DCL: The Disney Wonder

October 2010 I went on my first Disney Cruise. Being an experienced cruiser with close to 20 vacations under my belt I had a general idea of what to expect but there were certain things you just can't prepare for that Disney brings to the table.

Walking on board for the first time you are introduced to the lobby by a waiting caller and then offered directions to different activities currently being held around the ship. If you embark around lunch time I highly suggest eating at Parrot Cay, you get a buffet with out fighting the crowds on the top deck and are served drinks by waiting cast members.

The dining on board is done differently from any other cruise line I've been on. Instead of staying in one room with a changing menu every night, aboard the Disney ships you have 3 different restaurants that you switch between and your waiting staff follows you to each room. On the Wonder the 3 main dining rooms are Parrot Cay, Triton's, and Animator's Palate. Each restaurant has its own special attributes associated to it. Parrot cay which is a buffet feels as if you are sitting inside an expanded Enchanted Tiki Room with all the vibrant colors and tropical birds painted everywhere. Triton's, true to it's name, has a mosaic mural on the back wall inspired by The Little Mermaid and is lit from large jellyfish like lamps on the ceiling making you feel as if you are dining in an underwater wonderland. Last but not least Animator's Palate is the most technological of all the general dining. While you eat the soundtrack of classic Disney movie music accompanies your meal as you can delight in the changing colors and pictures around the room.

There is always something going on to entertain the guests. Many activities you can partake in are in the theaters. The Disney Wonder has 2 movie viewing areas, one large inside which will play midnight releases of new movies (got to see Secretariat on my cruise!), and the outdoor screen by the pool. There is also the large Walt Disney Theater where the major performances are held every night. Just like the shows in the parks these are not to be missed.

As a teen it may seem that there isn't much to do, but like most cruise lines there is a strictly teen lounge. It is a great place to meet up with other people your age and chill out, play video games, or just get away from family for a while. One thing I would not suggest is sitting around bored if there is something going on! Little things such as audience participation which may seem like it is just for little kids is just as fun at 16 and 17! I've made some great lasting friends from cruises, and with social networking sites and texting it is beyond easy to keep in touch.

In true Disney fashion fireworks are not to be missed. The only cruise line to have a fireworks show definitely puts Disney Cruise Lines just another step above. Albeit the show is no where near in comparison to anything at the parks but for being in the middle of the ocean it is a pretty spectacular sight.

Have a magical day!

Blizzard Beach

If you've ever been in Florida between the months of April and October you'll know just how hot it can be here in the south. Luckily the Disney Water Parks are a completely thrilling, chilling, and refreshing way to beat the heat or enjoy the Florida Sunshine. The parks are seasonal so if you're looking to visit them make sure to check out the Disney Parks website to validate park hours and availability!

Recently I visited Disney's Blizzard Beach, one of the two water parks. Blizzard Beach boasts thrill slides for the brave, a family raft ride, and a children's play area "Tike's Peak" ( this one I can't tell you much, as the area is for the little ones and their parents) to name but a few. Other areas are age centered to help entertain the younger groups and have height limitations so that us pesky teenagers don't get to have all the fun, no matter how much I wish I could play in those areas just for a bit!

If you have the stomach for heights and subsequently sliding down the equivalent of a 12 story building, Summit Plummet is for you. Personally I don't have that much bravery so you'll have to either try it yourself or ask someone from the exit area if you should dare. There is one other body slide, the Slush Gusher, which is right next to the Summit Plummet. This slide has a similar concept with out the long straight drop.

There are two Toboggan racer slides where you lay on your stomach on a mat and wait for the green light to set a group slipping down to the pool at the bottom racing 1 or 2 other lanes at the same time. Along with these is also several tube attractions including the Teamboat Springs, a family raft ride,  Downhill Double Dipper, and Runoff Rapids. Encompassing the center of the park is a lazy river called the Cross Country Creek which has inner tubes for children and adults but if you don't feel like searching for one floating around its perfectly acceptable to swim through or float on your own. Melt away Bay is the last of the major attractions and is a large wave pool with a beach and lots of seating and lounge chairs for those who don't want all the thrill of the slides.

