As we leave Adventureland, we head into Frontierland. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, there were only 3 attractions in Frontierland: Walt Disney World Railroad, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes (which operated until 1991) and the world debut of Country Bear Jamboree. Over the years, Frontierland would become home to some of the biggest and best-loved thrill rides in Magic Kingdom. So get ready for a rootin tootin good time as we step back in time to the Old West.
Splash Mountain is a log flume ride in Frontierland. It features the story of Brer Rabbit as told by Uncle Remus in "Song of the South". Guests are taken through the story with lively songs such as "How Do You Do" and "Everybody's Got a Laughing Place". The climax of the rides takes you down a 52 foot drop into the Briar Patch! Afterwards, everyone celebrates the return of Brer Rabbit with a rowdy rendition of "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah". The bright coloring of this ride makes it visually stunning and provides what I think are the best in-ride photos of any attraction.
Next to Splash Mountain is the second of the three mountain "thrills" found in Magic Kingdom, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Dodge waterfalls and rockslides as you streak through a haunted mining town on a runaway mine train.
This has to be one of the most loved quick services restaurants in the park, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. It is PACKED all the time! They offer indoor and outdoor seating and offer sandwiches and taco salads. The best part of this restaurant is a toppings bar that can't be beat. They have enough toppings to make your meal a mile high!
Travel on log rafts across the Rivers of America to Tom Sawyer Island. You can follow in the footsteps of early American settlers on this self-guided tour of dirt roads, caves, forts and more. The design of the island mirrors the one in Disneyland which was designed by Walt Disney himself. Adults can relax in rocking chairs under the shade trees while kids play at Fort Sam Clemens. You can also check out the working water wheel.
The Country Bear Jamboree is a fun and lively stage show. The band of audio-animatronic bears perform a country music concert with fun help from some of their other animal friends in the audience. Country Bear Jamboree made its debut in Walt Disney World and was so popular it was then added to Disneyland. It also launched a spin-off show in both parks called the Country Bear Christmas Special. It is also another of the famous Disney attractions to inspire its own movie.
For some big kid fun, you can try your skills at the Frontierland Shootin Arcade. Set against Old West backdrops, there are nearly 100 interactive targets. Rifles do not shoot projectiles. They use infrared technology to register hits. An additional fee is required to play.
If you need a pick-me-up in Frontierland, the Golden Oak Outpost is open seasonally and offers sandwiches, chicken nuggets and fries. Or, stop by Westward Ho for some frozen lemonade, a corndog or other snacks.
Before leaving this land, you can pick up some cute souvenirs at Big Al's or the Briar Patch. Or, you can stop in the Frontier Trading Post to buy some pins or do some pin trading!
Some Frontierland Fun Facts:
*Head up the stairs to the train station in Frontierland and listen closely. You will hear Morse code coming from the telegraph office. It is transmitting Walt Disney's opening day speech at Disneyland.
*Splash Mountain's proper name is Chick-a-pin Hill
*Ever ride Big Thunder Mountain railroad at night? As your train roars past the saloon, take a quick peek at the second floor window and you will see a wild party in progress! But, you won't see it during the day.
*The setting for Splash Mountain is Mississippi, but it was painted with red coloring to compliment Big Thunder Mountain, so its coloring is geographically incorrect.
*Fort Sam Clemens is named for Mark Twain, author of Tom Sawyer. Samuel Clemens is his real name.
*Country Bear Jamboree is a show that was designed by Walt Disney for Disney's Mineral King Ski Resort in the 1960's which was never build after Walt's death.
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Grab your best matey and get ready to explore Adventureland! From jungles to deserts to the high seas, you are sure to have a great time here!
Our first stop is Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. This attraction, based on the movie, takes you through the amazing treehouse the family built after being stranded on an island following a pirate attack. The house is filled with cool antiques and items that the family salvaged from their wrecked ship to build their home. To see it all, you need to be able to climb 116 steps! If you can't do it, or are afraid of heights, Disney suggests you skip this attraction.
Next on our adventure, we board the Jungle Cruise. We board our boats and are taken on a guided tour of the world's major rivers. Our skipper points out all the interesting scenes along the way and keeps us laughing with some of the world's corniest jokes! This is one of the original rides at Walt Disney World and features many audio-animatronic animals that Disney is famous for. A relaxing and entertaining family ride!
