>Tune into one of my favorites

>Some of my favorite things in Walt Disney World are the sounds. I love hearing the bell on the trolley on Main Street USA, I love hearing the explosions from Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! When I am walking in Disney Hollywood Studios and I love hearing the screams from Test Track. But my all time favorite sound in Walt Disney World is the background music. For people that have not been to Disney

before, there is music played in all of the guest areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. This musical background is an Unknown Magic because it is like the color scheme of the Resorts or the landscaping of the parks; the Disney Imagineers use music in Walt Disney World to enhance the feel of where you are without being intrusive. Even though the music fills the air and it is around you, many people miss it. They hear it as white noise, not as part of the Experience. But I see the music as helping with the theme of whatever area you are in. It helps you to become more involved in the experience, more engulfed in the magic.

For example, in Adventureland there are tribal drums that play, making you feel as if you are entering a jungle. While in Frontierland you can hear the Wabash Cannonball as you are walking past the Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café. In Disney Hollywood Studios as you walk up Hollywood Boulevard it isn’t

 uncommon to hear Hooray for Hollywood being played from the speakers. In Epcot the music is what you would find in each of the countries represented in the eleven different pavilions. From the Chinese music,

featuring zither and lute type instruments to the Mariachi Music that fills the air around the Mexico Pavilion, the music adds to the atmosphere and helps you to believe you are really in that country.

There are other places where the music is not only part of the attraction, but also very much a part of the experience, where the music is as memorable as the ride. The most well known of these attractions is It’s a Small World. The song for the ride written by the Sherman Brothers, composers for many of the Disney movies, is a song that stays with you for many hours after riding through the attraction. A place that is more of an Unknown Magic in Walt Disney World where this happens is at Winter Summer Land, the miniature golf course near Blizzard Beach, the music played here is very important to the feel of the two courses. Depending on which course you play, the winter or the summer side, you will either sing along with the Beach Boys or with Classic Christmas carols. This is a fun way in which the music adds to the experience.

I enjoy listening to the music in Walt Disney World so much that even when I am home, I try to enjoy some of the magic that I get from it. I have the Official Disney Theme Park CDs and I have some recordings of the music played on the Resort TV channels that I listen to from time to time, but the one way that I get my

Disney Music fix that I can share with everyone, is by listening to Reedy Creek Radio. They not only play the music from different attractions and from parades and firework shows, but also from the resorts. It is a good way to enjoy the music from Disney World even when you aren’t there.

So, if you are in Disney World or are going to Disney soon, take the time to enjoy one of my Favorite Disney things, the Music that surrounds you when you are there. And if you aren’t there but miss the music as I do, try Reedy Creek Radio for your Disney Fix.

>What I Think…

>You should check out this Weekend.

Seeing the characters in Walt Disney World is one of the highlights for many children and even some adults. The Pixar characters are being found in more and more areas around each of the parks. They can be seen in parades and shows, but the Character meet and greets are the most exciting. Across from Toy Story Mania, In Pixar Place section of Disney Hollywood Studios, Woody’s and Buzz Lightyear have their meet and greet. It is actually themed as if you are on Andy’s Bed. You can see Lightning McQueen and Mater Disney Hollywood Studios also, at Luigi’s Casa Della Tires near the Streets of America. In Epcot, The seas with Nemo and friends, not only has the Seagulls out in front chirping at

you (Mine, Mine) but the entrance into the building takes you through scenes that have Nemo and pals throughout them. Also in the Seas Pavilion, there is an interactive attraction called Turtle Talk with Crush show. This features the Surfer Turtle from Nemo Also. In the Magic Kingdom Pixar characters are found at The Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. In the Animal Kingdom in the root system of the Tree of Life is another Pixar presentation, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, Hosted by Flik, from A Bug’s Life. This show is a 3-D show that is fun and exciting and explains the world of insects to us humans. Also in Animal Kingdom, they have Nemo-the Musical, a thirty minute theatrical adaptation of the movie. So you see there are plenty of places to see Pixar characters in the park. But if people who are staying at Disney but don’t have the Park Hopper passes or if you are not staying in Disney, these characters may be difficult to see.

