Let it Rain!

Oh no, the sky looks grim!  The clouds are gathering and a thunderstorm is going to shower down and ruin everyone's magical day.  As the rain pounds the ground, everyone scatters and looks for cover to wait out those evening Florida showers that occur so frequently on a particularly hot day.  

I, however, do not run; I do not hide.  I take out my rain jacket, and I keep on going.  I absolutely love Disney in the rain.  I don't know exactly why; maybe I'm crazy; however, I can't help but hope for a rain storm when I start to feel those first tell tale drops of an imminent rain shower.  The rain seems to make the day go by slower, and that means it feels like I have more time in my favorite place.  So, the next time it rains, just throw on your rain gear and keep going!  Hey, you're in Disney World; even the rain is magical!

Haunted Mansion Limited Edition Watch

This is a watch that is supposed to resemble the grandfather clock in the Haunted Mansion just before the seance room.  On the clock in the Mansion, the time ticks backward and the top number is 13, not 12.  This watch does exactly the same thing!  The hands actually tick backwards, which makes it difficult to tell time on this watch.  However, after some practice, it can be done successfully.  The band on this watch also has the words "The Haunted Mansion" imprinted on one side.  On the back of the watch, the three hitch hiking ghosts bid us hello, and the watch is a limited edition of 500.  It also has the year of production on the back (1999).  Overall, this is a fun watch, but I did have to practice telling time on it! Hurrrrry Baaaaaack!

If I could be at Disney World today . . .

Today, I would go to the Magic Kingdom, where I would probably spend a great deal of my time, and I would go and grab lunch at the Columbia Harbor House.  For lunch, I would order the lighthouse sandwich, which is a vegetable and hummus creation.  It is delicious!  Then, I would go and ride the Haunted Mansion and give myself some time to check out the new extension of the queue, and after my lunch had some time to digest, I would go and take a spin on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  It would be a wonderful day indeed!

Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary

Ah, the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World.  That seems so long ago especially with the 40th anniversary being October of this year.  This watch was a special promotion by Kodak so that we could "Remember the Magic."  I really like the fireworks on the watch and the silhouette of the castle.  In addition, this watch came with a black leather band that said "25th Anniversary" and "Walt Disney World," but this band started to disintegrate with age, so I had to change it.  The blue band is nice though because it does match the words on the watch face pretty closely.

The campaign to "Remember the Magic" is actually very close to this year's "Let the Memories Begin" campaign.  I really hope that Disney comes out with a 40th anniversary watch that is not too cost prohibitive because I would love to add it to my collection of watches.  More time pieces to come tomorrow!

Where Dreams Come True!

 

Here is a fun watch!  This watch is from Disney World, and it originally came with a black band, but I am a bigger fan of brightly colored watches, so I changed the band to red.  You can see that the watch has an actual picture for the face with animated characters flying through the air enjoying themselves in the Magic Kingdom.  This watch is large, but it is not too heavy.  The only problem with it is that it doesn't have numbers or even little tick marks for the time.  I have gotten used to the lack of numbers, and I think that numbers or even tick marks would detract from the very nice artwork that composes the face of the watch.  Enjoy! 

Time: It's not always on your side!

Whenever you are in Disney World, doesn't seem like time just goes by in a wink?  When I am at work, I know that time moves at such a slow pace; I just want the minutes to fly by, but they never seem to move any faster.  However, as soon as you arrive in the Magic Kingdom, half of the day is over by the time you have acquired your second fast pass of the day.  

If I could use some of the magic that is present in Disney World, I would try to reverse the way in which time passes.  While I am home or at work, I would want the minutes to tick away very quickly so that I could return to to the magic faster.  Who wants to spend all day working when you could be riding Thunder Mountain or having a blast on Everest?  I know that I would rather be in the World as opposed to the real world in which I live.  Don't get me wrong; I don't lead a bad life, but I really would prefer to spend my time in Fantasyland instead of Realityland.  

With these ideas about time in mind, I will take a little tour of the many Disney watches that I have amassed over the years this week.  Be on the look out for some fantastic photos of these timepieces!  Maybe they will help me to find time to inject a little bit more magic into my day!

Asia in the Animal Kingdom

Everest!

 

 

 

This is such a peaceful spot!

Many people feel like the Animal Kingdom is a waste of time, just a zoo.  However, I think that it is so much more than just a zoo.  Sure, it has animals and habitats, but it is just such a serene place to sit and take in the sights.  My favorite place in Animal Kingdom is Asia.  We love to grab dinner at the Yak and the Yeti.  We really enjoy the food there.  The portions are very filling, and we especially like the mango pie. I love the music that is playing all throughout Asia.  I have it save on my phone, and I listen to it on endless repeat.  


