Archive for October, 2009

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Snow White

Current Address: The Prince’s Palace

Previous Address:  Cottage of the Seven Dwarves, The Forest

Interests: cooking, sewing, knitting, keeping a tidy home

Favorite Food: apples

Facebook Friends:  Huntsman, Dopey, Doc, Happy, Bashful, Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed.  Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional.  Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• EPCOT, World Showcase, Germany
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame, Princess Room
• Magic Kingdom, Main Street Exposition Hall
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat

Character Dining

• EPCOT, World Showcase, Norway, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Princess Storybook Dining
• Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle, Cinderella’s Royal Table

Attractions

• Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, Snow White’s Scary Adventure

Shows

• Magic Kingdom, Castle Forecourt Stage, Dream-Along with Mickey
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic

Miscellaneous

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animation Gallery, The Art of Snow White

Some of the most wonderful lights at Walt Disney World are found in the windows of Bayview Gifts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Years ago, during one of my earliest visits to Walt Disney World, I was certain that, while driving to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, I had seen a boat glide by on an overpass.  Each time I brought it up, I got strange looks from people and after a while, I began to think that I had misremembered.

Much later, while on the launch between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and the Magic Kingdom, I was delighted to hear the explanation for that vivid memory from long ago:  a water bridge!  With an eye to keeping the vistas beautiful, Disney decided to put the water over the road rather than having a roadway over the water.  While there is a second water bridge in the EPCOT resort area, guests can actually cross over the one that connects Bay Lake with the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Most visitors never realize that they are passing over a busy road as they travel between the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

All vessels cut their speed as they approach; a signal to passengers that the water bridge is just ahead.  So, next time you’re cruising the lake or lagoon, watch for the NO WAKE signs and take a moment to appreciate this engineering marvel.

When I was small, our family spent summer vacations in Nova Scotia.  We traveled on the M.V. Bluenose and as our mighty ship (read tiny ferry frequently tossed about by ferocious Fundy waters) pulled into Yarmouth Harbour, we were greeted by the sound that announced our stay had truly begun – the bagpipes played by a musician dressed in the proud plaid of Nova Scotia.

You can imagine my delight to find a similarly-kilted piper standing on the special stage reserved for Disney’s favored sons – Off Kilter.

They define the phrase in more ways than one.  Yes, they are unconventional and a bit eccentric; how else to describe rock music with a bagpipe vibe.  But, in keeping with the Celtic influences in their music, they also wear dashing tartans; the red of the Stuarts and Nova Scotia blue.

Piper Jamie Holton had already been featured as a performer at both Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland when he conceived the notion of a band with a unique sound that would draw from the traditional and the modern; the expected and unexpected; the music of many cultures.   He brought together a group of talented musicians who were equally as enthusiastic about the idea (nary a Stewart nor a Nova Scotian amongst them!), and Off Kilter was born.

Supported by many long-time fans, Off Kilter attracts new ones daily with performances near the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT.  Grab a seat early and prepare to be entertained!

Off Kilter

EPCOT World Showcase

Currently daily 2:30, 3:30, 5:30 6:30, 7:30 p.m.; check Times Guide

30 minutes

Park admission required

One of California’s finest exports, Soarin’ has been a star attraction at EPCOT since it debuted in 2005 as part of the Happiest Celebration on Earth event that marked Disneyland’s 50^th anniversary.

Experience some of the most memorable sights, sounds, and smells of the Golden State enhanced by a deeply-moving soundtrack from composer Jerry Goldsmith.

Technology delivers a series of stunning illusions as you glide over ocean, mountain, and desert, buzz the deck of an aircraft carrier, and swoop through the night and into Disneyland.

Enjoy the fragrance of sun-warmed oranges or the crisp scent of a pine forest; the rush of ocean breezes as you skim the waves, so close to the water that you lift your feet to keep from getting wet.

More than four years after its introduction, Soarin’ remains a hugely popular attraction.  While interactive games have been added to the stand-by queue to help pass the time, it can be a very long wait; head directly to The Land upon entering EPCOT and pick up a FastPass.

