Walt Disney World: A Round Up of My Thoughts

Several years ago, I did a countdown to a Disney trip I was taking by writing something about the park each day for like 100 days. It was massive and I think I had to backdate a few posts but I did it!

However, it was several years ago and Walt Disney World has made a lot of changes since then.

I recently got back from Walt Disney World and I thought I would discuss my thoughts on some of the latest changes and additions to the parks.

Here we go!

Pandora: A Whole New World

Confession time: I was not a big fan of the movie “Avatar,” James Cameron’s big spectacle several years ago. I found it overrated with it not really giving a fresh take on a plot I’ve seen before (one friend calls it “the live action Ferngully”). I believed it was more celebrated for the technology than anything else.

As a fangirl myself, I could understand why it had such a devoted following. It was a whole new world with a new mythology to explore. Pretty much a fan’s dream come true. I’m sure the fandom is still there, creating and expanding the universe. (Hi, Avatar fandom!)

Cameron himself plans two sequels, which keep getting pushed back. But he also partnered with Disney to bring his world, Pandora, to life in the Animal Kingdom. That debuted last month over Memorial Day weekend. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World hotel during the month of June were invited to spend time at Pandora during special hours (11 PM to 1 AM). I was such a guest and decided to go visit the new area my last night there.

And I’m glad I did.

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life For Me

It’s time for the last in my Disney ride series.

One of the first rides in Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean was a staple in all subsequent parks. Naturally, it was chosen to be turned into a movie. I remember articles before this movie came out. They commented that pirate movies do not do well. After “The Country Bears,” expectations were low. But boy, were we shocked!

There be rough waters and SPOILERS ahead!

You Might Want to Take the Stairs

Confession time! I am very uncomfortable in elevators. Whenever possible, I take the stairs. If I do have to take an elevator, I’m nervous and just waiting for the doors to open. But one of my favorite rides in Disney World is the Tower of Terror. Where you get on the elevator and it drops you thirteen stories. I know, it’s weird.

When the Tower of Terror arrived, Disney decided to give it its own film. It’s not like the ride needed more publicity—it was the second big ride in MGM. But Disney needed something to air on the Wonderful World of Disney for Halloween. And the success of this movie encouraged Disney to turn other rides into movies.

So, strap in and prepare for SPOILERS!

So Clap Your Hands and Stomp Your Feet

Before “The Haunted Mansion,” before “Pirates of the Caribbean,” there was “The Country Bears.” Based on “The Country Bear Jamboree,” the movie is a campfest around every corner.

So, avoid hibernating and SPOILERS!

Grim, Grinnin’ Ghosts…

Apparently at a creative loss, Disney decided to turn some of its theme park attractions into movies. The three chosen were: The Country Bear Jamboree, Pirates and the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. This entry focuses on the promise that was the Haunted Mansion and the completely missed opportunity the film represents.

Beware of hitch-hiking ghosts and SPOILERS!

From Ride to Movie: A Series

I got an idea while plummeting thirteen stories at Walt Disney World. Disney has turned four different rides into a movie. So, I’ve decided to do a round of retrospections on these films. Compare them to their respective rides, appraise the narrative chosen, the acting, etc. So, I will do them in order of how I liked them, which follows as such:

1. “The Haunted Mansion” (Liked Least)

2. “Country Bears” (Liked More)

3. “The Tower of Terror” (Liked Even More)

4. “The Pirates of the Caribbean” Trilogy (Liked Best)

So, keep an eye out for them!

89 Days to Go: First Day!

You've gotten off the plane, rushed the bathroom and finally located the luggage. After reporting to your hotel, you've checked in. Now, Walt Disney World is at your feet. The experienced Disney-goer has the first park they always go to, the park that starts the vacation and reinforces the idea that "Yes, I'm here."

For my family, our first stop is always the Magic Kingdom. There's nothing better than to start your vacation standing at one end of Main Street, by Tony's Restaurant, and seeing Cinderella's Castle at the other. After that, we head straight for Tomorrowland and Fast Pass Buzz Lightyear's Ranger Spin. And then for our first official ride, we climb aboard the WED-way (now known as Tomorrowland Transit Authority) for a slow tour into Disney.

My family is a bit stumped this time. MousePlanet reported that Space Mountain would be down for repair starting in April and lasting till November (boo!). Along with that, the WED-way would also close, though only to August. However, it's estimated time of reopening is August 16th, the day AFTER we leave. Another boo. So, now we're trying to figure out our new first ride. I think we're looking at something in Adventureland, completely opposite from Tomorrowland.

And we'll finish off our first day with dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern. But more on food later. After all, I have 88 more days to go!