That is why what Disney is doing this weekend in Downtown Disney is a really neat thing. For those of you do not know about this, this weekend Disney is presenting: ‘Downtown Disney Car Masters Weekend.’ This event will showcase meet and greets with Cars favorites Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the newest “Cars” character, Finn McMissile. Other activities will include games, a video kiosk and photo opportunities. You can also see Richard Petty’s racecar and RIDEMAKERZ, (located in the old Virgin Megastore building, where you can customize your own cars) will unveil the new “Cars 2” models. There will also be classic cars on display. The AMC Downtown Disney will also be showing the Original ‘Cars’ feature all weekend long. All this is preparation for the newest Disney/Pixar movie ‘Cars 2’.

What makes this great is that Disney is not only promoting their new movie (which comes out on June 24th) but they are giving Disney/Pixar fans a chance to interact with some of their favorite characters without paying park admission. I think this is a wonderful thing for Disney to be doing. It will give a thrill to younger fans of the Cars movies and it will also give families a great thing to do together this weekend. For anyone in the Orlando/Disney area this weekend, the activities take place in Downtown Disney’s West Side from 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Disney is also celebrating Pixar’s 25th Anniversary this weekend at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. There will be many character meet and greets, a contest called the Cars 2 Race Around World Showcase and even Pixar Speaker Sessions. All of these activities will take place in Epcot and need park admission to attend.

For more information on Downtown Disney Car Masters Weekend click here: Downtown Cars

For Information on the Pixar 25th anniversary celebration in Epcot go here: Epcot Pixar 25

>Where in the World? Answer:

>

The Cinderella Fountain in the courtyard behind the Castle is an Unknown Magic,

The Whole Fountian is wonderful,

But the Effect made by the background and the Fountian is Magical!

>Where in The World?

>

This is found near an Unknown Magic in Walt Disney World. Do you know where you can find this?

Please leave your guess in the comment box.

We will let you know where this is tomorrow.

>Where in the World?

>

Welcome to our first: Where Am I.

This might not be a completely Unknown Magic in Walt Disney World, but do you know where you can find this?

Please leave your answers in the comments box.

We will let you know where this is tomorrow.

>A Fifteen Year Old gets Passionate.

>

Hello John.

Hi.

So, John what would you like to talk about today? Something that might be an Unknown in Disney World, maybe?

Quick food Stands, vendors.

Like what? What do you mean?

The vendors that sell foods at little stand in the parks, or sometimes the resorts.

I just looked at him, so he continued.

The people that sell food at little stands like ice cream. They have them at Epcot, they sell one thing, like popcorn and stuff.

So, what would you like to tell people about these stands?

Of the wonderful things they sell, like food and merchandise.

How about if we stick with food?

OK, we’ll just go food now.

So, tell me about some of these stands.

Let me set the scene for you, it’s in the 90’s high humidity, you’re dying to quench your thirst to cool you down. You don’t see a restaurant in sight, then you hear a man yell, Ice Cream (they don’t yell). You turn and you spy a little stand, off in the distance, you see the man selling ice cream, and a great joy rises up within you, because you know your needs will be met momentarily.

I don’t type as fast as he talks so, I had him stop talking. Then he said, “Let me know when I can continue.” When I nodded, he continued.

And, as you approach the stand the man asks you can I help you? You say yes, I need a chocolate fudge bar, pronto. He hands you one after you pay a small fee and all your needs are met for the time being.  I should write novels.

Anyway John, What kind of foods besides ice cream do these little stands sell?

They sell, drinks, sodas, in Epcot they sell Turkey Legs, and I think you can get one in the Magic Kingdom near the Hall of Presidents that’s right, right.

Yes, it is. You can also get one in Disney Hollywood Studios also, but please don’t tell John this.

