With a side of magic, please

Just as a quick heads up, I will have many trivia questions scattered throughout this post and will reveal the answers at the end.  So feel free to follow along and keep track of your answers till the end.  Let me know how you do and I'll be sure to publicly  praise the highest scorer (or just congratulate you privately).  Here is the first question to get you started: 1.  What was Mickey Mouse's original name?



On my day off this past week, I decided to finally dedicate a day to visit the Magic Kingdom.  I had visited several times already since I arrived here, but it was always only in the night after work.  Admittedly, Wishes is one of my favorite shows and so showing up for just a few hours to watch it was always worthwhile.  For those of you who have never been to the Magic Kingdom, you cannot actually park near its gates.  You park on the other side of the lagoon (2. What is the name of this lagoon?) and then take the monorail or ferry to get to the park.  I prefer taking the monorail because it's faster and you get to see more of the park as you approach it.

The Magic Kingdom is divided up into six different sections:  Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, and Adventureland.  After proceeding through the entry gates, you will see Cinderella Castle at the end of Mainstreet.  In the courtyard area outside of the castle you will also find the "Partners" statue, which is a mandatory photo op location.  Disney Parks blog recently talked about this statue and some interesting facts about it.  Click the link HERE to learn more.  If you follow me on Instagram, then you probably already saw the picture I took later in the day of a bird perched right on Walt's finger.  I wonder how often that bird decides to ruin guest's pictures.  And for some quick trivia,  3. How many bricks were used to build  Cinderella Castle?

Tomorrowland is naturally the second stop upon visiting the park, since most guests will be attempting to snag a fastpass for Space Mountain.  One feature of Disney Parks that really sets them apart from other theme parks is that their fastpass system is free for all park guests.  All you have to do is stick your park ticket into the fast pass kiosk near each ride and it will spit out a ticket and time for you to return.  The fastpass system even works for cast members.  While you are limited on how many fastpasses you can obtain per day, there is usually just that one attraction that will end up having like a 2-hour wait.  Comparatively, the wait times for other attractions won't be as bad.  

Some of the attractions in Tomorrowland include Monster's, Inc. Laugh Floor (Monsters University is awesome by the way), Stitch's Great Escape, Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress, and Tomorrowland Speedway.  The Laugh Floor didn't look too promising during the pre-show, but it was actually really funny.  It's not a set program show and it actually has real-life interaction with the park guests, with Monster reactions included.  I've only experienced it once, but I really want to try it again to see what new jokes and situations turn up.  Stitch's Great Escape is also a fun little ride that lets you experience the mayhem experiment 626 can cause.  This attraction used to be called ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter and was absolutely terrifying.  So a number of years ago, it was decided to ditch the old horror show and go with something a little more family friendly.  (Now there is no slimy alien tongue prodding the back of your neck 0_0)  I also had to ride the Tomorrowland Speedway because those kind of attractions are my father's favorites.  I will talk more about Space Mountain in a few more paragraphs.  

The New Fantasyland Section has turned out quite nicely and it is now the largest section in the Magic Kingdom.  With areas such as Storybook Circus, Belle's Village, and the Town Square, there are tons of attractions and shops to visit.  The Storybook Circus area is themed around concepts from the movie Dumbo and has multiple Flying Elephant rides.  There are other special character meet and greet opportunities specific to that area.  The year Dumbo was released (1941) it was scheduled to be featured on the cover of Time magazine, but an event later that year ended up beating it out for the front cover.  4. What event was that?

The Ariel's Grotto area features an all-new musical adventure called Ariel's Undersea Adventure that uses the same kind of setup as the Haunted Mansion ride.  This ride is very colorful and fun as you get to relive the movie and jam out with all of its tunes.  They even have a life-size singin' dancin' Ursula as she casts her spell on Ariel.  This ride also features a really fun, interactive queue line. (it's also really long...)  Interestingly enough, Ariel's Grotto is also the only place at Disney World where you can actually meet and greet Ariel in her fins.  

Belle's Village has several areas and attractions including Gaston's Tavern, Belle's home, and Beast's Castle. Inside Belle's home is the new attraction called Enchanted Tales with Belle.  It is an interactive tour where the guests get to play different roles in the retelling of how Belle fell in love with the Beast.  Belle herself even comes out to participate in the fun.  One of the most amazing parts of this attraction, however, is the beginning.  I'm still not sure how they do it, but Disney Imagineers made a mirror that turns into a door which you pass through to begin the adventure.  Frankly, it looks freaking awesome.  

Beast's Castle is home to the Be Our Guest restaurant.  This location is unique in that it has quick-service meals for lunch, but then only table-service for dinner.  The theming inside the restaurant is amazing (so I've heard), but the wait can be a little ridiculous.  Even for quick-service, the line normally takes about an hour.  I heard someone say they might start doing fastpasses for lunch.  Getting in for dinner is a whole 'nother story.  5.  How far in advance do you think the average reservation is booked for dinner at Be Our Guest?

There are many other timeless attractions in Fantasyland such as Peter Pan's Flight, the Prince Charming Carousel, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, "it's a small world", and Mickey's PhilharMagic.  Here are a few trivia questions for you about some of these attractions:  

6. Philhar Magic is a 3D adventure through Disney films that includes lots of real-life elements like being sprayed with water and also different smells.  Many years ago, Walt Disney created a film in which he wanted the theater ushers to throw water on guests and release certain smells at different points in the movie.  While the film was originally a flop and those features were not included, PhilharMagic seems to have captured that dream of his and even references that film during the PhilharMagic show.  What was that film?

7. "it's a small world" was originally created as an attraction for the World's Fair in New York back in the 1960's and was meant to be a promotional piece to raise awareness for a certain organization.  What was that organization? (Hint: it has to do with children, which is why there are only animatronic children in the ride)

One of the largest additions to Fantasyland has yet to open, but takes up a large portion of land in the Magic Kingdom.  This new attraction will be the newest "mountain" added to the lineup, even if it doesn't necessarily have mountain in the name.  With the removal of the old Snow White dark ride, Disney Imagineers wanted to make sure the first feature-length, animated Disney film didn't lose its presence.  And with this new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs mine train coaster, I don't think anyone will be forgetting about it anytime soon.  According to reports, the track for the ride has been completed and now they just need to finish all of detailed theming, which will take like another 7 months.  This ride is scheduled to open in 2014, hopefully in the first quarter.

Heading away from the massive Fantasyland area, you will arrive at Liberty Square.  I had never experienced the Hall of Presidents attraction before, but I will admit that it did a good job of instilling a sense of American pride.  I also liked how it presented a different side of American history by talking about the struggles of the colonies in forming a union and how many wanted to just go back to being a monarchy.  Maybe it's just been a while since I took a history class, but it seemed like a lot of those topics were ignored.    It was also nice and cool in the theater and made for a quick escape out of the heat.  

The Haunted Mansion is another great place to go to get out of the heat for a bit.  The history behind the Haunted Mansion is actually quite incredible, but I won't be going into a lot of detail about it right now.  While the ride may not actually be all that scary, it is still a little morbid with various depictions of death.  Regardless, it is still a fun ride and you will pick up on new things every time.  The narrator for the ride mentions that there are 999 happy haunts in the mansion and that there is room for one more.  8. How many "haunts" are actually depicted in the ride?

Frontierland is another well-known and oft visited section of the Magic Kingdom.  I've never actually been on the steamboat, but it looks fun.  Frontierland is home to the other two mountains:  Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.  Splash Mountain takes its themes from the movie "Song of the South" which relays the stories of Brer Rabbit and his friends.  The ride is a log flume that culminates in a 5-story drop into a brier patch.  While no one really remembers much of "Song of the South" (mostly because Disney has tried to kill it due to racial sensitivity), the movie won an Academy Award for the Best Original Song back in 1946.  9. What was the song?

Big Thunder Mountain is another great ride with multiple lift hills and quick turns.  I really like the double station system they have as well, since it makes the line move fairly quick.  My favorite part of this ride, however, is riding by yourself and trying to keep from sliding all over the seat on those hairpin turns.  I also recently found out that the theming behind the landscape in this attraction is actually based on Monument Valley in Arizona.  

While Space Mountain is not in Frontierland, I figured it would be best to talk about it here.  Space Mountain is probably my favorite ride in the Magic Kingdom, although it can take a lot out of you.  It can be enjoyable sitting in the back seat of the six-passenger train and getting extra airtime, but many of the turns are merciless.  It's moments like those that I'm glad I have a 3-inch titanium plate supporting my neck.  But as any true coaster enthusiast would say, just because it hurts sometimes isn't a good enough reason to not ride it.   Surprisingly, the few first rows are actually much less intense.  10.  Of the three mountains at Magic Kingdom, which one is the fastest?

The last section of the Magic Kingdom is Adventureland.  The most well-known attraction here is Pirates of the Caribbean.  This ride is very unique in that the movie series it inspired ended up inspiring the attraction in return.  Jack Sparrow is now featured in this ride as another animatronic pirate who ends up gettin' the gold for himself.  Pirates is also one of the attractions that Walt Disney personally oversaw himself.  

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is another interesting attraction that is essentially a musical put on by a bunch of birds, flowers, and tiki statues.  Honestly, I didn't really get what was going on, but I guess it was mildly amusing to watch the room come to life.  The attraction ends suddenly, however, when the tiki gods get ticked and so everyone has to leave.  So yeah that was kinda random.  

At the end of Adventureland, you will arrive back at Mainstreet U.S.A.  In the evening, don't miss the various nighttime shows like Celebrate the Magic, Wishes, and the Electrical Parade.  I always enjoy watching those shows because no matter how hot or miserable the weather might have been, you suddenly forget about all of that as you watch the firework display.  The Magic Kingdom is truly magical and I hope all of you get a chance to visit if you haven't already.  Now, let's see how you did on the questions!

Answers

1.  Mortimer 

2.  Seven Seas Lagoon

3.  Zero

4.  Pearl Harbor

5.  Six Months

6.  Fantasia

7.  UNICEF

8.  999 Haunts are actually depicted, whether in images, animatronics, or other forms.

9.  Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

10. Splash Mountain (reaches speeds of 40 mph at the bottom of the drop).  BTM and Space Mountain max out at about 28-30 mph.  

When You Wish Upon a Starscream

Over the past couple weeks, I have spent a lot of time in training for my role as Front Desk cashier.  The Animal Kingdom Lodge is amazing, and I have really enjoyed learning about the resort.  I have spent most of my time in the Kidani Village portion, the Disney Vacation Club property, but tomorrow I will be training at the front desk of Jambo House.  So yeah, work is good, but I've also really been enjoying my time off.  I spend most of my free time at a theme park or Downtown Disney, even if I just go for an evening to watch Wishes or IllumiNations again.  I realized today that I had yet to put up any kind of park reports, so this post is going to be a little jumbled with lots of pictures and stuff.  Most of the pictures I have so far are from Universal Studios, but I've thrown in some Disney stuff I've collected too.  Don't worry, you'll be seeing a lot more of Disney in the future.

Here are some overview shots of the parks at Universal Studios.  Islands of Adventure is on the left with themed areas such as Marvel Superheroes Island, Jurassic Island, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  To the right is Universal Studios with all of its movie rides like Men in Black, Terminator, and Twister.

One of the most unique B&M steel coasters out there is The Incredible Hulk.  What makes it so unique?  Well it shoots you out of the top of a tunnel to get the ride started.  For the most part, this ride has held together over the years, but it still has its rough spots.  

Bow before Doom!  I think I've only ever been on this ride like twice in my life, and that's probably because it's not that great.  In fact, this ride may be the worst drop tower ride ever made.  But for the sake of saying that I've done it, I did it.  Unfortunately, all that happens is one initial launch and then it slowly bounces you back to ground level.  Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios blows this thing out of the water.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man saw a fairly recent upgrade to its 3D capabilities with the addition of HD 3D.  This ride is a must-do for all Universal visits and is truly enjoyable every time.  The same technology found on this attraction was also used to create the all-new Transformers ride.  I took a picture of MODOK, too.  

I legitimately feel sorry for all the Universal employees that have to work shops/games/attractions in the Toon Lagoon portion of Islands of Adventure.  The Toon theming is fairly obscure and not really all that popular (and I'm not sure if it's ever been).  Since I had never bothered to stop and ride of the water rides in this section, I took a chance and rode Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls today.  It is a super wacky log flume ride with multiple drops and even a double-down at the end of the ride.  I actually really enjoyed it, but I did end up getting super soaked.  The other water ride in this area is Popeye's Bilge Rat Barges, but I didn't try it out today.  

Rumor has it that this area may be going away in the near future to make room for an entirely different area.  The most popular idea at the moment is to replace it with a Hobbit/LOTR themed world.  Some critics think that may force a little too much fantasy on the area, but pretty much anything would be better than Toon Lagoon.  Heck they could even keep their wacky water rides, but just put dragons and crap all over the place.  

Welcome to...Jurassic Park!!  I can't believe the first Jurassic Park movie came out 20 years ago.  Even nowadays, the animatronics in that movie are incredible.  Jurassic Island is still pretty busy, even though you probably won't ever be waiting more than 10 minutes for any of the attractions.  While the River Adventure ride is obviously a must-do, there is way too much capacity for it to ever get backed up.  The ride has its moments, but the stagnant pace of the watercraft kinda takes away the element of surprise.  In my opinion, Animal Kingdom's Dinosaur is a much better dino ride, since it features variable movement and multiple surprises lurking in the dark.  Regardless of how short the attraction lines are, I think JP is going to be sticking around for a long time.  

I'm not really going to bother explaining these next pictures since I'm sure all of you already know what they are.  Quick rundown:  1. Forbidden Journey (inside the castle) was the first ride since I was a child that actually made me nervous.  A few of those spiders and dementors got a little too close for comfort.  2. The butterbeer was okay, but mine was a little flat.  3. Dragon Challenge was good, but I still miss the dueling aspect from the old days where both trains would run at the same time. 

Ah yes, Lost Continent.  And why is it lost?  Because no one really knew what they were going for when they built it.  While Toon Lagoon actually features some famous cartoons like Popeye, Rocky & Bullwinkle, and Dudley Do-Right, Lost Continent is kinda like a generic mythology section.  No specific movie is really featured in this area, except for the Sinbad show, and I'm too lazy to really look up if that was even a thing.  Anywho, there's a Sinbad stunt show here which isn't all that bad and there are some cool shops too.  It also boasts one of the best theme park restaurants in the world (oooh ahhhhh).  The main drawpoint of this area is Poseidon's Fury, a special effects guided tour.  I really like the concept behind this attraction, but the theme is generic and uninteresting.  The tour has some really cool surprises though, so I won't ruin it for you.  As with Toon Lagoon, there have been talks about making Lost Continent the location of the new Hobbit world as well.  

One fish, two fish, red fish, I'll have a cheeseburger.  Seuss Landing is an interesting and highly detailed place with attractions themed around Dr. Seuss' storybooks.  Most of the attractions in this section are aimed at children, but I usually end up stopping here for lunch at the Circus Magurkus(spelling?)  I bit the bullet today and decided to ride Cat in the Hat.  It was strange and there was a lot of spinning, but I'm sure it's enjoyable for the kids.  

Heading over to the original park, I snapped some pictures of the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.  This coaster 

opened just 4 years ago, but it feels like it's been through a lot.  Much of the track looks heavily worn and it is definitely not the smoothest ride out there.  It also has about five break sections which make for a lot of annoying stops.  However, it looks really cool and you can pick what song you listen to while riding.  

