Springtime at Walt Disney World

Welcome to those of you joining me from Manda's Disney Blog and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 2nd stop on our Magical Blogorail.  This month we are talking about springtime at Walt Disney World, and just in time, because I’m needing a shot a warmer weather right about now. 

Despite the blizzard like conditions seen in the Northeast this past week, down South we are starting to experience spring taking over.  There is far, far too much yellow pollen for my liking settling on everything outside.  The lawn, which hadn’t been mowed since before Christmas, is starting to show signs of needing a trim.  The temperature, while cool at night, has been pleasant during the day.  More sun and lots of wind are sure signs that the seasons are changing.  Ah….Springtime…we welcome you with open arms because we know it’s just a fleeting visit before the hot, humid days of summer take over. 

In the Southern coastal states, springtime is a great season to be out and about traveling.  However, I have a confession to make:  I’ve never been to Disney World in the Spring!  Why that is, I really don’t know, other than to say our schedules never synced up.  Visiting Walt Disney World in the spring seems like an optimal time to go.  Outside of Spring Break and Easter, crowd levels are relatively low.  Lower crowd levels generally equate to lower resort prices.  By March, most of the January/February attraction and pool refurbishments have been completed in anticipation of the Spring Break and Easter crowds.  Weather wise, you can’t go wrong in April or May.  Although, the temperature can be variable, typically the highs hover in the 70/80s range, humidity is lower than the summer, hurricane season hasn’t begun, and storms aren’t as frequent as the summer patterns (although they can be just as violent; April is a high tornado period for Florida).  Springtime in Florida can be extremely pleasant.  Factor in Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival which runs March 6 to May 19^th, Spring time is a great time to visit Walt Disney World.  

Spring marks the arrival of Epcot's International
Flower & Garden Festival.  Photo courtesy of
yourfirstvisit.net

 So what am I waiting for….

In the Spring time, you'll find less bugs...

more sun....

warmer weather to get wet in....

but less of this...

however, don't forget those ponchos!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is The Disney Point.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make astop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

2nd Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad

3rd Stop ~ The Disney Point

Final Stop ~ The CanaDisney Blog

Hidden Mickeys

The Quest for Your Favorite Hidden Mickey

My favorite "Hidden Mickey" can be found outside the Haunted Mansion embedded in the sidewalk -- two horseshoe prints around a utility cover seeming made by the ghostly horse hitched to the hearse in front of the mansion.

I am so used to Hidden Mickey's that I often find myself telling my friends, family, co-workers, etc to "find a hidden mickey for me" on their trip.  Too many times, I'm often met with a strange look, and rightly so I guess.  <sigh>  I forget that not everyone is as obsessed.

So, what is a Hidden Mickey?  If you are reading my blog, you probably know, but in case an unexpected traveler has traversed The Magical Mouse Pad, here's the definition from good old Wikipedia (where would we be without you!):

"A Hidden Mickey is a representation of Mickey Mouse that has been inserted subtly into the design of a ride, attraction, or other location in a Disney theme park, Disney properties, movie or other Disney product. The most common Hidden Mickey is a formation of three circles that may be perceived as the silhouette of the head and ears of Mickey Mouse, often referred to by Disney aficionados as a "Classic Mickey"." 

I enjoy the occasional Hidden Mickey, but don't actively seek them out.  If I run across one, I'll make a remark about it...maybe even take a picture.  It's a fun little activity and I'm pleased with myself when I find one before anyone else in my group.  However, for some, Hidden Mickeys and the search for them has become their obsession, which I'm all for!  Everyone's got to have a hobby, right?  Makes my life a little easier when I want to find a particular Hidden Mickey.  Thanks, Hidden Mickey Guy and all you other Hidden Mickey gurus!

Happy Valentine's Day Disney Style

Dream Dates at Disney

Welcome to those of you joining me from Mommy Mouseketeer and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 2nd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

Love is in the air!  It's February and time for Valentine's Day.  This month on our Magical Blogorail we are talking about Dream Dates at Disney.

