Good morning from Philadelphia International Airport! I'm officially en route to Walt Disney World for a week-long stay at the Pop Century, with days planned for each park, Downtown Disney, and of course the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon (as if you couldn't tell by our shirts)! Be sure to like Haleigh's Once Upon a Blog on Facebook for photo updates from the trip, the race, and what's happening around the resort. Be sure tell me your must-dos in the comments below!
See ya real soon!
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No trip to Walt Disney World is complete without checking out the Magic Kingdom's nightly spectacular, Wishes! This spectacular display in undoubtedly one of my favorite experiences WDW has to offer, and I really believe everyone should plan to see it at least once during their vacation, whether they're a first-timer or a seasoned Disney veteran. With all of the current construction going on around the Cinderella Castle hub area in the park, it may be a little tricky getting the perfect viewing spot if you'll be visiting soon. But don't fret, because there are many places other than the famous hub to see the show! Check out some of my favorite (and non-traditional) venues to see the fireworks: **Tomorrowland bridge to the right of the hub Can't find a spot right in front of the castle? Try moving just to your right and claiming a spot on the bridge to Tomorrowland! While this area might be closed off during nights with heavy guest foot traffic (like we experienced this past New Year's Eve), it offers a great view if it's open. You can still pretty much see Cinderella Castle straight on, and you can get a closer look at Tinkerbell as she flies literally right above the bridge from the top turret of the castle. Plus, you can clearly hear the show's soundtrack from this spot! Since this is a pathway connecting the hub to another land of the park there will be people walking through during the show, but there is normally a specific path marked with masking tape and an accompanying Cast Member directing traffic. **Main Street USA Train Station In addition to the main castle hub area, Main Street USA also fills up during fireworks. If you walk a little closer to the park exit, you'll find the Train Station, which boasts an up-high viewing spot for the show directly facing the front of the castle. This is a great venue for viewing, and also offers a quick getaway after the finale right to the park exit below. Make sure to head to this area a little sooner than 30 minutes prior to showtime though, as it can fill quickly! **New Fantasyland While a good part of the area behind Cinderella Castle is blocked off during fireworks as a safety precaution (i.e. potential fallout), New Fantasyland back a little further offers stunning views of the show from the perspective of the Magic Kingdom's two other castles: The Beast's castle and Prince Eric's castle. You can still clearly hear the soundtrack, foot traffic is reduced as everyone is closer to the hub and Main Street, and you get a 360-degree perimeter feel as fireworks are shot off both in front of and behind you! It's also definitely a great option if you've got later dining reservations at Be Our Guest or want to ride Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid one last time before the park closes. **Disney's Polynesian Village Resort beach People often forget that you can still catch stellar views of the fireworks once you exit the park. One of these locations adds a particularly extra tropical feel on the beach at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Situated right on the Seven Seas Lagoon across from the Magic Kingdom, this resort boasts a beautiful beach area with sand and hammocks perfect for a less stressful viewing experience. The Polynesian is accessible from the Magic Kingdom via the Monorail, so you can make it there from the park in about 20 minutes or so. With all of the construction going on at this resort (it's going through a major expansion and refurbishment) some areas might be off limits, so check everything out well before showtime to make sure you can access the beach for viewing. **Disney's Contemporary Resort balconies Another awesome spot outside of the Magic Kingdom! The Contemporary can be found directly next to the park, even accessible by a walking trail, so it's very close by and easy to get to after a long day of fun. There are multiple observation decks at this resort for fireworks viewing, and you can even see Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain from most vantage points! See my photo above - That was our view from one the stairway balconies on New Year's Eve 2014! You can access the main observation deck on level four of the resort, where the main gift shops and dining areas are found, or you can snag a viewing spot on the deck right outside of The California Grill if you're dining there that evening. There are also smaller balconies along the outdoor stairwells of the resort that connect guest room levels, but be mindful those doors cannot be opened from the outside, so you'll have to walk all the way down the stairs to ground level once the show is over. **Transportation and Ticket Center This is another great viewing spot in front of the Seven Seas Lagoon that is easily accessible by the Monorail right from the Magic Kingdom. The TTC serves as the main parking lot for the park, complete with it's own Monorail and ferryboat