Take a wild adventure into the savannahs of Africa in Disney's Animal Kingdom's premier attraction, Kilimanjaro Safaris. Guests board a open air truck, where their tour guide takes them on an exciting trip down the backroads of the Harmabe Wildlife Reserve. You will witness Giraffes, Hippos, and African Lions that are free-roaming and close enough to you for some amazing photos. There is also more to this ride than just the animals, there is an important message. Guests help track down horrible poachers, which have captured a baby Elephant from the reserve. This attraction will leave you with a love of the Earth's animals and a desire to protect them.
Families should plan to enjoy this attraction very early in the morning. The animals are most active while it is still cool, so make sure to visit before 11 am. If you plan to ride Expedition Everest, visit it first, and then head straight over to the safari. It is a good idea to ride it before the line gets long, as it can easily be over an hour wait in the afternoon. If you want to ride it more than once, grab a FASTPASS after you ride in the morning.
Make sure not to forget your camera on this attraction! In the savannah section, Giraffes, Zebras and Gazellas run freely and are frequently close enough to the vehicles to touch! It is sure to be a photo opportunity that you will not want to miss.
September 23, 2010
September 19, 2010
Dinosaur
Dinosaur : Revealed
Located within Dinoland of Disney's Animal Kingdom is a thrilling blast to the past. Dinosaur takes riders on a thrilling journey back to the Cretaceous period with the help of a crazy scientist and his newly created "Time Rovers". Your mission: To find the extinct Iguanodon dinosaur and bring it back to present day for research. But watch out! The Cretaceous period is famous for the meteorite storm that killed off the dinosaurs. Needless to say, the trip doesn't go exactly as planned.
My suggestion is to visit the Dinosaur attraction after you have experienced Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris. The line is usually fairly short, and can be done after riding the two most popular attractions. If the line is longer than about 30 minutes, perhaps it would be a good idea to grab a FASTPASS for this ride.
Once you are inside the attraction, you view a short movie explaining instructions for your mission to the age of the Dinosaurs. You then enter the loading area, where guests are loaded in groups of four (each Time Rover holds 12 people). Then it is off to the Cretaceous period!
Everything starts out fine, there are different dinosaurs throughout the landscape that you can observe from your safe vehicle. However, shortly into the ride there starts to be signs of the upcoming meteor shower. Your team needs to pick up speed in order to find the Iguanodon in time. The bad luck continues, when you run into a very hungry Carnitaurous. He chases your Time Rover through the dark jungle, each time barely missing you. At the last second, you find the Iguanodon and are zapped back to present times just before being eatten by a giant TRex. Sounds like a good time right?
This ride is one of the more intense attractions at Walt Disney World, and families with small children should read the posted warning before riding. The ride is very dark, and very bumpy. Also, the dinosaurs are loud, scary and realistic, which often scares young children.
Dinosaur is personally my favorite attraction at Walt Disney World. It is sure to make every member of your family laugh, and is not to be missed on your next visit.
Located within Dinoland of Disney's Animal Kingdom is a thrilling blast to the past. Dinosaur takes riders on a thrilling journey back to the Cretaceous period with the help of a crazy scientist and his newly created "Time Rovers". Your mission: To find the extinct Iguanodon dinosaur and bring it back to present day for research. But watch out! The Cretaceous period is famous for the meteorite storm that killed off the dinosaurs. Needless to say, the trip doesn't go exactly as planned.
My suggestion is to visit the Dinosaur attraction after you have experienced Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safaris. The line is usually fairly short, and can be done after riding the two most popular attractions. If the line is longer than about 30 minutes, perhaps it would be a good idea to grab a FASTPASS for this ride.
Once you are inside the attraction, you view a short movie explaining instructions for your mission to the age of the Dinosaurs. You then enter the loading area, where guests are loaded in groups of four (each Time Rover holds 12 people). Then it is off to the Cretaceous period!
