Tag Archives: Magic Kingdom

FEATURED BLOGGER OF THE MONTH

Kaylene Jablecki leads a busy life as the mother of five, but makes time for Disney in her every day life. She’s a member of the Walt Disney World Mom’s Panel where she helps others plan their vacations and answers all types of questions about Disney World. She also makes sure to include a bit of the magic at her home for her family.

Kaylene JableckiAs an independent contractor on the Moms Panel, she assists Guests to make sure their vacation is catered to their family’s specific needs and dreams.  Although she has a personal wealth of Disney knowledge through her own trips, she works to keep up with the changes in the accommodations, attractions, restaurants, etc. so she can provide the correct information at any time.

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CHAMPIONS

Photo Credit: Brian Fee

The Hall of Champions is one of the shops that can be found on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. Not only does this shop have some of the coolest merchandise in the Magic Kingdom, but its sign is one to behold. Often overlooked these signs can make for great pictures and give you a window back to Disney no matter where you might be at the time.

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TOP TEEN ATTRACTIONS AT MAGIC KINGDOM

Magic Kingdom: The most magical place on earth. It’s got great opportunities for Kodak moments, a wonderful atmosphere, and a ton of fabulous attractions for teens. Here is my list of top teen attractions at Magic Kingdom.

1. Jungle Cruise – I absolutely love this attraction. The snakes do creep me out a bit, but I find my courage so that I can go listen to the cute skipper’s cheesy jokes.

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WALT DISNEY WORLD UPDATE…HITCH-HIKING GHOSTS

As most of us know by now, for the past several months, Disney has walled off the left side of the Haunted Mansion queue line in order to bring a new, interactive one along with a change to the iconic cemetery and its headstones. I have been speaking to managers and cast members for quite a long time, trying to get any information about any major changes to the cemetery, if any. All have basically stated the same thing…Disney has not given out any details to anyone. Some cast members said they heard rumors that there will be some changes, but again, no details.

This rehabbed Queue line is expected to be complete in two or three more months, and the three Hitch-Hiking ghosts (Gus the traveler, Ezra the Skeleton, and Phineas the Traveler) fan favorites seen at the end of the attraction are “Going on Vacation” for a couple of months, as one cast member put it. In their stead, Disney has substituted animation to replace the “Peppers Ghost” effect we see when one of the ghosts sits next to you in your “Doom Buggy” as the Ghost that will follow you home. (This effect was named after John Henry Pepper who invented it in the 1860s.)  I was told that the Ghosts will return when the queue line re-opens. I have taken some pics of the new effect so you can see the difference.  Enjoy!

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DISNEY PRESSED PENNIES FOR FUN

Collecting Disney pressed pennies is just plain fun. Pressed Pennies are not only a souvenir but an activity for you, your family, and your friends while you’re at the Disney resort  or at any of the Disney parks,  hotels, shops or other areas. Finding the pressed penny machines is just part of the excitement!  Collecting the pennies, knowing which ones you have and still need, is the other part.

These souvenirs only cost 51 cents – the penny to be pressed and 50 cents to have it done. There are also pressed quarters that cost $1.25. Those machines are more difficult to find because there are fewer of them.  One of the things that makes collecting pressed pennies so much fun is that you can never finish collecting them all. Disney changes the types of pennies offered in the machines and changes out machines too. They also have Celebrations when new pennies are released for a short time.

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TOP TEEN ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Photo Credit: Dennis Brown, NDU 5

This week I wanted to discuss the top teen attractions at Disney’s California Adventure. It’s a great park for teens, especially adrenaline junkies (Honestly, who doesn’t get that craving every once in a while?).  Here is my list of top teen attractions at Disney’s California Adventure.

1. Soarin’ Over California- This is a great attraction for all ages. It’s relaxing and full of energy at the same time. It’s an absolutely beautiful tribute to the state of California. I have ridden with people who are afraid of flying and of heights, and none of them have gotten scared. It’s probably the closest I will ever get to hang-gliding (the real thing freaks me out).  When riding, pay close attention to the wonderful scents of pine trees, oranges, and more.

