Day 452: FAF: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Time for the last Featured Attraction Friday of March, and let's take a look at the brand new, not even open yet, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train! I think this will be a bit of a different FAF post though, mostly me just talking about how excited I am for the whole thing while also being sad that I probably won't get to see it when I'm there in June because I'll be so busy doing other stuff that I won't have time to wait in a long line for such things, no matter how much I want to go on it. Plus, the day I have to march a parade is probably not the best time to test how well my motion sickness works.

I did get to see part of it with the walls down when I was at Disney a couple weeks ago, and this is about the fourth time I've been there to see it under construction. It reminds me of when Everest was being built, and we really did see it go up over a couple of years. It's just really interesting to see how things are built up. And now that some of the walls are down, you can really get some insight into what the ride will be like.

I remember the first time I saw the concept art for the Mine Train, along with the rest of New Fantasyland at the D23 Expo in 2011. It was a crazy thing to think about at the time, all these brand new things: a new castle, a Little Mermaid Attraction, a restaurant themed after Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast, a double Dumbo attraction AND A brand new thrill attraction? It was just too much to handle. Plus, at the time, Toontown Fair was still very much a part of what I knew as Magic Kingdom, and thinking back now, it's weird to think that that once stood where Storybook Circus now stands.

But I do remember seeing the virtual ride through of the Mine Train, and the thought of cars that rock and forth was kind of crazy too. This was brand new technology, and it was coming to Walt Disney World, the place I consider home. That's a big deal! And now we're so close to seeing it for real! I mean, they're doing drop tests pretty much daily, and soon we'll all be able to experience Snow White in a way we never have before. How exciting is that?

You can see the virtual ride through paired with some of the first onboard video of a drop test below. I can't wait to see it for real!

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on April 2 because it's been a super busy week!)

Day 438: FAF: Enchanted Tales with Belle

Time for another Featured Attraction Friday! This week we're going to take a closer look at another new New Fantasyland attraction, Enchanted Tales with Belle!

What's On The Map: 

Enjoy an interactive story adventure featuring Belle, Lumiere and possibly even you! (WDW Park Maps). Be magically transported from Maurice's cottage to the Beast's library for a delightful storytelling experience. You'll meet and spend time with Belle, and you may even be invited to play a part in the story. Will you be an enchanted object, or perhaps fill the role of the Beast with a heart of gold? (Walt Disney World Website).

A Brief History Lesson: 

Well, it's pretty new...and unlike some of the other attractions, there isn't much history wise. So I guess we're skipping this one this week.

My Thoughts: 

I have personally only been in Enchanted Tales with Belle once, but I do this the entire concept is pretty adorable. Just the fact that they can get the kids all involved with the story and then Belle comes out and everything, it's great. Plus, it can hold a good number of people at once, although that doesn't really stop the line from getting a bit long each afternoon.

Also the theme of the entire this is brilliant. From the cottage to the library, and with the characters all in between, it's great! Would I like to see this everywhere? No, I don't think so, because it is very character specific, but it's a nice addition to New Fantasyland for sure!

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on March 27 due to Midterms and travel).

Day 431: FAF: Journey of the Little Mermaid

And so begins another month of Featured Attraction Friday, with a whole new theme: Princess March Madness! Now, I don't know if there's a bracket out there for voting for who is your favorite Disney Princess, but for me it's like not even a toss up: RAPUNZEL. I love Rapunzel. But maybe we'll have another post on that later this month: (hint hint, wink wink, nod nod, nudge nudge).

To start things out, let's head into New Fantasyland, where there's plenty of new stuff going on when it comes to the Princesses! In fact, all of the Featured Attractions this month come from New Fantasyland, since I had plenty of time to check out a couple of new additions recently! To begin, let's go for a swim with Ariel in her Undersea Adventure!

What's On The Map: 

Descend below the waves for a splashy musical adventure (WDW Park Maps)! Relive the tale of how one lucky Little Mermaid found true love - and legs! Enter Prince Eric's castle through an underground cavern at low tide, board a colorful clamshell and take the plunge. You'll become part of a world where mermaids dream of dancing, fish form a conga line, evil sea witches ensnare souls and unlikely pairs fall in love...and live happily ever after (WDW Website).

A Brief History Lesson: 

Once again, today's history comes from the Disney Wikia!

Back in the 1990's, a dark ride based on The Little Mermaid was plan for Disneyland Paris and the Magic Kingdom park, as well as Hong Kong Disneyland. However, the ride was scrapped except for a concept design and virtual recreation featured on the 2006 DVD version of The Little Mermaid.

In 2011, at Disney California Adventure, a different version of the attraction was created, and in 2009 plans to recreate Fantasyland at Disney World's Magic Kingdom were released, including a Little Mermaid attraction. Several modifications were made from the California edition.

Fun Facts: 

Considering the fact that this ride is pretty new, I honestly don't really have any for the attraction. My book only goes up to 2007. So I guess for the rest of the month we'll just skip this portion of the Featured Attraction Friday, since everything else here is also brand new (and some of it I haven't even seen!)

