The Disney Chicken

Welcome to those of you joining me from The Disney Point and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the third stop on our Magical Blogorail.

When it comes to rides, I'm pretty adventurous. Spin me, launch me, flip me upside down - I enjoy the thrill that comes with going on an "extreme" ride. But when it comes to scary rides, I will admit to being one big

Ba-cluck!

So, this counts me out of two major WDW attractions - the Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror. I have been on both. As anyone who has been on the Haunted Mansion will tell you, that ride isn't really terrifying - spooky and creepy, yes. And perhaps this is a testament to the great work of the WDW Imagineers, but the theming of the queue and the pre-show alone are enough to give me a serious case of the willies. I absolutely hate haunted houses and feeling scared in general, and I got that horrible sense of dread and foreboding before I even got into my Doom Buggy. And while I concede that the ride itself is really not that bad, I just don't like feeling anxious and alarmed while on vacation.

My real issue lies with this one:

Image via 

I went on this ride a few years after it opened, and I feel the same way then as I do now - never again. Once again, the Imagineers outdid themselves, and I'm always tempted to poke around the queue area because it really is astoundingly detailed. And as noted above, that feeling of dread and anticipation I don't like is pretty much cranked all the way up on this one. By the time I sat in the elevator, I was already desperately trying to keep my cool, and then as a first-timer, trying to anticipate the drops - forget it. And I rode this long before Disney added the new effects - the breaking windows, wind effects, projections of the ghostly riders - if I tried riding it today, I would probably need a new pair of shorts at the gift shop.

I know it's a little blasphemous to count out two of WDW's most popular attractions, but I like my rides (extreme or otherwise) a little lighter - with rock stars and mythical mountain creatures rather than ghosts and ghouls. Anyone out there feel the same way? Or are you braver than me? Tales of fight or flight in the comments, please!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Manda's Disney Blog. Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad
2nd Stop ~ The Disney Point
3rd Stop ~ The Disney Chick
4th Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

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Related Links:
* Moroccan My Vote
* Review: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
* Wishes Dessert Party - Worth the Money?

No Parks? No Problem!

Welcome to those of you joining me from The Disney Point and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the second stop on our Magical Blogorail.

While nothing compares to a day IN the parks, there is still plenty of fun to be had in WDW without having to shell out for a park ticket. My personal favorite activity? Shopping! Inside the parks, you find a lot of the same merchandise (the World Showcase is an exception to this), plus you're usually juggling drinks, FastPass times, crowds, and more. Over the years, I've found that some of the best shopping in WDW exists outside the parks - stores with unique finds, different selections, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Here are some of my favorites:

Basin (Downtown Disney - Marketplace): For anyone who bathes or showers (which should be everyone), this is a must-visit. Filled with soaps and bath goodies in just about every scent combination you can think of, Basin is a great place to stock up on gifts for loved ones, and for yourself!

Bayview Gifts (Contemporary Resort): This one makes the list because of its carefully curated selection. Located on the main floor of the Contemporary Resort, Bayview Gifts sells an upscale mix of kitchen items, home decor, clothing, jewelry, and handbags. I think of this store as a "best of WDW" shop, and never come out empty handed.

Summer Lace (Grand Floridian Resort): This one can be dangerous to the ol' wallet, but it's probably my favorite store in all of WDW. It's the only place on property (that I know of, at least) where you can find designer clothing, plus it carries swimwear, jewelry, handbags, and branded Grand Floridian merchandise. I rarely make a purchase here, but it's a great place for browsing.

Art of Disney (Downtown Disney - Marketplace): A favorite of Disney fans, the Art of Disney carries just that - limited edition prints and original artwork inspired by Disney films, characters, and attractions. More of a gallery than a store, this is another great place to browse/dream.

Zawadi Marketplace (Animal Kingdom Lodge): Every resort has its own store, but the one at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is easily the most unique. Here, you'll find an array of African-inspired clothing, housewares, artwork, musical instruments, accessories, and more. Some of these items can also be found in various shops inside Animal Kingdom, but it's much more relaxing to shop here.

Mickey's Pantry (Downtown Disney - Marketplace): Do you have a kitchen? Do you like Disney? Then this is the place for you - you'll find everything you could possibly need (and plenty of things you probably don't, but would like to have anyway). You can also find specialty teas, olive oils, salts, and more.

Do you have a favorite place to shop in WDW? Share your comments below!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Manda's Disney Blog.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ The Disney Point
2nd stop ~ The Disney Chick
3rd Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog
Final Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad
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Related Links:
* Right Down the Middle of Main Street USA
* Pins, Planets, and Pyrotechnics
* Call of the Wild: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Pining for Disney Pins

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Black. Enjoy the ride as we share our secret (or not so secret) Disney obsessions.

It started out innocently enough. Back in 1999, my family was staying at one of the All-Star Resorts and we were given a gift upon check-in - it was a lanyard with two pins on it. We were confused what to do with it, never bothered to pay attention to the carts advertising this new thing called Disney Pin Trading and packed the lanyard away in our suitcase. 

