One Little Spark

“One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation. . . .” On March 5^th, 1983, Dreamfinder and Figment started singing this song when the Journey into Imagination ride opened in Epcot Center at Walt Disney World.  This whimsical attraction allowed guests to board a ride vehicle and journey with Figment and Dreamfinder into the world of imagination.  This incarnation of the ride was very different than the current Imagination ride.  During the course of this attraction, Figment needed our help to fill up the idea bag, and these ideas would help to fuel the rest of our journey through the wondrous world of an active imagination.  After the ride, guests were invited to play in the Imageworks and experience all sorts of technology that allowed them to engage their imaginations with the childlike wonder that they have just learned from Figment.  My brother and I loved this ride as children, and we enjoyed conversing with Figment and Dreamfinder when they used to make appearances outside their attraction.  You couldn’t help but sing Dreamfinder’s catchy tune as you exited, “Imagination, imagination, A dream, can be a dream come true.  With just that spark, in me and you!”

Walking Right Down the Middle of Memory Lane

On a recent trip to Disneyland, I took the photo that you see at the beginning of this article.  This photo captures several attractions that no longer exist in their original forms, so I thought it would be interesting to explore the history of two of these attractions.  First, the circular building housed the Carousel of Progress from 1967 to 1973.  This attraction can still be experienced in Walt Disney World in Florida, but when it opened at Disneyland, it was not exactly brand new.  Before the Carousel of Progress arrived in Disneyland, it had already been a part of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.  This show was part of the General Electric Pavilion during the World’s Fair, and the audio animatronics that are the central focus of the show were new innovations in technology at this point in time.  After the show played in Disneyland, it was moved to Florida and re-opened in 1975.  The Carousel of Progress is still going strong in Walt Disney World as we speak. 

After the Carousel of Progress moved to the East Coast, another musical number opened up in its place.  America Sings took the place of the Carousel of Progress, and this show was another audio animatronics based show, except the actors were all animals.  These animals sang songs that took the audience on a journey through history with the central focus being different types of music.  The animal figures still exist today, and they make their home in Disneyland’s Splash Mountain.  America Sings closed its doors in 1988, and the building just sat vacant for several years. Finally, in 1998, Innoventions opened in the Carousel of Progress Theater. 

When all of the singing animals from America Sings and the family from the Carousel of Progress were doing their shows on the first floor of this structure, what was happening up on the second level? Long ago, the entire model for Progress City was displayed for all to see on the second level of the theater.  You can still catch a glimpse of a small section of this model when you ride the TTA Peoplemover in the Magic Kingdom in Florida. The model is no longer in tact, and what you can see of it today is just a tiny piece of one of the original concepts for EPCOT the city.  If this topic interests you, check out a book called Walt and the Promise of Progress City by Sam Gennawey.

Now, when you examine this photo for more remnants of the Disneyland that was, you can’t help but notice a rocket ship.  This ship was called the Moonliner, and it was part of the entrance to the attraction, Rocket to the Moon from 1955 to 1961.  This attraction was sponsored by TWA, and eventually became Flight to the Moon in 1967, then Mission to Mars from 1975-1992, and finally Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in 1998.  From 1967 to 1998, the rocket was missing; however it returned with the Tomorrowland overhaul in 1998.  This rocket is not quite as tall as the Moonliner, but this smaller rocket is a friendly homage to Disneyland’s past.  I hope you have enjoyed my journey down memory lane, and the next time you visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, try to think about the attractions that are no longer present.  It is fun to figure out where they were and how the parks have changed over the past almost sixty years.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

Bibliography:

Weiss, Werner.  “General Electric Carousel of Progress.” Yesterland. N.p., 2007.  Web.  25 February 2013.

Weiss, Werner.  “ Rocket to the Moon.” Yesterland.  N.p., 2010.  Web.  25 February 2013.

Returning from Disneyland

       We just arrived home after a wonderful trip to Disneyland!  We arrived on Saturday, and we came home late Wednesday night of this past week, which allowed us time to explore all of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  We ate at the Blue Bayou, Storytellers Café, Steakhouse 55, Carthay Circle, Wine Country Trattoria, Café Orleans, Rancho Del Zocalo, and the Carnation Café.  Needless to say, we experienced some fine culinary masterpieces at these restaurants. 

