Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Why All the Hub-bub and Hoopla About #DisneyWorld ??


I've written about Disney World before, but always from the perspective of someone who has already been there. Today I'll share a few insights for people who have never been, so they can see a good number of things they're going to come across when they enter the park. Believe you me, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Disney World is LOADED with things to do. This post is about the most popular park for our family (we love them all, but this is by far our favorite), Magic Kingdom. One day is fun, but it's not nearly enough time to see all they have to offer. In fact, a few days might even not be enough, and they're always adding new items/events/attractions. I think that's a good thing because if you're local and looking to buy a season pass, Disney is never going to get old.


The first thing I think worth noting is they have character breakfasts. It is recommended to have a reservation because these places book up fast. Our family members were lucky, they had a small wait, but they got in. They reserved a spot for all of us, but some of us were in a line for a ride clear across the park, so we told them to go ahead without us (bummer for us, but I've been before and they are awesome!).


The character breakfasts come in buffet form. This is my oldest son's breakfast and you can see he's got a ton of variety on that plate. A nice, hearty breakfast to be sure. There are lighter selections too, of course. This is just one type of restaurant in Disney World. You can find anything from stand-in-line and go find a seat to eat places, to something more formal...or anything in between. There are also vendors all around the park, as is traditional in this type of environment, that sell drinks, snacks or quick bites to eat. 


Cinderella's Castle is a big attraction. People congregate around this area all day and night. It is THE photo opp. of the day too, to have your picture taken with it in the background. There are photographers who will take your picture for you and you can pick it up later in the day, or you can take your own.


The inside of the castle is open and there are shops and such you can go to inside. My 2nd oldest son's girl wants to take my granddaughter to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside where little ones can get the special hair-do treatment. There is a slicked back hair gel, knight session for the boys too. I can't count the number of children I saw running around with glitter up-do's and princess dresses, or with 'Frozen' hair braid extensions. The boutique is definitely very popular.

I've heard tell there is a hotel room in the castle too. It is my understanding that this isn't a place where you can pay to stay, but rather is by invite only. The only ones I've heard of staying there are the members from the band, One Direction. You get an idea from that example though, who gets invites to that room. What fun it would be to stay in the castle! I wonder if you have to stay inside all night?


The castle is where the nighttime fireworks take place too, and at night it's lit up and very beautiful. My picture above doesn't even begin to do it justice. It's really a spectacular sight to see.


The parades pass by the castle, so you'll often find people lining up early to get their seats on the curb. I always wish I'd saved myself a seat for the parade, but it takes up my Disney 'do time,' so I never do. It's okay though, the parades are huge, and you never miss what's going on, even if you're not right up front. Pick up one of the brochures you'll see all around the park. The map on them will come in handy many times over, and the parade times and locations are all listed in there too. The parades are spectacular. 


I like every single one of them I've seen. If hard pressed to pick a favorite, I think I'd have to go with the electric parade at night.


Disney World has a lot of live shows going on at any given time. The one above was on the stage of Cinderella's Castle. It was full of song, dance and so many of our favorite characters. There is no charge to see the shows, and they're always a good length of time and very well done. These are enjoyable for kids and the adults too.


The famous princes and princesses from past and present are always found out and about at the Magic Kingdom.


And of course Disney World is a place where you will find Mickey and Minnie. Sometimes they're walking around different areas of the park, sometimes they're in shows together, or you can come across them (and many other Disney characters) in character visits that are spread out around the park.



At the Magic Kingdom, you will find dancing in the streets. We came across this show right when we walked in. The characters from The Incredibles were dancing on stage with a live DJ and Frozone came out into the audience to strut his moves, and boy did he have them!! It wasn't long before people were trying to crowd in for selfies and to do some dance moves with him. He worked the crowd like a pro.


There are all kinds of great souvenirs to buy for anything at all you like Disney. I'm a fan of Star Wars, not a huge diehard, but definitely a fan, so when I came across the R2D2 shirt I was hooked. How cute!


I like the Jedi in Training cap,


and Chewbacca in Mickey ears. ;) These are just a few of the many, many items they had for sale that were Star Wars related. Big or small you're going to find it there.

