It happens every year.   I watch our local fireworks and find myself dreaming of Disney World.  No one does fireworks better, in my opinion!  Okay, there may be bigger, prettier displays but you never get the story that Disney gives you in every one of their "kiss good night"s. 

I have a friend (and client) who will be at Walt Disney World for two holidays this year and I must admit, I got a little competitive.  I want to say I’ve been to Walt Disney World in every month.  I’m close.  I have yet to be there in January and JULY.  So that brings me back to my original thought.  How would I spend a fun 4th of July at Walt Disney World?  Everything I’m going to tell you about below is available most of the year.  You won’t have to book a flight to be there in the next few days.

I would begin my day at Wilderness Lodge.  If I’m staying there, my family and I can become one of the "Flag Raising Families"  Every early morning there is a ceremony in which one family staying at Wilderness Lodge may participate.  The flag at the top of the building is raised with your help and you receive a certificate.  If you wish to be a "Flag Raising Family", ask a Cast Member during check in.

Next I’d head to Magic Kingdom.  Main Street USA itself is a replica of a little piece of Americana from the past.  First, I would browse the shops and eat the goodies.  Then I’d head to Liberty Square.   A plaque tells you that "past this gateway stirs a new nation waiting to be born.  Thirteen separate colonies have banded together to declare their independence from the bonds of tyranny.  It is a time when silversmiths put away their tools and march to the drum of a revolution, a time when gentlemen planters leave their farms to become generals, a time when tradesmen leave the safety of home to become heroes.  Welcome to Liberty Square!"

I’d find myself meandering to the Hall of Presidents.   Many people view this as a great place to nap but if you really look around at all the Presidential portraits in the queue area and the Presidential Seal on the floor it’s really quite interesting.  The show in and of itself is great because of the quality of autoanimatronic presidents, watch them fidget just like real presidents! 

While you’re in Liberty Square, check out the the Liberty Bell and the Liberty Tree.  The Liberty Tree is a live oak tree (approximately 135 years old) and thirteen laterns hang from it, symbolic of the original thirteen colonies.  My guide on the Keys to the Kingdom tour shared the details and research that went into designing Liberty Square including noting that the middle strip of brown cement in the middle of the pathways in this area symbolizes the lovely brown streets in colonial America, made that way from the morning dumping of chamber pots. 

On that note, I’d stop for a bite to eat at the yummy Columbia Harbour House before a trip on Liberty Square Riverboat on the Rivers of America….or maybe I’d hit Liberty Tree Tavern?.  I’ve had lunch here and it’s very good.  However, I prefer the character dinner with Minnie, Chip and Dale, Goofy and Pluto decked out in period garb.   But I have another dinner experience in mind!  Then I’d duck my head into Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, just because I love the name of it!

At dusk, I would watch the Flag Retreat Ceremony with the National Anthem at the flagpole in front of the Main Street Station then I’d be off…

…to Epcot.   The first stop would be out in front of the American pavilion in the World Showcase for a performance of "The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps".  Then I would head inside to the building’s rotunda.  I can hear the "The Liberty Voices" as I type this.  No really I can, I have one of their CDs.  (The "Liberty Voices" are a group of cast members, present and past, from the Voices of Liberty group at Epcot.)  These extremely talented performers are enchanting to listen to and never cease to make me feel all patriotic.  They’ve brought tears to my eyes…just beautiful!

I would then walk up the stairs to The American Adventure through the Hall of Flags, which showcases all the flags (44 in all) that have flown over the United States at some point or another.  Then I’d watch the idealized American Adventure and well up as I watch Ryan White’s face flash over the screen.  And smile as I see Jim Henson’s.  The discussion following the presentation among my family and friends is always who should be added to that end montage of American icons.   I leave the theatre choked up and humming "Golden Dream". 

(I have to interrupt myself here to let you know that if you were to become ambitious and try to do everything listed above in a single day, you might miss the Voices of Liberty.  Often they do not sing after dusk.)

