'A Few of My Favorite Things' Hall of Presidents

This attraction opened on opening day of Magic Kingdom, October 1, 1971, and features all 43 Presidents of The United States. Located in Liberty Square and narrated by Morgan Freeman, the Presidents are all animatronic with Obama being the most lifelike.

The attraction begins with a video presentation of some key events in American History, followed by a speech by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and the Presidential Oath by Barack Obama.

'A Few of My Favorite Things' Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween

Mickey's "Not-So-Scary" Halloween Party is a Magic Kingdom celebration that is appropriate for children of all ages.

Guests can trick-or-treat at designated spots throughout the park and are even encouraged to dress up as long as their costumes are not offensive and they do not sign autographs or pose for pictures with other guests as if they are a cast member.

*Normally guests over the age of 9 are not allowed to enter the park in their costume but it is allowed during this celebration

Events during the celebration are:

• Trick-or-Treating - Guests are given Trick or Treat Bags to be used at the candy stations found throughout the Magic Kingdom. Some cast members will give more than others, but there's no limit to how many times you can go back to the same location for more.

• " Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade " Come see your favorite characters dressed up in their Halloween costumes! This parade runs in the place of Spectromagic The floats feature Disney Villains as well as your beloved Disney friends. The Haunted Mansion float is incredible. This is a must see. You don't want to miss the ride of the Headless Horseman that precedes the parade. 8:15 and 10:30 p.m.

• Happy HalloWishes Fireworks - This year you'll see the Disney Villains as they "trick or treat" in the sky. This is one of the best fireworks shows that Disney does. 9:30 p.m

Halloween Dance Parties - Dance the night away with Disney Character friends. There are two locations for these parties. "Stitch's Club 626" at the Stitch stage in Tomorrowland, and "Get Up and Boo-gie Dance Party" at Ariel's Grotto in Fantasyland. Dining: Casey's Corner, Pecos Bill's Cafe, Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Counter Serve will be open as well as the Liberty Tree Tavern and Tony's Town Square full serve restaurants. Snacks will also be available.

The event is held 7pm- midnight on select dates

This year's dates are as follows:

Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010

Unfortunately this event is not included in the price of regular admission to Magic Kingdom. Tickets cost about $60 for guests age 10+ and $55 for guests age 3-9. They can be purchased through 407-W-DISNEY

Keeping with the eerie Halloween theme, there is a villain mix and mingle that features most (but not all) villains from major Disney movies. Afterwards they typically will sign autographs and pose for pictures with guests.

'A Few of My Favorite Things' Magic Kingdom's Mountains

Space Mountain

This ride opened in Magic Kingdom in 1975 but was completely refurbished in 2009. According to wikipedia.com it is currently Florida's oldest operating roller coaster. Originally it was called "Space Port" and the original plan was to simply feature a roller coaster in the dark with lighting and other special effects.

Renovations include new, interactive games that last about 90 seconds and can accommodate around 85 people, portions of the track were replaced, and a new ceiling in the dome shell. The loading area is also enclosed and is lit with a soft blue light. The loading area also features windows in the ceiling that 'look out into space' where guests can see planets and stars. Riders also have the option to choose the Alpha track (located on the left) or the Omega track (located on the right). Both tracks feature the same experience but the Alpha track is ten feet longer so that the two tracks can cross.

*There is a photo that is taken while on the ride but it is located at the end of the blue strobe tunnel that is located at the beginning of the ride. not the most exciting position, but the picture feature is a new addition

Big Thunder Mountain

This ride opened in the Magic Kingdom in 1980. It is an indoor/outdoor roller coaster that is located in Frontierland.

According to legend, gold was found on Big Thunder Mountain and settlers moved in to stake their claim. Unbeknownst to them the town was cursed and was a sacred spot to local Native Americans. Shortly after, a flash flood killed all the settlers and ruined the mines. Locomotives were then found racing around the mountain without engineers or crew. This ride allows guests to take a ride in these haunted trains.

Designers were careful to try to make it seem as though the rocks were originally in place and that the train was designed to move around them.

This is the only mountain I have not yet been on but I'm excited to see Disney's creation of the abandoned town of Tumbleweed.