         We also spent time in Carsland, which is just as intricately detailed as everyone says it is.  It really feels like you are stepping into the movie. Radiator Springs Racers is both an exciting ride and a nod to the detailed storytelling that we have come to expect from Disney.  We went on this attraction three times, and I highly recommend it.  The quality of the audio-animatronic Cars is top notch, and the ride is thrilling, but not too wild.  The setting for the queue is beautiful, and it is easy to forget that the mountains are really sculpted and did not occur naturally.  We just enjoyed walking around Carsland when all of the neon was glowing and the music was playing.  This area has added some much needed ambiance to California Adventure. 

          Speaking of ambiance, Buena Vista Street is absolutely stunning.  We walked in all of the stores and really felt transported back to the 1920s when Walt Disney Productions was still just a dream in its infancy.  This area of the park is exciting and filled with so much detail.  I know that I will find even more of these details on future trips to the Disneyland Resort. 

Another highlight of the trip to California Adventure was dining at the Carthay Circle.  This restaurant was beautiful, and the food was unbelievable.  I ordered the mushroom risotto, and my husband ordered the steak.  The quality of the food and the service really made us feel like we were important people dining at a star-studded establishment.  We will definitely return to this restaurant on future trips to California. 

           On this trip, we divided our time between California Adventure and Disneyland.  Walking into Disneyland for me is always so strange because I go to Disney World so much.  I expect to see certain things, but then, instead of Cinderella Castle, I spot the Matterhorn.  Instead of seeing the Peoplemover, I just see empty tracks.  There were several times that we exited a ride and I was ready to go in one direction but realized that this direction would not be correct because I was not in Florida. 

      Overall, I truly enjoy my trips out to the original Disney Park.  I love seeing the old photos of Walt and the Imagineers that are hanging all over the parks and the resorts in California.  When you walk though Disneyland, you can definitely feel Walt’s presence.  I know that many people say that, but it is so true.  I like looking at the lantern in the Firehouse, and seeing it lit reminds me that Walt Disney is still present in spirit in all of his parks.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

Disneyland Bound

            Like any serious Disney fans, we have had the desire to visit the original Happiest Place on Earth in California, and we made that pilgrimage last year during the Christmas season.  We enjoyed ourselves so much that we are going back to Disneyland in just two short weeks.  Unlike our last trip, we will have three and a half days to explore the parks.  Last time, we had such a short trip that we felt so rushed.  There were many attractions and areas that we simply did not have time to visit.  This year, we are looking forward to examining all of the details that make Disneyland such a special place.

            I am most looking forward to riding the classic rides that are similar to their Florida counterparts but also very different.  For instance, Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland is far superior to its Florida cousin.  The attraction is so much longer and tells a more cohesive story, not to mention the level of atmosphere that the Blue Bayou restaurant creates as you first embark on the ride.  We plan on riding Pirates many times just so we can take in the entire environment that has been so meticulously created.  Of course, I am also looking forward to seeing my old friend Mr. J. Thaddeus Toad.  I loved that ride as a child at WDW, and I am always excited to take a journey down the road of nostalgia. In addition, we love walking into Disneyland and feeling right at home on Main Street; it is so similar to the Magic Kingdom in Florida, but also so very different.  It is a very odd feeling, but not an unwelcome one.

            As for rides that only exist in Disneyland, we really enjoy the Casey Junior Circus Train.  We will fight our way to the caboose because that is the best seat!  Also, the Indiana Jones Adventure is exciting and does not exist in Florida.  I also can’t wait to ride the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.  I know that sounds sort of boring, but I cannot help but feel like I have stepped back in time on this type of ride.  We had so much fun paddling the canoe and just seeing the Rivers of America from a different angle.  The Storybook Land Canal Boats are also such a nod to the exquisite use of tiny, intricate details that make Disneyland so special.

            On our last trip, we spent just a few hours in California Adventure, so we really did not see much of that park.  Now, with the addition of Carsland, there is so much to see and do that we will be spending more time at DCA.  We cannot wait to ride the Radiator Springs Racers as well as just take in the details of this new land.  Also, we are going to dine at the Carthay Circle one evening, so I am sure that will be a wonderful experience as well. Buena Vista Street was under construction on our last visit, so we will also be able to explore that whole new area on this trip.

