My Top 5 Favorite Attractions at Magic Kingdom

This is the first in a series of my top 5 attractions at each park. This is no way in saying these are the best attractions, but these are my favorite that I need to do every time I am in Walt Disney World. The first Top 5 is at the Magic Kingdom. This list will not include the "Seven Dwarfs Mine Train," as I have not had the chance to ride it yet. So without further ado here are My Top 5 Favorite Attractions at Magic Kingdom:

5.) Peter Pan's Flight in Fantasyland:

This ride is literally a classic and every time I go to Magic Kingdom it is a must that me and my family go and ride Peter Pan's Flight. It is one of Disney's classic dark rides taking you right into magic of this classic Disney film. It is my suggestion that you get a fastpass for this ride as the lines are always long. Although now that the queue has been updated you may just want to wait in line just once. The ride itself takes you right into the film starting in the children's bedroom waiting for the arrival of Peter Pan. The ride takes you through Old Town London, to the scene flying over Big Ben, right into Never Land, overseeing the Mermaid Lagoon and Skull Rock. You will also see the notorious Captain Hook and Mr. Smee and of course the ever present crocodile. As you ride through the ride you will hear songs from the classic movie making you actually feel like you're in the movie. The ride lasts 2 minutes and 45 seconds. I love this ride and I put it at number 5 in my top 5 attractions at the Magic Kingdom.

4.) The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland:

The Jungle Cruise in number 4 on my top 5 favorite attractions at the Magic Kingdom. Another classic Disney ride the takes you through the four dangerous rivers: the Amazon, the Congo, the Nile, and the Mekong. I just love this ride from the witty and not so funny tour guides to all the animatronic animals you see along the way. There is nothing like seeing the other side of a waterfall. This ride is a 9-minute excursion through the rivers and to me the magic is always different. The ride is a Walt Disney World original opening in 1971 when the park opened. Another favorite part of the ride is near the end with the shrunken head salesman. There is nothing like the deal three heads for one deal. This ride is another must ride for me and my family when we are at the Magic Kingdom. These are the reasons why number 4 on my top 5 favorite attractions at the Magic Kingdom is the Jungle Cruise.

3.) Splash Mountain in Frontierland:

"It's the truth, it's actual, and everything is satisfactual." In at number 3 everybody's favorite water ride, Splash Mountain in Frontierland. I must admit when I was younger I didn't like this ride but as I grew older it has become one of my favorites. There is nothing like going on Splash Mountain to cool off from the hot Florida sun. It certainly helps that everyone loves this ride so getting a fastpass is a must. The ride itself is based on the adventure of Brer Rabbit who gets into trouble with two enemies in Brer Fox and Brer Bear. The ride takes you through Brer Rabbit's home Chickapin Hill through the Laughing Place and ending after a 50 foot drop into the Briar Patch. The 50 ft drop is where you will most likely get soaked, especially if your in the front row. Splash Mountain is a fun and family friendly ride that assures that everyone will get wet. Plan your fastpass so you can dry off in enough time that if you have other plans you will be dry. Splash Mountain is number 3 on my top 5 favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom.

2.) Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square:

999 happy haunts, but in at no. 2 is the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square. Hop in a doom buggy for this Disney World original and enjoy one of the best rides in Disney World but it's not my number 1. The Haunted Mansion is another dark ride is home to Madame Leota and her 998 other happy haunts, of course there is always room for one more. You are on the ride which is hosted by your "ghost host" which is voiced by Paul Frees. The 7 and a half minute ride takes you through this mansion as the dead come alive in this classic attraction. Another ride that is always a must do at the Magic Kingdom. This ride is one of the magical things Disney does and everyone in my family loves this ride. Then at the end of ride you have Madame Leota saying, "Hurry Back, Hurrryy Baaack!!!!" Of course who doesn't want to hurry back on this great ride. I love it and I'm sure you do to. The Haunted Mansion is no. 2 in my top 5 favorite attractions at the Magic Kingdom.