Splash Mountain

This ride came to the Magic Kingdom in 1992 and is located in Fronteirland across from Big Thunder Mountain. This ride was inspired by the movie Song of the South and follows Br'er Rabbit in his search for his 'laughing place'. During his journey Br'er Bear and Br'er Fox become determined to capture him.

This is my favorite mountain and in my opinion should be named 'soak mountain' because I don't know anyone who's only been splashed while riding it :-)

*Insider Tip If you're looking to get completely soaked, sit on the right side of the log

'A Few of My Favorite Things' Jungle Cruise

This attraction has been around since 1971. While on this cruise, guests get to travel through Africa, Asia, and South America while passing through villages, tunnels, and many plants and animals that are native to the jungle cruise (ex: the butterflies w/ the 12 inch wingspan).

Because many of the plants are fake, the animals are animatronic, and the villagers are...not living, the tour guide consists of a Jungle Cruise Skipper that gives a 10 minute monologue full of zany stories and corny jokes.

No description does this ride justice, so I've decided to add a video I found with the hilarious Skipper Sarah.

Keep in mind that each skipper gives a different ride because they each tell unique stories and jokes.

Tiana's Showboat Jubilee

Many people are aware that The Princess and the Frog introduced Disney's newest and first black Princess Tiana.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, The Princess and the Frog was released December 11, 2009 and is a spin off of the classic story The Frog Princess. Instead of the frog becoming human when she kisses him, she becomes a frog! They then go on an adventure to find how to break the curse and, of course, end up falling in love.

Princess Tiana's welcome to the Magic Kingdom (and Disney in general) took place on Oct 26, 2009. She was welcomed by all the Disney princesses (minus Ariel) and of course Mickey and Minnie mouse


From October to January 3 2010 Tiana's Showboat Jubilee took place to celebrate her arrival to the park


Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen are now available to meet at the Magic Kingdom in Liberty Square

'A Few of My Favorite Things' Cinderella's Castle

Cinderella's Castle is one of the first images that comes to mind when one thinks of Disney World. Located in the Magic Kingdom, it is the gateway to Fantasyland. Inside there is a beautiful mural that includes tiles that are made of 14 karat gold.

Cinderella's Royal Table is also located inside of the castle. This restaurant also allows guests to meet Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother and during the meal they are called 'my lady' or 'my lord'.

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom has been making kids dreams come true since 1971. As the name suggests, this park is all about magic, so even if it doesn't exist in the real world, it exists here.

Hours of operation are usually 9am-8pm but during holidays and summer the park tends to stay open later.

It is broken up into 7 different 'lands':

• Main Street USA

• Adventureland

• Frontierland

• Liberty Square

• Fantasyland

• Tomorrowland

• Mickey's Toontown Fair

QSFB Locations

Aloha Isle

Home of the infamous 'Dole Whip' this snack stand is located near the Swiss Family Treehouse in Adventureland. Hours of operation are usually 11am- 7pm. This location is not included on the Disney Dining Plan. Pineapple, Chocolate, and Vanilla soft serve ice cream is served and each of these can be made into a float. Soft drinks, pineapple spears, and pineapple juice are also served.

El Pirata Y El Perico

Located opposite the Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland this restaurant serves Mexican foods. This location is on the Disney Dining Plan. Seating is outside so it is only open seasonally.

Sunshine Tree Terrace

This restaurant is located in Adventureland and is not on the Disney Dining Plan. This snack spot is usually open by 9am and sells ice cream, slushes, cookies, chips, and floats.

Enchanted Grove

This restaurant is located in Fantasyland, is typically open 10am- 6pm, and is not on the Disney Dining Plan. It serves slushes, cappuccino, lemonade, orange juice, coffee, ice cream, and water.

Mrs. Potts' Cupboard

This small restaurant is merely a counter with outdoor seating. It is located in Fantasyland near the Mad Tea Party. It serves floats, sundaes, milkshakes, and cookies, and is not on the Disney Dining Plan.

Pinnochio Village Haus

Located in Fantasyland, this restaurant seems alot smaller on the outside than it actually is on the inside. Inside there are murals of different characters from the movie, there is plenty of seating, and some seats face windows that overlook the 'It's A Small World' attraction. The menu includes salad, chicken strips, pizza, and milkshakes and is included in the Disney Dining Plan.

