Blast from the Past: Disney World 1971

Julie Andrews sings "When You Wish Upon a Star" during the Grand Opening Special for Walt Disney World, October 1971.

Spend a Magical Night in Cinderella Castle!

A select few Disney World guests will be lucky enough to spend the night at the Cinderella Castle Suite at Disney's Magic Kingdom as part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration.

The Cinderella Castle Suite features three exquisitely decorated rooms: The Royal Bedchamber, Royal Bath and Royal Salon. The Royal Bedchamber boasts two queen-size beds with custom-designed mahogany headboards. Check out the Cinderella Castle Suite video below . . .

Disney World Year of a Million Dreams Video

Here is a Year of a Million Dreams video I have never seen before that covers both Disney World and Disneyland. Enjoy!

Top 10 Disney World Day Trips

While Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando are all essential ingredients for any family’s Orlando itinerary, you will definitely want to take at least a day trip during your vacation to escape from all the crowds, hectic pace and total madness of these world-class theme parks. Fortunately, Orlando lies within an hour or so of a variety of diverse attractions where you can spend an afternoon far from the madding crowd. The following list features 10 of the best Orlando day trips:



1. Busch Gardens Africa: Sure Busch Gardens in Tampa is another theme park but it draws fewer visitors (4.3 million in 2006) than Disney World, Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando. In addition, Busch Gardens features some eclectic thrill rides and attractions such as SheiKra, Florida’s first dive coaster, which boasts two 90º drops at 70 miles per hour.

2. Cypress Gardens Adventure Park: Opened in 1936 as Florida’s first theme park, Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven still features its beautiful botanical gardens and spectacular water-ski shows, but has added thrill rides, live concerts and the Splash Island Water Park over the past few years.

3. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: Just 45 minutes East of Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center gives you and your family the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the incredible history of American space flight and view rockets and exhibits, tour launch areas, watch a 3-D space movie at an IMAX theater and much more.

4. Silver Springs: Billed as “ Florida’s Original Theme Park,” Silver Springs lies near Ocala and boasts colorful botanical gardens, animal habitats, live shows, rides, specialty shops and the world-famous glass bottom boat rides.

5. Florida Aquarium: Opened in 1995, the Florida Aquarium in Tampa is home to more than 10,000 aquatic animals and plants from all over the world such as alligators, tropical fish, sharks, stingrays and sea turtles, as well as interactive exhibits.

6. Lowry Park Zoo: Approximately 1,600 animals can be viewed in their natural habitats at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, which also features a Florida wildlife center, aviary, petting zoo, live shows and more.

7. Canaveral National Seashore: One of just 10 National Seashores in the United States, Canaveral National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped beach along Florida’s East Coast. Popular activities here include sunbathing, swimming, surf fishing, surfing and hiking.

8. Central Florida Zoological Park: Just a short drive up Interstate 4 in Sanford lies the Central Florida Zoological Park, which is home to hundreds of animals, including alligators, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and monkeys.

9. Daytona USA: Adjacent to the Daytona International Speedway, Daytona USA features racing exhibits, motion simulator rides, the World Center of Racing Visitors Center and behind-the-scenes tours of the speedway.

10. Salvador Dali Museum: Nestled in downtown St. Petersburg, the Salvador Dali Museum boasts the most comprehensive collection of permanent works by famous surrealist painter Salvador Dali.

Disney World Thrill Ride Guide

One of the most popular and newest Orlando-area thrill rides, Expedition Everest, can be found in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Expedition Everest, which towers nearly 200 feet high, is a thrilling train adventure through icy canyons and mountain caverns toward a terrifying encounter with the ferocious Yeti or abominable snowman. You must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Expedition Everest.

At Disney-MGM Studios, thrill seekers have their choice of Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, a classic indoor roller coaster that features classic songs from the legendary rock group; and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which features a scary, 13-story plummet aboard a faulty elevator within a decrepit, 199-foot-tall Hollywood hotel. You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and 40 inches tall to ride The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Epcot is home to Mission: SPACE, which opened in 2003 and takes you on a simulated space flight to Mars (complete with motion sickness bags) at the “ International Space Training Center.” Each member of the four-person crew is assigned a specific role – pilot, commander, navigator and engineer. Adjacent to Mission: SPACE lies Test Track, a six-passenger vehicle that cruises onto 50-degree banked curves at speeds up to 65 miles per hour. You must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Mission: SPACE and 40 inches tall to ride Test Track.