I thought a lot about “dream date” ideas for WDW and came up with a slew of things like a special dinner in Victoria & Albert's at the Chef's Table, or a spa package for two followed by a nighttime cruise on the Seven Seas Lagoon to watch fireworks, or staying the weekend in the King Kamehameha Suite at the Polynesian Resort.  But then I thought that these dream dates are really unattainable for me, and while they are a “dream”, I’d rather dream about something that could happen as oppose to something that might happen if I won the lottery.

As a parent to younger children, most of you know that getting away with your significant other for a date night takes logistics akin to a Navy Seal Operation.  Date night at Disney World can require even more intense planning.  So, I’ve come up with a “plan”.  I believe there are 5 key elements needed to plan a Dream Date at Disney World.

1st:  Secure supervision for the kiddos.  You could bring the grandma or an aunt to watch the kids.  Maybe you are lucky enough to have an older sibling to put in charge for the evening.  However, if you are not, Disney has few options available to you.  Certain deluxe resorts (Animal Kingdom Lodge, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht & Beach Club) offer child care services for children 3-12.  Hours range from 4:30 p.m. to midnight, with some exceptions.  Activities offered at the clubs include board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, video games, Disney movies.  Another option is hiring a sitter.  Disney recommends Kid's Nite Out.  Kid's Nite Out Caregivers are at least 18, are insured and bonded, have hands-on training and childcare experience, including child/infant CPR and basic first aid. They will provide one-on-one in-room childcare in a resort room 24 hours a day with a variety of activities, including reading, coloring, or games.  Child care at the resorts, and Kid's Nite Out service are both fee based services with minimums and certain restrictions.  I've never used the resort child care, but have used Kid's Nite Out and was pleased with the service.

2nd:  Map your location.  You got to have a place to go on this date, right?  For me, I am going to pick World Showcase in Epcot.  I find that it is one of the few places at WDW where you can just “be” and not feel like you have to do anything.  What’s more relaxing than a nighttime stroll around the World Showcase Lagoon?  I know that many people complain that World Showcase is just an over-the-top themed mall, but it’s still has a wonderful ambiance.  It’s one of the few places around the resorts that is perfect for people watching, listening to music, and just hanging out.

3rd:  Food & Drink.  The moment you have a chance to break away from the kids for the evening, an adult dinner has to be in order.  Since I’m at World Showcase, I wouldn’t take time out for a sit-down dinner.  Instead, I would eat around the world on this date.  My husband and I are foodies and love to try new dishes.  While the food at Epcot is not overly adventuresome, it is still tasty (I’m thinking we won’t see chicken feet in China, or haggis in United Kingdom anytime soon).  A little nibble here and there is a perfect evening for us.  Top it off with a signature drink or two from around the World, and we’re as happy as clams…how ever happy that is!



4th:  Entertainment.  Of course, our date night is not complete without some entertainment, and the best entertainment in the entire Walt Disney World complex is Illuminations (IMHO).  Watching this nighttime show gives me goosebumps every time.

Me and my Honey...hint, he's
not the bright orange one!

5th:  Of course, this dream date night is not complete without having the right company at your side.  For that I will need my dear, sweet husband of 13 years who condones my love of Disney, even as crazy as it seems, tolerates my idiosyncrasies, and loves me despite it all.  I can’t think of a better person to enjoy my Disney Dream Date with.  Happy Valentines Day to you!!


Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is The Disney Point.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make astop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer
2nd Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad  <you are here>
3rd Stop ~ The Disney Point
4th Stop ~ The Disney Chick
Final Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

Tower of Terror Music

I was listening to Hollywood Studio’s Tower of Tower Queue Music Loop this afternoon.  I love how the music sounds like it’s far off and a bit echo-ey.  Very melancholy and eerie, at the same time.  I could listen to it all day.  My husband thinks I was born in the wrong era as I adore music from the1930s and 40s. 

