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Pre-shows.  They immerse you into the storyline and set you up for an attraction unlike any other.  They can be very complex, simple, long, short, interactive or educational.  Either way, they help move the plot of the rides along and usually get you excited for the adventure on which you are about to embark.  Among other things, Disney is known for their variety of different pre-shows scattered around all four parks.  I now present to you some of my favorites, in order from my not as loved to my absolute favorite pre-show.  Enjoy!

The Backlot Tour

If you listen to Lou Mongello and Tim Foster’s Top Ten segments, you might consider this a “Go With Me Here”, meaning that some people might not consider this a pre-show, but I do.  What draws people to this attraction is hopping in one of the bright red trams, voyaging to Catastrophe Canyon and seeing things you can only view from the attraction.  Because of this, I consider the show that happens before you even go NEAR the signature red vehicles a pre-show.  Beforehand, four adults are picked to be extras in a production. My parents were actually two of the four that were picked, so it made the whole experience more personal to me.  The chosen four get in rain suits – three hop on a boat while one sits next to a telephone.  Let’s just say that the three people on the boat got wet from the backsplash of missiles and bombs, but the person near the telephone got SOAKED because thousands of gallons of water get poured on them!  The point of the pre-show is to get you excited about special effects in movies, and it sure does a great job at it.

Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor

HELLO HUMANS!  This pre-show is very entertaining to people of all ages.  Mike Wazokswi takes you through what happened AFTER the credits rolled for Monsters Inc.  The scare floors turned into, well laugh floors, and now the creatures make people laugh instead of cry to power Monstropolious.  Another huge change is that instead of the monsters going to you, you are walking right into their town in the form of a comedy club.  Roz cuts Mike off after he finishes telling the story and shows a series of bloopers that include Mike falling through trap doors, falling out of doors, and being hit by safes. Following that, there is a little commercial for the former CDA (Child Detection Agency), which now stands for the Comedy Detection Agency.   I love the comedy aspect and I still laugh at the bloopers to this date.  The only bad part of the pre-show is the fact that you are standing through it.  If Disney added seats, it would make the show much more enjoyable.

Mission:  SPACE

I love this ride.  When I first took the journey to space, I was actually terrified.  But I wasn’t scared until the pre-show began.  The way that it is worded and the seriousness of the actors made it sound like you were actually going to space, and I was terrified about what that would feel like.  Of course, the claustrophobia warnings didn’t help.  Now that I am older, I love it for the same reason that I was terrified – the realism. The way that a single spotlight shines on you when you get your position makes you feel important to the flight and crew.   It might seem like this pre-show is not as fun as the others, but I like the authenticity.

Soarin’

Soarin’ has an amazing pre-show even before the pre-show begins.  The names of the cities you will be hang-gliding over are, well, soaring through the sky as you are organized into rows for boarding.  Once everyone is ready, the real pre-show begins.  Patrick Warburton, the voice of Kronk from Emperor’s New Groove and other movies with the same casts of characters, takes you through the safety rules and immerses you in the storyline for this attraction.  It might seem like a very simple pre-show, but I think I put it here on the list because of Patrick’s voice.  It’s very soothing, and I love it!

The Old Test Track

I have not been able to ride the new Test Track, so I can’t say anything about that pre-show.  The original Test Track, however, had a preshow that not everybody seemed to love.  It was very dated and you were standing (yes, standing once again) in a room that was usually packed like a tuna can.  I understand why people didn’t like it but for some odd reason, I did-and still do.  It seems very real (just like Mission: SPACE) and uses great terminology that makes the testing course sound much more complex than it really is.  I especially loved how they presented the barrier test:  by letting Sherri pick any test she wanted.  Did she want us to die?  At least we don’t have to worry about that anymore!

Rock N Roller Coaster

Walking through the queue line, the story begins just like any other Disney attraction.  G-Force Records is evident everywhere, but what really competes the plot is the pre-show.  The whole queue line makes sense once the pre-show is finished.  You are in G-Force Records because you were invited by Aerosmith, but now you are late to their concert!  You are going to need a really fast car. Maybe a limo?  This ride is also very quotable, with the most famous quote being “make that a SUPER-Stretch!”  I adore this pre-show almost as much as I love the ride itself.

DINOSAUR!

