5 Great Things About Walt Disney World's Monorail

 

By Lisa Green 

Stated simply, I love the monorail.  I’m pretty sure it’s a family thing, too, since we ALL love the monorail, and the resorts, restaurants, and shops on the monorail loop!  We have stayed at all three resorts on the loop (The Contemporary, The Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian) and became DVC members at the earliest possible time once Bay Lake Tower was complete.  Yes, we can walk to the Magic Kingdom from our DVC “home”, but let’s be honest – it’s the MONORAIL that drew us in.

If you’ve ridden the monorail EVER, then I’m sure you love it too!  I’m sharing today the FIVE things I love most about this most unique, special, fantastic, dare I say magical mode of transportation in the whole wide World!  Please don’t hesitate to comment with what YOU love most about Disney’s “Highway in the sky”.

1.  The VOICE – and I’m not as picky as some.  I do love the late Jack Wagner’s “Please Stand Clear of the Doors. Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas.” – the original voice of the monorail system and still the voice that says that particular line.   I’ve loved ALL the voices!  Joe Hursh, voice of the monorail from 2004 to 2012 is probably the one I like the best – because I have incredibly happy vacation memories from those years!  In 2012, voice actor Tom Kane (Star Wars, The Clone Wars) took over…taking a bunch of flack from die-hard monorail fans for being too bland in his delivery.  The first time Joseph looked me in the eye (around age 9) and deadpan, perfectly lip-synced “Por favor manténganse alejado de las puertas” was one of the most memorable, happiest moments of my life as a parent!

2. The SMELL – call me weird, but the monorail has a unique smell and I love it!  Maybe it’s the air conditioner – for sure, on a hot day, the monorail is a cool and relaxing oasis – nearly a destination on its own – the fact that it takes you places while you’re listening to #1 and riding in cool, shaded comfort is just a great bonus!

3. The WRAPS – if you missed “Tronorail” or “Avengerail” I’m so sorry!  The outside of the monorail occasionally gets a totally fabulous new groove.  There have also been wraps for Iron Man 3 and Monsters University.  Inside and out, the monorail often adopts an alter-ego based on Disney’s latest cinematographic endeavors.  It’s just the coolest thing EVER.  Anybody remember when Stich was inside the monorail with you?  Ah, good times.

4.  The EATS – No, the monorail hasn’t started serving snacks, but it can take you to some of the very best, most exciting (and delicious) restaurants on Disney property.  Take ‘Ohana for example – this resort-loop favorite has been, for a long time, one of the hardest places to get into for a meal.

5.  The CONVENIENCE – even if you are not staying at a resort hotel on the monorail loop, you can’t beat the ease of jumping on the monorail at the Magic Kingdom, making a quick switch at the TCC (Ticket and Transportation Center) and…presto!  Arriving at Epcot!  If you haven’t had the pleasure of riding the monorail into the station at Epcot, you’ve been missing out!  Also, if you ever want to see some truly exceptional Christmas decorations – jump on the monorail at the Magic Kingdom, hop off at each resort for a look-see, and end up back at the Magic Kingdom.  Grownups can do the very same thing for happy hour – hop off at each resort for a snack and a beverage!

One time, six of us were anxiously awaiting the monorail to whisk us off to our ADR at ‘Ohana and we could see it in the distance (Magic Kingdom station) – inching, literally, barely moving forward.  As our ride drew slowly closer we could see what the problem was…not a mechanical malfunction as we would have expected, but a squirrel on the rail!  And that squirrel was running for his life – straight towards all the spectators on the platform now watching the drama unfold with rapt attention.  Surely, that squirrel would jump off the track and head for safer ground….but NO!  He kept on running towards us – the HUGE crowd waiting for a ride – and holding our collective breath in anticipation of what fate the squirrel might face.  As it ran ever closer, the poor thing began stopping every few feet to rest – and we all just quietly looked on!  The air fairly crackling with anticipation.  Finally, AT THE STATION – the poor squirrel leaped for safety and the crowd sighed in relief before, as one, everyone began to cheer!  With that uproar, the monorail came to a stop and shortly, we were off – to enjoy our evening.

