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Take Time to...
Unfortunately, with all the rushing getting from ride to ride, trying to do it all in a day (or two), the amazingly detailed surroundings, not to mention the little nuances, that play such a great part in creating Disney’s incredibly magical atmosphere, often go overlooked - which also means that much of the Disney experience (as it was intended) gets lost in the rush as well.
While it may be difficult to fit in a few extra moments, making a point to really look around as you wander the parks and resorts is well worth the extra effort that it sometimes requires. Disney has gone to great lengths to create some of the most spectacular settings anywhere around, from the distinctive landscaping to the fanciful lighting to the musical melodies (and sometimes unique sound effects) that play in the background throughout their parks. Sometimes just looking around, taking it all in, can be half the fun. Even after exploring the parks for close to 20 years, I’m still amazed each and every time I step foot inside the parks (and the resorts too) at just how spectacular it all really is.
In addition to the major attractions, you’ll find more than just a few worth stopping to see.
At the Magic Kingdom:
-Check out the Roy Disney Statue that’s situated right in the center of the Magic Kingdom’s Town Square. Roy Disney is Walt Disney’s brother, and though many are not aware, he played an integral part in the creation (and success) of the Disney empire.
As he sits on the park bench, overseeing guests as they arrive, take a moment to sit along side of him for a really great photo opportunity.
-Get your hair cut (or your child’s) at the wonderfully quaint Harmony Barber Shop. Step back in time to the era where an antique phone box and an ornate cash register (circa 1912) are still in use (really). Hair tonics and talcum powders may line the shelves but no worries, they’re just complete the look. An adult cut runs around $17, a beard and mustache trim around $10. Kids getting their first hair cut are in for a treat as bubbles, pixie dust, Mickey stickers, and a “my 1st haircut” set of mouse ears are all part of the deal (which costs around $14). Older kids will appreciate the colored hair gel treatments (costing right around $5). The shop is located off in the left corner of Town Square, just beyond City Hall and the Main Street Vehicles.
- Stop to Smell the Flowers…literally. The parks are filled with beautiful and often times fragrant, plants, flowers, trees, and shrubbery -- many of which you’ll find are in the shape of Disney’s most famous characters. For example; as you make your way from the center of the park (in front of the Cinderella Castle) look to your right, over to the walkway nearest the Castle that leads to the area just between Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Mickey’s Toontown Faire. You’ll find a life-sized Mickey and Minnieready to greet all who pass by (along with several other topiaries that line the walkway). They make for a fabulous photo opportunity. Look a bit farther down and you’ll evenfind a dragon seemingly slinking along the waterways. Disney goes to great lengths to create such spectacular landscaping and gardens, it’s a shame how many pass through without even a second glance. As you explore the parks (and the resorts too) note the foliage as it’s almost always indigenous to the particular land (geographical area -- or country in the case of Epcot) that you happen to be in at the moment.
-Cool off with the spitting Tiki Gods across from the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in Adventureland. Just try and avoid the streams of water they spout -- there’s no way to know which one will get you next. Kids just smile and squeal as they dance about, getting as wet as they can.
-See if you can find all 13 lanterns (one for each of the 13 colonies) that adorn the Liberty Tree, a giant live Oak tree well over 100 years old, that is at the center of Liberty Square.
-Pull the sword from the stone (or at least take a go at it) in Fantasyland. Several times throughout the day an actual Sword in the Stone Ceremony takes place with Merlin himself in charge of it all. He picks a child from the crowd to try and pull the sword from the stone after which they are adorned with a king’s cape and crown. Even if you happen to miss the ceremony, trying to pull the sword out of the stone makes for a great photo opportunity.
At Epcot
-The Dancing Fountains located just outside of Imagination can keep kids and adults alike mesmerized for hours (well…almost). The fountains spout and spray back and forth, up and over, like little snakes hopping from spot to spot, sometimes all at once, sometimes one at a time -- you just never know.
-The Sparkling Walkways light up in the evening hours as a handful of the walkway squares along side of the Inoventions East Plaza (on the side closest to Mission: Space and Test Track). Tiny twinkling lights sparkle intermittently, amazing those who happen to look down.