Sometime between then and now, pin trading and collecting became something dangerously bordering on an obsession for my family. In addition to all the usual things people look forward to when going to Disney (rides, food, fun, etc), we can often be heard speculating about what new pins might be out for us to purchase. Wonder what the DVC member pin looks like this year? I bet there are new limited editions out. We should stay at Bay Lake Tower because it means there are three pin boards within walking distance!

Mind you, we don't 100% participate in the pin trading experience the way the hardcore people do - in other words, we only trade with cast members and pins are usually stored deep inside our purses, instead of around our necks. Armed with a starter set (often purchased during one of the Disney Store's online sales), we plunge headfirst into the parks, leaving no pin board, retail outlet, or cast member unsearched. We crane our necks awkwardly staring at the chests and hips of every person manning a register or providing customer service looking to see if he or she happens to be wearing that one pin to complete the set, or that one pin we saw someone else with and have been coveting ever since. And when we find that pin, THE pin, watch out - it's like a gambling addiction, one that causes us to buy more starter sets and become even more voracious in our lust for pins. 

At the end of the trip, as we're packing our things, we take stock of our loot the way kids do with their presents on Christmas morning. Once we're home, our pins find their permanent homes on carefully curated corkboards. And then - if all this doesn't make us sound crazy enough - we spend the months in between trips assessing our collections. Hmm, could use a few more attraction pins. I've got pins of every Winnie the Pooh character except Piglet. I'm still missing that one pin from this set. 

It's funny to think that those original two pins we were given almost 15 years ago were treated with such nonchalance - if you gave us free pins today the response would be overwhelming gratitude, excitement, and possibly hugging. For us, pins have become a way of documenting each trip beyond the pictures we take, kind of like a grown-up version of collecting autographs from the characters. It's an expensive hobby, for sure, but one that we can all share together. And if nothing else, those carefully curated corkboards make for an interesting conversation piece. 

Are you a Disney pin trader? Share your best find in the comments!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Manda's Disney Blog.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make astop along the way and want to reboard:

1st stop ~ The Disney Chick
2nd Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog
3rd Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad
Final Stop ~ The Disney Point
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Related Links:
* Hold Your Horses: Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
* Bay Lake Tower of Terror
* Disney Meets High Fashion, World Responds with Blank Stares

Wordless Wednesday: Now Boarding

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Related Links:
* Wordless Wednesday: A Blair Affair
* Wordless Wednesday: Main Street USA
* Wordless Wednesday: Time for Action

A Disney Dream Date

Welcome to those of you joining me from The Disney Point and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail.

First off, let me apologize for my incredible lack of posting these past few months. Between the holidays and a hectic work schedule, I've had very little time to write. But! My family did go to WDW for Christmas. And I promise to share those stories with you soon (at least, before next Christmas).

As for Valentine's Day, I've never been to WDW in a romantic context before. But if I had to design a dream date in WDW (with Flynn Rider, duh), it would include the following:

Spa treatments: I've never done a spa treatment at WDW, but it's always been on my list of to-dos. The Spas at Saratoga Springs and the Grand Floridian Resorts offer couples treatments, perfect for Valentine's Day.

Take a stroll: Walking though the crowded parks filled with families and children may not be the most romantic activity for some, so why not explore the grounds of some of the resorts? The Wilderness Lodge and Saratoga Springs have my two favorite walking trails - both are quiet, lovely, and perfect for some down time with a loved one.

Take a stroll (part II): Up until this point, I haven't mentioned the parks. But a stroll through the World Showcase in Epcot can be like a honeymoon sampler - a Mexican street fair, an Italian piazza, a Moroccan labyrinth, an English garden - you can travel the world without leaving WDW!

Dinner at Victoria & Albert's: Every Valentine's Day needs a nice romantic dinner, and those who have been tell me that V&A's is the ultimate WDW dining experience.

Wishing all of you a love-ly Valentine's Day!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Manda's Disney Blog.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make astop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer
2nd Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad
3rd Stop ~ The Disney Point
4th Stop ~ The Disney Chick
Final Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog

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Related Links:
* Three Disney Characters I'd Rather Spend Valentine's Day With
* A Disney Date with Me
* Finding Zen in WDW

The WDW Holiday Newbie

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Black. Enjoy the ride as we share our WDW holiday must-do lists.

My family is doing something crazy this year. At least, other people tell us it's crazy.

We're flying to WDW on Christmas Day. 

Yup, opening presents at home, then dashing to the airport and landing in Orlando just in time to drop our bags at the off-property hotel (the room was gifted to us by family friends with extra time-share points) and book it over to the Yachtsman Steakhouse for dinner. Then we'll stay in Orlando for two days of park hopping, followed by one almost-entire day of non-park activities before boarding a plane home. 

This trip is out of character for two reasons: 1. Christmas is an incredibly sacred time in our house, one steeped in tradition and routine, and 2. when we go to WDW, we deliberately pick the lowest-attended times of the year. But when the hotel stay was given to us for free, curiosity and the need for adventure won out, and so, my very first WDW holiday experience will start in just a few weeks. 

