Subscribe for FREE!
Receive our Daily Disney Newsletter.
Have the best in Disney News & Views Delivered to you!
Category Archives: Reviews
“Lots To Do In Line Walt Disney World” Book Review
There are many Disney World guidebooks out there and I think at one time or another, I have tried them all. Some are great, and if we are honest, some aren’t quite as helpful. When I recently chose to review, Lots To Do In Line Walt Disney World, I was very curious to see if this book would make the list of favorites in my house. Well, I can easily say that it was even better than I anticipated! It now holds a permanent spot on our packing list!
This book is organized into groups of questions for each of the four parks and then into a smaller section for each of the areas in the park. There are several ways to use the book, both with and without scoring options. It also has wonderful ways to pass the time while you are waiting in line at restaurants, waiting for that special hug from Mickey Mouse, or a delicious Mickey Bar. The questions are presented mostly in multiple choice style with lots of yes/no questions also. I really liked that the answers for each each section instead of flipping all the way to the end of the book every time. It will be much more convenient this way.
Some of my favorite highlights included:
Disney World Mobile Guide Review
Using my iPhone in the Disney parks is a must. I am always looking for new apps to make our Disney vacation more productive, easy going, and fun. I recently was able to review the new Disney World Mobile Guide from TimeStream Software, and I honestly love it.
- I can use it outside the parks {like here in my own home}. I like that feature because it helps me with planning. There are a few Disney parks apps that only work when you are physically in the parks. That’s great, but when I’m trying to plan and get ideas for my next trip, I can use the Disney World Mobile Guide from home.
- It’s a HUGE wealth of Disney information. If you can’t access the internet very well from your iPhone, I highly suggest downloading this app. I say this because it has ticket information and explanations, pricing, phone numbers for resorts, quick Disney tips, and so much more. It’s awesome, because sometimes I’m in a place where the connection is slow, and to get on to Chip & Co, or even the Disney website, takes forever. Here, I can quickly look up advice about meeting characters, tips for traveling with toddlers, and some vacation planning tips when I need them.
Disney Attack Plan – Radiator Springs Racers
Vroom, Whoosh, Screech, Vroom… When I think of Cars and specifically Radiator Springs Racers these are the sounds I hear in my head. It’s okay if you don’t hear the same things. You might want to get it looked into though. Amongst the many attractions you’ll find in Cars Land, Radiator Springs Racers is by far the most popular. You’ll need to have a plan of attack to get on this ride!
It’s not uncommon to be in line at Radiator Springs Racers for upwards of 2 1/2 hours on a slower park day. Here’s a tip though, get to the park early! When I say early, I mean before the park even opens. Head over to Buena Vista Street entrance half hour or more before park opening. You’ll be able to get into the park around 30 minutes before official opening. Once in California Adventure, send one person from your group to get the Fast Passes at Radiator Springs Racers, while the rest of you hit up the new Starbucks.
Radiator Springs Racers is the most popular attraction in Cars Land, and honestly in all of California Adventure currently, and there are days when the entire allotment of Fast Passes are gone within the first hour or so of park opening. You’ll be sorry if you don’t get those Fast Passes early!
Quick tip for those with toddlers, make sure you have them measured up first. The ride height minimum is 40 inches. In addition to the ride height requirement, know that the ride is fast, there are dips and hills, quick turns and speed. These can be scary to some kids, so know your toddlers limits. If your children are anything like mine, they will expect to be the “winner” every time they ride. This won’t happen, so prep them early to know that there is no set car that will “win” every time. You’d have as much luck figuring out how many drops and how far the Tower of Terror will have. There are a few moments of stomach drops as you experience roller coaster like “flying” and “near misses” along the way. These can be scary for most younger kids, but generally if they enjoy rides such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, they’ll be just fine on Radiator Springs Racers.
One last tidbit that you should know is that much like it’s cousin, Test Track, in Walt Disney World, this ride will break down and break down often. Much of the long line can be attributed to those holding out hope for the ride to be fixed and quickly return to operation. Unfortunately the ride hasn’t gotten the bugs worked out completely so be prepared to entertain the kids, and adults, in your group for possible extended periods of time.
Overall, take the time to enjoy Radiator Springs Racers and all of Cars Land. you’ll find there is plenty to do and if you can swing it, ride the racers twice. Hit it once during the day and again at night for two completely different experiences. Whatever you do, you do not want to miss Cars Land during your visit!
I hope you find this information fun, new and worthwhile.
Related articles
- Visiting Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure (chipandco.com)
- I’m Going to California Adventure. Now what do I do? (chipandco.com)
Fort Wilderness Cabins Make For A Perfect Family Vacation
I have talked about how great Fort Wilderness is, and it’s a place I spent many happy vacations as a kid. One thing that wasn’t so great about those vacation was the two days we spent in the car each way as we towed our camper from Upstate NY to Disney and back. Do I understand why my parents did it? Of COURSE – it was a HUGE money saver, as we didn’t have to pay for airfare and could eat many of our meals at the campsite, and the cost of renting a campsite is nothing compared to that of a resort or hotel.
While I was on those vacations, I always wondered what it would be like to stay in one of the Fort Wilderness Cabins – a great alternative to those who want a ‘home away from home’ but don’t want to tow their camper across the country to get it.
Bluray Review – Mulan 15th Anniversary Edition 2 Movie Collection
I recently had the pleasure of watching Mulan 1 and 2, for the very first time. I knew the story behind Mulan but never actually saw the move. Well I am glad I did because I think I found my new favorite princess.
This Blu-Ray will keep you entertained for hours. You get 2 movies, 11 deleted scenes, 15 backstage featurettes, and 6 music videos. I can’t decide which is more entertaining the bonus features or the actual movies.
I think Mulan is the most under rated and under appreciated princess. I love her because she shows little girls that you can do what ever you put your mind to regardless of what other people tell you, even if it breaks tradition.
Most of us know the story of Mulan but I will give you a quick run down. In Mulan 1, her family tries to train in the proper way to bring honor to her family and how to be a good traditional chinese wife. Soon Mulan’s father is called to duty for the Chinese Army. Mulan knows that her father will not survive this because he is older and not in good health but there are no boys in the family. Mulan seizes the opportunity to bring honor to her family and save her fathers life. Mulan has some issues in boot camp but in true Mulan fashion she puts her mind to it and shows them all that she can be just as good as the guys, if not better. This movie shows that being true to yourself is the most important above all. My favorite part in this movie is the battle scene where Mulan did better than any man in her troop by thinking outside the box. The saddest part was when Mulan leaves the child’s doll behind, I have a soft spot for dolls. In the end Mulan gets the praise and recognition she deserves.
More after the jump…
