Which Way to go From Magic Kingdom Parking Lot

Are you planning to visit Orlando and stay in the Disney World hotels or resorts? Transportation to Disney is not a problem. Disney buses are free and they pick you up from your hotel. When you stay in the resorts such as Wilderness Lodge, Swan and Dolphin hotels, Yacht Clubs and more, you can either choose Disney buses, Monorail or Ferry Boat. The picture below is a Disney tram which you will take from Disney parking lot to Disney parks.

Let's say you drive your car and park at Magic Kingdom parking lot. Remember to take note of where your car is park. There are two areas to remember: VILLAINS or HEROES. Remember the character and the number. I saw people taking pictures of the "character and number" which are really a good idea. Don't take for granted this tiny detail because if you do, it could ruin your day looking for your car in the humongous parking lot.
 
Take the Disney Tram, and it will drop you off to Ticket Area where the monorail and ferry boat transportation's are located. Once you are there, decide which park you want to go: Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Hollywood Studious. If you want to go to Hollywood Studios, take the bus. If you want to go to Epcot take this monorail and it will take you to Epcot.

If you want to go to Magic Kingdom park, you can take this monorail which is faster.

You can take this ferry boat also and it takes you to magic Kingdom too. If you don't want to get in the park and wanted a boat ride only, take this ferry boat ride to Magic kingdom and from there, find another ferry boat that will take you to Epcot. Oh, its fun! Yep, it's free! If you are not rushing with your time, I recommend that you take the boat ride which is truly fun especially at sunset.

Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland Speedway

One of my favorite attractions in Disney World's Magic Kingdom is the Speedway which is located in Tomorrowland. Acceleration is only 7 miles per hour around a scenic racetrack. This race car is gas powered and navigation comes easy through a guide rail. There's nothing to be afraid because this race car has a front and rear bumpers so; if someone hit the car, the driver is very safe.

What I love about this attraction is the place itself. It is designed to look like the Indiana Motor Speedway. It has backdrops of the motoring world with the Scoring Pylon, Gasoline Alley and the Yard of Bricks. It seemed that I am a race driver that day LOL.

Pre-schoolers can drive with parents on the passenger's side and there are height requirements to drive alone in this race car. This attraction is always crowded simply because it is fun and kids love the adrenalin rides like this.

Check out the long queue but, worth the wait.

The racetrack is interesting and yap, my car stopped in the middle of the racetrack. I was looking from behind me afraid that someone might bump on my car but, it started right on time! There was a boy who drives like crazy behind me hahaha.

One ride is not enough you know but, no one was allowed for the second time because of the long queue. You have to fall in line again to have another ride. I saw few kids did just that.

If you love fast rides, this might not be the fastest in Disney but, I can assure you that you will have a thrilling ride. Have fun and enjoy! Next ride? Try the Mad Tea Pary ride :-) my oh my, not my favorite. It made me dizzy!

Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

Spring Season is almost here which means Disney World will be jampacked with tourists from all over the nation and the world. That is the reason why, me being a Floridian is not too thrilled to visit Disney during this time. The long lines and the scorching heat are not my preference for a fun adventure at Disney. Anyway, for this post, I will show you Libery Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom which is one of my favorite attractions in Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

You need to check on the schedule first and come back when it’s time. A whole day is not enough to try all the attractions at Magic Kingdom so; make the most of your time by planning. Here is the route of the Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom:

I suggest that you should go on the top deck to see the beautiful view as you set sail the river. All around the route is interesting and besides, if you are tired from wandering and walking Disney Magic Kingdom area, this attraction is perfect to sit and relax.

Though this is only a scenic half-mile adventure into the wilds of old America, you will enjoy the sight and sounds of the happy children below. You will be aboard on a a steam-powered paddler wheeler.

This boat is Colonial-American-inspired and a 3-tiered Liberty Belle riverboat nestled in the heart of Liberty Square.

The photo below is on the Tom Sawyer Island. If you are tired from walking and exlporing the area, you should go to Frontierland and take a ferry ride to Tom Sawyer Island and you will reach this place. A good area to unwind and just wave at people on the Liberty Square Riverboat as it passes by.

Along the river’s edge is Fort Langhorn , Wilson’s Cave Inn , Woodland animals such as deer as well as the amazing and unique views of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain and The Haunted Mansion.

These tourists had just visited the Tom Sawyer's Island and ready to head back to the Frontierland where the dock is located.

Another sight to see during this awesome 17-minute journey into America’s early frontier is early American settlement, Harper's Mill and the idyllic Native American village.

Don’t worry; you will be embarking on a relaxing journey around Tom Sawyer Island along the Rivers of America. The people below are waiting for their ferry ride.

There is a lively narration which guests can listen as the boat set sail to the river by none other than, the iconic American author Mark Twain. As I have said, this ride is great when you are tired from walking the park. Yes, for sure, you will get tired.