Space Mountain, the original thrill ride at Walt Disney World, still draws huge crowds in Tomorrowland. Two roller coaster tracks wind their way through the 183-foot mountain at speeds of 28 miles per hour in total darkness. You must be at least 44 inches tall to ride Space Mountain.Two other classic thrill rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, lie within Frontierland. Splash Mountain takes you on a wild flume ride as you visit characters such as Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear and Brer Fox from Disney’s 1946 classic, Song of the South. However, the real highlight of Splash Mountain is the five-story free fall at a 45-degree angle into the splash pool below at 40 miles per hour. Adjacent to Splash Mountain lies Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, a “runaway train” that winds its way through an Old West mining town around mountains, through caves and over sulfur pools. You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride both Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Splash Mountain Video

Epcot's National Treasures

I'm looking forward to visiting the new National Treaures exhibit inside The American Adventure at the U.S.A. Pavilion in Epcot. Apparently, the exhibit contains some of Abraham Lincoln's personal effects such as one of his stovepipe hats, the book of Lord Byron poetry that inspired his Second Inaugural Address and his dressing room mirror "where he probably took his last glimpse of himself before he went off to Ford's Theatre," according to the press release. Other artifacts at the National Treasures exhibit include George Washington Carver's microscope, the Purple Heart awarded to Japanese-American World War 2 hero Sen. Daniel Inouye and the flight vest of Native American Commander John Herrington, as well as several of Thomas Edison's original inventions. The fascinating collection of artifacts at the National Treasures exhibit will be continually changing, so you will never know what to expect during each of your Epcot visits.

New Disney World Eateries to Open in 2008

Several new Disney World restaurants are on schedule to open in 2008. In fact, Landry's Restaurant just opened the new Yak & Yeti Restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom (which received a scathing review from Scott Joseph in the Orlando Sentinel today: Yak & Yeti: It's Not Just Bad, It's Insultingly Bad. Sounds great! Also, T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure is scheduled to open in Downtown Disney (near the McDonald's) later this year. At Epcot, Nine Dragons in the China Pavilion will closed in early 2008 to make room for a new, as yet unnamed dining experience to open in the fall of 2008. The Wave is a new restaurant scheduled to open at Disney's Contemporary Resort in the spring of 2008. Finally, Tutto Italia Ristorante ("Everything Italy") will open at the Italy Pavilion later this year.

How to Save Up to $1,000 at Disney World

Here are some tips I've compiled over the years that have helped some of my friends and family save up to $1,000 on a week's vacation at Disney World:

Plan Ahead
Don't just wing it! Research the destination thoroughly before you arrive and sketch out your Disney World itinerary. Don't make it too rigid (you'll want to leave some room for spontaneity). Check out comprehensive online vacation guides to Orlando and Disney World such as Orlando-Florida.net, which provides detailed information on Walt Disney World Resort such as theme park attractions, live entertainment, restaurants, resorts and specialty shops, as well as great deals on discount theme park tickets, hotels and vacation packages.

Travel During the Off-Season
Avoid the crowds! Walt Disney World theme parks are most crowded during Spring Break, from mid-June to mid-August, Easter weekend, Thanksgiving week, the week before Christmas through New Year's Day and on three-day holiday weekends such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. Value season typically runs from after Labor Day weekend through the end of September, the week after Thanksgiving until a week before Christmas and after New Year's Day until just before Presidents' week in February. For an added bonus, schedule your vacation around one of Disney's immensely popular annual events and festivals, many of which are included with the price of admission such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, ABC Super Soap Weekend, Holidays Around the World, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival and Star Wars Weekends.

Seek Out Budget Accommodations
Believe it or not, you can still stay on Disney property without spending a fortune by booking a reservation at one of Disney's budget all-star resorts - Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's All-Star Music Resort and Disney's All-Star Sports Resort - all of which provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney World theme parks, as well as Downtown Disney. However, you will enjoy even more savings if you opt to stay off Disney property at one of the numerous budget motels and hotels that lie near the main entrance to Disney World along Highway 192 in Kissimmee or along world-famous International Drive. Before you book your reservation, check to see if the motel or hotel offers a complimentary continental or full breakfast each morning for guests. If you have a large family or are planning a family reunion, look into renting a vacation home - many of which offer private backyard pools, enclosed garages and washer/dryers.

Take Advantage of Complimentary Transportation
All Disney World resorts provide complimentary scheduled transportation to Disney theme parks and many area hotels, motels and resorts also offer free scheduled shutttle service to Disney World, as well as Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. If you are staying at a Disney resort, enjoy free shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport aboard Disney's Magical Express (reservations are required).

