Orlando Guide - CAT MAGIC KINGDOM
All New Fantasy Land - Part 1
With the advent of Universal Studios and their latest project Harry Potter, Walt Disney World has had to “pull it’s socks up”. They have been playing catch up every since Harry Potter became such a great success. But, it looks like they have done it. Apart from the new Disney Springs, which replaces...
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All New Fantasy Land - Part 2
A relatively new area of Fantasy Land is The Enchanted Forest. This part features, among others, Under the Sea: The Journey of the Little Mermaid ride. This was new in 2011 and is a great success and a beautiful way of telling a very old story. You travel through in sea shells and watch the animated...
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Arriving at Magic Kingdom Part 2
As you approach the Ferryboat terminal you will see great views across the water to Magic Kingdom and Cinderella’s Castle. The Ferry crosses the water quite frequently and we have never waited more than 15 minutes for one to arrive. Last time we travelled on the Admiral John Fowler. We try to go ups...
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Arriving at Magic Kingdom
Part of the thrill of the Parks is the arrival and anticipation of a great day ahead. We always ensure everyone has the suitable sunscreen on before we leave our villa because ignoring the strength of the sun can make for an uncomfortable day. I also take a small tube of high factor sunscreen in my ...
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New Fantasyland Part 1
NEW FANTASYLAND - MAGIC KINGDOM part 1
I seems such a long time since Disney first announced the transformation of Fantasyland and although the construction has been going on for a couple of years it has been well worth waiting for.
Friends of ours had been to Magic Ki...
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Transforming Fantasyland part 1
For the past couple of years Fantasyland has been undergoing an amazing transformation which will not be completely finished until 2014. When it is finished it looks as though it will be fantastic and in true Disney fashion they aim to keep visitors fully aware of how the transformation is going and...
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Transforming Fantasyland part 2
The Fantasyland Storybook Circus with its colourful big top tents should now be open. When we were there Dumbo the Flying Elephant was just opening and since then Barnstormer and the new water attraction Casey’s Splash and Soak have opened.
After looking at all the future attractions for...
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What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part 6
What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part 6
Well I have covered most of the areas of the Orlando Magic Kingdom Park in my last few articles but for the finale I move onto the area called Adventure Land and my number one favourite ride of all time in Magic Kingdom is the Pirates of the Ca...
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What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part 4
What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part 4
In my last article I mostly talked about Fantasy Land, Liberty Square and Frontier Land but have not mentioned Tommorowland which although moves away from the traditional Disney Characters from my era is still one of the most exciting places in M...
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What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part 5
What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part 5
We are still in frontier land and the next attraction has to be Buzz Lightyear space Ranger Spin now this is a great ride for the kids and adults too although it can be very popular and quite often a sizable queue so you need to be careful abou...
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What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part2
In my last article I told everyone how special the initial view of the high street and castle was as you entered Disney’s Magic Kingdom especially in the evening when the firework show was on and how not to forget your camera to capture the look on the kids or grandkids faces
Well there is ...
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What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part3
Right, so we are in Fantasy Land we have been on Small world and have just been in Peter Pans Flights so what next? Well there is Dream Along with Mickey, this is a musical stage show featuring lots of the characters we all know and love
Ride in mad hatters tea party - never a good choice ...
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What’s so Magical about Magic Kingdom Part1
Magic Kingdom is the oldest of the parks at Disney Land Florida and in my view still the one with the Magic, if you have never ever been before then I would suggest that you visit Magic Kingdom first and if you have kids just take a look on their faces when you arrive at the entrance, Magical, my ki...
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Adventure Land rides for teens by a teen
Pirates of the Caribbean
Watch out! Pirates! But this ride isn’t really that scary. Sure there is one little drop but Splash Mountain shouldn’t be worried about competition! After the drop you are thrust into a pirate invasion. There are singing pirates, jailed pirates and drunk pirates… ...
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New restaurant at Magic Kingdom.
We have been hearing about the Magic Kingdom Fantasyland expansion for such a long time that it comes as a pleasant surprise that one element of this exciting new venture is actually open!
And this is the much heralded restaurant called ' Be Our Guest' that is themed on the Disney film c...
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Fireworks Desserts Party Pt 1 Planning
Whilst most Walt Disney World dining experiences can be booked up to one hundred and eighty days in advance, there is no fixed time for release of seating for this special dining experience.
We tried several times to secure our reservation but were given various responses such as ' dates a...
