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Tag Archives: Carousel of Progress
Top 5 Underrated Disney World Attractions
Anyone planning a trip to Disney or who has been there before knows that are certain attractions that get a lot of attention and fill up the queues really quick. Therefore, some other Disney attractions that may not offer the latest technology or the biggest thrills sometimes get overlooked and are definitely underrated. This is unfortunate since some of Disney’s best secrets are underrated attractions. Therefore, I have compiled a list of Top 5 Underrated Disney World Attractions for you to check out on your next trip to Disney World!
1. Carousel of Progress-This attraction came from the mind of Walt Disney himself and was shown at the 1964 New York World’s Fair to raving reviews! Today, this show still runs in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom and has the honor of being the longest running show in American theater! The Carousel of Progress is unique in that the theater rotates around to different stages where you get to see how progress and new inventions impacted daily life in the early twentieth century. This charming show is both educational and entertaining. It’s usually not at the top of many Disney guest to-do lists; but it definitely should be! All ages enjoy it and it gives us a glimpse into the mind of Walt Disney himself.
Top 5 Overlooked and Underestimated: Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Edition
Have you ever talked with someone who is still fresh with the “post Disney glow” only to realize that they missed out on some pretty amazing Disney Stuff? I’m always shocked when they didn’t even realize such a thing existed! I have a couple of spots that I always hit, no matter what and it is really hard for me to understand how anyone could pass them up! These personal favorites may not seem like much to everyone, but these are my top picks for overlooked and underestimated, Magic Kingdom edition.
Main Street USA Train Station
I have a 3 year-old nephew who is crazy for trains. I’ll take that back, he’s crazy for anything that moves- engines, wheels, tracks, steering wheels, axles he does them all! So, you can bet that we do our fair share of time on the Walt Disney World Railroad. For our family, the train is a must. Sadly, I will say that I often find myself hurrying through the Main Street USA Train Station in an attempt to board for a scenic tour around the Magic Kingdom. There are some really neat things in that station, including functioning mutoscopes (moving picture show), historical sights, a wonderful resting spot/parade viewing spot, and of course a beautiful shot of Cinderella Castle and Main Street USA. Take a little time and enjoy what the Main Street USA train station has to offer.
Swiss Family Robinson Tree House
Okay, so I’m sure some of you are thinking like I think…how could you miss the Swiss Family Tree House? I’m right there with you! I always stop by when I hear that infectious Swisskapolka tune! As impossible as it may seem, I actually think that this beloved tree can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Perhaps it’s the distraction created by the lure of Dole Whips at Aloha Isle? Maybe guests are zooming straight for the more popular attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean? Maybe it’s the camouflaged effect of the tree’s craftsmanship? Maybe it’s because typically this is a walk on type of attraction with little to no wait? No matter what the source might be, this attraction is often neglected. I love the charm of the story and the feel of the attraction. As a little girl, I was always intrigued by the ingenuity of this shipwrecked family (who are we kidding, I am still mesmerized by this fictional tale)! I simply can’t skip taking the grand tour and you shouldn’t either!
Tips for Keeping Calm and Avoiding Anxiety at the Disney Parks
Anxiety is something that all of us have experienced at one time or another. A situation such as speaking in public is enough to make most of our hearts race and palms sweat. For some people, including my daughter, anxiety disorders can cause anxiety to make an appearance much more often, sometimes daily. A Disney vacation, as magical as it is, can be filled with anxiety triggers for some people.
While every person’s situation is different, over the years we have learned what works for our family to make sure that our day at the parks is filled with pixie dust and not panic attacks.
Before your trip:
- Videos: One of the most helpful things that we have learned to do for our princess is to find videos of the parks and rides for her to watch before our trip. For her, knowing what to expect is crucial for keeping her anxiety levels low. Researching rides ahead of time helps her feel more confident and prepared and also helps her decide what rides she wants to avoid altogether.
- Talk, talk, talk: Another important part of preparing for a day at the park is to talk about what we will encounter during our day. The night before we visit the parks, we talk about what we will see, the noises we will hear, and all of the of the people that will be around us while we are in the park. This allows her to prepare herself for the day and helps her feel more in control and less anxious about the next day. We also talk about what she can do if she starts to feel anxious such as, deep breathing or finding a quiet spot for a break.
Five Things To Do Before Your First or Fiftieth Disney Vacation
Congratulations, you have just booked your first (or fifitieth!) Disney vacation! But, now what? You’ve figured out your hotel, your flight, and booked an amazing package with tickets included. Nothing left to worry about, right?
That’s not quite true. Most people think that’s the end of vacation planning, but it’s not, at least where Disney is concerned. A decent plan in place could vastly improve your Disney vacation.
First and foremost, follow a reputable Disney Blog. You’re already here at Chip & Co. though so I won’t include that on my list.
- Read a guide book. Most people recommend The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World (for the most comprehensive look at the resort) or The Passporter (the most fun and personalized). I don’t have an opinion either way, except that buying one, or checking one out from the library, is a good idea for planning a stress free vacation.
- Sit with your family and decide if you want to do any Character Dining or Signature Dining. If you do, decide and book those 180 days prior to your arrival date. Some of the restaurants book up fast, so it’s important that you do this early in your vacation planning.
Things You Thought You’d NEVER Hear a Teacher Say…”Have Fun at Disney!”
Chances are, for you, the new school is probably here or just around the corner. My school starts back this week! I love the feeling of the new school year! I love seeing new faces, old friends, and getting into all the fun that encompasses the year! I really do love my job! So, as I’ve strolled the stores and seen school supplies on sale, I was inspired to do a “back to school-ish” post! Today we are taking a look at what I do for my students who are going to Disney World or on a Disney Cruise during the school year!
Now, I know, most teachers would probably rather you not pull your child out for a vacation during the school year. After all, the common thought is, “why not take them during the summer!”. But, I being a HUGE Disney fan and a teacher see both sides. With less crowds, less heat, and more ride time, I am all in favor of going to Disney when it works for your family (and who are we kidding, really, I am in favor of going to Disney all the time 
). You see, I think EVERY opportunity is full of teachable moments. The rich conversations born out of Disney trips makes me so excited for what my students will bring back. From mapping the trip to learning about birds from all over the world at Flights of Wonder, there really isn’t a dull moment at Disney.