stations, and if you position yourself right between these stations, you can directly see Cinderella Castle in the distance and hear the show's soundtrack! The lighting won't be reduced in this area like it is in the park, but it's a much less crowded spot that again allows for a quick exit to your vehicle after the finale before the crowds disperse. I wouldn't recommend this viewing location for first-timers, as you really want to be closer to Cinderella Castle, but it's a great option nonetheless. You don't want to miss Wishes, so be sure to secure your viewing spot (wherever you may choose) with plenty of time before it's set to begin that evening. This show is one of the most popular experiences around Walt Disney World, and it brings in many guests every night. FastPass+ viewing is offered for this show, so you always have that options as well (if it's available that night). Have a plan for the day you want to visit the Magic Kingdom and be prepared to stake your claim at least 30 minutes ahead of showtime (and even an hour beforehand, if you're visiting during peak times). Also remember that Disney's entertainment schedule is always subject to change, and weather can affect showtimes. Be sure to check out https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/magic-kingdom/wishes-nighttime-spectacular/ for complete info on the show and some additional tips. Where do you like to enjoy Wishes? Tell me in the comments below! Until the next post, see ya real soon! If you're planning an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World with big-time Disney character fans in your travel party, then consider adding a magical Character Dining experience to your plans! These one-of-a-kind meet and greet opportunities Disney has perfected are great for getting photos and autographs from many of your favorite pals in one place, at one time, all while having a fabulous meal. Whether you're a princess fan, love the "Fab Five," or want to spend extra time in the Hundred Acre Wood, there are multiple places for you to have a meal alongside your favorites. Not familiar with Character Dining? Still on the fence whether your family would enjoy the experience or not? Check out some of my tips for making reservations and getting the most out of your meal: **Find the right fit for your family There are over a dozen Character Dining opportunities to choose from at WDW, so be sure you're picking the right one for your family/travel party. If you're looking for a more upscale location where you can dine alongside royalty, then you might want to consider Cinderella's Royal Table at The Magic Kingdom or Akershus at EPCOT. Want a buffet venue that's more on the casual side? Then look into a meal at Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort or The Crystal Palace at The Magic Kingdom. Pay attention to menu choices, variety of characters, and costs as well. If you really want to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and other members of the "Fab Five" classic character group, a breakfast at 1900 Park Fare with Disney's British friends doesn't quite fit the bill. Looking to indulge in cuisine fit for a more sophisticated palette? Then dinner at Mickey's Backyard BBQ probably won't fulfill that desire. Take your time looking at the options and know what you're getting yourself into. **Make your reservations EARLY With all of Disney's new capabilities through My Magic+ and the My Disney Experience site/app, take advantage of the opportunity to make your dining reservations early, even up to 180 days in advance of your trip! Disney is well-known for it's Character Dining opportunities, and many locations are guest favorites, some requiring advance reservations to get a table. Even if you're traveling during non-peak seasons or typically less busy times of the year, these restaurants will fill up quicker than you can say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (whew, that was a tough one to type). Play it safe and reserve your table as soon as your intended day becomes available. Tip: You'll need to submit credit card info to confirm your reservation, so have it handy or add it to your profile on your My Disney Experience account beforehand. You won't be charged when you make your reservation, but you will if you don't cancel within the given window of time or show up for that meal. Some of the more popular locations like Cinderella's Royal Table may require up-front payment when you first make your reservation, so be prepared for that as well. **Traveling on a budget? Consider breakfast vs. dinner Really want to experience Character Dining, but are on a tighter vacation budget? Consider dining for breakfast instead of dinner (if it's available at your desired location). Breakfast meal costs, especially at the various buffet locations, typically cost less per person. Plus, you can fill up at the start of your day so you don't have to worry about saving up for dinner and feeling hungry in the meantime. And if you make your reservation early enough in the day, you can get into the parks before they're officially open to the public! This means getting to leisurely stroll to the restaurant, get pictures for your vacation album without photo-bombs from random strangers, and take in all of the stunning scenery without feeling like you're in the way of other guests. It adds a little extra magic to the start of your day. **Be prepared for your meal This goes without saying, but