Favorite Queue

Welcome to those of you joining me from Mandas Disney Blog and those of you just hopping aboard. I am your Final stop on our Magical Blogorail.

I was so excited to hear our topic for this month’s Blogorail:  Most Entertaining Disney Line/PreShow.  It’s one of my favorite “hidden gem” experiences in the parks.  I am fascinated by the detail that Disney puts in to their pre-shows and attraction queues; and I think for the majority of guests it is overlooked and that is a shame.  The level of storyline and detail that is put into some of these attractions is really quite amazing and lends itself to putting you inside the “story”, which is really what most attractions are about:  storytelling.  In addition to weaving the theme for an attraction, the entertainment you’ll find in the queues allows your wait time to seem less dull.  No one likes to wait in lines and during peak times, wait times for certain popular WDW attractions can be lengthy, if not down-right crazy (yeah, Toy Story Mania, I'm talking about you!).  The implementation of the FASTPASS system has helped mitigate some of these longs waits, but unless you plan properly, you’re bound to be stuck in a queue at some time or another.  It’s nice to have something to look at besides a sea of humanity entangled by ropes and chains.  

Because I enjoy this topic so much, I’ve blogged on my top ten attraction queues before, which made this topic was easy for me.  But rather than bore you with my top ten, I’m going to jump directly to my #1 on the list.  Arriving at number 1 on my Top Ten list of attraction queues is Tower of Terror in Hollywood Studios.

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.

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.  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.  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.

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.  

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.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Young Photography

Photo courtesy of Crystal Young Photography

Photo courtesy of Crystal Young Photography

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. 

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.  

So, the next time you are at Disney World, please take a moment to soak up the environment and entertainment of attraction lines and pre-shows.  I hope you will find them as enjoyable as I do.

Thank you for joining Magical Blogorail Black this month. We will be back in May 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 a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ The Disney Point
2nd Stop ~ The Disney Chick
3rd Stop ~ Mandas Disney Blog
Final Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad

Epcot and 30 years

Promotion material from summer of 1982

Promotion material from summer of 1982

Is the concept of Epcot still cool as it was in 1982?  Why, yes, yes it is! 

What's wrong with this picture?

Here is a recently found picture from the archives.  Can any WDW history buffs tell me what's wrong with this picture?  Hint:  It was taken in the early 1982. 

Can't figure it out?  What you are looking at is a Friendship Boat like the kind you find at Epcot in the World Showcase Lagoon, but the picture was taken on the shores of Bay Lake at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground before Epcot even opened.  This was the summer of 1982 and these boats, or water taxis as they are often referred to, were undergoing their "sea trail" validation tests in Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon before heading to their new home in the World Showcase in preparation for the opening of Epcot in October later that year.

Today, the Friendship water taxis can be found on Crescent Lake providing guest transportation between Epcot and  Hollywood Studios, with stops at the BoardWalk, Yacht & Beach Club and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts.  They also run within Epcot along two separate routes. One boat runs between landings near Canada and Morocco, while the other one runs between Mexico and Germany.

Morocco

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

Our topic on the Magical Blogorail this month is our favorite World Showcase Pavilion.  I must admit, this topic is hard for me as it’s difficult to pick my FAVORITE pavilion.  Each country represented is so unique in its own right that it’s hard to compare apples to apples.  But if I must pick, I’m going to pick the one that is most intriguing me.  That pavilion is Morocco.  I think I find Morocco the most fascinating because it’s the culture represented in Epcot that I know least about.  

Koutoubia Minaret
of Marrakesh

Quite unassuming on the outside, Morocco 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.

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.  

Bab Boujouloud gate

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? 

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 not you can hear children playing in the distance!

One of many
fountains

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.  

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.  

Here is a sampling of what’s available to you in this pavilion:

Attractions:

• Gallery of Arts and History - A museum of sorts filled with a display of science, music, and technology of Morocco.  
• Moroccan Style:  The Art of Personal Adornment - An exhibit that features clothing and jewelry of Morocco.  

Dining 

Lunch at Tangerine Cafe

• Restaurant Marrakesh - Sit down restaurant location serves various types of Moroccan cuisine.  Belly dancers provide entertainment to diners.
• Tangerine Cafe - Serves hummus, salads, rotisseries chicken, lamb, and baklava along with moroccan beverages include strong coffee, mint tea, and beer.  The amount of food you get here in their platters is enough for two!