Fans of the Jungle Cruise were delighted this August with the announcement of the new Skipper Canteen restaurant to be opened in Adventureland. At the Skipper Canteen, guests will be able to experience "World Famous Jungle Cuisine" in one of several unique dining rooms - including a crew mess hall and a once-hidden secret meeting room of the famed Society of Explorer and Adventurers. The restaurant will also be staffed by Jungle Cruise Skippers, so you know there is fun in store! Currently under construction, this new restaurant is expected to open in late 2015.
Has anyone NOT heard of the Dole Whip yet? I have to wonder if this is not the most famous attraction in all of Adventureland. You can find them at Aloha Isle and you can try them in Pineapple, Orange, Vanilla or swirl ice cream. Or try a Dole Whip Float!
As we emerge from the Jungles, we are whisked away to the Far East and the markets of Agrabah. You can take flight on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin for a bird's eye view of the market (and a peek at the rest of the kingdom too!). Just beware of the camels...they spit! After this enchanting ride, you can stick around to meet Agrabah's favorite royals, Aladdin and Jasmine.
The Enchanted Tiki Room was the first attraction at Disneyland to feature audio-animatronics with a cast of over 150 talking, singing and dancing birds. When Walt Disney World opened in 1971, an almost identical show was placed there called Tropical Serenade. It was replaced in 1998 with The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management and featured Zazu and Iago from The Lion King and Aladdin. In January 2011, a small fire broke out in the attic of the attraction and poor Iago was heavily damaged. It was decided that the attraction would be refurbished and return to the original show format, which it was on August 15, 2011. Many Disney purists prefer this version of the show.
After you visit the Tiki Room, you can stop by Sunshine Tree Terrace to grab a refreshing snack. They have soft-serve ice cream, fruit slushes, floats and more to cool off. If it's a chilly day, you can also get coffee, lattee, espresso and more!
Now we have arrived at my favorite section of Adventureland. Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me!! Pirates of the Caribbean was the last ride at Disneyland to be personally overseen by Walt Disney. It was brought to Walt Disney World in 1973. It is housed in a Spanish fort called Castillo del Morro inspired by Castillo de San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan. Because of the success of the movies, it was refurbished in 2006 to add characters from the movie including Barbossa and the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. The newest changes include Blackbeard replacing Davy Jones in the waterfall and mermaids zooming through the waters near the deserted beach. Mermaids are quick! It may take a few rides to spot them. The also added a mermaid skeleton on the beach in the wrecked boat. I have personally seen all three versions and have to say, it just keeps getting better! Disney has perfectly blended the iconic scenes we all know and love (who doesn't get chills when you hear the echoing "Dead Men Tell No Tales"?) with the lively screen characters that have become such a success. Also, we can usually find some of our favorite pirate characters for meet and greets around this ride and it all ends with (in my opinion) one of the best gift shops in the park, full of booty I just LOVE to buy!
Now you can become one of the crew! After transforming you into a real pirate, you will be trained by Captain Jack's crew and get your new pirate name at The Pirate's League. Choose a pirate makeover or a mermaid makeover. You need to make advance reservations at 407-939-2739.
Another can't-miss attraction in Adventureland is Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial. The captain and his first mate teach us all the basics of being a pirate. Then he chooses some children from the audience and initiates them into the crew. All the children chosen get an official certificate from the captain himself.
Once you've become a full-fledged pirate, it's time to put your skills to the test. In A Pirate's Adventures: Treasures of the Seven Seas, needs your help to raid 5 treasures throughout Adventureland. You can get your magic talisman at the Crow's Nest to complete your mission. If you're successful, you will be christened and official member of Captain Jack's crew!
In February, 2011 El Pirata Y El Perico became Tortuga Tavern in keeping with the Pirates of the Caribbean movie theme. Most of the decor and menu remained the same. This elusive little restaurant may be best known for rarely being open. I admit that it has always eluded me when I visit. It's a quaint little counter service restaurant offering Mexican favorites if you are lucky enough to find it open.
Now that we've had our fill of adventure, it's time to travel back to the Old West for some of the biggest thrills in Magic Kingdom!
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Our exploration brings us to our final park, Magic Kingdom. Here you will find six lands with attractions sure to please every member of the family.