Purchase Multi-Day Tickets
Believe it or not, a one-day, one-park ticket to Disney World is currently $71 plus tax! Fortunately, there are more Disney World multi-day ticket options than ever before. Look into Disney "Park Hopper" tickets, which allow you to come and go as you please throughout any of the four Disney World theme parks: Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Choose the appropriate Disney ticket deal based on your family's length of stay in Orlando and remember not to overdo it - you should definitely schedule time for rest and relaxation during your Disney vacation. Most importantly, do not purchase your Disney World tickets at the gate - seek out the best online deals for discount Disney World tickets before you arrive to the theme park.

Eat Out Wisely
If you plan to eat at one of the Disney World theme parks, make lunch your big meal of the day when prices are significantly lower than for dinner (especially at Epcot's World Showcase). Also, don't forget to bring along some water bottles and small snacks for the kids. In addition, you don't have to spend a fortune at one of the Disney Character Breakfasts for autographs and photo opportunities - just take your kids to one of the free character meet and greet areas throughout all of the Disney World theme parks such as Town Square at Disney's Magic Kingdom or Camp Minnie-Mickey at Disney's Animal Kingdom. If you have a large family, check out one of the many budget, all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney property on Highway 192 and along International Drive. Also, pick up a copy of free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine, which contain discount coupons for Orlando restaurants. Finally, many motels and hotels with onsite restaurants offer "Kids Eat Free" deals (one child eats per paying adult).

Set a Budget for Souvenirs
Establish a budget for Disney souvenirs and, most importantly, stick to your budget! Check out some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets for Disney merchandise at substantially lower prices. In addition, purchase such necessities as film and sunscreen before you arrive at the theme parks, since prices at Disney are more expensive for those items.

Take a Break from the Theme Parks
Plan some time to take occasional breaks from the Disney theme parks and you can unwind and save money in the process. Check out some of the free things to do at Disney World such as strolling around Disney’s Boardwalk and Downtown Disney, both of which offer theme restaurants and specialty shops. If you really want to get away far from the madding crowd, consider a hike through the scenic, 12,000-acre Disney Wilderness Preserve, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The entrance fee is just $3 for adults and $2 for ages 6-17.

Enjoy Membership Discounts
If you are an AAA or AARP member, make sure to take advantage of any special rates or discounts that are available during your Disney World vacation at hotels, restaurants and Orlando area attractions. Also, if you are a Florida resident, check with Disney World about any available discounts.

Book Your Disney Vacation Online
The best way to enjoy significant savings on your next Disney World vacation is to seek out the best online deals for discount Disney World tickets, budget accommodations on or off Disney property and individually tailored Disney vacation packages. Several leading online vacation providers such as HotelsCorp.com serve as comprehensive "one-stop" resources for incredible deals on Disney tickets, hotels and vacation packages.

Top 10 Disney's Animal Kingdom Attractions

Once again, here is one of my highly subjective top 10 lists, this time I attempt to rank my favorite rides/attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom:

1. Expedition Everest: Expedition Everest is a high-speed train adventure that combines roller coaster-like thrills with a theme based on the folklore of the ferocious yeti or abominable snowman.

2. Kilimanjaro Safaris: An open-sided, 32-passenger safari jeep takes you on a fascinating adventure through the 100-acre “Harambe Reserve” in the remotest regions of Africa during Kilimanjaro Safaris, where you can view some of the earth’s most incredible creatures.

3. Festival of the Lion King: Based on the extremely popular animated movie, this production features songs from the film and a cast of familiar faces, including Simba, Timon and Pumbaa.

4. Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is a walk-through attraction that takes you through a beautiful tropical forest with many interesting animal habitats along with way.

5. Maharajah Jungle Trek: The Maharajah Jungle Trek is a walk-through attraction that winds through the ruins of an Indian temple and takes you through a variety of exotic animal habitats.

6. Kali River Rapids: Climb aboard a 12-passenger raft and prepare to get soaked as you experience the turbulent rapids of the Chakranadi River during the Kali River Rapids flume ride – an amazing whitewater adventure!

7. DINOSAUR: The DINOSAUR thrill ride allows you to travel back in time 65 million years and come face to face with a variety of menacing prehistoric creatures!

8. Primeval Whirl: A wacky roller coaster, Primeval Whirl allows you to take a spin through time and features plenty of sharp turns, curves and dips along the way!

9. It's Tough to be a Bug!: This incredible 3-D adventure features characters such as Flik, Hopper and Princess Atta from Disney’s 1998 animated film, A Bug’s Life.