Everything starts out fine, there are different dinosaurs throughout the landscape that you can observe from your safe vehicle. However, shortly into the ride there starts to be signs of the upcoming meteor shower. Your team needs to pick up speed in order to find the Iguanodon in time. The bad luck continues, when you run into a very hungry Carnitaurous. He chases your Time Rover through the dark jungle, each time barely missing you. At the last second, you find the Iguanodon and are zapped back to present times just before being eatten by a giant TRex. Sounds like a good time right?
This ride is one of the more intense attractions at Walt Disney World, and families with small children should read the posted warning before riding. The ride is very dark, and very bumpy. Also, the dinosaurs are loud, scary and realistic, which often scares young children.
Dinosaur is personally my favorite attraction at Walt Disney World. It is sure to make every member of your family laugh, and is not to be missed on your next visit.
The Tree of Life - It's Tough to be a Bug!
Without a doubt the first thing anyone notices when entering Disney's Animal Kingdom, is the Tree of Life. Standing high above all surrounding trees, it is the main focal point, and the icon that represents Disney's Animal Kingdom. The tree is intricately carved with the faces of many of the Earth's animals. How many can you identify?
Deep within the roots of the Tree of Life is one of Disney's premier 3D shows, called It's Tough to be a Bug. The show is a halarious look into the life of insects, hosted by Flick from "A Bug's Life". Flick attempts to explain how insects should be appreciated, however things go seriously wrong when a giant spider starts shooting quills, a termite covers the audience in acid, and hornets woop in to attack.
This show is fun, upbeat and will be enjoyed by the entire family. Many children love this show, however children that are afraid of the dark or loud noises may be frightened during a few quick segments of this show.
It's Tough to be a Bug does offer FASTPASS service, however it is rarely needed. The wait should not be over 15 minutes, and it is great to take advantage of this attraction mid-day because it is air-conditioned.
This is a halarious, must-see show that cannot be missed at Disney's Animal Kingdom!
Deep within the roots of the Tree of Life is one of Disney's premier 3D shows, called It's Tough to be a Bug. The show is a halarious look into the life of insects, hosted by Flick from "A Bug's Life". Flick attempts to explain how insects should be appreciated, however things go seriously wrong when a giant spider starts shooting quills, a termite covers the audience in acid, and hornets woop in to attack.
This show is fun, upbeat and will be enjoyed by the entire family. Many children love this show, however children that are afraid of the dark or loud noises may be frightened during a few quick segments of this show.
It's Tough to be a Bug does offer FASTPASS service, however it is rarely needed. The wait should not be over 15 minutes, and it is great to take advantage of this attraction mid-day because it is air-conditioned.
This is a halarious, must-see show that cannot be missed at Disney's Animal Kingdom!
September - All about Disney's Animal Kingdom!
Since Walt Disney World's birthday (Oct. 1) is right around the corner, I thought I'd start taking an in depth look at everything Disney! For the month of September, I will write about anything and everything there is to offer at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Keep checking back for new posts!
First up: The Oasis!
The oasis is the first thing you will discover when entering Disney's Animal Kingdom. Most guests fly right through this area in a frenzy to beat everyone else to the attractions, but there are some must-see's in this area. While passing through caves and under tropical vines, take a few moments to look at the wildlife you can spot along the way. Animals that guests can spot in this area include a Komodo Dragon, beautiful Macaws, and a Giant Anteater!
If you are in a hurry to get into the park, be sure to stop by this area on your away out, or during the day when you need a short break. Your kids will love seeing who can spot the different animals!
First up: The Oasis!
The oasis is the first thing you will discover when entering Disney's Animal Kingdom. Most guests fly right through this area in a frenzy to beat everyone else to the attractions, but there are some must-see's in this area. While passing through caves and under tropical vines, take a few moments to look at the wildlife you can spot along the way. Animals that guests can spot in this area include a Komodo Dragon, beautiful Macaws, and a Giant Anteater!
If you are in a hurry to get into the park, be sure to stop by this area on your away out, or during the day when you need a short break. Your kids will love seeing who can spot the different animals!