Now, it’s your turn!  What do YOU love most about the Walt Disney World monorail system?

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog

Editor's Note: Lisa can also be found co-hosting The Disney Exchange Podcast along with Dave Hodges and myself! - Nick
 

Cinderella's Carriage at Disney's Hollywood Studios

By Arnick

After seeing Cinderella, I fell in love with her carriage! Once I found out that Cinderella's carriage was located on the streets of America at Hollywood Studios I had to go see it. When you enter the street you can spot it immediately. It's shiny and gold, not hard to miss.

As you get closer, you notice all of the intricate details on it. Even the glass windows have etchings. The interactive part of it was awesome. You got a chance to hold Cinderella's golden slipper. I felt like a kid in a candy store!

If you're a Cinderella lover like me, make sure you stop by Hollywood Studios because everyone deserves to be a princess for a moment.

Cinderella Live Action Review

By Arnick and Jared 

 

Being a Cinderella fan since I was basically born, I was skeptical about the Cinderella movie. I didn't get a chance to see the preview at Hollywood Studios so I went into the movie blind. I must say I was thoroughly impressed. I was afraid that the original story of Cinderella was going to be completely lost but it wasnt. A new twist was added which was kind of nice to see to make it more modern. And they gave you a new appreciation for Cinderella. The graphics were pretty awesome also. The beginning is a tad slow but it does pick up. You do go through quite a few emotions during the movie but when you get to the end of the movie, of course, you get the happy ending. At first I must admit I did not like Cinderella's  dress, but once I saw it in motion I changed my mind. It is gorgeous. And although I didn't like Lady Tremaine too much, her wardrobe was fabulous.  It is a must see! 

My husband went with me and here's what he had to say about it: 

"Cinderella: A guys perspective 

As someone who lives with a Cinderella fanatic, I have become very familiar with the Disney classic. I went into the movie with mixed emotions, I had enjoyed most of the recent Disney live action versions of their classic animated movies, but I didn't know how they were going to make the Cinderella story more contemporary.  After watching the film I went away pleasantly surprised, the Director took fairly one note characters in the animated feature and made them considerably more fleshed out. Probably most notable would be Lady Tremaine which explains how she came to treat Cinderella so horribly. The CG is incredibly well done, and there's a bit of a chase scene to spice up the action. All in all I would recommend this film to everyone from the hardcore Disney fan, to someone who may just be tagging along with one, and everyone in between."

Worldess Wednesday: Disney Flowers and Gardens

Photos by Barbie 

Roger Rabbit Buttons

By Nick

Back when Roger Rabbit came out, I was amazed. I saw it 3 times in the theater, and have owned various copies on DVD and Blue-ray. I have several collectibles as yet to be rediscovered somewhere, but I can share a couple of buttons from the jar of buttons.

This first one I believe I may have gotten at Disney MGM Studios, now Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
There used to be a plan to have Roger Rabbit as a major part of the studios, but legal trouble with the joint owners of Roger, Amblin Entertainment, put the breaks on that. A real shame, in my opinion.



This next one is from the Disney Store. We would get buttons promoting new videos frequently, and wear them on our sweaters. Anyone remember the sweaters?

Where in Walt Disney World, and What Exactly is Ailurophobia?

by Nick 


Where might you find this movie poster, a parody of Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo? Extra points if you know what Ailurophobia is.

¡sʇɐɔ ɟo ɹɐǝɟ ǝɥʇ sı ɐıqoɥdoɹnןıɐ 

˙uoıʇɔǝs ʇǝǝɹb puɐ ʇǝǝɯ ǝsnoɯ ǝıuuıɯ ǝɥʇ uı 'soıpnʇs pooʍʎןןoɥ s,ʎǝusıp ʇɐ 

uoıʇɐɯıuɐ ʎǝusıp ɟo ɔıbɐɯ ǝɥʇ uı punoɟ ǝq uɐɔ ɹǝʇsod sıɥʇ

The Disney Exchange- Episode 13 Show Notes: Living With Food Allergies in Walt Disney World

By Nick

Podcast: Play in new window | Download 

 -Main Topic- Living With Food Allergies in Walt Disney World 

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

-This week we are happy to welcome our special guest host Heather Brainerd to the show.

-Heather discusses her son’s recent diagnosis of Celiac Disease, which is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

-We discuss other allergies and resources to help plan for dining at Walt Disney World with a special diet such as Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW, as well as the Walt Disney World main site’s information.

-We talk about the differences in table and counter service and the various protocols for dealing with food allergies or dietary restrictions, as well as the Animal Kingdom’s Gluten Free kiosk, and an interesting response from Disney at her suggestion at putting one in each park.



Gluten free chicken and potatoes at Akershus, Epcot’s Norway Pavilion



Ribs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree BBQ

Photos: Heather Brainerd

-Gluten free snacks are discussed. I discover I’m the only big fan of the Dole Whip, although Heather’s reason she isn’t is rather surprising! Dave continues the shocks with saying he isn’t a fan of Disney Popcorn.

-We then hit the high seas and talk about the Disney Cruise Line and how they deal with food allergies as well as strategies for going ashore, and the lengths they will go to in order to provide top notch customer service even on Castaway Cay.


Gluten free pizza on the Disney Wonder
Photo: Heather

-We realize we need to add some Gluten Free options to our Craft Services Tent and Green Room.

-This week on the Wheel of Distiny: Favorite Walt Disney World attraction with no height requirements

Thank you again to our special guest, Heather Brainerd, and as always, thank you for listening to The Disney Exchange

Heather can be found at her Blog: https://disneyforfive.wordpress.com/ as well as her Facebook author page : https://www.facebook.com/BrainerdFraser and on Twitter : https://twitter.com/hfbrainerd

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Waiting in Line at Walt Disney World: 10 Fun Things to Look For

By Lisa Green  

No matter what time of year you go or how savvy you are with rope-drops and FastPass+, you will inevitably find yourself – at some point during your vacation at Walt Disney World – waiting in line.  It’s not like waiting in line at the grocery store or at your local movie theater’s concession stand.  Disney (as with everything else) adds a bit (and sometimes a LOT) of pixie-dusted details, even to queues.  That’s why I encourage friends that are planning their very first visit to Walt Disney World to embrace the line.  Become zen with the waiting, so to speak.  Folks with little ones may want to bring games and toys to make waiting easier.  Personally, when I’m waiting, I like to soak up all the tiny, but magical details.  Really try to be in the moment…I mean, even waiting in line, I’m still on vacation at Disney World, right?

Now that we’ve established that we’re going to wait, whether it’s a few minutes or several, those special Disney touches to the queue areas for rides and attractions can be a form of entertainment all on their own.  So, my dear blog-reading friends, I give you….

10 Fun Things to Look For While Waiting in Line:
In the Magic Kingdom

• Haunted Mansion – Since HM was re-vamped in 2011 to add the super-cool interactive queue, I find I love it even more than I did before (which was a lot).  I’d heard about the bride’s ring that can be found in the cement along the queue and I just had to find it.  Locating the elusive piece of jewelry was excellent entertainment for a hot, crowded day.  Lots to see in this queue even if you can’t find the ring.  You’ve gotta find it now, though, dontcha.
•  It’s a Small World – No, the line’s not very exciting while you’re waiting for your turn to board the “Happiest cruise that ever sailed”, but if you stand there long enough, keep your eye on the clock.  Every 15 minutes, the clock opens up and displays the time.  No, I cannot explain what I find so special about this particular detail.  I just think it’s pretty neat – and getting little ones to watch for it as the time draws close for the clock to open, makes waiting a little more entertaining.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – This ride (to me) has particularly hilarious details that go with Big Thunder’s backstory.  There are genuine pieces of antique mining equipment and tools, but the best part is what’s printed on the crates.  They’re from the Lytum and Hyde Explosives Company!
• Splash Mountain – The part of the queue inside the mountain is really neat – the walls and rough wood beams are very realistic, but the best part to me is outside in the courtyard.  Look for the fancy and adorable bird houses…not sure if it’s the whimsy or the little special details, but I always imagine the kinds of birds that must live there to be like the one’s that help Cinderella.

