Showing posts with label Disney World Top 6. Show all posts
Special 45th Anniversary Look at Disney World Top 6 Original Attractions From 1971
The Walt Disney World Resort has been around for over 45 years and there are many current favorite attractions that have been here since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971. For this installment of Disney World Top 6 we look at the best attractions that have stood the test of time.
6. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
With the recent refurbishment to make this attraction closer to the original story line Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room makes our Top 6. The Disneyland version was one of the earliest uses of audio-animatronic figures in a show. This fun musical show featuring a variety of birds, flowers, and tiki gods puts everyone in a good mood and has them singing the Tiki Bird song as they exit.
5. Peter Pan's Flight
The story of Peter Pan is told through the use of ingenious sailing ship ride vehicles that give the rider the sense that they are flying over London and through the attraction. To this day it continues to be extremely popular and attracts long lines.
4. it's a small world
From its initial debut at the 1964 World's Fair, this fanciful attraction filled with colorful costumes and movement representing children from around the world, has been a favorite. What Disney World fan doesn't know the it's a small world song by heart?
3. The Jungle Cruise
Long before there was Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney World brought guest to the jungles of the world and their assorted wild animals through the Jungle Cruise adventure. Here the animals are of the audio-animatronic variety, but the corny jokes of the boat skippers make this a fun attraction to ride again and again. Besides, where else do you get to see the back side of water?
2. Hall Of Presidents
The show that brings life to all of the Presidents of the United States has been amazing guests with the lifelike appearance and actions of the audio-animatronic Presidents. What was astounding in 1971 is still amazing 45 years later. It shows that the innovation of the Disney Imagineers never goes out of style.
At the top of our list of Disney World attractions that have stood the test of time for over 45 years is the Haunted Mansion. Disney has created a "haunted house" that is creepy, but not gory or too scary. Again the Disney Imagineers have succeeded in creating masterful special effects that allow the guests to become engrossed in the story telling behind their tour of the home of 999 Happy Haunts. Amazingly it has stood the test of time very well with only minor upgrades and refurbishments.
This article originally appeared in the Only WDWorld Blog!
Disney World Top 6 Benefits Of Using A Travel Agent
As vacation budgets get tightened it is more important than
ever to make sure that families make their Walt Disney World Vacation as
magical and stress free as possible so that it truly is a “Vacation”. Using a Disney Specialized Travel Agent can
have many benefits for planning and preparing for your trip.
The Walt Disney World Resort provides magical memories for
families, but planning a visit can be extremely complicated for the first time
visitor and the seasoned veteran. It
really does take an expert who is willing to spend the time to explain and
advise in order to make sure that you get the vacation that your kids have been
dreaming of. Make sure that the travel
agent you choose not only has Disney training, but has personally been there
many times so that they can speak from experience and not just refer to a
brochure.
Only WDWorld looks at the Top 6 Benefits that you can
achieve by having a Pro on your side.
Top 6 Benefits Of Using A Travel Agent For Your Disney Vacation
6. Disney Transportation Explanation
From setting up your reservations on Disney’s Magical
Express Service to get you from the Orlando International Airport to your
Disney World Resort to explaining how to navigate Disney’s Transportation
systems, a knowledgeable Travel Agent can save you significant time and money
during your vacation.
True Disney World experts can give you clear transportation
plans for getting to all of the Disney Theme Parks and then getting to your
Dining locations and back to your resort.
This is certainly an area where firsthand experience pays off.
Learning Disney World Vacation Tips: Using Disney Buses is an important part of the Disney Vacation that skilled Travel Agents can help guide you.
5. Disney Parks Touring Plans
Knowing how to successfully navigate the Disney World Theme
Parks and use the FastPass+ system to your advantage can make the difference
between best vacation ever and miserable frustration fighting crowds in the hot
Florida sun.
Having a plan makes a world of difference and knowing how to
minimize the impact of crowds can be a life saver. This doesn’t mean that your day has to be
scheduled from morning to night. A few
key strategies can work wonders.
Key suggestions like the Disney's Animal Kingdom One Day Must See Guide aid in the planning process.
4. Disney Dining Plan Deciphering
Nothing has generated as much buzz at Disney World than the
Disney Dining Plan. By thoroughly
understanding the different plans, you can make a good financial decision for
your family about whether to include it as part of your vacation.
A Disney World expert can also recommend which restaurants
(both Table Service and Quick Service) are the best to use with the Disney
Dining Plan and which are best to avoid.
3. Disney World Resort Sorting
Now that Disney World has over 25 different Disney World Resort Hotel options to choose from it is hard know which is the right one for your
family. Finding a Travel Agent that not
only knows something about each of them, but has actually stayed in each of
them is priceless! They are able to
answer your questions about the room layouts, resort amenities, dining options,
pools and walking distances that you just can’t get from a brochure.
