I'm Missing New Fantasyland...

This week I am really missing New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom.  I’m thankful I was able to experience this new area before my pass expired.  A big part of the reason I am missing New Fantasyland is because that is the area where Ariel’s Grotto and Prince Eric’s castle is.  Ariel is my absolute favorite princess.  Ariel’s Grotto is so cute and the queue is wonderfully done.  As you wind through the caverns to make your way down to Ariel’s grotto, you have a chance to see all of the “gadgets and gizmos a-plenty” belonging to Ariel.  There is also an interactive activity where you get to direct a cute little crab to pick up different treasures for Ariel’s collection.  Ariel in her grotto is just stunning and she looks beautiful with her fin again.  It is such a magical, sweet experience.

We're friends, it's cool.

Also in that area is Ariel’s ride, Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid.  Disney built Prince Eric’s castle perfectly and it is so neat to walk through as you make your way to the ride.  As for the ride, let’s just say it highlights all of the beloved scenes of The Little Mermaid, which makes this Ariel fanatic happy.

I am also missing Gaston's Tavern.  Disney did a great job with this area as well, putting a deserving statue of Gaston and fountain out front, and placing a replica of Gaston’s large animal-fur chair inside the restaurant.  The size of the restaurant is on the smaller side, but it provides a cozy feel fitting with the French town portrayed in Beauty and the Beast.  The signature item at this restaurant is Lefou’s Brew.  This drink is addicting and I could really go for one right now.  It is a frozen apple juice mixture with a mango/passionfruit juice poured on top.  If you are making your way through the streets of New Fantasyland, stop in to Gaston's Tavern to get one of these sweet drinks!   

Lefou's Brew! Mmmmmm!

Sitting in Gaston's chair...shhhh!

Note - taking pictures inside is hard with the lighting

Finally, I’m missing the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.  This ride opened after my pass expired, so I’m really missing it because I never got to experience it!  I have heard the details were wonderfully done and that it is a fun little coaster.  I have hopes to get back to the Magic Kingdom in the future to experience this new addition!

Well that’s it for this week!  What is your favorite part of New Fantasyland? Have you experienced the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train?

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Por Favor Mantengase Alejado de las Puertas...I'm missing the Monorail!

This week I'm really missing zipping around the Seven Seas Lagoon on the Monorail.  This is one of many things I love that came from Walt Disney's forward and innovative thinking.  The Monorail system at Disney is by far the superior mode of transportation to get around the World - well if you are traveling through the Magic Kingdom area or to Epcot.  Plus, it's cool.

The benefit of taking the highway in the sky is that it makes, typically, quick and efficient stops.  It also doesn't have to deal with traffic lights.  Traffic, in general, isn't an issue either, except if your monorail is holding due to a monorail in front of it.  But really, who cares when you've got an air conditioned and comfy car, and you're looking down on Disney property?  Another thing I love about the Monorail is the ambiance it creates once you're in it.  It really does create the effect that "you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy." (Walt Disney)  It's a detail that many people probably overlook, but it's an important detail that you can't park your car anywhere near the Magic Kingdom.

Monorail Red coming through!

Now let's talk about our Monorail Man.  You know, the guy who says, "Please stand clear of the doors."  This guy's voice can elicit childhood memories in a moment.  His narration as you whiz to your destination is simply perfect.  Not to mention, he knows how to speak Spanish!  As you probably know, the phrase "Por Favor Mantengase Alejado de las Puertas" has become quite popular over the years.  It has made it's way to shirts (I own one) and candy! It's probably the only sentence I can say in Spanish.  I would really love to be stepping onto a Monorail car right now, listening to Monorail Man's sweet, smooth voice.

I'm also missing the Epcot Monorail.  This Monorail is fun because it feels like you're going on a mini-roadtrip.  You get to ride out next to the road and see all of the cars riding in and out of Disney.  Plus once you get to Epcot, you think you're headed for the station but nope! You first get to ride around the park to see all that Epcot has to offer! Talk about building the excitement! I just love it.

Finally, I miss riding in the front of the Monorail.  This is something that isn't possible anymore.  Disney suspended this in 2009.  Riding in the front was something really special because you had to be lucky enough to request it before anyone else did.  I had the opportunity to ride in the front a few times and I must say the view through that big window is marvelous.  You really felt like VIP riding up there all alone with the driver.