make sure your family is prepared for your character meal before you arrive. Make sure your entire party arrives at the location ahead of your reservation time to check-in, you have enough money to pay the bill, you bring along a fully charged camera/phone to capture photos, and your all-important autograph book is in your park bag with a pen or sharpie too. And if you want to take your Character Dining experience up a notch, be sure to dress up for the location you're visiting! Characters love to see themselves on your clothing and accessories, and they love to add to your special vacation memories if you've got celebration buttons on. Tip: When you arrive at your table, seat children or guests particularly excited about meeting the characters in the spots closest to the aisles around your table. This will make it easier for the characters to lean in for photos and give hugs. And leave your autograph book open and out on the edge of the table also closest to the aisle so they can clearly see you'd like for them to sign your book. Make sure that pen cap is off, too! **Enjoy every moment! Remember, you're going to be getting nose to nose (or nose to snout) with Disney friends, so don't be shy and HAVE FUN! Sometimes character meet and greets in the parks can feel rushed and chaotic, so take every opportunity to spend as much time with the characters as you can, give big hugs, and capture all of the magical moments. Plus, take the time to rest your feet and fill your tummy - These meals serve as great relaxation opportunities indoors, too! Check out some of my favorite Character Dining spots around Walt Disney World: -Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort -Cinderella's Royal Table at The Magic Kingdom -Disney Junior Play 'n Dine at Disney's Hollywood Studios -The Crystal Palace at The Magic Kingdom -The Garden Grill at EPCOT Character Dining is a great way to meet many Disney friends at once, enjoy five-star meals only Disney can dream up, and relax a little bit during your vacation. Even at 23, without children of my own yet, I still get giddy meeting characters and spending a little bit of extra time with them. While it's an experience that comes at a little higher cost, it's so worth it. To check out all of the Character Dining experiences Walt Disney World has to offer, be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/#/character-dining/ for more information. Do you have any memorable moments from a Disney character meal? Share them with me in the comments below! Until the next post, see ya real soon! As Walt once said: "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." Well, Disney Theme Parks and Resorts continues to uphold that standard set by the original Imagineer and build upon our beloved parks, attractions, and experiences so they may live on forever. And sometimes, that means saying goodbye to some favorites to make way for new technologies and innovations. It isn't always easy, but we have to trust that something bigger, better, and more magical is on the horizon. While it's not Throwback Thursday just yet, I wanted to take a look back at some of my favorites that I've said goodbye to over the years and the magical memories that live on with them. 1. Spectromagic nighttime parade- Magic Kingdom Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE me some Main Street Electrical Parade, but I also dearly miss MK's original nighttime Parade spectacle, Spectromagic. This glittering, fantastical display ran from 1991 to 1999 and then returned for a second go-around from 2001 to 2010. Like the current Main Street Electrical Parade, it featured thousands of sparkling lights, a fantastic score of new and classic Disney tunes, and my favorite Jiminy Cricket as your host and narrator. The floats included units for The Little Mermaid, Fantasia, and Cinderella, among other favorites, and not to mention an incredible cast of characters and dancers. While I know I'd hate to see the Main Street Electrical Parade go, I'd also rejoice in seeing Spectromagic come back! 2. Tarzan Rocks! stage show - Disney's Animal Kingdom This is one show I genuinely miss over the current production that is housed in the Theater in the Wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom (No offense, Nemo fans!). Now staging Finding Nemo: The Musical, the once open-air theater was home to Tarzan Rocks!, a 30-minute stage journey through the story and music of Disney's Tarzan. It ran from 1999-2006 and featured a cast of dancers, acrobats, singers, live musicians, and inline skaters. The theater closed in 2006 so it could be refurbished to it's current air-conditioned, indoor location and the show was never performed again. The current Nemo show is definitely cute and a fun time for younger guests, but it can't hold a candle to this! And who doesn't love Phil Collins?! 