Village Fry Shoppe

This restaurant is merely a walk-up window. It serves caramel and apple dippers, hot dogs, fries, and carrot cake.

Golden Oak Outpost

This is located in Frontierland. It sells french fires, chicken sandwiches, vegetarian flatbread wraps, and chicken nuggets.

Pecos Bill Cafe

This restaurant is located in Frontierland, usually opens at 10:30am, and is included on the Disney Dining Plan. This is one of the most popular quick service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom and there is plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors. Sandwiches, burgers, fries, apple slices, and salads are served here.

Columbia Harbour House

This restaurant is located near the Liberty Square entrance to Fantasyland and usually opens at 10:30am. This restaurant specializes in seafood and offers seating both upstairs and downstairs. Chicken nuggets, fried fish, coleslaw, and clam chowder are served here. Nautical instruments, model ships, harpoons, and low-beamed ceilings decorate this restaurant. This location is featured on the Disney Dining Plan.

Sleepy Hollow

This fun little restaurant is located in Liberty Square and is not on the Disney Dining Plan. Sold here are funnel cakes, cookies, ice cream, and Mickey waffles.

Casey's Corner

This restaurant is located on the west side of Main Street and its hours of operations are typically 11am- 7:40pm. Decked out in a baseball theme, this restaurant features a pianist and a back room with bleacher seating facing a screen that shows cartoons that have sports themes. Food that is served includes hot dogs, fries, brownies, chili dogs, and chili. This location is featured on the Disney Dining Plan.

Main Street Bakery

This restaurant is a part of the Disney Dining Plan and serves a variety of drinks, sandwiches, and desserts.

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

This ice cream shop is located on Main Street and is often crowded as it's often a place guests stop at on their way out of the park. Inside guests get to choose from an array of ice cream flavors, and have the option of purchasing floats or sundaes. This is generally is open by 11am and is not featured on the Disney Dining Plan.

Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies

This restaurant is located across from the Indy Speedway in Tomorrowland. It offers smoothies, soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, floats, juice, and soft drinks. This location is not on the Disney Dining Plan.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe

This restaurant is located in Tomorrowland, generally opens at 10:30am, and is included in the Disney Dining Plan. This restaurant features an animatronic lounge singer named Sonny Eclipse. There are three different sides to this restaurant and each has a different menu. This restaurant serves chili cheese dogs, kosher meals, hot dogs, bbq rib meals, vegetarian burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and french fries.

Lunching Pad at Rockettower Plaza

This restaurant is located in Tomorrowland at the base of the Astro Orbiter. This spot serves turkey legs, an array of beverages, and cheese pretzels.

Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station

This restaurant is located in Tomorrowland and only has outdoor seating. This is a buffet style restaurant that features asian foods such as noodle bowls and stir fry.

Cool Ship

This is located in Tomorrowland near the Indy Speedway. It is a spot to get soft drinks, bottled water, and chips. This location is not featured on the Disney Dining Plan.

Friar's Nook

This restaurant is located in Fantasyland and serves hot dogs, fries, chicken caesar salad, soft drinks, milk, coffee, juice, and tea.

VLOG

So I FINALLY got my webcam to quit acting up long enough to let me make my first vlog! I got cut off at the end but whateva! My point got across. It's my intro, telling why I'm doing the program, what I'm excited about doing in Florida, why I'm doing a vlog, and who inspired me to do a vlog.

ENJOY

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas

This resort features two deluxe villas named Jambo House and Kidani Village, and one deluxe resort by the name of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The deluxe villas start at $340 a night and the deluxe resort starts at $240 a night.
The number to this resort is 407-938-3000

The Jambo house is made up of multi-bedroom units that all include kitchenettes.
It sits amongst 4 savannas that feature over 30 different species of wildlife. These rooms are on the 5th and 6th floor of the main building and have their own balconies from which one can view the animals in their 'natural habitat'. The Uzima, Arusha, and Sunset savannas are open 24 hours a day.
Nearby there is the Uzima pool which is an 11,000 ft zero depth-entry pool that features a 67ft long slide

Kidani Village sits amidst a 21 acre wildlife preserve and includes multi-bedroom units that each have their own kitchenette.
These buildings are formed in the shape of african necklaces with the garden-like walkways acting as the knots between the beads.
Outside there are indigenous shrubs and grasses that were placed to resemble the Serengeti and inside are hand carved wooden columns.
This sits among the Sunset and Pembe savannas. Guests can get a close look at the animals with the Wanyama safari
Nearby is Samawati Springs which is a 4,700 square foot, zero depth entry pool that has a 128 foot long slide

The Animal Kingdom Lodge sits among a 43 acre wildlife preserve and 4 savannas.

