disney fan

Tale of Two Parades in Disney’s Magic Kingdom

~ mm57me ~ Leave a comment

The Mature MouseTM had the pleasure of experiencing both Magic Kingdom parades during my recent Walt Disney World trip. Comparing them is the same as likening apples to oranges, both are fruit, but that is where the similarities end. The Festival of Fantasy Parade and the Main Street Electrical Parade are each unique in design and presentation.

In full disclosure, I should mention that I watched both parades on the same day. I should also note that I was able to see the Main Street Electrical Parade twice on that day due to extra magic hours. This might lead you to believe that I favor the Main Street Electrical Parade. So let’s begin our discussion of these two parades with that experience.

IMG_7619The MSEP runs approximately 20 minutes and is offered at different times depending on sunset and park closing. The parade begins in Town Square and travels up Main Street, around the Hub and into Liberty Square, and out of the park through Frontierland.

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Tinker Bell
The floats are covered in colored lights, which are the major draw for this nighttime parade, and feature live and/or animatronic characters. The live characters are difficult to see because of the way the lights are used on the float. So as not to distract from the images the lights create, the characters are not lit well. The animatronic characters are covered in lights, which extend the story being told.

Regardless of the float, the underlining music is the same for the entire parade. It is a repetitive tune that tends to drone on after the first view floats, and became even more annoying during the second viewing of the parade. It is obvious that some of the animatronics have been recently updated; they use the same 3D effects for facial animation found on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

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Tangled
The Festival of Fantasy Parade is the newest of the Magic Kingdom parades. It runs about 15 minutes and begins in Frontierland, around 3 o’clock each afternoon, and continues through the Hub and down Main Street to Town Square.

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Brave
The floats are huge and many are in constant motion, featuring classic and new Disney characters, including the fire-breathing dragon from Sleeping Beauty. The music and sound effects are different for each float. The bottom line, The Mature MouseTM prefers the Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Here is a short video of the dragon. Unfortunately, I did not capture it breathing fire.

Each of the following videos features the same Disney character as presented in each parade. Which do you prefer, the Main Street Electrical Parade, or The Festival of Fantasy Parade? I would enjoy reading your comments about these two parades.

For more information on these parades, visit the World of Walt blog for their list of six things you need to know about Disney parades.

A travel agent who specializes in booking Disney Vacations is a valuable free resource when planning your next trip. I started planning my recent Disney World Vacation by calling Jennie Nowers. When Cool Summer Savings was released, Jennie was up early applying these savings to my trip, which saved me 15% on the price of my resort stay. I did not have to do a thing. Tell Jennie that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift with your next bookingIMG_1869

Please visit The Mature Mouse™ store for merchandise. Many of the items would make outstanding additions to your vacation gear and attire. This baseball hat is just one of the featured items available through the store. If you are a mature fan of Disney, consider getting an item. I am a Mature Mouse™, are you?

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Disney’s 7 Dwarfs Mine Train is a real gem

~ mm57me ~ 2 Comments

Imagineers include many details in their design of the parks and attractions immerse guests in Disney magic. Whether it is force perspective used to create Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, or the remnants of British occupation found in the African village of Harambe at Animal Kingdom, the details enhance the guest experience. Although The Mature MouseTM has often stated that a Disney vacation is not just about riding an attraction, we cannot ignore the details evident in those attractions. Imagineers’ attention to theming makes a Disney attraction more than just an amusement park ride.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, often referred to as the crowning jewel of New Fantasyland, is more than just a rollercoaster; it is an experience that immerses you into the world of Walt Disney’s original full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Before we discuss this attraction, take a few minutes to watch this clip from the 1937 movie.

Screen Shot 2015-07-20 at 2.56.39 PMRising up in the middle of New Fantasyland, surrounded by walkways and other attractions, Imagineers were given a relatively small space in which to design and build this attraction. They did an amazing job capturing the key elements of the original movie, while offering guests a family-friendly thrill ride.

