What Makes Disney World Rides Special?

Here's one of my favorite secrets to help you plan your Disney World vacation.... Each theme park has its own special kind of Disney World rides. Get to know what makes each park different, and planning your vacation will be much easier.

Let's start at the Magic Kingdom... Many people think of this park as "Disney World." But it's just one of the parks... actually the first park... at Disney World. What kind of rides and attractions will you find here? Basically three kinds:

1. Kiddie classics: Dumbo, Peter Pan, "it's a small world" and more at Fantasyland.
2. Family favorites: Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, the Disney World railroad, Jungle Cruise and a few more that are good for the entire family.
   
3. A handful of thrill rides: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain.

So the high points...

• The Magic Kingdom is just one of the four theme parks at Disney World.
• You'll find mostly kid-friendly rides and attractions here, but there's enough to entertain thrill-ride fans.
• To experience all (or most) of the rides and attractions here, allow at least two full days.

Next time, we'll explore the Disney World rides at Epcot. Stay tuned...

The Haunted Mansion Recreation on YouTube

The Haunted Mansion is one of my favorites. (Hmm, it seems like I say that about quite a few attractions.) If you have ever tried to take video inside the Haunted Mansion - or viewed one of the many fan-produced videos - you know that it's hard to get good video or photographs because the attraction is so dark.

At last, we fans have an inside look at the Haunted Mansion, thanks to Jeremy Kohrs and Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 . He's recreated the Haunted Mansion in delightful detail. Because it's based on the Disneyland version, the exterior is a bit different. The interior is perfect - hitting all the highlights!

If you like this video, be sure to pop over to Jeremy's YouTube page and rate the video.

Special Nintendo DS Pirates Bonus at the Magic Kingdom

I'll admit that I don't know a thing about handheld computer games... So you'll have to interpret exactly what this means. But it seems very cool. If you have the new Nintendo DS game "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," bring your Nintendo DS to the Magic Kingdom to free, exclusive content and codes.

Go to the Magic Kingdom and head to Adventureland. Look for "X Marks the Spot" locations. Based on the video that's online, they're large silver metal crosses sitting on top of a barrel. When you find the "X," turn on you game and follow the instructions on how to download the booty.

(Tip: Gamers should make sure they have played at least the first level of the game up to the first checkpoint -- Jolly Roger -- and have created a saved game.)

So what do you get? Unlimited health, unlimited "savvy" and unlocked costumes for single player AND an unlock of all locations, characters and weapons for multiplayer duel mode.

Read more on the official Disney web page.

Expedition Everest on Squidoo

I just realized that I never posted a link to a great lens on Mouseopolis ! Barrie has done a wonderful page about Expedition Everest . Here's an excerpt...

Expedition Everest, at Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom park, is a perilous journey aboard a runaway train through the Himalayan mountains. Adventurous riders push deep into the lair of the feared yeti, guardian of the forbidden mountain. En route, they encounter torn tracks, spiral backwards through the fog into an ice cavern and dart into and out of the mountain on this high-speed roller coaster adventure.

And here's a menu of what you will find...

• Fun Facts
• Take a Ride on Expedition Everest (YouTube video)
• Souvenirs (link to Ebay shop)
  
• and much more.

Go take a look... Just watch out for the Yeti!

How to Enjoy: Mickey's PhilharMagic at the Magic Kingdom

Come on over to Squidoo and check out my new lens (that's page, in normal speak) on Mickey's PhilharMagic . Here's an excerpt:

If I'm in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, the one attraction that I never miss is "Mickey's PhilharMagic." Donald takes center stage when Mickey leaves him alone with his Sorcerer's Apprentice hat. Hmm, couldn't we see what's going to happen. Donald puts on the hat. Magic is unleashed. And the next 12 minutes is a glorious, in-your-face, three-dimensional journey as Donald tries to rescue the magical hat.

Officially presented by Kodak, "Mickey's PhilharMagic" features Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other animated Disney characters. It's reported that this is the largest collection of characters in any official Disney production. This was also the first time that classic Disney characters were created using computer-generated animation.