Riding in the front!

Look at that view as we enter the Magic Kingdom Monorail Station!

Well, that's what I'm missing this week.  The Monorail is so great, can you imagine if Disney decided to expand the system to other destinations in Disney World?  Where would you want them to expand to?

Can you guess what my favorite part of riding on the Monorail is?  When it goes through the Contemporary.  It makes me smile every time.

What's your favorite part about the Monorail?  What's your favorite color Monorail?  Leave your comments below!

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See you real soon!

What am I missing this week? Space Mountain.

This one is a no-brainer.  This week I've really been missing Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom.  This love affair started when I was very young.  The obvious appeal is that it is a fun coaster.  There are subtleties, though, that make this ride so much more.  It becomes more of an emotional attachment or a magical memory.  First, let's just talk about the outside appearance.  How cool is the design?! When I see it for the first time while riding on the Monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center, my eyes light up.  It has a futuristic look but at the same time it's clear this ride has been a staple since pretty much the beginning.

Next, I am totally missing the music played in the star tunnel while you wait to ride Space Mountain.  It is futuristic-sounding music but is also very peaceful.  I would love to put that music on as I fall asleep at night.  Who's with me?

To infinity and beyond! View of the climb from the PeopleMover

Ok, now to the ride part.  I love how "simple" the ride appears to be but still packs a punch.  There are no inversions yet I'm still usually screaming like a child throughout the ride.  One reason this "simple" ride is so great is because it's in the dark.  The darkness is especially great if you are riding in the front seat.  There is nothing in front of you to see where you are going and it is so much fun.  You're thinking the car is about to turn left, and then it whips you to the right!

Two things I always make sure I do when riding?  1. As we are climbing up to the top of the coaster in the beginning, I turn around to wave to the people coming through Space Mountain on the PeopleMover.  2. Later in the ride, when we are whizzing back through that same area past the people climbing to the top of the coaster, I scream as loud as possible to get them psyched for a fun ride.  Silly, but that's just me.

About to blast off! Front row of course!

Finally, let's talk about the exit to the ride.  Disney sure did think of the whole experience.  To exit, you step onto a bouncy moving walkway that brings you through different scenes showing the technology of tomorrow.  These scenes are something you grow fond of over time.  Then finally at the very end of the moving walkway, there are cameras and TV screens so you can check your hair and make sure you look presentable when you walk off the ride.

So you see, there are many elements to Space Mountain that make you want to ride it again and again and then ride it with your kids, and one day with your grandkids.

That's what I'm missing this week!  Where does Space Mountain rank on your list?  Is there anything funny or specific you always do when you ride it?  Who has seen it when the lights were on?  Leave your comments below!

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This Week I'm Missing Disney's Water Parks!

We are now in the month of August.  The summer heat is in full swing and what I'm missing most this week are the Disney Water Parks.  Just like Olaf, I'm loving the idea of summer, and sun, and all things hot - all while drifting down a lazy river or taking in the waves of the Typhoon Lagoon wave pool.  I was fortunate enough to have Disney's Water Parks included in my Annual Pass.  I thoroughly took advantage of being able to walk into one of the water parks, even to just get some sun for a few hours.

My favorite water park out of the two is Typhoon Lagoon.  I love the layout of the park, the theme, and the attractions.  I will just be honest, I love swimming and being in the water, but I am not the best swimmer and I don't like being under the water.  Typhoon Lagoon offers me plenty of attractions to enjoy being at a water park.  First, I LOVE the Crush 'n' Gusher water coaster.  I could probably spend the entire day on this attraction.  You get the opportunity to ride three different slides and you get to ride them with a friend if you want!

Having fun on the Crush 'n' Gusher!