My Thoughts: 

I first saw this attraction at Disneyland not long after it opened there, since I went in 2011. I had some high expectations for the attraction, and as I went through the opening scenes I was really impressed (other than that ice cream hair that's been changed for Disney World). The Ursula portion is brilliantly done, and the entire thing features super bright colors and everything. Plus, the part where you go "under the sea" has a beautiful effect. In other words, I loved it...up until Kiss the Girl. I've never been a huge Little Mermaid fan (Sorry Benny!), but this part really just lost the magic for me. They cut out the entire climax of the film, a portion I have felt that previously Disney did a great job with in the Dark Rides. Peter Pan, for instance, has Hook and Pan up fighting at the top of the Jolly, and back in Snow White they had the rock and the dwarves and the witch. It was all great.

But with Little Mermaid it fell flat. It's like "Kiss the Girl" straight to "Happily Ever After." Now, after further inspection on the Disney World edition, you CAN see Ursula off in the distance in the final scene before the "Wedding," but other than that it skips so much of the storyline.

Overall, you don't hear me say it often, but this is one attraction I feel Disney just LOST it on. I really am hoping for more from the Mine Train, because the Beauty and the Beast section (which we'll take a look at next week) is well put together and very creative, with the entire idea of storytime with Belle. More on that later though. But with Little Mermaid I was just lost. It doesn't tell the story at all, and I understand that they were really focusing on the musical numbers of the film, and that's fine, but where's the story? Where's the climax? HOW did Ursula lose the battle? I DON'T KNOW!

I actually had to rewatch the movie after returning from Disneyland to remember how it ended because I had that little of an idea. Either way, that's my rant on that.

On the bright side, I think the theme they have in New Fantasyland, with the castle and the low tide and running right into the Mine Train and everything is wonderful. Much improved from the queue at California Adventure. Plus, I think the meet and greet area with Ariel is great too. She's certainly one of my favorite Princesses to meet because she really talks with you and is just adorable.

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on March 25 due to Midterms and Travel).

Day 424: FAF: Swiss Family Treehouse

I'd like to say that while last year it was the Disney history that slowed me down, this year it is very much so the Featured Attraction Friday posts. They just take me such a long time to actually get done, especially when I get behind in general. Which means I now have about three or four to do...if I want to get ahead so I don't get behind again come Friday, because Fridays are just not good days for me apparently.

But it's a good thing I have Tuesdays to help catch myself up. Works pretty well I think. Granted, I have plenty of other word I should be doing at the same time, but this is important too! It always really annoys me when I'm behind on my blog, and since I've got videos to edit from my trip and band stuff to work on, plus all my work here at college, I had better just get caught up right now.

And so, here we have the last Featured Attraction from February! Gosh that was so long ago!

What's On The Map:

Explore the ultimate tree house - inspired by the classic Disney film (WDW Park Maps) and Swiss Family Robinson. This attraction recreates the home of the Robinson family built following a shipwreck. When their ill-fated ship, the Swallow, becomes stranded off the coast of an uninhabited South Seas island after a pirate attack, the Robinson family unites to build a new home inside a huge tree, utilizing wreckage from the ship. But the pirates return, and the Robinson family must band together and evade capture.

Embark on a breezy walk-through tour of the Robinson's famous home nestled high inside a towering tree. Cross a bride at the foot of a large leafy tree and climb handcrafted wooden stairs as you explore the famed living quarters of the Swiss Family Robinson and learn of their island adventure. Discover open-air rooms - brimming with a bevy of 19th century articles salvaged from the famous shipwreck (WDW Website).

A Brief History Lesson: 

Today's history comes from the Disney Wikia!

It all started before Johann Wyss wrote the novel Swiss Family Robinson, when he imagined with his children about what it would be like if they were stranded on an island. They ended up coming up with crazy ideas and adventures for his characters, the Robinsons. Later, Disney created a film adaptation of the novel, and two years later Disneyland introduced the first Swiss Family Treehouse in Adventureland.

In 1971, with the opening of Walt Disney World, The Swiss Family Treehouse was an original, opening Adventureland attraction. The tree is actually made up of steel, concrete and stucco, reaching up to 60 feet tall and 90 feet wide, perfectly resembling the tree in the film.

Later versions of the tree house were introduced in Euro Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, while the original at Disneyland was changed to Tarzan's Treehouse in 1999.

Fun Facts: 

• In Disney's Sing-Along Songs, Disneyland Fun, the Swiss Family Treehouse sign was seen, during the song "Following the Leader." 
• In the "Walt Disney World celebrating 100 years of magic book," they unofficially classify the tree's genus as "Disneyodendron eximus," which translates as "out-of-the-ordinary Disney tree."

My Thoughts: 

I haven't been up in the tree house for a few years. In fact, right now it's down for refurb, so there's no way I could have gone on it on this last trip. Either way, I guess I never really appreciated it until recently. It was always just something to walk through for me as a kid, because I have never seen the movie nor had I read the book (I have now). My brother always liked it because he would like to see how they had all the baskets and water wheels and what-not set up. Or something like that. 

I do, however, remember a time we watched Wishes from the treehouse. That was pretty awesome if I do say so myself. 

Have a magical day!

(Note: This blog post was written on March 25 due to Midterms & Travel)

Day 417: FAF: Mad Tea Party

Since I'm currently in the middle of reading (or just finished actually) Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, I figured that for this week's Featured Attraction Friday we'd go with the WDW Attraction that fits right along with it: The Mad Tea Party! It's kind of hard because some of the attractions I'm talking about that relate specifically to one of the fairy tales we're reading I haven't read the original story yet (Peter Pan for instance), but this one I HAVE read!

