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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Reasons I Love Disney A-Z..."T"

"T"
Tinker Bell (Peter Pan) - Don't you love the scene in Peter Pan when Tink is standing on the hand mirror measuring her hips, like any woman measuring them like they can't be that wide.  She is a favorite of mine for sure, she is the topper on my Christmas tree. As a matter of fact, there are several Tinker Bell ornaments on my tree. I can't wait to meet her in person this vacation!
Tiana (Princess and the Frog) - I just recently saw this movie for the first time, I really enjoyed it. It's been a long time since I got to experience a Disney fairytale for the first time. Love the setting of the French Quarter back when Jazz was the hottest music going. She is a strong, independent woman gotta love that, but you've really gotta love that she realizes that having someone to share your dreams with is better than having a dream all alone.
Tarzan - Both the character and the movie, I remember watching it when Dakota was very young and the music by Phil Collins was wonderful. Watching Tarzan interact with with Jane was wonderful, another great example of Disney animation.
Tiger Lily (Peter Pan) - You've gotta love Tiger Lily's defiance as she is captured by Hook and Smee and she refuses to say a word. Her loyalty to Peter Pan is undeniable, and he repays her by coming to her rescue.
Timon (The Lion King) - Simba literally owes his life to Timon and Pumba, and they gave the world "Hakuna Matata" and that's something we can all be thankful for!
Tigger - "The wonderful thing about Tiggers is Tiggers are wonderful things. Their tops are made out of rubber, their bottoms are made out of springs. They're bouncy, flouncy, trouncy, pouncy, fun, fun,fun, fun,fun. The most wonderful thing about Tiggers is I'm the only one." I think Tigger's song describes him best, thank you.
Tower of Terror - The Hollywood Tower Hotel is 199 feet, making it the second highest attraction in Walt Disney World (Expedition Everest is 199.5 feet). It is said that lightning struck the hotel October 31, 1939 transporting an elevator full of 5 people to "The Twilight Zone." So what do we do, we all go and ride the other elevator like crazy people and see if we make it through ok.  Disney used original footage from The Twilight Zone television series and had to add in a little extra voice impersonation to finish out the story, but they did a great job. Can't wait to ride this one!!
Test Track - This is the longest and fastest attraction at Disney World. Hairpin turns-check, 50 degree banked curves-check, temperature extremes 100 degrees apart-check, all while strapped in at speeds of 60 miles an hour-really it all sounds like fun to me.
Turtle Talk with Crush - Dude, I love Crush he's like a totally awesome surfer guy. So I have to go see him while I am at Disney World duh!  This another interactive show where you can ask questions from the audience, and other characters from the movie make apprearances as well.
Toy Story Mania - This ride is the hottest thing going right now. It's almost like going inside a game and becoming a part of it. If you plan on riding you better get a Fast Pass and you'd better get it early!!
T-Rex Restaurant - When my sister Sue found out we were going to Disney World the first thing she said was "You have to eat at T-Rex." Well, first of all she always gives good advice, and second this restaurant was opened by the people who gave us Rainforest Cafe-just think of it as Rainforest Cafe in Mesozoic period. I think it's safe to say it's probably pretty good.
Tree of Life - This is the icon of the Animal Kingdom. The carvings on this tree are amazing. The longer you look at it the more things you will find, and if you look hard enough you might even find a hidden Mickey. It is 14 stories high and 50 feet wide!
Typhoon Lagoon - As I have stated before, fun in the water is definitely on the agenda during this visit to Disney. Typhoon Lagoon is on the top of the "Must Do" list for us in July (especially in the Florida summer sun!)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Reasons I Love Disney A-Z..."S"

"S"
Sleeping Beauty - Big surprise that this is my first entry on the "S" list huh. Again, my favorite movie, favorite princess. This movie is a big part of the reason I love Disney, I know I have said it before but it is the first movie I remember seeing in the theater as a kid, Aurora was so beautiful to me-Disney animation and storytelling at it's finest.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - In 1937 this movie was a true first of it's kind, the first full length cel-animated film, the first full color animated film, the first film produced by Walt Disney, I am sure a lot of people thought he was crazy, especially since he mortgaged his house to raise money. Well, look at what an animated film about a beautiful princess and seven dwarfs who mined for jewels started.