There is a lot more to picking a Disney Resort than picking
a price range. You want to make sure
that the Theming, Room Sizes, and proximity to the Theme Parks that you are
interested in all meet your needs.
Families of 5 definitely need someone on their side to help
them weigh their best options.
2. Disney World Restaurant Reservation Planning
Dining has become one of the key features of a Disney World Vacation
over the last several years. There is a
wide variety of options including locations, cuisines, and entertainment. Like Dining in your local area, getting
restaurant feedback from someone that has actually dined there makes a world of
difference versus reading a menu or online reviews.
Find a Travel Agent that knows these restaurants because he
or she has dined there personally. Then
have them help you plan out which reservations are required. Since reservations for the Table Service
Restaurants can be made 180 days in advance many of the most popular locations
actually fill up months ahead of time.
Most families now plan their vacation schedule around when
they are able to secure dining reservations at particular restaurants. This may sound strange to the uninitiated,
but it is the process at Disney World, and those who know how to work with the
system best, get the best results.
The Disney World Quick Service Restaurants also should get some pre-trip consideration especially if you are using one of the Disney Dining Plans.
1. Disney World Discount Deal Searching
A
great Travel Agent will tirelessly find you the best deal, even if it means that
they will get a lower commission, because a happy customer is a returning
customer.
One
key trait to search for is a Disney Specialized Travel Agent that will continue
to watch for deals AFTER you have booked your trip in order to try to get you
an ever better deal.
You
also want a Travel Agent that will give you an honest recommendation about
options and extras and maybe even talk you out of purchasing one that you may
not need.
The
best scenario is a happy family that gets a great deal on the vacation that
they want to take, whether it be on a tight budget or over the top
extravagant. Disney can accommodate both
scenarios very well.
Use
your Disney Specialized Travel Agent as your planning partner and make sure you
start at least 6 months ahead of time if possible. A Walt Disney World Vacation is different
than any other vacation that you will take, often requiring a large amount of
planning prior to arrival, but if it is done well it can easily be your vacation
of a lifetime!
Need A Disney Specialized Travel Agent?
If you don't know a Travel Agent who is a Disney expert, give Only WDWorld Travel a try. Owner/Agent Michelle Collins has visited the Walt Disney World Resort over 50 times during the past 20 years and has visited all of the resorts and stayed in most of them personally. She has also dined in almost all of the Table Service Restaurants at Disney World.
Let her use her experience to help you plan your "Best Disney Vacation Ever!"
Disney World Top 6 Holiday Themed Attractions
The Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most magical places to enjoy with Holiday season with a multitude of great Christmas and Holiday displays and themed attraction. Today we look at the Top 6 that you definitely do not want to miss during your vacation to Disney World.
Disney World Top 6 Holiday Themed Attractions
With all of the decorating and changes that appear during the Christmas Holiday season it is hard to narrow our list down to just 6. We did narrow our list to include only attractions or events that you can see without special "extra" tickets or premium purchases. All of these can be seen and/or experienced with the regular park admission tickets.
6. Jungle Jingle Cruise
A new Disney World tradition is to add a Holiday flair to one of the original attractions at the Magic Kingdom that dates to opening day in 1971. This gives you a chance to see a classic attraction with a new twist and ever hear some new Holiday infused jokes to add to all of your favorites.
5. Giant Gingerbread House At Grand Floridian
The decorations across all of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels are amazing, but at the top of your list should be to visit the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to see the giant Gingerbread house that they build each year!
4. Holidays Around The World at Epcot
How much do you know about how they celebrate the Holidays in different parts of the world? At Epcot's World Showcase you can experience the Holiday season from 11 different countries and learn how about their traditions during this season.3. Candlelight Processional
There is something truly magical that happens each evening in Epcot at the America Gardens Theatre as a 50 piece orchestra joins a mass choir and a celebrity narrator to retell the Christmas story. If you celebrate Christmas this is an amazing presentation that you will not want to miss.
2. A Frozen Holiday Wish
What better way to show off the spectacular transformation of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom into a glimmering Frozen masterpiece than having this transformation happen each evening with Queen Elsa and her sister Princess Anna direct the transformation!
1. Osborne Family Spectacle Of Dancing Lights
Spectacular is certainly the word that comes to mind while experiencing the millions of lights, music, and "snow" that makes up the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This one of a kind Holiday lighting display cannot be fully appreciated through pictures or video, you really need to walk through it to get the full sensory overloading effect!Disney World Top 6 Quick Service Restaurants In The Magic Kingdom
For many Disney World Fans, the dining experiences during their vacations are just as important as the attractions that they visit. This edition of the Disney World Top 6 takes a look at the best Quick Service Restaurants that can be found in the Magic Kingdom Theme Park.