Main Street U.S.A, the first land you enter in Magic Kingdom, is modeled after a typical small town in turn-of-the-century America. This land immediately transports you back in time. As you step through the gates of Magic Kingdom, you know that you have left the real world behind. With Cinderella Castle looming in the distance, Main Street U.S.A. can seem to excited guests like a beautifully decorated "walkway" to the magic. But before you make a dash for bigger adventure, slow down and take the time to appreciate the welcome Disney has given us with this land. There is much more to do and see here than you may know!
Most town services are run from Town Square and the same is true here on Main Street U.S.A. This is the spot you want to head to if you are need of any type of service. Guest Relations is located in City Hall, Package Pick-up is located in the Chamber of Commerce. You will also find restrooms, ATM and a defibrillator here. You can stop by the firehouse to learn a cool new game (more info later) and Harmony Barber Shop for a quick makeover! As the Magic Kingdom opens each morning, Town Square is filled with all your favorite characters and you may even find a few locals resting on benches around the area! From Town Square, you can also enjoy a ride on a double-decker bus or a horse-drawn carriage. And don't forget to stop by Town Square Theater to say hello to the one and only talking Mickey Mouse!
Guests pass through a tunnel under the Walt Disney Railroad Station to enter the Magic Kingdom. Main Street U.S.A. is the first stop for the Walt Disney Railroad. It also makes stops in Frontierland and Fantasyland. Did you know that this steam-powered railroad transports more than 1.5 MILLION passengers each year? The railroad has four locomotives, each named for those who contributed greatly to the Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney World. They are: Walter E. Disney, Lilly Belle, Roger E. Broggie, and Roy O. Disney. Each morning, our favorite Disney characters along with citizens of Main Street arrive at the station to welcome guests with a rousing rendition of "Good Morning". A must-see in my opinion!
This is probably my favorite place on Main Street! The Emporium is a mega-store that runs down the entire left side of Main Street U.S.A. Although they look like separate buildings from the outside, they connect inside to different rooms where you can buy just about everything and anything Disney has to offer. A shopper's paradise!
One of the fun things about Main Street U.S.A. is the cast members in the period costumes. Some of them really play the part!!
One of the latest additions to Main Street U.S.A. is the Sorcerers of Magic Kingdom game. You can stop by the firehouse for your free game cards and a tutorial on how to play. Sorcerer's of Magic Kingdom is an interactive game where Merlin recruits you as his newest apprentice and sends you throughout Magic Kingdom to battle Disney villains. Even if you don't play the game, the cards are cute collectible keepsakes, and they're free!
Aside from the standard souvenirs at the Emporium, Main Street U.S.A. is home to many specialty shops where you can find treasures you won't find anywhere else on property. The Chapeau is one of the few places left where you can still get embroidered ear hats. Crystal Arts features Arribas Brothers glassworks. Uptown Jewelers has snowglobes, frames, charms and pins. You can visit Main Street Gallery for books, posters, lithographs and more. Or try Main Street Athletic Club for sports apparel and equipment. Don't forget sweet treats at Main Street Confectionary or Disney Clothiers for great fashions. Plus find more Disney souvenir merchandise at Main Street Cinema and Disney & Co.
I'm sure we all know by now that the windows on Main Street are a tribute to all those who contributed to the success of "Disney". But how many of us really take the time to look at them all? I confess that I keep "meaning to" but more often than not, get swept away in everything else happening. If you want to learn more about the windows, check out this great article: http://www.mouseplanet.com/7095/Windows_on_Main_Street_Part_1
Main Street U.S.A. offers the full spectrum of dining for Disney World guests. From snacks to quick service, table service to character dining, there are enough treats here to please everyone. Choose from delicious snacks at Main Street Bakery (now featuring Starbucks coffee) and Plaza Ice Cream Parlor or tasty hot dogs and more at Casey's Corner. If you would like some casual sit-down dining, there is Plaza Restaurant or Tony's Town Square. And to enjoy a great all-you-can-eat buffet with your favorite characters from the 100-Acre Wood, choose the Crystal Palace. (Which just happens to be the very first character meal my family tried at WDW, shown here circa 2003!)