I also have to mention Typhoon Lagoon's wave pool - or as Disney describes it, surf pool.  This is probably a more accurate description.  Instead of continuous small waves for a period of time, this surf pool sends out one humongous wave which then creates a bunch of little waves.  Funny story about the surf pool.  In my many visits, I always noticed how much fun people were having at the very front of the pool where the wave first comes out.  I had a moment of bravery and decided I wanted to experience this fun as well.  I told my husband what I wanted to do and so we started to swim out to the front of the pool.  Halfway there I realized I may be regretting this decision.  Like I said, I am not a great swimmer and I'm only about 5'3".  The floor to the pool disappeared pretty quickly for me.  So we make it out to the front of the pool and now wait for the wave - my legs are exhausted from swimming all the way out there.  Now while we wait, I'm stressing over what I'm going to do when the wave comes.  Do I go under the wave or try to body surf it?! Again, as I said earlier, I don't like going under water.  What was I thinking?!  The wave comes, I go under the wave, I laugh and tell my husband how fun it was.  Now it was time to swim all the way out of the pool and I wanted to get to the edge before the next wave came.  You would think I was swimming for a gold medal! By the time I got to the edge, my arms and legs were jelly.  I will say, although that was stressful, it was also so much fun and I'm so glad I experienced the big wave!

I also have to mention Blizzard Beach and my favorite attraction there.  This park is so fun and again the theme is great - a melting mountain of snow in the middle of Florida.  My favorite attraction there is the Tobaggan Racers.  You are basically flying head first on a mat down a tall hill against 7 other racers.  This is especially great if you are with a large group.

Finally, it would just be wrong to not give a shout out to River Country.  How many of you remember this gem?  Placed on Bay Lake behind the Contemporary Resort, this water park had a wonderful country feel and was just so unique.  I was sad when Disney closed it down but can understand why they did.  River Country, you will always live on in our hearts.

Well that's what I'm missing right now! What is your favorite water park? Are you more of the lazy river type of person or the "thrill slides" type?

See you next week!

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Oh how I'm missing Disney's Sweet Treats!

This week I am really missing those delicious treats and desserts offered in the Disney Parks.  There is nothing better than walking down Main Street USA on a hot day (which is anytime from March to October) while enjoying a sweet treat in the shape of Mickey Mouse.  Now this is a topic I'm sure I'll be missing again down the road, and when that time comes I will definitely have more to write about!

Let's break this down park by park.  First up, of course, Magic Kingdom:

My favorite thing to have while walking through the Magic Kingdom is a Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar.  Wait, let me backtrack for one moment.  It is my belief that almost anything in the shape of Mickey tastes better because it is in the shape of Mickey.  Oh and the ears are the best part.  Now back to the Mickey Ice Cream Bar.  This is a classic treat.  It's a hot and humid day in the park, a colorful balloon bouquet is flying high above Main Street, and the Castle Show is in full swing.  You take that first bite into a chocolate and vanilla ear, and it is magic.

My husband prefers the Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich.  I do agree that it is amazingly delicious, especially the cookies n' cream ice cream, but I will usually still defer to the Ice Cream Bar.  Another ice cream must is from the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street.  Two scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream with two chocolate pieces on top to make Mickey's ears make any adult feel like a child again.  This is a favorite treat to have while watching Wishes fireworks.

Finally, let's travel behind Cinderella's Castle.  My other must-haves while in the Magic Kingdom are a Strawberry-Banana Smoothie from Auntie Gravity's, Cake Pops from Big Top Souvenirs, and I would not be a Disney fan if I didn't mention Dole Whip at the Aloha Isle in Adventureland.  These are all so satisfying and just make the whole experience of being in the Magic Kingdom a little more magical.

Now let's talk about MGM (or Hollywood Studios - see my very first post):

I have not had as much experience indulging my sweet tooth at this park but the few things I have enjoyed were enough to make me wish I was there right now.  First was a very large, very delicious Mickey-shaped chocolate chip cookie.  We actually brought one home with us in an attempt to continue the magic.

Mickey and chocolate! Yum!

The other incredibly delectable treat enjoyed at this park was a chocolate mousse served inside an R2-D2 mug! Delicious and an amazingly awesome souvenir!


Finally, Epcot:

There were two notable sweet treats enjoyed in Epcot.  One, which I advise anyone visiting this park to try, is the crepe in France.  Yum.  The other I had the chance to try during the Food & Wine Festival last year.  It was the Frozen S'more.  This was interesting because it was frozen, so it was as refreshing as an ice cream but as delicious as a s'more.  For a hot day in Florida, that's a dynamite combo!

