1600/Carolwood-Pacific.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpy41Lq5BXBS7UzOT0-0CzfP0DEYl1i5dUWtqSUGN-TRszkeZ358Y1iajwPhgDv36VC3TUdyBII6lRQckRCxn0jQIzI9hRik-VaWwvv3jrvY1CuqMedh43FJDIAyH_RwubcrbPeJ1nH0/s1600/Carolwood-Pacific.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finding out that it would be suitable for a railroad, Walt and Lillian went ahead with the purchase and Walt began designing his railroad. It would become known as the Carolwood Pacific. While Lillian was supportive of Walt’s hobby there was one area where she held fast that he could not run the train thru where she planned her flowerbed. In typical out-of-the-box Disney, thinking Walt decided he could just run a tunnel under the flowerbed and did so. With the help of the machine shop at the studios Walt built many of the components and cars for the railroad, naming the engine the Lilly Belle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Still the miniature railroad was not enough, plus Walt was working on another idea, a little something called Disneyland.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmxXrhwngXIf1ZtVIOPUm57PJD5vxe9SKViZwjBXXgDlOsFk2zqunZaTZOwh86hijx-v5wxh52gxezwH_4rwXBR1JujqfPQL9hDvXTjVeM1bFVQVsIlCBQWteCwE6g1zAcTz7gAgmQrc/s1600/Disneyland_Railroad_Poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmxXrhwngXIf1ZtVIOPUm57PJD5vxe9SKViZwjBXXgDlOsFk2zqunZaTZOwh86hijx-v5wxh52gxezwH_4rwXBR1JujqfPQL9hDvXTjVeM1bFVQVsIlCBQWteCwE6g1zAcTz7gAgmQrc/s1600/Disneyland_Railroad_Poster.png" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now Walt could have his full size railroad. Just like Electric Park, it would circle the park to give guests a grand tour and with the tracks on a berm to limit the views into and out of the park. Walt knew he wanted to have control of the trains, his own little play toy, so they did not belong to Disneyland or Disney Productions, instead they were owned and operated by a company Walt created called RETLAW, Walter spelled backwards. This allowed him complete control over the trains and the monorail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69IC9FNIjM49S287udSqigx5NOS6haxyKp-1uA8Z1wqVmPYuCsQnJvqWyHDJNdIKMfNnkfu3VJfzoSQ2t11KHXt32jZYqVS7KO6-4gzPWfjh0rc3CN2TxnZyUn5Onvpeluob-pnttuhA/s1600/Disneyland_Paris_Railroad_at_Main_Street_USA_Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69IC9FNIjM49S287udSqigx5NOS6haxyKp-1uA8Z1wqVmPYuCsQnJvqWyHDJNdIKMfNnkfu3VJfzoSQ2t11KHXt32jZYqVS7KO6-4gzPWfjh0rc3CN2TxnZyUn5Onvpeluob-pnttuhA/s1600/Disneyland_Paris_Railroad_at_Main_Street_USA_Station.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Often Walt would take over from the engineer and actually drive the Disneyland trains with guests on board.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beyond Disneyland and Walt’s home railroads, numerous Disney films have featured trains, among them Dumbo (Casey Jr. the circus train) and The Great locomotive Chase (American Civil War based live action with Fess Parker).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">….next time, live steam at Walt Disney World.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zpsd5791b2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zpsd5791b2a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<br /></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-82217598519909502722014-02-27T08:57:00.000-06:002014-02-27T08:58:08.373-06:00Resort Hopping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I'm at Disney World, one of my favorite activities is resort hopping. There is a wealth of surprises waiting to be found at the various resorts around the Walt Disney World complex. If you ever have a chance to venture away from your resort to visit some of the other resorts, you’ll see what I mean. The décor, ambiance of each resort is unique. Imagine you are in the South Pacific at the Polynesian or deep in the heart of the savannah of Africa at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Take a look at a highlight from each destination! Most of these activities are free; check with your resort concierge for times, locations, and directions.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi128TC-6W-TaE_7fT5HHupP6_UKsk5uHDDzob5KW4sKNeGODnlEetZ5L5HZZRTDD8x2AvCKcFcEX0kVsfO6yamfWWiLwyxeUdRSmvG-nnh8Zv9BbtuDvIEK3tmkDbjveshPtpnUK02RTE/s1600/Disney+2006+106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi128TC-6W-TaE_7fT5HHupP6_UKsk5uHDDzob5KW4sKNeGODnlEetZ5L5HZZRTDD8x2AvCKcFcEX0kVsfO6yamfWWiLwyxeUdRSmvG-nnh8Zv9BbtuDvIEK3tmkDbjveshPtpnUK02RTE/s200/Disney+2006+106.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Contemporary Resort</b> – View the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach on the Bay Lake side of the resort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Polynesian Resort</b> – Experience the torch lighting ceremony featuring a Polynesian dancer who does a traditional fire-knife dance and lights the torches leading to the Great Ceremonial House. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Wilderness Lodge</b> – View the Geyser. Located between the pool and the beach, this 120' Geyser spouts every hour on the hour from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. While the geyser does look real, surrounded by hot springs that create “steam”, the water is not hot. On occasion you can find ducks swimming in the “hot springs”. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Animal Kingdom Lodge</b> – Nightly African storytelling next to Ogun's Firepit outside the Lodge.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ88JA2iQ9R4BSQBOFXg3h_mx4Tqb50A_VDniiSe3FvCVCYK9vAn4d3N42G6Mp42peU7_xecYqaT0d32VRgVcCXTynZ2BfGDUqlmX5LlAv6gg93j34f6NiR1JTLqHbAdnD8PXqBbEpErE/s1600/Disney+2006+271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ88JA2iQ9R4BSQBOFXg3h_mx4Tqb50A_VDniiSe3FvCVCYK9vAn4d3N42G6Mp42peU7_xecYqaT0d32VRgVcCXTynZ2BfGDUqlmX5LlAv6gg93j34f6NiR1JTLqHbAdnD8PXqBbEpErE/s200/Disney+2006+271.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Grand Floridian</b> – Listen to the soothing sounds of the piano player in the lobby from around 3 p.m.; alternating with the orchestra until 9:45 p.m.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Fort Wilderness</b> – Chip and Dale sing-a-long, campfire, and movie. This campfire program is free open to all WDW resort guests. It is held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. The program begins with a sing-along and a marshmallow roast around two campfire rings. You may bring your own marshmallows or buy them at the Chuck Wagon. While this is going on, Chip and Dale make an appearance to visit with guests and sign autographs. Afterwards a Disney animated feature is shown on a large outdoor screen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Yacht & Beach Club</b> – These two resorts also offer a campfire program and Disney movie on the beach. Stay around long enough and you can view the high fireworks from Epcot’s Illuminations.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYahRWQNhF3kyfhdCt3DqeSQBSGPAFkKz5FZ65zE9AhH6VtGW0BnClLMtZ-Du5U27L1yOkgDpRNkidB8ZKu87Tu8pkAIN3GdENPpjHBq7JDufYoI_Pvj5oWFqdLi69rNaBXqUNzW50y_M/s1600/BW+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYahRWQNhF3kyfhdCt3DqeSQBSGPAFkKz5FZ65zE9AhH6VtGW0BnClLMtZ-Du5U27L1yOkgDpRNkidB8ZKu87Tu8pkAIN3GdENPpjHBq7JDufYoI_Pvj5oWFqdLi69rNaBXqUNzW50y_M/s1600/BW+logo.