10. Tree of Life: The icon of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Tree of Life is a 14-story, 50-foot-wide tree sculpted with animal carvings by more than a dozen skilled artisans.

Expedition Everest Video

Jungle Cruise Riverboats

During your Jungle Cruise river adventure at Adventureland in Disney's Magic Kingdom, pay special attention to the name of your riverboat, which might be Amazon Annie, Bomokandi Bertha, Congo Connie, Ganges Gertie, Irrawaddy Irma, Kwango Kate, Mongala Millie, Nile Nelly, Orinoco Ida, Rutshuru Ruby, Sankuru Sadie, Senegal Sal, Ucvali Lolly, Volta Val, Wamba Wanda or Zambesi Zelda.

Remember the Mickey Mouse Revue?

One of the original attractions at Disney's Magic Kingdom when the theme park first opened its doors in 1971, The Mickey Mouse Revue in Fantasyland closed in 1980 and was shipped to Tokyo Disneyland. Mickey's PhilharMagic now occupies the former site of The Mickey Mouse Revue.

For more interesting Disney World history, visit the Walt Disney World Timeline.

Top 10 Orlando Kiddie Rides

I asked my kids (ages 6 and 7) to rank their favorite rides at Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. Not too surprisingly, kiddie coasters dominated their highly subjective list!

1. The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm - Disney's Magic Kingdom
A “mild but wild,” kid-friendly roller coaster, The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm involves a 1920’s-era, crop-dusting biplane that takes off from Goofy’s barn and winds its way erratically around a zany course.

2. Shamu Express - SeaWorld Orlando
Shamu’s Happy Harbor is home to the Shamu Express, a fun-filled kiddie roller coaster.

3. Flying Unicorn - Universal's Islands of Adventure
The Flying Unicorn is a kiddie roller coaster that takes you on a magical coaster adventure through an enchanted forest – with plenty of surprises along the way!

4. Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster - Universal Studios
Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster takes you on a family-friendly, one-minute adventure aboard the eight-car Knothead Express.

5. Cinderella's Golden Carousel - Disney's Magic Kingdom
The fully restored carousel features intricate hand-carved designs, 90 brightly decorated horses, more than 2,300 lights and hand-painted murals based on the Cinderella story.

6. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - Disney's Magic Kingdom
Visit Pooh and all of his friends – including Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Rabbit, Baby Roo and Owl – and join them on a fun-filled adventure through the Hundred-Acre Wood.

7. Magic Carpets of Aladdin - Disney's Magic Kingdom
Take a “whimsical spin” aboard a magic carpet high above the mythical city of Agrabah.

8. Pteranodon Flyers - Universal's Islands of Adventure
A “suspended” or “hanging” roller coaster located in Jurassic Park, Pteranodon Flyers allows you to soar over the Camp Jurassic play area and get a bird’s-eye view of Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

9. The Cat in the Hat - Universal's Islands of Adventure
Take a fun-filled journey through the pages of this classic childhood storybook aboard a spinning couch as The Cat in the Hat and his two mischievous friends – Thing One and Thing Two – try to bring down the house!

10. Caro-Seuss-El - Universal's Islands of Adventure
Not your typical carousel, the colorful Caro-Seuss-El features all of your favorite animals (54 in all!) from such classic Dr. Seuss stories.

2008 Disney's Pirate & Princess Party

The 2008 Disney's Pirate & Princess Party will take place at Disney's Magic Kingdom on select nights starting January 21 through March 14, 2008. This fun-filled after-hours event (separate admission required) allows kids to dress up in costume as their favorite Disney princess or character from Pirate's of the Caribbean and includes a multitude of specially themed entertainment such as Disney's Enchanted Adventures Parade and "Magic, Music and Mayhem" fireworks display.

Advance ticket prices for Disney's Pirate & Princess Party are $43.95 plus tax for ages 10 and over and $37.95 plus tax for ages 3-9. Day of event ticket prices are $45.95 plus tax for ages 10 and over and $39.95 plus tax for ages 3-9.

For more information about Disney's Pirate & Princess Party, visit the Disney's Pirate & Princess Party Guide.

Disney's Pirate & Princess Party Video

Disney Announces "Toy Story" Musical

"Toy Story - The Musical" will make its debut aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship in April 2008. Read "Disney's Musical 'Toy Story' Takes to the Stage" for more information.

Victoria & Albert's: No Kids Allowed!