Shopping

• Tangier Trades - Sells jewelry, and Moroccan clothing and shoes.
• Brass Bazaar - Handworked brass items.
• Outdoor Bazaar - extension of the Brass Bazaar. Items include ceramic tiles and vases, music instruments, and handmade baskets. 
• Medina Arts - Woodcrafts, lamps, leather goods, furniture
• Casablanca Carpets - Rugs and other textiles.
• Souk-Al-Magreb - Cooking utensils and food, fez hats, perfumes, and belly dancing accessories

Entertainment

• Mo'Rockin - Live performances vary.  See park guides for times.  The band offers a blend of rock music and Arabian rhythms.  

Meet & Greet Disney Characters 

• Here’s the place in Epcot to meet Aladdin, Princess Jasmine & Genie.

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.

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 Disney Chick

2nd Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

3rd Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer

4th Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad

Final Stop ~ The Disney Point

Spending Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World?

Welcome to those of you joining me from Mommy Mouseketeer and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.  This month on the Blogorail we are sharing our ideal Disney-Inspired Valentine's Day.

Spending Valentine's Day at Walt Disney World?

Surprisingly to some, Disney World can be a very romantic place which could explain why so many couples flock to WDW for marriage proposals, weddings and honeymoons.  What Disney World has going for it is “theme and mood”.  The place has the ability to transport you from the realities of life, and transport you into a fantasy land even if only for a few hours.  And isn’t that the idea of romantic outings, whether they be a movie date night or dinner at a special restaurant?  It’s the chance to spend a few precious hours or days with someone you love just enjoying the atmosphere and each other’s company.


If you are fortunate enough to be in Walt Disney World with your special someone on Valentine’s Day and are short on ideas, here’s some ways to make a special memory.

• Stroll along the beach of the Polynesian resort to watch Magic Kingdom’s nighttime Wishes fireworks display. 
• Watch cheesy horror movie clips while dining “outside at the drive-in” at Hollywood Studio’s Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
• Purchase a nice bottle of wine at one of the many world shops in Epcot’s World Showcase to take back to your room to enjoy on the patio.  Remember the corkscrew!  Pick up some chocolates, as well!
• Order flowers delivered to your resort room through the Disney Florist.
• Take a nighttime ride aboard the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland Transit Authority.  
• Have a photopass picture taken a just the two of you.
• Splurge on a once in a lifetime meal at the Grand Floridian’s Victoria & Albert’s.
• Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride at the Fort Wilderness Resort or Port Orleans Riverside. 
• Surprise your loved one with a spa treatment, or a couples massage.
• Dine in perpetual twilight at the San Angel Inn in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.
• Order room service for two.
• Find a garden swing, rocking chair, or bench at one of the many Disney resorts and sit together in the moonlight.  
• Get “scared” and cuddle aboard your Doom Buggy in Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansion.
• Share a Margarita in a cozy corner of La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.
• Instead of taking a buse or boat from Hollywood Studios to the Beach Club/Boardwalk, stroll along the waterside footpath that connects the two.  
• Enjoy a speciality cruise to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom or Illuminations at Epcot.  
• If it’s warm, take a evening dip in your resort pool.  
• Book at room at Animal Kingdom Lodge overlooking the Savannah.
• My personal favorite -- strolling the grounds of your resort at night with your special someone just enjoying each other’s company and the atmosphere.

I’ve only scratch the surface of ideas for a romantic day at Disney World.  Costs range from extravagant to free.  What you make of our special day is up to you!

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


1st Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

2nd Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer

3rd Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad

4th Stop ~ The Disney Point

Final Stop ~ The Disney Chick

Rain, rain, rain...

It’s raining where I’m at today and it got me to thinking about rainy days in the parks.  What do you do, how to plan around it, and what happens when you are caught in it.  

It’s very rare to not experience rain on a WDW vacation, especially during the summer months.  Often called the “Rainy Season”, there is a scientific reason for these daily rain showers.  For those of you who are meteorologically challenged, here’s a brief summary that explains the weather pattern:

The timing and distribution of daily showers and lightning storms during the summer months is closely tied to the north/south migration of the "Bermuda" high pressure ridge.  The position of this ridge controls the low level wind flow and dictates where the Gulf and Atlantic sea breezes collide each day.  This collision often produces storms with frequent lightning and heavy rainfall.  The regularity with which it occurs is also the main reason that the inland area between Tampa and Cape Canaveral is often called the "Lightning Capital of the United States."  

The “Rainy Season” typically ranges from June to September, when there is a noticeable return on humidity.  Once the higher humidity arrives, there is an increase of showers and lighting storms within a few days.