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Boardwalk</b> – Reminiscent of the early 20th century East Coast beachside resorts, the Boardwalk itself is a big draw, but I really enjoy the ambiance of the hotel's lobby. Look around for the carousel chandelier, roller coaster model, and antique novelty machines. Step outside and you are taken to a bygone era on the Boardwalk. Relax "beachside" with a drink and sit in the comfy rocking chairs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The following resorts are listed in the Moderate and Value categories and, as such, are slightly more difficult to get to if you don’t have a car. Never-the-less, they are filled with theming and hidden gems equal to those at the other resorts. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend making a special trip to see them, but if you happen to be dining in the vicinity or have an afternoon the kill, these are great places to check out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTgCvLmCkAjxXeI6pv8y-Qn-Gsxp6HZJcrKLyTzpXURYGZsq3VD1SBdrR0IZ-4YvtGY43HBInfvMkG-DNiH6awqTci3HkTywm7gh7IrT9MHUxGOv8DfIr0mT8861xjqkpk9mEgainwh4/s1600/Disney+2006+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTgCvLmCkAjxXeI6pv8y-Qn-Gsxp6HZJcrKLyTzpXURYGZsq3VD1SBdrR0IZ-4YvtGY43HBInfvMkG-DNiH6awqTci3HkTywm7gh7IrT9MHUxGOv8DfIr0mT8861xjqkpk9mEgainwh4/s200/Disney+2006+015.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Port Orleans Riverside</b> – Take a leisurely and scenic boat ride to Downtown Disney along the Sassagoula River.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Port Orleans French Quarter</b> – Enjoy live entertainment at the Scat Cat Lounge in the evenings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Caribbean Beach</b> - The centerpiece of this resort is its 45-acre lake, Barefoot Bay, surrounded by a 1.4-mile promenade which connects to winding paths leading to guest rooms and common areas. In the center of the lake is Caribbean Cay, an island with a picnic area and beautiful foliage. Caribbean Cay is connected to each side by a footbridge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Coronado Springs</b> – Explore the grounds of this resort via a 0.9 mile Esplanade as it winds its way through the wooded areas of the grounds. Check out the partially buried large Mayan head statue in the middle of the Explorer’s Playground. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>All-Star Music, Movies and Sports</b> – Check out the larger-than-life icons in and around each of the All-Star Resorts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>POP Century</b> – Nostalgia overload reins king at this resort! In the lobby, you will find numerous wall-mounted shadow boxes full of fads, fashions, music, toys and other trinkets from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. You can’t help not to smile when you these.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBlPXvY6omdm3GBfUPUJPVnI164OtDRyEYSDfQZrOK6lKU3SRwYlO8PzlWtZrPGHRECo7fZOn1Pp84r6SstFR4iVQe95gE0auNTQ6p1wppBZ-cYqBp4bDo8OM7HcNYNOPwc2PJvDAMC4/s1600/Disney+2007+046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBlPXvY6omdm3GBfUPUJPVnI164OtDRyEYSDfQZrOK6lKU3SRwYlO8PzlWtZrPGHRECo7fZOn1Pp84r6SstFR4iVQe95gE0auNTQ6p1wppBZ-cYqBp4bDo8OM7HcNYNOPwc2PJvDAMC4/s200/Disney+2007+046.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFfeP_kfGZErfuSvw9u2ph-DQm9wyr9W5IilmSq5C4RYRCiPBeGsqwiPk4TwHGzDiBAyhjmpAYbnPCiid4WaiRDTxC52ycKnDOny3JeVgw0FtJylS-HDunMpw1vXcrkWR_rs-GIPory4/s1600/Disney+2007+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFfeP_kfGZErfuSvw9u2ph-DQm9wyr9W5IilmSq5C4RYRCiPBeGsqwiPk4TwHGzDiBAyhjmpAYbnPCiid4WaiRDTxC52ycKnDOny3JeVgw0FtJylS-HDunMpw1vXcrkWR_rs-GIPory4/s200/Disney+2007+045.jpg" height="200" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdgTzgwu51CbEkj8mgISwtTJkGRiwk8yFwV9nEMNdXIx7Y4KUB9ojxKExbRhwzUlaCIIANbHIjuciStv61nG51LKIb4xaKcAFSgbjtpT6xc1L_AvNZrfl3zULTHvKTs-r0NqZczd5Yjc/s1600/Disney+2007+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdgTzgwu51CbEkj8mgISwtTJkGRiwk8yFwV9nEMNdXIx7Y4KUB9ojxKExbRhwzUlaCIIANbHIjuciStv61nG51LKIb4xaKcAFSgbjtpT6xc1L_AvNZrfl3zULTHvKTs-r0NqZczd5Yjc/s200/Disney+2007+047.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg for what you’ll find at the various resorts around the complex and did not even get into the Disney Vacation Club Resorts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What’s your favorite resort hopping activity? </span><br />
<br />LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-48275791220926024952014-02-17T08:25:00.000-06:002014-02-17T08:25:46.863-06:00My favorite “lost” attractions<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 94.5pt; margin-left: 270pt; margin-top: 40.2pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; position: absolute; width: 126pt; z-index: 1;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="hovercraft" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\psmith\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\04\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="square"></wrap></shape>Ahhh…memories. I’m all for progress but sometimes you just yearn for those “lost” attractions. A trip down memory lane is required every now and then; and thus here is my list of favorite “lost” attractions. What’s yours?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKByhxDU5dRQ_SYK1YiBzH7kVzfph1I5QpvdqurI0j58R-aWthIItapWqYKHhVFBTVnkeSoFXemjixZwTAxMJmb8h1eSiuoO3fI52tkOIZZ3ZXjb2CGlO_AscOT4IhNPQltZwRh8yt5NY/s1600/hovercraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKByhxDU5dRQ_SYK1YiBzH7kVzfph1I5QpvdqurI0j58R-aWthIItapWqYKHhVFBTVnkeSoFXemjixZwTAxMJmb8h1eSiuoO3fI52tkOIZZ3ZXjb2CGlO_AscOT4IhNPQltZwRh8yt5NY/s200/hovercraft.jpg" height="150" r6="true" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<strong>Horizons</strong> – OMG, the orange groves. That smell is permanently engraved in my olfactory memory. Soarin’ helps but still not the same. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<strong>If You Had Wings</strong> – “had wings, had wings, had wings…”. OK, I’ll admit, it’s was a cheesy ride, but it did have character! It’s kind of cool how the building and parts of the ride were transformed into Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>Mr Toads Wild Ride</strong> – ‘nuff said. Although, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh can’t be beat. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaKGySOcFAArsGbrICqZV_QwaS8r7YhX17EjyxixHEegpg1a7rYVvyYyIov7F0qWlLbSU1WRRXAcahrvahyphenhyphen7g4_2ctEaCLYjlzmawhNd1KT_f41HOraMxziP3EKIaPcmDntnanoA9rEQ/s1600/Disney+1978+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaKGySOcFAArsGbrICqZV_QwaS8r7YhX17EjyxixHEegpg1a7rYVvyYyIov7F0qWlLbSU1WRRXAcahrvahyphenhyphen7g4_2ctEaCLYjlzmawhNd1KT_f41HOraMxziP3EKIaPcmDntnanoA9rEQ/s200/Disney+1978+011.jpg" height="200" r6="true" width="190" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>20,000 Leagues Under the Sea</strong> – Man oh man, I loved the sea whistle and the red flip down seats. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>The Original Tiki Room</strong> – Iago and Zazu are just plain annoying. This is the one change that I truly believe should have been left alone. The DL version is the old version, why did WDW feel the need to change this up? I think mistakes were made and people know it, but what’s done is done, so we’re stuck with it. I think any plan to remove the Tiki Room in it’s entirety (old or new) would be met with great resistance. It’s iconic. At least we still have the angry tiki gods. Just bring back the annoying barker bird!!! “Sqawk…one show … one show for you to see…” (Blogger note -- at the writing of this post, the news of the new opening of The Enchanted Tiki Room hadn't occurred. See previous blog entry for details)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDGBadMDbfJFF9gW2BUgjF7Tss5sagGh4ZzbfAEJpfLNkjmf_ZuHgUs_Zr0SdncKvDKun3dDhnnYlF4sSaYBc6qXTdiZe1kbwhbrO-He6-JYLevtMxFFAdg4giwsW9Cj8KaCDmh6R-hw/s1600/Disney+1978+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDGBadMDbfJFF9gW2BUgjF7Tss5sagGh4ZzbfAEJpfLNkjmf_ZuHgUs_Zr0SdncKvDKun3dDhnnYlF4sSaYBc6qXTdiZe1kbwhbrO-He6-JYLevtMxFFAdg4giwsW9Cj8KaCDmh6R-hw/s200/Disney+1978+001.jpg" height="200" r6="true" width="193" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The empty space in front of the Tiki Room – so this really isn’t a “lost” attraction, but that silly camel ride (Magic Carpets of Aladdin) just is TOO much in a small space (OK, I know my picture doesn't really show the open space, but it was all I have at the moment. BTW, that's my Dad and I think we have a picture of someone bringing back citrus swirls from that exact spot each trip!) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Magic Shop originally on Main Street. Loved, loved getting a souvenir from here. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>River Country</strong> – this was the first water park at WDW, located at <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Fort</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Wilderness</placename></place>. The official word for its closure was due to an amoeba commonly found in the warm fresh waters of <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Florida</place></state>. You see, part of the water park was created from <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Bay</placetype> <placetype w:st="on">Lake</placetype></place>; however, I believe that if River Country wanted to be kept around, it could have been isolated from the lake. Economics probably played a bigger part in it’s demise. I think in an attempt to develop <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Blizzard</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Beach</placetype></place> and Typhoon Lagoon, it was deemed not cost-worthy to keep River Country. RC was harder to get to for non-resort guests, there was no parking nearby, it was smallish for a water park. I liked it as a kid, but as an adult water parks aren’t really my “thing” so it’s doesn’t bother me too much. The state it currently is in bothers me more than anything. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><placename w:st="on">Discovery</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Island</placetype></strong> – this attraction was good in it’s heyday when all the other local attractions (<placename w:st="on">Busch</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Gardens</placetype>, <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Cypress</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Gardens</placetype></place>, etc.) had their own nature-theme activities. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There are many others!</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-27416851259616588732014-02-11T08:11:00.000-06:002014-02-11T08:11:57.306-06:00Vintage Fort Wilderness Brochures<div style="text-align: left;">
We've been talking Fort Wilderness this week on the Magical Mouse Pad! Take a look at theses awesome brochures.<br />
<br />
These brochures are from approximately 1979 or so. My brother collected all sorts of things from our family trips to Disney in the 70's & 80's. Ticket stubs, brochures, napkins, pins, bags, etc. I'm working with him to scan in the items and will post them from time to time. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan1.jpg" height="400" width="188" /></a><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan5.jpg" height="400" style="cursor: move;" width="377" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Campground Resort Information & Map</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan4.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan7.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan6.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a><br />
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Campground Postcard (front/back)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan2.jpg" height="400" width="176" /></a><a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/Fort%20Wilderness%20RR/Scan3.jpg" height="400" width="176" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-88537714653025843462014-02-04T16:52:00.001-06:002014-02-04T16:52:47.972-06:00Fort Wilderness Cabins <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fort Wilderness Cabins at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5ecKVISlkMXlMqaQw21GI0kkJbQSHIhsEHRjpmIhtFbkWX-pZz32rOUvXFKeMKbm_zhNrcNrwnMSrldYpvFRkd03ick3KQWlK4FkYeATe_08qFAJHaktFN34Na8X7vV19l4YrFWhRfI/s1600/Disney's_Fort_Wilderness_Resort_and_Campground_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5ecKVISlkMXlMqaQw21GI0kkJbQSHIhsEHRjpmIhtFbkWX-pZz32rOUvXFKeMKbm_zhNrcNrwnMSrldYpvFRkd03ick3KQWlK4FkYeATe_08qFAJHaktFN34Na8X7vV19l4YrFWhRfI/s200/Disney's_Fort_Wilderness_Resort_and_Campground_sign.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>One of the 5 moderate resort options at the Walt Disney World complex, the Fort Wilderness Cabins provide spacious and unique accommodations for families looking to try something new in terms of lodging. The Cabins are located in the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. This resort is located south east of the Magic Kingdom on the shores of Bay Lake. The resort opened in 1971 as a destination for campers, but over the years added Cabins for families who aren’t the “camping type” or don’t have access to an RV or tent.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug8WC12QtMte3Zr60tv8hkA219X3hXQcpEVw_ljZsxt2pxyS1tEi4e-b-AM5SY3GzxRDwMkinHsgVVQ2Ccg7kvXHtawrHwstb4u_sqpPKalLc02TtcAjq-z3JeFN7jyCWPJ8EtO1q5z4/s1600/fortwilderness.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgug8WC12QtMte3Zr60tv8hkA219X3hXQcpEVw_ljZsxt2pxyS1tEi4e-b-AM5SY3GzxRDwMkinHsgVVQ2Ccg7kvXHtawrHwstb4u_sqpPKalLc02TtcAjq-z3JeFN7jyCWPJ8EtO1q5z4/s400/fortwilderness.gif" height="400" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of Fort Wilderness<br />
Cabins are located in Loops 2100 - 2800</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground has 799 campsites and 409 cabins covering over 700 acres of lush pines and cypress trees. The cabins, according to the Disney World website, “provides all the comforts of home wrapped in a rustic, American Frontier theme”. Indeed, these cabins look like mini-log homes, but they are basically small module homes wrapped in a veneer to look like logs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvr7RLJ4Aht0-awo11oBKGUZt-LRMQsCO_7o7AQ5zkl8K6hm1UEPSlmdYfq658e5faqBqpiuwNHmTPjq4-CUTVB5Qb-Am9HchSF2LGTr1MeUBQLbGLBX6ZIX63HwWaRtHD95cib5C6sA/s1600/cabin+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvr7RLJ4Aht0-awo11oBKGUZt-LRMQsCO_7o7AQ5zkl8K6hm1UEPSlmdYfq658e5faqBqpiuwNHmTPjq4-CUTVB5Qb-Am9HchSF2LGTr1MeUBQLbGLBX6ZIX63HwWaRtHD95cib5C6sA/s320/cabin+exterior.jpg" height="71" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 324px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2164px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvr7RLJ4Aht0-awo11oBKGUZt-LRMQsCO_7o7AQ5zkl8K6hm1UEPSlmdYfq658e5faqBqpiuwNHmTPjq4-CUTVB5Qb-Am9HchSF2LGTr1MeUBQLbGLBX6ZIX63HwWaRtHD95cib5C6sA/s1600/cabin+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvr7RLJ4Aht0-awo11oBKGUZt-LRMQsCO_7o7AQ5zkl8K6hm1UEPSlmdYfq658e5faqBqpiuwNHmTPjq4-CUTVB5Qb-Am9HchSF2LGTr1MeUBQLbGLBX6ZIX63HwWaRtHD95cib5C6sA/s320/cabin+exterior.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Wilderness Cabin exterior<br />