Disney World Top 6:Quick Service Restaurants In The Magic Kingdom
There is a wide variety of food choices that you can get in Walt Disney World Resort's most popular theme park. Dining has greatly evolved beyond the plain hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza. Our Top 6 Quick Service Restaurants combine great food choices along with entertainment and great Disney Storytelling to enjoy while you eat.
6. Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, located in Liberty Square, makes this list for its creative menu of waffle based sandwiches. Whether you choose the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich or the ham, prosciutto, and Swiss waffle sandwich, you can't lose. These sandwiches are amazing.Check out the review: Sleepy Hollow Refreshments at the Magic Kingdom Review
5. Pinocchio Village Haus Restaurant
This Fantasyland restaurant has a lot more than initially meets the eye. Beyond the good food you will discover including: flatbreads, salads, and sub sandwiches. There is a lot of great storytelling that can be found within those walls. The story of Pinocchio can be discovered in a variety of murals placed through the rooms in the restaurant, making this a place to explore even if you are not hungry. Bonus tip: Head to the upstairs balcony seating and go outside for great views of Cinderella Castle and the Princess Charming Regal Carousel.Check out the review: Pinocchio Village Haus Restaurant Review
4. Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
Two words: Sonny Eclipse! This restaurant has its own audio-animatronic lounge singer named Sonny Eclipse! This is definitely a reason to visit Cosmic Ray's. There is also a wide variety of food choices, ensuring that families will be able to find something to please everyone across the three different kitchen areas. Make sure you check out all that there is to offer before you place your order.Check out the review: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Review
3. Columbia Harbour House
This hidden gem located in Fantasyland and Liberty Square provides a seafood based menu that will certainly help you escape the burger rut. There is a lot more seating here than you may realize and often heading to the upstairs level seating results in a peaceful dining experience even on very crowded days. The theming to be found throughout the restaurant is also great and should be explored.Check out the review: Columbia Harbour House Review
2. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Crowds always flock to Frontierland to enjoy the food at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. Their specialty might be a burger, but their special toppings bar with freshly grilled onions and mushrooms make this a place to visit when you are at the Magic Kingdom. The inside is quite large and has multiple seating areas to enjoy.Check out the review: Pecos Bill Tale Tale Inn and Cafe Review
1. Be Our Guest Restaurant
The newest Quick Service Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom tops our list, but the Be Our Guest Restaurant is unique for a number of reasons. First of all, it is the only restaurant at the Magic Kingdom that is a Quick Service Restaurant at lunch time, but becomes a Table Service Restaurant at Dinner. The cuisine is french inspired to follow the theme of the Beauty and the Beast movie and the theming within the restaurant itself is nothing short of amazing! It is worth it to dine here just to check out the incredible 3 different dining rooms in the restaurant. Don't worry, the food is superb here as well. This restaurant will rank higher as an attraction than many Magic Kingdom attractions, making this a definite Disney World Vacation Must Do!Check out the review: Be Our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom Review
Disney World Top 6 Restaurants In Epcot
Epcot may be the only theme park in the entire world where naming the Top 6 full service restaurants that are inside the park is actually a difficult task. Believe it or not, but there are currently 16 Table Service Restaurants in addition to the numerous counter service restaurants and the 4 Bar/Lounges where you can also eat, all within the boundaries of Epcot!
Top 6 Restaurants In Epcot
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| Entrance To San Angel Inn Restaurante |
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| View inside San Angel Inn Restaurante |
6. San Angel Inn Restaurante
The original restaurant located in the heart of the Mexico Pavilion is modeled after a 17th century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins. The perpetual twilight makes for perhaps the most romantic dining setting in Epcot. The views in this restaurant are truly unique and the authentic Mexican menu makes for a great meal.
5. Les Chefs de France
A French restaurant with authentic dishes and spectacular French waitstaff make you feel that you have escaped to Paris for an evening. The high quality of the food and the service makes this restaurant one that you will want to make part of every Disney World Vacation.
4. Biergarten
The Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion is fun, pure and simple. This is where families and couples go to relax and enjoy. Whether you go for the great German cuisine, the large steins of German Beer, or the entertainment, this is not an experience to be missed!
3. Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion is home to the best Disney Princess Character Meal at Disney World. You get to meet and interact with at least 4 different Disney Princesses! The inside of Akershus is certainly a place fit for royalty. The food also allows for a taste of Norwegian cuisine as well as a number of other dishes.