     All in all, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Disneyland and explore uncharted territory as well as re-visit old favorites.  We just have to wait two more weeks, and speaking on behalf of my husband and I, we are ready to go right now!  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

       

This Ride Has Gone 101

“Looks like Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear are causing some kind of commotion down stream.” “Playful spooks have interrupted your tour.”  These spiels may sound familiar to you if you have ever had a ride in Walt Disney World go 101.  What does that mean?  Well, going 101 is castmember speak for the ride breaking down or having some sort of technical difficulty.  Sometimes, we have heard these announcements when a handicapped person is having trouble loading, and the castmembers have to stop the ride so that these guests can safely load.  When a ride breaks down and we get stuck, you might think that we are upset or irritated at the delay; however, after so many trips to the World, we always welcome a ride break down.  When this happens, the castmembers will help you evacuate the ride to the nearest safe location.  This means that you get to see backstage sections of the ride that you would never normally see.  This is always a welcome occurrence for my husband and I. 

            We have been evacuated off very few rides considering how many times we visit WDW every year.  One memorable experience occurred on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  The ride stopped when we were very close to pulling into the station, and we waited for a few minutes.  After the delay, a castmember approached our train, and he told us that we would have to exit the ride.  There were very specific instructions for disembarking.  We had to follow the row in front of us, and we had to stand in a certain spot actually on stage in the ride.  We had to wait until the exact moment we were instructed to walk, and then we had to follow the leader to the exit.  This was very exciting, but I wish we had been deeper in the ride so that we could have seen more of the ride itself.  As we were leaving the ride, we were given fastpasses that could be used for any ride throughout the park; this token was intended to compensate us for having to spend precious time stuck on this attraction.

On one trip through Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, we were delayed in the ride, which will provide you with a great boost to your score.  We just kept shooting until we had both reached the maximum score, and we both proudly became Galactic Heroes.  After a while of being stuck, eventually the house lights came on, and we could really see many different parts of the ride that are normally concealed by the semi-darkness.  It was neat to see the ride in this way.  We have also seen Space Mountain with the lights on while we were riding through on the Peoplemover, which is a ride on which we have been delayed many, many times.

On our most recent trip, we were stuck on Pirates of the Caribbean, and the boats were stacking up behind us.  It looked like we were going to be stuck in those caves for a pretty long time when a castmember came out and told the crew on the boat in front of us that they were going to have to perform the “boat dance.”  We wondered what this was, but our questions were soon answered when we saw the crew swaying back and forth to unstick the boat.  After a few minutes of synchronized movement, the boat eventually unstuck, and we were able to continue our journey.  This boat actually became stuck several times during our ride, but now we knew the secret boat dance, so all was well. 

One ride I would never want to be stuck on is Expedition Everest.  We were chatting with some other guests while waiting in line, and they were discussing their experience of being stuck on this ride.  They told us how they had to climb down hundreds of steps to make it down the mountain.  I think that I could successfully do this; however, I would never want to travel down the tiny steps that sit on the side of the very tall lift hill at the beginning of the ride.

Even though getting stuck on rides might seem like a real letdown, try to see the positive side.  You will get to see exciting backstage areas, and you will get to view the ride in a new light, sometimes literally.  Maybe one day, you will be like us and actually hope that the ride goes 101!  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

A Magical New Year's Eve

I have spent the past 13 New Year’s Eves at Walt Disney World.  You might think that I am crazy for subjecting myself to the crowds and the general insanity of the Disney Parks on such a busy day, but I wouldn’t spend my New Year’s anywhere else.  The trick to having a successful Disney New Year’s is to enter into the day with realistic expectations of what you plan to accomplish in the park of your choice.  You should not go to the Magic Kingdom expecting to get onto every E ticket attraction with reasonable wait times.  You should not expect to be unencumbered by huge crowds.  Finally, you should not expect to walk up to a restaurant that requires reservations and just be seated; you must make advanced dining reservations if you plan to eat at a table service restaurant on such a crowded holiday.  With all of this information in mind, I will share our game plan for enjoying New Year’s Eve without becoming too stressed out or overwhelmed.

In order to begin the process of planning our most recent trip, we took the time to figure out where we wanted to be on New Year’s Eve.  From previous experience, we know that the Magic Kingdom has New Year’s fireworks on December 30 as well as December 31^st. These are the exact same fireworks; the show is the same, and there is even a countdown to midnight.  The crowds are far more manageable, and you can actually enjoy the park without being crushed by fellow guests.  We made dining reservations for the Plaza that night, so we were able to sit down and escape the crowds for a little while as we waited for the countdown and fireworks to begin.  I think that we planned very well, and we really enjoyed the pre-New Year’s celebration at the Magic Kingdom.  However, one thing that always irritates me is the non-park music that is blasted throughout the park.  I could hear Everybody Dance Now and other crowd dance party favorites as I was trying to enjoy the Carousel of Progress.  That really took away from my experience in the Magic Kingdom.  That music does not belong there; maybe I am a purist, but there it is.  Other than the music, the Magic Kingdom experience did not disappoint.  The fireworks were fantastic, and the perimeter fireworks were especially impressive.  The Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show is one of my favorite nighttime shows at Disney World.  