Parking in front with space/charger plug for golf cart </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These cabins are roughly 12’ wide x 42’ long. There is a wood deck on the outside with a picnic table and charcoal grill. Inside, the cabins have one bedroom with a double bed, bunk beds, and a TV; a full bathroom with tub/shower; full kitchen; living area with TV, dining table for six, sofa and a pull-down Murphy bed. The cabins comfortably sleep six guests. The full kitchen has nearly every amenity you’d need to prep a meal. Also in the kitchen, you’ll find a full-size coffee pot, microwave, full-size refrigerator, electric stove, and dishwasher. A bonus is that Mousekeeping will do the dishes for you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vig0Y1fdPXW8HnQdzQR_yiXgHw2OYUGrjrhyOWXcCtOSo2Xsor6kc5U3zCzp6A9_uso8Ms6Fl5q6B_ONOEXvkF3yqZQLoUin0Ue_W5y1csg5jA721lkpHQUMPE-Mrb2plxZ7sfIRsa0/s1600/cabin-floor-layoutad.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vig0Y1fdPXW8HnQdzQR_yiXgHw2OYUGrjrhyOWXcCtOSo2Xsor6kc5U3zCzp6A9_uso8Ms6Fl5q6B_ONOEXvkF3yqZQLoUin0Ue_W5y1csg5jA721lkpHQUMPE-Mrb2plxZ7sfIRsa0/s320/cabin-floor-layoutad.gif" height="107" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabin interior layout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganNvdDYQbHg0DLeBxCvkyao3bbZCW_gkvChuuT8J5laTwtseVVHpo1h7EDYVNJgYfrfYEcZQAwBdNtzQJ-zgzJXOBtJHGb06Yc-bYupR8BluhP7FIP1QWnIa9FPXB33XYVd5MaSCoYU0/s1600/fort-wilderness-dining-kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganNvdDYQbHg0DLeBxCvkyao3bbZCW_gkvChuuT8J5laTwtseVVHpo1h7EDYVNJgYfrfYEcZQAwBdNtzQJ-zgzJXOBtJHGb06Yc-bYupR8BluhP7FIP1QWnIa9FPXB33XYVd5MaSCoYU0/s320/fort-wilderness-dining-kitchen.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabin kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inside the confines of the resort, there is plenty to see and do. There are two pools at the resort, a smaller quiet pool, and the Meadows Swimmin’ (no “g”) Pool where the daily activities occur. The main pool features a wet play areas for little ones, a slide, and a hot tub. Down by the marina, there is a variety of watercraft to rent for exploring Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Horseback riding is available for guests over 9 years old. If you can’t find fun by the pool, there is an assortment of other activities offered including hiking, tennis, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, archery, bike riding, and canoeing. At one time a real steam train traversed the ground of the Fort. If you choose to check out one of the many walking trails around the property, you may see the remnants of the original track. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWnUWigkyPwRCmjqaCUXvWC188gPAYfwRBhoKr-J32ZAmrY-06KhXEbGmcBsHTPaXQMxSSKDTpIivNY_fQR8WloyTcSx1P5e_T_IvowbhtPCD5cEZJLYfqDnxXPOCnnl84SEwH2XVJp8/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicWnUWigkyPwRCmjqaCUXvWC188gPAYfwRBhoKr-J32ZAmrY-06KhXEbGmcBsHTPaXQMxSSKDTpIivNY_fQR8WloyTcSx1P5e_T_IvowbhtPCD5cEZJLYfqDnxXPOCnnl84SEwH2XVJp8/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows Swimmin' Pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bH7cvB4RQtrFO5NSxCpyjZrxAgjSW0jXHTXes0gkw4yd1XCu8CMWJ9PRHhWJpgKiUpvR4Rf99n2bNVVOPiGWfKrsDuGewaE9qofX1qEyju9sLKUJtGJXlEYuNROdkgzS7ChG-7Kr_Cg/s1600/fort-wilderness-water-play-area.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bH7cvB4RQtrFO5NSxCpyjZrxAgjSW0jXHTXes0gkw4yd1XCu8CMWJ9PRHhWJpgKiUpvR4Rf99n2bNVVOPiGWfKrsDuGewaE9qofX1qEyju9sLKUJtGJXlEYuNROdkgzS7ChG-7Kr_Cg/s320/fort-wilderness-water-play-area.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows Swimmin' Splash Pad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A long-running specialty of Fort Wilderness is the nightly Chip ‘n’ Dale “Sing-a-Long” and marshmallow roast, followed by a Disney movie on a outdoor screen. The “Sing-a-Long” is lead by a singing cowboy and Chip and Dale make an appearance to visit with guests and sign autographs. You may bring your own marshmallows or buy them from the Chuck Wagon. The Chuck Wagon also serves an assortment of light refreshments during the movie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiNfZm4JzMS5cojVz0PC4j_GAWyten0CQzUC-SmR5RyWI2a-2X-DvDWkev885rM01kcUTtfrMf8_GcM7rErEUExLfVcI4h9jLt5-av3L2RwDbG01IIcFLPBd-gfXO6FSU0GIU3TLf8Yk/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiNfZm4JzMS5cojVz0PC4j_GAWyten0CQzUC-SmR5RyWI2a-2X-DvDWkev885rM01kcUTtfrMf8_GcM7rErEUExLfVcI4h9jLt5-av3L2RwDbG01IIcFLPBd-gfXO6FSU0GIU3TLf8Yk/s320/IMG_0396.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chip and Dale at the nightly campfire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Speaking of refreshments, Fort Wilderness offers a few dining options. The most well-known is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, an all-you-can-eat dinner show held nightly at Pioneer Hall. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ is a barbeque buffet with live entertainment, dance instruction, and appearances by Disney characters. Crockett’s Tavern, located in Pioneer Hall, features beverages and snacks. Next door to the Tavern is the Trail’s End Restaurant which provides a sit-down buffet at breakfast and dinner and a la carte items during lunch. By the pool is the Meadows Pool Snack Bar which serves hamburgers, sandwiches, and assorted small snacks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are looking for supplies for your cabin, there are two main shops: The Settlement Trading Post located near the marina, and the Meadow Trading Post located in the Meadow Recreation Area. Both trading posts feature the standard souvenirs and Disney merchandise, but also an assortment of groceries. The groceries are on the expensive side, but if you need something in a pinch, you can find it there. For guests with a vehicle, you may consider outside supermarkets for your supplies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Fort is serviced by the Magical Express, should you be coming from the airport. The process is similar to the other resorts. Your bags will be "magically" delivered to your room while you are bussed from the airport to the Fort. Check-in is at the Reception Outpost. Here you will receive all your resort information (room key, tickets, maps, etc), and a copy of the Fort Wilderness Gazette. The Gazette will contain information on the campground, directions for transportation, campfire movie schedule, activity times and locations, and maps. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Driving, except to and from your campsite, is not allowed in the Fort. A series of internal buses provide transportation throughout the resort. Guests can also rent golf-carts to get around inside the Fort. Advance reservations are highly recommended for the golf carts. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Pricing for cabin accommodations range from $285 in the value seasons to $450 is the peak holiday seasons. Standard Disney resort guest perks are included: Magical Express, daily Mousekeeping, room charging privileges, Extra Magic Hours, package delivery to resort, bus/boat transportation, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, now you know the specifics, I know you want to know how the cabins really are. The following is my review of the Cabins from my trip in June 2011. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I grew up camping at the Fort with my parents in the 70’s and 80’s. We traveled in a RV and spent many fun summers there. I have very fond memories of Fort Wilderness. It was a great place for my brother and I to explore. In 2011, I went back with my two children for 10 days and we stayed in the Cabins. While I enjoyed the trip very much and it was perfect for our situation at the time, I’m not sure if I would consider the Cabins again. For me, the cons far outweighed the pros. But what may not be suited to my tastes, may fit another family extremely well. The best advice would be to try it if you think you may like it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Room for 6 - we were traveling with my Mother and it was nice that she could have her own space (living room/murphy bed)</li>