-Dancing waters again delight little ones in the plaza just beyond Innoventions East (closest to Mission: Space and Test Track). Here they can jump about the spouts and spurts of water, cooling off in the heat of the day.
-In the evenings, the large water fountain located in the center of the Innoventions Plaza often puts on a spectacular show of its own. Colorful lighting, special effects, and a special soundtrack are impeccably choreographed to match the movement of the fountains water making for a fabulous display.
-The Miniature Train display located just beyond the Germany Pavilion (in the World Showcase) entrances little ones (and even a few bigger ones) who find trains fascinating. The wonderfully detailed village is impressive and the trains are truly fun to watch -- a small footbridge spans the village allowing you to view the trains from the middle of the display as well.
-All of the Pavilions at the World Showcase are well worth exploring. Unfortunately, many simply only glance up as they pass by, making their way to the next country of interest. Each of the pavilions is amazingly detailed, replicating the countries native architecture and realistically representing its culture. Did you know that you can take a side trip to Disney’s BoardWalk from the back entrance of Epcot? A water taxi travels (though you could really walk if you wanted to) from Epcot to the BoardWalk, the Swan and Dolphin, and the Beach and Yacht Club resorts.
-Kitcot Fun Stops are located throughout the park (marked on the guide map by the “K”). Ideal for kids between the age of 4 and 10, the Kidcot stops offer a spot for kids to create crafts (that they can keep) related to the country (or area) where the Kidcot stop is located with the help of some very knowledgeable and helpful cast members. Often times they’ll talk with the kids as they are working so diligently on their crafts, telling them about the country they’re currently visiting.
At Disney- Hollywood Studios
-Don’t forget to look down occasionally…you may find you’re walking over a set of cement prints (both hand and foot) as you pass in front of Disney’s version of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, which also happen to house the Great Movie Ride. Kids get a kick out of seeing how their hand and feet match with the prints.
-Even if you can’t stomach the ride, be sure to check out the fabulous set at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (don’t worry, you can back out and escape just before boarding the ride itself…trust me, I’ve done it…though I must admit the way they allow you to exit is really quite ironic…and I’m not telling!)
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom
-Look up, look down, look all around. Everywhere you turn, from the tops of the trees to the far corners of the park, you’ll find amazing details that simply shouldn’t go overlooked. From the fossil imprints imbedded in the walkways to the spectacular architecture, specially worn and weathered for authenticity, the prayer flags strung across the walkways in Asia to the crumbling ruins throughout Andandapur. The list goes on and on and is simply to vast to list. It suffices to say however that much of what make this park so truly amazing can be experienced by taking in it’s spectacular surroundings, and best experienced through exploring its architecture and landscaping (though some of the rides are pretty good too). The Animal Kingdom simply can’t be experienced the same way the other theme parks can be, and understanding that before you go will allow you to enjoy the experience ten times more than you would otherwise.
-The cement dinosaur statue, adorned with ornate rocks and stones, located just across from the Primeval Whirl and near the Dino-Rama shop in Dinoland USA, makes one of the neatest photo ops in the area. Set off to the side it often goes unnoticed making it easy to get up quite close for a good look (and a photo).
At the Walt Disney World Resorts
-At all of the Disney resorts, through some more so than others, you’ll find impressively themed lobbies, public areas, and pools. Some are downright spectacular (including the Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Wilderness Lodge, and the Grand Floridian among a few others) and those that aren’t as spectacular are still impressive. Disney has gone to great lengths to ensure the themes of their resorts are carried right down to the very smallest of details. The foliage is always indigenous to the area depicted in the theme of the resort, the décor (including rugs, lamps, lighting, furnishings, bedding, and much, much more) both throughout the lobbies, hallways, and in the rooms themselves, often include little touches that while easily overlooked, would be missed had they not been there.
At Downtown Disney
-Check out the immense Lego display just outside of the Lego Imagination Store and across in the lake at Disney’s Marketplace. Also worth noting is the covered outdoor play stations filled with tables and Lego blocks for the kids to play with.
-Snap a photo with the Disney princesses in the front of the World of Disney.
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