Showing posts with label magic kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label magic kingdom. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thursday, November 25, 2010
It's a holiday post!
But not the one you think. Yes, I know today is Thanksgiving here in the US, but I have to wait for the turkey to finish cooking. So ... while we wait ... let's talk about Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Or, in the lexicon of my fellow Disneyphiles ... MNSSHP.
This year was our first outing to MNSSHP. I'd heard wonderful things about it, and was really excited about going. At first, I balked at the extra admission price. But then I realized that the price of admission was a small price to pay for the possibility of very low lines. I figured that it was worth a try.
I cannot express how happy I am with that decision.
My daughter and I arrived right after the 4:00 PM "cutoff". We had a very short wait in line for admission, and we walked into a magical park. Cast members were everywhere ... they asked to see our admission ticket, and gave us a wristband. These wristbands were wonderful - because I personally witnessed some guests being denied entrance to a ride queue and being "gently ushered" toward the gate later in the evening.
Upon admission to the Magic Kingdom, we snapped a photo on Main Street USA. We were given a special MNSSHP PhotoPass card to use that day - because it allowed us a discount and access to some stock Halloween photos. This is a very good thing, in consideration of the fact that my fabulous little Fujifilm "point and shoot" didn't capture very good photos of some of the key moments.
After getting our photos taken, we quickly headed back toward Adventureland and Frontierland. Our goal for the night was to ride The Mountains as many times as possible. In fact, we had discussed our "game plan", and had bets on how many times we could just walk on to each of Maddie's favorite rides. It turns out we ran the Splash / Thunder Mountain circuit four times back-to-back before we got bored with the rides. Isn't that funny ... we bored of two of Maddie's most favorite rides on the planet!
After our ride-a-palooza on the two Mountains, we decided to pop in to Pecos Bill's for a quick bite. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the burgers we received. And oh, the toppings bar was a very welcome surprise. The fries were the same fries as are found throughout the parks, but the burgers were much tastier.
During the first "Boo To You" parade, we took the train around to the Toontown stop. We disembarked, and made a beeline toward Maddie's other favorite ride ... Space Mountain. We rode it twice in a row and then went to stake out our spot on Main Street USA for the HalloWishes fireworks.
Simply amazing. I think that Disney really does fireworks "right", and this show was absolutely no exception. Ordinarily, I"d say that you can get a better view of fireworks to the side of the castle - but I highly suggest actually staying in "the hub" for these. You are immersed in the magic, as they explode all around you.
After our fireworks experience, we then ran quickly to the front of the stage. One of the biggest perks of MNSSHP is the rare appearance of the Villains. My daughter just LOVES Maleficent (or, as she says, Falefficent). Of course, we giddily waited to snap a photo with her:
After this, her night was nearly complete - but wait! There's more!
The Boo-To-You parade is wonderful. In my opinion, it's second only to SpectroMagic. Every float was amazing, there were rarely seen characters on board, and the song (heard by clicking here) is so catchy that it'll be in your head for MONTHS after the party. And the best part? The last float, with Goofy. It blows bubbles!
All in all, I give MNSSHP two thumbs up. It was a great time, the lines were super short, and we got to see some things that we never see in the parks during regular hours. In my opinion, it's worth the extra money.
This year was our first outing to MNSSHP. I'd heard wonderful things about it, and was really excited about going. At first, I balked at the extra admission price. But then I realized that the price of admission was a small price to pay for the possibility of very low lines. I figured that it was worth a try.
My daughter and I arrived right after the 4:00 PM "cutoff". We had a very short wait in line for admission, and we walked into a magical park. Cast members were everywhere ... they asked to see our admission ticket, and gave us a wristband. These wristbands were wonderful - because I personally witnessed some guests being denied entrance to a ride queue and being "gently ushered" toward the gate later in the evening.
After getting our photos taken, we quickly headed back toward Adventureland and Frontierland. Our goal for the night was to ride The Mountains as many times as possible. In fact, we had discussed our "game plan", and had bets on how many times we could just walk on to each of Maddie's favorite rides. It turns out we ran the Splash / Thunder Mountain circuit four times back-to-back before we got bored with the rides. Isn't that funny ... we bored of two of Maddie's most favorite rides on the planet!