In fact, shopping at Disney for most anything that is related to their characters, shows, themes etc., is amazingly fun. There were some etched glass things I loved, oh boy, how I loved them, and a scene from Beauty and the Beast that I'd love to own. If you're a shopper, this is the place to go. One day, I'm going to go back and spend far too much money in their Christmas store. I'm just noting that... lol. I'll probabaly blog about it when I do. :)


My son liked the Star Wars life-sized exhibits the best, because he's a clown. And we love it. :)


Disney World is also a place where you can don a Goofy hat (literally in my son's case above), and noone even blinks an eye. The number of children wearing Mickey or Minnie ears is expected, but it's certainly not a child thing alone, as you can see in the photo below. ;) Adults everywhere are getting into the fun of Disney, and that's one of the best things about it. Disney World is fun!


Because The Magic Kingdom has so many things for people of any age, it is a great place to spend the day with family. Our last trip we took everyone but my daughter who was going camping instead with her best friend. I wanted her to come because of the wedding proposal (the two on the left) we knew was coming that day, but she had fun. For me, it's nice to have any of the family around, it's even nicer though when everyone's there. I especially love when all four kids are together. No matter how old they get, they still love to be around each other. Disney World is a fun place for that to happen.


This was the first time my youngest and I got to ride the 7 Dwarf Mine Train ride. This opened in 2014, but we seem to always pass it or have something else going on when we're in the area. It's not just for kids. My second oldest and his girlfriend (both grown) went on it too, and we all thought it was fun!


Perhaps I'm partial because I'm grandma, or as sweet little one calls me, Grandma Rosey (she picked the name so I love it!), but I don't' think so... Disney World is awesome because it evokes big heartfelt smiles like this one!! The PeopleMover ride is a simple one where you sit down and it takes you through different places in the area (including inside of places like the BuzzLightyear Ride and Space Mountain). It's slow moving but still nice, especially if you've been on your feet all day, and my granddaughter LOVED it!! It does go thorugh the dark at some points though, and I didn't know how she'd handle it. She was a real trooper though. She reached right for my hand and held it real tight, and I reassured her by oohing and ahhing at the 'stars' and asking who turned out those lights??! :)  Little bit got the belly giggles on this ride, and I couldn't help laughing myself. Leave it to a two-year-old to make something simple, something extraordinary. :)


Speaking of the kids, one of the areas of the park has a section of children's rides (that adults can accompany their children on, which is nice). One of those rides is the Barnstormer Roller Coaster. It was naptime for little bit (my granddaughter) by the time we got here (and the big kids had moved on to another park to go ride the Tower of Terror), so my youngest rode it alone. I walked right beside him in the line and then when it was time to get on the ride, I went around to the exit to wait for him to get off. He was so thrilled to be able to 'ride a big ride on his own.' lol It's funny the things that stick out as fabulous when you're 8. ;)



Disney World has a lot of interaction opportunities for you, if you like that kind of thing. We like that kind of thing. The whole family joined in on a conga line going through the parade. The characters were doing it too, and you can see some of my crowd waaaaaaay in the back on the left in this picture. ;)


Space Mountain is a big deal. It is a roller coaster that runs inside, in the dark. You can't ride dual, it's single file only, and even though my youngest has been on it before, he always swears he's never going on it again. hahahaha This time he was all gungho to go, and when we got on I saw him in front of me hanging on for dear life with his head down, lol. He told me his eyes were closed too, and he was never going to ride again. Betcha betcha it's the first thing he wants to ride the next time we go. ;)


This is the outside of Space Mountain. I think I got this picture when we were riding the Monorail on our way out of the park. 


Disney World has a lot of sit down opportunities too, which is great if you have little ones with you who benefit from being able to sit, but still get to have something exceptionally cool going on around them. In this case (photo above) it was a Monsters Inc. (short movie) we went to see. Both the 2-year old and the 8-year old loved this one. They were mesmerized the whole time. Little man got the big kid jokes, and enjoyed when the camera hit people in the audience. Little miss just fell in love with Mike Wazowski up there talking. 


The treats available are too numerous to mention. There's not a sugary indulgence you can think of, that isn't available at Disney World. I've always admired the cute cookies, but I've never purchased any. This time I took a few home (the three you see on top of the rest). They were actually pretty tasty!