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Fireworks Dessert Party Pt 2 The Desserts
The hostess took us to our table which displayed a reservation card with our name on it. She explained that the table was ours for the evening to enjoy our desserts. We were also told that when the fireworks began we could move further forward to the rail at the edge of the terrace. Her only request...
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Fireworks Dessert Party Pt 3 The Entertainment
The fireworks were scheduled to start at 10pm but at 9. 45pm ' The Magic, The Memories and You' was scheduled to be projected onto Cinderella' s Castle. Well before this people started to gravitate to the edge of the terrace and selecting prime locations from which to view the events along the terra...
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Mickeys 'Not so scary Halloween'- Magic Kingdom
Around Oct time each Year Mickey Mouse throws a large Not-so-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. For an extra admission fee (not covered by your Hopper pass) you can go into Magic Kingdom at night and ride the rides, meet Mickey and his friends and then watch the Boo to you Halloween parade. <...
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What is happening to Test Track?
As most of you know, the high speed ride called Test Track is located in the Epcot park in our favourite park of all, Disneyworld Florida.
What you may not know is that Test Track will close during 2012!
But, hang on guys, do not go into panic mode; it is closed only for a co...
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What is happening at Fantasyand?
There is some exciting news from Disney; they have aready teased us with a little news about Under The Sea, but in fact plans are in place to increase the size of Fantasyland exponentially.
The good news is that Disney are promising to double the size of Fantasyland which is already a hu...
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Visit Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party
Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party is just what it says on the tin, a Disney event that is beautifully themed and presented but designed not to frighten the smallest child. For realy scary you need to head out to Universal Studios where the theme is as frightening as you coud want.
Thi...
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Ride Guide – Splash Mountain
Take a trip with Brer Rabbit and friends on this log flume ride. For anyone familiar with the Brer Rabbit tales, this ride is an absolute must and for everyone else, it still is as well! The setting in Frontier Land is absolutely perfect for this classic Disney ride and one of the three mountains in...
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Ride Guide - Peter Pans Flight
Situated in Fantasyland, opposite It’s a Small World, Peter Pan’s Flight is a ride through the film version of J. M. Barrie’s classic story, Peter Pan. You sail through the skies aboard your very own pirate ship as you explore all of the areas of the story, with different scenes coming to life throu...
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Ride Guide – Pirates of the Caribbean
The ride that inspired the films that has now inspired the ride! How convoluted is that? As you walk between Frontierland and the central hub of the Magic Kingdom, you are in Adventureland and you go past several rides, with Pirates of the Caribbean perhaps being one of the most popular. Long before...
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Ride Guide – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
A classic Disney World ride and a definite must do for your Disney holiday, Big Thunder Mountain is a great coaster. Set in Frontier Land of the Magic Kingdom, it is set at one of the furthest places in the park from the main entrance and very close to Splash Mountain. If these two rides are high on...
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‘It’s a small world’ – Love it or Hate it?
If you have visited Magic Kingdom then I guess, like me, you will have visited ‘It’s A Small World. ’ It’s irritatingly repetitive music it is something that will undoubtedly stay with you for the rest of the day. It is a bit ‘twee’ and certainly has none of the high tech animatronics of other Disne...
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The Parades - Magic Kingdom
Everyone loves a parade so they say and one of the best is the Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. The parade called Celebrate a Dream Come True, takes place generally every morning at 11am and in the afternoon at 3pm but times do vary according to the time of year and sometimes in low...
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Jungle Cruise - Magic Kingdom
The Jungle Cruise in Adventure Land, Magic Kingdom is a ride taken from the original in Disney Land in 1955. You will board a 1930’s style safari boat and be taken on a very unusual cruise on untamed rivers, through several continents in a matter of minutes – remarkable! You will travel through Afri...
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The Liberty Square River Boat
The Liberty Square river boat ride is situated in Frontier Land in the Magic Kingdom. You will be faced with an enormous ship that towers up three floors. You will cruise on this authentic three paddle- wheel steam ship through the rivers of America in the style that existed back in the old days. Yo...
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Rides for Small Boys in The Magic Kingdom - Part 1
At first sight some of the more cynical small boys take one look at Cinderella’s Castle and let out an audible groan, “Aw it’s just for soppy girls”. So where to go to appease them.
First, head to the left of the castle and go straight to Adventure Land. Here they will find the Swiss Family ...