2. Coral Reef
Located at the Living Seas Pavilion, the Coral Reef provides a backdrop that is not duplicated anywhere else. The ability to watch the sharks, sea turtles, rays, and fish swim by while you dine makes for an amazing sight. The views work well whether you are a family with children or a couple celebrating a special event. The food is excellent with both seafood and steak on the menu. As a special tip don't miss our favorite Disney World dessert - The Chocolate Wave, to cap off your meal!
1. Le Cellier Steakhouse
As one of two Disney World Signature Restaurants located within Epcot, Le Cellier features some of the best steaks and dishes that you can find. The signature "Le Cellier" Mushroom Fillet Mignon is a dish that is hard to pass up. The Cheddar Cheese soup is one that people crave long after they leave and can't wait until their next vacation to enjoy again.Special Mention
Ok, we couldn't stop with a list of just 6 Epcot Restaurants, we had to give a shout out to 2 other standout dining locations.
Restaurant Marrakesh
How can we not mention a restaurant that has a live band and a belly dancer as part of the dinner entertainment? The authentic Moroccan menu provides a variety of choices to experience and the spectacular theming within the restaurant and the entertainment make it a fun experience.
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
Lastly, we could not forget Via Napoli which is home to the best Pizza at Disney World. Their authentic recipe, which seeks to match true pizza from Naples is cooked in one of the three wood fired ovens named after famous volcanoes: Stromboli, Vesuvio, & Etna.Disney World Top 6 FREE Transportation Methods
Life isn't always about the destination, sometimes it is about the journey. Today for our Disney World Top 6 we take a look at the top methods of FREE transportation to get yourself around the Walt Disney World Resort. None of the forms of transportation that we will look at require theme park admission, so they really are free to all who visit Disney World.
Top 6 FREE Transportation Methods
6. Disney World Resort Buses
The backbone of the Disney World Transportation System is its fleet of buses. Over 230 buses make their way from the Disney Resorts to each of the theme parks and Downtown Disney from morning until late at night. Rarely does a Disney World guest need to wait over 20 minutes for the next air conditioned bus. Although they may not be glamorous, they make it easy to get around without the stress.Bonus Tip: Disney World Buses provide the quickest way to get to the Magic Kingdom, since they drop you off right by the entrance. No need to take another form of transportation to get in to see Mickey Mouse (unless you want to!)
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| Admiral Joe Fowler crossing the Seven Seas Lagoon |
5. Ferry To Get From Ticket & Transportation Center To Magic Kingdom Entrance
For Disney guest that drive to the Magic Kingdom and Park in the nearby lots, one of your choices to get to the Magic Kingdom is by Ferry across the Seven Seas Lagoon. This relaxing ride on the General Joe Potter, Admiral Joe Fowler, or the Richard F. Irvine, is a great way to start or end your day.
4. Boats To Get To Downtown Disney From Port Orleans Resorts
One of the Disney World Hidden Secrets is to ride the boats from Disney's Port Orleans Riverside or Port Orleans French Quarter Resorts to Downtown Disney along the Sassagoula River. This relaxing boat trip is a unique way to unwind and isn't well known to the public. There is also a separate boat that travels from Downtown Disney to Disney's Old Key West Resort for Disney Vacation Club Members to enjoy.
3. Boats To Get From Magic Kingdom To Resorts
A treat for guests to try is traveling by boat from all the Disney World Resorts that can connect to the Magic Kingdom by water. The list includes 5 different resorts that each have dedicated boats. The resorts are Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and the Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort. Even if you are not staying at one of these resorts you can still catch the boats to enjoy the trip and get a chance to visit the resorts to check them out for a potential future stay!
2. Boats To Get From Epcot To Boardwalk To Disney's Hollywood Studios
There is one series of boats, the Friendship boats, that make their way back and forth from Epcot to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Along the way they make stops at Disney's Boardwalk Resort, Disney Yacht Club & Beach Club Resorts, and the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts.Fun Fact: Epcot & Hollywood Studios are the only Disney World Theme Parks that are connected by water.
1. Monorail
There are few places in the world where you get to ride a monorail and Disney World is one of them. With the Magic Kingdom Resort loop around the Seven Seas Lagoon and the connecting ling to Epcot, there is a coolness factor to riding the Disney World Monorail System. It is a rite of passage and it is hard to say you visited Disney World without riding the monorails and their nearly 14.7 miles of elevated track. Some of the best views of Epcot can actually be had by riding the monorail.Fun Fact: Where is the only place at Disney World where you can easily get inside a theme park for FREE without a ticket and not get into trouble?
Answer: While riding the monorail from the Ticket & Transportation Center to the Epcot Station you enter Epcot and circle around before again exiting to reach the station.
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| Disney's Magical Express Bus |
