Take a little break to explore the theme parks
Friday, August 15, 2002
by Mike Scopa, staff writer
“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.
#1 The Magic Kingdom's Dapper Dans
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.
#2 Character Meet & Greets
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.
#3 Magic Kingdom Entertainment
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.
#4 MGM Studios Andy Mation
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.
#5 Epcot's Living Statues
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.
#6 Ice Station Cool
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.
#7 Epcot Fountains
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.
#8 Disney/MGM Studios Streetmosphere
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.
#9 British Invasion
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.
#10 Germany's Trains
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.
Other Alternatives
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.
Next time
Changes: For the Better or…
Class dismissed.
|