What's On The Map: 

"Pour yourself into an oversized teacup and twirl quickly or slowly amid a menagerie of color and sound. Celebrate your "un-birthday" in Wonderland as you sail back and forth around a towering teapot beneath a windswept party of paper lanterns, as festive music fills the air."

"Mad Tea Party is inspired by the Mad Hatter's party sequence in Walt Disney's animated classic Alice in Wonderland. Modeled after the original 1955 Disneyland park attraction of the same name, Mad Tea Party features the same resplendent floral colors, wacky architectural flourishes and objects of disproportionate size as seen in the movie. Today, some incarnation of the attraction exists at every Disney theme park around the world" (WDW Website).

A Brief History Lesson: 

Today's History comes from Disney Park History!

The tea cups were an opening day Fantasyland attraction at every Disney theme park except Tokyo Disneyland. The Disneyland version is the only version that does not have a roof over it to keep out the rain and sun, although Magic Kingdom's did not have a roof either until 1974, three years after the park opened. Disneyland's tea cups were original in the castle courtyard where the King Arthur Carousel now sits, but were moved to their current location near Matterhorn Mountain during the 1983 Fantasyland renovation.

Thought the ride is found in all five of Disney's Fantasylands, the ride's name does differ slightly. In Disneyland and Magic Kingdom Park, it is called Mad Tea Party, while in Disneyland Paris it is called Mad Hatter's Tea Cups, In Hong Kong Disneyland it is Mad Hatter Tea Cups and in Tokyo Disneyland it is Alice's Tea Party.

Fun Facts: 

Today's Fun Facts come from the Disney Wikia!

• Three small turntables, which rotate counter clock-wise, each holding six teacups, within one large turntable, rotating clockwise, make up the attraction. 
• The Dormouse can be seen popping his head out of a large teapot in the middle of the large turntable. This occurs only at Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland, as the other parks do not feature a central teapot. 
• The original attraction at Disneyland is unable to run in the rain, once the turntables are saturated with a moderate amount of water they slip and can no longer spin. All other versions of this attraction are covered to prevent such situations, as well as protect riders from extreme heat and sun. 

My Thoughts: 

Like many of the other attractions on Featured Attraction Friday, I haven't ridden this one in a while. I have an actual great excuse this time though! You see, I have some serious motion sickness problems, so spinning around and around in a teacup does not sound like a pleasant time. In fact, when I am getting video for the band trip of the attraction I won't be on it at all! It will actually be one of my friends, taking the camera and recording while on the attraction for me! 

But aside from the fact that I can't really go on it, I do love how adorable it is, especially the Disneyland version. I think it's because I'm so used to seeing it with a top, but not having one at Disneyland is pretty awesome (even if it can't run in the rain). I actually also saw someone who made a Dapper Day Dress to match the tea cups and it is seriously the most brilliant dress I have ever seen. If I see it again I'll be sure to share it with you guys! 

Have a magical day!

Day 409: FAF: Peter Pan's Flight

This week we're going to do Featured Attraction Friday a day early, since I've got something planned for tomorrow that I want to have actually on Valentine's Day. So here we are, with our second attraction in the Fairy Tale February theme: Peter Pan's Flight!

I haven't actually read Peter Pan in class yet (gosh I can't wait for that one...I'm going to enjoy it too much), so I can't say much on that sort of topic, but hey, that's ok! 

What's On The Map: 

Fly with Peter Pan aboard a magical ship (Walt Disney World Map)! "Journey to the Darling children's nursery and behold the first meeting of Wendy, Michael, John...and Peter Pan. Sail through the nighttime sky over London, where famous sites like Big Ben and Tower Bridge mingle with a confection of glittering lights. Then, descend into Never Land, home to volcanic peaks and sparkling waterfalls. Once there, glimpse the Lost Boys and Mermaid Lagoon and sail past Skull Rock. Swoop into Pirate's Cove, home to an enormous pirate ship, and behold Peter Pan in a swashbuckling duel with Captain Hook" (WDW Website). 

A Brief History Lesson: 

Today's History comes from the Insights and Sounds Blog! 

"Dark Rides were a staple of amusement piers from Coney Island on the East Coast to various locations dotting much of California. Some were scary, some held promises of love or at least affection, but all of them held a certain mystique to paying customers as they could only guess at the wonders within the building they saw. This medium fit the Disney team perfectly."

"Fantasyland's courtyard would hold these smaller but still innovative adventures. Since the film was one of the most recent Disney hits, Peter Pan was prime for exploitation." 

"The actual attraction, however, was filled with lavish and sometimes expensive little details that others might deem unnecessary. Loving creation of the attraction - including a unique ride system whose cars were ornate pirate ships suspended from a track in the building's ceiling - rightfully enchanted guests from the very first flight." 

"Peter Pan's Flight was so iconic, it had to be duplicated in Florida's Walt Disney World and its Magic Kingdom. Sure, other dark rides unique to Florida's theme park were considered, but nothing past or present has held its own with the undisputed champion."

Fun Facts: 

• Remember to look around before your ship flies out the nursery window. Watch for the building blocks near Wendy's bed and just under the window, which spell out P Pan and Disney.