Nearby is the Uzima pool that is 11,000 square feet, zero depth entry, and had a 67 foot long slide.

Animals that can be seen are: Ostich, Red River Hog, Pink-backed Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Waterbuck, Thompson's Gazelle, Impala, Okapi, Nyala, Zebra, Guinea Fowl, Giraffe, and more

QSFB Restaurant

The Mara

This restaurant is described as having something for just about everyone and includes a grab-and-go section for those in a hurry

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort

This is one of Disney's value resorts and features rates as low as $82 a night! 5 movies are celebrated at this resort: 101 Dalmatians, The Mighty Ducks, Fantasia, Toy Story, and The Love Bug. The central building is called Cinema Hall.
The number for this resort is 407-939-7000









This resort has 2 pools. The first one is pictured below and is named Fantasia Pool and has a Sorcerer's Apprentice theme. The second one is called Duck Pond, is in the shape of a hockey rink, and was inspired by The Mighty Ducks

QSFB Restaurant

World Premiere

This food court is located in Cinema Hall and serves pasta, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, a variety of breakfast and baked goods, and features a grab-and-go section

Pizza, salad, beer, and wine can be delivered to the rooms from 4pm- midnight

Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

Disney's All Star Sports Resort is one of its value resorts. Rooms start at $82 a night. This resort celebrates the excitement of sports including tennis, football, basketball, baseball, and surfing. The five buildings are each named Home Run Hotel, Hoops Hotel, Touchdown!, Surf's Up!, and Center Court. The central building is called Stadium Hall.
The number for this resort is 407-939-5000









This resort has 2 different pools. Grand Slam Pool is shaped like a baseball diamond (It is pictured below), and Surfboard Bay is beach-themed. In the center of Grand Slam Pool there is a statue of Goofy on a pitcher's mound that squirts water onto some of the swimmers.

QSFB Restaurant

End Zone

This food court is located in Stadium Hall and serves pizza, pasta, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, a variety of breakfast and baked goods, and features a grab-and-go section
Pizza, salad, beer, and wine can all be delivered to the rooms from 4 pm until midnight

Disney's Pop Century Resort

This is one of Disney's value resorts with rooms starting at $82 a night! It's themed around the 20th century's popular culture crazes including movies, toys, music, and catch phrases. There's even a section of the resort for each decade including the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
The number to this resort is 407-938-4000







This resort features three pools. The one pictured below is known as the Bowling Pool, there is one shaped like a flower that is known as Hippy Dippy Pool, and the last, Computer Pool, is shaped as a computer monitor.
Between the 60s and 70s section there is also Goofy Kiddie Spray Area, a fun place for younger guests to cool off.

QSFB Restaurant

Everything Pop!

This food court is located in Classic Hall. It serves pasta, pizza, chicken, hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, salads, breakfast items, and baked goods.
Pizza can be delivered to guestrooms from 4pm to midnight

Disney All-Star Music Resort

Each building is set to the theme of a different music genre; the central building is name Melody Hall! Decorations include large instruments. One of the pools is even set to look like a grand piano. Expedia.com features a virtual tour of the resort.
This is a value resort and rates start at $82 per night.
Family suites are offered which sleep up to 6 people. They feature two bathrooms and a kitchenette. This is the only value resort that offers family suites.
The phone number to this resort is 407-939-6000




The All-Star Music Resort has two pools; one shaped like a piano that is called Piano Pool :-) (It's the one pictured below), and the other is guitar shaped and is called Calypso Pool. Calypso Pool is the main pool and features a colorful fountain of the Three Caballeros (Donald Duck, José Carioca and Panchito).