Main Street is the place to be for the best in entertainment and shows in Magic Kingdom. This is where you will see all of Disney's parades and shows running daily. Daytime you can see the Festival of Fantasy parade while nighttime features the Main Street Electrical Parade. Various times will also feature the Dream Along with Mickey show and the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party. And, you can gather here nightly for the Wishes fireworks celebration. A recent upgrade to the hub area now provides more viewing areas for guest comfort.
Some Main Street U.S.A Fun Facts:
*Main Street was designed based on Walt's childhood memories of Marceline, MO
*The red walkways were Walt's idea of "rolling out the red carpet" for guests, but actually with much collaboration with the Kodak Company, it was determined that red would be the best color to highlight guest photos.
*If you are visiting Tony's Town Square restaurant, you will find a tribute to their two most famous patrons in the pavement to the left of the stairs.
*Notice the streetlamps on Main Street. The begin as gas lamps and progress to electric lamps as you get closer to the hub. You are symbolically moving through time.
*If you make a right at the end of Main Street, you can hear singing and dancing lessons coming from the second story windows.
*Look for a wall-mounted phone in the Market House and pick it up to hear a lively party line conversation.
*Patriotism flows with flags hanging on all the stores. But to avoid taking them down each night as required, only the flag on the main flagpole in Town Square is real.
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As we head into the second half of EPCOT, the World Showcase, we pass through Showcase Plaza. Here you can meet Mickey Mouse's beloved bear pal, Duffy the Bear.
The first country we encounter is Mexico. The giant pyramid houses a small office on top where Illuminations is controlled from. Inside you will find a marketplace and art collection. You can also take a boat ride through Mexico on the Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros. Live entertainment can be found in this area by Mariachi Cobre and character meets with the Three Caballeros. And, as with all World Showcase countries, Mexican food and drink is abundant.
The Norway pavilion was the last country to be added to World Showcase. It features a Stave Church and the restaurant Akershus resembles its namesake in Oslo. Here you can enjoy dining with multiple Disney princesses. The shops selling Norwegian goods are decorated with large wooden trolls. Since the huge success of Disney's Frozen, the Norway pavilion is currently undergoing some major changes due to open next year. The fan-favorite Viking boat ride, Maelstrom (which is also one of only 2 rides in the World Showcase), was closed to receive a Frozen makeover. When reopened, this ride will have added music, characters and story from the fictional Arendelle. Norway will also be adding a dedicated meet and greet location for Frozen characters Anna and Elsa.
The China pavilion in EPCOT welcomes you through a huge Chinese gate leading you to a replica of the Temple of Heaven. This building houses "Reflections of China", a Circle-vision movie exploring China's history, as well as a museum exhibiting ancient Chinese artifacts. You can also catch a lively performance by the Jeweled Dragon Acrobats or have a meet and greet with Mulan and Mushu!
Next is the Germany pavilion. You can enjoy a real Oktoberfest celebration at Biergarten restaurant. The Platz (square) is decorated with a statue of St. George and the Dragon. You can also view an extensive model village with working model trains! The little ones will LOVE it. This is also the place to be for a meet and greet with Snow White who is sometimes joined by Dopey!
Next stop on our tour: Italy! Here you can enjoy authentic Italian food while surrounding yourself in the architecture of Italy. You will find replicas of St. Mark's Campanile (bell tower) and the Doge's palace. You will also find the Neptune fountain and Il Bel Cristallo, meant to resemble the Sistine Chapel.
As we reach the center of the World Showcase, we come to the American Adventure. Here you can see the inspirational story of America and its people narrated by audio-animatronic figures of Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain and also view the American Heritage Gallery. You can also hear the voices of Liberty, an 8 member a cappella group that hosts patriotic choral performances throughout the day.
Next we enter Japan. With a large tori gate on the waterfront and a huge pagoda, this beautifully serene pavilion is decorated with many pools and gardens. You will find a collection of Japanese arts at Bijutsu-kan and a large selection of merchandise at Mitsukoshi Department Store. You can also see unique demonstrations by Miyuki, the candy artist and enjoy the traditional drum artistry of Matsuriza.
Next is Morocco. This is the only pavilion in which the government actually sponsors and helped design the pavilion in order to stay true to the lifestyle and culture of Morocco. The Fes House shows a typical Moroccan house. You will also find the gallery of arts and history along with many shops selling goods.