Anyway, when we go to Animal Kingdom, we always try to pay attention to all of the little details that the imagineers painstakingly included in their design of the park.  If you look on the ground, you can see little pieces of plants or footprints in the ground.  Many of the artifacts in the Animal Kingdom are not just props; they actually came from far away lands.  The area around Everest is especially full of these types of items.  Even the queue for Everest is full of all sorts of interesting things to view.  There is even a Yeti museum.  Now, even though the Yeti is still not working as it should, the ride is still enjoyable; even if we have to take a trip back through the disco age with the strobe lights and the looming, but frozen Yeti.  However, I digress. 


Asia is also home to another attraction, the Kali River Rapids.  This ride is not too thrilling, but if you are hot and want to get soaked, this is the place to come.  You will get wet.  Everything you have with you will get wet, so if you want to stay dry, avoid this ride.  In addition, there are some animal habitats in this area of the park.  We love to go and view the animals, especially the bats and the tigers.  There are two different animal treks in the park, the Maharajah Jungle Trek and the Pangani Forest Trail.  Both offer excellent views of animal habitats and the animals themselves.


Overall, the Animal Kingdom may not have as many rides as the other parks, but it is still exciting.  I love the calming sounds of nature and the peaceful setting of this park.  It is definitely one of my favorite places to visit in Disney World.

If I could be at Disney World today . . .

The beauty of Cinderella Castle!

If I could be in Disney World today, I would go to the Magic Kingdom.  I would take the Ferry Boat to get there because I love seeing the castle creep out of the trees as you approach the dock on the boat.  I know the ferry is slow, but that's okay, I don't mind the build up to the excitement.  Once I arrive in the Magic Kingdom, I would take a leisurely stroll down Main Street after I watched the opening of the park welcome show.   Then, I would go and sit on Main Street just to take in the passing sights.  I would listen to the various performers play music; there is usually some sort of band on Main Street in the morning. Then, it's off to shake hands with the Mayor.  After these morning greetings, then I would go and just sit on those yellow chairs with the small tables near the entrance to the Plaza Restaurant.  I could sit and gaze at the castle and just take in the magic.  The castle always looks like it has been freshly polished every morning.  That would be the perfect start to a Saturday morning. Who am I kidding?  This would be the perfect start to any morning!  Well, maybe one day!

Disney World Night Time Shows: Wishes!

The night sky erupts with Wishes!

 One of my other favorite night time shows has to be Wishes.  This fireworks show evokes such emotion from me every time I see it.  The music is fantastic, and the fireworks themselves are very well done.  I have watched this show from a number of different vantage points; however, there is nothing like viewing it from Main Street, USA.  Having the castle as the backdrop really makes the show come alive.  Some other good views involve the area in Liberty Square right in front of the dock for the Liberty Belle. You can sit on the brick wall and have a lovely view of the fireworks.  If you want to be able to see the castle though, then you will be out of luck with this location.  However, if your main goal is to see the fireworks, this is a prime viewing spot.  In addition, you can also hop onto the Haunted Mansion after viewing the fireworks if you make you way over to the queue shortly before the end of the show.  Everyone else will still be waiting for the show to end.  

Now that we have discussed where to watch the show, let's talk about the show itself.  Wishes is my favorite fireworks show because it combines a great musical score in addition to the fireworks themselves.  This show really tells a story, and I like that in a fireworks show.  Conversely, Summer Nightastic was an explosive fireworks show with perimeter fireworks, but the story was lacking for me.  In addition, this show was essentially the same show that could be viewed during the Pirates and Princess Party.  No matter where I stood for this show, I could not hear all of the words nor could I get a really good view of all of the fireworks.  

During Wishes, make sure to look at the castle to see the different projections that are visible.  The castle is turned into a sorcerer's hat and a multitude of other surprises.  My favorite part of the show is when the individual red fireworks are shot from behind the castle to look like a scene from Fantasia, where Mickey has to deal with the sorcerer, Yensid.  Speaking of castle projections, we also had the opportunity to see the "Let the Memories Begin: The Magic, the Memories, and You" show that involves the castle as a sort of canvas for some hi-tech artwork.  This show is hard to describe, and pictures and videos really don't do it justice.  It is just amazing.  There are times when it appears that doors are opening in the castle, and the castle is changing colors.  This show is definitely worth seeing.  I was skeptical at first because I didn't want anything to sully the beauty of the castle.  However, this show is tastefully done, and I really enjoyed it. 

Well, that's all for today. Remember, all our wishes can come true; they are shining deep down inside of us, because that my friends, is where the magic lives!

Disney World Night Time Shows

  

Here's Mickey battling evil in Fantasmic!

On a recent trip to Disney World, we had the opportunity to see Fantasmic, Wishes, and the Let the Memories Begin Castle Show.  All of these shows had their own appeal, but I am going to discuss the attributes of each and some pitfalls too. 