<li>Spacious cabin with room to spread out, inside and outside. As soon as the kids are dressed and ready, we pushed them out the door to explore around the cabin while the rest of us got ready. </li>
<li>Full kitchen. Loved having a full size coffee maker (you have to bring your own coffee, though)!</li>
<li>Two TVs.</li>
<li>Quiet and peaceful surroundings. It’s hard to imagine you are in the middle of a sprawling theme park complex when you are at the Fort. </li>
<li>Wildlife. We saw lots of animals, bugs, and reptiles that my kids loved. I didn’t care too much for the lizard in the closet, though. </li>
<li>Boat access to Magic Kingdom. There is something special about arriving at the Magic Kingdom via boat. </li>
<li>Pool amenities - the Meadow’s Swimmin’ Pool is large and nicely laid out. Nice splash area for the younger kids.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Size. The Fort is a sprawling complex. It’s not easy to walk from the cabins to entertainment areas, or the front reception area.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Transportation. I hated the internal buses. The Fort used to be serviced with open-air trams. As a kid, it was fun to ride these trams. Plus they had cool names for each camping section or loop, like “Jack Rabbit Run”, or “Armadillo Way”. The driver would announce each stop distinctly. Now the drivers barely know what loop number they are at. Plus, I don’t like riding the bus from the pool in wet bathing suits. We rented a golf cart during our stay and only experienced the buses when our group separated. I would highly recommend to anyone staying at the Cabins to rent a golf cart. It was a life-saver, but added to the cost. </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lack of quick service dining option/food court. Because the Fort’s main purpose is for campers who have their own cooking facilities, there is little in the way of quick service dining options. We were on the dining plan during our visit and had to plan our quick service meals at other locations (parks or other resorts). We did use the Meadows Snack Bar a few times and the food was good, but it’s not open very late. </li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Distance from everything. Boat to the Magic Kingdom often shared with Wilderness Lodge, and bus service everywhere else. It took some time to get to our destinations. </li>
</ul>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvr7RLJ4Aht0-awo11oBKGUZt-LRMQsCO_7o7AQ5zkl8K6hm1UEPSlmdYfq658e5faqBqpiuwNHmTPjq4-CUTVB5Qb-Am9HchSF2LGTr1MeUBQLbGLBX6ZIX63HwWaRtHD95cib5C6sA/s1600/cabin+exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-57029482252202075912014-01-26T16:51:00.001-06:002014-01-26T16:51:39.800-06:00Liberty Square overview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Liberty Square</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W0gJ2_mV55zNpunQ0pTlpd9Zc-I2TtbE-aj6Hs0mxcN3WVDYbkGfBfjfcc4eyJEskAqsWozy7WvYzsPSe65loKniyp3Ol9OY2aFll71NZXO-5OsD9exn-L0aT6Ni_R4IAEHF8oMlZf8/s1600/LS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W0gJ2_mV55zNpunQ0pTlpd9Zc-I2TtbE-aj6Hs0mxcN3WVDYbkGfBfjfcc4eyJEskAqsWozy7WvYzsPSe65loKniyp3Ol9OY2aFll71NZXO-5OsD9exn-L0aT6Ni_R4IAEHF8oMlZf8/s320/LS.JPG" height="236" mea="true" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you cross the wooden timber bridge to the left of Cinderella’s castle just off the central hub, you’ll enter a land that most people overlook on their rush to Splash Mountain or the Haunted Mansion. However transitional this space may appear, it is actually a defined “land”, called Liberty Square. And though small in statue compared to the other lands, the detailing, attention to theme, and use of authentic architectural design makes Liberty Square, in this writer’s opinion, a favorite Magic Kingdom land and one of Disney World’s true hidden gems. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Originally designed for Disneyland in California, Liberty Square was built for Disney World when plans for putting it in the California theme park were shelved. The Square is themed to colonial America in the era around the time of the American Revolutionary War. It is unique in that it tells true historical stories of the time meshed with fiction. Liberty Square is also special in that it is unique to Disney World, and cannot be found in any other Disney theme park. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGi6RRFt14iW93MfvWdiplGa1t2F2HE9GJFCrv4_8HoGsyT7gdSU4keHTgMpAb12Xu6bAjn2J4s3J2lhMfSUAIhEtjLGXNnpI-7PcKsgDFsRNtzvl11BC513fwa_EZvZgbehNy8LiJEvo/s1600/Liberty_Square.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGi6RRFt14iW93MfvWdiplGa1t2F2HE9GJFCrv4_8HoGsyT7gdSU4keHTgMpAb12Xu6bAjn2J4s3J2lhMfSUAIhEtjLGXNnpI-7PcKsgDFsRNtzvl11BC513fwa_EZvZgbehNy8LiJEvo/s200/Liberty_Square.gif" height="164" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Liberty Square’s roots lie in Walt Disney’s great love and fascination for American history which bled through in much of his work. In a 1957 interview, Walt Disney said “There’s an American theme behind the whole park. I believe in emphasizing the story of what made America great and what will keep it great.” Walt Disney wanted to capture a vision of American history in Disneyland with Liberty Street, but that dream was never realized for Disneyland. With the opening of Disney World, the opportunity produced itself to create a land that was based on Walt’s vision and intention for Liberty Street In Disneyland. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When you are in Liberty Square, you are immersed in architectural details, sights and sounds of early America, beginning in the 1700s to the mid-1800’s and developing geographically from the East Coast to the expansion across the Mississippi to the West. To truly take in the beauty of Liberty Square, one should view the entire land as a progression of time and history. This progression is best seen starting just outside Liberty Square in Fantasyland. Fantasyland is a make-believe world of stories rooted in European culture. Pinnochio’s Village House = Italy, Snow White = Germany, Peter Pan’s Flight = England. Peter Pan’s Flight is the last attraction in the physical progression towards Liberty Square. If you equate Peter Pan’s Flight (and the architecture it represents) to England, England is the jumping off point for crossing the Atlantic to the new world. As you cross under the passageway between the two lands (often called “portals” by imagineers), you virtually cross from the old world to the new world. You leave behind the sights and sounds reminiscent of old Europe. The background music changes to colonial era fife and drums, and you have been magically deposited on the shores of America in a New England seaport city, with the Columbia Harbour House to your left welcoming tired and weary sea travelers. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Columbia Harbour House is a quick service dining location, serving chicken, fish, and New England Clam Chowder (what else!). The building itself is a tribute to the great whaling and sailing ships and worth a peak inside, even if you don’t plan to eat. Explore the many rooms and nooks of the building for sailing and whaling memorabilia. Nautical details abound in the dining room meant to look like a meeting place and tavern of the time. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back out on the Square, the buildings that surround you are not just one architectural style, but a blend of several styles found throughout the early American cities and the eastern Atlantic seacoast. Represented here is the Federal Style seen in the civic buildings of Philadelphia and Boston, the Dutch New Amsterdam Design of the Hudson River Valley, and the Georgian Style reminiscent of Williamsburg, Virginia. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/DSCF1031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/DSCF1031.jpg" height="150" title="" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Haunted Mansion is modeled<br />after the Harry Packer Mansion in<br />Pennsylvania</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now listen closely, can you can hear dog howling in the distance? And what is just up that hill? In the distance separated from the rest of the town is a forboding old home. Could it be a Haunted Mansion? As you approach the gates, notice the carriage house to the left. Horseshoes hang upside down on the wall signifying that all the luck as run out. As you follow horse shoe prints and wagon tracks along the Cobblestone walkway leading away from the carriage house, you’ll find a hearse hitched to a “ghostly” horse. The wreath on the door is black and the plants on the lawn are dying. Could this be an ominous sign to stay away? In fact, it is. The imagineers designed the exterior of the mansion to warn guest that this attraction may be too scary for younger guests. Built to look like a pre-revolutionary war Dutch Gothic style mansion on New York’s lower Hudson Valley. This background provides the setting for the attraction (coincidentally, the same setting as the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2056.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This hearse is authentic, built during<br />the civil war era, and used in the John<br />Wayne film, "The Sons of Katy Elder"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In 2011 the queue was expanded and re-imagineered for an interactive guest experience. There's lots of things to see and touch. Be sure to take a detour through the left hand side of the queue to experience this. Tombstones with quirky epitaths pay respect to the legendary imagineers who worked on the attraction: </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In Memory of our Patriarch </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Departed </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grandpa Marc </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">[Marc Davis, Show Designer] </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Departed </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brother Dave </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He Chased a Bear Into Cave </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">[Dave Burkhart, Model Builder] </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here Lies </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Good Old Fred </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A Great Big Rock Fell On His Head </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rest In Peace </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">[Fred Joerger, Model Designer] </span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear sweet Leota,</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Beloved by all</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In regions beyond now,</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But having a ball</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">[Leota Toombs, Face of Madame Leota]</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Notice as you enter curve of the the queue, you can no longer see Liberty Square. This detail adds to the ominous nature of the home, making it seem like you are isolated from the rest of the town. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Haunted Mansion is my favorite attraction, and definitely a classic among Disney aficionados. The details outside and inside the manor house are tremendous. Once ushered into the house by the somber maids and butlers who work there, you begin a supernatural journey through dusty rooms, eerie hallways, a ghostly ballroom, a haunted attic, and a graveyard filled with merry ghosts. At the end of your journey, a team of 3 hitchhiking ghosts volunteer to “follow you home”. The Haunted Mansion envokes many classic special effects such as the use of Pepper’s Ghost, an illusion invented in the mid-19th century. The “ghosts” are reflections in a large sheet of glass of audio-animatronic figures located above and below the viewer. Mirrors are used to create the Endless hallway, and scrims and lighting are used to make ghosts appear to be ethereal. Simple, but effective techniques. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fNBlJ4nz73xElKbrH_tk7oGoIAF7ClPvJuHh493cBbB-p3NttpbVgHFPPD5pQIemqkg0x12MySG4hlhkTjzo_hZX5j5wbljJNpEPodh9PyGcsX0px7HAhL61C6J2jKPZ3UzksX1VGWM/s1600/BCD000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fNBlJ4nz73xElKbrH_tk7oGoIAF7ClPvJuHh493cBbB-p3NttpbVgHFPPD5pQIemqkg0x12MySG4hlhkTjzo_hZX5j5wbljJNpEPodh9PyGcsX0px7HAhL61C6J2jKPZ3UzksX1VGWM/s200/BCD000.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The number 1787 on the front of the <br />building denotes the year of the <br />constitution convention.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Back down the hill you return to the safety of the town. Your next attraction found in Liberty Square is the Hall of Presidents. The building is modeled after Independence Hall and other civic buildings in Philadelphia. True to the period, a flag with 13 stars flies above the structure. The Hall of Presidents attraction is a 20 minute presentation showcasing audio-animatronic versions of every US chief executive. It opened on October 1, 1971, along with the rest of the Magic Kingdom. The attraction has experienced several updates since its opening including the addition of presidents, updates to narration, added images and stage props, and new music score, but the overall essence of the show remains. Take some time before the show to enjoy the rotunda, where you can find presidential portraits, artifacts, and numerous mementoes from past presidents. Across from the Hall’s exit you can find the Hertiage House. This shops sells historical items, early-American gifts, flags, and t-shirts.</span><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While Liberty Square is a visual feast for the eyes, notice what you hear. I bet you never thought about the background music played here? Much of the music heard in this area reflects music from the colonial times which was less American music and more ballads and folk songs brought from England and other parts of Europe adapted to the American culture with instruments of the time including violins, fifes, recorders, drums and and flutes. True to Disney form, the music in this area was recorded using only the instruments available during the colonial period. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney1989302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney1989302.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the center of Liberty Square, under the shadow of the grand Liberty Oak, you will find a replica of the Liberty Bell created from a cast of the original in Philadelphia. In 1976, 50 replicas were cast and molded in honor of the US bi-centennial. Each state would receive one. However, since the state of Pennsylvania already had one (the original), the Walt Disney World corporation asked if they could have Pennsylvania’s reproduction for it’s Liberty Square. The state agreed and on July 4th , 1989, the replica Liberty Bell found it’s permanent location inside Liberty Square. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2076.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Liberty Tree that stands in the square is a real southern live oak. Over 100 years old, it stands 40ft tall, 60 ft wide making it is the largest living specimen in the kingdom. This tree was transplanted from another area on Disney property. It is said to have created more than 500 trees from its acorns. Thirteen distinct lanterns hang from it’s branches representing the 13 original colonies.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELbYFX8Y-ZP4cvgUEiXDliZlDD_V7-09JZBpZ3EAEuaHlnXX3Mbi4gmXMc4mD-zIDkedZ3pRbQojYadvvRT_8SpSIatkk31TfzFFsEvw_jToQ809T7v1nmtfD4s2D02jgY2ElLk-Bkt4/s1600/ls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELbYFX8Y-ZP4cvgUEiXDliZlDD_V7-09JZBpZ3EAEuaHlnXX3Mbi4gmXMc4mD-zIDkedZ3pRbQojYadvvRT_8SpSIatkk31TfzFFsEvw_jToQ809T7v1nmtfD4s2D02jgY2ElLk-Bkt4/s200/ls.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2078.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also in this area, you can find the only table service dining location in this land, the Liberty Tree Tavern. This location serves traditional new England-inspired cuisine set in an 18th-century American inn. Another quaint and notable shop is Ye Old Christmas Shoppe, where you can find Christmas decorations year round. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe is actually a series of buildings and storefronts designed with 2nd story residences to give the appearance that you are in a real colonial town. Each “shop” within Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe has it’s own purpose and character: there is a Music Teacher’s Shop with instruments of the time and sheet music, next door is a Woodcaver’s Shop complete with tools and implements of his trade, and the last portion of the building houses a family home to a German folk artist and craftman. Every nook and crany is filled with detailed items that complete the home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Upon the Rivers of America which represent not just one river but four: the Hudson, Mississippi and Missouri, and Colorado river, guests will find a real working steamboat of the time, the Liberty Belle. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney2007031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney2007031.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Liberty Belle</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The narration on the boat is provided by Samual Clements (aka Mark Twain) and takes you along the shoreline of Tom Sawyer’s Island passing by Indian encampments, the River Pirates’ hideout, Fort Langhorn, and an abandoned settler’s cabin. This manmade river is dark and murky for a purpose. The water is less than 10 feet deep and the riverboat runs along a track underwater which needs not to be seen. This steamship is not only a leasurely cruise along the river, but provides a transitional element between Liberty Square and Fronterland transporting guests not only in time from late 1700s to mid 1800s, but geographically from the settlements of the East to the frontier of the West. </span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As you traveling towards Frontierland, you leave behind the grand cities of the east, heading into the new frontier of the west (denoted by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad). On your way, you pass the great Mississippi River represented by the Rivers of America and finally reach St. Louis, Missouri and the famous Diamond Horseshoe Saloon. Today the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon is a seasonal counter service dining location, but it was more than that when the park opened. This location hosted a Western saloon show complete with cancan dancers, singers, a live band, and comedian. It was a great stage show.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">St Louis is your last stop in Liberty Square before your transition to Frontierland. At this location, no portal is needed as you are standing in the cross-roads of America in time and geography. You are now leaving colonial America and will be entering into the Wild West where thar’ are bears, mine trains, briar patches, and Cowboys and Indians. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before we depart Liberty Square, take a moment to find these hidden details:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DOPMNp6xUICQrEfsAxFf0x18xD6khlGhO42zhpw3vFJ_VNXD65Mz71ly9cFQ7gnHoBZCXYYHUI-ztisMoET8NxT9uaFPPdsG9c5rPVudT8gc6ubFPJduaArcDGSJQGrYQZHwoG4SaWY/s1600/street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DOPMNp6xUICQrEfsAxFf0x18xD6khlGhO42zhpw3vFJ_VNXD65Mz71ly9cFQ7gnHoBZCXYYHUI-ztisMoET8NxT9uaFPPdsG9c5rPVudT8gc6ubFPJduaArcDGSJQGrYQZHwoG4SaWY/s320/street.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Disney makes it appear as if there is a brown channel running down the middle of the street. True to the time, that was the form of drainage.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney1989224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney1981F0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney2007029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney2007029.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney1981F0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney1981F0011.jpg" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="193" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney1989224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney1989224.jpg" height="137" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The stockades and pillories make great photo opportunities</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2071-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2071-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Minute Man Rifle in a window near the Hall of Presidents</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/Disney2007031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2080.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Details in The Olde Christmas Shoppe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2079.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Authentic looking window hardware is used throughout Liberty Square</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2077.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">All the shutters on the windows are hanging crooked. This is because in those times leather was used to fasten shutters on and would stretch over time to hang crooked</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2072.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The addresses on the doors are all two numbers. If you put 18 in front of it, that is the style of door that they would have had for that year</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l515/LeagueCityMouse/Liberty%20Square/IMG_2075.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Latern Liberty Square complete with seed glass</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<i><br /></i>
</div>