This pre-show is one of those that make you dislike the main character of the ride, which does NOT happen often.  I mean think about it, Dr. Seeker isn’t supposed to send you to the Dinosaur Era because it would be too close to the meteoroid hitting the Earth, which could risk killing you.  When Dr. Seeker is locked out of the system, he breaks in any way!  He put the riders in danger for his benefit!  Usually the characters in the pre-show are loveable, but this one could have killed you if this was a real mission.  I like this pre-show because of how different it is from the others.

Tower of Terror

Another very popularly quoted pre-show entertains guests inside the Tower of Terror.  A Rod Sterling look-a-like tells you the story of the Hollywood Hotel, a lightning strike and why you should be afraid to board your elevator.  What really seals the deal for this pre-show is the black and white aspect and the tiny TV in the corner of the room that displays the pre-show for all to see.  It gives you a true feel for the time period, and adds a creepy element to the whole package.  This again is a pre-show that involves you standing up, but the theming around the room and the length of time you are actually IN the pre-show makes up for it.

Ellen’s Energy Adventure

This pre-show is the funniest one in Epcot, maybe even on Disney property.  It is a little dated, as you can tell by the hairstyles and outfits that Bill Nye the Science Guy and Ellen DeGeneres wore while they were filming.  I love that there is a comedy element which is added when Ellen realizes that there is an audience and uses that to her advantage.   This pre-show is long at a little over 7 minutes, and you are standing up (not a good combination at very busy times of the year), but it is air-conditioned, so it is a good break from running around on hot days. A lot of people don’t go on Ellen’s Energy Adventure because of the daunting length of the ride (45 minutes total) but it is something that should get more love. And, before you ask, yes I do believe it needs to be updated, but leave the characters and classic parts of the script alone, like “And for those of you who are just walking in now.  You’re late. Where have you been?  I LOVE you hair.” and so on.  I am sure that Ellen wouldn’t mind redoing it!

The Haunted Mansion

How could I make a “My Favorite” list for pre-shows and NOT include the Haunted Mansion?  I believe that the experience is actually scarier than the ride!  When I was 8, I absolutely HATED the Haunted Mansion just because of the pre-show but, just like with Mission: SPACE, it has grown on me and now I simply adore it.  Everything from the amazing narration to the four portraits in the stretching room is unique to the attraction and will send chills down your spine.  If I had to pick one pre-show to win an award for “Best Pre-show That Immerses You in the Story”, it would go to the Haunted Mansion, hands down.

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Thank you for reading about my favorite pre-shows.  Now I want to hear yours!  Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite pre-show is and why.  Do you agree or disagree with any of my choices?  Did I forget something in my list, like the Enchanted Tiki Room or MuppetVision3-D (see what I did there)?  Let me know in the comments!  I love reading your feedback.

See ya REAL soon!

Quote of the Week:  “I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I have ever known.”  ~ Walt Disney

Makena is a 14 year old high school student who spends much of her free time researching Disney. She enjoys sharing Disney facts and even plans Walt Disney World vacations (including searches for secrets and Hidden Mickeys) for friends and family. Makena began blogging for WDW Radio in December 2011.

The post Disney Attraction Pre-Shows That You Won’t Want To Miss appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

“Welcome foolish mortals…”

Every time I hear those words, I get a small chill and a smile on my face. The Haunted Mansion has long been my favorite attraction in Walt Disney World, mostly due to the memories that I have made surrounding it. I can still remember the first time I was coaxed by my family onto the attraction. I think I was around seven or eight, and I remember the inner conflict I experienced between being terrified to ride but also being desperate to see what actually went on behind those foreboding brick walls. Admittedly, I was frightened, but in the best way possible. I loved it from the moment I stepped into the parlor and was greeted by the aging picture of Master Gracey, accompanied by the slow mournful first notes of music. I wanted to experience it over and over until I could recite the dialogue and was familiar with every scene and haunt residing inside…but only during the day. Somehow I had come up with the notion that once night hit the Magic Kingdom, the attraction would transform and become much more terrifying. Weakly coming up with excuses to ride at night, this went on for a few visits until I finally worked up the courage to ride after dark. Once I realized that the ride did not magically transform itself for late night guests, my obsession existed at all times and my love for the mansion continued to grow.

