Plan Your Florida Vacation
The aim of this blog is to provide as much information about things to see and do whilst you are on the holiday of a lifetime in the vacation capital of the world - The Sunshine State of Florida.
-
MAGIC KINGDOM
Posted on March 21st, 2011 No commentsWritten by: Julie Hart
Authors WebsiteRead more Articles by Julie Hart
I would think that for most families visiting Florida for the first time, the them parks are the big attraction and the most famous park is arguably the Magic Kingdom. Cinderellas Castle is easily recognisable and is symbolic of the park.
My first visit to a Disney park was Disneyland in California way back in 1984 and then to DisneyWorld in 1988. We didn’t have children then but on our first trip to the Sunshine State we couldn’t miss it. It really is a magical experience for everyone, from the white knuckle rides to Mickey and Minnies houses to the Mad Hatters tea cup ride.
We have seen some changes over the years, the park is always developing and changing theme as new films are released and new shows are produced to go with them. We have visited many times with our children and as they have grown older they have enjoyed their visits no less, even the last time at ages 18 and 21!
The park is divided into different themed areas and there are shows taking place throughout the day. You pick up a timetable as you go in so you can plan your day. It’s a good idea to plan out your day so you don’t miss anything you really want to do. The shows are spectacular and not to be missed but arrive in good time, especially in the school holidays.
The highlight of the day is the parade at 3pm and you have to arrive early to get your spot beside the route, the crowds start to gather at least an hour beforehand which can be a bit of a pain if you have young children. It’s a fabulous atmosphere with Disney characters singing and dancing and waving to the crowds. Hopefully the weather stays fine long enough for the parade to go ahead.
There is so much to see and do the difficulty is having the energy to keep going. When nightfalls the whole place lights up and then it really is magical. The last time we were there the castle lit up and kept changing colour and was totally cascaded in fairy lights. If you can manage to make it right to the end there’s a firework display, we saw it from the car park last time!!
-
More On Disney’s New Fantasyland
Posted on March 6th, 2011 No commentsWritten by: Mary Phillips
Authors WebsiteRead more Articles by Mary Phillips
Hi Everyone,
With the largest ever expansion to The Magic Kingdom, the all new Fantasyland, it is almost doubling in size, is well on it’s way and should begin it’s opening in the latter part of 2012.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride will be the first of it’s kind system taking you through the million diamoindshine mine themed set with music, a little speed and new swing action, delivering you right to Snow White and all of The Dwarfs.
The Princess Fairytale Hall will be a smash hit for all of the girls. Aurora, Cinderella and all of the other Princess’s will be there to meet and greet their guests in their elegant new Royal Court home.
The Two Dumbo rides are alongside the all New Storybook Circus, with the Old Favourite, The Barnstormer, featuring Goofy as the Circus leader Goofini!!
The all new Major attraction, Under The Sea, The Little Mermaid will take the young guests on an exciting adventure both above and below the Sea with the music backdrop from the Movie.
A Castle of The Beast will stand on a hill just across from the old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. A new restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant Ballroom, Gallery and Mysterious Castle. It will be Fast food by day and full table service by evening. Just outside of The Village is Belle’s Cottage and The Enchanted Tales with Belle. An all new Magical Mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of Storytelling experience with interactive features. All great news for the Young Ones, it will be even harder for us parents to plan the day out at Magic Kingdom.
Happy Holidays,
Mary & Larry
-
Disney’s Fantastyland
Posted on January 23rd, 2011 No commentsWritten by: Mary Phillips
Authors WebsiteRead more Articles by Mary Phillips
Hi,
Following directly after the Launching of their newest Cruise Ship, Disney have just annouced the latest news for their NEW expansion plans at The Magic Kingdom.
They are adding an indoor roller coaster ride in the Fantasyworld sector. The “Seven Dwarfs Mine Train” will have the first of it’s kind ride system where the vechiles swing back and forwards as you proceed along the twisting mine run. The music from Snow White will play in your cab as your enter on your journey. The new developement is going to open in stages late next year and will have several new themes.
Storeybook Circus, replacing Mickey’s Toontown Fair, will allow you to go interactive with the Circus acts. The old children’s favourite coaster ride, the Barnstormer, is to be upgraded and renamed the Great Goofini. Also, Dumbos Flying Elephant ride gets a complete new revamp.
