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Top 5 Attraction Names at Disney World

Friday, December 16, 2011 Lee No comments

The Imagineering doesn’t stop at ride mechanics or theming triumphs. It continues with music, lighting, location, and: Names!

Yes, what would a Walt Disney World attraction be without a cool name? Well, just another amusement park ride, really. But Walt’s sense of whimsy is alive and well in every attraction, and I’d like to share with you just five of my favorite Attraction Names at Disney World:

No.5: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

It’s fun. It’s frivolous. There’s whooping and hollering. And it rhymes! The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue serves up ribs and fried chicken along with gags and groaners for all ages. The name evokes the riotous Wild West when bawdy music halls entertained patrons with song, dance, and comedy.

This is one attraction that leaves you yelling its name for hours after the show ends!

No. 4: Boutiki

Boutiki is located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and is one of my favorite places to shop at WDW. But the best part of this retail
experience is the name and the sign outside. Two Tiki Gods have decided to arbitrarily rename the Boutique to better reflect their nature. The result? One of the best play on words in the entire World!

No. 3: Mickey’s Philharmagic

Another play on words, this time combining the Philharmonic Orchestra with Disney Magic. Mickey Mouse has played the role of Conductor in a number of Shorts over the years, and he reprises his role in Mickey’s Philharmagic. But Donald Duck wants some of the attention, so things go a little wrong!

But I think the best part of this attraction is the name. It gets you in the mood right from the get go! And who doesn’t need a little
Philharmagic in their day, eh?

No. 2: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

This one rates so high on my list because I just love The Twilight Zone TV series (all 156 episodes)! Rod Serling was a genius and his story telling makes a perfect fit for Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a creepy reproduction of a 30’s-style hotel which just happens to have one of the best thrill rides inside it!

The theming is amazing and the atmosphere second-to-none, with some of the most entertaining Cast Members of any WDW attraction. I can’t explain why I love the name so much, but it just helps to set your hairs on end even before you get to the lobby!

No.1: Fantasmic!

This show has its fans and its detractors, but for spectacle, Fantasmic! has no apology to make. A dramatic mix of fireworks,
fountains, lasers, and Disney characters, it lets us take a peek into the dreams of Mickey Mouse himself.

But again, my favorite part of this attraction is the name: Fantasmic! When someone asks me how I am, I answer “Fantasmic!” Now, only my Disney friends know what I’m saying, but it still sounds cool to those who don’t.

So what’s in a name? Sometimes it can be everything. The mood, theme, intent, and achievement of an attraction. The name can evoke emotional resonance before an attraction, and recall to mind the experience afterwards.

And what might your favorite Attraction Names at WDW be?

Disney Diva Tips: Disney World Printable Checklist of Age-Appropriate Rides (chipandco.com)
Oldies But Goodies – Becoming A Kid Again At Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)

Top 10 Disney World “Must Do’s”

Saturday, November 12, 2011 Savannah 1 Comment

There is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World that it’s pretty much impossible to experience it all! However, there are a few things that you have to do in order for your Disney World vacation to be complete. Curious? Check out my Top 10 list to find out what they are!

10. Dole Whip-A Dole Whip is a rite of passage for many Disney guests, and a sweet relief from the heat! They can only be found at a few select spots, such as Aloha Isle at the Magic Kingdom and at Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Resort; and my personal favorite is the Dole Whip Float. This pineapple flavored soft-serve just has to be experienced!

9. World Showcase-Epcot has lots for guests to see and experience; but every guest MUST spend some time at this park’s World Showcase. This part of the park offers various pavilions representing different countries from all over the world. In an afternoon, you can visit little pieces of different nations and experience their culture, history, architecture, products, and food!

8. Kilimanjaro Safaris-This Animal Kingdom attraction offers one of the coolest experiences at WDW, a realistic African safari! You will board a safari vehicle and drive through areas which truly look and feel like the African savanna. Here you will encounter crocodiles, hippos, elephants, lions, giraffes, and much more. Young and old will enjoy!

7. Wear Mouse Ears-Every guest who visits WDW must don their own pair of iconic Mouse Ears and sport them through the Disney parks. It’s part of the Disney experience! So be sure to get your own personalized ears and stroll proudly down Main Street U.S.A. because everyone is a kid again at WDW!

6. Character Meal-Characters are a huge part of the magic at WDW; and one of the best ways to meet and interact with characters is at a Disney character meal. At certain restaurants at the parks and resorts, you can enjoy a meal while several Disney characters stop by to sign autographs and take pictures!

5. Tower of Terror-This attraction is one of the most famous of all the attractions at WDW, and is one of the best examples of Disney’s incredible imagineering. This traditional drop ride transports guests into an episode of the Twilight Zone television series; and not only is it fun, it’s definitely a memorable experience!

4. Mickey Premium Bar-This sweet, delicious treat is an ice cream bar covered in chocolate in the shape of Mickey Mouse! Every guest should take a break from pounding the pavement and enjoy this tasty, Mickey treat.