Despite being twenty-four, I still get goose bumps in the stretching room. My heartbeat still speeds up when I first hear the Ghost Host’s voice. I am not ashamed to admit that I am downright terrified of what I refer to as the “pop-ups.” I’m referring to the ghosts and ghouls lurking behind tombstones and other objects in the graveyard scene that pop up on either side of your Doom Buggy and yell. I hold my breath in that room and try to concentrate on every detail of the scene except the tombstones right around my Doom Buggy. Yet still, I am always startled and jump enough to make the Doom Buggy shake a little. (I’ve at least gotten to the point where I usually don’t yell back in fright!) This started when I was little, and it continues today. While I’m scared of them, I also actually love the pop-ups. They help me to still maintain a small fear of the Mansion. While working through each room, my anticipation builds. I start bracing myself for the scare to come, and secretly I’m looking forward to it- that little bit of the attraction that can still genuinely frighten me.

With that combination of love and fear, I cultivated my obsession with the Mansion over the years by learning everything I could about it. Learning the history and stories of what went into creating, developing, and operating the attraction has given me a brand new outlook and appreciation of the attraction as I have aged. Some of my favorite parts of the attraction are now small facts or details which have rich back stories. For example, I love taking in the exterior of the attraction and noting the decorative pieces atop the roof which resemble chess pieces. Why this architecture choice? Because much of the exterior was designed by Imagineer Claude Coats who was an avid chess fan. The tombstones in the graveyard each pay homage to key figures in the history of the Mansion, and I love to be reminded of the great minds that were behind my favorite attraction each time I enter. I love the subtle Hidden Mickeys within the attraction, in particular my favorite is the grim reaper one hidden in the graveyard scene. See if you can find it! Perhaps most of all, I love the ambiguous back story of the bride. Depending on who you ask, you can receive completely different back stories on what actually happened involving her history in the Mansion.

I literally could go on for days talking about my favorite things concerning the Haunted Mansion, but I like to remember back to it all starting with a scared little kid refusing to ride in the dark. Thus, the Haunted Mansion will always be my favorite attraction, especially since there’s no turning back now….

What is your favorite thing about the Haunted Mansion? Do you have any special memories surrounding the attraction? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

The post Welcome Foolish Mortals… Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Since it is a new year, I thought I would try something different.  I want you guys, the readers, to get involved so I came up with this idea.  Consider it a game.  Out of the following stories, only one of them is the true “Disney legend”.  Leave a comment below arguing which one you think is true or which ones you think are lies and why or why not.  In each false story, there will be a little clue that will tell you that it is false, so you can always up the level of difficulty by hunting for the clues if you would like.  At the bottom of every blog of this variety, I will be keeping score based on who gets it right in the comments.  For the month of January, each of my blogs will be in this format: an overall topic, a few stories about the topic – but with only one being true.  Do YOU know the truth?  These have been a lot of fun to write, and I hope you enjoy!

This week’s topic is the bride’s ring, located in the Haunted Mansion queue line.  In reality, there was a pole in the Haunted Mansion queue line that had to be cut down one day.  Unfortunately, the pole was buried really far in the ground and they couldn’t get the entire pole out, so some of it remained in the ground.  Ironically enough, it looked like a ring.  Because of the Haunted Mansion’s story, they decided to create a legend around the ring.  (Note: The original piece has been covered but since people complained so much, Disney decided to put a “real” ring in the ground instead). Which one of these stories is the ORIGINAL legend that the Haunted Mansion Cast Members created?

Story 1

The wife didn’t really love anyone.  Her only love left her for another woman years before, and this bride still couldn’t let it go.  She didn’t trust anyone – she hated the feeling of emptiness and heartbreak inside of her, and she wanted to make sure that others felt her pain. She planned on marrying many different husbands-ten to be exact-and cheating on them so that they could experience what she once had.  After a few months of dating this future bride and her boyfriend at the time lived in a huge house-or should I say mansion- together.  She finally started to feel love for the first time in many years.  The man proposed one evening outside of the house, but claimed that the ring was being specially made for her, and that it wasn’t finished yet.  Finally their wedding day came.  They decided to get married right where he proposed – in front of the mansion.  It was time for the rings to be put on each other’s fingers.  The groom’s slid on very easily and fit perfectly.  The bride’s, on the other hand, had a little bit more of a hard time.  As much as they pushed and nudged, the ring wound not slide down her finger where it belonged.  “I thought this was specially made,” the wife said. “This is way too small for me.”  The groom started to sweat.  “I must have switched the rings.”  The bride stopped.  “What?”  “The rings – this must be Leota’s.”  “WHAT?”  The bride screamed. “You were cheating on me?!”  The wife hurriedly pulled the ring off her finger and chucked it as far as it could go until you heard the clunk against cement.  “Who is Leota?”  “Leota is a very special woman.  She recites poems very well and I love her,” replied the groom.  The bride ran away from the altar.

