Of all the theme parks, we were most looking forward to Disney's Magic Kingdom. After all, it is the most visited place in the world (theme park wise). It was going to be a long day for us as we also had tickets that evening to witness Mickey's Christmas Parade (more on that later).
Magic Kingdom is made up of six different lands. We spent more time in some than others depending on the attractions we wanted to see, but there is something for everyone in this place.
The photo at the top with us in front of Cinderellas Castle would have to be the most common photograph taken here. Everyone would stop and pose because let's face it, with a photo in front of this, everyone knows where you have been. If you haven't grown up with Disney in your life then you have really missed out as a child I reckon. This was a very happy moment, and even though it had taken us 30 years to get here, the magic was still there.
If you have ever wondered what's in that castle, well take a look at this photo and you will have your answer. Yes it is a beauty parlour for your little princess. All the little girls can go in for a pamper and walk out a princess, they already had chosen their princess attire, they just needed to be glammed up with perfect hair, make up, sparkles and of course a crown. Throughout the day you would see a little girl wearing a beautiful Cinderella (or other princess outfits) gown skipping down the way, filled with such joy. What a sight to see!Speaking of photographs. One thing we hadn't mentioned in our previous blogs, was that Disney has set up a very clever photography scheme. Throughout every park, beside every attraction, character viewing, typical scenic opportunity, there was a Disney photographer strategically placed ready to take your photo for you. They would be set up in a perfect position to capture that moment. With our tickets we got before we arrived, we were also given what was called a 'photo pass' which had a barcode on the back. All you had to do was give the photographer your 'photo pass', they would take your picture and then scan the card, then you are free to look at them online at a later date. This was so handy because it meant that Mel and I were able to be in pictures together as opposed to taking individual shots of each other or trusting someone else to take it for us on our camera. So we took advantage of this many times. Of course there is a hefty fee to the purchase each individual photo once you have seen them, but you get a reduced rate if you purchase all of them on a CD or download which we did.
Back to the park. Our first character encounter was a fun one as Tiggers are wonderful things you know! The characters are always good for a hug and know how to pose well. Sometimes you do have to wait a long time in lines to meet these guys, but the wait is always worth it.
A stroll down Main Street USA, there was always something happening down this strip. Performances and character sightings all amongst some beautifully decorated shopfronts and restaurants.
It was then off to Adventureland which boasted such rides as Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise and the Magic Carpets of Aladdin. Mel was stoked to meet up with Johnny Depp (Jack Sparrow) and I thought I would get my Arabian nights on beside Princess Jasmin!
Unfortunately there was no Genie, but we did find some fairies to hopefully help us make our dreams come true.
Mel was also able to climb and have a look around the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse.
It was then off to relive the American Old West in Frontierland. From Cowboys and Indians, to exploring the mysteries of the rivers of America. Frontierland contained classic rides such as Splash Mountain, the big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Country Bear Jamboree.
The Country Bear Jamboree was very funny but a bit rundown and outdated compared to other attractions. However the most entertaining thing about this experience was a gentleman sitting in the front row beside us, who would have been in his 60s or 70s, and throughout he had the most surprised look on his face that these bears were actually singing and playing. He sat there slapping his knee and tapping his feet, with his eyes wide open and jaw hitting the ground. He was an attraction in himself.
Liberty Square was not far away and this area of the park is based on an American Revolutionary colonial town. The river nearby surrounds Tom Sawyer Island and hosts the Liberty Belle riverboat. Liberty Square is also home to The Haunted Mansion and the Hall of Presidents.
A little further on is Fantasyland and it is themed in a medieval-faire/carnival style. This is where the famouse Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Mad Tea Cup Party rides are. The lines for these rides were enormous, so we were more than happy to stand and watch the faces of the little kids whirling around.
Probably the most famous attraction in Fantasyland is the ride around "it's a small world". Here is a short video that we took whilst floating around the world of little people. (prepare to be singing this song for the rest of the day)
I read an amazing story that talked about all of the tunnels underneath the Disney theme parks. Apparently for every step that someone takes on the Disney property there are two steps underneath for the cast members and workers. This is so they stay out of sight, meaning out of mind for the visitors. It came about a few years after Disneyworld had been built and Walt Disney himself was walking through the park one day. He happened to notice a cowboy from Frontierland walking around in the Tomorrowland area obviously on his way to have a break out where the cast members go. Realising how out of place he looked in this futuristic world, Walt decided that under each park there would be a tunnel system that would keep everyone in their place and allow work to continue without the visitors noticing. Clever Walt!
Speaking of Tomorrowland, we headed across the bridge to the futuristic attractions like Space Mountain and the Carousel of Progress. Some things never change though, especially for diehard fans of Disney that feel they have to to show their love and support of the characters by sporting the kind of attire like that on the woman on the right. She had a great mullet too!I thought the Toy Story ride at Hollywood Studios was good, but not to be outdone was Buzz Lightyear and his Space Ranger Spin. This too was a crazy ride for someone with limited balance, but I am such a competitor that I had to try and beat Mel by shooting as many Zurgs as possible. I used my nose to trigger the gun which made me look like I was head-butting the steering wheel, but it worked a treat as I came out the victor with over 1000 points more! Yes Buzz, after that my head swelled to "infinty and beyond!" ( and not because of the head-butting).
It was nearing parade time and we were warned to find a viewing point early because it gets crowded very quickly. The park officially closed at 7 pm and only those who had purchased tickets to watch the parade could stay in the park. This must be a massive task for the cast and crew of the park to do a sweep from one end to the other and usher out anyone not staying. We had to wear a special wristband and we were constantly being politely asked to show it as the clean out began right on 7. We found the designated viewing area for mobility impaired people and had a perfect spot to view the Castle Steps Concert, Mickey's Christmas Parade and the Wishes Nightime Spectacular fireworks and projection show. We did take some footage of them, but my cinematography is not great, and there were some heads in the row. So here are the official HD quality versions as well as some of Mel's great photos underneath. It's hard to describe how stunning the castle is and the way they are able to light and project things onto it. It truly was magical. Enjoy!
Another amazing experience. Love this place. Hopefully it's not another 30 odd years before we're back.
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