And of course, when it starts getting dark the light-up toys and such come out. I did get my granddaughter a Frozen wand and my son a Mickey's Sorcerer Sword, but it was really the balloons I wanted. I like the clear one with the Mickey head inside. I'm too big to get one for myself though, and the kids already had their hands full with their super cool light-ups.


Next time though, I'm getting a balloon...for the kids, of course. ;)

Disney World is definitely worth all the hoopla, hubbub, and even the price of admission. It's a day well spent and an instant way to make lifelong memories.

You can learn more about all of the Disney parks, including Magic Kingdom, by visiting their website. You can also follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter

110 comments:

  1. I've never been to Disneyworld, but I am obsessed with Disneyland! :)

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  2. I so need to go, haven't even gone

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  3. Wahhh! I now want to go back! It really is a place that the best memories are made. The People Mover is fabulous for us old folk. I think that was my favorite ride after walking all day in the park lol.

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  4. Disney is the BEST. We go every year and I am so happy my kids love it as much as I do.

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  5. One day I'll have to go indeed. haha have to watch out for those storm troopers.

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  6. I went to Disney in my midteens - I don't remember much so I would love to go again and make new memories. x

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  7. I haven't been to Disney in forever! It's a great place for the whole family and I love the character breakfasts.

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  8. Looks like a great place to go and visit. I remember going once when I was younger. Maybe one day my girls will get to go.

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  9. These are all really good reasons to go to Disney World. I really like that you can find characters all over the park!

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  10. Disney World is a great place! We haven't been in years. We usually go to Disneyland because it is driving distance from us.

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  11. The park is pretty amazing. I grew up in Florida, so I have been so many times. I enjoy taking my kids to experience it.

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  12. When our kids were young, we did visit Disney a couple of times....and LOVED it. Great for kids and adults alike.

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  13. I've never been, I've never wanted to go, and I never will go. I know some folks go here whenever than can, and that's a great thing. We all have the things we love to do.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

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  14. How fun!!! I need to experience all of this myself. Cinderella's Castle is stunning!

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  15. We love Disney you don't need to convince me lol

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  16. Character breakfasts are so fun and the kids LOVE them!

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    1. Those do sound like a lot of fun. We've never had one but it would be great to get a reservation and try it.

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  17. When I have grandchildren someday (hopefully) I will take them there. It is an unforgettable experience

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  18. I have never been to Disney world you convince me I need to visit!

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  19. We used to go to Disney World every single year when our kids were little. Those are some of our favorite memories.

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  20. Rosey Disney World sounds as amazing as you portray it... I went with my family the first year it was opened in the 70's, we had an awesome time and there are so many more attractions now... It has been a desire of mine to take both my daughters there one day... I am holding on to that hope xox

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  21. If I could I would live at Disney World. It is my most favourite place to vacation. We are gearing up for a trip this May!

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  22. I just love Disney!!! This makes me want to go back!!!!

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  23. I think the most fun would be the characters! My kids would love it, I am sure!

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  24. That's an amazing guide. I haven't been to Disney in such a long time! There's just so many new things to see and explore!

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  25. I can't wait to go back and see all the new Star Wars that has been added. This is one of my favorite places!

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  26. This girl has never been to Disney but she plans to one day. I was just in orlando for a pet industry trade show.

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  27. Disney World is expensive, but so fun! We made so many memories there!

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  28. Disney is really for the kids and the kids at heart. When you're there, all you can think of is fun, fun, fun! I also wish I can stay inside that castle.

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  29. Disney is great place bonding with my son and my family, they are good reason why you make experience at Disney.

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  30. Disney World looks so exciting! Especially for the little ones, I hope I get to visit in this lifetime!

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  31. Oh. What. fun!! My son is a huge Star Wars fan and would love all that swag. Your granddaughter is so darn cute. :)

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  32. We haven't been to Disney World yet, but we are planning a family vacation there next year. It looks like you had a great trip!

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  33. We were just in Disney Sea in Tokyo yesterday and yes, Disney parks are designed such that you cannot do everything in one day. The lines for the rides are incredibly long and the opportunity to use the Fast Pass is limited. You will really want to go back, age does not matter.

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  34. Oh you know there is no convincing on my end. We love everything Disney and we just did Disney Paris with plans to do DisneyLand Cali possibly next year. I love Animal Kingdom the best myself but Magic Kingdom holds sweet memories for us.