The bride was never to be seen for a few years.  Leota and the former groom had gone missing.  It was discovered after the death of the bride that she murdered her husband-to-be and decapitated Leota, who still tells poems to this day.  It was also discovered that she killed her first love when he cheated, and all of the people he knew and cared for.  She killed all of these people by luring them into the mansion.  This meant that a lot of souls were trapped in the home of the mansion – 999 to be exact.

Story 2

Two cast members (one man and one woman) were working late one night in the queue line area of the Haunted Mansion.  Their job was to make sure that nobody was hiding in the Haunted Mansion or in that area.  It was very foggy and cloudy this one ordinary night.  So foggy, in fact, you couldn’t see the moon.  The Cast Members were very scared due to these conditions.  At every noise they would look at each other and jump.  They heard creaking, shrieking and footsteps.  They thought this was just their imagination, but in reality, it was the bride from the attraction coming out from her home-in a murderous mood.  The man disappeared without a trace. The woman went to go look for him.  All of a sudden, her flashlight ran out of batteries and all of the lights nearby blew out.  The only light now came from the bright moon in the sky.  The woman whipped around when she heard a cackling laugh behind her.  She couldn’t see anything but felt the punches and weapons being used on her.  As the worker tried to fight back, she knocked the ring off of the bride.   As soon as the ring left the bride’s hand, it became visible to the mortal.  The woman stepped on it so that it became embedded in the ground.  The ghost became angry and attacked with more fierceness, which led to the death of the second Cast Member.

Story 3

Before the Haunted Mansion got a major refurbishment in 2007 and the bride in the attic entered the story, the storyline for thing followed Master Gracey.  Master Gracey just started his 7^th marriage because his previous six wives had died.  The reception after the wedding was held in the dining room of the mansion.  The wife decided to play a prank of Master Gracey and hide in a trunk. Sadly, the trunk locked and the bride screamed for help.  Over the celebrating, nobody heard her cries and she died of suffocation. When Master Gracey found out, he was so furious and upset that he killed all 999 guests in his home.  The wife’s body was placed in a horse drawn carriage outside the mansion.  As Gracey said his last goodbye, the horse suddenly bolted, which led to the bride’s ring falling off and a horse stomping it into the pavement.  The next day the corpse, the driver and the horse disappeared in front of the mansion, with only the carriage as evidence.

Story 4

As September 1971 ticked away and the calendar loomed towards October 1^st, the activity around the Magic Kingdom was nonstop.   As she had for the last few weeks, Lindsey left her home after dinner and headed to work.  Tonight, however, was a little different.  To celebrate her birthday this September 14^th, her boyfriend had taken her to a very special dinner.  To her surprise, he asked her to marry him and gave her a gorgeous diamond ring.  She cried as he placed the ring on her finger and she vowed to never remove it.  Unfortunately, it spun around her finger.  It would need to be sized but there was no way that she would give it up already so she stuffed a small piece of tissue in the back of the ring and headed to work.

Lindsey arrived at the Magic Kingdom to find the chaos that had become a regular part of her nights the last few weeks.  She considered herself very lucky because she was assigned to work in the area of one of the great E-ticket attractions:  The Haunted Mansion.  Her assignment this evening was to help lay the bricks that lined the Haunted Mansion queue.  Her area was full of activity tonight with stone construction and the laying of asphalt.  All she really wanted to do was show off her ring but being one of the only women on the grounds crew in what would be Liberty Square, she was content to take off her gloves and gaze at her sparkly, new engagement ring.  She knew that the men would never want to compliment her ring and ask if she had made any plans yet.

Daylight loomed and along with it came the arrival of many more contractors.  Fortunately for Lindsey, there were a lot of women working the day shift – exactly the people who would appreciate her news.  When Lindsey removed her gloves to show her engagement ring to the girls, she was momentarily speechless.  It was gone!  She knew that she had worn it to work.  She’d taken her gloves off many times throughout the night to gaze at it and daydream about her upcoming wedding.  Stunned, the women set off towards the Haunted Mansion in search of the lost ring.  What seemed like hours passed when suddenly a voice called out that they had found the engagement ring.  Lindsey rushed to the spot where the women were congregating and pushed her way through.  Her eyes drawn to the ground by a glimmer of light, Lindsey gasped to see her ring.  It must have fallen off when she removed her gloves at some point during the night and was now encased in the pavement in the Haunted Mansion queue.  It is this ring that still shimmers in the Haunted Mansion queue today.