Just that one this week I guess. =)

My Thoughts: 

I actually haven't been on Peter Pan's Flight for some time. Funny, now, that my favorite character on Once Upon A Time is Hook himself, and I have a complete new appreciation for the story. I guess when I was growing up I really liked Peter Pan Return to Neverland almost more than the original. Not sure why though. I think it may have been the music though (although it's great in both films!) 

Either way, you can bet that I'll be going on Peter Pan's flight on BOTH of my upcoming trips. And yes, I am quite excited that we may go meet Captain Hook...even if this version does have a waxed mustache and perm...and that is most certainly not my thing (are they bad though?) 

Have a magical day!

Day 403: FAF: Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

Time again for Featured Attraction Friday!

Since it's the beginning of the month, let's talk for a second about the theme: Fairy Tale Month. I'm right smack dab in the middle of my Classic and Contemporary Fairy Tales class, and at the moment I'm doing a ton of work for it anyways, so what better theme to have than Fairy Tales!?! Plus it's February, so Fairy Tale February sounds pretty good!

First up let's take a look at one of the attractions inspired in part by one of the fairy tales I've already read this month: Prince Charming Regal Carrousel. And yes, Carrousel is spelled correctly according to the Walt Disney World website. I don't know why it's spelled that way, but it is.

What's On The Map: 

Climb aboard a regal steed on this classic attraction. (The Disney Map). Climb aboard an ornate carousel horse and gallop through a whirling backdrop of color and sound. As an old-fashioned organ plays, parade up and down in a gentle counter-clockwise direction atop your majestic horse. Spin around and feel a cool breeze brush across your face as you behold a menagerie of classic Fantasyland attractions in the not-too-far-off distance (WDW Website).

A Brief History Lesson: 

As the Birnbaum guide states, "Not everything in the Magic Kingdom is a Disney version of the real article." This particular carousel was actually discovered at Olympic Park in Maplewood, New Jersey, and was built in 1917. "That was the end of the golden century of carrousel building, which began around 1825. During the Disney refurbishing, many of the original horses were replaced with horses made of fiberglass" (Birnbaum Guide).

But that's not all there is to the story. As we all know, "Walt Disney came up with the idea for Disneyland park watching his daughters ride the merry-go-round at Griffith Park. Later, when Walt began turning his ideas of constructing a theme park into reality, a carousel became the cornerstone of his future design - and has remained that way ever since" (WDW Website).

"Built in 197, the Liberty Carrousel - as it was originally named - first called Belle Isle Park in Detroit home. Measuring 60 feet in diameter, the carousel was constructed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Rediscovered in 1967 at Olympic Park in New Jersey, the historic carousel was acquired by Disney Imagineers - who performed an extensive renovation before introducing it to Magic Kingdom park in 1971, where it has continued to be a favorite for over 40 years" (WDW Website).

Fun Facts: 

Only one today, but this is one of my all time favorite hidden things at Walt Disney World! Look for Cinderella's Horse on the Carrousel! You can spot it by finding the golden ribbon tied around it's tail. I'm not positive where it is (As sometimes it has been known to move), but keep your eye out. There's a similar tradition at Disneyland, only it's Mary Poppin's horse! I am also not positive that it is still classified as "Cinderella's Horse," but I assume it's still there. My books only go up to around 2007, and it's been refurbished since then (with the new name Prince Charming's Regal Carrousel). I hope it is though, and I'll know for sure soon enough!

My Thoughts: 

I have to be honest: because of my motion sickness, I haven't been on the Carrousel for many, many years. Of course, that will change when I go down in March and need to get on it in order to film, but I used to go on it often enough back in the day. Once I knew of Cinderella's Horse, I always tried to find it. I would stand in the line watching the horses carefully as they went by, trying to spot the horse. And when I found it I would run to it as quickly as possible, just so I would be able to ride on the special horse. I mean, if someone else had already taken it I just picked a different one, but it's just really awesome to sit on it and be like "I'm riding one of the horses from Cinderella's Carriage!"

Have a magical day!

Day 396: FAF: Kilimanjaro Safaris

Time for the last Featured Attraction Friday of January. Rounding out our theme of "Starting Out," let's take a trip on the wild side and right over to Animal Kingdom, and specifically Kilimanjaro Safaris!

What's On The Map: 

Take a safari ride through the lush African Savannah to search for lions, elephants, giraffes and more. "Traipse along a twisting path amid a lush garden gateway and make your way to the rendezvous point of Kilimanjaro Safaris expedition, the touring company for your adventure into the wilds. Featuring picturesque open plains, shady forest landscapes and rocky wetlands, the 100-acre Harambe Wildlife Reserve is a spectacular sanctuary dedicated to the protection of African Animals.

Spot a shy hippopotamus nestled beneath a still pond. Behold a regal lion sunbathing on a rocky perch. Drive past a gentle giraffe grazing on a tall tree. Wave hello to a swinging baboon. Since animals have minds of their own, every Kilimanjaro Safari expedition is a unique and unforgettable experience" (WDW Website).

A Brief History Lesson: 

This week's History comes from Magical Mountain!

I suppose you could say that Kilimanjaro Safaris, along with the rest of Animal Kingdom, once again dates back to Walt Disney himself. We all know the story of The Jungle Cruise, and how Walt really wanted live animals, but realized that they would just be too difficult to control and maintain around the guests, so instead audio-animatronic creatures were installed.

