“Oh my God! Look at that line!”
“Wait—does that sign say… 60-minute wait from here?”
“They're out of Fastpasses?”
Do these sound familiar?
If so, then you know the frustration that comes from seeing long lines queuing up outside your favorite attractions. Of course, if you make a few adjustments, like getting to the park early, making use of Fastpass early in the day, and taking advantage of E-Ride Night (for the Magic Kingdom) maybe you won't find yourself saying those words.
You could, however, also take a time out from park mainstream attractions to instead explore and discover other interesting things in the Walt Disney World theme parks.
In this session we'll look at ten of the many attraction alternatives awaiting you at the theme parks.
While walking up Main Street U.S.A., you are sure to be serenaded by the a capella sounds of the legendary Dapper Dans. Hmm, there are no long lines and no need to secure a Fastpass to be entertained by theses striped clad crooners. Now that's entertainment!
Legendary Dapper Dans of Main Street USA
Be sure to let this quartet know if it's your birthday. Actually, be sure to let them know if it's your un-birthday. Either way I'm sure they'll have a song for you.
I can hear everyone saying, “But what about the lines Mike?”
Ahhh but I have some news. It seems that there is some testing going on with a Character Meet & Greet Fastpass. That's right. In the very near future you may find yourself using Fastpass tickets to secure a special time for you to take photos with your favorite character.
There's no need to wait in long lines and then feel rushed when your turn comes up. Character Greet & Meets are in all theme parks. You're sure to find your favorite character somewhere.
Check your Fastpass – Rafiki is waiting for you.
There is much to do and see in the Magic Kingdom beyond the basic attractions. There is always a daily schedule of shows and entertainment waiting to make guests smile, laugh and clap.
First and foremost is the always-popular show at the castle forecourt. This show is usually stocked with the most popular Disney characters.
Take advantage of this entertainment. You should be able to find yourself being entertained in just about any of the themed lands in the Magic Kingdom
One of the most popular areas is the Magic Kingdom is Tomorrowland and that is where you'll find a very talented group of cast members known as “The Tomorrowland Band.”
Don't miss the Tomorrowland Band
This band performs between the Astro-Orbiter and Carrousel of Progress. They don't just play music for you; they also invite you to get in on the act, especially if you are one of the younger guests.
If you love percussion bands then you don't want to miss this group.
If you happen to be in Disney/MGM Studios one day, you may want to make it a point to stroll down Mickey Avenue and look for a colorfully dressed individual who is playing with balloons.
This is Andy Mation. You will be amazed at what Andy can do with balloons. Hey, is that a balloon or is that Goofy's head?
MGM Studios balloon artis, Andy Mation.
Not only does Andy have an uncanny talent for taking balloons and massaging them into Disney characters, he also possesses a wealth of information on the history of Walt Disney animation.
One of the amazing things you'll notice about Andy is his knack for multi-tasking. While he is designing a very intricate Disney character with his many balloons, he is an enchanting storyteller who will knock your socks off with his knowledge of Disney animation.
Andy will focus his attention on the character he is currently building and while he is entertaining you with his creative abilities he will use that time to also educate you about the history of that character.
Don't miss Andy Mation - there are no lines.
Epcot's World Showcase is home to the Living Statues. These Living Statues are actually cast members in makeup and costume to look like white marble statues. Watch closely! Is she breathing? Is that really a person or is it an actual statue?
The first time you see these Living Statues you will be both amazed and amused. The cast members who perform as statues are very talented. They can remain still for long periods of time but can also be pretty mischievous, especially when the guests start standing next to them for a photo opportunity.
The author and living statue friend.
It is fun to watch small children being urged by their parents to walk up to the statue and pose for a picture. Some of the most touching moments you'll ever witness in your WDW vacation may come from the interaction you witness between one of these statues and the small fry who visit Epcot's World Showcase
You can find the Living Statues usually near the Italian or French Pavilions.