Dining in the park is limited to counter service and seating is hard to come by quickly during major meal times. As far as I could find there doesn't seem to be an indoor seating. The easiest way to insure a table is to have a person from your party search while you order and hold down the spot for everyone. However, if you are looking for more than a hamburger or chicken fingers I would suggest taking a bus to Downtown Disney and eating at a restaurant there.

If you decide to rent a locker for the day it's helpful to know that yes, they are all day lockers. So no need to worry about putting in quarters. The price for a larger locker is currently $15 and when you return your key you have the option of getting $5 back or a travel mug. The stores also rent/sell towels so if you are staying at a hotel you don't need to worry about not having a beach towel to dry off.

As is the case with Florida weather it is subject to rain quite often. In many cases it could rain nearly every afternoon, but if you aren't opposed to waiting generally will clear with in a hour or two. I highly suggest keeping an eye on the weather forecast and getting to the park earlier before most storms have a chance to start.

Most importantly of all, Have a Magical Day!

Hollywood Studios Character Area

Having worked on my collection of Disney Character Autographs for close to 3 years with over 150 unique autographs its getting harder and harder to find ever rarer characters. One spot I've profitable every time I visit is the Animation Studio at Hollywood Studios. This area is to the right once you reach the Sorcerer Mickey Hat. You can either watch an short background on one of Disney's animated characters then walk through a display of a new movie and into the character greeting area, or you can follow another line to the character area and not wait through the video.

From around 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. everyday a whole slew of random characters wander out from backstage and do meet and greets. Unlike Sorcerer Mickey, The Incredible's Characters, and (as of right now) Winnie the Pooh, who are listed on the print outs available around the park, the random characters are not listed as official meet and greets. For the character buffs its true that the more characters you have the harder it is to find new characters and all the more exciting it is when you stumble across one.

What's your favorite or rarest character, or your favorite spot to find them?

Have a Magical Day!

Making Room for More Magic

To any who have visited Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in the past few months you've probably noticed the considerable amount of construction going on. Many areas being renovated, such as Main Street, are quickly being finished and are able to be enjoyed once more. However there is one major project that will be behind closed doors for a while longer. Mickey's Toon Town Fair is no longer a section of the park and the area is currently blocked off for construction.

Creating an extension on Fantasyland, Disney is building a complete princess area at the rear of the park where Toon Town once stood. This will include separate attractions for Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, and a few revised classic Disney attractions. The new Fantasyland is planned to open in Fall 2012 last I heard.

The construction does not affect the surrounding attractions of Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, and Snow White's Scary Adventures. During busy times the walkways can feel a little small but it is still easy to maneuver your way from one section to the next. The new area is something to look forward to in future trips, until opening be prepared to see many walls and soon the tops of new castles and other princess-y delights.

Have a Magical Day!

Magic Kingdom: ToonTown

Toon Town, the land at the very back of the park is an area completely dedicated to small children. Where life size houses that belong to the "fab five", kiddie rides, face painting, and lots of characters reside. If there was one place in the park that seems to have nothing more to it than the enjoyment of small children, this is it.

It's hard to find things for teens to do in this area except for the character greetings, Princesses and Faries in the big shop tent, and Mickey mouse in the tent behind his house. Some other characters wander around in this area but are not usually on any real schedule.

The kiddie rides are Goofy's Barnstormer, a short ride in an "airplane" around a small track, very similar to a county/state fair ride, short and not usually worth the wait. There is a water area hosted by Donald Duck, if you want to play in here just be careful of meandering toddlers.

With the princess and fairy greetings, know now that if you are there on a busy day these lines will be long. More so on the Fairy side, Tink is popular! New Fairies just started this summer, Vidia and Terrance from the movies can now be seen. Not sure if you want to wait inline for who is there? Just ask anybody who is working in the character area, they know the whereabouts of most characters in the park.

This area is perfect for small kids to see their favorite characters' own town, but remember to those who aren't there with little ones, this the the KIDS space.

Have a Magical Day!