So, suffice to say that there’s a high probability it will rain on your vacation.  Now what do you do?  I think it’s funny to see people scramble when it rains.  Will you melt?  Do these people not take showers or swim?  I know it’s about not getting your clothes wet and I totally sympathize with that.  Walking around a theme park in wet clothes is no fun.  Your shoes are squishy, wet shorts will chafe thighs, shirts become see-through, and you end up freezing inside attractions.  Plus, you don’t want to get your camera or phones wet.  Electronics and water do not mix.  All that being said, there is still no reason to freak out over the rain.  A little preparation goes a long way.  Here are a few tips to consider:

• Wear shoes that are water resistant or dry quickly.  Neophrene sandals are a good option.  I personally despise Crocs on adults, but for kids, I adore it.  Good choice for little feet.
• Keep a hat handy to keep your head dry, or water off your glasses. 
• Don’t use an umbrella; use a poncho instead.  For one thing, these seasonal pop-up showers usually bring lightning with them.  You don’t want to be holding on to something that’s equivalent to a lightning rod.  Plus, umbrellas are annoying to those around you.  They are big and bulky, no one can see around them, and you bump people with them.  It’s just rude.  Seriously, people, bring a poncho.  

I've had these ponchos for years
and multiple Disney trips!

• Carry a pair of dry socks.
• Wear clothes that dry quickly.  Jeans and heavy jersey fabrics are not good options.  
• Carry a small hand towel or Aqua-Towel to wipe off wet seats, benches, or strollers.  An Aqua Towel is somewhat like a shammy.  Absorbs lots of water and dries quickly.  They can also serve as a cooling towel when it gets hot and sticky.  These are my favorite “must-have” for taking into the parks.

That blue scarf is not a fashion statement.  It's my aqua towel!  

• If your kids are small and need a stroller, consider using the park-rental strollers.  These strollers are made mostly of plastic and can be dried quickly using a hand towel, paper towels, or that new aqua-towel you just bought at my prompting (hint, hint...you will love it!).  Wet fabric strollers are no fun, but if you do bring your own, cover it with a poncho or large piece of plastic when it's parked.  Don’t forget to bring clothes pins or binder clips to keep the plastic over it.  Otherwise, you’ll have a big wet mess.
• Bring a light jacket or hoodie.  Even during the hottest summer months, when it rains, the inside of attractions will get extremely cold.  Even if you’re not wet, it will still seem cold.  Otherwise, you’ll end up buying a sweatshirt, beach towel, or some other item to keep you warm.  My little daughter turned into a popsicle during Festival of the Lion King, after getting wet earlier in the day.  We bought a beach towel to keep her warm.  

Rain moving into the Lights! Motor! Action! show.

Don’t let a little rain ruin your vacation.  The rain can be refreshing on those hot summer days.  The rain tends to drive the crowd levels down.  And when the rain is over, enjoy the crispness of the air and wait for that rainbow to appear.  There’s nothing more special than that!

Main Street Trolley

"Main Street, U.S.A. is America at the turn of the century - the crossroads of an era. The gas lamps and the electric lamps, the horse drawn car and the auto car. Main Street is everyone's home town...the heartline of America." - Walt Disney

This picture was in my archives.  I think it's circa 1980.

An often overlooked fixture at the Magic Kingdom, is the horse drawn trolley on Main Street USA.  Guests can board these amazing vehicles at various times during the day in front of Cinderella's Castle, or in front of Main Street Station.  The trolley is also backdrop to the Main Street Trolley show, performed periodically during the day.  Performers sing and dance their way down Main Street, pausing to meet guests along the way.  It's quite cute.

The trolleys are drawn by Percherons and Belgians, both breeds are known for their strong pulling abilities.  Historically, they have been used to pull plows in Europe.  These horses weigh about 1 ton each, are between six and ten years old, and pull the trolley along Main Street about 24 times a day, 3 or 4 days a week.  The horses are shod with plastic shoes to make it easier on them.  When not working, they can be seen at their home, the Tri-Circle-D Ranch, at the Fort Wilderness campground.

In addition to the horse drawn carriage, several different vehicle options are available depending on the day and the crowds.  The suite of Main Street Vehicles include a horseless carriage, a replica of an early fire engine, a jitney, and the horse-drawn trolley.  All the vehicles make stops at either end of Main Street.

The next time you are in the Magic Kingdom, take a moment to enjoy these jewels of Main Street USA.