Liberty Square at Walt Disney World - Episode 180 of The Disney Exchange Podcast

The Disney Exchange is Lisa, Dave, and me, Nick 

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Lisa is visiting Walt Disney World, so it's just Dave and me this week. Sorry to all 3 of you Lisa fans.-WINK-WINK (miss you Lisa!)

Have you heard about Alberto?

Dave and I talk about Liberty Square at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.  

The Wheel of Distiny topic this week: Did you get your tickets for Incredibles 2 yet?

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Interesting Facts about Liberty Square at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By Shendl  

I was listening to my friends at the Disney Exchange, Lisa, Nick and Dave during their latest podcast about Patriotism in the WDW Parks and I got an idea to hunt the internet for interesting facts about Liberty Square!

You will find some things you have seen before and some you haven’t, so please enjoy!

. The Imagineers designed the attractions to show the historical and geographical progression of buildings. This starts in Liberty Square with the Haunted Mansion, which is in the style of the late 1600’s in upstate New York and ends in Frontierland with The Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is in the style of the late 1800’s in southern California. 

. Take Notice of the Street Numbers for each building in Liberty Square, they represent the year in which the Building Style of that particular building was popular. An Example, The Hall of Presidents is designed in the style of the architecture of 1787 (the number on the building in 1787) and for the buildings with only 2 digits, just add an 18 in front to find out the year that the building was styled after!

. Wondering why the street in Liberty Square is a red and brown two tone colour? Well, In the Colonial times, nobody had indoor plumbing so they had to throw their ablutions out the windows into the streets….The brown colour in the walkway represents the flow of sewerage! Yucky, right???

. Looking for a Restroom in Liberty Square….you will not find one as in that time period, no one had indoor plumbing – cleverly though the location of the restrooms in Columbia Harbour House are actually in Fantasyland!!

 

. Have you noticed the Shutters on the buildings in Liberty Square hang crooked? The reason for this is that the colonists hung their shutters with leather and over time the leather would stretch causing the shutters to hang skew. The Imagineers designed the shutters to hand skew to fit with the look of the times.

. Ever seen a doll in one of the windows in Liberty Square? This was to show Firefighters that a child lived in the house. Very clever actually….

. The Liberty Tree is based on the original Liberty Tree in Boston which served as the gathering place for the Sons of Liberty in the time leading up to the Boston Tea Party. Disney Imagineers actually transplanted a 35 ton, 135 year old oak from elsewhere on the property to Liberty Square. This majestic tree holds 13 lanterns, one for each of the colonies!

. The Liberty Bell that hangs in the Square is an exact replica case from the same mould as the original Liberty Bell. In 1976, each state received a replica of the bell in celebration of the BiCentennial. Pennsylvania had the original so they were not sure what to do with the replica, when Walt Disney World asked if they could have the replica for the Magic Kingdom, Pennsylvania agreed and the replica now sits in Liberty Square. Florida is the only state to showcase two replica’smade from the cast from the original bell.

. The lobby in the Hall of Presidents is actually a Federally Recognized Presidential Museum! Other than the White House, the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square is the only other place that a Presidential Seal can be used. An Act of Congress had to allow WDW to use the Seal. This show often gets skipped over but you should take the time to view this interesting attraction!

Do you have any other interesting Facts about Liberty Square? If you do, please share them with us in the comments section below! Thanks for Reading!!

Why You Should Give the Hall of Presidents a Chance

 

 

By Lisa Green 

 

I think the Hall of Presidents in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom gets a bad rap.  Sure, there’s the fact that it’s not a ride – there is in fact no spinning, twirling, climbing, or thrilling drops.  It might even smell a little bit educational and you know what?  When most folks go on vacation, the last thing they want to do is be educated.  History is boring, right?  Patriotism is for old people maybe.  Politics is a bad word.  Whatever the reason, the Hall of Presidents isn’t all that popular unless it’s an extremely warm day and you’re looking for a quiet place to nap.  Not me, though.  I actually like the Hall of Presidents – I love history, I love the animatronics, and I love knowing that Walt Disney would have loved it too.

Located in Liberty Square, the Hall of Presidents (modeled after Independence Hall) is an original Magic Kingdom attraction and opened on October 1, 1971.  Obviously, since there have been seven additional presidents since Richard Nixon was in office, the attraction has changed quite a bit over the years.  My fascination with the experience starts right when I walk through the door into the theater’s lobby.

The Great Seal of the United States is front and center.  That’s pretty awesome, but the perimeter of the room is what interests me the most.  The paintings are cool, the artifacts are interesting, but I love the first ladies’ dress displays.

I can’t help it – I love fashion and I think seeing different styles worn by first ladies like Laura Bush makes the imagined historical figures seem more real.  If I arrive early enough, I take a long, slow stroll around the lobby to take it all in before entering the theater.