April 1, 2010
Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Staring Aerosmith
Rock 'n' Rollercoaster is one of the most thrilling and popular rides at Walt Disney World. It is the only attraction at Walt Disney World that features inversions, and includes a 0-60 mph launch, all to the beat of Aerosmith music!
The attraction is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard, next to Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests enter the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster courtyard under a giant guitar with a limo traveling down it's neck and over the sidewalk. The queue line is divided into three categories: Stand By, FASTPASS and Single Rider. After waiting under the covered canopy, guests enter the lobby of the G-Force Records studio. There are posters of popular Disney artists, as well as real recording equipment such as guitars and microphones. Guests then enter into a recording booth where Aerosmith is working on their newest hit. Stephen Tyler invites the audience to be VIP guests at their concert, however it is all the way across town. They order you a "really fast car", a super-stretch limo to be exact.
The doors to the studio open and guests then walk into the alley of the parking garage. The limo awaits and is loaded in groups of two. Riders can request the front or back row if they would like, but may need to wait off to the side for a few minutes for the space to open up. Once into the limo, shoulder restraints are lowered and the limo creeps forward to around the corner in front of a large neon sign where guests waiting in line can observe. The sign warns of the heavy traffic ahead, and to proceed with caution. Instantly, loud Aerosmith music cranks on in the limo car as it is launched from 0-60 mph in just a few short seconds.
The limo heads right into the first two inversions after the launch, a loop and a corkscrew. The ride that follows is full of twists, drops and sudden turns, and one more corkscrew. All while you jam out to Aerosmith music! This ride is inside, and in the dark, however it is not completely pitch black. There are neon road signs and billboards along the way, after all you are traveling through Hollywood!
Just as the concert is about to start, the limo arrives at the stadium, and guests are unloaded onto the red carpet as VIP's for the event. Stop by the small monitors near the gift shop to see your on-ride photo during the launch, sure to be a great memory! Photos can be purchased around the corner at the photo counter as key chains, prints and posters. The large gift shop sells items such as Aerosmith and Rock 'n' Rollercoaster t-shirts, jewelry and crazy rock and roll wigs. Guests who do not ride the attraction can enter the gift shop through the exit, which is located to the left of the red guitar out front.
Every thrill-seeking member of the family is going to love this attraction! Be sure to check height requirements and warnings before getting in line for this attraction, as it is too intense for some guests. The back car of the limo does seem the fastest during take off, but is also a little rougher than other seats. If you prefer a slightly slower launch, sit up front, where it seems less intense. The middle of the limo is a great place to sit for both a smooth ride and an exhilarating take off.
The lines for this attraction do get long in the afternoon and evening. Be sure to visit Disney's Hollywood Studios when they open and ride this before 11 am. If your family wants to ride again, grab a FASTPASS after you get off the ride, and the return time will likely be in the afternoon. If everyone wants to ride except for a small child, parents can do child swap where they take turns riding and do not have to wait in line twice. Simply ask a cast member for more information.
So, are you ready to "merge like you've never merged before"?!
The attraction is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard, next to Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests enter the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster courtyard under a giant guitar with a limo traveling down it's neck and over the sidewalk. The queue line is divided into three categories: Stand By, FASTPASS and Single Rider. After waiting under the covered canopy, guests enter the lobby of the G-Force Records studio. There are posters of popular Disney artists, as well as real recording equipment such as guitars and microphones. Guests then enter into a recording booth where Aerosmith is working on their newest hit. Stephen Tyler invites the audience to be VIP guests at their concert, however it is all the way across town. They order you a "really fast car", a super-stretch limo to be exact.
The doors to the studio open and guests then walk into the alley of the parking garage. The limo awaits and is loaded in groups of two. Riders can request the front or back row if they would like, but may need to wait off to the side for a few minutes for the space to open up. Once into the limo, shoulder restraints are lowered and the limo creeps forward to around the corner in front of a large neon sign where guests waiting in line can observe. The sign warns of the heavy traffic ahead, and to proceed with caution. Instantly, loud Aerosmith music cranks on in the limo car as it is launched from 0-60 mph in just a few short seconds.