Epcot is the best, because the food is usually better, well the food is more diverse. You can also get alcoholic beverages if your kids are bothering you too much,
Don’t write that. (If this is your first time reading, you’ll find that I transcribe exactly what John says.) If you feel the need.

Why are you talking so fast tonight?

Because this is a topic I am passionate about and have much knowledge about.

What other kinds of food did you say they have?

They basically have your basic snacks. Pretzels and ice cream, it’s tough to explain, it’s like a ball game.

Besides the turkey legs what is your favorite thing to get at one of these stands?

The lemonade slushy in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom; we get one there every time. They are great for cooling you off on a hot day.

What is the most unique thing they sell at the stands?

Margaritas, No wait, the Rose and Crown sells the really big beers.

Outside the Rose and Crown Pub in Great Britain in Epcot, they sell what are called, Yards of beer and they are actually three feet of beer in a rather long tubular mug.

What is something you have seen sold at one of the stands that surprised you?

Probably the margaritas near Mexico, No probably the turkey leg the first time I saw it, I couldn’t believe they sold a big hunk of meat at a stand.

Do you remember what is special about the stands in Animal Kingdom?

No.  Then very softly, Can you remind me?

What they don’t give you when you buy something.

Napkins.

Or

Straws.
Because they don’t want you littering around the animals.

Where is your favorite stand in each park?

Magic Kingdom- Frontierland; Lemonade Slushy

Disney Hollywood Studios- the one that sells Popcorn (it is near the entrance to the animation courtyard).

Epcot- Turkey Leg

Animal Kingdom- an ice cream one, because it seems way hotter there than it does at the other parks.

Are there any other stands that you think people should know about?

No, but I recommend the chocolate fudge bar.

At this point I gathered we were about done, because he started pacing the kitchen.

Well, thank you john, you were very informative tonight.

You’re welcome, I’m glad I could be of service.

>A Ride on one of the Magic Kingdom’s Mountains

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Today’s Saturday Matinee offers some Unknown Disney World details. As we ride along on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, I try to get a shot of one of the often missed characters in the Magic Kingdom, The miner in the bathtub. Enjoy the ride, and the commentary my wife and I supply throughout.

Answers to Yesterday’s Where Am I?


1. These are windows on Hollywood Boulevard in Disney Hollywood Studios.
2. A lamppost on the Boardwalk.
3. This is the bottom of the sign behind the bar at The House of Blues.
4. The fountain in Great Britain in Epcot.
5. Part of the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros has this scene.
6. This is my son, many years ago, pointing out a Frank Sinatra Picture in Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
7. Wheezy is coming to Mickey’s Philharmagic in the Magic Kingdom.
8. This statuette is off the walkway on the grounds of the Polynesian Resort.

>Where Am I?

>

A Few weeks ago I presented a Where is This? group of Pictures. I received many comments on that set of Friday Fotos. Because of that, I decided to give you another group to try and figure out where they were. Enjoy the Pictures. I will post the answers tomorrow.

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>A Nice Drink and a Big Hat

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Last summer, I bought a Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Margarita Machine. It was a nice addition to our Tiki Bar. It is pretty nice. It is a three step machine that adds the ice automatically for you and mixes all your ingredients. The problem I have with it is that I’m not big into Margaritas. I use it to make other frozen drinks, mudslides, for example, and I can drink the Margaritas, but I’m not a big Tequila drinker. My wife likes a good Margarita though, so when we are in Disney, we visit the little stand outside the Mexico Pavilion and we grab a Margarita to wander with. Of course inside the Mexico Pavilion there is also a good place to get a Margarita. Once a few years back, when we were eating in the San Angel Inn, we had some pretty good Margaritas!  We enjoyed them very much!  It even gave our son the opportunity to buy a Sombrero that was huge, and a lot of silliness ensued, but that is another story. Today’s story is about Tequila and where you can find it in Disney World.