Sebastain (The Little Mermaid) - I love this little red crab, I love his Caribbean accent, I love to hear him sing (Under the Sea is my favorite song from the movie), and I love that he loves Ariel so much he is willing to help her despite himself.
Scuttle (The Little Mermaid) - Despite the fact that he thinks he knows everything about humans (a fork is a dinglehopper and used to comb your hair and a smoking pipe is a snarfblat and is a musical instrument) he is very lovable and he is a loyal friend to Ariel. He even helps stop Eric from marrying Vanessa (Ursula in disguise).
Simba (The Lion King) - So cute as a cub, he was all boy and mischievous and fun. When he grew up he became a true leader, one that Mufasa would have been proud of.
Sarabi (The Lion King) - Queen of the Pride Lands, she was Simba's mother and Mufasa's mate. She led the lioness hunting party so that the lion pride could eat, she was quiet and laid back but would do anything to protect Simba and the Pride Lands.
Sneezy & Sleepy (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) - Poor Sneezy with his hayfever sneezing at the most inopportune times and Sleepy, well he yawns a lot and appears to be tired all of the time, but he works as hard as any of the dwarfs and he's the one who figures out the witch has Snow White.
Stitch (Lilo & Stitch) - Experiment 626 Stitch was created to cause chaos across the galaxy. Somehow after seeing the movie I think he was quite capable of doing the job, but he did really love Lilo and she did have a calming effect on him, as calming as anyone could have on Stitch anyway.
Shere Kahn (Jungle Book) - His name would bring fear to all the creatures in the jungle, but the main conquest he wanted was the man cub.
Shenzi (Lion King) - Again, Banzai, Shenzi & Ed , the hyenas from the Lion King were great weren't they! I loved this movie, I still haven't gotten around to watching it again. Hakuna Matata! 
Scar (Lion King) - He was pure evil in this movie wasn't he, who could be cold and callus enough to kill your own brother and want to kill someone as cute as Simba. Karma does come back to get him in the end when the hyenas have the final bite at him though.
Sarah Hawkins (Treasure Planet) - Jim's Mom, she loves her son, and she knows boys will be boys. I am sure it was hard for her to allow him to leave with Delbert to go off searching for Treasure Planet.
Soarin - "Soarin' is a serene, multisensory attraction that simulates a peaceful hang-gliding flight over California. Experience the feeling of free flight from 40 feet in the air while surrounded by scenic panoramas including the Golden Gate Bridge, Malibu and LA." This is exactly how http://www.disneyworld.com/ describes Soarin' I guess I can't come up with much better. This is probably the #1 thing on Dakota's "Must Do" list for our trip. I can hardly wait!!
Splash Mountain - Bet you didn't know Splash Mountain was voted favorite Magic Kingdom attraction by Disney Magazine readers in 2004. I don't know why but log plume rides have never scared me the way traditional roller coasters have. I know I'm crazy.
Space Mountain - I know it's strange, but somehow it's less scary when a roller coaster is enclosed in a building-I am less intimidated. Space Mountain underwent a major renovation in 2009, and it is the oldest running roller coaster in the state of Florida.
Star Tours - I am not the Star Wars expert in our family, that would definitely be Dakota, but I have bought enough light sabers and action figures to fill a Starspeeder. The Star Tours attraction has been under going a major renovation, and should be reopening in May. I am sure it will be exciting, and this time it will be in 3-D. Until then, "May the Force be with you."
Slush Gusher, Snow Stormers, Summit Plummet  - All attractions at Blizzard Beach. I cannot wait for water slides and wave pools and fun!!  Summit Plummet even has a 120 foot drop and you can go at speeds of up to 50-60 MPH!
Shark Reef, Storm Slides, Surf Lessons - I can't leave out Typhoon Lagoon now can I?  I mean who wouldn't want to swim with sharks or take surfing lessons? Their wave pool even has 5 foot waves!!