Morgan Freeman could read the phone book to me and I’d gladly listen to every name and number.  The fact that Mr. Freeman is the narrator of the show in the Hall of Presidents makes it perfect.  The show’s use of multimedia effects holds my interest.  I really enjoy sitting close enough to study the details on each presidential figure.Honest Abe just floors me!  And gives me goose bumps.  I’m sappy, sentimental, and get all puffed up with patriotism during that show!

I don’t have to visit the Hall of Presidents on every vacation at Walt Disney World, but I’d be devastated if it ever closed.  Many people feel the American Adventure in Epcot is the better “American” attraction – and I’ll agree that Epcot’s show is also excellent, just not exactly the same.

 

   

Walt Disney had the idea for bringing American Presidents to life in animatronic form – he knew the impact that could have!  Seeing our founding fathers and those that followed all together in one place makes quite an impression.  At least to me.

What about you?  Are you a fan of the Hall of Presidents or not so much.  If you’ve never seen it or it’s been a long time since you’ve experienced it – are you willing to give it a chance?

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at @life_of_green

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!

Liberty Square in Walt Disney World

 

 

By Lisa Green 

 

 

So much goodness can be found in a very special little corner of Magic Kingdom – Liberty Square!  I like to approach this section of the park through Fantasyland to fully enjoy this carefully crafted walk through time.  Don’t know what I mean?  Liberty Square is the symbolic beginning of these United States of America!  As you walk towards and through Frontierland, you move through history!

Let’s go back in time to Colonial America.  Check the buildings’ architecture, style, and colors and you’ll be transported back to a time when there were, in this country, just 13 colonies struggling for liberty – thus the name of today’s focus!  Don’t miss the Liberty Bell (reproduction) and the stockade for some great photo ops!  A humble little area with only a very few attractions and eateries, the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World would certainly not be the same without it.

Lots of Love for Liberty Square

The Liberty Belle is a beauty!  This paddlewheel boat is graceful and majestic and offers guests a relaxing way to enjoy the Rivers of America.  While I prefer to enjoy her beauty from the shore rather than aboard her decks – there’s no denying how impressive this riverboat is in all her whitewashed glory.

The Hall of Presidents – Don’t be ashamed if you’re a fan!  Go ahead, hold your head up with pride.  You’re not a stuffy, geeky brainiac – you’ve got a great appreciation for a unique and very “Disney” experience.  In New York at the 1964 World’s Fair, Walt Disney’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln first appeared in the Illinois Pavilion.  Once Disney had Honest Abe – the very first animatronic human – the rest of the presidents were not far behind.  A virtual haul of presidents!  (Don’t hurt yourself)

Haunted Mansion – Don’t tell me this doesn’t rank in your top 10 favorite Disney attractions.  Either I won’t believe you or I’ll have to stop being your friend.  This ride’s got it ALL!  Great sound and special effects, perfect balance of fun and creepy/scary-ness, awesome ride vehicles, great music – what more could a Disney fan ask for?

What’s YOUR favorite thing about Liberty Square?   

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at @life_of_green

Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!

Favorites at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

By Nick

Episode 31 of The Disney Exchange Podcast which I co-host with Lisa Green and David Hodges was about our favorite favorite thing to do, favorite thing to eat, favorite shop, favorite Disney detail in each of the lands of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and I thought I would share them with you here, in case you haven't already listened to the show. 

We'll start on Main Street USA and go around clockwise. It's hard to just pick one thing that I love about Main Street, but I would have to say meeting Mickey Mouse at The Town Square Theater.

And I still love the moment I round the corner to see Cinderella Castle.

And a trip through the Emporium, even if I'm not buying anything, is a must every trip. As for food, I went with a frosty snack, (ok, it's more than a snack, it's a meal) at The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor.

And since I'm at this end of the hub, I'll take a walk over to see Mickey and Walt represented in the Partners Statue.

Heading to the left to Adventureland, my favorite ride is Pirates of the Caribbean.

But before riding, I'll be stopping for a Dole Whip which has found a new home at Aloha Isle.

The best detail is The Jungle Cruise. The entire ride. I love the themeing, though I confess I don't do it every trip!

In Frontierland, my favorite ride is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which is an absolute blast in the dark! My favorite detail is rock work on BTMR based on buttes in Monument Valley.

As for food, I enjoy a burger at the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe. I really enjoy checking out the pins and Vinylmation in the Frontier Trading Post.

Haunted Mansion is my favorite ride in Liberty Square, in fact, it's my favorite attraction in Magic Kingdom, my favorite detail being the glowing eyes in the wallpaper, with the breathing door that comes up shortly after that a close second.

I don't often eat in L.S.,  but I have enjoyed a Nutella and berry waffle at Sleepy Hollow. As for shop, hands down, maybe my favorite shop in the park is Momento Mori.

And then there is Fantasyland. So many wonderful details. To sort of narrow it down without actually narrowing it down, I'll pick Be Our Guest. The whole thing!