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MICKEY’S MAIN SQUEEZE

Photo Credit: Brian Fee

Photo Credit: Brian Fee

This bronze statue of Mickey’s main squeeze can be found in the heart of the Magic Kingdom, along with a few of Walt’s other characters. I found that these statues can be hard to take pictures of because this area can be quite busy at times, not to mention the lighting is more direct because of the lack of shade. However, with the right time of day and the right equipment you can really have fun with these small little statues. With the colorful plants behind them and the right angle you would never think that there was a large crowd around. I think that these guys can be fun to take pictures of because they look good in color and in black and white. You typically can take your time with each one of these statues because most people have their attention focused on getting a picture in front of the castle.  Please stay tuned, because in the future, I hope to feature a few more of these guys.  For now enjoy this one; it’s one of my favorites.

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EVEN MIRACLES TAKE A LITTLE TIME

For most parents, the day a child is born is one of the happiest days of their lives.  For me, it was one of the worst.  Following an unexpectedly complicated delivery, my oldest son, Reagan, came into this world with no heartbeat and very little blood left in his body.  After 9 ½ long minutes, I heard one of the NICU doctors say “We’ve got a heartbeat.”  That is a long time for the brain to go without oxygen, and by that time, the damage was done.

The next few days were very touch and go.  We were told that there was little chance of survival and if he did survive, Reagan would most likely live in a vegetative state.  We had to make some really tough decisions.  I had to come to terms with the realization that Reagan was God’s child and that if I had to let him go, I had to let him go.

Posted in Children, Lifestyle, Parents, Relationships, Special Needs | Also tagged , , , , , , , , ,
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DISNEY DINING PLAN SNACKS AT MAGIC KINGDOM

I’ve been talking about the Disney Dining Plan and giving tips on the best way to use it. This video tells you all about getting the biggest bang for your buck over at the Magic Kingdom.

Contributed by: Kristen Hoetzel (NDI#59) Kristen is the DDL Dining Tips Blogger. She is also the creator of Cooking With Mickey.

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STARRY-EYED DISNEY

“Honey, would you please plan another Disney vacation?”

~The most romantic words ever spoken.

When faced with all the possibilities that a Disney World visit holds, something awakens inside a person.  Suddenly visions of togetherness, life experiences, and memories-to-be-made flood the senses, and a very basic awareness of happiness remains.  Family vacations are full of possibilities, and the sheer thrill is enough to make those about to travel feel light as a cloud for months on end!  If you’ve got the blues, it is indeed a panacea!

Imagine the feeling if the escape is for only two. Wink.

As the excitement builds, and plans are set, envision the feelings shared between couples.  Busy duos whose lives are filled with jobs and children find their relationship unexpectedly rekindled, and young lovers get to know each other in a new and enlivening light.

Posted in Dating, Disney Reviews, Fitness, Leisure, Lifestyle, Marriage, Recipes, Recreation, Relationships, Resorts, Restaurants, Solo Life, Travel Tips, Vacation | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
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THE MAIN STREET PHILHARMONIC

Photo Credit: Joe Penniston

All too often guests will run down Main Street when they enter the Magic Kingdom to hit their favorite attractions without realizing all the great details and entertainment they are missing.  One such entertainment offering is the Main Street Philharmonic.  The Philharmonic is a 12 piece brass and percussion ensemble that made its debut in 2000 when they replaced the Main Street Marching Band.  This group fits in perfectly with Main Street’s atmosphere.  When they come parading down the street guests are transported back to a time of celebration in a small town such as the fourth of July or Veteran’s Day.

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YIKES! THERE’S A MONORAIL IN MY HOUSE

Please stand clear of the doors…….Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas!

This famous line floods my mind with memories of Walt Disney World.  The Monorail is second only to Cinderella Castle at epitomizing what Walt Disney World means to me!  Just like Disney, there is a story line behind everything and I have a story behind my love of the Walt Disney World Monorails.  One of my first Disney memories as a kid was riding the Monorail in complete awe at this marvelous form of transportation and when it actually drove right through a hotel (the Contemporary Resort) I was literally breathless!  To this day this is still a vivid memory for me.