First, let's begin with Fantasmic.  By far, this is my favorite night show because of the combination of the story, music, characters and the fire works at the end of the show.  Fantasmic takes place in Hollywood Studios in the Hollywood Hills Ampitheater, which is located near the Tower of Terror.  In order to see this show, you should definitely arrive at least an hour early, and this is when the waiting begins.  The shows are often very crowded, which is why you have to get there early.  Ever since Disney decided to limit the shows to just a few per week, people try very hard to get in to every showing.  However, if you don't mind waiting in the parks until a little later, then you can view the second showing of Fantasmic.  This second showing seems to be less crowded than the first showing.  We always try to make the first showing though, because if there is a heavy rain storm, we want to have a second chance at seeing the show.  Anyway, when you do get to sit down, the best seats to try to acquire are the ones in the top section toward the right of the stage, if you are looking at the stage.  These seats afford an excellent view, and they also allow you to make a quick exit from the show when the sea of humanity tries to run out all at once.  Make sure that you position yourself in a way so that you can see around the pole in the center of the seating section.  

Now, if you are on the dining plan or you want to spring some extra money for a table service, the Fantasmic dining package is totally worth the cost.  You can eat at Momma Melrose, Hollywood and Vine, or the Brown Derby in order to take advantage of this package.  We opted for Momma Melrose on a recent trip, and the food was excellent.  At the end of your meal, your server will give you a ticket that will allow you to gain entrance to Fantasmic from an alternate entrance that will cut down significantly on your wait.  You can avoid the often rude sea of humanity, and you can make your way to your reserved seats, which offer a great vantage point.  A word of caution: make sure you keep your ticket with you, even just if you are going to the restroom.  The Disney workers are very strict about this, and they will not let you back in unless you have your ticket.  


After you take your seat, the magic begins when the show starts.  Basically, the premise of the story is that Mickey is going to battle evil in his dreams, which start of happy and full of good guys, but then turn into a nightmare.  There are many characters in this show, and this is quite enjoyable.  Little one may become scared during the show at points, but overall, it is not too scary.  There are projections onto screens of water, and there is even a riverboat filled with Disney characters at the end of the show.  Now, my favorite part is at the end of the show when Sorcerer Mickey conducts a symphony of fireworks.  People often get up and leave during this portion of the show, but then they try to stop in the aisles to watch the exciting end, but the castmembers do not allow this for safety reasons.  My advice, just sit there and watch the awesome ending to the show.  Leaving the theater is not that bad, and it is fun to see Mickey perform his magic on the stage.  If you must leave though; please don't block the view of the people who are sitting and waiting for the end of the show.  


When you do exit the show, there are two exits.  I recommend taking the exit to the right of the stage (if you are looking at the stage).  Don't go all the way back down the ramp on which you entered.  If you stay at  the top level and walk all the way to this exit on the right (looking at the stage), you will exit in a much quicker way.  Now, if you have to retrieve a stroller, then you will have to make sure to exit in such a way that you go past the stroller parking area.  


Overall, Fantasmic is a magical experience, but some people can be rude when you are waiting for the show to start.  Try not to let this bother you and take it easy.  Realistically, you will be waiting a while for the show to start, so bring something to entertain yourself and your little ones.  My husband and I always have our iphones handy for wasting time.  In addition, you can always trade pins with castmembers.  I am a big fan of pin trading, so I enjoy doing this.  Whatever you do, try to be patient. Remember, you are here to have a good time!  


While you are waiting, castmembers will be selling a multitude of light up items.  We always bring our own light up bracelets.  We buy the kind that you can pop and then wear for the rest of the evening.  They usually come in a tube of ten or fifteen.  These are far more cost effective, and you can throw them away when you are done.  In addition, if you must purchase a light up item, my advice would be to purchase a drink at one of the restaurants that comes with a light up Buzz Lightyear or a Tinkerbell.  This drink and light up characters only cost about $5 or $6, when the lightup Mickey or Tinkerbell sold on the carts will cost you at least $10, and they are not even as bright or as cute as the other light up characters that you can purchase at the restaurants.  Most eateries sell these; I bought mine at the Sci Fi Dine In, which is located in Hollywood Studios.  


Well, that's Fantasmic for you!  It is awesome and definitely merits a visit.  I'll talk about Wishes and the Castle show next time!

Welcome to My Blog!

      After a recent trip to Disney World, I decided that I wanted to write my own thoughts about the happiest place on Earth.  I enjoy reading other people's blogs, and I think that I know enough about "the world" to lend my own thoughts.  I have been to Disney World at least 30 times, and we have had so much fun on each trip.  I just love walking under that train station and seeing Main Street.  Then, it's time for the big reveal, Cinderella Castle.  It doesn't matter how many times I see this sight, it still brings a tear to my eyes every time.  It is just so perfect, so beautiful.  As you walk down Main Street, the smell of popcorn mixed with the smells from the confectionary are like heaven.  There is no better smell on Earth! 

     In addition to discussing Disney, I also want to take a look at Disney related souvenirs through the years.  I have quite a few, but I am most interested in bags of any type from any of the Disney parks.  I love to hang on to plastic bags, tote bags, purses, any type of bag.  If you have any pictures of bags that you would like to contribute, I would most appreciative.  Well, that's it for now. There will be more to follow soon!