Posts Tagged ‘Germany’

They cruise the World Showcase Lagoon and ply the waterways of Crescent Lake, offering a welcome sight to park-weary guests emerging from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  They are Disney’s Friendships; eight boats that ferry their passengers between docks around the World Showcase Lagoon, and make the rounds of Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs, the International Gateway at EPCOT, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Numbered from I to VIII, each Friendship sports its own distinctive trim colors.  Their design was inspired by European canal and river boats and while the seats may not be planned for comfort, the air-conditioning definitely is!  Generally both stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, adverse wind and water conditions may prevent roll-on boarding.  There will be a sign posted at the landing announcing any changes.

Two boats run routes in the World Showcase Lagoon, one between the landings at the Canada pavilion and the Morocco pavilion, the other making the trip from Mexico to Germany and back.  While not always a time-saver, taking the boat is a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings and avoid part of the 1.3-mile trek around the lagoon.

It’s a relatively short walk from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to EPCOT; a slightly longer journey from Disney’s Yacht Club or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas.   A longer walking path leads from the Boardwalk area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.   Most guests, though, feel they get plenty of exercise during a visit to Walt Disney World and opt to hop a Friendship.  Boats travel between these parks,  stopping at the resorts that surround the lake and canal.

Service typically begins around 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately one hour after park closings.  If you’re lucky, you may find yourself onboard with the birdman.  His pockets are always filled with treats and the birds seem to know he’s coming; flocking to the dock and approaching him when his boat arrives!

Small cottages nestle in the trees; a policeman stands watchful as busy villagers go about their errands; trains move smoothly over bridges, through tunnels, and chug past rural railway stations; a joyful wedding party makes its way down the hillside while a solitary deer surveys the forest from a mountaintop.  It’s a world recreated in exquisite detail – the miniature village and railway at the Germany pavilion in EPCOT.

There’s always something new to see and marvel at as the Disney gardeners landscape, replant, and embellish for the changing seasons, holidays, and special events at Walt Disney World.  Hidden Mickeys come and go; buildings are “erected” for special events like the little greenhouse for EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Show, complete with tiny signage.

During the Christmas season, guests are treated to a holiday wonderland.  Decorations spring up all over “town.”  Christmas trees are decorated, lampposts sport holiday bows, and buildings are outlined in lights. Even the railway cars are reconfigured for important holiday activities.

Originally conceived for the Flower and Garden Festival, this extraordinary installation has become a permanent and much-loved fixture of the World Showcase.

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