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Okay, Disney fans, which one of these stories tells the real legend?  Let me know which you think is correct (or if you prefer, which ones are not) below.  Remember, I’m keeping score if you’re the competitive type!

Today is the beginning of the new year.  I hope you and your families had a great holiday season and a Happy New Year!

See ya REAL soon!
~Makena W.

Quote of the Week:  “We keep on moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things because we are curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney

The post To Tell the Truth … the Haunted Mansion’s “Bride’s Ring”: An Interactive Game appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

What do you suggest as a must see for kids ages 6-14?

Great question! I have many “must sees” for kids that age, so I will just share my top five. Most of them are in the Magic Kingdom, which is my top park for kids that age. But, there is much fun to be had in the other parks too.

#5
Journey Into Imagination!!
Take a journey into the Imagination Institute for an open house with Dr. Nigel Channing. Take a tour in the sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste labs. Dr. Channing just discovered the Figment Of Imagination or Figment for short. When you leave, Figment might just want to come along!

You will find this ride in Epcot’s Future World. The reason I like this ride is because of the music, interaction, and of course imagination. The song at the end of the ride, “One Little Spark” by the Sherman Brothers, gets stuck in your head. You exit the ride into a fun imagination “playground” and of course a shop. In the “playground,” you can create your own Figment, make music with Figment, and for the little ones, there is a small glowing floor with musical instruments on it.

# 4
Monsters INC. Laugh Floor
This experience is based after the movie, Monsters Inc, when Mike and Sully turn the Scream Factory into the Laugh Factory. Instead of going into our world, the monsters decided to bringing us into their world. Thus, the Laugh Floor. You and your family will have a wonderful time as the monsters entertain you with their hilarious jokes and actions.

I love this attraction because of the comedy and memories you will make as a family. We always make sure to go at least once when were are there. It can be found in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.

# 3
Jungle Cruise
Take a journey into deep jungles with your hilarious skipper. Make sure you say bye to the dock! You will love the interaction your family can have on this amazing adventure through the “wildlife” as you laugh at your skipper’s jokes. If you don’t laugh, he will also be your swimming instructor.

I love this ride because it is so funny and there are amazing animatronics. The animals look so real! You will find this ride in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland.

# 2
“it’s a small world”

This ride is for children of all ages. Have fun on this journey around the world… in a boat!!! On your way, you will be greeted by “children” from many different countries. They will be laughing, singing, dancing and of course smiling!! All the different dances the animatronics do are from their country. My favorite is Hawaii because of the hula.

I love this ride because of the amazing detail in the animatronics, music and the just plain fun. A fun thing to do as you ride around is try to guess what country you’re in. You can also try to do the dances that the “children” are doing. My mom and I always do the hula in our seat. You will find this ride in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland.

# 1
Haunted Mansion

If you’re looking for a fun scare, then this is definitely the place to be. Go on your tour of the Haunted Mansion with your “ghost host.” You will go through the mansion and meet a few happy haunts on the way while riding in a black doombuggy. The first thing you will find is the stretching room. Here’s a tip, if you have young children, do not stand in the center of the room or look up when it gets dark.

The reason I like this ride is because of the music, gloomy cheerfulness, and “The Bride”. I thought I would be scared of this ride and refused to go with my parents until a couple of years ago. Now, it’s my favorite. Watch out for hitchhiking ghosts.

Those are my top five rides at Walt Disney World. What’s your favorite ride?

Thanks to Kbrady for asking this question. If you want to “Ask Maggie” a question, put it in the comments below.

Maggie is ten years old and was born into a “Disney family.” She has been to Walt Disney World and/or Disney Cruise Line every year of her life.  She hopes one day to be an actress.

The post Ask Maggie! – Best Walt Disney World Rides for Kids 6-14 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

One of the first things that most people picture when thinking of Disney World is the Magic Kingdom attractions. Classic Disney down to every last detail, the park is a place where most kids (and kids at heart) dream of being every day. Opened in October 1971, the park was based on Disney’s original Disneyland in Anaheim California. While the Magic Kingdom greatly reflects Disneyland, it definitely holds its own in charm, detail, and fun. Over the years, the Magic Kingdom has evolved greatly into the spectacular place it is today. Whether you are looking for fantasy, futuristic gadgets, or adventure on the high seas, look no further than the Magic Kingdom!