Truth be told, I'm already wary of the crowds and the stroller beasts and the all-gone FastPasses and the two hour queue lines. But I am very, very excited for several reasons:

New Fantasyland is open! Our last WDW trip was in September, when New Fantasyland was still under construction but open juuuust enough to let some guests sneak a peek. We got to see a preview of Enchanted Tales with Belle, which was great, and we saw Cast Members and Imagineers putting the finishing touches on the Little Mermaid area. I can't wait to see the finished product, and I'm especially excited to try Lefou's Brew. 

Test Track is back! Test Track, which was/hopefully still is one of my favorite Epcot rides, was also closed on our last trip. I'm always cautious when major changes are enforced on an attraction that was already fine (cough*JourneyIntoImagination*cough), so I'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one. 

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: If the photos are any indication, this is going to be the highlight of the trip. If you have any advice on the best place to stand/how early to get there, please please please share those tips in the comments or tweet me (@thedisneychick). 

Holiday Wishes: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is not offered during our trip, but I've read that Holiday Wishes is still performed until December 30. I really, really hope that's true, because I'm dying to see this. We saw Happy HalloWishes on our last trip, and haven't stopped talking about it. I have high hopes for the Christmas version. 

The Decorations: I love me some Christmas decorations, and I am fully confident Disney will not disappoint. I want to see it all - the castle, the hotels, the World Showcase, Downtown Disney. We've even booked the Yuletide Fantasy Tour so we can get a closer look. We have dinner reservations at the Yachtsman Steakhouse and Citricos, so we'll be making stops at the Yacht Club and the Grand Floridian, but what other hotels should be on our list? 

As someone who visits WDW often, it's exciting to be doing something new within the parks, but at the same time, I want to make sure we hit all the highlights. If you have advice on how to best navigate the parks during this very busy time, or if there are other must-dos I should add to my list, please share your thoughts in the comments!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Manda's Disney Blog.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make astop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ The Disney Chick
2nd Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog
3rd Stop ~ Mommy Mouseketeer
4th Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad
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Related Links:
* The Coolest Queue
* Review: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
* Pins, Planets, and Pyrotechnics 

My Favorite Nighttime Show

Welcome to those of you joining me from The Disney Point and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the final stop on our Magical Blogorail.

It goes without saying that Walt Disney World boasts the most impressive fireworks displays of any theme park (at least, any that I've visited). Whether you see Wishes or Illuminations, you're guaranteed to catch a master class in pyrotechnic synchronicity, a perfect marriage of music and light. But my favorite nighttime show is much simpler, much more low-key, and steeped in Disney history.

The Electrical Water Pageant takes place every night (weather permitting) around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Featuring 14 floats depicting various sea creatures, it's one of the only shows from WDW's opening year in 1971 that is still running today. 

Though the show has been tweaked slightly since its debut in 1971, the basic idea is the same. Fourteen floats make their way to various stops around the lagoon and lake, where they then display various sea creatures, illuminated by colorful lights, all in tune to Disney music. The current version of the show was first introduced in 1996, and features a musical score that includes tunes from The Little Mermaid, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Peter Pan, and more. And one thing that hasn't changed since 1971: at the end of the show, all the floats change from sea creatures to a mix of American flags and stars, while the music plays "Yankee Doodle," "You're a Grand Old Flag," and "America the Beautiful." 

One of the reasons I like the Electrical Water Pageant so much is that for a long time I didn't even know it existed. When my family and I first started visiting Walt Disney World on a semi-regular basis, we generally stayed in the All-Star Resorts, and never had occasion to be anywhere near the lagoon or the lake around 10 PM, when the pageant usually starts. And then during our first dining experience the California Grill, we were seated next to the window, and were surprised to see these lighted floats in the water. We asked the server what they were for, thinking it was some kind of special occasion, when she smiled at us and said, "They've been doing the water pageant since the park first opened." Whoops. 

Since then, we've seen the water pageant from almost every possible angle - the viewing platform at the California Grill, the viewing platform at the Top of the World Lounge, the dock outside Narcoossee's, even our room at Bay Lake Tower. There's something so charming about the water pageant - it's such a simple concept, and yet it always brings a smile to my face. If you know other viewing locations, I'd love to hear them, because this is one nighttime show I just can't get enough of.

Thank you for joining Magical Blogorail Black this month. We will be back in December with an all new theme. Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with our Disney news, photos and stories. If you are looking for more Disney magic, you can make your way over to The Magical Blogorail website to see all our membersand their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make astop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Manda’s Disney Blog
2nd Stop ~ The CanaDisney Blog
3rd Stop ~ The Magical Mouse Pad
4th Stop ~ The Disney Point
Final Stop ~ The Disney Chick

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Related Links:
* The Wishes Dessert Party - Worth the Money?
* Review: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
* Wordless Wednesday: Wishes!