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Rides for Small Boys in The Magic Kingdom - Part 2
The Liberty Square Steam Ship is an old fashioned paddle steamer and all the fixtures and fitting are faithfully reproduced for every one to explore and look at. From the announcement of “All aboard” to the sound of the crew making ready to cast away and to the shrill whistle of the ships warning of...
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The History of The Pirates of The Caribbean
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me. Who hasn’t sung along to this on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. This famous ride was first introduced at Disney land in California in the early sixties and became the most popular ride they had. After appearing in the “new...
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Its a Small World
I have been going to Disney World for so many years now I should be blasé, but I’m not. I have seen many changes at The Magic Kingdom and I am aware that there are many more to come with the proposed re-vamp of all Walt Disney World’s parks.
However, through all the changes one constant has ...
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The Electric Parade at Magic Kingdom
The Electric Parade takes place at The Magic Kingdom, Disney World at various times during the year depending on the light levels and during some times of year, normally the less busy months, only on certain nights.
The parade starts at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom by the Main Street St...
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Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party 2010
If you have never been to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom it is a MUST DO. My parents who have been to many in the past are at the villa early December on their own but they still plan to go!
The dates for this year’s party are:
November 8th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 18t...
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The Magic Kingdom Fantasy Land
The Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World is the most famous and the most popular of all the parks. It is split up into five different sections, Fantasy Land, Adventure Land, Future Land and Frontier Land. I do apologise in advance if any of the rides I mention are closed, but Disney is doing a billion d...
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Space Mountain Refurbished
Although Splash Mountain is still our favourite ride at Magic Kingdom the newly refurbished Space Mountain comes a close second. This is a Fastpass attraction and is usually very busy. I recommend that when you arrive at the Park you look at the attractions board near to the entrance for the waiting...
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Peter Pan’s Flight – Magic Kingdom
Everyone has heard of Peter Pan, the little boy who wouldn’t grow up, either from Disney’s animated film or the original book written by J. M. Barrie, but have you ever ridden a boat high up in the sky and visited Never-Never Land? No? Well what are you waiting for? Head over to Fantasyland in Magic...
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Swiss Family Treehouse
The Swiss Family Treehouse opened in 1971 and is located in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It is just before the Jungle Cruise in Adventureland. It is not a ride but a walk-through attraction. The treehouse is a reproduction of the treehouse, which was built by the shipwrecked family in the Disn...
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Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party 2010
If you are in Orlando between now and November 1st and have young children or even young at heart adults with you this party is one I highly recommend. My parents even go to it when they go to the villa on their own!
The dates for this year’s party are:
September: 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, ...
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Wishes Firework Display
The perfect ending to a perfect day at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has to be Wishes firework display. This particular extravaganza of pyrotechnics began in 2003 when, in October of that year, it replaced the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks which had been showing since the park’s opening.
...
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Keys to The KIngdom
I have now done this tour on three separate occasions and have still learnt something new each time.
This tour is a magic Kingdom and is a daily tour starting at 8. 30am , 9am and 9. 30am.
It lasts a total of 5 hours and offers an on site walking tour taking in the history, logistics...
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Wishes Nighttime Spectacular
‘Wishes’, which takes place almost every evening in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, has to be one of, if not the most, amazing firework show in the whole world. The first time we watched it I was dazzled and amazed, the second time I was enthralled and enchanted, the third time I was captivated a...
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Magic Kingdom – Future Land
Future Land follows on from Fantasy Land. As you pass the Tea Cup ride you will find the go- karts on your left. Children absolutely love this. They drive on a large circuit at a very slow speed on tracks but they can steer to a certain extent.
After this there is the Starlight café. This is...
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New Year's Eve 2009/2010 Part 2
Continuing with our great evening on New Year’s Eve, we decided to make our way to Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom as we thought what could be more magical. We did wonder whether we would ‘get in’ as sometimes Magic Kingdom is so busy on New Year’s Eve, they stop people going in. Anyway, we decided to t...
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New Year's Eve 2009/2010 Part 3
Part 3.
We decided to stay put for about 15 minutes before trying to move as the place appeared to be packed. Eventually we got through and decided to head for Buzz Light Year. We were lucky that there was only a 5 minute wait so we all had great fun trying to out do each other with the best...
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The Liberty Tree
Standing just across the street from the Hall of Presidents, in Magic Kingdom, is the Liberty Tree. I am sure you cannot help but have noticed it, with its wide spreading branches giving welcome shade from the heat of the sun. But have you ever thought about its significance?