Years later, Animal Kingdom was created, and "Imagineers wanted Kilimajaro Safaris to allow guests to feel like they were on a real African Safari. The Imagineering team visited Africa many times observing the wildlife in its natural habitat. Inspired by the sight of a leopard in a tree 300 feet away, the team decided that they could equal this thrill in our park. By the time the ride was finished, Imagineers spent over a year in Africa getting all the details they needed to create the perfect safari experience."

It's also worthy to note that Kilimanjaro Safaris would be the very first attraction to have the Fastpass system. Funny how the first park to switch completely to Fastpass+ was also Animal Kingdom!

Fun Facts: 

• Environmental protection is of the utmost importance at Animal Kingdom for the sake of the land and for the sake of the animals. With that in mind, the Jeeps used for Kilimanjaro Safaris run on liquid propane, which helps keep emissions low. 
• While you are out on safari, you may notice the grass is brown rather than a lush green, but it isn't a matter of neglect, it's a matter of design. Natural grasses have a cycle of growth and decline, both in Orlando and in the savannahs of Africa's in that regard, saving the landscapers the job of making the grass dry out for a more natural look. 
• For the animal's safety, many of them must return to a shelter for the night. How do they know when to return? As you now know, each species responds to a specific sound. Out on the savannah, zebras return when the hear a cowbell, giraffes return to the sound of a sports whistle, most of the hoofed animals respond to a horn, and the Thomson's gazelles have the most unusual signal - they come running when they hear a goose call. 
• Most of the landscaping throughout the savannah is real, but some of it is not. The termite mound, giant baobab tree, and those enormous ostrich eggs are less about the natural process and more about convenient engineering. 

My Thoughts: 

Just as I did with The Great Movie Ride, I've discussed Kilimanjaro Safaris before. Multiple times actually. I used to LOVE Kilimanjaro Safaris. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It was the reason that Animal Kingdom was my second favorite park, right after Epcot. The storyline was wonderful, and it was just so much fun going after the poachers and going over the old bridge and everything. 

But now, that stuff is gone, or partially gone, and it just makes me very very sad. I want Big and Little Red back. And that's all I have to say about that. 

Still, it's a great attraction, and you should go on it (especially in the morning if it's raining. That's when we've seen the most animals for some reason or another). No matter what: Kilimanjaro Safaris is still one of the greatest attractions at WDW! 

And so, Featured Attraction Friday is done for January. It only took me like two and a half hours to do the four posts, but now that I have everything worked out I can get one of these posts out in about a half hour or less. Much nicer than the hour it took me to do the first one. 

Have a magical day!

Day 389: FAF: The Great Movie Ride

Time for another Featured Attraction Friday, and this time we're headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios. I've talked plenty about The Great Movie Ride before (remember that day that I realized the Hologram table from the Falcon was in the queue and Harrison Ford touched it?), and honestly it's become one of my favorite attractions! But I'll talk more about that later!

For now: LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

What's On The Map: 

Journey into some of Hollywood's most famous films on the ever popular Great Movie Ride. "Stroll onto a soundstage designed to recall 1930's-era Hollywood and board a tram for a captivating tour of some of Tinseltown's greatest film scenes. Glide beneath a flashing movie marquee and cross over into a world that could only exist in the movies.

Be part of such classic films as: Alien, Casablanca, Fantasia, Mary Poppins, Raiders of the Lost Art [!], Singin' in the Rain, Tarzan the Ape Man, The Public Enemy, The Wizard of Oz.

Your informative tour guide will set the stage for the scenes you'll visit. Just don't be surprised if something unexpected happens along the way. Keep telling yourself, it's only a movie" (WDW Website).

A sketch of the original design for The Great Movie Ride at EPCOT. 

A Brief History Lesson: 

This week's history is from Studios Central and Walt Dated World!

The history of The Great Movie Ride is another kind of interesting one: at least I think so. And believe it or not, it holds a very close connection to Epcot of all places! Originally though, the idea goes all the way back to Walt Disney himself, and his ideas for Disneyland. It was a tram tour at the Universal lot that got Walt's mind going. Of course, we all know that he didn't make a lot tour, but instead broke ground in Anaheim and created Disneyland.

So in the early 1980's, when "a team of Imagineers led by Marty Sklar and Randy Bright had been given an assignment to create two new pavilions for EPCOT Center's Future World section," they came up with two ideas: The Wonders of Life Pavilion and The Great Movie Ride Pavilion. This is where I'm sure you're just like "WHAT?!?" because that was just about my response too. The Wonders of Life was created as planned, but the idea for the Great Movie Ride was caught by Michael Eisner.

"Originally to be placed between The Land and The Journey Into the Imagination pavilions, The Great Movie Ride pavilion was designed to look as a movie set background. With a soundstage background and a small ticket booth entrance, the falseness of Hollywood was embraced int the project's facade." However, the attraction would never make it to Epcot, as Eisner decided to create not only a new pavilion, but an entire park around the idea of film.

Each of the parks opened with a focal point. For Magic Kingdom, it was Cinderella Castle, and for Epcot, Spaceship Earth. Later, Animal Kingdom would open with the Tree of Life. Therefore, The Great Movie Ride was changed in scale, and it was crafted after one of Hollywood's greatest landmarks, Grauman's Chinese Theater.