QSFB Restaurant

Intermission food court

This food court is located in Melody hall and serves pasta, pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, a variety of breakfast and baked goods, and features a grab-and-go section.
Pizza, salad, beer, and wine can be delivered to the rooms from 4pm-midnight

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

The Coronado takes on a Southwestern U.S.- Mexican theme. The pool even takes on a Maya ruins themed pool. The hotel rooms are situated around a 22 acre lake called the Lago Dorado.
This is a moderate resort and rates start at $154 a night
The phone number to this resort is 407-939-1000

The rooms are divided into 3 different sections. All of these rooms contain the same color schemes but have different themes. The pueblos style Ranchos have a rustic feel, the Casitas area contains terra cotta like buildings and occupies a city-like landscape, and the Cabanas are located along the beach and have a more casual feel. All of the rooms are smaller than those in the Disney deluxe hotels and contain two double beds meaning they can comfortably sleep 4 people.

QSFB Restaurants

Cafe Rix

This restaurant sells hot paninis, flatbreads, and breakfast sandwiches. There is also a grab-and-go area that has items such as pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, pastries, gelato, and coffee. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Pepper Market

This is a colorful food court that sells pizza, sandwiches, salads, burgers, stir-fry, Mexican specialties, baked goods, margaritas, and more. It contains very high ceilings so that it feels like an open-air market. One thing you should be aware of is that although this is a food court, 10% gratuity is automatically added to your bill when you opt to sit in the dining area.

'A Few of My Favorite Things'- Kilimanjaro Safaris

Your guide takes you on the hunt for some poachers that have abducted a baby elephant. On the way you get to see some wild animals. I absolutely love this ride because it is very similar to an actual African Safari. A variety of animals (Antelope, Crocodile, Baboon, Rhino, Cheetah, Elephant, Warthog, Lion, Okapi, Hippo, Gazelle, Ostrich, Giraffe, Zebra, and Wildebeest) are left to live in the (large) enclosed savannah that is a total 100 acres!

The jeep simply follows a path through out the savannah and each time you ride it is different becasue not all of the animals might be visible at once, there are spots for them to hide if they wish.

This ride has been opened since 1998 and there are NO visible fences up keeping the animals away from each other or the jeep, but don't worry, they are very well fed and really have no interest in the jeeps :-)

I emphasize that there are no visible fences because The first time I went on this ride (1999 i think) there were fences. Needless to say I was very disappointed but was excited to go back and see that the fences had been temporary and that everything looked natural and the animals were free to roam as they please.

The animals all go inside at night (except for the flamingos) to their own separate holding facilities by species so there is a good chance that they will just naturally have separated themselves from each other by habit.

Finding Nemo 2?

So I was taking a study break (I do this VERY often lol) and came across this cute pic! I figured my fellow QSFBers might find it amusing and then read what the box said...Finding Nemo 2 Coming Soon

Am I the only one excited??

'A Few of My Favorite Things'- Dinosaur

Take a journey back in time to the Cretaceous era in Dinoland USA at the Animal Kingdom. This ride was originally named 'Countdown to Extinction' but Disney was releasing a movie by the name 'Dinosaur' and decided to use this ride to advertise for it by using the same name. This is one of the more scary rides in the park even though it was toned down for younger audiences after the name change.
This ride features the Styracosaurus, Alioramus, Parasaurolophus, Velociraptor, Carnotaurus, Saltasaurus, Pteradactyl, Compsognathus and Iguanodon.
Guests walk past real fossils as they begin in line and are eventually led to a room where they watch a movie and are told that they are about to be sent on a journey to save an Iguanodon from extinction.

'A Few of My Favorite Things'- Finding Nemo the Musical

Next up on 'A few of my favorite things' is Finding Nemo the Musical!

This 30 minute Broadway style musical show takes place in Dinoland USA in Theater in the Wild which has been enclosed for this show and is now climate controlled. It features puppets that were designed by the same person that was costume designer for The Lion King on Broadway :-) They are handled by people who are right on stage with them but because of the colors of their clothing you forget they're there after a while. The puppets and scenery move as if they're really underwater and the puppets even move blink their eyelids and move their mouths. I love Nemo, I even named my cat after him, so although I haven't had a chance to see it yet but I can't wait!

As with everything else, someone was bold enough to record the whole show, and I'm bold enough to place it in my blog! haha Of course if you'd rather not ruin the surprise and wait to see it in Florida then do not press play :-)

*This movie was taken 2 years ago so things may have changed