Then I’d go to Fort Wilderness for Mickey’s Backyard Barbecue.  This is the type of thing that the 4th of July is all about:  fun, family and barbecue!  It’s a delicious dinner of all your barbecue favs, including hot dogs, ribs, chicken and corn on the cob.  After, we’d listen to the country band play and watch the kids interact with the characters. 

And finally, I’d head back to Magic Kingdom for the fireworks because there’s nothing like Cinderella Castle with a backdrop of fireworks!  Do you think if I click my heels together, this year I’ll be there??

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend from all of us here at Mouse Fan Travel!

Joanne - Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

It happens every year.   I watch our local fireworks and find myself dreaming of Disney World.  No one does fireworks better, in my opinion!  Okay, there may be bigger, prettier displays but you never get the story that Disney gives you in every one of their "kiss good night"s. < more... >

1.  The weather is hot much of the year in Central Florida.  Okay, DUH!  However, if you’ve never been at a theme park for twelve hours a day in the sun, you don’t realize how exhausting it can be.  The sun itself, the humidity and standing in line can poop anyone out!

2.  Walking around the theme parks takes stamina.  If you’re not used to walking a lot, I’d suggest taking walks every day for a few months before your vacation.  Get two (in case one gets wet) good pairs of walking shoes that you’ve broken in for at least a few months.  I can’t tell you how many blisters it took me to learn that!

3.  Open yourself up to chatting with other guests.  Standing in line can get monotonous.  If you take the time to chat with your fellow guests, you’ll make new friends and ride buddies.  Some of the best experieces I’ve had on ride are after talking to someone in line about how "scary" or fun the ride is.  If it is your first time on the attraction and you are a little leery, ask someone in the queue what their experience has been.  Conversely, if you have been on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster for the third time today tell someone who hasn’t been on it, especially a little kid, how much fun it is!

Chat with Cast Members too!  Cast Members love to interact with guests.  Ask them about their job.  They’ll share some great info with you.

4.  Take full advantage of the FASTPASS system!  Did you know once you reach the window of time on your first FASTPASS you can get a second one?  I have waited until my FASTPASS time and then headed to another ride to get a second FASTPASS.  Then, I rode a third ride with a short line.  I ended up on three rides in a row with little to no wait.  It takes a little maneuvering but it can be done!

5.  Don’t be afraid to walk into an empty line.  If there are two lines for a ride (and there isn’t one designated as a FASTPASS line), and both lines are open, use the empty one!  I’ve saved myself a lot of time with this one.  Guests seem to be comfortable following others.  Often everyone will head for one line.  Many say it’s the line to the left that usually has less people, but I’ve found that sometimes it can be the line on the right side!  This also works at the security check points (in some of the parks) and the entrance lines.  Keep your eyes open.  Any turnstile at the entrances with a lighted green arrow (and not a red X) is open for business!  Go through!  Most counter food service lines have two sides.  You can order on the right or left of the cashier.  Use which ever line is shortest.

6.  Don’t worry about missing anything.  You may hear that an attraction is "not to be missed".  I say, if the line is long, miss it and find another time to go!  Try early in the morning, just before closing or during a parade.

7.  Don’t expect to relax unless you schedule it.  I came back from my first trip needing a vacation!  Take time to look at all the work the horticulture department puts into the beautiful landscaping.  Watch kids running through one of the many fountains.  Watch the fountain "show" at the big fountain in Epcot.  Just people watch.  You’d be surprised at how entertained you can be by that!

8.  Packages….gooood!  Disney is excellent at making your experience as guest-friendly as possible.  Purchasing a package that includes your resort room, theme park tickets and dining makes your vacation carefree.  It saves you time and stress because it is all taken care of in advance.  It’s a great value too!  Do the math (or let us do it for you)!

9.  Getting up early to get on a lot of rides quickly is a great idea.  But if you get to the parks before opening, you get to enjoy the "opening show".  Characters come out and sing and dance at some parks and stop to pose for photos at others.  It adds to your whole experience and is a great way to start your day. 

10.  Take the time to see the other resorts.  Disney’s theming is worth the trip.  (This is especially true at Christmas.)  Getting there can be fun too!  Ride the monorail and see the resorts on the line, for example.  You may discover your "home away from home" for your next trip or a great restaurant you’d like to try on this one!