After our ride-a-palooza on the two Mountains, we decided to pop in to Pecos Bill's for a quick bite. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the burgers we received. And oh, the toppings bar was a very welcome surprise. The fries were the same fries as are found throughout the parks, but the burgers were much tastier.
During the first "Boo To You" parade, we took the train around to the Toontown stop. We disembarked, and made a beeline toward Maddie's other favorite ride ... Space Mountain. We rode it twice in a row and then went to stake out our spot on Main Street USA for the HalloWishes fireworks.
Simply amazing. I think that Disney really does fireworks "right", and this show was absolutely no exception. Ordinarily, I"d say that you can get a better view of fireworks to the side of the castle - but I highly suggest actually staying in "the hub" for these. You are immersed in the magic, as they explode all around you.
After our fireworks experience, we then ran quickly to the front of the stage. One of the biggest perks of MNSSHP is the rare appearance of the Villains. My daughter just LOVES Maleficent (or, as she says, Falefficent). Of course, we giddily waited to snap a photo with her:
After this, her night was nearly complete - but wait! There's more!
The Boo-To-You parade is wonderful. In my opinion, it's second only to SpectroMagic. Every float was amazing, there were rarely seen characters on board, and the song (heard by clicking here) is so catchy that it'll be in your head for MONTHS after the party. And the best part? The last float, with Goofy. It blows bubbles!
All in all, I give MNSSHP two thumbs up. It was a great time, the lines were super short, and we got to see some things that we never see in the parks during regular hours. In my opinion, it's worth the extra money.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Gowalla ... Foursquare ... Facebook Places? Stalk-tastic!
I admit it ... I love Foursquare. I have been "playing" for a while, and have amassed such fabulous badges as "I'm On A Boat!"
However, I must say that I'm intrigued by Disney's partnership with Gowalla. They have several "trips" outlined; including one for kids not tall enough for "The Mountains" at Magic Kingdom. I think it'll be a fun distraction and a fun project to do while in the parks. Granted, I'm a Liner, so I'm already furiously tappity-tappity-tapping on my phone while visiting. But this really seems like a good thing to try. And of course, they have park-specific "pins" to earn by checking in at different places! Fun!
As I'm an Android user, Gowalla wasn't available for my preferred platform until very recently. I have just installed and downloaded it to my precious (aka my Droid), and will give it a whirl this weekend. Add me as a friend ... connect with me by clicking here.
I'm off to visit with some of my Second Wives Cafe friends (and by "some", I mean "at least ten"). We're going to Foxwoods Casino to play bingo, and we plan to catch up with each other. We haven't been together for a year and change, and there's much to celebrate (new boyfriends, new husbands, new jobs, and even Heather's pregnancy). I can't wait to see my friends.
Have a wonderful and magical weekend!
However, I must say that I'm intrigued by Disney's partnership with Gowalla. They have several "trips" outlined; including one for kids not tall enough for "The Mountains" at Magic Kingdom. I think it'll be a fun distraction and a fun project to do while in the parks. Granted, I'm a Liner, so I'm already furiously tappity-tappity-tapping on my phone while visiting. But this really seems like a good thing to try. And of course, they have park-specific "pins" to earn by checking in at different places! Fun!
As I'm an Android user, Gowalla wasn't available for my preferred platform until very recently. I have just installed and downloaded it to my precious (aka my Droid), and will give it a whirl this weekend. Add me as a friend ... connect with me by clicking here.I'm off to visit with some of my Second Wives Cafe friends (and by "some", I mean "at least ten"). We're going to Foxwoods Casino to play bingo, and we plan to catch up with each other. We haven't been together for a year and change, and there's much to celebrate (new boyfriends, new husbands, new jobs, and even Heather's pregnancy). I can't wait to see my friends.
Have a wonderful and magical weekend!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sneaky. Very Sneaky.
One of the few things that my daughter actually requires out of a Disney trip is breakfast in Cinderella Castle. I'll have a separate review of Cinderella's Royal Table (CRT, for short), but I think that there's one facet of Maddie's preferred experience that rates a mention.