The Great Movie Ride opened in May of 1989 with the rest of the then named Disney-MGM Studios. In the late 1990's, Disney built a large replica of Mickey's sorcerer hat from the film "Fantasia," a decision that is most likely due to legal issues concerning the theater (I actually didn't know that!)

Fun Facts: 

• As you approach the Chinese Theater, look down. Many visiting celebrities have left their signatures and handprints in cement squares. See if you can find George Lucas, Dick Van Dyke, Roger Rabbit, C-3P0 and others. You may even find the distinct prints of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. [OR HARRISON FORD!!!!!!!!!!]
• The Great Movie Ride offers two distinct scenarios, one with a cowboy theme, and the other with a gangster theme, so if you have a preference, ask a Cast Member to direct you to the correct line. 
• If you opt for the gangster version, notice the license plate number on the car in the shootout scene. It's 021-429, a variation on February 14, 1929, the date of the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. 
• The town you travel through in the cowboy version of the ride certainly recalls Tombstone, Arizona, "The Town Too Tough To Die." Cochise County Court House (indicative of the county where Tombstone is actually located) is on your right, covered in Wells Fargo posters offering rewards for the Most Wanted Outlaws. 
• Guests with an exceptionally quick eye may notice some of the hieroglyphics on the walls in the Egyptian scene have some rather surprising icons. See if you can located R2-D2 and C-3P0 from the Star Wars movie or Donald Duck as an Egyptian Servant offering a slice of cheese to Pharaoh Mickey Mouse. 
• In the Alien scene, if you are sitting on the left side of the tram, you may be able to read the computer monitors if you peer over the edge of your vehicle. The screen titled Crew Status Roster shows a listing of the Imagineers and designers of The Great Movie Ride. Notice each crew member's current status; some are listed as missing while others have humorous notations next to their names. 
• You may recall having seen the rear half of a Lockheed Electra 12A Airplane as you made your way around the Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom, and you certainly can't miss the front half, which features prominently in the Casablanca scene. It isn't the original plane used in the movie, however. The Lockheed Electra 12A in the movie was actually a mockup, not a real airplane. 

My Thoughts: 

As I said earlier, I love The Great Movie Ride. As a kid, and still today actually, I am terrified of the Alien portion (when I'm with my dad I literally put my head so I'm basically looking into his shoulder. When I was a kid I HAD to sit next to him so the alien wouldn't get me. One of those good memories from when I was a kid...even if I was terrified the whole time). In fact, it's one of the few attractions that gets the honor of being one I would love to work for, right up there with Spaceship Earth and the Jungle Cruise. I'd just really enjoy going through the movies...even if I do have a specific script to follow. It still sounds fun to me! 

I also feel it's a good point to mention that because of The Great Movie Ride, I've found some of my all time favorite films. It is because of the attraction that I first watched Singin' In the Rain, and that's now one of my absolute favorite movies, just as it is for many of my friends. 

Also, I literally freak out every single time I go through this attraction and there is any reference to Harrison Ford. I may also love Colin O'Donoghue and Jennifer Morrison, but come on, let's be real here: my favorite actor will always be Harrison Ford. 

Which brings us to the end of another Featured Attraction Friday post. You know, now that I've gotten going on these I kind of enjoy it. Learning about the different attractions and stuff. Each one takes FOREVER to work on though...so I'm going to make sure I get ahead and then just go from there. Once March comes around I'm not going to have time to sit all day and work on my blog when I get behind! But hey, I'm going through my Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World book again and that means that there's plenty of stuff I want to go find when I go in March! Super excited! 

Have a magical day!

Day 382: FAF: The Universe of Energy

It's time for the second Featured Attraction Friday. Last week we looked at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom, and to continue our theme of "Starting Out," we're headed to Epcot. And since I have most of the big name attractions (Ahem...Spaceship Earth), waiting for June, we're heading to a different part of Future World: The Universe of Energy!

What's On The Map:

The Epcot Park map say s specifically Ellen's Energy Adventure, since that's what the nae was officially changed to when they redid it years ago. Take a multimedia romp through time and Ellen DeGeneres' subconscious. "The show begins with a film (featuring a few familiar faces). In it, Ellen DeGeneres is watching Jeopardy! One of the contestants is Ellen's annoying college roommate, Judy. Ellen plays along but keeps striking out, particularly in the Energy category. As she watches, her neighbor Bill Nye, the Science Guy pops in and is aghast at Ellen's ignorance. Shortly thereafter, Ellen dozes off. Ellen dreams she is a contestant on the show, competing against Albert Einstein and her former friend Judy. This time, all of the questions are about energy" (Birnbaum Guide).

"Thankfully, her friend and neighbor Bill Nye is on hand to tutor her, and you're along for the ride as they embark on a time-traveling quest for energy knowledge. Then witness the Final Jeopardy! showdown as Ellen is pitted against her college rival, a brainiac doctor she sardonically refers to as "Stupid Judy," and see how much you're learned about energy" (WDW Website).

A Brief History Lesson: 

This week's history comes from Lost Epcot!

The Universe of Energy opened on October 1, 1982, one of the original attractions of Epcot, and became Ellen's Energy Adventure in 1996. Originally, it was sponsored by Exxon from the years 1982 to 2004, and while the story has changed a bit, it's always been all about energy!