While there are over thirty attractions in the Magic Kingdom, I have broken them down into several categories which may interest you depending on your preferred style of attraction: thrill, classic, and must see.

If you are looking for thrills, there is only one word you should think about in the Magic Kingdom: mountains! The “mountain range” of thrills consists of Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Space Mountain, and they offer the biggest adrenaline rushes in the park.

Splash Mountain in Frontierland takes riders on a trip through the world of Br’er Rabbit, a guy just looking for more adventure in life- and he definitely finds it with you along for the ride! A log flume based ride, you are definitely going to get wet. Be careful of those pesky water cannons when the ride first begins! With multiple drops, the last measuring five stories into the Briar Patch, Splash Mountain is sure to get your blood pumping! Not feeling brave enough to ride, but still wanting to get a little splash? Be sure to stand on the bridge in front of the attraction where splashes occur occasionally as logs plummet down to the Briar Patch.

Planning on stopping by Big Thunder Mountain? Well hold onto your hats and glasses, ‘cause this here is the wildest ride in the wilderness! Located right next to Splash Mountain in Frontierland, it’s easy to end up spending a lot of time in this corner of the park riding these two attractions over and over! A runaway train that zips you through an old fashioned mining town, Big Thunder offers thrills around every bend and curve.  With gorgeous scenery based on Monument Valley, you’ll want to (try to) keep your eyes open to observe every prop and view.

The final mountain in the range is Space Mountain, a high speed attraction through outer space. Located in Tomorrowland, Space Mountain is situated on the opposite side of the park as the other two mountains. Taking place almost entirely in the dark, riders truly feel as though they have been launched into space on a super fast tour of the galaxy! There are also two separate tracks (Alpha and Omega) which each offer unique ride experiences, so make sure to experience both.

Now that you’ve conquered the mountains of the Magic Kingdom, there is one more thrill attraction that offers wall to wall creeps and hot and cold running chills…welcome, foolish mortals to the Haunted Mansion. Located in Liberty Square, the Haunted Mansion has been scaring riders ever since opening. Within the mansion, you will experience the 999 happy haunts which call the place home, and will even be offered a position to be the 1000^th resident. Any volunteers? With both scary and comical elements, the attraction offers a thrilling and unique experience that is a must see while in the Magic Kingdom. And don’t worry, once you get on there’s no turning back now…

Once you have survived the Haunted Mansion, there are several other attractions throughout the Magic Kingdom which I consider to be classics for various reasons. I recommend experiencing these attractions as they offer unique and fun experiences that the Magic Kingdom is so well known for.

On top of the classic attractions list is Pirates of the Caribbean. One of the most well-known and beloved attractions in the Magic Kingdom, you can experience sailing the high seas and looting towns for treasure right alongside the pirates. For those who are fans of the recent Pirates of the Caribbean film series, audio-animatronic figures of Captain Jack Sparrow have been added throughout the ride. (I’ll admit I love this attraction just a little more based on its red head love…We wants the red head!!) No visit to the Magic Kingdom is complete without a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean.

Another classic Magic Kingdom attraction is the Jungle Cruise. Located in Adventureland right next door to Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise is where you can experience almost every major river in the world, terribly corny jokes, and the backside of water- all in one day! Experience head hunters and animals galore on this wonderful classic attraction. While the Jungle Cruise is a more slow paced experience, it is definitely a must see and a Magic Kingdom classic.

Finally moving to Fantasyland, there are two beloved classic attractions that most people always associate with the Magic Kingdom: Peter Pan’s Flight and “it’s a small world.” Peter Pan’s Flight has been capturing the hearts of many Disney fans since opening through its flight over the nighttime streets of London and eventually through Neverland. Alongside Peter himself, you will face Captain Hook and experience your own dousing of pixie dust as you fly.

“it’s a small world” was one of the results of Disney’s attractions built specifically for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Becoming a Disney icon ever since, the attraction takes you on a boat ride around the world allowing you to experience many different cultures and countries while reminding us that “it’s a small world, after all.” This attraction is one of the most loved in all of Disney World, and while riding be sure to note the unique styling done by Imagineer Mary Blair.

In addition to the thrills and classic attractions in the Magic Kingdom, there are several other attractions that I think fall into the “must see” category. The first is Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor in Tomorrowland. A live animated and interactive show, corny jokes are abundant and audience members are even offered the opportunity to text in their own jokes before the show starts (just keep it PG). This attraction is a must do as it always generates a laugh and is a different experience each time. Just try not to be that guy.