Now, for New Year’s Eve, we visited the Magic Kingdom during the first half of the day and went on a few attractions as well as ate lunch.  As we were leaving Magic Kingdom, we saw the entrance line extend from the welcome sign for at least a half a mile.  I was glad that we were headed elsewhere at that point.  From what we could gather, Magic Kingdom was experiencing a Phase 3 closure, which means that Annual Passholders and resort guests as well as people with reservations can enter the park, but everyone else was being turned away.  After this, we returned to our hotel room for some sleep time in order to prepare for the New Year’s Eve festivities at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Again, we had dining reservations at the Studios, so we were covered.  We dined at the Sci-Fi Dine In, and we had a wonderful meal.  Then, it was off to Fantasmic.  We waited in quite a lengthy line for the 10 pm show, but we made it in, and we even had pretty good seats.  The weather was good, and we loved the show (we always do!).  Then, we had to decide what to do next, and neither my husband nor I thought that we would make it till midnight, so we exited the park and headed back to the Pop Century.  We were sad to leave before the fireworks, but we faced a ten hour drive the next day, and we had to rest up.  All in all, we had a wonderful New Year’s in Disney, and I will be ready to do it again next year.  I know that many people think that spending this holiday in Disney is crazy due to the crowds, but if you plan out your trip, you really can have a positive experience.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

   

Disney World Shopping Spree

                 

After a recent trip to Walt Disney World, I can honestly say that I had to talk myself down from buying merchandise.  To those who know me, this is not such a strange occurrence.  I  LOVE buying things in Disney World and just shopping in the stores.  However, there was so much fantastic merchandise that I really had to pick and choose what I purchased on this trip. With regard to my souvenir likes and dislikes, I do not want the same shirt every year with just a different year plastered under a picture of the Fab 5.  I really want the specific stuff that seems to cater to a very niche market of Disney fans. 

                  With this information in mind, I will describe to you just a few things that just happened to jump into my shopping bag.  First, I have an addiction to the Disney Dooney and Burke purses.  I have seven of them!  I know that is slightly ridiculous, but alas, I can’t help myself when it comes to high end Disney purses.  I purchased the nylon sketch pattern on this trip in the hobo purse.  I love this bag, and I have already received many compliments on it.  In addition, I purchased one of the mini-Mickey Mouse ear hats.  These hats are new, and they follow the same design as the larger ear hats.  The hat I purchased is pink, and you can wear it with a tiny hair clip in your hair, as a key chain, and it even comes with a chin-strap if you want to wear it that way.  Now, my dream is to somehow affix this tiny hat to my dog’s head and take her picture.  My dog, Lydia, hates hats, so that should be an interesting experiment.  

              

                                                    

               We also were lucky enough to experience New Fantasyland on this trip, so we went to Gaston’s Tavern.  Guess what?   They have souvenir cups that you can buy!  Of course, I had to have one, so I purchased the Gaston version of the cup, and my husband and I shared a LeFou’s brew.  It was quite a refreshing drink.  I am sure that there are all sorts of different souvenirs to buy in New Fantasyland.  We also visited Hollywood Studios, and we took a walk through the stores in this park.  I purchased a t-shirt with one of Walt Disney’s quotes from the opening speech for Disneyland.   This shirt is gray, and it is very simple.  The quote is written in the center of the shirt, and it reads, “ To all who come to this happy place, welcome.”  I absolutely love this!  There were a few other retro shirts with quotes and old pictures of Mickey Mouse and various other characters.  Of course, I wanted many of these, but I settled for just one of them. 

                  Finally, I purchased some winter gear for our upcoming Christmas trip.  This gear includes a plush retro Minnie Mouse ear hat that serves as a winter hat.  Attached to this hat is a scarf, and at the end of the scarf are gloves that look like the Mouse gloves.  It is so cute, and it comes in Mickey and Minnie versions. 

                                                                              

                  All of these souvenirs were fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed purchasing them, and I know I will love to use them on our next trips and also at home.  My wallet is a lot lighter, but we had a great time on our trip last weekend to the World.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!