The first version of the Universe of Energy also had a preshow, although "the screen was made up of 100 turning sections that almost resembled cubes. They were not technically cubes though because they had three sides: one black and two white for projection. The five projectors and the turning cubes were synced together to create a kaleidoscope-like show." The theme here was that "energy is never destroyed, nor is new energy created, but energy is perceived in different forms."

From there you would board the vehicles that still grace the attraction today, you know...the really big giant ones that if you stand up or put your arm out too far shut off the entire attraction (it's a problem...please don't do this). There you watch an animated film on how fossil fuels were created before heading into the most talked about part of the show: Primeval World.

Finally you'd have a presentation on present-day energy sources before heading back to the original theater for the grand finale. "The song 'Universe of Energy' was played. Among many other laser-like images, was an astronaut girl. At the time, this was the biggest computer-generated film to be projected."

In September of 1996, the Universe of Energy reopened with the subtitle "Ellen's Energy Adventure."

Fun Facts: 

• Look up at the roof. It's covered with 80,000 photo-voltaic cells that provide solar energy, captured and converted into AC, and then used to power the ride. So, as the voice over indicates during your journey, you are literally "riding on sunshine." 
• During the pre-show, when Ellen realizes she is losing badly at Jeopardy! but has control over the outcome because she's the one dreaming about it, she says, "Freeze!" Note, however, her lips do not move! Oops! 
• Fans of the 1940 Disney movie Fantasia might recognize a small tribute to Walt's most ambitious cinematic undertaking as they ravel past a confrontation between the T-Rex and Stegosaurus. The same scene can be found in the movie's "Rite of Spring" composition, depicting the creation of the cosmos through to the dinosaur's extinction. 
• As you exit the dinosaur portion of the ride, you hear a radio broadcast compliments of KNRG News Radio. Do the station's call letters bring anything to mind They are a shortened version of "kinetic energy." 

My Thoughts: 

It's kind of funny actually. I may have told you the story of the first attraction I went on at Walt Disney World: obviously Spaceship Earth. BUT, I don't think I've told you the story of the SECOND attraction I went on! The Universe of Energy was just redone when I made my first trip in 1996, since I went in October and it had just opened in September. That meant that my parents hadn't been on it previous to going on it with me, and had no idea about what was coming. 

Well, if you've been on the Universe of Energy before, you'll know that it's three things other than hilarious and awesome and ELLEN: long, dark and loud. Now, at 15 months old it's kind of hard for me to figure out all of what's going on, and when the Big Bang came along, it's really loud, and I don't remember whether or not I freaked out  (my parents probably do), but I do know that it's the reason I hated loud noises as a kid. I honestly hated fireworks and everything...all because of the Universe of Energy. 

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the attraction now (although I DO wish it were a bit shorter...45 minutes is just a really long time, especially when you're trying to get stuff done). I mean, it has Ellen and Bill Nye and those two are just hilarious. Plus it gets that Jeopardy! theme song just super stuck in your head! What's not to love?

Plus...it taught us the answer to the world's most important question! What is the one type of energy that will never run out! 

And that brings us to the end of our second Featured Attraction Friday. I've still got more to catch up on though...so I'd better keep working! 

What do you think of the Universe of Energy? 

Have a magical day!

Day 375: FAF: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Remember my New New Year's Resolution, or Missions rather? Yeah, since one is already off the map, I figured that I might as well REALLY try to get the other one done, right? Seems like a good plan. So here we are, in the very first Featured Attraction Friday! I've got a "Template" basically made up for how each of these are gonna go, and then I suppose I will just go from there.

When I was planning this a year ago, I also came up with a great idea for how to sort out the different weeks and decide which attractions to do when. I mean, while there are TONS of attractions at Walt Disney World (and Disneyland and the rest of the world of course,) there are a bunch that you just HAVE to talk about. So, each month I'll have a theme, and the selected attractions will go along with that theme.

With means that this particular month we'll start the same way I attempted to last year: Starting Out! Here's four of the most well known, classic attractions you can find at Walt Disney World. I picked one from each park, just to make it nice and even. And of course, that means that we're starting out with Magic Kingdom, and specifically Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

What's On The Map: 

Since this is the first FAF post, I'll explain a little bit about what each section of the post means as well as actually talk about our Featured Attraction! "What's On The Map," is where we go straight to the source, meaning three things: The WDW Website, The Park Map & The Birnbaum Guide (I am using the 2013 edition). I figured it would be a good place to start things out, just for general information. 

Ride through a gold-mining town on a runaway train on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! This 2.5 acre mountain is "chock-full of gold." Unfortunately for the residents of Tumbleweed, the local mining town, a flood has ruined any chance of uncovering the remaining gold. Before they prospectors find drier land, they are having one last party at the saloon to celebrate their riches. Even though in danger of washing away, they don't seem too worried, and guests who decide to take a trip on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad have nothing to worry about either" (Birnbaum 118). 

"Legend has it that a supernatural force dwells within he mountain. When gold was first discovered in the 1850's, a mining company was established. But soon, eerie things began to occur. Miners heard ghostly sounds, cave-ins became frequent and equipment mysteriously failed. Trains would take off and race through the mine and around the mountain driverless! Word got out that the mine was haunted and Big Thunder became another ghost town. Years later, when eyewitness accounts had faded into folklore, new prospectors resurrected the Mining Company and began blasting into the spooky mountain once again. But as the new settlers became aware, some legends turn out to be true" (WDW Website). 