Sci-Fi Dine In Theater - Who wouldn't want to eat in a booth that looks like a car at a drive-in movie theater from the 50's and watch a crazy Sci-Fi movie?? No wonder it's such a fan favorite!!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Reasons I Love Disney A-Z..."R"

"R"
Roy O. Disney - Walt's big brother, for all of the wonderful things Walt did none of it would have been possible without Roy. Walt was the creative brother, Roy was the financial genius in the family. Together they were unstoppable, just look at what they accomplished. When Walt died before Disney World was finished, Roy put off his retirement to make sure Walt's dream was completed, and even added Walt's name to make it Walt Disney World. So when you think about Disney, just remember the "quiet" brother behind the scenes, I promise he was crucial to making all magic that is "The Happiest Place On Earth."
Rafiki (The Lion King) - The old and wise baboon who is a true and faithful friend to Mufasa. He has quite a sense of humor too. I really liked him in the movie, and he certainly taught Simba a lesson or two.
Rabbit & Roo - Both friends of Winnie the Pooh. Rabbit with his temper and his garden to tend to and little Roo the youngest citizen of the Hundred Acre Wood.
Remy & Ratatouille - A rat who is also a wonderful French chef, who knew. Now we all know "anyone can cook."
Rex (Toy Story) - This guy worries way too much about his small roar, but he is a great friend who is always there anytime the other toys need him.
Randall Boggs (Monsters Inc.) - This monsters ability to scare children is commendable, his is about to break the scare record. But his ruthless behind the scenes activities and willingness to kidnap children and steal their screams to store energy is cruel.
Roz (Monsters Inc.) - Number 1, as it turns out, Roz was a stickler for paperwork wasn't she. She was a hoot and kept Mike on his toes didn't she?
Rock N' Roller Coaster - Aerosmith worked with Disney to get the music exactly perfect for this roller coaster ride. It's an all indoor que, and you go from 0-58 in just over 2 seconds. I am not usually a roller coaster girl, but I'm gonna give it a shot, I'll let you know how it goes...
Runoff Rapids - When you visit Blizzard Beach make sure you ride down Mount Gushmore on the three unique waterslides called Runoff Rapids. The two outer slides can accommodate rafts that hold two people but the middle slide is enclosed the whole way down and only one person inner tube are allowed.
Rainforest Cafe - Disney World has 2 locations, one at Downtown Disney and the other at Animal Kingdom. I guess the Disney World site says it better than I ever could "Rainforest Cafe in Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park brings adventure to the lunch and dinner table with outstanding American cuisine that includes luscious salads, pasta, sandwiches, seafood, burgers and poultry dishes, as well as a variety of vegetarian selections." This particular quote is from the Animal Kingdom section of the Disney site but the menu is the same at each location.
Rose & Crown Pub - From what I understand reasonably close an English Pub in EPCOT, complete with fish and chips, and free flowing ale.
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant - It St. Patty's Day, I can't leave this one out now can I? It's in Downtown Disney and serves us traditional Irish favorites like beef stew and Guiness,and has live entertainment.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Reasons I Love Disney A-Z..."Q"

"Q"
Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) - Frollo makes him live in a bell tower and never lets him leave, he tells him he is ugly and deformed yet Quasimodo is still good and kind hearted. Again, Disney at it's finest.
Queen Leah (Sleeping Beauty) - Aurora's mother, she is only seen twice in the movie. The first time is in the begining of the film, she is alongside her husband and daughter as  the entire kingdom arrives at the castle to celebrate Aurora's birth. The second, is at the very end of the movie just in time to meet Aurora. She only speaks two lines.
Quick Service Dining - You don't always have time for a sit down meal. Quite frankly, there is a LOT of food included in our Magic Your Way Premium Plan. Sometimes a quick service or counter service meal is just what you need.
Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland) - She is really crazy isn't she, and a little obsessed with "off with their heads" if you ask me. Her rants and mood swings are kind of funny, but you can't help but feel sorry for the King and her subjects.