The Mature MouseTM experienced Seven Dwarfs Mine Train twice during my last visit, both times utilizing a FastPass+ selection. The queue has been designed to keep guests entertained while waiting to board the mine train. However, with wait times that can often exceed 90 minutes, this is one of those attractions for which I recommend reserving a FastPass.IMG_1980

You board the train in the Dwarfs’ cottage. It is obvious that Imagineers took great effort to create a ride vehicle that looked and acted like an authentic train car that would have been built by the Seven Dwarfs. Each car looks and feels as if hewed from trees, weathered and worn over the years.

JPEG image-8EFFF49EF7C4-1Your car takes a short spin before climbing a small hill. The track then drops as you speed your way into the mine, where the coaster becomes a ‘dark ride.’ You slowly pass each Dwarf working in the mine. The Imagineers have created an experience that replicates scenes from the movie. The audio animatronics and new 3D projection technology brings each Dwarf to life. Toward the end of this portion of the ride, the clock chimes and the Dwarfs break into a round of “Heigh-ho, it’s home from work we go.” As you climb out of the mine, you see the shadows of the Dwarfs following along beside you. From there you rdsc_0008ush through the woods, pass a waterfall, and back to the cottage. Your car stops in front of the Dwarfs’ home. You can see them dancing with Snow White through the front window, oblivious to the imminent danger that lurks at their door.

The ride is smooth with none of the clickety-clack of most coasters. Each car sways independently from side to side as you take each curve of the track. The Imagineers included several of the original items from Snow White’s Scary Adventures, which closed as part of the New Fantasyland construction.

This is a the on-ride video from my recent trip. Look for me in the second seat of the first car, wearing the blue shirt. This type of video is available for purchase if you have the Memory Maker package.

Have you had the opportunity to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train? Is it on your must-do list? If so, why? Or, is this attraction you choose to skip? If so, I would enjoy hearing why? Please leave your comments below.

A travel agent who specializes in booking Disney Vacations is a valuable free resource when planning your next trip. I started planning my recent Disney World Vacation by calling Jennie Nowers. When Cool Summer Savings was released, Jennie was up early applying these savings to my trip, which saved me 15% on the price of my resort stay. I did not have to do a thing. Tell Jennie that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift with your next bookingIMG_1869

Please visit The Mature Mouse™ store for merchandise. Many of the items would make outstanding additions to your vacation gear and attire. This baseball hat is just one of the featured items available through the store. If you are a mature fan of Disney, consider getting an item. I am a Mature Mouse™, are you?

Marceline to Magic Tour – In Honor of Disneyland’s 60th Birthday

~ mm57me ~ 4 Comments

Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955. I was born in 1957 and grew up watching Disney shows, such as the original Mickey Mouse Club. I remember sitting around the television with my family on Sunday evenings watching the Wonderful World of Color. My favorite episodes were those that featured an inside look at Disneyland. I wanted to go there, to walk in that magical place that Walt Disney had built. Every time I asked my parents when we would get to go to Disneyland, they would always give me the same answer, “some day.” Well, some day came during the summer of 1970 when my family finally made the trek to California to visit family and, of course, explore Disneyland (Chapter 1).IMG_1961

The Mature MouseTM was very fortunate to be able to take the Marceline to Magic Tour during my recent trip to Walt Disney World. This tour explains the various inspirations in Walt Disney’s life that lead him to imagine and build Disneyland. This experience served as a link with the past of Walt Disney to the development of the parks. In honor of Disneyland’s 60th birthday, I wanted to share my experience on the Marceline to Magic Tour.IMG_1972

The tour began at 8 a.m., an hour prior to park opening. I was looking forward to seeing the park void of any crowds. I arrived at the Magic Kingdom entrance around 7:40. There were already a significant number of people standing at the security gates. They would not be allowed to enter for at least an hour or more.