Jedi Academy and Mickey Avenue Updates

Two changes are underway at Disney-MGM Studios... First, construction on Toy Story Mania in the old studio that housed "Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Play It" has spread onto Mickey Avenue. That's the walkway from the Studio Catering Company on the north to Journey into Narnia and One Man's Dream on the south.

That section of Mickey Avenue is now closed due to the construction for Toy Story Mania. For the foreseeable future, you're going to have to walk down Commissary Lane to get to the back of the park. Commissary Lane is narrower, so expect it to feel a bit more crowded.

Second, Jedi Academy was apparently so popular during Star Wars Weekends that the Disney folks are adding a permanent stage to host this show year round. The Orlando Sentinel tourism blog has reported that plans for the stage call for a large covered patio in front of the Star Tours attraction at the end of Commissary Lane. The show is expected to open this fall, with up to eight shows daily.

Because of the attention that this new show will bring to Star Tours, there might be an increase number of people riding and - naturally - an increase in waiting time. Be sure to use FASTPASS if waiting time get longer than 30 minutes. Check Page 12 in the EZ Fun Guide for details on using FASTPASS.

May the Force be with you...

Disney's Pin Celebration 2007 Coming in September

Wow, talk about a fun event coming up! If you're into pin trading and plan to be at Disney World in early September, make plans to attend Disney's Pin Celebration 2007 at Epcot.

The event, which runs Sept. 7-9, costs $90 per person (plus your admission to Epcot). Here's what is included:

• Opportunity to pre-purchase Limited Edition pins designed especially for this event.
• "Purchase with Purchase" pin promotion for event Guests only featuring exclusive pins.
• Trading activities and games at World ShowPlace located at Epcot.
• Limited Edition commemorative gifts.
• Live and silent auctions of pre-production pins, artist proof pins and more.
• Be the first to collect brand new Hidden Mickey pins featuring new designs.
• Opportunity to meet Disney Pin Partners from The Walt Disney Company.
• Two $15 Gift Cards redeemable at Epcot® Food and Beverage locations.
• Plus extra special surprises throughout the event.

Looks like that's going to be a busy weekend... and I'm going to be there! The Night of Joy will be Friday, September 7, and Saturday, September 8. Read more on the Disney World web site.

Three Caballeros Featured at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot

One of my favorite attractions - in a strange sort of way - at Epcot is new and refreshed! The boat ride at Mexico Pavilion on the World Showcase is a wonderful stop on a hot day. Cool, dark and fun, the Rio del Tiempo was nicknamed by many, including me, as "it's a small burrito" because the dancing dolls and catchy music in the final scene reminded us of "it's a small world " in the Magic Kingdom.

Well, some of the same flavor still remains, but the attraction has been revised, updated and renamed as Gran Fiesta Tour featuring the Three Caballeros. Here's the official description from the Disney folks:

Experience the sights and sounds of Mexico on the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. Take a delightful boat ride and follow the adventures of Donald Duck, José Carioca and Panchito from the Disney film "The Three Caballeros." This fun-filled journey showcases the people, culture, history and arts of Mexico and is enjoyable for all ages.

In the old ride, we were taken on a historical journey through the culture of Mexico. I really enjoyed the ride because it had a retro style and stayed on the fun side of dorky. The new version keeps much of the same feel, and most guests seem to enjoy the new story line. Donald, Jose and Panchito are on their way to the Gran Fiesta. In typical Donald fashion, the duck gets sidetracked and his two friends must chase him down. The new ride definitely worth the time!

While you are at the Mexico Pavilion, allow time to visit the Marketplace and the other exhibits. There are several small shops with jewelry and women's fashions at reasonable prices.

Introducing Disney World Rides and Attractions

Say the words "Walt Disney World" and the first image that pops into your mind is probably one of the Disney World rides and attractions.... Then you smile!

The rides are what makes a Disney World vacation especially fun. This blog is dedicated to sharing the joy and wonder of Disney World rides. It is one of my network of blogs and web sites designed to make planning your Disney World vacation fun and easy!

So keep watching for lots of fun and excitement coming your way...