3. Parade-Everyone enjoys a good parade; and Disney takes them to a whole new level! Each Disney theme park, except for Epcot, has it’s own parade; and the Magic Kingdom has two! The Magic Kingdom’s nighttime parade, the Main Street Electrical Parade, is especially unique in that the floats and characters are covered in lights! Every guest should catch a Disney parade on their vacation!

2. Pirates of the Caribbean-Yo Ho, Yo Ho! This classic Disney attraction has been entertaining Disney guests for generations and still is incredibly popular. It also inspired the blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean film series; and you can even see Captain Jack Sparrow popping up in the attraction these days! This ride offers both adventure and comedy and is enjoyable for all ages! You have yet to see all of Disney’s best without a trip on Pirates of the Caribbean!

1. Wishes-Disney is famous for their fireworks, and the most magical display can be found nightly above the Magic Kingdom! Wishes features some amazing fireworks coupled with an touching soundtrack and Disney songs and lighting tricks projected on Cinderella Castle. This show is narrated by Jiminy Cricket who tells guests about the power of wishes and dreams; but evil Disney villains try to turn those dreams into nightmares! However, good always triumphs over evil; and you will be touched, wowed, and charmed by this fireworks show! Also, early in the show, keep your eyes up to see Tinkerbell flying down from the castle!

What do you think every guest should do on a Disney Vacation? Are any of these on your to-do list? Let us know!

Related articles:

Tips: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Tips (aglassslippervacation.com)
Top 5 Must-Buys at Disney World
First Timers: What to Expect When You’re Expecting (to Visit Walt Disney World).

Paris Hilton Visits Disneyland Paris

Thursday, October 20, 2011 Chip No comments

Look at who made a surprise visit to Disneyland Paris this week. Paris Hilton and some of her friends celebrated Halloween early at the park with Cruella De Vil, Maleficent and the Wicked Witch after Disney’s Maleficious Halloween Party. During Paris’ visit, she also enjoyed a few attractions, including the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Here is another shot from our friends at Disneyland Paris.

Paris Hilton Visits Disneyland Paris by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Things You Might Not Know About the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Chip 2 Comments

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of my favorite attractions – both at Disney California Adventure park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Especially this time of year, it seems extra spooky. Each time I “check in,” I discover some new cobweb-covered detail. That’s why I wanted to share these little-known facts about the attraction at Disney California Adventure park:

Reaching 183 feet, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is made of more than 900 tons of steel, 1,600 cubic yards of concrete, 50,000 square feet of exterior plaster and about two miles of HV DC power cable.
The “service elevators” ridden by guests move faster than the speed of gravity.
The music heard in the Hollywood Tower Hotel courtyard and lobby features jazz and popular tunes from the 1930′s, such as “I Can’t Get Started With You” by Bunny Berigan, “We’ll Meet Again” by Vera Lynn and “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington.
The “Twilight Zone” episode from which Rod Serling’s appearance in the Library scene was taken is entitled “It’s A Good Life,” written by Rod Serling. The episode tells the story of a little boy who can read minds and control people.
The two glass display cases just outside the Library contain props that reference two “Twilight Zone” episodes:

Gold thimble – From “The After Hours,” starring Anne Francis as a woman who has forgotten that she is not actually a human being but a department store mannequin.
Broken stopwatch – From “A Kind of a Stopwatch,” the story of a watch that could actually stop time.

Can you name some of the other “Twilight Zone”-inspired props throughout the hotel?

Source Disney Parks Blog

Blue Sky Cellar Open Today with New Disney California Adventure Park Updates (chipandco.com)
What is lurking at Walt Disney World After Dark? (chipandco.com)

Things You Might Not Know About the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Top 5 Thrill Rides at Walt Disney World

Saturday, October 8, 2011 Catie 1 Comment

For those of you who love amusement parks and roller coasters and the general feeling of going fast, try these WDW rides:

1. Rock N Roller Coaster –This Aerosmith themed roller coaster is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where you embark on a VIP limo ride to an Aerosmith concert. You travel up and down and even upside down as you race to get to the show on time. The best part? It goes 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds!

2. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – A part of Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom, this coaster puts you on a runaway train ride without a conductor! Speeds reach up to 30 mph which may not seem like much, but pair that with sharp turns and you will be holding onto the safety bar real tight for sure!

3. Space Mountain – Speed through space on this space age themed coaster that’s staged mostly in the dark, so there’s even more suspense since you can’t even see what’s coming!

4. Expedition Everest – Speed through the mountains, dive into glacier valleys, and climb up through snow covered peaks on this train tour of Mount Everest. Beware of the yeti who is lurking nearby, looking to ruin your ride!

5. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – The idea behind this one is a family came to stay at the Hollywood Tower Hotel one night, and disappeared somewhere on the 13th floor. Of course the regular elevator is out of service, so your ride vehicle is the super creepy freight elevator, where you encounter a huge sudden drop (a result of the cables snapping in the elevator). The great thing about this ride is that it’s never the same twice – the number of times/how far you drop is random, so it really is a thrill each time

Disney World is more than the castle and characters, they really do have some great rides that adults can enjoy as well.

Need something a little more tame after doing all the rides listed above? Check out my blog for my “Top 5 rides for the kid in you” series, rides that may not get your adrenaline pumping, but they are still a good time for those of all ages!