Soarin’

The Land, EPCOT Future World

Continuous performances daily

Approximately 5 minutes

Guests must transfer from wheelchair to ride seat

40″ minimum height requirement

Park admission required

Representatives from the Disney Company and attraction sponsor, Raytheon Company, were on hand October 14, 2009 for the ribbon-cutting of EPCOT’S newest exhibit, Sum of All Thrills.

Located in Innoventions, this interactive presentation allows guests to design and fine-tune their own customized thrill rides, then step into simulators to experience their creations.

Visitors get a glimpse of the math and science principles behind their selections as they craft their own one-of-kind rides.  Then, with feet dangling and heads enclosed in hoods, they rise ,suspended by huge robotic arms, and move through the twists and turns of their handiwork.

There is a whole range of intensity available, so the exhibit can be enjoyed by thrill-seekers and coaster-wimps alike.  Each guest can select from a variety of scenarios and customize elements such as speed and inversion to suit their individual comfort levels, then “test” the results before riding.  Expect long lines as visitors flock to build and board their own personalized “attractions.”

Sum of all Thrills

EPCOT  Innoventions

Minimum height requirement 48″; 54″ if design includes inversion

Park admission required

Photo by Jeff Bergman

 

 

In Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the new Sanaa is spicing up Disney restaurant fare with hints of India.

From the Swahili word meaning “work of art” Sanaa carries the theme throughout the restaurant, beginning with the stylized acacia trees which spread their branches and leaves over the ceiling.  The acacia leaf is often used as a base to display artworks in Africa.  Glowing wall niches showcase African handworks and the room is filled with colorful details and unique lighting fixtures that reflect both African and Indian influences.

 

The beautiful arched windows that grace many areas of the resort have found their way into this lovely space, bringing the savannah, which is on the same level, right into the room.

 

Perhaps not as spicy as might be expected but with more of a zing than some American palates may be used to, the menu features curries made with traditional spice blends that include cardamom, chilies, cinnamon, cloves, saffron, coriander, nutmeg, fennel seed, cumin, tamarind, and turmeric.  There are selections from the restaurant’s two tandoor ovens, Indian-style breads, and the ubiquitous sustainable fish. Guests can select a trio from five interesting salads, there is a vegetarian option, and several American favorites including steak and pork chops.  Specialty cocktails, as well as some interesting wines and beers from Africa and India, are available from the bar.

 

Dinner service opens with African entertainment and an attractive lounge adjacent to the dining area seats 24 guests.

 

 

Review: Indian food is not high on my list of favorites, so I was surprised and delighted when lunch at Sanaa turned out to be the best and most interesting meal I had during a recent visit to Walt Disney World.

Although periodically slow, my server was cheerful and friendly and I could see that every table seemed to be receiving the same helpful and enthusiastic, if somewhat sporadic, service.

Not wanting heavy meat for lunch, I opted for – yes kids – the oft-maligned (at least by me) sustainable fish!  It was truly outstanding, served with crisp vegetables in a lightly curried broth.  I could eat this three times a week; it was that good.  Three unusual salads were a pleasant change from the usual lettuce, and an excellent and beautifully-presented dessert was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal.

While there are still some service kinks to be worked out, this is a great choice for a memorable meal; well worth the travel time for those staying at a different location.  Kidani Village is a charming resort, peaceful and inviting with a spectacular savannah.

Menus

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Wine

 

Sanaa

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village

Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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If you’re fortunate enough to be in the Magic Kingdom first thing in the morning, you might catch the Dapper Dans jumping off the Main Street Trolley for the first of their nine daily performances.  They stroll up and down Main Street U.S.A., in and out of shops, and, of course, spend time at the Harmony Barbershop.  Each day at 5:00 p.m., they join the Main Street Philharmonic for the Flag Retreat.

In Disneyland, the Dans have been a fixture since 1959 and are often seen on a classic Schwinn four-seater bicycle, specially commissioned years ago by Walt Disney.  They also roam by byways of Hong Kong Disneyland, delighting guests with their four-part harmonies.

The Dapper Dans entertain the crowds with a lively mix of song, dance, and comedy, featuring the vintage charms of the unique and melodious Deagan Organ Chimes.  Look for their striped vests, colorful hatbands, elegant sleeve garters, and the occasional well-waxed handlebar mustache, the next time you visit the parks!