Kudos to Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Spa and Resort for instituting a new policy banning kids under the age of 10 from the restaurant. This is a world-class dining establishment with a AAA five-diamond rating, so it seems like a no-brainer to me. I for one have two young kids and I would never consider taking them to a place like Victoria & Albert's even though they are moderately well-behaved in restaurants (as long as we bring along coloring books and their Nintendo DS!). Let's face it, couples make reservations for such a place for a special dining experience that features a seven-course meal (starting at approximately $125 a person!), which can get totally ruined if they are sitting next to some loud, boorish family with hyperactive kids who don't appreciate the place anyway. They'd rather be at the Rainforest Cafe or some character dinner. None of the other Disney World restaurants have the no-kids policy, so there are plenty of other options to take families.

Walt Disney: Motivational Speaker

In addition to being an innovator, visionary and genius, Walt Disney was one heck of a motivational speaker! Below are 10 of my favorite Walt Disney quotes:

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

"We are not trying to entertain the critics. I'll take my chances with the public."

"Tomorrow will be better as long as America keeps alive the ideals of freedom and a better life."

"I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination."

"Of all the things I've done, the most vital is coordinating the talents of those who work for us and pointing them toward a certain goal."

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me."

"Get a good idea, and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it's done, and done right."

"People often ask me if I know the secret of success and if I could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is, you do it by working."

"If you can dream it, you can do it."

Liberty Tree Tavern Review

Nestled across from the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square, the Liberty Tree Tavern is the perfect spot for a relaxing meal at Disney's Magic Kingdom. It's one of the few Magic Kingdom restaurants with table service, along with a menu full of delicious entrees such as traditional roast turkey (my personal recommendation!), as well as fresh seafood, chicken, sandwiches and salads. In addition, a very popular "character dining" experience takes place nightly at the Liberty Tree Tavern. Due to the popularity of the Liberty Tree Tavern (especially the character dining), I suggest that you make advance reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463). Reservations at any of Disney World's table service restaurants can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bon appetit!

Top 10 Closed Disney World Attractions

Below is my personal top 10 list of defunct Disney World attractions. I've added videos of these attractions (when I was able to find them on YouTube) on a special Disney World Graveyard page. Check it out!

1. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: Despite an extensive “Save the Toad” campaign, Disney’s Magic Kingdom replaced Mr. Toad with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in 1998 (see Mr. Toad video below).

2. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: One of the original attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, 20,000 Leagues closed in 1994 and has been partially replaced by a Winnie the Pooh playground and Disney character meet & greet area.

3. If You Had Wings: Sponsored by Eastern Airlines, If You Had Wings was one of the few rides at Disney’s Magic Kingdom that rarely drew a line. It was replaced by If You Could Fly in 1987 and now Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin stands on the site.

4. Captain EO: A big-budget 3-D movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Captain EO starred Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston. It closed down in 1994 and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience now stands on the site in Epcot’s Future World.

5. ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter: This thrilling attraction opened at the site of the former Mission to Mars in Tomorrowland in 1995. ExtraTERRORestrial gained a cult following but has since been replaced by Stitch’s Great Escape.

6. World of Motion: Sponsored by General Motors, World of Motion was one of Epcot’s original attractions. The ride offered a humorous look at the history of transportation and closed in 1996 to make way for Test Track.

7. Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It!: Based on the hit ABC TV show, this Disney-MGM Studios attraction closed in 2006 along Mickey Avenue. A new, yet-unnamed attraction is scheduled to occupy the soundstage in the near future.

8. Plaza Swan Boats: Opened in 1973, the D-ticket Plaza Swan Boats embarked from two Magic Kingdom loading docks: one near the entrance to Tomorrowland and the other near the Plaza Restaurant. The Plaza Swan Boats stopped running in 1983.

9. Mickey Mouse Revue: One of the Magic Kingdom’s original attractions, Mickey Mouse Revue opened in Fantasyland in 1971 and featured an audio-animatronic orchestra of popular Disney characters singing such classics as “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee.” The Mickey Mouse Revue closed in 1980 and was shipped to Tokyo Disneyland. Mickey’s PhilharMagic now occupies the site.

10. Flight to the Moon: Hosted by Mr. Tom Morrow, this “state-of-the-art” Tomorrowland attraction opened on Christmas Eve, 1971 and became hopelessly outdated by 1975 when it was replaced by Mission to Mars. Stitch’s Great Escape now occupies the site.

HONORABLE MENTION: Horizons. This Epcot ride made its debut in 1983 and closed in 1999 to make way for Mission: SPACE. It has developed somewhat of a cult following over the years, although I remember it as a mediocre Future World attraction that dated very quickly.

Mr. Toad's Wild Ride Video