In Epcot

• Soarin’ – Right before you board (while you’re still in line), there’s a video that explains what to expect and what actions are necessary on your part.  The video is hosted by Patrick Warburton (Kronk!), who I adore.  During the video, as Patrick explains how to properly stow loose items – there’s this guy.  He’s wearing an Earhat that he must, sadly, place in a storage area for safekeeping.  That guy!  He just cracks me up.  A lot.  G’head…watch and see what I mean.  Every time I wait in the line for Soarin’, I look forward to that Earhat man and the dejected expression he has when he’s got to take off his hat.
• Mission: SPACE – If you read my previous post on Mission: SPACE, you know how I feel about it, but there’s still some pretty awesome stuff to see if you decide you’ve got to ride it.  On loan from The Smithsonian (National Air and Space Museum), is an actual really real Lunar Roving Vehicle.  Take a minute or two to check it out – think about how tough it would have been to design a vehicle that would drive around in a place with no air and little gravity.  Not into that sort of thing?  Then spend your time reading the posted health warnings – there are enough of those to keep you entertained while you wait.

In Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Rock’n’ Roller Coaster – The queue for this isn’t that great to me until I actually make it into the garage to board the limo – then I love the details and most especially the Hidden Mickey’s and the very clever license plates on the limos.  So, once you step through the door, take the time to look all around.  It’s pretty exciting to see the limos shoot off into the tunnel – knowing you’ll soon be doing the same.
• Star Tours – This queue is awesome.  You will wind your way through a spaceport terminal complete with flight information displays, droids (like C-3PO and R2-D2) working, and luggage being screened.  Pay particular attention to the luggage screening – it’s hilarious!
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – There’s loads of cool stuff to see, but I’m particularly partial to one certain Hidden Mickey inside the hotel lobby.  Look for the desk – the glasses on the desk form a Hidden Mickey.  It’s subtle, the special effects that make everything look old, dusty, and run down add just the right amount of creepy-ness and in the midst of it all is that cleverly placed detail.  Love.  It.

In the Animal Kingdom

• Expedition Everest – I love the stand-by line for EE almost as much as I love the ride.  It is my favorite attraction at Walt Disney World.  Part of the queue will take you through a Yeti Museum – and this, to me, is the coolest part of all.  Take it all in!  Especially the plaster cast of the Yeti footprint and the remains of an expedition gone bad – clearly, by the evidence, they were attacked by some mysterious and destructive creature.  This is GREAT stuff, you guys, don’t miss it!
• Kali River Rapids – Thousands of details and artifacts await the waiters (in line, that is) at this white-water attraction in Asia.  When you get to the Tiger Temple pavilion, please take the time to look up at the beautiful, extremely detailed artwork – it’s one of the amazing things that makes Walt Disney World so special.  While you’re waiting, there are tons of cool things to see, but I also want you to listen.  Disney’s focus on the evils of deforestation includes the sounds of chainsaws and falling trees!  Seriously.  Listen.

I limited myself to just 10 things to tell you about today – it was pretty hard.  I love riding rides and seeing shows, but I also love just being on a Disney vacation, soaking up the magic in all its forms.  Next time you find yourself at the World, take the time to enjoy the wait and tell me….
What do you do for fun while you’re waiting in line at Walt Disney World?

