Archive for the ‘Disney Details’ Category

It’s a snapshot of the flora and fauna of Florida.  A spoonbill perches on the framework, watching bunnies bound through the magnolias.  The graceful arched windows of the Garden View Lounge are reflected in this unique mirror;  one of the design details that sets the scene for afternoon tea,  served here daily from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Reindeer are another recurring theme at Walt Disney World, and are found in some unexpected places.  At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there’s a twinkling deer family grazing on a ledge over the main entrance.  They add to the beauty of the lobby in the evening, when it glows with light and good cheer.

For the holiday parade at the Magic Kingdom, Santa’s reindeer have left their post to join the dancing on Main Street U.S.A.  Wearing their “hollyday” bows and sleigh bells, they’re a favorite year after year.

Nestled in fields of flowers, the beautiful twig deer at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa draw visitors outside to enjoy the perfectly manicured grounds of this splendid resort.

Look for a reindeer motif featured on everything from antenna toppers to chocolate.   Take the time to visit Disney’s Fort Wilderness and enjoy the fantastic holiday displays at the campsites.  You’ll see lots of reindeer prancing through the woods.

But, do they really know how to fly?  Oh, yes!

There are children who visit Walt Disney World and depart utterly convinced that the monorail is one of the major attractions.  Disney’s amazing monorail system is only one of many modes of transportation around the property, but it’s surely the most interesting.

Twelve Mark VI six-car trains transport up to 364 guests each, over more than 14 miles of track on three lines, at speeds of 15 to 40 mph.  The Resort Line travels in a circuit around the Seven Seas Lagoon with stops at the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Ticket and Transportation Center, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.  The Express Line ferries passengers between the Magic Kingdom and the Ticket and Transportation Center, while the EPCOT Line provides service between the Ticket and Transportation Center and EPCOT.  Guests staying at the “monorail” resorts near the Magic Kingdom can hop on the monorail directly from their hotels, and travel around the Resort Line or change trains at the Ticket and Transportation Center to get to EPCOT.

Each train is named according to the color of its stripe:  Monorail Red, Monorail Silver, Monorail Purple, etc.  The stripes on Lime and Coral have “deltas” along their length to distinguish them from Green and Pink.

Elaborate safety systems ensure that trains remain a specified distance from each other, and a train will be brought to a stop until the one ahead has moved away.  There are emergency evacuation plans for every eventuality, and the Reedy Creek Fire Department even has a fire truck which is specially designed for monorail rescue.  There are also custom tow-tractors to move trains from the beam.

Although pre-recorded commentary about upcoming stops, passing landmarks, and special events is narrated by a different cast member, the famous phrase, “Please stand clear of the doors…..” still features the original voice of Jack Wagner.

Carrying more than 50 million passengers each year, the Walt Disney World monorail is one its most recognizable symbols.

Walt Disney World has one of the most stringent fire codes in the U.S., which has served as a model for many states.  But, there are no fire stations in the country quite as playful as those of the Reedy Creek Fire Department.

With its giant fire hose fountain and massive fire hat canopy, RCFD’s Station #4 is a visual masterpiece, while Station #1 sports Dalmatian spots.  Look for the wonderful fire hydrant “sculpture garden.”

The Disney organization’s control of the Walt Disney World property has allowed them to enforce strict building codes and onsite protection system requirements.  This permits the nearly 200 staff members to focus on a comprehensive inspection schedule, code reviews, and a range of life and safety issues rather than the fire suppression activities of the typical fire department.  Walt Disney World has not sustained major fire loss of a building;  most fire calls are to vehicles in the parking lots.

They also have a particular expertise in the area of pyrotechnics; an important skill in a district where more than a half a million fireworks shells are fired each year.

The RCFD provides emergency medical services to both employees and guests of Walt Disney World.  Innovative Medical Assistance Response Carts, which are special golf carts fitted with medical equipment, are located at all theme parks and Downtown Disney, allowing personnel to respond quickly in emergency situations.

The Reedy Creed Fire Department stations – another delightful Disney Detail!

Love it or hate it, it’s impossible to ignore the big blue icon which has become the symbol of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The Sorcerer Mickey Hat, or BAH as it is known by many, was erected to mark the 100 Years of Magic Celebration in 2001, which also commemorated the 100^th anniversary of Walt Disney’s birth.

The 100-foot tall, 165-ton construction,  conceived as a giant reproduction of the hat worn by Mickey in the Disney animated film, Fantasia, sports two moons and six stars that sparkle in gold on a brilliant blue background.  Swirling golden shapes form mouse ears, and the “walls” of a Disney Pin Station housed beneath the brim.

This huge symbol of “The magic of show business and the entertainment wizardry of Disney” sits at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, and therein lies the source of the controversy.  While few will deny that it is truly fun and quite magical indeed, it completely blocks the beautiful façade of the replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre which most guests feel is far more attractive.

Rumors continue to circulate about the possibility that the Hat will be removed at some future date.  We can only wait and see!

Disney gives dog lovers a lot to smile about.  Great dogs are not only the stars of many animated features, but they pop up in unexpected places at every Disney destination.  We thought we’d share a few of our favorites!

The famous jailhouse dog delights us in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Everyone feels a tug of sympathy seeing the poor little emaciated pup slinking by in the gloomy graveyard of the Haunted Mansion.

Although he’s not very furry, RoboDog at Space Mountain certainly has more than his share of personality.

Visitors to Downtown Disney always enjoy seeing the wonderful Lego dogs strolling along the sidewalk.

Our top pick?  The sweet dog in the Carousel of Progress who stays by his master’s side through generations of kitchens, his head bobbing and his tail wagging softly.

What do dwarves, dinosaurs, and Dumbo have in common?  They’re all topiaries at Walt Disney World.  This fanciful foliage is found throughout the parks and resorts all year round, but each spring, EPCOT becomes a gallery for this leafy art during the International Flower and Garden Festival. 

Look for Mary Poppins over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and don’t miss the wonderful Bison gracing Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  Mickey and Minnie are there to welcome you to the Magic Kingdom, and elephants march along the walkway that leads from the park entrance to the Contemporary Resort.  

During the holidays there are characters dressed for the season and each Flower and Garden Festival features amazing new installations.  Guests never know if they’ll see perfume, Pluto, a panda, or Pooh.  From a fluffy Lion King fashioned of long grasses, to an extraordinary dragon bristling with bromeliads, these charming creations are some of our favorite Disney Details.

A small slice of yesterday, this scene immediately sweeps us away to a simpler and sweeter place.  KLondike5320 reminds us of a time when operators answered, “Number, please!”  From the wonderful vintage vehicle to the classic pumps and pitch-perfect lettering, it’s all here.  Next time you enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios, take some time to visit Oscar’s Super Service.