Now I know any treats in Downtown Disney do not require an Annual Pass, but Ghirardelli deserves an honorable mention.  Any sort of treat you get from here is most likely going to be incredible, but make sure it has chocolate somewhere in it or on it!

In conclusion, Disney's sweet treats are awesome and Mickey-shaped treats are always tastier and more magical.  What is your favorite sweet treat to eat while walking around the parks?

I'm missing the "limited-time" engagement of the season...

This week I am REALLY missing being able to experience the latest special event or limited-time engagement happening at Walt Disney World.  I am especially missing it right now because the special event is Frozen Summer at MGM (I refuse to call it Hollywood Studios)!  Oh how I would love to go to the Frozen Sing-Along, build a snowman (which this Floridian rarely gets to do!), and see the fireworks set to the amazing Frozen music.

The funny thing about Disney is that they have a way to always make you feel like you NEED to be at their current event - that you are missing a once-in-a-lifetime happening.  And to Disney's credit, they typically produce on that.  Whether it's Star Wars Weekends, the Flower and Garden Festival, the Food and Wine Festival (YUM!), Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, or Very Merry - Disney puts out great special events that leave you planning your trip for the next year almost immediately after leaving the park.

I am missing having an Annual Pass to be able to just hop in the car one weekend in June to go to Star Wars Weekends and then again in September to eat my way through the countries (literally) at the Food and Wine Festival.  Having an Annual Pass definitely gives you an advantage to be able to experience all of these great events.

So while others are building snowmen this summer with Olaf,  I'll be here dreaming of having an Annual Pass again and reminding myself to "Let it Go."

What is your favorite special event at Walt Disney World? Why?  Leave your comments below.

Until next week!

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What I'm missing this week at Disney...

Ok, first a little background on why I decided to blog about missing Disney.  I am a Disney fanatic, been one since birth.  Grew up watching the movies, the channel, visiting the resort in Orlando, FL, dreaming of being a Disney Princess...you get the idea.  Ever since I was able to work and afford an Annual Pass, I had one and enjoyed it thoroughly.  Unfortunately, due to changes in finances, I was forced to let my pass expire.  Now this Disney-lover is just spending the days remembering and missing the many amazing places, things, food, rides, and experiences of Disney World.  Consider it my therapy!  So come reminisce with me about all things Disney...

The thing I'm missing most this week:  the Contemporary Resort.

View of Wishes fireworks from the Contemporary Resort

This place holds a special place in my heart.  I was fortunate to spend many vacations at this hotel when I was young.  I got ready for my wedding at this hotel.  Beyond my attachments, however, this hotel is just so cool! It was one of two original hotels on property, the building's design is so unique, it has a beautiful mural in the center, all of the rooms have an amazing view out of their balcony and their front door, and - oh yeah - the monorail goes through the middle! If you want to experience a true Disney atmosphere in a hotel, the Contemporary is it.  

I'm missing that distinct Contemporary smell.  The lobby has its own scent, smells like a flower mixture but can't quite put my finger on it.  Whatever it is, it's amazing.  There is also a distinct smell on the fourth floor.  I have no idea what it is - maybe a combination of Chef Mickey's food, merchandise, and kids' laughter - but again, it's amazing.  I sometimes smell (or think I smell) that scent and I'm instantly taken back to the fourth floor of the Contemporary.  

Another thing I'm missing at the Contemporary is watching the Electrical Water Pageant from the dock behind the Contemporary.  This lighted show on the water has been a Disney staple since the beginning.  Although it may be simple, it is just so magical.  The lights and the music together are so much fun and just make you feel like a kid again.  My favorite part?  Under the Sea.

I really could go on and on, I haven't even gone into character dining at Chef Mickey's (so fun), dining at the California Grill (amazing food), or the Bay Lake Tower (so beautiful).  So that's it, that is what I'm missing this week at Disney World.  What about you?  Is the Contemporary your favorite resort?  If not, which resort are you missing?

Now, I know I could still visit the Contemporary without an Annual Pass, but honestly, this is what I was missing most right now.  There are many more Disney parks experiences to be missed in the coming weeks!