This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog

Editor's Note: Lisa can also be found co-hosting The Disney Exchange Podcast along with Dave Hodges and myself! - Nick
 

Evening at the resort

by Gaylin

Most of the resorts at Walt Disney World offer some kind of evening entertainment. I stay at Disney's Pop Century Resort both for the value and because I love the place. My last vacation I was in a premium room in the '60s section, overlooking the Hippy Dippy Pool.

The evening entertainment every night at 9 p.m. is a movie on the pool deck (weather permitting). I noticed a lot of families gather for the movie, I think to give there kids a chance to wind down from a sometimes overstimulating day. You can also watch the movie from the pool, if you are so inclined, like I was!

Here is the view of the pool deck from my 3rd floor room. While the soundtrack from the movie can be quite loud, it is usually over by 10:30 p.m., the pools close at 11 and time to sleep.

Wordless Wednesday : Disney Royalty

Disney Kingdoms: Seekers of the Weird

By Nick

I was late to the party. Again. I didn't hear that Marvel and Disney had teamed up to bring fans graphic representations of Disney attractions until people all over Facebook started posting pics of the cover of Figment #1, which caused a lot of excitement, not only because it showcased the beloved purple dragon, it also featured the beloved Dreamfinder!

When I investigated and discovered it was actually part of a new comic book imprint called Disney Kingdoms,  I immediately looked into what, if anything, had already been published!

What I discovered was weird. Seekers of the Weird to be more precise.

I bought the graphic novel from Amazon, when it was inevitably released in that preferable format for me, and fully intended on reviewing it for Halloween time, which I thought would be appropriate considering the macabre subject matter.

Obviously, that didn't happen. But I digress.

Seekers of the Weird is based on concept art created by Imagineer and Disney Legend, Rolly Crump, for an attraction that was to be located at the end of The Haunted Mansion, a Museum of the Weird.

This attraction was so far along in the planning stages that it was featured on the Disneyland 10th Anniversary Show, with Walt Disney himself speaking to Rolly about the concept.
The show is on the Walt Disney Treasures-Disneyland USA DVD box set, and it is readily available on YouTube. As an added bonus, Marc Davis discusses concept work for the Haunted Mansion in the same segment.

As for the story in Seekers of the Weird, it is indeed weird. It reminded me very much of the odd horror comics I would read while at the doctor's or dentists office as a kid in the early 70s, or the Vertigo line of comics from DC I bought in the early to mid 90s. This isn't a bad thing, just surprising it's coming from Disney, and it may be off putting to an audience not accustomed to this coming from Disney. Not that the Haunted Mansion isn't on the dark side, come to think of it!

The artwork is good, and fits well with the story. The artists involved did a nice job paying homage to Rolly Crump's concept work.

This is an interesting read, but, to be honest, if not for the historical ties to Walt Disney era Imagineering, it would not have caught my attention. The same cannot be said for Figment, one of my favorite Disney characters, and I've already pre-ordered that graphic novel, which comes out in May.

Best Vacation Haircut!

by Gaylin

In April of 2005, I had my head shaved to raise funds for Balding For Dollars, a local Vancouver charity run to help kids in the cancer ward at BC Children's Hospital. With the help of friends I raised $1,500!!

Two weeks after I had my head shaved I went on vacation to Walt Disney World. I have to say, being bald in hot Florida in May was wonderful! I got some strange looks, a few people tried to be sympathetic, I guess they thought I was going through chemo and a couple of times people forced me to take their seat on the bus . . . I did explain why my head was shaved but they made me keep the seat anyways.

And talk about a great hair style to enjoy the water parks! Slap some sunscreen on my noggin and go play.

I did have a very heartfelt talk with a woman who was going through chemo, she had a wig and a hat on – in the May heat. She thought I was very brave to shave my head, I told her she was very brave in her fight with cancer.  Hopefully she at least stopped wearing the wig and stuck with a hat for the rest of her trip.

Here are a couple of photos from the Magic Kingdom.

 One from the Animal Kingdom.

And one from the Garden Grill at Epcot.

And finally one last photo, taken at Typhoon Lagoon.