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  35. Disney world is always an awesome experience. The star wars stuff looks really cute and would be a great collection. I want a Jedi In Training cap.

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  36. Looks like a great place to go and visit. i remmber i wanted to visit this when i was yong.. now it's my nephew and niece who wants to visit this.. how time flies..

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  37. We are actually heading to Disney World in May. I can't wait! However, what is the secret to getting a Fast Pass for the Wishes Nighttime Fireworks show?!?

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  38. Disney is the greatest place on earth. There is something for everyone and every age. What's not to love? Great photos, by the way.

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    1. I agree, there is something for everyone at Disney! That's why it's a perfect family vacation.

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  39. Such nice pictures, bring back memories of my trips to Disney World! It was SO long ago, that the Magic Kingdom was the only thing there, the ground hadn't even been broken for Epcot yet. It's nice you posted this for folks who haven't been there yet!

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  40. We are definitely due another Disney Hiatus. Disney is quite essentialy everychild and big kid's fairy tale world come to life and so its loved by both children and adults alike...thats what the hub bub and hoopla is about :)

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  41. We've never been but I can't wait to get there one day. It looks so fun and so magical. My kids would love it! - Jeanine

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  42. I have never have the chance to visit DisneyWorld. I wish that one day I can go there with my family.

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  43. i'm a huge disney fan! but i haven't been to any of the disney theme parks. hopefully i can get to visit one before i get 'too old'.

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  44. We absolutely LOVE Disney. There is a room to stay in Cinderella's Castle and often Disney does giveaways to stay in this room. The pictures are stunning!

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  45. Disney World is Love!!! How I wish I can come there soon. I am already in my 30's and never been to any Disney theme park yet and I am such a huge Disney fan!!!

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  46. Disney looks amazing! I cannot wait to visit!

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  47. I've been telling my SO that I want to so bad. We are waiting for the baby to be a bit older to go. SO much fun to be had.

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  48. Disney World seems like an amazing place. I haven't been since I was a child and don't remember anything.

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  49. The attention to detail is amazing. It's the smallest things that get spruced up and they are all worth noticing

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  50. My family and I love Disney World. We went for the first time a few years back and had so much fun. We were all adults or young adults and had a blast- it isn't just for kids!

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  51. We went 6 years ago. Would love to go back, but man it gets expensive!!!!

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  52. I love that place. So many things to do and you never get bored... exhausted maybe, but not bored.

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  53. My sisters have both been there. They want me to go, and I give them the eye roll. I'd rather go camping than collect $20 button things. The rides would be fun, but I can't see spending the money. Esp. living in Nebraska. I'd have to pay for a hefty plane ride to.

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  54. Some serious wowness!
    I really would love to go with our children.

    Gosh when did little miss grow up so fast!

    I love the photos!

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  55. I still remember my first trip to Disney World even though it was many decades ago. We did the character breakfasts every morning and it was the highlight of my trip.

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  56. My husband and I often wonder if this would be a good place to go without children? We don't have any but would love to experience this. We just don't want to spend the money to go and it be too kiddish.

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    1. I know a good number of adults who love it. I think Epcot is the best place for adults, but others in my family would disagree. My soon to be daughter-in-law loves Magic Kingdom, that's why my son proposed to her there. I'm grown and I love all four parks with our without kids (though admittedly I've never gone without kids, but I know I'd love it just the same if I did). Lots of things to do for all ages.

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  57. Awwww..... Rosey, Your sweet little one sure is getting big. I have actually never been to Disney. My Hubs tried to talk me into going many years ago. I guess I just couldn't see any fun in it..... Now, I wish I would have gone.

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  58. I have not yet been to any Disneys. But would love to visit especially for my kids. They ll go bananas to meet their fav characters.

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  59. The worst thing about Disney is there's too much to do!

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  60. It looks like such a great place to visit, I must take my kiddos someday!

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  61. Great post here. You can never go wrong with Disney World. It's always a fun and unique experience every time you visit. Sure looks like you all had a great time. Great family. Thanks for sharing.

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  62. I am definitely ready to take the kids back there soon. It's been too long!

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  63. We go almost every year! We love Disney! Can't wait to go in May!

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  64. I went once {to Disney World} and can't wait until I get to go again. I also hope to get to visit Disneyland one day.