The next pavilion is easy to recognize. With the Eiffel Tower looming in the distance, we have entered France. Here you can see the film "Impressions de France". You can also watch the comedy juggler "Serveur Amusant". You can also find meet and greets with a range of characters here including: Belle and Beast, Marie from Aristocats or Princess Aurora.
As we symbolically cross the English Channel over the International Gateway, we enter the UK. Here you can enjoy some traditional fish and chips. Or stop by the pub and enjoy a pint and some lively pub music from the Hat Lady. You can also enjoy some British rock music performed by the British Revolution. Meet and greets are also usually available with favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland or Winnie the Pooh.
The final country as we tour World Showcase is our neighbor to the North, Canada. Here you can see the circle-vision film "O Canada!". The Victoria Gardens which are adjacent to the Hotel du Canada are inspired by the Butchart Gardens near Victoria, British Columbia. The gardens are the largest (and most labor intensive) of all the national pavilions. With scenery that includes a canyon, waterfall, grdens and totem poles, guests are reminded of the Canadian outdoors.
Nighttime at EPCOT finishes with the spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. The show utilizes fireworks, pyrotechnics, laser lights, fountains and fire to create a visual production on the park's World Showcase Lagoon. The centerpiece of the show is the Earth Globe, a 350-000 pound globe housed on a barge. This show has received several awards throughout the year including the 2009 and 2012 Best Outdoor Night Production Show by Gold Ticket Awards.
Now we conclude our tour of EPCOT with these Fun Facts:
*The Fountain of Nations received a gallon of water from rivers and bodies of water around the world on opening day as a gesture of peace and togetherness.
*The 3000-square-foot mosaic covering the entrace to the Land is made up of 150,000 individually cut pieces.
*The weight of Spaceship Earth is said to be 16 million pounds.
*The Land pavilion grows about 30 tons of fruits and vegetables used in WDW restaurants.
*More than 30 million blooms blanket the park during the Flower & Garden Festival
*There are 11,324 individual triangles on Spaceship Earth
*Imangineer Mark Sumner created the design for Soarin vehicles with an old erector set
*World Showcase promenade stretches 1.2 miles and World Showcase Lagoon spans 40 acres
*The Eiffel Tower replica in the France pavilion is 103 feet tall
*Some 2,800 firework shells are used during each "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" show.
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EPCOT is home to a variety of unique special events throughout the entire year. These events celebrate music, food and culture from around the globe. Although some of these events happen during traditionally slow times of year, their popularity has grown and they are known to draw huge crowds. If you are used to visiting during certain times, you may want to change your plans to attend some of these one-of-a-kind events at EPCOT.
Each fall, EPCOT plays host to the International Food & Wine Festival. Booths are set up around World Showcase from different countries all over the world featuring specialty food and beverages. Celebrity chefs share their talents at food demonstrations and premium events. You can also enjoy wine tastings, concerts, culinary demonstrations, special dinners and Party for the Senses tasting events. Some events are included with your EPCOT admission while others require reservations and separate payments. You can find more information on the events HERE .
In conjunction with the Food & Wine Festival, you can enjoy the Eat to the Beat concert series. Free with your EPCOT admission, you can see a great lineup of concerts as you make your way around the festival in World Showcase.
Each year, EPCOT springs to life with the International Flower and Garden Festival. Along with the famous Disney character topiaries, you will find designer presentations, themed displays with tips you can try at home, interactive play areas, concert events and seasonal food booths around World Showcase.
You can enjoy a free concert at the festival with the Garden Rocks concert series. Pop bands perform at the American Gardens Theater every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Concerts are free with your EPCOT admission.
The Sounds Like Summer concert series features tribute bands playing popular tunes of some of the world's biggest bands. These concerts are also free with your EPCOT admission.
The Christmas season comes alive in EPCOT's World Showcase with Holidays Around the World. Amid joyful music and seasonal food favorites, each country features Holiday Storytellers. These costumed performers tell the story of how the holiday season came to be celebrated in their country.
Also during the holidays, you can see the Candlelight Processional. A mass choir and 50-piece orchestra join a celebrity reader in the telling of the Christmas story. It takes place in the American Gardens theater and is free with your EPCOT admission. However, Candlelight Processional dinner packages are available at certain restaurants which will get you a ticket to Reserved seating at the event.
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