The limo heads right into the first two inversions after the launch, a loop and a corkscrew. The ride that follows is full of twists, drops and sudden turns, and one more corkscrew. All while you jam out to Aerosmith music! This ride is inside, and in the dark, however it is not completely pitch black. There are neon road signs and billboards along the way, after all you are traveling through Hollywood!
Just as the concert is about to start, the limo arrives at the stadium, and guests are unloaded onto the red carpet as VIP's for the event. Stop by the small monitors near the gift shop to see your on-ride photo during the launch, sure to be a great memory! Photos can be purchased around the corner at the photo counter as key chains, prints and posters. The large gift shop sells items such as Aerosmith and Rock 'n' Rollercoaster t-shirts, jewelry and crazy rock and roll wigs. Guests who do not ride the attraction can enter the gift shop through the exit, which is located to the left of the red guitar out front.
Every thrill-seeking member of the family is going to love this attraction! Be sure to check height requirements and warnings before getting in line for this attraction, as it is too intense for some guests. The back car of the limo does seem the fastest during take off, but is also a little rougher than other seats. If you prefer a slightly slower launch, sit up front, where it seems less intense. The middle of the limo is a great place to sit for both a smooth ride and an exhilarating take off.
The lines for this attraction do get long in the afternoon and evening. Be sure to visit Disney's Hollywood Studios when they open and ride this before 11 am. If your family wants to ride again, grab a FASTPASS after you get off the ride, and the return time will likely be in the afternoon. If everyone wants to ride except for a small child, parents can do child swap where they take turns riding and do not have to wait in line twice. Simply ask a cast member for more information.
So, are you ready to "merge like you've never merged before"?!
March 26, 2010
Disney's Polynesian Resort
Disney's Polynesian Resort is one of the most luxurious that guests will find on property at Walt Disney World. Themed after the tropical islands of the South Pacific, this hotels grounds are full of lush vegitation and white sand beaches.
The resort is situated across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom Park. It is also on the resort monorail line, which offers quick access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is located near by and guests can visit by following the beautiful pathway between resorts.
Disney's Polynesian Resort's main building is called the Great Ceremonial House. It includes the registration and conceirge desks, quick service meal locations, and two table service restaurants. There is also a quiet lounge on the second floor, which frequently has live music, and offers a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks named Wishes.
Step out the back doors of the Great Ceremonial House and you will arrive at the main pool area. It is one of the nicest pools on property, offering a waterslide which loops through a volcano, and a zero-depth entry for small children. The pool is also just steps away from white sand beaches which stretch the whole length of the resort, with views of Cinderella's Castle in the background. There is also another quieter pool, that adults may enjoy for a little time to themselves.
For dining option, guests can choose between grabbing a quick meal at the Polynesians food court, and having a more memorable meal at one of the table-service restaurants on property. Ohana is the Polynesian's character buffet, which includes visits from Lilo and Stitch. This is a favorite among many guests to Walt Disney World, for the entertainment as well as the food. Just around the corner from Ohana is the Kona Cafe, offering reasonably priced island-inspired meals for the whole family.
If your family is looking for more of an experience with you dinner, visit the Spirts of Aloha dinner show. Guests view an authentic luau style show, while eatting the unlimited dinner that is based around a traditional luau meal. This is an amazing show, that your family will not forget!
The resort is also home to the Neverland Club, a wonderful childcare facility. They are there, should you need a night of romance away from the kids. In addition, there is a resort marina, where guests can rent watercraft or book parasailing tours.
Disney's Polynesian Resort is one of the most saught after resorts on property, and if you stay there, you will soon see why. As one of the most beautiful and convenient hotels on property, while still offering unmatched Disney service. A stay here will truely make your vacation a step above the rest!
The resort is situated across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom Park. It is also on the resort monorail line, which offers quick access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is located near by and guests can visit by following the beautiful pathway between resorts.