Joanne - Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

1.  The weather is hot much of the year in Central Florida.  Okay, DUH!  However, if you’ve never been at a theme park for twelve hours a day in the sun, you don’t realize how exhausting it can be.  The sun itself, the humidity and standing in line can poop anyone out!

2. < more... >

June and July are the rainy season here in Floirda but don’t let a little rain ruin your plans.  Pop up thunderstorms tend to come and go quickly here in Florida especailly in the summer, but rain isn’t all bad.   I had family members visiting last week and we didn’t let Alberto ruin our plans.  We packed our ponchos and headed to the parks.   We had quite an adventure that day and I learned that a rainy day in the parks is still just as fun as a sunny day! 

Here is my rainy day advice:

Don’t let rain keep you indoors.  As long as there isn’t lightning with the rain most attractions will be running.  The rain keeps the crowds down and in June and July that can make a big difference.  The rain can even be quite refreshing on a hot Florida day, but if you don’t want to be soaked pack a poncho.  I have never worn a poncho before last week but I found out that they are not as bad as I thought.  I planned ahead and bought ponchos at Target.  Not only did it save me quite a few bucks but it was so much easier to stay together and find our party.  When everyone else is wearing the same Mickey poncho you could easily follow the wrong group or grab the wrong kid.   While sneakers may seem like the smartest footwear choice for park hopping - wet sneakers and soggy socks are not that comfortable.  If you have comfortable sandals wear them, if not pack a light pair of flip flops to change into if the rain starts to get heavy.  Your feet will thank you later.  If the rain gets really bad or you see lightning that is a good time to grab a bite to eat.  Just about all restaurants offer indoor or covered eating areas.  Just remember that most other people will have the same idea so it may not be easy to get a table.  Most times the rain will stop just as quickly as it started so don’t call it a day just because some rain rolls in.   If you have a fastpass for an attraction that is shut down due to the rain and you miss your fastpass time becasue it isn’t opperating don’t worry - you can come back at anytime that day to use your Fastpass.   Be flexible and change your plans if need be but don’t let rain ruin your day.

So go out and enjoy your vacation rain or shine!

June and July are the rainy season here in Floirda but don’t let a little rain ruin your plans.  Pop up thunderstorms tend to come and go quickly here in Florida especailly in the summer, but rain isn’t all bad.   I had family members visiting last week and we didn’t let Alberto ruin our plans. < more... >

"If you can dream it, you can do it.  Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse."   Walt Disney

Walt Disney’s theme parks are so beloved because they give us a reason to dream and allow us to experience those dreams.  Whether our dream is to be an astronaut (Mission: Space), or to fly like a bird (Peter Pan’s Flight and Soarin’), the Disney theme parks fulfill those dreams we have as children.  In the short time we’re there, we can live the life of a prince or princess, a pirate or a cowboy (just to name a few).  We are transformed and become a part of the adventures.  We go back in time to find a dinosaur (Dinosaur) or we are VIPs at a rock and roll concert (Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster), or we’re off to climb a mountain just because it is there (Expedition Everest).  Disney theme parks also create dreams on another level.  Creating long lasting memories with our families is a dream that comes to fruition every time we are at a Disney theme park.  Beginning in October, the Disney theme parks around the world will top themselves.  The Year of a Million Dreams will begin and cast members are going to create a whole new type of magic!

As an avid fan of the Magic Kingdom, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have the park all to myself - just my family and me.  Come on, admit it; you’ve thought about it too!  Well obviously, someone told the folks at Disney or they’ve read our minds or something because that is exactly what they’re going to do!  At the beginning of this year-long celebration, four lucky guests will literally have the red carpet rolled out for them on Main Street USA.  They will then tour the Magic Kingdom, one land at a time on a special VIP tour, riding their favorite attractions and having one-on-one time with their favorite characters.  As they depart each land, park guests will pour in behind them.  I just hope if my family and I aren’t the chosen guests that a camera crew will be following those who are so I can live vicariously!  This dream will come to pass if you enter and win the aptly named Keys to the Magic Kingdom Sweepstakes.  (And I thought the regular Keys to the Kingdom tour was the coolest!)

