Happy 87 to the one and only, Mickey Mouse!
Thank you, Walt Disney, for sharing your imagination with us.
disney resort
I’m in a Disney state of mind!
Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in the early stages of a major refurbishment, which will result in additional lands in a larger park. Many of the attractions are closed, or have been slated to shut down, and we are still not sure what will remain of the current DHS. Rumor and speculation point to Star Wars Land taking over most of the left side of the park, replacing much, if not all, of the Echo Lake area.
During my last visit to Walt Disney World, The Mature MouseTM had the opportunity to grab a bite at the Backlot Express. This quick-service restaurant may not be around much longer at DHS, so The Mature MouseTM wanted to write a review of his unique experience at this quick and casual restaurant.
The menu at the Backlot Express is the usual American cuisine found in most Disney quick-service resturants: hamburger and cheeseburger, turkey club, hot dog, etc. I had the 8-piece chicken breast nuggets, with French fries. The chicken was moist, and the fries were crisp. The star attraction of the meal was an incredible Olaf cupcake. It was a huge, moist carrot cake, with cream cheese frosting, topped with a white chocolate Olaf.
The restaurant is themed as a functioning studio workshop. There is an organized chaos in the storage of props and equipment, with background music featuring theme songs from old TV shows. The restaurant is very clean, but the Imagineers have included faux dirt, dust, and wear on exposed piping. This restaurant experience is well themed for the current, and previous, iteration of Disney’s Hollywood Studio. Whether it will last the next restructuring of this park is yet to be seen.
Please use the link to visit The Mature Mouse™ store for logo merchandise. Many of the items would make great additions to your vacation gear and attire.
And, make sure you consult Jennie Nowers about your next Disney vacation. Tell her that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift from Jennie with your next booking.
Parking Fees Increase at Disney World
The Mature Mouse™ is often asked if he prefers staying at a Disney Resort, or offsite in the nearby Orlando area. Although an offsite hotel or motel may offer a less expensive, per-night cost, there are other expenses to consider. By staying off property you may be required to pay for numerous extras, such as car rentals and daily parking fees.
Walt Disney World just raised their parking fees for all their theme parks. According to WDWinfo.com, you can expect to pay the following:
$20.00 – Car/Taxi/Shuttle/Limousine/Motorcycle
$18.00 – Camper/Trailer
$21.00 – Bus/Tractor Trailer
There is also the value you place on convenience to consider when making your resort decision. Disney transportation will take you directly to and from the p
arks. Yes, you do need to wait with others for the bus, boat, or monorail to pick you up. However, for me, that is a minor inconvenience to parking in one of the numerous parking lots outside the theme parks, not to mention fighting the traffic. It is much easier to return to your resort for an afternoon break if you are staying onsite and using Disney transportation. Although there are shuttles from some of the offsite hotels and motels, most of them do not make regular trips to the Disney Parks.
The Mature Mouse™ enjoys being in the Disney bubble during his Walt Disney Vacations. What about you? Do you prefer to stay onsite or off? Please leave your comments below.
Please visit The Mature Mouse™ store for merchandise. Many of the items would make outstanding additions to your vacation gear and attire. If you are a mature fan of Disney, consider getting an item. Are you a Mature Mouse™?
A travel agent who specializes in booking Disney Vacations is a valuable free resource when planning your next trip, and will assist you in choosing the right resort for your stay at Walt Disney World. I started planning my recent trip 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 need to do a thing. Tell Jennie that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift with your next booking.
Growing up is optional ~ Walt Disney
Details of Disney Magic
The Mature MouseTM visits Walt Disney World because it is more than a theme park. A tour of a Disney Park is an intensive experience. Plans for Disney Hollywood Studios, announced at the recent D23, reflect the Imagineers plans for intensifying that experience.
During my recent trip to Disney World, I took some time to capture some of those details in the various parks. The magic of a Disney Park is imbedded in those features; it is the quality that makes a Disney Park more than just another theme park. Imagineers went to great lengths to design an atmosphere that enhances the storytelling. This attention to detail surrounds you at Disney’s resorts, four theme parks, and 2 water parks.
Below are images from my recent visit to Walt Disney World. You should also visit The Theme Park Tourist to read their list of 10 Absurdly Intricate Details at Walt Disney World That Most People Never Notice.
Please visit The Mature MouseTM 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. Are you a Mature Mouse™?