Here is a sampling of what you hear while waiting in the queue line.

We'll Meet Again - Vera Lynn 

When the Sun Sets Down South - Nobles Singers

Inside - Fats Waller

Jungle Drums - Sidney Bechet Ken Burns

There's A House - Henry Allen

Sleepy Time Gal - Glenn Miller

Benny Berigan - Can't Get Started 

Mood Indigo - Duke Ellington

Wishing (Will Make it So) - Vera Lynn 

Uptown Blues - Jimmy Lunceford

Remember - Red Norvo

Dear Old Southland - Noble Sissle

Jeep's Blues - Johnny Hodges

Pyramid - Johnny Hodges 

Deep Purple - Helen Forrest & Artie Shaw

Another World - Johnny Hodges

Alabamy Home - Duke Ellington 

Delta Mood - Cootie Williams 

Long Lost Disney Friends

As part of the Limited Time Magic promotion for 2013, this week (January 21 - 27) is Long Lost Friends Week.  Guests at the Magic Kingdom get to enjoy appearances of old-time favorite characters.  Lots of "what would you like to see return" questions have been flying around the Disney social media community.  Since, I'm such a nostalgia queen, I have enjoyed it all.  I wanted to share with you some of my Long Lost Friends from the past and present.

Pooh seems to have gotten skinnier, plus he lost his
honey pot.  Poor Pooh!

I am the Walrus?  

Don't you miss the bear hugs?  Even Evil seems
so right.  Three cheers for King Leonidas (from
Bedknobs and Broomsticks)!

Ah, Bianca.  How I adored you when I was that age.

I never realized how creepy the Tweedle brothers were.

Tigger in Epcot shortly after Eisner allowed characters in
the park.  This was Tigger in Morocco.  Not quite Alladin,
but he's oh so soft and hug-able.

Mr. Smee!!!!!!  So, yeah, you can find him
in the parks these days but not as often.

Brer Fox & Brer Bear are always a hit even though
most kids have never seen Song of the South.  True testament
to the ability of a ride attraction to develop a character
following.  

So technically, not a long lost friend, but it's
always great to see the traditional characters
in different costumes.  At the Cafe May Buffet
at the Beach Club, the characters are dressed
in nautical gear.  It's one of my favorite character's
costume attire!  Plus this picture is just too adorable for words.

Well that's all for today!

What Keeps You Coming Back

 What keeps you coming back to Disney? 

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Black.  Enjoy the ride as we share What Keeps Us Coming Back to Disney.

Yes, it's the ever present question we are always asked, "You're going back to Disney, again?" As Disney enthusiasts, I think we can safely say we are tired of hearing that question.  I feel like saying "yes, it's our thing, don't judge us, get over it".

We keep coming back for a variety of reasons:  quality of the entertainment, the food, the attractions, love of the Disney created characters, the resorts and amenities, the value provided (yes, I said value because Disney is indeed a value for the entertainment provided compared to other options), or special events.  This is really what makes Disney unique, in that it can appeal to everyone.  Sometimes the reasons we return can be personal, too.  Maybe a good memory (wedding, engagement, first family trip, etc) is the driving force.

For me, it includes all the above, but more so it's the Imagineering and impeccable attention to detail that keeps me coming back.  What do I mean by that?  I'm talking about those hidden details that aren't on any guide map or signs in the park.  The things that really don't need to be there, but if they weren't, something would feel "missing".  It's the details that tell the story and immerse you 100% in a time period, land, or theme of where you are at.  These details are purposeful; without feeling purposeful.  To the causal observer, they are just decoration, but if you look (and sometimes hear) carefully, these details tell a underlying story, showcase an environment, and create the show.  Did you know that everything you see is a show?   And that most everything you see has a backstory?  It's the way the parks are designed.  They aren't just elaborate facades to showcase attractions.  It's designed to create a unique environment where you are immersed in the show, not just watching it.