Reasons I Love Disney A-Z..."P"

"P"
Prince Philip (Sleeping Beauty) - When Briar Rose met him in the forest, she didn't know he was a Prince, for that matter she didn't know she was a Princess. Prince Philip was determined to fight for his true love. It's what makes Disney movies, well Disney movies.
Prince Charming (Cinderella) - It's odd to me that he doesn't really have a name other than "Prince Charming" but you've got to give him credit, he never gave up on finding Cinderella.
Pluto - He is a truly faithful friend to Mickey Mouse, and is almost always by his side. His birthday is September 5, 1930 and his is one of the few Disney characters who never speaks.
Pete - I've seen him as a neighbor of both Mickey and Goofy but he's always mean and up to no good. He first appeared February 15, 1925 so that makes him the oldest Disney character, even older than Mickey!
Peter Pan - Both the character and the movie. Disney World is the place we all go to act like a kid again, and I think Peter is the ultimate embodiment of never growing up and always being able to find that kid in you.
Peter Pan's Flight - This is Mike's favorite ride at Disney hands down. He doesn't get excited about anything Disney, except this ride. It is really wonderful, and it's such a classic ride. It is definitely on our "Must Do" list.
Pirates of the Caribbean - This will be my first time riding Pirates of the Caribbean, and I am beyond excited. I LOVE the movies, and I love that Disney refurbished the rides to include characters from them. Another "Must Do" for out July vacation.
Pirates of the Caribbean - The movies have to have a mention of their own, Captain Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth and Will are favorites of mine and the entire family. The crew of the Black Pearl are memorable as well, and Davy Jones from the sequel. I can't wait for the prequel this summer.
Pumbaa (Lion King) - Timon and Pumbaa are two of the most fun characters of The Lion King movie, and honestly Simba may not have survived without them. The world is a happier place with a Hakuna Matata attitude from time to time.  
Piglet - Piglet is Pooh's very best friend, and this tiny pink guy is way braver than he thinks he is.
Pongo & Perdita (101 Dalmations) - Parents to the puppies in this Disney classic. Thank goodness Cruella didn't get her hands on them to make her coat!!
Pocahontas - This indian princess is beautiful and smart, the name Pocahontas means "Little Mischief." She is the only American Disney Princess.
Phillipe (Beauty and the Beast) -  Belle's horse from the movie, he comes to get Belle when his father is captured by the Beast early in the movie. Later, he protects her from the wolves even though he is frighented of them himself.
Park Hoppers - We always choose the Park Hopper option when we go to Disney. You never know when you may want to eat in another park or when you may just want to hop over to another park to see the fireworks or visit an attraction. For us it's definitely worth the money.
Package Delivery - I love that I can buy things in the parks and have them delivered to my resort. That is one of the most awesome ideas Disney ever had. I hate trying to keep up with things or remember where you saw something so you can go back before you leave, and you don't have to worry about breaking something on the trip back at the end of the day.
Pressed Coins - Pressed penny and quarter machines are located throughout Disney World. Each one has a different Disney design. Bring along new and shiny pennies and quarters to press, pennies will cost and additional $.50 and quarters will cost an additional $1.00 to press, but considering it's Disney that's a cheap souvenir. Look for a keepsake book to keep them in at a Disney gift shop.
PhotoPass - The ideal way to have pictures of your trip and make sure everyone is in them. PhotoPass Photographers are at all of the places you would expect them to be but they are almost everywhere else too. Just hand them your PhotoPass card and all of your vacation pictures are in one place, so easy!!
Perfectly Princess Grand Tea Party - Brunch, dessert and a My Disney Girl doll is included in this must do if you have a little princess. If my little Lexi were going with me this would be something we would have to do. Sorry Ash, but Lexi has to do this one with Nana because 1. it includes a visit from Princess Aurora, 2. it is at the Grand Floridian.
Pinocchio - I have to confess this is another one of those classic Disney movies I haven't seen. I now the storyline, but he is a really cute puppet boy who really knows how to get into trouble.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel - Built in 1917 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, this carrousel has 90 horses and each one is different. It sits near Cinderella Castle and plays Disney music. Whether you choose to ride or not you have to admire the craftsmanship and beauty of this ride.
