Disney World

“The Happiest Place on Earth,” Where All of YOUR Dreams Come True

Story and photos by: Robin Roth

In this modern-day, fast-paced, chaotic world of ours, it's so nice to know that some things happily never change! Since the Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971, it is quite comforting to know that there IS a place on earth you can visit, where you can always count on happiness, smiles, fun, and laughter. Disney World is a place that you can revisit over and over again and NEVER be bored; it’s a land that is always the same—happy, euphoric, pure, wholesome, magical, and filled with imagination, creativity, and joy!

I walked around this land of perfection, thinking of what Mr. Walt Disney would think of his world if he could come back for a day; if Walt could see and witness all the progress and changes that have occurred, including new characters, movies, and theme parks. After exploring and experiencing all four Disney parks, I personally think Disney, the genius, humble, man of imagination and vision, would be MORE than proud and delighted! This fairyland is truly a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walt Elias Disney! Everybody is truly EQUAL in the perfect world of Disney.

The Magic Kingdom

With the towering Cinderella’s Castle at its center (similar to Disneyland in California), the Magic Kingdom is divided into seven themed lands:

Main Street, U.S.A.: This land was inspired by Disney's childhood, which includes Walt Disney's World Railroad, offering a scenic trip around the park.

Adventureland: Here is the exotic land of jungles and wild animals (sounds like my house)! Some major attractions that you will experience here include Pirates of the Caribbean ( one of my favorites ), a rollicking buccaneer boat ride; Jungle Cruise, a tongue-in-cheek trek down the world's most famous rivers; and The Enchanted Tiki Room.

Frontierland: Tall tales of the Wild West come to life in this prairie outpost where cowboys and miners roam. Here you will enjoy some of the best Disney attractions, including Splash Mountain and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller-coaster ride ( two of my children's zip-pa-dee-doo-dah favorites ), and the adorable Country Bear Jamboree ( don't you just love the drunk bear?! ). Don't miss eating one of the famous turkey legs sold in this land…Yummm! No calories, ladies…because you walk it off!

Liberty Square: This land takes you a step back to the age of Colonial America, honoring the country's early heritage. One of the major attractions here is the Haunted Mansion, which will be a favorite for children and children at heart! You too will see dead people, just like in the movies! Here is where you will also find my absolute favorite attraction, the Hall of Presidents, a stirring Audio-Animatronics salute to the United States chief executives and the struggles that built America. It will make you proud of the U.S.A!

Fantasyland: From the storybook pages of fairytales springs this whimsical land of castles, princesses, and flying elephants. Here is the land where I would personally like to spend the rest of MY life! Some of the attractions included here are Mickey's PhilharMagic, a 3-D “symfunny” of Disney music and characters presented in cutting-edge computer animation

(OUTSTANDING)…DON'T MISS THIS ONE! You will also see The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Cinderella's Golden Carousel.

Mickey’s Toontown Fair: Come see where Mickey, Minnie, and the whole gang live. This is the place you can bring your kids to personally meet Mickey! (A GREAT TIME for mom to leave the kids with dad and GO SHOPPING)!

Tomorrowland: Jet into the future in this land of aliens and rocket ships! Hop into Stitch's Great Escape, my number one favorite ride, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and Space Mountain high-speed roller coaster ride through the cosmos! This is the ride I leave my kids at and go SHOPPING!

Some new Disney experiences you are sure lo love are “Cinderellabration”, “Wishes”, and “Share a Dream Come True”. To eliminate longs lines and save time, grab a fast pass and come back to the attraction at the time designated! If you are into pin trading (as I am), there is a whole world of pin collections at Disneyland that you trade with all of the cast members to collect the ones you want. This is a blast for kids and adults alike!

Epcot Center

Epcot, Disney's showcase of innovation, opened on October 1. 1982. This is the land inspired by Walt's creative genius. This is the land where human achievements are celebrated through imagination, the wonders of enterprise, and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all. In one vacation you can travel to four continents, soar over the richly diverse landscape of the Golden State, take a rocket ride to Mars, explore land and sea adventures, and experience future technologies today and journey into your imagination.