The planned Pixie Hollow meeting area for Fairies is now scrapped and will now be inside Hollywood Studios. However. some of the old favourites will remain, Under The Sea and Journey of the Little Mermaid have survived with new motion systems to enhance the rides.
The best new feature for us will be the Holograms of guests being shown live on Cinderellas Castle, imagine your kiddies faces beaming across The Magic Kindom. You will need to go straight to the booking booth on your arrrival to make sure you are on there!!!!
Have Fun
Mary & Larry
-
Mickey’s Halloween/Christmas Season 2010
Posted on October 5th, 2010 No commentsWritten by: Mary Phillips
Authors WebsiteRead more Articles by Mary Phillips
Hi Everyone,
The time flies by and it is already time for the Special “Mickey Nights” over the coming holiday periods. They are so popular with regular visitors and a big hit with first timer’s we would like to bring the event scheduels to you all.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom. You have to buy an additional event admission ticket to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The evenings will be held from 7pm-12am.
Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes but buy these at Walmart before you go into Disney as they are much much cheaper. Also you should load up with your Trick or Treat goodies before you go. It really is a Great Family night. There are special entertainment features at certain Disney attractions. Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman. Happy HalloWishes, a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky. Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes. The special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows. However, typical Disneylike the tone of the event is, well, “Not-So-Scary” and is appropriate for children of all ages. Dates:- Monday October 11,
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is probably the most popular and the most spectactular, also at The Magic Kingdom. Again, there is an extra charge for the Special nights. The Christmas festive celebration is filled with extra live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an extra special holiday parade. The enchanted Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella’s Castle are absolutely breathtaking, make sure you camera batteries are charged. Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself. Live entertainment featuring Disney Characters and more chances to meet and greet your own favourites. Make the most of a rare Dieney Freebie with Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa before the magical snow fall on Main Street.
Dates Monday, November 8, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Both Specials are good fun and value but because of Cinderella’s Castle and the Snow on Main Street, Mickey’s Christmas nights are our favourite and not to be missed.
Happy Holidays
Mary & Larry
-
Every Little Saving Helps
Posted on June 24th, 2009 No commentsWritten by: Mary Phillips
Authors WebsiteThe latest news left by our American guests is a tip they used to save quite a few Dollars during their visit to Disney. Having 3 children they decided to buy the fluerescent neck and armbands at a Dollar store before they left home and packed them discretely away from their children. They put them in their bags when they set off for Magic Kingdom and gave them to their children when the evening parade and shows started. The same Bands cost $8.00 each at Magic Kingdom so it was a good saving. They also bought Disney torch/lights at their local discount store and saved even more. I am not sure whether it took any of “The Magic” off their children’s visit but everyone has their own budget and it certainly worked for them.
There are lots of these band type lights here in the UK at our Pound Stores so it may suit some visitors to stock up before they leave, making sure they are in their suitcases and not their hand luggage.
Our American guests also recommended booking the Disney Character Dining seats at The Parks, before their vacation as the availability is so hard to get on the days just before you go to The Parks. They are really Special experiences, When we visited, even at our age, Larry & I joined in the Dancing Chains & Napkin waving with Mickey & Minnie and all of their Friends. Great fun, just to see the little one’s faces and to get as many close up photo’s as you want.
Happy Holidays
Mary & Larry
-
Magic Kingdom Christmas Dates
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 No commentsWritten by: Mary Phillips
Authors WebsiteLast year we decided to splash out and go to Disney’s Magic Kingdom during our pre- Christmas holiday. What an amazing time we had. Having visited Magic Kingdom on several other occassions at different times of the year and been mesmorised, we did not realise how MORE Special the Christmas Parades are. We have just found out this years dates (Nov/Dec) and would most definetly recommend to all visitors this November/December, whether old or new to make the effort to be there during your stay. You can join in the whole spirit of things and make it a Xmas to remember. You will be amazed at Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the fireworks seem all the more spectacular along with the So Happy Atmosphere.This sensational celebration was made all the more special with THE SNOW Falling On Main Street, The Special Christmas Parade, The Castle Dream Lights and Free Cookies and Hot Cocoa, they seem to think of everything.
We booked our tickets in advance and saved a few Dollars.
We say, Go ON, Spoil Yourselves & The Kids, you will not regret it.
Mary & Larry