Disneyworld, Day 3& 4 - The Magic Kingdom

Even though there is not an enormous Matterhorn, the Magic Kingdom is still magic. Apparently, the magic is not contained in a 1000-foot fiberglass fabricated mountain.

It’s important to note that technology has not advanced to the point of being able to contain magic with fiberglass.

We decided to visit the enchanted kingdom during what would likely be the two least crowded, enchanted days: Tuesday and Wednesday. Our choice was laced with enchanted wonderworking and joyous gaiety (phrases often heard in the Magic Kingdom).

In many ways, the Magic Kingdom is a lot like what I remember Disneyland to be as a kid. The People Mover is still there, as is the Carousel of Progress, the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, the Bear Country Jamboree and even the fort on the island was open.

However, this version of Disney’s magical place is missing a few things that Disneyland holds: The StorybookLand boats, the Alice In Wonderland ride, the aforementioned magical-less Matterhorn Bobsleds and the famed Indiana Jones ride (although there is a nearly identical ride at Animal Kingdom that I will touch on tomorrow).

Nevertheless, it was an enlivening couple days in the heart of Disneyworld.

Crap we liked:

1. Mickey’s Philharmagic – This attraction is not in Disneyland and it is the best 3D show I have ever seen Disney do. Better than Captain EO, better than Honey I Shrunk the Audience, better than A Bug’s Life, and yes… even better than The Muppet Show. We saw it twice, but definitely could have gone back a third time.

2. Space Mountain – I didn’t like it as much as the Disneyland version – it did not have the music and you sit single file rather than side by side – but it was still great. We rode it 5 or 6 times.

I should mention that Lincoln went on it once with his mom and he was wearing a birthday button with his name on it (even though his birthday was a week before). The girl that runs the ride took a liking to him and thought he was adorable, which of course, he is.

Anyway, he got off the ride and I had a child pass so we immediately rode it again. She noticed him on the ride and yells, “AGAIN LINCOLN? TWO TIMES IN A ROW?” Lincoln - with a grin on his face - just nods and off we go.

As we are getting off the ride, a Disney “cast member” approaches us and asks, “Do you want to go on it again?” Well, as a teacher I know that there are no stupid questions, but if you ask an 8 year old if he wants to go on Space Mountain again… that is a stupid question.

The cast member takes us up a secret hall (yes, Space Mountain has secret halls) and straight to the front of the line. Lincoln and I felt like movie stars – easily comparable to a young Frankie Muniz and a more handsome Orlando Bloom. Lincoln is then seated in the very front and me directly behind him.

Lincoln’s new girlfriend sees us and Lincoln tells her, “They told us to go on it again!” She replies, “LINCOLN!!! Yeah, I told them to!” Awesome. It could have been the highlight my trip.

So anyway, Lincoln may have broken a record by riding Space Mountain 3 times in 20 minutes.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean – Who doesn’t love this ride? This version takes about half the time as the Disneyland version, but that version is way too long anyway.

4. The Haunted Mansion – Much the same as the Disneyland version, but with a few added items. Calder spent most of the rest of the trip looking for and telling us about a ghost that was following us home.

5. Thunder Mountain Railroad – Identical to Disneyland, but maybe had an added bit of thunda'!

Crappy Stuff:

1. Stitches Great Escape – For some odd reason, there is a height requirement for this ride. I am still trying to figure that out. You sit down, a bar comes over your shoulders and then??? Nothing. A few odd sounds, Stitch laughs. You don’t move. It’s the stupidest concept Disney has ever had.

2. Toontown – I’m sorry - 3 houses is not a “town”. That is a polygamist compound. Not nearly as big or fun as the Disneyland version. Also, no Roger Rabbit ride to break down every 15 minutes and force you out of line was actually a plus.

3. The Tiki Room (Under New Management) – Call me a romantic traditionalist, but adding other Disney birds like Lago and Zazu. The new management sucks. I want the old birds back that sang words and the flowers that bloomed.