Some highlights to enjoy that shouldn't be missed include Future World Pavilions, Spaceship Earth, The Land, Imagination, Universe of Energy, The Living Seas, Wonders of Life, Innoventions, Test Track, and Mission Space. Make sure that you save enough time to browse the World Showcase Pavilions, which include Mexico, China , The American Adventure, Germany , Italy , Japan , France            ( great pastry ), Canada , United Kingdom , Morocco , and Norway . Thanks to Disney's FASTPASS featured at Soarin’, Mission Space, Maelstrom, Living with the Land, and “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience,” kids and their parents can reduce wait time and enjoy more time in the park and shopping for mom! Keep in mind, if you want to dine at any of the terrific Epcot restaurants, reservations are a MUST! You will really enjoy the authentic restaurants at Epcot! In addition, DON'T MISS THE SHOWS. One of the best is “IllumiNations!” Don't leave the park until you experience the nighttime show “Reflections of Earth,” with its sky-piercing lasers and thunderous fireworks!

Disney Studios

There’s nothing like show-biz to attract the general public! At Disney Studios, guests of all ages are immersed in the glitz, glamour, and excitement of show business. You can stroll down Hollywood Blvd., surrounded by the sights, sounds, and personalities of Tinsel town in the ‘30s, and learn how the classic Disney characters are brought to life through the magic of animation. Disney Studios has doubled in size since its opening day in 1989. Folks, this is one of MY favorite Disney parks. There is truly so much to do, see, to shop, eat, and to share great family fun and memories!

Here are some of the attractions that I am sure you will love as much as I do: The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, starring Aerosmith ( ya gotta love Aerosmith ), MY totally favorite game show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire-Play It,” ( this is a live, interactive attraction that brings the thrill and excitement of the hit ABC-TV ), Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage, Bear and the Big Blue House, “Stanley,” Jo Jo's Circus, and “The Book of Pooh!” More fun attractions are “Sounds Dangerous,” starring Drew Carey, and “Fantasmic,” which is a nightly spectacular featuring Sorcerer Mickey in a tale of fantasy and fright with lasers, lights, fire, and water. SO COOL! At Disney-MGM Studios, guests are surrounded by the sights and sounds of show business.

Around the corner, Sunset Blvd. pays tribute to the glamorous theater district in all its glory. At the end of the street is the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel where you can experience, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, that is, if you can handle THE DROP! (WARNING…Don't eat before you ride on it).

Put on your list of attractions to visit: Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, “Lights, Motors, Action!”, Extreme Stunt Show, Star Tours, The Great Movie Ride, Disney-MGM Studios Back-lot Tour, Star Tours, Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage, and Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

While at the Studios, make sure to include one or two of the adorable restaurants. A few of my suggestions are the absolutely adorable flashback to the ‘50s Prime Time Café. It's like having dinner at a kitchen table back in 'the day.' So cute! Make sure that you eat all your vegetables or you will be in BIG TROUBLE here! For lunch, go experience an old time drive-in movie at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. The Hollywood Brown Derby famous for its Cobb Salad, and Mama Melrose's Ristorante-Italiano are also among my favorites. Mamma Mia!

Last, But Not Least………….Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The fourth Walt Disney World theme Park celebrates one amazing adventure after another with wild animals, exciting attractions, lavish stage shows and lovable characters! There are about 1,500 animals representing 250 species. The major LANDS that you will want to visit are as follows:

Africa: Journey on a Kilimanjaro Safari that puts you in the heart of Africa with lions, zebras, giraffes, and other magnificent animals roaming freely. Enjoy the authentic African village, filled with sights and sounds of the mysterious Continent.

Camp Minnie-Mickey: This is the site to visit if you want to see many of the lovable Disney characters.

Dinoland U.S.A.: Here, the world's fascination with dinosaurs come to life! Don't forget to see the live stage show, “Tarzan Rocks”, before it changes to a new show in January.

Discovery Island: The park is the hub and home of the towering icon, The Tree of Life, and the “It's Tough to be a Bug” 3-D special effects show.

Asia: This continent is home of Kali River Rapids ( white-water raft adventure ), Maharajah Jungle Trek and the thrilling Flights of Wonder ( exotic bird show ). Don't forget to catch Festival of the Lion King, Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends, and Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade! Expedition Everest is a new attraction that combines the fun of a roller-coaster with the thrill of the Yeti. It opens in April.

Remember, you are NEVER too old to feel or act like a child. Disney is 'forever Disney' and the place where you can let down your hair and open your heart to your INNER CHILD! M-I-C-K-E-Y…M-O-U-S-EEEEEEEEE!