Image belongs to Blake's family.
Counting down the most magical experiences of the most magical place on Earth.
By Blake
Originally posted September 28, 2011 as part of 40 Days at 40.
The countdown continues...
30. Dole Whips
Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The infamous Walt Disney World snack that discussion forums all across the Internet rave about, the Dole Whip is a bonafide Disney classic in its own right. Half-soft serve, half-slushie, all-pineapple, this frozen treat is notorious for offering a nice, cool break in the middle of a hot Florida day. Dole Whips are found at Aloha Isle in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom and (though many Guests don’t realize it) at Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Resort. The only other places on the planet where you can find an official Dole Whip? Disneyland in California…and the Dole plant in Hawaii.
Dole Whip!! Image belongs to Blake's family.
29. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
Magic Kingdom
I dare you to sit through this entire attraction without a.) smiling or b.) tapping your toes. The attraction’s theme music, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” is yet again another Sherman brothers creation, just as catchy and melodious as their many others.
The ride’s prefix of “Walt Disney’s” couldn’t be more appropriate, as the experience is purely Walt from beginning to end. Audio-Animatronics, engaging characters, a relatable and entertaining story, and—most poignant of all—a sense of optimism towards the future are all staples of Walt’s personality and work ethic.
Besides, the Carousel of Progress is just plain fun in its own right. Even better, it barely has a line and offers a good 15(ish) minutes in the air conditioning. Great, big, beautiful indeed!
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day!
28. Dream Along with Mickey
Magic Kingdom
I know you might roll your eyes about placing the current castle stage show before thrills like Test Track and Everest, but Dream Along with Mickey has genuine Disney magic more so than its predecessor castle productions. It’s a quick glimpse into many of the hallmarks that make Disney so Disney: the classic of the classic characters (Mickey and friends, princesses, and Peter Pan), a confrontation of good vs. evil, and a pyrotechnic, chorus-infused finale. When in the moment, it can even prompt a few shed tears.
Image belongs to Blake's family.
27. People Mover
Magic Kingdom
Ah, the People Mover. Like the Carousel of Progress, the People Mover is a great option to get off your feet for a lengthy, relaxing, enjoyable ride. Also like the Carousel of Progress, the People Mover barely has a wait. Even if it looks like many Guests are in line, the loading process goes very quickly.
The People Mover is perfect for several occasions: wanting a preview of Tomorrowland’s options before experiencing any of its attractions, offering an elevated view of Wishes or the Main Street Electrical Parade, or simply relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere (my personal favorite).
Let's take a ride onboard the People Mover!
What makes the People Mover so appealing is that it adds a sense of community to Tomorrowland. By that I mean it makes Tomorrowland feel like a living, working outerspace metropolis that is actually inhabited. We get a sneak preview of the community’s many facilities (like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Mickey’s Star Traders, and even Space Mountain), and we get to peek into some of the area’s other hot spots, like the “hair salon” and the model of Walt Disney’s original EPCOT concept.
The People Mover adds to the already-plentiful kinetics that are at work within Tomorrowland. When added together, Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Speedway, and the People Mover give Tomorrowland quite a few examples of movement. A similar effect can be found in Frontierland, where the Liberty Belle Riverboat, Tom Sawyer rafts, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain all culminate together to add kinetics to a static land.
26. DINOSAUR
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Just. Plain. Scary. This is the one attraction that I am truly afraid of, but still want to ride again and again. It’s a good kind of fear—the kind of fear you enjoy having because you know you’re completely safe and will remain unharmed. It’s dark, it’s bumpy, it’s fast, and the dinosaurs are in-your-face. Request the backseat for the most exhilarating experience. And be sure to look at your photo at the end! They are hysterical.
25. Gi-Tar Dan
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
One of Animal Kingdom’s unsung heroes, Gi-Tar Dan is an improve performer, though not in the typical sense of the phrase. After telling Gi-Tar Dan your name, where you’re from, and some of your favorite things to do, he can amazingly whip up a very good, hummable song about you! Part of the charm of Gi-Tar Dan’s sets is the way he’s very personable and genuinely kind to each Guest he speaks with. He’s not obnoxious or goofy about his skill (that style is entertaining sometimes, but here it would be out of place). We have thoroughly enjoyed our encounters with Gi-Tar Dan, which go back to 2004! Here’s to hoping he stays around for many more years.
Gi-Tar Dan in action at Animal Kingdom. Image belongs to Blake's family.
You can usually find him roaming Camp Minnie-Mickey near the Character Greeting Trails. Because of his prime location near the characters, this means that most Guests in the vicinity are in line to meet Mickey and pals, leaving you with plenty of Gi-Tar Dan’s undivided attention. It’s highly likely to spend a good three to five minutes with him. Have your camcorder ready!
24. Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Another overlooked gem is Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, a museum-like exhibit near Toy Story Midway Mania! at Hollywood Studios. Guests have the opportunity to see, hear, and experience the story of Walt Disney’s life in the form of artwork, models, replicas, and a short film. Here, the focus is on Walt Disney the man, not Walt Disney the company. Yes, examples of Walt’s work are used to illustrate his bountiful career, but Guests come away from this attraction with a newfound sense of knowing who Walt Disney was as a person, which is different from being familiar with the current reaps of his harvest.
Wow! Look who was filming a segment for The Wonderful World of Color when I was walking through One Man's Dream! Image belongs to Blake's family.
One Man’s Dream is a real treat for Disney fans. An hour could easily be spent looking around at all the goodies to be found. Some of the highlights are a display case showing Walt Disney’s Burbank office and a model of the original Disney-MGM Studios as it opened in 1989—complete with an ingenious, now-obstructed aerial Hidden Mickey. It is really quite something.
It’s absolutely brilliant that Imagineers have made something like this available for the public, as the official Walt Disney Archives in California are not open for visitors. The closest thing to it is the Walt Disney Family Museum in Pasadena, so for east-coast Disneyphiles, One Man’s Dream is a dream come true.
23. Pin Trading
Everywhere
Pin trading (and, these days, Vinylmation trading) forms relationships between Guests and Cast Members, and even between Guests and other Guests. I feel far more engaged and personable with Cast Members on trips when I utilize pin trading more than trips that I don’t. It offers a conversation starter and allows the opportunity to meet a lot of amazing people who love what they do. And besides, pins are just plain fun to collect, anyway!
If you don’t have a pin that you’re willing to trade, buy a few inexpensive pins just for trading. This will allow for more Cast Member conversations and will score you some cool pins of your choosing (they’re not allow to say no!).
22. Frontierland Ambience
Magic Kingdom
One of my all-time favorite Walt Disney World atmospheres, Frontierland is one of those places where you could sit on a bench all day long and never get bored. There are many sights going on around you (as we discussed earlier…such as the kinetics of Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, the riverboat, and Tom Sawyer Island), the subtle rustic music is inviting and calm, and the general vibe is overall very pleasant.
Ah, Frontierland.
21. Wake-Up Calls
Resorts
I’ve got a confession: My top reason to stay on-property at a Disney-owned resort is so that Mickey Mouse can give me a phone call to wake up in the morning. Such a Disney way to start the day, and a guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Just plain awesome.
Related BlakeOnline posts:
- Blake's Picks - The Best of Walt Disney World, #40-31 (posted September 21, 2011)
By Blake; posted September 28, 2011.
1 comments:
Great pics! I agree with you on enjoying the atmosphere in frontierland. And to enjoy it with a Dolewhip yum! That just adds to the pleasure! Can't wait to see the top 10.
Post a Comment