Disney's Polynesian Resort's main building is called the Great Ceremonial House. It includes the registration and conceirge desks, quick service meal locations, and two table service restaurants. There is also a quiet lounge on the second floor, which frequently has live music, and offers a spectacular view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks named Wishes.
Step out the back doors of the Great Ceremonial House and you will arrive at the main pool area. It is one of the nicest pools on property, offering a waterslide which loops through a volcano, and a zero-depth entry for small children. The pool is also just steps away from white sand beaches which stretch the whole length of the resort, with views of Cinderella's Castle in the background. There is also another quieter pool, that adults may enjoy for a little time to themselves.
For dining option, guests can choose between grabbing a quick meal at the Polynesians food court, and having a more memorable meal at one of the table-service restaurants on property. Ohana is the Polynesian's character buffet, which includes visits from Lilo and Stitch. This is a favorite among many guests to Walt Disney World, for the entertainment as well as the food. Just around the corner from Ohana is the Kona Cafe, offering reasonably priced island-inspired meals for the whole family.
If your family is looking for more of an experience with you dinner, visit the Spirts of Aloha dinner show. Guests view an authentic luau style show, while eatting the unlimited dinner that is based around a traditional luau meal. This is an amazing show, that your family will not forget!
The resort is also home to the Neverland Club, a wonderful childcare facility. They are there, should you need a night of romance away from the kids. In addition, there is a resort marina, where guests can rent watercraft or book parasailing tours.
Disney's Polynesian Resort is one of the most saught after resorts on property, and if you stay there, you will soon see why. As one of the most beautiful and convenient hotels on property, while still offering unmatched Disney service. A stay here will truely make your vacation a step above the rest!
March 16, 2010
A Look Into Toy Story Midway Mania
In early 2008, Toy Story Midway Mania opened at both Disney's California Adventures and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is without arguement, the most complex and popular ride at Walt Disney World to date. And for good reason!
Toy Story Mania is located within Pixar Place, near the back of Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll know you are close by the larger than life Green Army men, and the endless crowds of people.
Enter through Toy Story Mania's door, and you are shrunk to the size of a toy. The line up to the attraction winds through Andy's room, full of giant playing cards, and Candyland pieces. Also in the waiting room is Mr. Potato Head, who tells stories, tells jokes and sings for the waiting visitors. Try to get his attention when you are close by, as he can actually see the people waiting in line, and uses them for his jokes.
When you arrive at the attraction, put on your 3D glasses, the fun is about to start! You are seated in groups of two into cars that have spring-action shooters. You simply pull the string on your gun and it fires your shots at the 3D targets. The ride cars zip along a track spinning and racing to the different Midway games. Some of the games you will play along with your favorite Toy Story characters are baloon-pop, dart throwing and ring toss. The amazing part about this attraction is not only does the screen appear in 3D, so do what you are shooting! You can actually see your rings being tossed towards the targets! Each car is equiped to keep tally of each rider's score and displays them to you along the ride.
This attraction is perfect for a little friendly competition. However, don't waste all your energy at the beginning, you are going to need it at the end.
Because this attraction is so innovative and fun for ALL members of the family, the lines are very long. If you plan to ride this attraction, make sure to arrive at Disney's Hollywood Studios at least 30 minutes before park opening. FASTPASSes also are distributed quickly and run out usually before noon. So plan ahead, and be sure not to miss this AMAZING attraction!
Let's Talk Weather
I've seen a lot of questions latley from people asking what to expect from the Florida weather for their vacation. So here is a short summary of what you may experience weather-wise when on your upcoming Disney vacation.
Florida is a tropical climate, and for the most part the days are hot and humid. For summer travel, you can expect it to be upper 80s, and frequently hitting temperatures in the 90s. At night it does cool down a little, to usually around the 60s. There are also lots of rain showers during the summer and fall months. The morning will be sunny and warm, then usually around 2-3pm, there will be some short rain showers, and then the sun will return.
Because of the high humidity and tempurates for most of the year in Florida, I have a few tips that may make the day more enjoyable.