Take a look at this photograph. It's one of my favorites from our recent trip. It's my friend Theresa and her absolutely ADORABLE daughter Vici, with my daughter and I. Now, once you're past our hotness (and the girls' cuteness), focus on what you see. Or more accurately, what you DON'T see.
Do you see (or not see) it? I promise, it's not a trick: That is a TOTALLY EMPTY MAIN STREET U.S.A. We are alone on the Magic Kingdom's Main Drag.
How did I manage this, you ask? Well, it's because I'm special and amazing and twenty shades of awesome.
Seriously, it's something that just anyone can do. You don't have to be a magical Fairy or a Princess!
Simply schedule your ADR (Advance Dining Reservation) for anytime between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Yes, it's prior to park opening. But CRT and Crystal Palace offer reservations beginning at 8:05 AM. I prefer to have reservations at about 8:30 AM. Security lets the first "wave" of people into the park at 8:00 AM, and you can enter at about 8:15. By that time, most of the crowd has cleared out, and you can luck your way into awesome photos just like this.
Hot babes - and adorable kidlets - not included.
Take a look at this photograph. It's one of my favorites from our recent trip. It's my friend Theresa and her absolutely ADORABLE daughter Vici, with my daughter and I. Now, once you're past our hotness (and the girls' cuteness), focus on what you see. Or more accurately, what you DON'T see.
Do you see (or not see) it? I promise, it's not a trick: That is a TOTALLY EMPTY MAIN STREET U.S.A. We are alone on the Magic Kingdom's Main Drag.
How did I manage this, you ask? Well, it's because I'm special and amazing and twenty shades of awesome.
Seriously, it's something that just anyone can do. You don't have to be a magical Fairy or a Princess!
Simply schedule your ADR (Advance Dining Reservation) for anytime between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Yes, it's prior to park opening. But CRT and Crystal Palace offer reservations beginning at 8:05 AM. I prefer to have reservations at about 8:30 AM. Security lets the first "wave" of people into the park at 8:00 AM, and you can enter at about 8:15. By that time, most of the crowd has cleared out, and you can luck your way into awesome photos just like this.
Hot babes - and adorable kidlets - not included.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Frustrated, Incorporated.
I've written several posts from my beloved Droid, but it appears they have not posted. That's okay, I will just have to re-live our most recent trip as I re-write them. As a random nerdy-girl aside ... Blogger is a Google product. My Droid, although made by Motorola, runs Android (another Google product). So, pray tell, why can't I post properly to my Google blog with my Google phone?
OK, end of rant. On to the important stuff.
I'm having a serious case of MTM today. You know, Missing The Mouse. I long to relax and people-watch at the International Showcase this afternoon. The dole whip from Orange Leaf is lovely, but it's not the same as eating it on the Polynesian beach. And oh, how I'd love to listen to my daughter's delighted squeals while riding Expedition Everest today.
Alas, living in Ohio has certain drawbacks. And by "certain drawbacks", I mean ... it's not Orlando.
So, I'll have to cure my MTM and re-write my posts. Sit tight - I have a lot to say.
OK, end of rant. On to the important stuff.
I'm having a serious case of MTM today. You know, Missing The Mouse. I long to relax and people-watch at the International Showcase this afternoon. The dole whip from Orange Leaf is lovely, but it's not the same as eating it on the Polynesian beach. And oh, how I'd love to listen to my daughter's delighted squeals while riding Expedition Everest today.
Alas, living in Ohio has certain drawbacks. And by "certain drawbacks", I mean ... it's not Orlando.
So, I'll have to cure my MTM and re-write my posts. Sit tight - I have a lot to say.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A Magic Kingdom Meme
According to Wikipedia, "...the term "Internet meme" (pronounced /ˈmiːm/, rhyming with "cream") is used to describe a concept that spreads swiftly via the Internet." Many times, I've participated in memes to combat writer's block or to just be part of the cool kids' crowd. And from time to time, one pops up that's even - gasp - FUN!
So when I ran across this one on MousePlanning, I had to do it. I'm having serious Disney World withdrawals (specifically Magic Kingdom), so this is helping a bit. May I present ...
