May 17

Hidden Mickeys

imagesHidden Mickeys are the formation of the three circles that may be perceived as the silhouette of the head and ears of Mickey Mouse.  Hidden Mickeys have been inserted subtly into the design of an attraction, decor of a ride, part of artwork or the design of others location throughout the Disney theme parks.  The can be found in the cobblestone streets, formed in the mosaic tile in a restaurant, or even in a water fountain.

imagesA true Hidden Mickey is not meant to be seen immediately and a Disney Imagineer or artist “hides” them in plain sight in places that would not normally contain Mickey Mouse ears.   Just so you know, when the shape of Mickey Mouse ears is a very obvious part of a design, for example the Mickey ears up on top of a lamppost, these are considered to be “decor Mickey” and not Hidden Mickeys

imagesThroughout the years, Hidden Mickeys have spread in popularity as quite the phenomenon with guests constantly on the lookout for the hidden ears.  The last week long trip we took, we had a contest to see who could find the most Hidden Mickeys in the magic Kingdom.  The prize was a $25 Disney gift card to spend in the park.  It is a lot of fun to do plus it makes your kids slow dow and pay attention to the wonderfully detailed things throughout the park.

UnknownI have personally found at least 200 in the Magic Kingdom alone.  How many can you find?

May 16

Disney Partners Statue

sta488588SMALLLet me be honest, everything in the Magic Kingdom makes me smile, and I mean everything.  From the moment I step off the monorail or the ferry and walk through the gates, I am a deliriously happy girl and my inner child becomes very present. One of the things that is sure to evoke a smile for me is the Disney Partners statue situated right in front of Cinderella’s Castle.  There is just something so sweet about Walt holding Mickey’s hand with a welcoming smile as he watches over the kingdom they created together. In my view, it is a beautiful tribute to a brilliant man and his best friend.

Scultped by former animator and Imagineer, Blaine Gibson, this magnificent bronze monument took one year to complete before it was revealed in 1995.  Not only has it become a park icon since its unveiling, but it is also one of the most photographed locations in the Magic Kingdom.  Gibson based his depiction of Walt on a bust he originally created for him in the 60s.  Despite the poor reception of the bust years before, Gibson found it quite the honor to depict Walt and his expression of happiness as he watched over the families having fun in his parks.

Most do not know that the statue does not reflect the original idea for the pose.  Several different poses were designed and considered before an agreement was reached between Gibson and the Imagineers. One design idea featured Mickey running forward and pulling Walt behind him.  Another idea featured Walt with the blueprints for Epcot rolled up in his right hand and Mickey with a small globe in his hands adorned with two mouse ears.  And, then there was a more favored composition sketch that consisted of Mickey with a single-scoop ice cream cone in his hand.  Sculpter Gibson liked the idea of the ice cream so much that he went as far as making a finished maquette of it.  The final decision is the one we see today – Mickey with his arm at his side and Walt waving his hand over his kingdom.  The emphasis is on Walt, the true genius behind all of the magic.

mk49 (2)Next time you are standing in front of Partners statue, pay attention to incredible detail on the statue.  Some of the details may be a bit foreign to guests who are not as familiar with Disney as some.  For example the “STR” logo on Walt’s tie refers to the Smoke Tree Ranch, the location of Walt’s vacation home in Palm Springs. Also, on Walt’s right hand is the Irish Claddagh wedding ring that he and his wife, Lillian, wore in addition to the ones on their left hand.

The statue possess the plaque that states “We believed in our idea – a family park where parents and children could have a fun – together.  I believe Walt achieved his dream and beyond.  So, thank you, Walt, for the legacy have left behind for everyone to enjoy.  In the words of Mickey, see ya real soon.

May 14

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

imagesLittle princesses can enjoy the royal treatment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a magical salon experience with the Fairy Godmother’s apprentices. Little girls transform into Disney Princesses with the wave of a wand and and a little magic in this dream come true salon. You get to choose a hairstyle and then add make-up, nail polish and costuming as you choose. Even young princes can be changed into valiant knights.