1.) Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland:

Who's up for some good old family friendly competition? Number 1 and my favorite attraction in the Magic Kingdom is Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin located in Tomorrowland. How could I go for a simple ride instead of a thrill ride like Space Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain. Easy, Buzz Lightyear is my favorite character in Disney/Pixar history. That is not the only reason although it is a big part of it. This ride where you are here to help Buzz defeat Emperor Zurg by shooting at targets to  get a certain amount of points added to your score while your aboard your XP-38 Space Cruiser. Not only are you facing Zurg but robots and aliens as well. The ride lasts about 4 1/2 minutes and its a competition with your family members on who can become a Galactic Hero. The maximum score is 999,999. My love for this is my family members are always in competition in who can get the highest score. It's lots of fun and there isn't a trip where we don't ride it multiple times over. Number one and my all time favorite ride in the Magic Kingdom is Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day February 7, 1938 the very first Donald Duck daily strip in the USA, drawn by Al Taliaferro, is published.

On this day 75 years ago in 1940, Disney's animated film, Pinocchio, premieres at the Central Theater in New York City.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."

Walt Disney

Well that's all for today, except for tomorrow blog's will probably going up around this time during the week as I return to work on Monday. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 2/6/15

It's Friday and we are closing in on week where news from Disney is coming out daily. There are a lot of interesting things going on around Disney. Yesterday, Tom Staggs became COO putting him as the lead man to take CEO Bob Iger's place when he steps down. Today more news is coming out of our favorite company. So without further ado here is your daily news from around Disney.

Luigi's Flying Tires to Close on February 16:

Today it was announced on the Disney Parks Blog that Luigi's Flying Tires set in Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure will close at the end of operating day 2/16. Cars Land opened in 2012, giving guests the chance to step into "Radiator Springs," has been a huge success. Today, Disney announced that Luigi's Flying Tires will be replaced with a whole new Cars Land attraction. The attraction is set to open in early 2016, will feature a new ride system and ride vehicles. The blog announced more details will come in future updates. Here is the concept art that was released of the ride today.

Hollywood Studios Starbucks Opens, Animal Kingdom's Starbucks Info and Concept Art Released:

Earlier this week the Trolley Car Cafe in Hollywood Studios opened and is now serving Starbucks. Hollywood Studios is the third of the four theme parks to start serving Starbucks. In a blog post today on the Disney Parks Blog, they shared how the Trolley Car Cafe is themed to a classic trolley car station and gives guests a sense of atmosphere in early 20th century Hollywood. The location is at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. It will be serving Disney baked goods and Starbucks La Boulange® pastry items as well as Starbucks coffee and espresso beverages. Here is a photo released by Disney of what it looks like inside.

With the opening of the Trolley Car Cafe, Disney now released some info on the upcoming Starbucks that will be opening in Animal Kingdom. The location will be in the current Creature Comforts store, which is located on the Discovery Island walkway to Africa. Here is concept art of what it will look like.

Confirmed: Be Our Guest Lunch Reservations to begin February 25:

As we wrote on Tuesday that Disney would begin lunch reservations at Be Our Guest at the end of February, it has been confirmed today for February 25th. Today in a Disney Parks Blog by Rachel Brent, Disney's Food & Beverage Marketing Communications Coordinator confirmed the rumors. Guests beginning February 25 can make reservations for the fast casual lunch-experience at Be Our Guest. Guests will also have the chance to pre-order their meals 30 days prior up to 5 minutes before their reservation. Reservations can be made via the My Disney Experience App, online at disneyworld.com/dine, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day February 6 in 1859, Elias Disney, father of Walt Disney, is born to Kepple Disney II and Mary Richardson in Bluevale, Ontario, Canada.

Also on this day in 1934, International Ambassador to Disney Imagineering and 2001 Disney Legend Martin "Marty" Sklar is born in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

In 1986, Walt Disney Productions officially became named what it is named today, The Walt Disney Company.

Finally in 2009, Disney Land's It's A Small World attraction re-opens with a new "Spirit of America" scene and 29 newly-added Disney-Pixar characters.

Daily Disney Quote:

"Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive. This facility makes it the most versatile and explicit means of communication yet devised for quick mass appreciation."

Walt Disney
Well that's all for today folks, weekend adventures all await us. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 2/5/15

Well another day has come and gone and I'm going to get right into things as there is a lot of topics to get into. Here is your daily news from around Disney.

Breaking News: Tom Staggs Named COO of The Walt Disney Company:

As of today February 5, Tom Staggs, current chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts, has been named Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company effective immediately. CEO Bob Iger made the announcement just shortly ago. Staggs is a 25-year Disney veteran and this promotion puts him in a spot to succeed Iger when he steps down in 2 years. In the press release by Disney, Iger states:

“Tom is an incredibly experienced, talented and versatile executive who has led Parks and Resorts during a time of unprecedented growth and expansion, including the construction of Shanghai Disney Resort. His proven ability to lead a business as well as his successful tenure as Disney’s former CFO make him an ideal Chief Operating Officer, expanding his portfolio into all the company’s businesses."