I got more photos to share next time. Please check my blog again tomorrow and thanks for stopping by. After this ride, you might like to visit the Haunted Mansion which is just on the left side exit. Another ride to give your feet a relaxation before you head to Frontierland. Have fun in Disney!

Walt Disney Story: Uptown Theater in Marceline

We went to Missouri to attend a wedding, visit the hometown of Mark Twain in Hannibal and check the haunted house of my brother-in-law but, end up visiting the boyhood hometown of Walt Disney in Marceline. This town is the second largest city of Linn County in Missouri. This town also provided an inspiration for the film Lady and the Tramp and one of the city's major events is September's Toon Fest which well-known artists are invited.

The building above is Uptown Theatre in Main Street USA in Marceline.

"Opened June 30, 1930. In 1956, Walt and Roy Disney held the Midwest premiere of their feature film " The Great Locomotive Chase" in this theater. They personally greeted each child at the door. Walt and Roy took the stage before the movie started and the children of Marceline sang the Mickey Mouse song. Because the Disney program was not broadcast in Marceline the children learned this song especially for this occasion. The movie ran from 1:30 PM in the afternoon up to 1:30 a.m the next morning, so everyone who wanted too, could see the movie. In 1998 the Walt Disney Company held another premiere " The Spirit of Mickey" at this theater. 18,000 enthusiastic Disney fans came to Marceline for the premiere. A special appearance of Mickey."

This is a small movie theater.

"To tell the truth, more things of importance happened to me in marceline than have happened since - or are likely to in the future." - Walt Disney

Photo of Walt Disney inside.
 

Marceline is a small town and if you love city life, this is not your place. They have no WalMart, Bestbuy, Lowe's or shopping mall. There's nothing like that in here but, this town is full of charm and history.

If you love Rural Life Living, Marceline may work out for you. There are wide farm lands, Amish village nearby, mom and pop cafe where everybody knows everybody.

In the eyes of Walt Disney, this town is beyond imagination infact, this place inspired him to create the beautiful Main Street USA in Disneyworld and Disneyland. I bet you have seen the Uptown Theater, Emporium and City Hall in Disney right? He imagined those from this town in fact, if you visit Marceline, you will certainly recognized the architecture.

This is the front of the theater. Check out the signage on the window :-)

Inside the movie theater ...

Marceline is a nice town to check out and trace back the boyhood life of Walt Disney. The family lived here only for 4 years but gives a tremendous impact of Walt Disney's life. Few blocks away from this street is the Walt Disney museum where interesting Disney family memorabilias are on display. If you visit Marceline, you will also get the chance to see the house of Disney family and the Walt Disney barn which is the happiest place of Walt Disney. Take note, the "happiest place on earth" is Disneyland and the "most magical place on earth" is Magic Kingdom and both properties are own by Walt Disney. You know what's amazing? Walt Disney's happiest place is the barn and nearby it is his Happy Tree. Wanna see the photos? Check out my latest post. Thanks for stopping by. See you all next time.

Walt Disney's The Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom and in Marceline

Standing at the Main Street USA in Disney World's Magic Kingdom. This was taken almost 4 years ago and this place is one of the busiest areas in Magic Kingdom especially when there's a scheduled fireworks.

Have you been to Disneyland or Disneyworld? You probably visited the Main Street, U.S.A right? Here's another photo of Disney World's Main Street USA at night.

The Cinderella castle stands at the end of the Main Street USA.

Did you know that Main Street, U.S.A. is patterned from a Midwest town? Walt Disney created Main Street USA inspired from his boyhood town Marceline in Missouri.

The decor in the Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom is in the early-20th century small-town America, inspired by Walt Disney's childhood town (photo below). Main Street USA has a City Hall where Guest Relations lobby is and cast members provide information and assistance. A working barber shop, the Emporium which carries a wide variety of Disney souvenirs, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant and The Plaza Restaurant, Casey's Corner, the Main Street Confectionary and more. I took the  photos below when hubby and I visited the hometown of Walt Disney.

This is Main Street USA in Marceline Missouri and I was in great awe that Walt Disney loves this place. Iconic Disney marks such as the Mickey Mouse is on the glass window, the clock, the train, the emporium,  the movie theatre and more.

This is the Main Street USA in Marceline. The photo below is the real buildings of uptown theatre and emporium where Disney got the inspiration.

A classic Main Street, U.S.A. attraction in Disney is the Walt Disney World Railroad which transports guest throughout the park. In Marceline, this is the train on display whom Disney got the inspiration.

If you have been to Disneyland or Disneyworld, you have seen Walt Disney's reminiscent of the Victorian period of America with the train station, town square, movie theater, city hall, firehouse complete with a steam-powered pump engine, emporium, shops, arcades, double-decker bus, horse-drawn streetcar, jitneys and other bits of memorabilia. That's how he remembered Marceline when he was a child.