Also in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is an attraction where you are provided with your own laser to help shoot targets and defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg. As this experience is based upon points, it’s where the competitive side of most people comes out. Boys become men…that kind of thing. Don’t be surprised to hear the trash talking start before riding, and to have to ride again and again to see who can get the highest score and claim bragging rights as the ultimate space ranger!

I think that every twenty-something should also experience Mad Tea Party, an Alice in Wonderland themed spinning tea cups attraction. While the tea cups spin on their own floor tracks around the attraction, riders can control the speed their tea cups spins, creating either a laid back or seriously dizzying experience! For those looking for an extra bit of thrill and speed, definitely see how fast you can spin on this exciting attraction.

Finally, I would suggest going to watch Mickey’s PhilharMagic. The attraction is a 3D experience of songs from numerous classic Disney films, all on one of the largest screens ever created for 3D. For every twenty-something that grew up on The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast, this show is a must see to revisit memories from your past in stunning 3D. Be sure to keep a nose out for the unique smells of pastries in the Beauty and the Beast scene!

While I have mentioned a lot of attractions here, there are still plenty more to be explored and experienced in the Magic Kingdom. If you have the time, I think that you should definitely use it to try and experience every other attraction and really get the full experience that the park has to offer.

What is your favorite attraction in the Magic Kingdom and why? Think I left something off of my list? Leave it in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

The post Disney from the Twenty Something: Magic Kingdom Attractions appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Did You Know?

• August 7, 1969 – the new attraction, Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, opens to cast members only.

• The Haunted Mansion is the only attraction in four different lands in four different Disney Parks.

• The singing busts, designed by Rick Baker, were modeled after Walt Disney, Paul Frees, Marc Davis, Thurl Ravenscroft and Blaine Gibson

• Audio- Animatronics for Disneyland and Walt Disney World were produced at the same time as the Orlando attraction opened less than two years after its Anaheim counterpart.

Other Notable Disney Dates:

August 5, 1955 – The 20,000 Leagues under the Sea Exhibits opens in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland. Exactly 12 years later to the day, the attraction Adventure Thru Inner Space opens in the place of 20,000 Leagues under the Sea.

August 5, 1999 – Production begins on Disney’s newest animated feature which will be released in 2002 – Lilo and Stitch.

August 6, 1961 – The Flying Saucers attraction opens in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

August 6, 1999 – The Disneyland Monorail Café officially closes to make room for new areas of Downtown Disney.

August 8, 1953 – Walt Disney reviews a site map that Imagineer Marvin Davis has been working on for theme park they plan to build – Disneyland.

August 9, 1934 – Walt Disney presents his animators with an outline for his first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

August 10, 1994 – The Concourse Steak House opens in the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.

August 11, 1925 – performer Mike Douglas is born in Chicago, Illinois. He is best known as the singing voice of Prince Charming in the 1950 animated feature, Cinderella. William Phipps provided the speaking voice for Prince Charming.

Question of the Week:                 

Can you name the lands in which The Haunted Mansion resides and in what parks?

Candra Spirtoff and Megan Voisard are identical twins, born and raised in Cincinnati,  Ohio. They both graduated from the University of Cincinnati, Candra with a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Assisting and Megan with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.  They currently work as a paralegals for a local law firm.  Their passion is anything and everything Disney, and they have visited WDW almost every year since 1988, at the age of four.

The post This week in Disney History: Week of August 6 & Haunted Mansion TRIVIA QUESTION appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #282 for the week of July 8, 2012.

Hearing directly from you is one of the aspects of the show that I enjoy most, and being able to answer your questions, help you plan your next Walt Disney World vacation, or even just talk about Disney trivia and history makes this a two-way conversation, and hopefully helps you enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the parks. So this week, I’m opening up the inbox again, and will answer your questions about boat rides in Walt Disney World, Shades of Green, the Haunted Mansion stretching room, Art of Animation, Premiere Passports, Disney Cruise Line Land/Sea vacations, Disney Honeymoon registry, planning a surprise party in Walt Disney World and much more.

I’ll then have the answer and winner for last week’s Walt Disney World Trivia Question of the Week, and pose a new question for your chance to win a Disney prize package!