</div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W0gJ2_mV55zNpunQ0pTlpd9Zc-I2TtbE-aj6Hs0mxcN3WVDYbkGfBfjfcc4eyJEskAqsWozy7WvYzsPSe65loKniyp3Ol9OY2aFll71NZXO-5OsD9exn-L0aT6Ni_R4IAEHF8oMlZf8/s320/LS.JPG" height="71" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 571px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 320px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-12139047990999812812014-01-20T12:52:00.000-06:002014-01-20T12:52:02.262-06:00Snow at Wilderness Lodge?!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Snow at Wilderness Lodge?!?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not really. I was playing with special effects on the camera one rainy afternoon. Wilderness Lodge is probably the only resort that could pull off snow, though. Seems like a natural setting for it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/P8240654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/P8240654.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/P8240653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/P8240653.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/P8240652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/P8240652.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-13397623114370031262014-01-14T13:02:00.000-06:002014-01-14T13:10:23.655-06:00My Favorite (WDW) Things<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think you can learn a lot about a person from a list of their favorite things. Here are just a few of mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Park: Magic Kingdom</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLbZoUgGSf-lKlWqfIx6x-LyE77c2OkIIx_hly28mrBECxRByqoJaJG-iBJA6GRl34dNf67BawB_lWa7BaOsj8ZqxQORpUO8d2ka1r1P-Ds1XrU9VOXFwY3mksNvPwY3oYbS_pr2d9c4/s1600/DSCF1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLbZoUgGSf-lKlWqfIx6x-LyE77c2OkIIx_hly28mrBECxRByqoJaJG-iBJA6GRl34dNf67BawB_lWa7BaOsj8ZqxQORpUO8d2ka1r1P-Ds1XrU9VOXFwY3mksNvPwY3oYbS_pr2d9c4/s200/DSCF1016.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Resort: Polynesian Resort</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xd5pEjNoduRW4leIzsKKc9wc5yoGesztRb6FVOrMUk4RN9oP_j-W5BgcIGJZOAT8h2sPzcjFTUGZa-RLWfw7kcSF_9b3M5269pHb8lQSVYntgV-e2DieSNf-xXYboMVRfHjtuJ8g-0A/s1600/IMG_3268%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xd5pEjNoduRW4leIzsKKc9wc5yoGesztRb6FVOrMUk4RN9oP_j-W5BgcIGJZOAT8h2sPzcjFTUGZa-RLWfw7kcSF_9b3M5269pHb8lQSVYntgV-e2DieSNf-xXYboMVRfHjtuJ8g-0A/s200/IMG_3268%255B1%255D.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Attraction: Haunted Mansion</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33gFTKClJ_DBPx2QEomiGC-spIXSRSJUpAoxJSQalpDBo2khQLUbKcbvxluMOd4vqyKe-OwEIPJHrZUFGq4W37nClDfKmEjvJTaq9yr6vt_pjhGfO519M6YWTYrYy5rCgjclMULGGFv8/s1600/DSCF1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33gFTKClJ_DBPx2QEomiGC-spIXSRSJUpAoxJSQalpDBo2khQLUbKcbvxluMOd4vqyKe-OwEIPJHrZUFGq4W37nClDfKmEjvJTaq9yr6vt_pjhGfO519M6YWTYrYy5rCgjclMULGGFv8/s200/DSCF1030.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite World Showcase Country: Morocco</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_18yXgCImvPbJGw66IhZ5uap6QRZfUwB2ahLEpjSWAqWpU1iPAoISm4eFj0X5FNJV4LLMUR1cNnqztCxtygsehAy0as4n-CRIupPzl6zkrYibDRAGwFz1oJMWpLmOf8ywFegI3_jF5Oc/s1600/morocco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_18yXgCImvPbJGw66IhZ5uap6QRZfUwB2ahLEpjSWAqWpU1iPAoISm4eFj0X5FNJV4LLMUR1cNnqztCxtygsehAy0as4n-CRIupPzl6zkrYibDRAGwFz1oJMWpLmOf8ywFegI3_jF5Oc/s200/morocco.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Fireworks Show: Illuminations</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnCMithCe1mNDmzAyJKhkmGW4ssjyUDVpu5lUK734dyzteCFNRBwXXPFeslmGZpEgSRwSVT_LGMWXnQz7czqV9auXV_axFVsWKECRm5nAv8K8FybhHj9HQXE6h5L4zbw_P6Ua40xPmDs/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnCMithCe1mNDmzAyJKhkmGW4ssjyUDVpu5lUK734dyzteCFNRBwXXPFeslmGZpEgSRwSVT_LGMWXnQz7czqV9auXV_axFVsWKECRm5nAv8K8FybhHj9HQXE6h5L4zbw_P6Ua40xPmDs/s200/IMG_1936.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Snack: Dole Whip Float </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEwL_2nq8UYKOGfdjfaGNzb8LDIX1DdXtKK356DMh4fF-FH9G7SZ1hXvknF8oMVxagVDMKBRjH8vVSD_TbQNy_TcJ5XHlCO55nporjwwHXGi5pAaJVYl-bZeNULwnjJbCjHVhQEzwYJU/s1600/resized_DoleWhip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZEwL_2nq8UYKOGfdjfaGNzb8LDIX1DdXtKK356DMh4fF-FH9G7SZ1hXvknF8oMVxagVDMKBRjH8vVSD_TbQNy_TcJ5XHlCO55nporjwwHXGi5pAaJVYl-bZeNULwnjJbCjHVhQEzwYJU/s200/resized_DoleWhip.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Counter Service Restaurant: Columbia Harbour House</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE3q7vpBoLEqmHZnZPujQdN_6nPJioOAHjJ7Fc0UTq15vmz17El-qM2JUNO_bUs8B0EE9kjJQyE3k-lZYE0E5-udunoRbwE1dU5aL92yD-6qWRWIy1GwWS85yV7wuiAqWQOO0jkHHjKc/s1600/Liberty_Square.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE3q7vpBoLEqmHZnZPujQdN_6nPJioOAHjJ7Fc0UTq15vmz17El-qM2JUNO_bUs8B0EE9kjJQyE3k-lZYE0E5-udunoRbwE1dU5aL92yD-6qWRWIy1GwWS85yV7wuiAqWQOO0jkHHjKc/s200/Liberty_Square.gif" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Table Service Restaurant: O'hanas</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvFuhU4KkigUSK-9PeGMZ7klE3_1iWBDqe4dSzn__G3qXE06PTFr87JMy3hPYDSm9O272pV49kqD0f-MKf-I2iuAQhZEDglLg-LR_hdIqTnOefrjRsXh86uuzZEvrNpsReQKgRraTydg/s1600/Disney+2006+270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvFuhU4KkigUSK-9PeGMZ7klE3_1iWBDqe4dSzn__G3qXE06PTFr87JMy3hPYDSm9O272pV49kqD0f-MKf-I2iuAQhZEDglLg-LR_hdIqTnOefrjRsXh86uuzZEvrNpsReQKgRraTydg/s200/Disney+2006+270.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite "Show": Festival of the Lion King</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zps72691db0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202013/file_zps72691db0.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Theater-based attraction: The Laugh Floor</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZEb8du0hMR3J-6YQ8IgZirsK8X19IHV0Ka_dgo25T17wcpCGCt-785M5_50y7nXWK8iI4-pSphTWH01uAvf7-ofbM9JGWlsv3z9iurSYPKxizaxeTlwgmwBtfsPjErQ7s52ImQZMd0w/s1600/IMG_2046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZEb8du0hMR3J-6YQ8IgZirsK8X19IHV0Ka_dgo25T17wcpCGCt-785M5_50y7nXWK8iI4-pSphTWH01uAvf7-ofbM9JGWlsv3z9iurSYPKxizaxeTlwgmwBtfsPjErQ7s52ImQZMd0w/s200/IMG_2046.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite Adult Beverage: Grey Goose Lemon Slush</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEkwbYKWNqgDKo27N9j0XtuyMznWCHHJoHwbWHrLJZ_EoYLWINr0DNfIcm1BK6MHhh6_03ilu9eXVZPQW1ygiI7yXF1I9cFi0UeOkWlOu_qlFrt2o0gCpFoFaEg8SUhPlkIuvLwvXFww/s1600/slush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEkwbYKWNqgDKo27N9j0XtuyMznWCHHJoHwbWHrLJZ_EoYLWINr0DNfIcm1BK6MHhh6_03ilu9eXVZPQW1ygiI7yXF1I9cFi0UeOkWlOu_qlFrt2o0gCpFoFaEg8SUhPlkIuvLwvXFww/s200/slush.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite "line" from an attraction: "Of course, there's always my way"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D7IuUJra4Hwqafx-zAWDfrywapmsVnzR388a5-SCxDqoH8V_V1e_iev8Nite6ffeuSL_Zlhmm29cDwuE0HrZlzrDZC_aZMI8m-taS-8DisvqXfq1xNGNn5U31bOXYkCNZn1L1IepHsw/s1600/IMG_2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D7IuUJra4Hwqafx-zAWDfrywapmsVnzR388a5-SCxDqoH8V_V1e_iev8Nite6ffeuSL_Zlhmm29cDwuE0HrZlzrDZC_aZMI8m-taS-8DisvqXfq1xNGNn5U31bOXYkCNZn1L1IepHsw/s200/IMG_2063.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Favorite song from an attraction: "How do you do?" from Splash Mountain</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/file-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/leaguecitymouse1971/WDW%202012/file-53.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5562609877325508405.post-15676353321120061762014-01-07T09:35:00.000-06:002014-01-07T09:35:30.035-06:00Quote<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney</strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxr_rTeayKfd8tiZQaOjiQf1oH7q2-49vbP0Rp35y1LhoBTf7PLRZx6a7E3FX4AQryCMYPquJrpsXW18Iyc7wR-GpxnJcQ52B830QADCGnIN0AuFbAQzD7XRjiPk4rgDBz5MrHBLwPBQ/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxr_rTeayKfd8tiZQaOjiQf1oH7q2-49vbP0Rp35y1LhoBTf7PLRZx6a7E3FX4AQryCMYPquJrpsXW18Iyc7wR-GpxnJcQ52B830QADCGnIN0AuFbAQzD7XRjiPk4rgDBz5MrHBLwPBQ/s400/IMG_5152.JPG" height="400" mea="true" width="266" /></a></div>
LeagueCityMousehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14881148908372166810noreply@blogger.com0