Posted in Collections, DDL Photos, Disney Driven Life, Hobbies, Home Photos, Lifestyle, Photography | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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NEW PIN SETS AT EPCOT AND LOVE IS MAGICAL DUFFY PIN EVENT

With the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World starting up around the World, two very nice collector pin sets have debuted at Epcot over the last couple of weeks.  The “Epcot Passport Collectors Set” is the newest of the bunch and will set you back $60 dollars.  As I understand it, it is a limited edition of only 500 sets.  Personally, I cannot wait to get my hands on this set and hope to do so very soon. This set features some of the original logos of The Land, Living Seas, World Showcase, Journey into Imagination, and Spaceship Earth.  It really is a must have, not only for the avid pin collector, but for the Epcot geek such as myself.  This set is an Epcot exclusive and can only be purchased at Pin Traders in Future World plaza.

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999 HAPPY HAUNTS

Photo Credit: Brian Fee

Photo Credit: Brian Fee

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THE MUSIC OF WISHES!

Every day thousands of people end their day in the Magic Kingdom with one of my favorite things – Wishes!  This fireworks show started back in October of 2003 and has been melting the hearts of young kids and adults ever since.  Sure, fireworks are always amazing, but when Disney puts their touch on it, with music from numerous classic movies, you know it’s going to be a show stopper.  Disney once again enlisted the help of composer Gregory Smith  to bring this nighttime spectacular to life.  Smith has a long history with Disney, with such shows as Illuminations 25 in Epcot, Remember Dreams Come True in Disneyland, and Disney’s Electrical Parade at California Adventure,  to name a few.

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WOULD YOU LIKE SOME HONEY WITH YOUR QUEUE?

photo credit: Ray Pilgrim

Walt Disney World has been busy lately with construction in the Magic Kingdom, and it has not all been on new Princess attractions.  They just recently improved the queue to the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.  The queue is now an interactive queue for children of all ages.

First they increased the theming with more storybook pages on other items from the Hundred Acres Woods.  Along the queue there is a garden play area where pesky gophers can be found in the garden by either jumping on bouncing spots or playing tug of war with a gopher.  There are also musical vegetables that can be pounded on.   The queue is situated so that as a parent waits, the kids, both big and small, can play.

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DISNEY DINING PLAN TIPS FOR THE MAGIC KINGDOM

Looking for some Disney Dining Plan tips for the Magic Kingdom? Here are a few tips for counter service dining. Make sure to check back next week for more Disney Dining Plan tips.

Contributed by: Kristen H (NDI#59). Kristen is our resident Disney foodie and creator of Cooking With Mickey

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SPREADING THE DISNEY SPIRIT

It doesn’t matter what religion or what beliefs you have; the holiday season brings out the Christmas spirit in most of us. It’s a philosophy Walt Disney embodied and instilled in his family, friends, and employees, not just during the holiday season but every single day of the year.

Most of us can attest to the fact that no matter what you’re feeling on the inside and no matter what bad news is going on outside, once you enter the hallowed gates of Walt Disney World, there is an uplifting spirit that overcomes you and remains with you until the day you have to leave. When you’re at Walt Disney World, every day is Christmas.

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DISNEY RESORT HOLIDAY SCHEDULES

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and I am sure that all of you want to place your requests with the man himself:  Santa Claus!  So did you know that you can NO LONGER find him in the Disney Resorts?!  In past years, you could find him in each of the Resorts for photos, requests, and hugs.  After many searches on the Internet for information on this year’s Santa Claus Resort schedule, I turned up NOTHING!

Feeling defeated, I decided to call Disney World’s reservation line.  The nice cast member checked and checked her database and also found nothing.  Not to be discouraged, she called a supervisor who informed her that Santa was rather tired this year and was not able to visit all of the Resorts.

Posted in Disney Reviews, Organization and Plannning, Resorts, Rumors | Also tagged , , ,
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DISNEY’S GRAND FLORIDIAN’S GINGERBREAD HOUSE

photo credit: Dennis Brown

The Grand Floridian is an absolutely beautiful Disney Resort!  The Resort opened on June 28, 1988 as the Grand Floridian Beach Resort and was renamed Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa in the fall of 1997.  There are 867 rooms among the six buildings.  The rooms are spacious averaging around 400 square feet per room.  For those families needing extra space, a room is situated to accommodate up to 5 guests.

Posted in Disney Reviews, Fitness, Resorts | Also tagged , , , , ,
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