1) Buy a hand fan and mister. These sell in the park for nearly $20, however you can get one at Walmart for about $6. It will save you when you are waiting in the hot sun for an attraction.
2) Dress in thin, fast-drying clothes. Make sure to wear clothing that the air can flow through: no jeans, or heavy materials.
3) Get FASTPASSes early for the water rides so that you can ride it once it gets hot, without waiting in a long line.
4) Visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach in the afternoon, when your family needs a break from the heat.
5) Visit attractions that are inside with air-conditioning, such as PhilharMagic and Space Mountain, once everyone gets tired of the sun.
Although Florida is usually hot and sunny, the tempurature can also drop to suprising lows. If you are traveling in November to February, you should expect it to be slightly colder, with also the possibility of it dropping to 40 degrees or cooler. It is a good idea to pack pants, sweaters and coats along with your summer wear for a winter vacation to Orlando. When visiting the park, bring along a small backpack that you can fit sweaters into, should it get chilly that night.
Hope this helps!
Enjoy the sun!
Florida is a tropical climate, and for the most part the days are hot and humid. For summer travel, you can expect it to be upper 80s, and frequently hitting temperatures in the 90s. At night it does cool down a little, to usually around the 60s. There are also lots of rain showers during the summer and fall months. The morning will be sunny and warm, then usually around 2-3pm, there will be some short rain showers, and then the sun will return.
Because of the high humidity and tempurates for most of the year in Florida, I have a few tips that may make the day more enjoyable.
1) Buy a hand fan and mister. These sell in the park for nearly $20, however you can get one at Walmart for about $6. It will save you when you are waiting in the hot sun for an attraction.
2) Dress in thin, fast-drying clothes. Make sure to wear clothing that the air can flow through: no jeans, or heavy materials.
3) Get FASTPASSes early for the water rides so that you can ride it once it gets hot, without waiting in a long line.
4) Visit Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach in the afternoon, when your family needs a break from the heat.
5) Visit attractions that are inside with air-conditioning, such as PhilharMagic and Space Mountain, once everyone gets tired of the sun.
Although Florida is usually hot and sunny, the tempurature can also drop to suprising lows. If you are traveling in November to February, you should expect it to be slightly colder, with also the possibility of it dropping to 40 degrees or cooler. It is a good idea to pack pants, sweaters and coats along with your summer wear for a winter vacation to Orlando. When visiting the park, bring along a small backpack that you can fit sweaters into, should it get chilly that night.
Hope this helps!
Enjoy the sun!
March 14, 2010
Favorites
I thought I'd start by listing my Walt Disney World favorites. Here is a list of my must-see attractions, hotels and dining experiences. Enjoy!
Favorite attractions:
1)Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom
2)Test Track at EPCOT
3)Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios
4)Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios
5)Splash Mountain
Favorite hotel: Polynesian
Favorite quick service restaurant: Casey's Corner at the Magic Kingdom
Favorite full service restaurant: California Grill, during Wishes
Favorite little-known restaurant: Beaches and Cream at the Yacht/Beach Club
Favorite nighttime show: Illuminations at EPCOT
Favorite day show: PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom
What are your favorites? Post as a comment!
Favorite attractions:
1)Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom
2)Test Track at EPCOT
3)Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios
4)Rock 'n' Rollercoaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios
5)Splash Mountain
Favorite hotel: Polynesian
Favorite quick service restaurant: Casey's Corner at the Magic Kingdom
Favorite full service restaurant: California Grill, during Wishes
Favorite little-known restaurant: Beaches and Cream at the Yacht/Beach Club
Favorite nighttime show: Illuminations at EPCOT
Favorite day show: PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom
What are your favorites? Post as a comment!
Welcome!
Welcome to the In The Magic blog! This blog is written in conjunction with http://www.InTheMagic.com to share tons of Walt Disney World insider info, tips and hints! Check back frequently for in-depth reviews and descriptions of each and every Walt Disney World attraction, show and restaurant. I will also be posting helpful tips and ideas that your family can use to help plan your vacation and get In The Magic!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)