Be sure and stay for the announcements, including information about the next WDW Radio Meet of the Month in Walt Disney World, our upcoming WDW Radio Cruise on the Disney Dream, the E-Ticket Event to kick off Epcot’s 30th Anniversary, as well as some of your voicemails at the end of the show. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

Information and Links from This Week’s Show:

Question for YOU: Put on your creative caps – How would you surprise someone for their birthday with something special at Walt Disney World? Leave your answer in the comments section below

• Listen to this week’s episode for the Walt Disney World Trivia Question of the Week for a chance to win a Disney prize package!
• Private Tours of Walt Disney World with Lou Mongello
• Disney Meets and WDW Radio Meets of the Month in Walt Disney World – Get dates and locations on our Events page
• Watch & chat during our LIVE WDW NewsCast Wednesdays at 7:30pm ET at WDWRadioLIVE.com
• WDW Radio on YouTube – Watch past episodes, subscribe to the show and comment on the WDWRadio YouTube Channel
• Get Celebrations Magazine on your iPad/iPhone in iTunes App Store
  
• Welcome to our new sponsor, the Disney Food Blog! Be sure and check out their e-book: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining - Use code WDWRADIO to save 20%! Money-back guarantee!
  

The post Show # 282 – July 8, 2012 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

- Brave – The Highland Games Tournament in Epcot
- Country Bear Jamboree refurbishment
- Haunted Mansion queue enhancement and photo opp
- Art of Animation
- Snow White’s Scary Adventures in the Magic Kingdom closing
- and more!
—————-

Join us every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET at http://WDWRadioLIVE.com for a LIVE interactive video news show covering Walt Disney World. Be a part of the broadcast and discussion and discuss the news real-time in the chat room.

Thanks for watching! Please leave your comments below!

The post WDW NewsCast – May 30, 2012 – Brave, The Highland Games, Country Bear Jamboree, Haunted Mansion, Snow White and more appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Hello and welcome to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello, and this is show #177 for the week of July 4, 2010. Happy Independence Day to everyone celebrating in the US and those who may be stationed or living overseas. I proudly dedicate this show to everyone who has ever sacrificed to ensure our continuing freedoms.

Captain EO, starring Michael Jackson, has returned to its home in Walt Disney World, and I had a chance to see the show just days before it opened to the public. This week, we’ll discuss its return, and talk with Disney executives, Imagineers and Guests and get their reactions as well. We’ll look at how the show compares to its 1986 debut and its possible future in Epcot.

I’ll open up the inbox again this week and answer more of your listener emails. Topics include the Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion overlay, some additional Haunted Mansion trivia, dining choices in Walt Disney World, Winter Summerland, Port Orleans, ticket upgrade options, comparing the Magic Kingdom resorts, and much more.

I’ll play more of your voicemails and have a few announcements at the end of the show, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or call the voicemail TOLL FREE at 888-703-2171.

Thanks for listening! Be sure to tune in next week!

INFORMATION AND LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW

Listen to our Captain EO Wayback Machine look at its history, trivia and stories on WDW Radio Show #126

Read the full Captain EO Script

Glenn Whelan’s - The Pretty Good Movie Ride!

Stuck in the 80′s

Meets of the Month in Walt Disney World and other Disney Events and Meetups

To join us for a PRE-CRUISE stay in Walt Disney World before we embark on the Disney Dream on Feb. 27, 2011, visit MouseFanTravel for package information, including our Illuminations party! (Note: Package is only open to those confirmed as booked with us on the cruise. Rates INCLUDE the IllumiNations party the night before we embark)

Join us for other special events, Walt Disney World meetups and more! Get more information, dates and locations here

The post Show # 177 – July 4, 2010 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Hello and welcome once again to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World Information Station. I am your host, Lou Mongello and this is show #90 for the week of October 26, 2008.

Timing is everything, and this week I have two segments for you that I chose just for that reason.

With the upcoming Presidential election, I thought it would be a great opportunity to take a detailed look at the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents. It’s an attraction rich in history, unique in concept and is unfortunately often overlooked. Kristen Helmstetter, who wrote her Honors Thesis on this attraction, joins me to discuss its history, story, changes and importance.

In my next segment, we’ll celebrate the Halloween season, along with one of our all-time favorite attractions, as Tim Foster and I take a fun look at the Top Ten Things We Love About the Haunted Mansion. With so much to enjoy and appreciate about this timeless classic, Top 10 might be a bit of a misnomer on this one.

I’ll have more updates at the end of the show, as well as some of your voicemails, so sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

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The post Show #90 – Oct. 26, 2008 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.