A Brief History Lesson: 

Now that we've gone through the classic, and quite humorous descriptions, it's time for a little bit of history. I mean, the creation of the attraction is often just as important, and as interesting as the attraction itself. I mean, there really are so pretty great stories out there as to how these things came to be (and just wait until you see what I have planned later this year!)

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad probably has one of the more interesting stories behind it. I am a huge fan of the books by Jason Surrell (although I haven't had the chance to read them all yet, sadly). A year ago I actually read most of "The Disney Mountains: Imagineering at Its Peak," but never got to finish it for a couple of reasons. Either way, there's a whole section in the book on Big Thunder, so I felt that I'd use that as my source for this one. 

The road to unforgiving mine train didn't start out perfect for our beloved mountain though. Actually, it started out with Pirates of the Caribbean. Back in 1971, when Walt Disney World opened, guests were astonished to find that the classic attraction, and the last Walt Disney Worked on himself, Pirates of the Caribbean, hadn't made an appearance at WDW, nor was it on the schedule right away. With no E-Ticket attractions ready for the park, the attraction Western River Expedition came into play. Head creator Mark Davis was ready to top himself from the "Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland" attraction at Disneyland, and he had plans for an Audio Anamatronics Extravaganza. 

But they hit a road block: Roy Disney, who had taken over the company after his brother's death and was the main supporter of WRE, died. When Pirates of the Caribbean did open in 1973, the project lost even more interest, as the two shows would be very similar. But they still needed a new thrill ride, a first thrill ride, at Walt Disney World. So work began again, only this time on a split attraction, half mine train, half boat expedition that would be built later. Tony Baxter had been working with Davis on other attractions at Walt Disney World previously, and had grand ideas for what would eventually become Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. 

Still, the long, complicated road continues. When Space Mountain opened as the park's first E-Ticket, Thrill attraction, the project was put on hold yet again, due to the fact that the "Space Race" was still fresh in the minds of Americans. But at Disneyland, there was a need for a new attraction, and so Big Thunder Mountain Railroad changed a bit and moved into the space on the exact opposite side of the Rivers of America at Disneyland as it would have been at Walt Disney World. 

It wasn't until 1980 that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Tony Baxter's first hit attraction, came to Walt Disney World, moving in on the banks of the Rivers of America and rising above as the backdrop for Frontierland. 

Fun Facts:

Of course, when we talk about attractions like this, we have to have some awesome fun facts about them too! I have a book, called "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" by Susan Veness. It's a great book, and I do suggest reading it...and it's where I'll be getting all of my interesting Disney Facts for these posts (I also used it for the Disney Fact of the Day Earlier this year). 

• Halfway through the attraction, there is a Miner taking a bath, and the bathtub he sits in is one of two full size bathtubs in the entire Magic Kingdom. The other is located in the Carousel of Progress. A third bathtub used to reside in Mickey's Toontown Fair as well. 
• The names of the trains are I.M. Brave, U.R. Courageous, I.B. Hearty, U.B. Bold, I.M. Fearless and U.R. Daring. 
• A second-floor window of the saloon, viable as your train roars past, reveals a party in progress. It's the "wildest party in the wilderness," but you will see it only at night. During the day, the party-goers are probably sleeping it off. 

My Thoughts: 

Of course, this is still my blog, and I couldn't have a post on these different attractions without actually giving my own opinion on them. I have to say that my opinion WILL change from attraction to attraction. I mean, while I love Disney that doesn't mean I have to love all the different attractions. I mean, it would get kind of difficult if they were all my favorite. I can't ride everything over 100 times like I've done with SSE. 

When it comes to Big Thunder, I've been a fan for quite some time, and I always end up on it at least twice during my trip (although that will change come June of course). Of all the attractions in Magic Kingdom, it's most likely in my top five favorites...actually I know it is. Although back when I did my Favorite Attractions I know I said that while my top is Haunted Mansion, and then my second is a tie between Buzz Lightyear and Space Mountain, the honorable mention did go to Big Thunder Mountain. 

I think my honest to god only complaint about it though is how much I miss the earthquake scene. I'm not sure if it's fixed or if they took it out (I really can't remember...it's been 6 months since I was at Disney now), but I remember it worked when I was a kid, and I miss it now. It just doesn't feel right without it. 

On the other hand, I really do love the new additions to the line. I think the entire concept of an attraction while waiting in line is a wonderful idea, and I love it at Haunted Mansion too. It's probably one of my favorite things that Disney has ever done actually, not that their queues were anything to laugh at before. They have some of the best ones in the entire world (Pirates? Space Mountain? Expedition Everest? Need I List more?), and the new interactive additions at Big Thunder are not only hilarious, but also awesome. I can't wait to go back in March and explore the line more than I did this past July. 

And so, there you have it, the very first Featured Attraction Friday (although quite a bit late...sorry about that). I have to say that I think I understand why I didn't do this last year. It's a lot of work. BUT, I don't have Disney History to work on anymore, and without the Disney Facts we need something that happens like weekly around here, and this is just the ticket. I'm gonna make this mission work! 

What are your thoughts on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad? 

Have a magical day!