83 Days to Go: Tomorrowland

We're winding down our time at the Magic Kingdom by blasting off to Tomorrowland.

At the heart of Tomorrowland Plaza is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, also known as the WED-way. It's a medium ride that takes you on a trip around Tomorrowland and through the rides in this land. For fun, listen as you approach the Carousel of Progress for a page for a "Mr. Tom Morrow." The Astro-Orbiters are also located next to the TTA hub, a ride I have yet to do. It's Tomorrowland's answer to Dumbo.

The Carousel of Progress first opened in the World's Fair back in the 1960s and was a big success. It now ushers in guests at Walt Disney World to take them on a trip of electricity and the American family. In scenes set in the 1900s, 1920s, 1940s and today, we see the progress inventions have made in improving the lives of the American family. From gas lamps to a voice-activated lamp, from a phonograph to virtual reality, the one thing that doesn't change is the family dynamic and the hope for an even better tomorrow--hence the ride's theme song, "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow."

"Monsters' Inc Laugh Factory" is the most recent addition to Tomorrowland. A door transports you to the world of monsters, who have learned that human laughter is a better power source than our screams. So Mike emcees a comedy show that the audience does actually interact with. Revel in watching fellow audience members getting funny sayings placed under them and hope for the chance you will be "That Guy." It's hysterical and different due to the interactions every time you go. Next door is Buzz Lightyear's Galatic Spin, in which you travel throughout the universe in pursuit of the evil emperor Zurg. There's always friendly competition on this ride to see who in the family gets the higher score. Just don't ride with my sister. She's a crazy driver.

"Stitches Great Escape" and "The Tomorrowland Raceway" are two other rides that I don't particularly ride. Stitch was originally the incredibly scary "Alien Encountered" watered down for family fun. I have no desire to go on it. I did the raceway once and didn't enjoy it, especially since I was constantly scolded by cast members for bumping the person in front of me despite the fact that he continually kept stopping short. Since then, I have had no desire to get back in the car. I'll take my chances on the Floridian highways.

The big attraction in Tomorrowland is Space Mountain. It's a roller coaster in the dark, sending you down twists and turns around the galaxy. It's a fun experience and not that scary a thrill ride, so new riders will have no problem riding it. My grandmother even rode it once.

Food wise, my family always makes a stop at Cosmic Ray's, a counter service place with chicken sandwiches along with the usual Disney fare. In the eating area, an alien named Ray entertains you as you eat in a Vegas-lounge singer style. He is even accompanied by invisible back up singers.

With that, we board the monorail and head to Epcot tomorrow, starting with Future World.