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Hairstyles include:

  • Fairytale Princess
  • Disney Diva
  • Pop Princess
  • Color Star

Packages:

  • The Coach:  Includes hairstyling, shimmering make-up and face gem, and a princess sash and tote.  $54.95
  • The Crown:  Includes hairstyling, shimmering make-up and face gem, nail polish and a princess sash and tote. $59.95
  • The Courtyard:  Includes hairstyling, shimmering make-up and face gem, nail polish, a princess sash and tote, a Bippidi Boppidi Boutique t-shirt and a fashionable tutu. $94.95
  • The Castle:  Includes hairstyling, shimmering make-up and face gem, nail polish, a princess sash and tote, complete costume of your princess’ choice with accessories and Imaging package that includes 1 – 6×8 photo and 4- 4×6 photos in a princess themed binder. $194.95
  • The Knight:  Princes receive hairstyling with gel, mighty sword and shield and confetti. $15.95

The Imaging package can be added on to any package which includes 1 – 6×8 photo and 4- 4×6 photos in a princess themed binder. $32.95

bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique-00Costume choices include Ariel, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Tinker Bell, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Merida. Elsa and Anna are available but are difficult to get given their current popularity. Accessories such as ponytail holders, tiaras and other princess items can also be purchased especially at the fully stocked World of Disney store.

From what I understand, the makeovers take anywhere from 30 mins to an hour depending on your chosen package but this is a dream come true for every little girl who wants to be a Disney Princess.   We never had the chance to do this but the little princesses you see all over the park are precious.  They are only young once!

Our Snow White ranking:  

Location:  

  • Downtown Disney Marketplace inside the World of Disney
  • Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom.

Hours of Operation:

  • Downtown Disney: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm,  7 days a week.  Last appointment is at 5:30 pm.
  • Magic Kingdom:  8:00 am – 7:00 pm, 7 days a week.  Admission to the park is required.

 

 

May 13

Astro Orbiter

imagesClimb aboard your very own spaceship and take off into space flying high above Tomorrowland on Astro Orbiter. You can control your own rocket ship as the newest member and cadet of Disney’s space fleet.  Board the elevator with fellow cadets to reach the loading platform and once you have received authorization from ground control, your spacecraft levitates and embarks on a minute and a half ride that revolves around a galaxy of planets. Reaching far above the sights of Tomorrowland, you use your joystick to raise and lower your rocket ship as you commandeer your flight.

This ride is one of Disney’s classics and originally opened as Star Jets. As a child, Star Jets was one of my favorite rides.  It was always fun to soar through the air taking in the great view of the castle with every passing. Of course, I also wasn’t afraid of heights at that time.

During the revamping of Tomorrowland, Star Jets underwent a major renovation and reopened as Astro Orbiter in 1994.   The new space-aged galaxy design surrounded by planets has now become the focal imagespoint of Tomorrowland.

I really like the look of the renovation and change is always good but this ride is not one that is usually on our list of “must-dos”. If you have never been on it, you should, by all means go for it.  I am just not a fan of the rickety elevator or the fact that it is elevated and then rotates high in the air.  My daughter likes it but even she can pass it by on her way to Space Mountain and not even think twice about it.  If you have been on Dumbo the Elephant and Magic Carpet of Aladdin, it is very similar but it lacks the cuteness that the other ones offer.

Snow White’s Ranking:  

Interest: Preschoolers, kids, tweens, teens and adults.  

Height Requirements:  No specific height requirements

Accessibility: Guests must transfer from Wheelchair/ECV

Thrill Level: Spinning, slow ride

FASTPASS+ is not available.

Location: Tomorrowland

May 12

Aloha Isle

imagesIf you are a true Disney World addict, you probably already know about the Dole Whip.  I like to say it is one of the 4 Disney food groups – the other 3 being the Mickey Ice Cream Bar, the Mickey pretzel and the Turkey leg!  The Dole Whip is quintessential Disney and a must have on EVERY visit!  It can only be found in Disneyland at the Enchanted Tiki Room, Disney World at the Aloha Isle and at Captain Cooks at the Polynesian Resort.

596px-Dole_Whip_frozen_dessert_and_floatThe Dole Whip is a soft-serve pineapple frozen dairy dessert but please don’t refer to it as simply ice cream because it’s so much more.  You can get it in pineapple, vanilla or orange flavors.  This creamy, yummy goodness is served either in a cup by itself or on top of pineapple juice as a float..with a cherry on top!  Either way is delightful but I really prefer it by itself, especially on a hot day!

If you haven’t had the pleasure of having one yet, I suggest you get one on your next park visit.  You will find yourself craving it long after you leave the parks.  It has become such a popular item over the years that there are groups who blog, chat and even have created a podcast about it.

If you haven’t had one, you haven’t truly experienced Disney World!