Now when I say this is cool I mean this is cool. Near the Epcot fountains you will find an igloo with a strange snow vehicle parked outside. This igloo is Ice Station Cool.
Now, can you think of any other place in the continental United States besides Florida where such an appropriate outpost should exist? Not me.
Take a break at Ice Station Cool.
Coca-Cola and Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) came up with the concept of Ice Station Cool to serve several purposes. It gives guests a chance to cool off from the Florida heat, and also also introduces snow to those guests who live in warm climates.
Most importantly it gives Coca-Cola the opportunity to display how Coca-Cola is developed around the world to meet the tastes of different cultures.
Guests can enter Ice Station Cool and try out the taste of Coca-Cola as it is sold in many countries around the world. You'll see different names, too.
The next time you are in Epcot, stroll over to Ice Station Cool and try the flavor called “Beverly,” and then explain to me where they got that name.
Walt Disney World has figured out ways to mix music, light, fireworks, water, and just about anything else into a delightful entertainment medium. This knack for combining such elements is best seen at the Epcot water fountains, which are found just as you exit Future World and head into World Showcase.
Several times during the day, guests are entertained by dancing waters that spurt into the air and move in synch with the music. However, it is the nighttime performances that most illustrate the beauty and wonder of these fountains.
When it comes to Epcot's nighttime spectaculars, the Epcot Musical Water Fountain is second only to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. When viewing the fountains at night, make sure Spaceship Earth is in the background so you are looking thru the fountain at the Epcot icon.
I think most guests take Streetmosphere for granted. There's a lot of thought and preparation that go into the skits that are performed on Hollywood Blvd. in the MGM Studios theme park.
If you watch streetmosphere very carefully, you will see how in tune they are to one another and how they depend upon one another to make it all work for the benefit of the guests.
If you happen to find yourself caught up in a little streetmosphere action, don't fight it; play along. After all, why shouldn't the cast member get a little enjoyment out of the action?
Streetmosphere at work.
It's hard to determine just when and where Streetmosphere is scheduled to appear. For the most part, you should be able to see them in the late morning and early afternoon.
When I began thinking about attraction alternatives many thoughts and ideas floated into my mind. At first I thought I'd talk about Epcot entertainment like Future Corps, and the Japanese Drummers, and the mime in France.
However, one particular piece of Epcot entertainment seemed like it should stand on its own. I'm talking about the British Invasion.
This quartet of musicians has come up with an amazing simulation of the Beatles. Only the baby boomers can really appreciate this remarkable masquerade.
These entertainers perform near the United Kingdom Pavilion. Just look for the gazebo with their instruments and find a comfortable seat. During their performances look around and notice the different reactions from the guests. The baby boomers will have a smile on their faces but the teenagers will be looking at their watches and wondering how long the lines are at Test Track.
We might as well finish in Epcot. Between Germany and the Italian pavilions there is a stretch of landscape that many people either ignore or don't even notice. What they are missing is a huge, elaborate model railroad display.
This display has about everything the model railroad enthusiast would want. Besides the obvious trains you will also find two-inch-tall conductors waiting at the train stations, bridges and switches that work, tunnels that come and go, and even tiny trees that suspiciously look like trimmed bonsai trees.
Epcot's model train display.
Every time I pass by this display, I think about how this would have been Walt Disney's favorite spot in all of Epcot. Walt's love for trains had to have been a source of inspiration for this display.
It's a great area to visit and really gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the craftsmanship on display.
Of course there are other attraction alternatives to help you in your attractions time-out. There are always the shops and unique stores in the theme parks. In the Animal Kingdom there are always the animals. How about taking your picture between Roy Disney and Minnie Mouse? I'm serious. The next time you are in the Magic Kingdom, look for the bench in the middle of Town Square. Yes, that's Roy and Minnie. And did I mention the talking palm tree in the Animal Kingdom?
There's more to a theme park than the long-lined attractions. Take some time to look around and find something that just may make you smile.
Changes: For the Better or…
Class dismissed.
