People, Places: Raison d’être

Experience Life

Top 5 List for Disney’s Magic Kingdom

When it comes to travel, I prefer to explore,  learn and  blend in with  locals to get their perspective. Destinations such as Vegas and Disney are generally unappealing to me, but I’ve traveled to both for business.  Earlier this month, I was in Orlando, FL for intense sales training (customer centric selling which was very good). I arrived early Sunday morning so that I could enjoy one day of Florida sunshine before I was sequestered into a windowless conference room for five days.  As luck would have it, that was the same week an arctic blast covered much of the East Coast. It was sunny, but also freezing cold! (low 30’s). So much for sitting by the pool.

I stayed at the Disney Hilton, so I figured I’d explore one of the parks since I had never been to any. I called a few of my friends who have taken their children to Disney to ask for recommendations. Hands down, The Magic Kingdom is a must see for a newbie.  I bought a day pass from the Disney store at my hotel.  Discount rates are available  to conference attendees after 2:00.  As luck had it, the park was open until 11 p.m. that day, so I had plenty of time to explore.

I took a free shuttle bus directly from my hotel to the Magic Kingdom. I know Disney is synonomous with details, but I didn’t expect to give a digital finger print at the entrance. I wonder if this will soon be required at airports.

A  few steps beyond the entrance, I walked down Main Street, USA, and Disney’s magic spell struck me instantly. I was giddy.  Yep, I fell for it right away. The beautifully decorated Christmas tree and then straight ahead- a very familiar icon- Cinderella’s castle!  I ignored all the shops on Main Street and walked directly to the center of the park to shamelessly have my picture taken with Walt, M-I-C-K-E-Y Mouse with Cinderella’s Castle in the background.  Speaking of Kodak moments, Kodak advertising is everywhere as if you can’t figure out where to take a good photo in the park.

I rode as many rides as I could, and I did not care that I was 1) by myself 2) not a five-year old.  Again, completely shameless.  I started my tour of the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland. Space Mountain closed for repair. Bummer.  I explored the park counterclockwise through Toontown Fair, Fantasyland, Liberty Square and Frontierland.  I of course took a break to watch the parade. I noted that the performers smiled more than a politician running for election.  Also noted excessive makeup and lip syncing.

Because it was unseasonable cold and a Sunday, the park was relatively empty for Disney standards. Good news for me- that meant short lines. I never waited longer than 10 minutes. Did not even need a FP ticket.

Top five attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom:

1) Cinderella Castle– It’s an icon.  At night, it twinkled with a million lights that changed colors and reflected into a pond. Mesmerized I was. If I had known in advance there was a restaurant inside, I surely would have made a reservation as it is the only way to get in. (Note: Food is overpriced and crappy in Dowtown Disney. Service was generally poor. Mostly food chains. )

2) Swiss Family Treehouse– If offered as an accommodation, I would have stayed there instead of the Hilton. Weather permitting of course.

3) Haunted Mansion– This is the best haunted house ever. The details are amazing.  If I had more time, I would have visited this more than once for futher observation.

4) Pirates of the Caribbean– Impressive details. 

5) Peter Pan’s Flight– A unique perspective of distance. The ride starts inside a bedroom and then you gradually fly over a city at night. Great details right down to cars with lights on. Very clever.

Oh, and the fireworks were amazing!  Really, better than Boston’s on July 4th.

Random observations

Children cry in Disney. I couldn’t believe it. I suppose they are tired, but I didn’t think it was possible.

Every girl (particularly my three-year old neices) wants to be a princess thanks to Disney. Even I wanted to wear a tiarra by the end of the day. For the record, I did not.

The details were impressive. Now I understand why people spend multiple days at the park.

I did not expect to enjoy Disney as much as I did.  I loved it!  If you haven’t been to Disney, you should go. And, if you have children, you must take them.

January 24, 2010 Posted by | Domestic, Uncategorized | , , | Leave a comment