Most people don’t think of Disney World as a place to get a drink, but there are some specialty places in Disney that are all about the tequila. Our Big Hat adventure in Epcot took place quite a few years back. Now, the San Angel Inn is sharing the Mexico Pavilion with another bar. This isn’t any bar though, La Cava del Tequila, is a specialty shop that sells and tells about Tequila. They actually have a Tequila Ambassador, someone to help you learn about the history and process of Tequila making and about different types of Tequila. There are about 30 seats in the shop and they serve light Mexican fare, but they are mainly here to sell you Tequila. They offer a variety of Margaritas and they have 70 different types of Tequila ranging from stuff you may have heard of, too very rare $50 a glass specialty Tequila.

La Cava del Tequila is open from around noon until Epcot’s closing. If you want some Tequila and you don’t happen to be in Epcot, you can always head over to Downtown Disney. This is where you will find Paradiso 37. This is a newer restaurant/bar on the West Side that was being added before they decided to change Pleasure Island. It is still there and is a great place to get a Margarita.

Paradiso 37 is a “high-energy restaurant and bar that serves up unique cuisine inspired by the Taste of the Americas.” It not only offers an international Wine list, but a Tequila Tower and 37 different types of Tequila. They also offer 10 different types of Margaritas for your enjoyment. Paradiso 37 also offers live music and the menu is rather extensive. They open at 11 AM and offer specialty coffees and a lunch menu that is almost as big as the dinner menu. They both offer Appetizers, soups and salads, as well as a Main course and Desert. The restaurant is pretty large and is a non-smoking establishment.

So now you know, there are a couple of Unknown places in Disney World where you can get a Margarita, try some different Tequila and maybe some new food as well. Just remember too much Tequila and an eleven year old who wants a rather large sombrero may be a problem, when you try to figure out how to get that Big Hat home on the plane.

>Take a Load Off

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Sometimes, Finding THE spot to sit and relax, when you are in Walt Disney World  is an Unknown Magic. Some of the spots in Disney World are right there for you to enjoy while others are hidden and you need to search for them. Today is all about the seat, the bench, the chair, the rock wall, whatever you find that you can sit on and take a load off. There are some really great places throughout the Walt Disney World Resort to do this, so let’s find a few!

I’ve talked before about the little courtyard off of the side street from Main Street USA, but there are other places around the Magic Kingdom that are good places to get off your feet. One is the tables and chairs across from Casey’s Corner. Here the ducks and other birds congregate looking for food. Another great place in the magic Kingdom to set a spell is over in Frontierland. On the porch across from the entrance to the Country Bear Jamboree, there are rocking chairs. A rocking chair is always a great place to sit down and to do it in the Magic Kingdom is no exception.

In Epcot one of the best places to sit is off to the side of the World Showcase Promenade, between China and Germany. Right around the refreshment area out there, there is a set of tables with umbrellas, which you can sit at and enjoy some peace and quiet, as this area is rarely busy. Of course there are benches all around the World Showcase for you to sit on, but one of the nicest places to sit in Epcot is on the wall around the entrance

fountain. This is a neat place to sit and watch people pass by on their way into or out of the park. It is also very peaceful as the gurgling water is very relaxing.

In the Animal Kingdom, you can sit in the shadow of a Dinosaur outside of the attraction with the same name. They also have benches throughout Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios also. Years ago when my family was in

Disney, my son John (whom helps me with my Tips From a Teenager Tuesday articles) was on a quest to sit on the perfect bench. He found the one in Animal Kingdom most enjoyable. He also liked the ones at the Winter Summerland miniature golf course.

But a bench is a bench is a bench. You can find other great places to sit throughout the parks too. For example, in Disney Hollywood Studios at the Streets of America there are stoops to sit on. If you aren’t from a city or have never had a chance, these are a great place to sit. Especially when the sun is just starting to go down; because the lights on the houses and the streetlamps come on and the sounds of the city fill the air.

So, now you know, there are places where you can sit and relax and take a breather when you need one. The places I talked about aren’t the only ones, there are many others. So, take the time to find the Unknown places to sit and take a load off.