Staggs has been with Disney since 1990 starting out as Manager of Strategic Planning and quickly rising through the ranks of position. By 1998, he was named CFO of the company. Staggs in the release states, 

“It’s a privilege to step into this role, and I am humbled and honored by the opportunity. I look forward to working more closely with Bob and the talented senior management team across the company to continue to build Disney’s future through unparalleled creativity, innovative technology and global expansion."

It is with our great pleasure here at It All Started With a Mouse in congratulating Mr.Staggs on being named COO of this great company.

Disney Parks Announces It's Eighth Disney Parks Mom's Panel:

In a press release today Disney Parks announced it's Eighth Disney Parks Mom's Panel adding 22 new members to the panel. Each member on the panel has exemplary knowledge on certain aspects of the parks such as Walt Disney World, Disney Land, runDisney, Disney Cruise Line, the Vacation Club, and much more. The panel launched in 2008 is a resource for families to help plan their Disney vacation. In addition to the website being in English and Spanish it is adding two more languages in French and Portuguese. Guests can reach panelists and ask about an array of Disney topics such as theme park tips, cruise ship itineraries, baby care center locations, special in-park events and more. The panel consists of moms, dads, grandparents, single parents, and parents of special needs kids. The 22 new members of the panel are:

- Amy B.; Melbourne, Fla. (Walt Disney World)
– Ana F.; Houston, Texas (Walt Disney World)
– Andrea U.; Raleigh, N.C. (Walt Disney World)
– Anne B.; Ankeny, Iowa (Walt Disney World)
– Autumn B.; Duluth, Ga. (Walt Disney World)
– Brandy B.; Easley, S.C. (Walt Disney World)
– Camila R.; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Walt Disney World)
– Carrie M.; Brentwood, Tenn. (Walt Disney World)
– Crystal B.; Parker, Colo. (Walt Disney World)
– Emily V.; Broomfield, Colo. (Disneyland Resort)
– Gina D.; Vila Velha, Brazil (Walt Disney World)
– Heather S.; West Seneca, N.Y. (Walt Disney World)
– Jason K.; Dunwoody, Ga. (Walt Disney World)
– Kate M.; Granger, Ind. (Disney Vacation Club)
– Kathy K.; Riverview, Fla. (Walt Disney World)
– Leanne T.; Saint Peters, Mo. (Walt Disney World)
– Lynne C.; Verdun, Quebec (Walt Disney World)
– Missy M.; Edinburg, Texas (Walt Disney World)
– Rachel L.; Kenosha, WI. (Walt Disney World)
– Sarah L.; Straughn, Ind. (Walt Disney World)
– Susan P.; Westhampton Beach, N.Y. (Walt Disney World)
– Tracy V.; Westmont, Ill. (Disney Cruise Line)

Disney Considering Subscription Services for Marvel and Star Wars:

Yesterday, it was reported the Disney is considering Disney-branded subscription services for Marvel, Star Wars, and ESPN. CEO Bob Iger stated in Disney's earnings call on Tuesday that it would be an opportunity not just for ESPN but other Disney brands to be put out on the marketplace to reach consumers directly. He stated, "We think we have that opportunity with Disney-branded service. We may have an opportunity to bring out a Marvel-type product and possibly even a Star Wars." He also stated Disney was in no rush to move forward with any of these products.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day, February 5 in 1953, Disney's 14th animated film, "Peter Pan" opens at the Roxy Theater in New York City.

Daily Disney Quote:

"When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable."

Walt Disney

Well that is all for today certainly some interesting things happening around Disney. As always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News from Around Disney 2/4/15

Some days it's just a real struggle to getting around to do what you have to do and today is one of those days. Then you look deep inside yourself and say you have to do what you have to do and when Disney thoughts are in your head, you put a smile on your face. Without further ado your daily news from around Disney is here.