Well, the tree ...
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The Electrical Water Pageant
The Electrical Water Pageant takes place most evenings around the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and also Bay Lake. Most visitors to the parks will never see or have even heard of the water pageant, unless they are actually staying in one of the Disney hotels dotted around th...
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Eating on a Budget – Magic Kingdom
To get maximum value when visiting one of the theme parks in Walt Disney World it can sometimes be a case of compromising your normal meal time routines and looking for a speedier alternative to a full service restaurant.
That, of course, for some guests may not be the case where a a good le...
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Mickey's PhilharMagic 3D movie
Mickey’s PhilharMagic is situated in Walt Disney World’s theme park Magic Kingdom and has to be one of the best 3-D films around. It is located in Fantasyland just to the left of Cinderella’s Golden Carousel as you approach it from underneath the castle. The show lasts for twelve minutes during whic...
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Tinker Bell at Pixie Hollow
One of the most favourite Disney characters is Tinker Bell, and now she has several new fairy friends. All of these can be found at Pixie Hollow at Magic Kingdom where they are available to greet guests, sign autographs and pose for pictures. You can find Pixie Hollow in Toon Town. As you walk along...
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Short Breaks at Magic Kingdom
There is so much to see and do in Magic Kingdom that is nice to take short breaks and have a drink or snack and relax for a few minutes.
The Main Street Baker is well known for its fresh baked goods and you can also get sandwiches and fresh fruit. Visitors find it a great place for a quick b...
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Adventureland In Magic Kingdom
Adventureland is a lovely part of the Magic Kingdom Park that we never seemed to visit when the girls were young. However although now twelve years old one of our girls likes to visit every nook and cranny of Magic Kingdom and when we were last at our villa with her we spent a very enjoyable couple ...
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The Hall of Presidents, Magic Kingdom.
It was on June 28th, 2009 that “The Hall of Presidents” was reopened, following a major revamp. Sited in a stunning replica colonial building in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom, you cannot miss this attraction. Outside the attraction there is a new sign which says ‘The Hall of Presidents – A Celebra...
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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
If you are lucky enough to visit Orlando in the autumn then why not try Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom? This is held on certain nights throughout September and October, ending on November 1st, and the whole park is decorated for the occasion with lots of pumpkins, witches and...
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Disney at Halloween
If you haven’t visited Orlando at Halloween, then you have missed a great treat. All the parks provide special spooky delights, and these range from the really tame to the rather horrific, so you can take your choice. Most of the special events start in September, and carry on until the last day of ...
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Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern
This restaurant no longer serves Character Meals and with this in my mind my parents and I decided to have lunch here.
This restaurant is situated in Liberty Square and the colonial furnishings and artifacts provide a comfortable setting while you enjoy your meal. The menu has a lot of New E...
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Magic Kingdom in Half a Day
Magic Kingdom was the first theme park at Walt Disney World, opening in 1971. Although it is open 365 days a year obviously it gets very busy during school holidays Christmas and Easter. I believe Magic Kingdom can sometimes close the gates early on Christmas Day when it reaches its capacity. As wit...
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Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party 2009
Friends of ours are staying at our villa in mid October and plan on taking their three young children to this party. To save them some time going through various websites I have compiled the information in this guide for them.
The party takes place on several dates in September as well as Oc...
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Hall of Presidents Re-opens
If this is your first visit to the Hall of Presidents since it re-opened mid 2009 the first thing you will notice is that it now has the title –“The Hall of Presidents – A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders. ”
As you enter beneath the porch there is a countdown clock showing how many minutes u...
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Country Bear Jamboree
The Country Bear Jamboree stage show attraction is located in between Frontierland and Liberty Square in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It opened on October 1st 1971 and was such a hit with guests that Disney’s Imagineers opened a replica in Disneyland, California but they built two identical th...
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The Pirate League
Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum, heave ho me hearties, pieces of eight! Calling all would be pirates! Disney is soon to open a great new experience called the Pirate League which will hopefully fill a gap for boys who want to dress up as swashbuckling pirates.
Girls, of course, have been able...
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Cinderella's Golden Carousel
Cinderella’s Golden Carousel is the centrepiece of Fantasyland in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
It was actually built in 1917 by Italian woodcarvers for Detroit Palace Garden Park. In 1928 it was taken to Philadelphia to be renovated and then transferred to Olympic Park in New Jersey, w...
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