It looks like there are many more surprises in store for us too: imagine a "Golden Fastpass" (Are they channeling Willy Wonka here?) or a night in Cinderella Castle!!  I swear, the Disney company has been reading our minds (or our message boards).  A different lucky guest each night will be staying overnight at the newly constructed "Cinderella’s royal bedchamber" inside Cinderella Castle.  This was originally the space that the Disney family had designed as an apartment for their own use.  Talk about a dream come true!

Over at the Disneyland resort, a different lucky guest will be staying each night at the Mickey Mouse penthouse.  This penthouse at the Disneyland Hotel boasts great views of Disneyland park and California Adventure.  The decor is all about Mickey.  Think of all that Mickey stuff you love so much from the home section of the World of Disney store and much more!  This one is a Mouse Fan’s fantasy stay!

Other Disney dreams will come true as the year progresses, such as traveling around the world to each Disney resort as the grand marshal of a Disney parade (That one is a personal favorite!),  or a private meeting with your favorite Disney character, or special parties.  Other dreams will be revealed as good dreams always are, a little at a time.

On top of all of that, there are new attractions becoming a reality all year long.  At Disney World, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot, Finding Nemo, The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Laugh Floor Comedy Club at the Magic Kingdom will showcase the Disney/Pixar characters.  On the left coast at Disneyland, a new e-ticket ride called Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and an enhancement to Space Mountain…..rock ‘n’ roll style…..Rockin’ Space Mountain will be making their debuts.  No need to pinch me because all of this is reality!

How’s that for some added excitement for your upcoming Disney trip….as if you weren’t excited enough already?!  If you haven’t planned one yet, don’t just daydream (get it? ha!) about a Disney vacation.  Make those dreams a reality.  You never know, while you’re there, you may "wake with the morning sunlight to find fortune is smiling on you; don’t let you heart be filled with sorrow, for all you know, tomorrow, the dream that you wish will come true"

Joanne - Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

"If you can dream it, you can do it.  Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse."   Walt Disney

Walt Disney’s theme parks are so beloved because they give us a reason to dream and allow us to experience those dreams. < more... >

Ok so this isn’t Disney related but I just had to share.  Vickie and I just got back from a mini cruise on Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship Freedom of the Seas.  I have to say this ship is amazing!  First of all it is just huge!  It is the largest cruise ship in the world as of now and it is jam packed of fun things to do.  The Flowrider which allows you to surf onbaord the ship has to be the coolest new feature.  We spent a lot of time watching the brave guests that were willing to give it a try.   *Warning* - bathing suits don’t stay where they belong when you are riding the wave.  By day two most women in line were wearing tee-shirts and some even put on pants over thier bathing suits.  There is seating all around the flowrider so you can enjoy the show.  Another interesting new feature onboard is the boxing ring in the fitness center.  We were told the boxing classes are the first to fill up.  Sounds like something different to try while cruising but it isn’t tops on my list.

There are 15 decks to explore with many of the things you may have seen on the Voyager class ships - rock wall, mini golf, ice rink.  I think the promanade is wonderful and the parade makes it even better!    Not sure how Disney wasn’t the first to have a parade at sea though.  The H20 Zone is like a mini water park onbaord and I have a feeling kids are just going to love it.  The kids clubs also looked like lots of fun and seem to have lots of space.  Freedom-ice.com is the name of the ice skating show and I just have to say that the show is a must see when onboard.  I was amazed at how much those skaters could do on such a small ice rink.  Of course there is always plenty of food and plenty of choices for where to eat.  We especially liked Johnny Rockets becasue of thier great burgers and milkshakes. 

One of our other favorite things were the beds in the stateroom.  They are definitely the most comfortable cruise bed I have ever slept on.  The rooms themselves were great too with flat screen tvs and a good amount of space.  We had a balcony room on deck 7.  The balconies seemed to be about double the size as I have had on Disney Cruise Line.  Out of the 1817 staterooms only 733 are inside and some of those inside rooms actually have a window that overlooks the promanade. 