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  65. I have not been to Disney since i was a little girl. I am hoping to be able to take my kids next year.

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  66. My kids are so excited to go back to Disney this year. There is so much to do it is like the first time every time you go.

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  67. We have not taken our youngest to Disney yet. We'll be going soon, and I just can't wait to see her eyes light up at that magical place.

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  68. Looks like so much fun!!! I want to go there, too. This would be my perfect and happiest place. Still on my bucket list.

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  69. As much as I am still a fan of Disney and cartoons, I don't think I'm a big fan of visiting Disneyland..

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  70. On our to-do list for sure!!! Such a magical and wonderful place.. We love Disney!

    Ai @ Sakura Haruka

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  71. How I wish we can experience Disney world too. As of now, time and money won't let us do it.

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  72. One of my life goals is to visit all the Disneylands in the world. I've only been to one, haha! :)

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  73. I have been to Disneyland Paris so many times and i will still jump at a chance to go again. I doubt if it can ever get tiring or boring! I should check out the other ones though and they all seem to offer something slightly different!

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  74. It's such a magical place! You're right about the heartfelt smiles. It brings smiles to each member of my family's faces.

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  75. Disney World is always such a blast. I love everything from the parades to the attractions to just people watching. Looks like your family had a great trip.

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  76. This is very fun! I'm so glad that your kids enjoyed it.

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  77. I'm lucky enough to live here and go often. We love Disney World. Even the teens have a blast. We have done the character breakfast a few times. Love it too.

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  78. We are total Disney fans! We've been to WDW twice with extended family and both times explored different parks along with the Magic Kingdom. It's great for both the young and old!

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  79. WDW always has so much going on!
    A person could spend his or her lifetime going there on vacations for sure.

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  80. What lovely photos cute too, our theme parks here are nothing like that they try to be but without success LOL

    Have a disneytastic week :-)

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  81. WDW always has so much going on in it.
    A family can spend a lifetime going there on vacations.

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  82. I have always wished that I lived closer to Disney so I could get season passes. Perhaps that will be one of my bucket list goals... Live close enough for at least a year lol

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  83. Disney World is definitely high on the list of my favorite places. Love how they make your experience magical, even in the details.

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  84. I've heard so many great things about the character breakfasts. I think my younger son would enjoy this time with the characters especially.

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  85. I love Disney so much. I only live three hours away from it and used to go four times a year but it has gotten way too expensive. Epcot was my favorite park!

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  86. Such a lovely pics! So glad you had fun at Disney.

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  87. THis must have been the best of time kids and adults can enjoy together.

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  88. Being here is every kid's dream come true! I've only been to the one in Japan so far.

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  89. Disney really is the best!!!!! Such a magical place that I don't understand when I meet people that aren't totally obsessed!

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  90. It's been four years since we visited Disney World. It's a lot of fun out there.

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  91. What a wonderful experience for you and your family. I love all of the pictures and family moments!

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  92. I envy you for you have Disney near your place. I love to see this place, hope I can visit one of this day.

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  93. Awesome summary! I've been to Disneyworld once and would love to go back again. Great photos! Thanks for sharing!

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  94. I really love Disneyworld! I really hope to visit this magical place someday :D

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  95. Such a amazing place to visit, I really love going to Disney with my kids

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  96. I can't help but feel all dreamy and happy whenever I see the castle! I'm more of a fan of Harry Potter, but the castle still makes one feel princess-y!

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  97. Thanks for all the info and pictures. Someday, oh someday, I'll get to go to Disney World. Looks magical.

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  98. I have not been to Disney World in so long. I would love to take my kids there.

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  99. We went to Disney World a few months ago for fall break and had a blast! We really loved the new toy story land!

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  100. I would love to go to Walt Disney World.

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  101. I've not yet been to anything "Disney." This would be a fun time to bring my nieces!!!

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  102. It's been forever since I've been to Disneyland, but never been to Disneyworld before!

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  103. I've been to Disneyworld 3 times, and I loved it! The last time was so long ago, though, EPCOT hasn't even started construction yet!

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  104. We have not been to Disney in many many years. We were supposed to go last year but then the shut down. It looks as sweet as ever

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  105. I cant wait to be able to take my son when he is bigger. It really is the happiest place on earth!

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