Now, this is the original Uptown Theatre when Walt and Roy Disney held the Midwest Premiere of their feature film " The Great Locomotive Chase" and they personally greet each child at the door. Want to see more of Walt Disney's boyhood town? Check out next time. Thanks for stopping by.

Marceline Missouri: Walt Disney's Boyhood Town

We are supposed to visit Hannibal, Missouri which is the boyhood town of Mark Twain. We ran out of time and I was so disappointed. While looking for a German Restaurant in the area, my sister-in-law pointed the clock and the street sign which says Main Street USA. I asked why there are Disney signs in this town? Then, I was told and just knew that Marceline, Missouri is the boyhood town of Walt Disney. This town has influenced him a lot in fact; I saw his barn and his Dreaming Tree. The picture below is the Main Street USA in Marceline Missouri, the inspiration of Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom. Amazing! This road trip is very interesting. I am glad we came here in Marceline. 

Enjoyable Visit in Downtown Disney in Orlando

When you visit Orlando, there are so many ways to explore Disney World. You don't have to go to the theme parks. You can enjoy the music and performances by Disney talents; shop for souvenir items; dine in Disney restaurants and enjoy the ride by the lake. You can shop in one of Disney's biggest stores as well as dine in to some cozy restaurants in this area. Plus, you will adore the scenery here. Check out this photo:It is all free to visit Downtown Disney so; when you are in Orlando, you know where to bring your family. Have fun and remember where you park your car :-) Have fun!

Forrest Gump: Jenny Shrimping Boat

Traveling, movie watching, and dining are activities that I would jump out and go. Speaking of movies, who would ever forget the movie Forrest Gump? It is such a beautiful epic comedy-drama-romance and all-in-one package kind' a movie that broke my heart and brought tears in my eyes. This movie is inspiring and brought so much joy when Forrest Gump accomplished something. The story is showing us that there is hope and reason for everything and that life must go on against all odds. His Jenny is the love of his life and this boat which he named after her represents his undying love for her.I took this picture at Downtown Disney in Orlando at the Planet Hollywood area. The Jenny shrimping boat from the movie Forrest Gump is displayed in this area. You can come by and see it yourself. You can access Downtown Disney for free so; enjoy your visit.

What to do in Downtown Disney in Orlando

Let's say, you've traveled to Florida but, have no plans to spend money at Disney Theme Parks. What's there to do? Visit Downtown Disney area and have a fabulous dining with dinosaurs which you and your kids will definitely enjoy. Of course, you will have to spend for souvenirs at the Disney shopping area. When you want to relax, you might catch a live music and performance in the Waterside Stage!Downtown Disney is an exciting and fun place to visit and it has three areas to check out: Downtown Disney West Side, Downtown Disney Marketplace and Pleasure Island.

Downtown Disney West Side has top-notch restaurants and has the 24-screen AMC Downtown Disney 24 movie theater. If you love food trip, you should try some their best restaurants. The price is affordable especially at lunch time. Oh, bring a sweater when you go there at night time. It's a bit chilly at night really. Have you heard about the amazing performance of Cirque du Soleil La Nouba? It's located in Downtown Disney too. It is a live entertainment show which I wanted to see. My German friend wants to see it for the nth times. We will find a schedule soon and I will find me a sponsor too LOL. The ticket ranges from $78 to $120. A bit expensive but, it's worth the money she says!Another place that you should check out is the Disney Quest Indoor Interactive theme park. The Downtown Disney Marketplace is the right area to check out on Disney merchandise. Here, you will find the largest Disney character store in the world. Downtown Disney is a happy place and if you want to relax, find a place along the lakeside restaurant. It's beautiful!The Pleasure Island is the area that you should check out for shopping and dining experiences. Take a peek at Curl by Sammy Duval, Apricot Lane Boutique, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Bar, Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Paradiso 37 and other outdoor food and beverage locations. This is an awesome place which the whole family will enjoy bonding, dining and shopping. Oh, I love this place.

Cinderella Castle Up Close

I was curious if anybody can go inside the Cinderella castle, the iconic fairy tale fortress, the gateway to Fantasyland in the theme park of Magic Kingdom. I went around and the middle part was close to public because there was a show at the courtyard. The Cinderella castle is a romantic beauty located in the heart of Magic Kingdom theme park. just above the central hub of the Park. If you stand in the Main Street USA, you will be amazed to see a medieval castle rising 190 feet into the sky.Seeing the Cinderella Castle at a far distant is like a fairy tale come true. I will try to explore next time, I want to see the mosaic mural. I heard that this castle has a tile inside which is made of real 14-karat gold. I am also curious to see the mural which contain one million pieces of glass in approximately 500 different colors. It would be awesome to see this huh?For our last visit, I only explore the entrance and the surrounding area. Here, I saw the fairy god mother. Do you know her name?