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom, in actual size, is the largest Disney park. Containing 7 different areas which consist of the Oasis, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Dino Land, Discovery Island, Asia, Africa, and Rafiki's Planet Watch. If there was only one thing I could recommend it would be to walk through every path that comes up. I discovered several unmarked trails while on Discovery Island which brought me to quiet areas with no people and lots of interesting animals.

I would highly recommend seeing the shows that are available at the park. The Lion King Musical allows flash photography and the best seating is up a couple of rows if you can manage it, the actors mostly perform on a raised stage. Finding Nemo is another good show to see. A little secret I learned is that the "Tusker House Restaurant", a buffet, has priority seating at the Nemo shows if you eat during noon and 3; just make sure you ask! There are lots of side shows that happen in the Africa section of the park, drummers and dancers.

The most popular ride in the whole park by far has to be Everest. With the twists, turns, several seconds of backwards mayhem, and other such wonderful attributes, this ride is definitely not for the faint of heart, or stomach. The ride does not go upside down but there are some tight curves that cause some serious G-forces. If the line is not long i whole-heartedly suggest taking the time going through the full line to see the props that are so artfully scattered through out the queue. If you are in a hurry to make some reservations/show times, or you just don't want to wait for an hour, there is the Single Rider line. I personally think this is one of Disney's smartest additions. If you are in a group they will separate you at the end of the line and put you in the empty spots left on the ride. Usually this takes much less time than standing in line but you also do not get to see all of the accessories in the full line.

 If you are getting tired of the animal, and human, noises take the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch. Once at the the Conservation Station go in the building and along the left hand side, from the main entrance, are small rooms where you listen to the sounds of a rain forest for a few minutes. If you need to use the restroom while here, I will only give you the warning of be ready to be startled!

Dino Land is perfect for small children. There is a dig site, small roller coasters, and arcade style games to play for prizes. The counter service restaurant in the area is a very neat place just to spend a little time in the air conditioning checking things out. It always amazes me how much detail the Imagineers put into every area. Every room is dedicated to a separate living or work space and you'll find different quirky puns or memorabilia related to each area, and don't worry it's quite alright to stare around the rafters I bet you won't be the only one!

What ever area of the park you find to be your favorite always remember:
Have a Wild Day in Disney's Animal Kingdom!

Magic Kingdom: Main Street U.S.A

With all of the construction going on in Magic Kingdom it's a little bit harder to talk about than I originally thought. The once usual sitting spots and secret rooms have been taken out of commission for the time being and I am on a quest for new areas. My favorite spot on Main Street to just chill was the back of the Kodak building to the right as you enter the park. In this hidden gem there was a small theater which featured classic Disney cartoons such as "Steamboat Willie". This building, as is the case with many, is currently under the Disney construction facade.
In search of a new relief from the summer sun during my last visit I climbed the stairs of the Main Street Train Station. The inside is a treasure trove of old fashioned coin Stereoscope viewers. These old school flip-book style pictures are free to look through even though their casings say other wise. I suggest you take a look at all of them and get an even greater sense of the era represented on Main Street. Another nice air-conditioned sitting area is at the end of Main Street in the back of Casey's Corner. You'll find stadium style seating in front of a large screen playing classic sports cartoons.

I had heard rumor that when mailing letters or postcards from Disney property a special post stamp would be stamped on for approval. I tried this but sadly it was not true. The only thing stamped on (other than your stamp) will be an over stamp for Orlando, FL.

Main Street is known for it's shopping, mostly because it is all shops. Don't forget your discount for Seasonal/Annual Passholders! The shops include everything from Apparel, Food, Stationary, Scrapbooks, Toys, and more. 

  After shoppping when you are walking down the street during the day you'll run into some of Main Street's inhabitants, the Citizens of Main Street.  Some of the citizens will not autograph (especially Ms. Ing DePointe), but all will be more than happy for photos. They are not from any movie. From the Mayor to the town gossip, Pinthusiasts to Politicians these time traveled cast members are well in their era. Ask them about any modern technology and they will appear completely flabbergasted.

Once construction is cleared up I'll update on the changes made to the entrance of the Magic Kingdom.

Until then, Have a Magical Day!