A travel agent who specializes in booking Disney Vacations is a valuable free resource when planning your next trip, and will assist you in choosing the right resort for your stay at Walt Disney World. I started planning my recent trip 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 need to do a thing. Tell Jennie that The Mature Mouse™ sent you and receive a special gift with your next booking.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
The Mature Mouse™ hopes to convince more middle-aged travelers to see the enjoyment and value of a Walt Disney World vacation. One of the key ingredients in any type of vacation is your home base, the resort you decide to call home during your trip. I recommend staying on Disney property at one of their numerous resorts, priced to fit any budget, and themed to fit your style and comfort. A resort should be more than just a place to sleep, and your time at Walt Disney World should not be spent roaming the parks from open to close. I must confess that The Mature Mouse™ did not follow his own advice during my last trip. I choose a resort based on budget and simply as a place to crash after each exhausting day. However, I did make sure that I chose a resort that offered certain perks and amenities that I would enjoy.
It has been a little over a month since The Mature Mouse™ returned from my trip to Walt Disney World. I have briefly mentioned Disney’s Pop Century Resort in past posts. I have included links to those pages below. However, I realized that I have not dedicated an entire post to a review of this value resort.
Previous references to Disney’s Pop Century Resort:
As I stated earlier, I chose the Pop Century for this trip for two specific reasons. As a value resort, this Disney motel fit into my budget for this trip. And, the theme of this resort reflects the first 50 years of my life.
Did you notice that I referred to this Disney Resort as a motel? Although extremely large in area and capacity, Pop Century is built like motel; you enter your room from the outside of the building, not from interior corridors. Except for Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, all the other value resorts are constructed this way.
The balconies are decorated with images representing the pop culture of a specific decade. These images are of the two buildings in the section representing the 1960s. At the center of these two buildings is the Hippy Dippy Pool.
My travel agent booked me a preferred room, meaning it was closer to registration, central pool, food court, and park busses. This convenience cost a few more dollars a night. 
My room could use some updating. The beds were comfortable, but not exceptional, tiles and grout are worn, as are the rugs.
However, rugs and wallpaper feature hidden Mickeys.
Disney’s Pop Century features an exceptional food court, one of the best on property. There are hot and cold dishes, most made to order, as well as assorted snack choices. There is plenty of room to dine in the food court area, and you can always bring your meals outside to the pool areas, or back to the room. There is also a gift shop on site, offering many of the items one would find in the parks.
This would also be the place to pick up items bought in the parks and shipped back to your room.
Disney transportation busses are dedicated to Pop Century, meaning that they will not stop at multiple resorts traveling to and from the parks. However, Pop Century busses traveling to and from Animal Kingdom will also stop at Disney’s Blizzard Beach. As with all the other Disney resorts, there are well-marked waiting areas for the busses. However, the lines are not covered, which can be brutal on those hot and humid Florida days, or during one of the daily downpours.
Guests staying at Pop Century can cross Hourglass Lake, via Generation Gap Bridge, to visit Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Although it is in the value category, the cost per night at this resort is higher than the other value resorts. You are allowed to eat at the AoA food court, which is also exceptional, as well as use the pools. Knowing that Pop and Art are sister resorts affords you some flexibility in transportation. One could take a park bus to the Art of Animation and walk across the bridge to POP very easily. Although, if you are like me, you will usually return from the parks exhausted and not want a longer walk to your room.
Overall, The Mature Mouse™ recommends Disney’s Pop Century in the value resort category. Although adults can appreciate the theming of the resort, it is geared more toward families with kids. I can only speak from my experience; the rooms could use some updating. However, the resort worked for me as a place to crash after a long day in the parks. I am in the process of planning a student trip to Walt Disney World for next April and this is the resort I have chosen for our stay.
Follow this link to the unofficial fan site of Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
A travel agent who specializes in booking Disney Vacations is a valuable free resource when planning your next trip, and will assist you in choosing the right resort for your stay at Walt Disney World. I started planning my recent trip 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 booking
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?
Disney’s 7 Dwarfs Mine Train is a real gem
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.
Rising 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.
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.
Your 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 r
ush 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 booking
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
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).
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.
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.
There 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.
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.
I 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.
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.
Our 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 booking
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?
The Mature Mouse™ interviewed on WDW Through Jesse’s Eyes podcast
The Mature Mouse™ had the great pleasure of talking Disney with Jesse Barrett and Heath Jarvis, podcasters from WDW Through Jesse’s Eyes. I appreciate your feedback, so please leave a comment below.
Follow WDW Through Jesse’s Eyes through their website, their Facebook page, and iTunes. And, please vote for WDW Through Jesse’s Eyes as the fan favorite by following this link: Disney Podcast Survivor.
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 booking.
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?
The Mature Mouse™ 