Plaza Restaurant - An old fashioned ice cream parlor with overstuffed hot and cold sanwiches located on Main Street is how the PassPorter describes this restaurant. We have lunch reservations here and I will be enjoying a hot sandwich with a brownie sundae for dessert, I can't wait!!
Portobello - Contemporary Italian dining, located in Downtown Disney. Just remember this is fine Italian dining, it's not Tony's. It's more expensive and and more for the foodie than for the Olive Garden crowd. If you are going to give it a try better make your reservations up to 180 days out.
Planet Hollywood - Downtown Disney must be the place to eat...Planet Hollywood is part of the famed franchise, and has the same menu with BBQ, NY Strip steaks and Burgers you are accustomed to at their restaurants along with the movie memorabilia and souvenirs for sale.
Polynesian Resort- Disney's tribute to the South Pacific, a lush tropical paradise located on the Seven Seas Lagoon. I love how Disney emerses each resort totally into each theme. The Spirit of Aloha dinner show is a real treat for guests, and they even have hammocks on the beach to relax in.
Port Orleans French Quarter & Riverside - A little bit of the Big Easy right inside Disney World. The French Quarter has "gas" lamposts, cajun food and jazz music, and Riverside has a Riverside Mill, magnolia blossoms and mint juleps. We are even taking a carriage ride along the Sassagoula River while we're there.
Pop Century - A value resort with 2880 guest rooms. This resort is Disney's tribute to pop culture. Each section is a tribute to a decade, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. It has it's own food court and is located near Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Reasons I Love Disney A-Z..."O"

"O"
One Man's Dream - I love learning about Walt Disney the man. This attraction teaches you how Walt make an impact on Disney the company, but also on the world . There are artifacts here that have never been shown anywhere else, it is a must see for fans of Walt Disney - the man.
Oswald Rabbit - If not for the rights for Oswald being taken away from Walt, we would not have Mickey. As a Disney fan, I cannot imagine a world without Mickey. So I am glad there was an Oswald, but I am glad Walt was robbed of his rights for him because we have Mickey!!
Owl - Where would the Hundred Acre Wood be without Owl? Who would Pooh, Tigger and Rabbit turn to for wisdom without him...
Oasis Exhibit - A lush tropical exhibit inside Animal Kingdom that houses a Parma wallaby, giant anteater and tree kangaroo; not to mention tropical birds.
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights - If you go to Disney World at Christmastime this is a definite must see. When Jennings Osborne's Arkansas neighbors started complaining about his Christmas light display Disney invited him  to to display them at Disney World, the display consists of more than five million lights I may have complained too!!
Once Upon a Toy - This is a HUGE toy store located in Downtown Disney. I has everything from Tinkertoys and LiteBrites to Star Wars to Barbie. It's fun for parents and kids alike, full of nostalgic memories for parents and toys for kids.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Reasons I Love Disney A-Z..."N"

"N"
Nemo - Nemo is such a spunky little guy and so determined to go home to his dad. Love this movie from Pixar, and especially love the characters from the fish tank.
Nala (The Lion King) - Spunky as a cub, and stong as a lioness. She was everything Simba needed as a friend and a mate.
Needleman (Monsters Inc.) - Needleman, with his partner Smitty, was part of the maintenance crew on the Scare Floor at Monster's Incorporated. Remember how much they idolized Sully when he was about to break the scare record. They were the ones who almost put Boo in the garbage compacting machine.
Norway Pavilion - I know, again with World Showcase. But anywhere that has a bakery is alright with me, and here you have Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. Then there's Malestrom, and who doesn't secretly want to be a Viking for a few minutes anyway??
National Treasures - They have some really interesting artifacts from American history here, from Abe Lincoln's stove pipe hat to baseball memoribilia from Jackie Robinson.
Neverland - Home to Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. A place where you never grow up and adventure never ends. All you need is to believe and a little pixie dust courtesy of Tinkerbell.
Narcoossee's - Fine dining at it's best, located in the Grand Floridian. Their specialties include filet mignon, Alaskan salmon and Maine lobster - all of the above sounds delicious to me!!