Let me show you just a few examples:

In Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, 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.

In the gift shop adjacent to the Pirates of the
Caribbean attraction, you can find the key
to Davy Jones' locker among the bric-a-brac
on a top shelf.

Power and telephone lines in the Animal
Kingdom.  They are not real, but are
typical of what you'd see in Asia.

Near France in Epcot, artist
is painting.  If you look close, you'll see
the scene being painted is what you
are looking at.

Love the crayons in Toy Story Mania at
Hollywood Studios.  Looks like they were used.

Slate roof in Epcot's Noway Pavilion.

Torii gate in Epcot's Japan Pavilion.
Notice the barnacles?  Strange,
considering the World Showcase
Lagoon is freshwater.  They are
there are purpose because the real
Torii gate in Japan sits in saltwater!

There's thousands of these examples and each time I go, I find more and more.  I could (and have) spend an entire day in a park without riding any attractions.  There are so many sights and sounds to take in that sometimes the attractions are ancillary.  During parades, I find myself looking up and around at the buildings -- how are they decorated, what the signs on the windows mean, or how they roof lines are assembled.  Riding attractions, I try to seek out those details that I haven't noticed before (there are so many!).  Looking down, the sidewalks change and morph from land to land signifying changes to time period, or figurative location.

This attention to detail and story is also carried out in the many resorts on property, which is why I'm always a big advocate of staying on property to get the full experience.  Richly themed architecture and design is not just seen at the deluxe resorts.  If you don't believe me, check out the new Art of Animation resort.

My advice to anyone traveling to Disney World for the first time is to look for the details, and make it part of your adventure.  Of course, it doesn't hurt to look for the hidden Mickeys either, but that's a story for another day.

In the meantime, I think it's safe to say we keep coming back to Disney because we enjoy it, and at the end of the day, isn't that all that really matters?

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is The Disney Point.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad
2nd Stop ~ The Disney Point
3rd Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog
Final Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer

Christmas at WDW

It's Christmas Time in Walt Disney World!

Welcome to those of you joining me from Mommy Mouseketeer and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail.

This month's topic is WDW Holiday Must-Dos (or if you've never been to WDW during the holidays, what would be on your list?).

I confess, I’ve never been to Walt Disney World at Christmas time for a variety of reasons.  I never got around to it before kids, and now that I have school aged children, getting to WDW during their holiday breaks is difficult and a little bit cost prohibitive, plus I can’t stand crowds.  I know you are thinking: “why would I ever go to WDW if I don't like crowds?”  Crowd levels are a relative term for me.  There are varying levels of crowds I can handle.  Christmas school holiday weeks is not one of them.  In addition, I’ve never been a big Christmas holiday fan, so the desire to go during the holidays isn’t that high.  Maybe if I go, I’ll change my mind.  I do know that if I ever go to Disney World during the holidays, on the top of my list of things to do is to see the monorail resort decorations.  Resort hopping is one of my favorite outside the park activities, and seeing the lobbies of those magnificent resorts all decked out in Christmas attire would be a sight to see.

My brother and his girlfriend recently spent a week prior to Thanksgiving at WDW and Christmas decorations were already up.  He sent me a few to display on today’s blogorail topic.  Enjoy!

I hope you enjoyed the photo tour from around the Magic Kingdom resorts.  One day I’ll get there during the holidays and, maybe, seeing the castle all lit up, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights and the resort Christmas trees will be get me jazzed about the holiday season at the World.  Until then, I’ll just watch the specials on TV, read blog postings, and celebrate in the comfort of my own home with a warm cup of hot cocoa.

Thank you for joining the Magical Blogorail Black this month. We will be back in January with an all new theme.  Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with our Disney news, photos and stories. If you are looking for more Disney magic, you can make your way over to The Magical Blogorail website to see all our members and their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make astop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ The Disney Chick
2nd Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog
3rd Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer
Final Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad