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Category Archives: Attractions
Do You Speak the Disney’s Language?
The world of Walt Disney entertainment is so unique it requires its own language. Some words originated directly from Walt and his Imagineers. Others, it seems, have grown into their own Disneyness and have acquired new meanings along the way.
Attraction = a theme park ride or show
Audio animatronics = realistic robotics that bring 3-D effect to an Attraction
Automagic = play on automatic; the Disney way of making things magically happen
Backstage = a park area not accessible to guests
Cast Member = a Disney theme park or resort employee
Casting center = theme park or resort employment office
Costume = the uniform worn by a Cast Member
Crew Member = Disney Cruise Line employee
Disney point = to point with index and middle finger together; in some cultures it is rude to point with only one finger
Earffel Tower = water tower at DHS; example of wienie
Epcot = from EPCOT, Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow
E-Ticket = the newest, best, most popular attraction; stems from former system of ride coupons ranking rides A-E (A were least popular, E most popular)
Fantasmic = lights, lasers, fireworks, and waterworks show at DHS
FastPass = ticket generated to assign Guest a time to return to a busy Attraction without waiting in long line
Guest = visitor to Disney theme park or resort
Hallowishes = special Magic Kingdom fireworks during MNSSHP Halloween celebrations
IllumiNations = fireworks at Epcot
Imagineer = employee of Walt Disney Imagineering (formerly Walter Elias Disney, WED Enterprises); combination of imagine+engineer; scientists and artists who design the Attractions
Innovention = innovation+invention
Mousekeeping = resort housekeeping/maid service
Mouseketeer = play on musketeer; cast members of the TV show The Mickey Mouse Club
On stage = any area where a Cast Member might be seen by Guests
Philharmagic = philharmonic+magic 3-D film at MK
PhotoPass = barcoded card/web access to photos taken by Cast Member photographers
Plussing = constantly striving to improve a project even when it is considered complete
Pooh-sized = big, like Pooh Bear
Protein spill = term used by Cast Members to indicate someone has vomited
Show = everything that encompasses an Attraction or park feature; all the effects & mood setters that combine to make it feel like you’re walking into that world
Utilidors = utility+corridors The underground tunnels at Magic Kingdom that provide access for maintenance, Cast Members, readying, etc.
VoluntEARS = The Disney VoluntEARS program provides opportunities for Cast Members to contribute their time and expertise to charitable causes.
Wienie = a visual Attraction or landmark that can be seen by Guests from far away; it is used to guide visitors through park, i.e. Cinderella Castle
Wishes = Magic Kingdom fireworks
Top Five Animal Kingdom Attractions For Adults
Let me start this off by saying that I didn’t used to like Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I thought it was just a big zoo and found it to honestly be a little boring. I had only been once before, right after it had opened when all the attractions weren’t even completed, so I got to thinking, maybe I didn’t give it enough of a chance. So when I visited Walt Disney World last month, I vowed to visit Animal Kingdom with open eyes and an open mind.
We started our day with breakfast at Tusker House – which was really delicious, they offered the typical disney breakfast buffet, and had some more traditional African choices as well, including bobotie (a quiche-like beef pie with egg, curry and other spices), mealie pap (similar to cream of wheat, and other delicious choices. It is a character meal, where Donald greets you upon arrival, and Daisy (whom we really enjoyed seeing, can you tell??), Goofy, Mickey and Minnie circulate the dining room while you eat. It’s loud and full of children and families, and we had a great time there. Once we were nice and full, it was time to give Animal Kingdom a second chance…
Disney World Quick Tips – Best Rides and Attractions to Nurse or Bottle Feed your Little Ones
I know what your thinking this is a funny subject coming from a guy. But I am no stranger to poopy diapers or feeding little ones. While visiting the parks with little ones can be challenging there are some little tricks my wife and I have learned to help make our vacations enjoyable for our little ones when they were still nursing or on the bottle.
Its funny our oldest daughter was only breast fed for 4 months before going to a bottle and our youngest who is now 1 will only take the breast and refuses a bottle. So we have experience with both at the Disney parks.
I will break this up by park to better assist you.
Magic Kingdom
- Carousel of Progress – Sit towards the front of the theater for more privacy as many people sit in the back.
- Hall of Presidents – Sit towards the back, good show length.
- It’s a Small World – Ask for the back of the boat. We have had boats to ourselves before which was great.
- People Mover – High walls make for great privacy
- Pirates of the Caribbean – Ask for a front seat and hope you dont get wet
- The Enchanted Tiki Room – The far side of the theater is the best for privacy
- The Haunted Mansion – If your a family of 4 split up 2 x 2 for privacy
- Walt Disney World Railroad – You are outdoors so be warned
Epcot
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – Short ride so only good for a snack. If it is not busy they will let u go again if you ask.
- Impressions de France – Usually not busy
- Journey into Imagination with Figment – Short ride and noisy but can be done
- Living with the Land – Probably the best ride in all of WDW for feedings. Very calm and relaxing.
- Spaceship Earth – Very dark and very smooth. Our little one usually finishes at the top and loves going backwards
- The American Adventure – Long show sit toward the front left
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends – Short tide but doable
- Turtle Talk with Crush – If its not crowded sit at the back of the room on the floor
- Universe of Energy: Ellen’s Energy Adventure – Looooooong ride!
Hollywood Studios
- Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage – Can be done but very busy
- Disney Junior – Live on Stage – Sit off the the back of the room outside the yellow lines
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Can get really hot and noisy but we had done it in a pinch. Sat in the far back corner
- Studio Backlot Tour – Similar to a train, can be noisy
- The Great Movie Ride – Some parts are ok others can be very loud. I would worry more about the bad acting.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – Little one can get wet when it rains.
Animal Kingdom
- Boneyard – A few benches outside the sandbox.
- Festival of the Lion King – Can get noisy
- Finding Nemo-The Musical – Same as Lion King can be noisy at times
- Flights of Wonder – Nice 20 minute show, not to loud
- Rafikis Planet Watch – The train on the way over is great, just wish it was a little longer.
Finally the Monorail, buses, and Friendship Boats are good too!
If I missed anything let me know but all of the rides above come from our experiences at the parks. Individual results may very depending on the baby, crowd levels, temperature, etc.
Related articles
- Hidden Oasis for Parents – Disney World Baby Care Centers (chipandco.com)
- Disney World Quick Tips – Miscellaneous Tips I have learned (chipandco.com)
Disney World Refurbishment Schedule June 2012
Here is the Refurb and Closure Schedule for Walt Disney World for June 2012 and beyond. Refurbishment/closure information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disney World Website.
Current
- Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/20/12 for refurbishment.
- Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed through 5/23/12 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed through 5/27/12 for refurbishment.
- Affection Section at Rafiki’s Planet Watch (Animal Kingdom) closed through 6/8/12 for refurbishment.
- Test Track (Epcot) closed through 11/30/12 for transformation to the Chevrolet Design Center.
- Grand Floridian Spa (Grand Floridian Resort) closed through mid-2013 due to construction at the resort. The Grand Floridian Fitness Center will remain open and guests may use The Spa at Saratoga Springs Resort.
Upcoming
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular closed 5/16/12-5/17/12 for refurbishment.
- Magnolia Golf Course closed 5/26/12 through 6/4/12 for refurbishment.
- Snow White’s Scary Adventures (Magic Kingdom) will close permanently 5/31/12. It will be replaced by Princess Fairytale Hall, a meet and greet location. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (a Seven Dwarfs themed roller coaster) will open at another location in Magic Kingdom.
- Oak Trail Golf Course closed 6/6/12-6/10/12 for refurbishment.
- Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed 6/11/12-6/17/12 for refurbishment.
- Palm Golf Course closed 6/18/12-6/24/12 for refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (Magic Kingdom) closed 6/27/12-6/29/12 for refurbishment.
- Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian Resort) closed 7/8/12-7/21/12 for refurbishment.
- Cape May Cafe (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 7/9/12-8/4/12 for refurbishment.
- Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed 7/16/12-7/17/12 for refurbishment.
- Lake Buena Vista Golf Course closed 7/18/12-7/19/12 for refurbishment.
- Citricos (Grand Floridian Resort) closed 7/23/12-8/3/12 for refurbishment.
- Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht & Beach Club Resorts) closed 8/27/12-9/15/12 for refurbishment.
Source Mousesavers Newsletter
Related articles
- Disney World Refurbishment Schedule May 2012 (chipandco.com)
- Disney Confidential – Magic Kingdom Monorail Loop Closing (chipandco.com)
Disneyland Announces June 15 Grand Opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre
The Happiest Place on Earth will get even happier June 15, 2012, with the grand opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and the Carthay Circle Theatre at Disney California Adventure park. The exciting, new additions will complete the five-year expansion of Disneyland Resort, a premier, multi-day vacation destination in Southern California with two theme parks, three hotels and the Downtown Disney shopping and dining district.
With four new attractions opening at Disney California Adventure park, full day-to-night experiences at both parks, and the magical transformation of the Disneyland Hotel with new pools, themed suites and remodeled rooms, guests of all ages will enjoy more fun and adventure than ever before at the Disneyland Resort.
Cars Land expands Disney California Adventure by 12 acres and immerses guests in the thrilling world of the Disney•Pixar blockbuster “Cars.” Guests will feel as if they have stepped into the town of Radiator Springs as they enjoy three family attractions showcasing characters and settings from the movie, plus “Cars”-themed dining and shopping locations such as Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios.
One of the largest and most elaborate attractions ever created for a Disney park, Radiator Springs Racers is a twisting, turning, high-speed adventure through Ornament Valley and the town of Radiator Springs. Luigi’s Flying Tires invites guests to glide on air aboard special tires, whirling around with their pals. At Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, guests will whip around behind a baby tractor and enjoy tunes from a giant jukebox built from Mater’s most prized possessions.
Starting June 15, guests will enter Disney California Adventure along Buena Vista Street, a place that transports them to an era when Walt Disney arrived in California with new dreams: 1920s Los Angeles. Buena Vista Street features Red Car Trolleys, inspired by the transportation system that once served Southern California, and the Carthay Circle Theatre, modeled after the site of the 1937 world premiere of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Carthay Circle Theatre will include a lounge and the elegant Carthay Circle Restaurant, designed to be the premier dining location in Disney California Adventure.
Adding to the fun at Disney California Adventure this summer will be the new Mad T Party in Hollywood Land, the return of Pixar Play Parade, and the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Pacific Wharf. Mad T Party will feature nighttime, family fun inspired by the wild and whimsical world of Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland.”
The summer debuts of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre complement previous additions to the park, including the 4D fun of Toy Story Mania; the spectacular after-dark “World of Color” show; The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure; Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta and Paradise Garden Grill restaurants, plus the re-themed attractions Mickey’s Fun Wheel, Silly Symphony Swings and Goofy’s Sky School.
To accommodate a media preview and make final preparations for the exciting debuts, Disney California Adventure will be closed June 14. The fun, new attractions, locations and entertainment will open to the public June 15.
Related articles
- Grand Opening of Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Carthay Circle Theatre on June 15 (chipandco.com)
- Exciting, New Entertainment Fuels Cars Land, Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure Park (chipandco.com)