I really tried not to compare everything onboard to Disney Cruise but of course being a Disney nut that was hard to do.  In the end I decided that  comparing Freedom of the Seas the Sea to Disney Cruise Line is similar to comparing Universal Studios to Disney World.  I just hope Disney is taking notes on what other cruise lines are doing and they will get thier act together and get us some more ships soon!   

Coleen

coleen@mousefantravel.com

Ok so this isn’t Disney related but I just had to share.  Vickie and I just got back from a mini cruise on Royal Caribbean’s newest and largest cruise ship Freedom of the Seas.  I have to say this ship is amazing!  First of all it is just huge!  It is the largest cruise ship in the world as of now and it is jam packed of fun things to do.  The Flowrider which allows you to surf onbaord the ship has to be the coolest new feature.  We spent a lot of time watching the brave guests that were willing to give it a try. < more... >

Do you realize there are no less than five bakeries at Epcot?  Add to that the countless stands offering sweet delights.  If you’re not careful, before you know it, you and your family will be financing your dentist’s next trip to Walt Disney World.  But I love to indulge in sweets when I’m at Epcot because they offer some things I just can’t get at home.  (If I could get them at home, I would avoid them at all costs due to my level of willpower!)

Whether you enter from the Epcot main gate or the International Gateway (between the U.K. and France pavilions in World Showcase), there’s a bakery just waiting for you.  Near the main gate fountain, the Fountainview Cafe offers yummy breakfast pastries, cappuccino and the like.  If you’re coming in via the International Gateway, go to the Boardwalk Bakery before you enter the park.  Their twist Chocolate/Vanilla pastry pretzels are so fantastic you’ll find yourself wanting more.  Technically, the Boardwalk Bakery isn’t part of Epcot.  My rationale is that the Boardwalk is an Epcot resort; so it’s all good.  At least it tastes good.

As you walk the World Showcase, there’s Boulangerie Patisserie in France offering eclairs and other sinful French pastries.  Oh, and don’t forget the Crepes des Chefs de France stand on the promenade at the French pavilion!

Keep walking towards the American pavilion and you’ll come to Tangierine Cafe at Morocco.  Desserts are just a part of this counter service eatery.  You have to try the baklava - flaky, nutty and oh so sugary sweet.  At this point, I’m starting to channel Homer. 

If you’ve been eating the whole way, maybe you want to pick up that walk to a jog as you go past the Funnel Cake kiosk in the American pavilion.  Oh, and note there’s a coffee and dessert stand on the other side of the American Adventure building (but still on the promenade).  As you head toward it, your nose will detect the holiday smell of sugared nuts at the stand just outside the America Gardens Theatre.

Continue towards Italy and out on the promenade, you’ll discover my absolute favorite, the Pasticceria Italiana di Alfredo di Roma.  This place has cannolis as good as my Sicilian grandma used to make.  I justify that I must partake because they remind me of her.  Are you buying that?   I’m not either.

Break into a sprint past Germany and China and drop by Kringla Bakeri og Cafe at Norway.  Not only is this a great little place for a light lunch but you can find Norwegian goodies such as Kringla (sweet pretzel with raisins and almonds). 

I wouldn’t suggest eating your way around the World Showcase in one day.  Spread out your tastings.  And if you’re worried about the calories, split your sugar with the family.  One cannoli split four ways makes you feel a little better!  I haven’t even mentioned the ice cream, gelato, candy, cookies and on and on that can be found at the shops in the World Showcase, various stands and other counter service places.  Suffice it to say, there are plenty of ways to satisfy the sweet tooth at Epcot.  If we learned anything from Food Rocks!, (attraction formerly in the Soarin’ space) it’s everything in moderation.  "Harmony guys, Harmony"!

Eating right is easy
Choose before you chew
We’re waiting in the kitchen
Waiting in the kitchen for you 

Joanne - Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

(Be sure to leave a comment to tell us your favorites.  I’m always looking to try something new!)

Do you realize there are no less than five bakeries at Epcot?  Add to that the countless stands offering sweet delights.  If you’re not careful, before you know it, you and your family will be financing your dentist’s next trip to Walt Disney World. < more... >