Disney Wraps Up Magical First Quarter:

Yesterday in a conference call, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that the company had wrapped up a magical first quarter. The good news came after revenue increased as the company is still lapping up the success of "Frozen" and attendance in its theme parks both in California and Florida. In the last 3 months of 2014 revenue from Disney's Parks and Resorts increased 9 percent to 3.9 billion. Iger said in a CNBC interview that there appears to be no effect on the measles outbreak that started in Disney Land last month. Between the parks and Disney Channels and "Frozen" merchandise all had strong results that drove earnings up 19 percent. Disney's profit and revenue exceeded expectations and shares rose over 4 percent in after market trading. Walt Disney Company's shares rose 3.9 percent to $97.75 in aftermarket trading after closing up 2.4 percent at $94.10 before the report was released. The stock has been trading near the company's all time high of $96.43/share.

Iger Continues to Tease Star Wars is Coming to Disney Parks:

11 months before "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is in theaters, Disney's CEO Bob Iger continues to tease what the company has planned for "Star Wars" in its theme parks. Iger told Wall Street analysts yesterday that a "fair amount of design and development (which is taking place by the company's Imagineers) to greatly increase the presence of "Star Wars" in multiple locations around the world. He also stated the plans were ambitious and that it would take time for them to be built and opened. He also stated when asked when he would announce these plans he replied, "later in 2015." Whatever new attractions in the theme parks that come he stated would be based off future films and its spinoffs of the series. Later, Iger told Bloomberg news that he is sure that fairly soon that the company would be ready to go public with specifics and that it was safe to say that you will see a lot more "Star Wars" in Disney theme parks.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day February 4, 1938 Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is generally released to U.S. theaters after its December 21, 1937 in California and had been playing at New York's Radio City Music Hall since January 13, 1938.

Daily Disney Quote:

"I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter."

Walt Disney

Not much news today but tomorrow is another day and in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Daily News from Around Disney 2/3/15

Just trying to stay warm here in NEPA a frigid 4 degrees this morning when I woke up. That's enough about what's going on here a quick jump into your daily news from around Disney.

Lunch Reservations to be taken at Be Our Guest starting February 25th:

Yesterday, it was reported by WDW News Today that Be Our Guest Restaurant would be ending its Fastpass + reservations at lunch on February 24th. Beginning the next day on February 25th, guests would be allowed to start making reservations for lunch including those guests who are using the Dining Plan. It has not been confirmed by Disney however but one would assume confirmation would be soon. Disney has also stated that breakfast would be served at Be Our Guest at a later time this year. No details have been released about that though.

Disney Seeks Subpoena on Star Wars:The Force Awakens Photo Leaks:

As reported by the Hollywood Reporter on Friday, Disney's studio division of Lucasfilm asked a California federal judge for a subpoena to identify alleged copyright infringement on the film. The said photo and subpoena was found on ImageShack of a Sith Lord. The picture of character wearing a dark hood, waiving a red lightsaber (much like the one seen in the trailer), was posted by the user "Darth_Simi".

With the subpoena a Disney employee confirmed it was photo related to the film and that a request sent to ImageShack to be taken down with pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. This isn't the first time Disney has done this as in November, they got google for releasing content on the upcoming Marvel movie Avengers: Age of Ultron.

                                                                                                  Walt Disney Studios

Frozen Fever Images Released by Disney:

Yesterday, in a USA Today article Disney released images of it's next animated short, Frozen Fever, to be shown before the live-action Disney film Cinderella in March. The short which is based on a story of Elsa planning a party for Anna's Birthday. Elsa and Anna never really celebrated a birthday together, and Elsa feels it is a chance to do something nice for her sister. Although things get complicated with Elsa's magical abilities getting in the way. Not only is it return of the two sisters but all the other characters from the multi-Oscar winning, billion dollar grossing, animated feature Frozen, including Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven. It will also feature a new original song written by the Oscar-winning duo of Frozen's original tunes Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Here are the images released:

Disney Pushing Back Opening of Shanghai Theme Park to 2016:

According to a Wall Street Journal article today, Disney is pushing back the opening of its Shanghai theme park to next year in 2016, citing sources close to the project. The article stated that CEO Bob Iger will announce details in a conference call today. It is just another delay in the project over the last decade, 10 months ago Iger stated the park would open late 2015. The article states however that opening the park in the winter months would have less impact than it would in the warmer spring months. Disney is only minority shareholder in the project with the majority held by Shanghai Shendi, which is a consortium of businesses owned by the Chinese government. With the impending push back of the opening Iger will likely still be the CEO when it opens after a 2 year extension in the fall.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day February 3, 1945 Disney's 7th (animated and live-action) film The Three Caballeros is released in the United States.