Hilary's Personal Magic Kingdom Quiz
What are your top 3 favorite attractions in each land in the Magic Kingdom (MK)? (note - I picked out my favorite THINGS from each place, not necessarily a ride or attraction.)
Main Street USA:
1. The Fire Chief that comes out at Rope Drop
2. The view of the castle as you enter the park - nothing quite like that feeling
3. The Emporium, much to my bank account's chagrin
Fantasyland:
1. It’s a Small World
2. PhilHarMagic
3. Dumbo (I'm a recent convert)
Liberty Square:
1. The Haunted Mansion
2. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
3. The Liberty Bell replica (rumor has it that it's from the same mold as the original famous bell)
Frontierland:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Briar Patch shop
Adventureland:
1. Aloha Isle (must we delve into my Dole Whip psychosis again?)
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Tomorrowland (this is my favorite land):
1. Space Mountain
2. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
3. Tomorrowland Speedway (it brings my daughter such joy)
Mickey’s Toontown Fair (my least favorite, due to lines)
1. Minnie’s Country House
2. The WDW Railroad Station
3. The Barnstormer
What are your top 3 favorite MK attractions?
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Space Mountain
What are your least favorite MK attractions?
1. Stitch’s Great Escape - this made me want to hurl
2. The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) - Bring the old one back
3. Character visits (particularly Fairies and Princesses), due to lines
What are your favorite “extinct” MK attractions:
1. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
2. Enchanted Tiki Room (original)
3. Storytime with Belle
What is your favorite table service restaurant in MK?
Cinderella's Royal Table breakfast, prior to park opening. The walk down an empty Main Street, USA is amazing. And the food isn't bad either - they really do have the BEST scrambled eggs in the World. A close second is Crystal Palace - I like the character interactions and the food choices.
What is your favorite counter service restaurant in MK? I have a tie for this one: Either Casey's Corner, or Cosmic Ray's. In a close second place to those, I'll say Columbia Harbour House.
So when I ran across this one on MousePlanning, I had to do it. I'm having serious Disney World withdrawals (specifically Magic Kingdom), so this is helping a bit. May I present ...
What are your top 3 favorite attractions in each land in the Magic Kingdom (MK)? (note - I picked out my favorite THINGS from each place, not necessarily a ride or attraction.)
Main Street USA:
1. The Fire Chief that comes out at Rope Drop
2. The view of the castle as you enter the park - nothing quite like that feeling
3. The Emporium, much to my bank account's chagrin
Fantasyland:
1. It’s a Small World
2. PhilHarMagic
3. Dumbo (I'm a recent convert)
Liberty Square:
1. The Haunted Mansion
2. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe
3. The Liberty Bell replica (rumor has it that it's from the same mold as the original famous bell)
Frontierland:
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Briar Patch shop
Adventureland:
1. Aloha Isle (must we delve into my Dole Whip psychosis again?)
2. Pirates of the Caribbean
3. Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Tomorrowland (this is my favorite land):
1. Space Mountain
2. Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
3. Tomorrowland Speedway (it brings my daughter such joy)
Mickey’s Toontown Fair (my least favorite, due to lines)
1. Minnie’s Country House
2. The WDW Railroad Station
3. The Barnstormer
What are your top 3 favorite MK attractions?
1. Splash Mountain
2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
3. Space Mountain
What are your least favorite MK attractions?
1. Stitch’s Great Escape - this made me want to hurl
2. The Enchanted Tiki Room (Under New Management) - Bring the old one back
3. Character visits (particularly Fairies and Princesses), due to lines
What are your favorite “extinct” MK attractions:
1. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride
2. Enchanted Tiki Room (original)
3. Storytime with Belle
What is your favorite table service restaurant in MK?
Cinderella's Royal Table breakfast, prior to park opening. The walk down an empty Main Street, USA is amazing. And the food isn't bad either - they really do have the BEST scrambled eggs in the World. A close second is Crystal Palace - I like the character interactions and the food choices.
What is your favorite counter service restaurant in MK? I have a tie for this one: Either Casey's Corner, or Cosmic Ray's. In a close second place to those, I'll say Columbia Harbour House.
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