As for favorite ride, Seven Dwarf's Mine Train is a blast, again, like Big Thunder, at night. As for food, let's head back to Be Our Guest, where I will have the Braised Pork, though the steak is also pretty darn good. As for shops, be sure to stop into Big Top Souvenirs.

In Tomorrowland, I'm going old school, and picking Carousel of Progress.

My favorite detail is the model of the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow which can be seen while riding the Tomorrowland  Transit Authority Peoplemover. As for food, I enjoy having a meal of any type, though it's generally a burger at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, mostly so I can enjoy the musical stylings of Sonny Eclipse.

So there you go, my favorites. What are some of yours?

This article was originally posted on The Disney Exchange.

The Disney Exchange- Episode 31- The Best in the Lands

By Nick 

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-The Disney Exchange is David Hodges, Lisa Green, and me, Nicholas Maglio  

-Main Topic: The Best in the Lands

-We start with a shout out and Lisa has to reign us in, before we quickly (for us) get to our main topic, where David, Lisa, and I discuss our favorite attractions, shops, food, details, etc. in the lands of the Magic Kingdom.

-We start with Main Street, and I ask if seeing Cinderella Castle ever gets old?

-We go clockwise through Adventureland, and Dave and I disagree, not surprisingly on whether or not one place or another had Citrus Swirls in the past, and I think we both were confused! This is what it is like to grow old. Aloha Isle did have Citrus Swirl. Dave, I apologize?

-We very surprisingly veer off topic before going on to Frontierland.

-We may discuss this in a future episode.

-In Liberty Square we argue over the differences between Ravens and Crows.

-Sarah McLachlin, just...Sarah McLachlin. 

-Off to Fantasyland.

-Dave has grown, and his favorite ride is no longer Winnie the Pooh! Will Pooh forgive him?

-Finally, Tomorrowland.

-The Wheel of Distiny topic-  The most disgusting thing we've eaten at Walt Disney World.

Thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange.

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Memento Mori in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom

By Nick

A new shop, (or is it an old residence?) mysteriously appeared a few months ago in the Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square, at the exit of the Haunted Mansion.

Memento Mori was the home of Madame Leota, until her disappearance, and, I suppose, partial reappearance within the Haunted Mansion. Her portrait can be found inside.

According to Webster's Online Dictionary, Memento Mori means "a reminder of mortality." Google  provides a definition that is even more appropriate; "an object serving as a warning or reminder of death," and the Memento Mori shop is happy to provide such reminders of the iconic ride it is located beside.

There are a lot of items in here that appeals to fans of the HM, and you can go a little nuts. Indeed, if  we had more space in the house, I'd have walked out with much more than just the one item I did leave with. I could easily see having a room dedicated to some of this fanatasmagorical merchandise.

Think of a merchandise category, and there is a really good chance you'll find it here. Clothes? Obviously. Shoes? Check. Make-up? Wait, what? Yes. Haunted Mansion Make-up kits from the Beautifully Disney line!

Want to redo the kitchen in Early American spooky? Yes, you can do that also. Dish Towel sets are $19.95, coaster sets are $24.95.

We were very interested in the dinner plates, but had breakage concerns. The round plates are $26.95.

There is a lot to see here, and you may stay so long you actually build up an appetite. If you are hungry for Haunted Mansion food, popcorn and cotton candy are readily available.

Want chocolate? They have chocolate in the form of bats, for $4.95.

There are many t-shirts and even collared shirts to choose from.

 The Gracey Family Reunion shirt is $24.95.

This shirt of the Ghost Host himself, which is $ 36.95, changes, transforming into a skeleton...

...like the portraits below.

A version of this can be had on a postcard as well.

 

Looking for the perfect Haunted accessory to go with your clothes?

How about a protective case for your smart phone?

There are action figures for boys, and even something for your little girl. Perhaps she'll like a Haunted Bride doll for $21.95?

Holidays aren't forgotten, as there a couple of different ornament sets to be had.

There are higher end collectibles and home decor items, such as the Haunted Mansion wall hanging for $100.

This replica of the Haunted Mansion sign can hang in your home for $95.

Plenty of less expensive souvenirs can be found as well, such as key chains, notepad and magnet sets, and antenna toppers, which are 2 for $8.

You can even take home an 8x10 ghostly image of yourself or a loved one for $19.95 plus tax.

Step behind the curtain for your own piece of "Spirit Photography."

I had read online that there is a limit to how many items a guest could purchase at one time, and indeed there was this sign hanging under one of the displays:

When I asked a Cast Member why guests would be limited to 6 items, unless otherwise specified, I was told it was because people would buy items in bulk, and sell them on eBay!

We did buy one item, the throw pictured below, for $59.95.

As you can see, Disney has found yet another ingenious way to separate me and my money.
"Hurry back, hurry back," indeed!