3. Disney Channel Rocks! street show - Disney's Hollywood Studios Another show I dearly miss and secretly wish would magically appear any time I visit DHS. This mini parade and outdoor show featured some tunes from Disney Channel's then-current hits like The Cheetah Girls, High School Musical, and Camp Rock, among others, and a cast of talented singers and dancers. It took place in front of the giant Sorcerer Mickey hat at various times throughout the day, and little ones even got to get involved during a dance number with the cast. The energy was always high and really livened up the courtyard in front of the Great Movie Ride. It ran from 2010 to 2013 and wasn't replaced by anything new after it's final run. RIP, DCR... 4. PUSH the talking trashcan - Magic Kingdom Why did PUSH ever have to leave?! This magical, talking waste receptacle entertained guests in Tomorrowland and in front of Cinderella Castle all day long with wise-cracking jokes, tricks, and songs. After a third-party contract ended, PUSH permanently left the Magic Kingdom and hasn't been seen since. My family will particularly always remember the time he warmed up the crowd before the 3:00 parade only to then exclaim "THERE'S A BUG ON ME! GET IT OFF ME! GET IT OFF ME!" We'll miss you PUSH - You could never be replaced! 5. Maelstrom attraction - EPCOT This classic attraction in World Showcase's Norway pavilion closed just this past Fall after the announcement that it will refurbished into a Frozen-inspired area with a character meet and greet location, restrooms, and revamped attraction. It was previously a moderate thrill level ride through the story of Norway's troll legends, Viking folklore, and current economic state (odd, I know), and definitely had a cult following of devoted fans. I particularly enjoyed the attraction as I have Norwegian ancestry in my family history, and was sad to see if go. But, it did open in 1988, and I think the Frozen facelift will capture many new fans and make EPCOT a little more attractive for younger guests. 6. The Magic, The Memories, and You nighttime spectacular - Magic Kingdom While I do enjoy the current Celebrate the Magic castle projection show that replaced this innovative nighttime masterpiece, nothing will be able to ever live up to the emotional impact this show had on me. I saw this spectacular display for the first time after I completed my Traditions (Disney's orientation) class on one of the first days of my Fall 2011 Disney College Program and cried like a baby right there in the castle hub amid hundreds of other guests. This show featured the same projection technologies the current show uses, but it showcased hundreds of Photopass pictures taken that very day in the Magic Kingdom, so you could actually see yourself projected onto Cinderella Castle. The black and white sequence featuring vintage video and photos from the early days of Disneyland still gets me choked up. 7. Move it, Shake it, Celebrate it! dance party - Magic Kingdom This interactive dance party is another one of my favorites in which the current replacement leaves me wanting more/missing what once was. MiSiCi was recently revamped into the Move it, Shake it, Dance and Play it! street party, which is very similar, but leaves out many of the characters and music from the first edition that really made the party something special. I particularly miss my Sebastian! The new dance party still comes to the castle hub multiple times a day and invites guests to get up and dance, but a part of me really misses MiSiCi. 8. "The Hat" icon - Disney's Hollywood Studios Another very recent removal that really tugs at my heartstrings. Since it was first announced that Disney's Hollywood Studios would begin removing the giant Sorcerer Mickey hat icon from the park to make way for new refurbishments and renovations, it had a very polarizing response. Some people rejoiced, and some people were saddened (me being one of them). I personally loved the hat and cry a little bit inside each day as I check in on it's current state of removal. There's talks that it's going to be moved someplace else, so let's hope we see it again soon! 9. Skyway attraction - Magic Kingdom One of the things I remember from my first visit to Walt Disney World in 1998 is the Skyway attraction that connected Fantasyland to Tomorrowland via hanging gondolas high in the sky. It was open from 1971 to 1999 and offered stunning views of the park, a great opportunity to relax your feet and people watch, and an extra attraction to ride during a visit to the Magic Kingdom. It was never replaced with another version, and the former Fantasyland station is now home to the Tangled-themed restroom/charging area (which I do love, BTW). 10. Paper FastPasses And who could exclude paper FastPasses from a list like this?! While I do really love the new FastPass+ technology available with Disney's MagicBands, I do miss using and collecting paper FastPasses from trips to WDW. I still have many unused ones from my favorite attractions that serve as great souvenirs - I mean, they do have the exact date you visited the park right printed right on them! I think the new system is very green, efficient, and easy, but I'll miss one of Disney's finest vacation innovations that set a high precedent within the theme park industry. I'll never throw out my old paper FastPasses! Is there anything you wish would come back that I didn't include on my list? Tell me about it in the comments below! I love hearing the memories and stories others bring back from their Disney vacations, especially when it comes to the polarizing topic of attractions and shows gone by. Be sure to visit https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/ for a complete list of what's available for your enjoyment during your next trip. Until the next post, see ya real soon! |
About MeA twenty-something alumni of the Disney College Program looking to help others plan the Disney vacations of their dreams! Living that Disneyland AP dream in SoCal. Archives
February 2018
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