Daily Disney Quote:

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

Walt Disney

Well thats all for today and in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."

Your Daily News From Around Disney 2/2/15

I hope everyone enjoyed the weekend and the game last night. Up hear in NEPA we are once again recovering from another snow storm. It is 110 days until my next trip to the world and it can't get here fast enough. Anyways let's get down to business with your daily news from around Disney.

The Patriots Win and Stars Julian Edelman and Malcolm Butler are going to Disney Land:

In yesterday's post we talked about the Super Bowl and Disney. Today, the topic continues as the Patriots won Super Bowl 49 28-24 of the Seahawks. After the game ended as the confetti fell on all the players, two stars of the game WR Julian Edelman and CB Malcolm Butler did their takes for the Disney commercial. In celebration the two yelled, "We're going to Disney Land!" They also did a take for Disney World. Today the two will be featured in a parade in Disney Land as grand marshals. Here is a look at the commercial that is airing.

Tomorrowland Preview is Shown during Super Bowl:

Last night, one of the commercials during the Super Bowl a preview for Disney's Tomorrowland was featured. The film which will be released in a theatre near you on May 22, 2015 starring George Clooney, Britt Robertson, and Hugh Laurie. The 30 second special look into the film looks into amazing. Here is the special look from last night.

10 Million Magic Bands have been distributed at Disney World:

Late last week Disney announced that 10 million magic bands have already been distributed to guests since the product started. Magic bands are the key to everything to your trip around the World. From your key to your guest room, your key to the parks, holding all your fast passes, as well as being a charge card magic bands are essential to your trip. They have been a hit with guests around the parks.

This Day in Disney History:

On this day February 2nd in 1922, 20 year old Walt Disney began work at his first cartoon company Laugh-O-Gram films in Kansas City, Missouri.

Also on this day in 1967 Roy O. Disney outlines Walt's plans for Disney World's EPCOT, the world's first futuristic metropolis.

Daily Disney Quote:

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

Walt Disney

Disney and the Super Bowl

Since 1987 (except for 2005) after the Super Bowl a player or two from the winning team has announced "I'm going to Disney World!" or "I'm going to Disney Land!". The idea is credited to former CEO Michael Eisner's wife, Jane. While at the grand opening of Star Tours the couple had dined with Dick Ruton and Jeana Yeager, who in January of 1986 had flown around the world without stopping or refueling. Jane had asked them what they were going to do next. The two replied, "Well, we're going to Disney Land." So, the idea was born for a great marketing campaign. Weeks later during Super Bowl XXI, the plan had been laid out, the New York Giants won and quarterback Phil Simms was the first to shout out "I'm going to Disney World!" In alternate takes he would say "I'm going to Disney Land!" He was paid $75,000 to participate in the ad.

Disney later aired three more ads with other athletes and stars appearing at of the two theme parks. In future years, athletes and stars were paid $30,000 to participate in the ad. Famous athletes such as Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, John Elway, Tom Brady, Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Jerome Bettis, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and many more. The commercial was not aired in 2005. In 2006 it returned for Super Bowl XL in the days leading up to the game scenes from it's 20 year history were projected on a Detroit skyscraper. During the game scenes of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks players were scene practicing saying the famous saying. After the game the next day the "What's Next" ad was aired featuring Hines Ward and Jerome Bettis.

The commercial itself contains the narrator, Mark Champion (voice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, and Westwood One), saying "What are you going to do next?". The song 'When You Wish Upon Star is being playing, recently sung by Idina Menzel. The ad ends with fireworks above either Cinderella Castle in Disney World or Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disney Land.
So the question is who will shout this famous saying after they win the Super Bowl tonight? Will it be some one from the Seahawks or the Patriots?

Last years Super Bowl Winner Seahawks Malcolm Smith at Disney World in a parade honoring the win.


This Day in Disney History:
In 2004 after winning the Super Bowl, New England Patriots Tom Brady is filmed proclaiming, "I'm going to Disney World!" The ad began airing the following morning.

Also in 2009, following theirSuper Bowl XLIII win over the Arizona Cardinals 27-23, Pittsburgh Steelers Santonio Holmes and Ben Roethlisberger are filmed saying, "I'm going to Disney World!" At the end of his halftime show, Rocker Bruce Springsteen, said to the camera, "I'm going to Disney Land!"

Daily Disney Quote:

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

Walt Disney

That's all for today and in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."