IMG_1956There was a long line forming to the left of the entrance for those guests with breakfast and tour reservations. My MagicBand was scanned as confirmation my reservation, which would allow me early access to the park. This group was allowed in the park approximately 10 minutes before 8, giving me time to check in at City Hall for the tour. The tour group consisted of 13 guests and our tour guide. We wore a receiver and earpieces, so the guide could talk to the group in a conversational tone.

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We began our journey on Main Street. It was Walt’s memories of his childhood in Marceline, Missouri, that led to the creation of the iconic Main Street in Disneyland. There are a number of Victorian-styled storefronts throughout this section of the park, which is intended to reflect the quintessential, turn-of-the-century American town. Our tour guide, Mary Elizabeth, told the group about Walt’s optimistic view of progress through the advances in electricity, evident by the transition of gaslights to electric lights as you walk toward the hub.

Our tour crossed the bridge from the hub into Liberty Square. Walt’s patriotism is clearly evident in this section of the park. Mary Elizabeth compared Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln at Disneyland and Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World, and discussed Walt’s involvement in the 1964 World’s Fair.

IMG_1968I have mentioned numerous times that the Haunted Mansion is the favorite attraction of The Mature MouseTM. Imagine my excitement when our tour included a unique opportunity to gain a look backstage at this attraction. Mary Elizabeth gave us the inside scoop on the numerous elements of the interactive queue. As we rode our doom buggies through the attraction, Mary Elizabeth spoke to us through our earpieces describing the props, special effects and juxtaposition of storylines within the attraction. Haunted Mansion reflects both a not-too-scary and humorous look at the 999 grinning ghosts that haunt the attractions.

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Cinderella Water Fountain

After exiting the attraction we took a backstage look at some of the special effects found in many attractions. The Mature MouseTM will not spoil the magic, but this part of the tour is well worth the price of admission.

The tour made a stop at the castle to discuss the design of the Cinderella Mosaic, which is one of the few things signed by Imagineers.

The tour moved on to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Mary Elizabeth told us of Walt’s enjoyment in reading to his daughters, which inspired his efforts to bring these stories to life. We looked for evidence on this attraction of some of the same magic Imagineers used in the Haunted Mansion.

IMG_4172Our tour continued into Tomorrowland for a look at the Carousel of Progress. The group was granted a private theatre from which to experience the attraction. Throughout the tour, Mary Elizabeth spoke to us about Walt’s involvement in the 1964-65 World’s Fair and the development of attractions that could then be placed in Disneyland. The Carousel of Progress now graces Walt Disney World as a tribute to Walt Disney and his Imagineers. Mary Elizabeth discussed the various props, hidden Mickeys, and various scenes as we enjoyed the attraction.

The Mature MouseTM highly recommends the Marceline to Magic Tour. This experience gives every Disney fan an insight of Walt Disney and the elements of his life that led him to build Disneyland. Walt did not live to witness the completion of the Walt Disney World, but his spirit is alive within the Magic Kingdom.

The Mature MouseTM would like to wish a very Happy 60th Birthday to Disneyland, and a sincere thank you to Walt Disney for the many years of magic.

Follow this link to learn 15 fun facts about Disneyland.

A travel agent who specializes in booking Disney Vacations is a valuable free resource when planning your next trip. I started planning my recent Disney World Vacation by calling Jennie Nowers. When Cool Summer Savings was released, Jennie was up early applying these savings to my trip, which saved me 15% on the price of my resort stay. I did not have to do a thing. Tell Jennie that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift with your next bookingIMG_1869

Please visit The Mature Mouse™ store for merchandise. Many of the items would make outstanding additions to your vacation gear and attire. This baseball hat is just one of the featured items available through the store. If you are a mature fan of Disney, consider getting an item. I am a Mature Mouse™, are you?

Three Reasons Being a Disney Fan is the Best

~ mm57me ~ Leave a comment

Fan of Mickey sums it up well, being a fan of Disney is great. Those friends and family of yours that do not understand you obsession are just missing out on all the Disney magic.