When I first rode Twister a couple weeks ago, devastating tornadoes had just blown through Oklahoma the day before.  It was definitely a different experience with that in the forefront of my mind while listening to Helen Hunt describe her experience filming Twister.  This ride has some cool effects, but it is becoming a little dated.  I hope they continue to keep it around, however.  

The Revenge of the Mummy continually fights for a spot at the top of my personal "Most Favorite Ride" list.  On most days, I will claim it is my favorite, with Maverick at Cedar Point sometimes booting it out.  Regardless, it is a fantastic indoor coaster with plenty of surprises.  The best part, however, is that there is even a single rider line for it!  When you visit Universal Studios, don't overlook this ride.  Admittedly, it can be easy to miss since it doesn't really looks like an attraction entrance for a roller coaster.  Even if you don't use single rider, the line only takes about 30 minutes.  

RIP Jaws.  The old Amity Island tour ride featuring Jaws is now a thing of the past, but the life-size shark model is still around for photo's sake.  So what's taking it's place?  I'm not telling.  Okay okay I'll tell, but only because I like you and you could honestly find out through Google in about 13 seconds.  The construction in the picture below is for Diagon Alley, an expansion to the Harry Potter world next door at Islands of Adventure.  There will be new shops, a train that travels between both parks, and an indoor Gringott's Bank mine coaster ride.  This new section is supposedly opening next summer.  

While the television edition of Fear Factor may now be old-hat, the Fear Factor Live show is still going strong.  Contestants are actual park guests that audition to take part in the show and probably sign a ton of waivers.  The stunts featured hanging from tall buildings, throwing octopuses into the audience, and using VR cannons to deface local buildings.  Eh, you had to be there. The lucky winner from the show I watched was an older gentleman who wanted to prove to his kids that he could win.  

Although I've never really watched much of the Simpson's, the new Springfield area is pretty entertaining.  The ride itself replaced the old Back to the Future ride and uses the same setup of stationary motion simulators and a freakishly huge screen.  The motions felt pretty cool and the ride was actually funny.  If possible, I would recommend trying to ride on one of the upper decks, or you will be looking straight up for most of the ride.  Also, avoid riding on the far end of any of the decks since the image will be warped and make the ride less convincing.  

The animal show was also pretty cool, although I wish it would have been a little longer.  I am still not sure how they trained a cat to do what they want.  I thought cats were all un-trainable beasts...

And last, but certainly not least, I have a report on the new Transformers 3D Ride.  I heard via Twitter the other day that the park had been opening up this ride in the evenings as part of "tech rehearsal" even though the grand opening isn't till June 20th.  After getting off the Shrek ride (ugh, btw) I decided to swing by the huge NEST building to see if there had been any sign of life.  There was a pretty large group of people out there already, just sitting on the ground and looking at the amazing, life-size Optimus Prime statue perched above the entrance.  Several ride attendants were standing outside and just kinda looking at everyone, explaining that the ride won't be opening till June 20th.  After about 5 minutes of waiting, however, they signaled for everyone to move to one side and form a line.  I've never been to Best Buy on Black Friday, but what I witnessed today must have been very similar.  People were nearly trampling each other to get in line.  I saw several pairs of flip-flops come flying off as people bolted to the entrance.  Luckily I was close to where the line had formed, because about 30 seconds later the line was backed up to the Disaster! ride.  

We all proceeded in an orderly fashion (more or less) into the building, and I managed to get inside just seconds before it began dumping rain.  The interior of the building was pretty neat, but most of my pictures came out blurry since we were moving quickly to the front of the ride.  The ride itself, as mentioned earlier, uses the exact same technology as Spider-Man, but with a greater usage of 3D projection screens and not as many real-life props.  The ride overall looked pretty good, but was super hectic, much like the Transformers movies themselves.  I was definitely glad I got to experience it.  Having accomplished my mission, I finally headed back home.  Not even the pouring rain could have dampened my spirits.  (hehe GET IT!!?!?) 

As promised, here are some Disney pictures.  Enjoy!

Welp, That's all Folks!