Fan of Mickey

When folks I work with and even others I run into find out that yes, I love Disney and it pretty much dominates most of my life, I sometimes get strange looks. Some question why I go to Disney Parks all the time and others dare to suggest that they “hate” going to Disneyland or Disney World(!!!). Of course, I try to convince them otherwise. I commonly hear in response that Disney is for kids. (Lame reason, I know,)

However, I think these people just don’t get it. Here are my three reasons why being a Disney fan is the best of all hobbies, fandoms, etc.

1. There is always something new coming out to enjoy (and obsess over)

The Force Awakens TrailerFor Disney fans, there is always a something new coming out several times each year! Whether it is an attraction, film, television show, music, or video game. Brad Bird’s homage to Walt Disney’s…

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A Dreamer’s Take on Disney’s “Tomorrowland”

~ mm57me ~ Leave a comment

Screen Shot 2015-06-04 at 3.40.59 PM“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”  Walt Disney was a dreamer. He had the courage and determination to make those dreams a reality, and then Walt shared those dreams with the world. “Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future . . . with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”

Tomorrowland, the new Disney movie, reflects the dreams and ideals of Walt Disney. It was his plan to create a new experimental community that would improve the world in which we live, building a better tomorrow. The futuristic world in Tomorrowland is just that, a prototype community where all the dreamers would make their ideas a reality, thereby building a better world. However, things go wrong. Humanity looses its need to dream, choosing instead to accept what is, allowing the destruction of what could be. The point of the film is to encourage us to continue to dream, and to have the courage and determination to make those dreams come true.

As a fan of the Disney Parks, The Mature MouseTM is drawn into the imagined world that Walt built because they are places where dreams do become a reality, if only a short time. Walt Disney World and Disneyland are greater than any amusement park. The Disney Imagineers bring to life the realms and experiences of our collective memories, as Walt had done. Whether it is a walk down the quaint Main Street, a thrilling train ride through a mining town, a visit with not-so-scary ghosts, or dinner with a beast; for a few moments we escape from the humdrum of our everyday lives.

Athena offers Casey Newton an opportunity to experience Tomorrowland, if only for a few fleeting moments. Together, with the help Frank Walker, these dreamers struggle to return to Tomorrowland, and renew the possibilities of our future. Walt Disney had plans for EPCOT, a city where the possibilities of our future could be tested today. Unfortunately, EPCOT has yet to fulfill Walt’s original plan.Screen Shot 2015-06-04 at 3.43.06 PM

Maybe someday, if Disney fans continue to dream, and Imagineers have the courage and determination necessary, it could become a reality, the way it does in Tomorrowland. After all, as Athena says in the movie, “Dreamers need to stick together.”

Thank you, readers!

~ mm57me ~ 2 Comments

  
I began The Mature Mouse™ blog six months ago by sharing my Disney story. My goal was to establish a dialogue with my fellow Disney fans. The term The Mature Mouse™ reflects my persona, a middle-aged fan of Disney. The look of the logo has changed, but the goal is still the same. Perhaps, with the help of some Disney magic, The Mature Mouse™ community will convince those non-fans about the joy found in a Disney Vacation. Remember, it all started with a mouse.

There are currently over 320 followers of this blog via various social media, including WordPress, Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. I am completely overwhelmed and incredibly humbled. It is because of you, my readers, that I continue to learn, research, and post material about Disney.

As I posted a few months ago, I have been given the opportunity to return to Disney World in June. The purpose of this solo trip is to gather information, acquire lots of pictures, and immerse myself in the theming created by Disney Imagineers, all of which I will share with you. I will shortly begin posting information regarding the planning process for this upcoming trip. I look forward to receiving your valuable comments. And, I would appreciate your feedback for improving this blog.  

If you are a mature fan of Disney, please visit The Mature Mouse™ store for merchandise. Many of the items would make outstanding additions to your vacation gear and attire. Below are images of just a few of the featured items available through the store. I am a Mature Mouse™, are you?