I have some new music to add to my repertoire of amazing Disney tunes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8YHUD_uD5U

This is the music from the Boo to You parade in Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! I went to that party last night and it was AMAZING!

I get to see this little guy ("little" being relative because he's about 315 pounds) every day on the safari. It's wonderful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jb4y3KRvUU&feature=player_embedded

This post will be short, sweet, and to the point:

I LOVE MY JOB!

After driving a safari truck for many hours, it's so difficult to go back to my little Volvo! I keep thinking I have to make super wide turns, put it in park every time I stop, or beep whenever I'm about to drive somewhere. It's crazy!

Oh also, today is International Save Japan Dolphins Day. Today marks the beginning of the annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan. SAVE THE DOLPHINS! And whales and sharks...

I have officially "earned my ears!" My first solo day as a driver is tomorrow and I couldn't be more nervous/excited! Wish me luck!

I also forgot to mention where I'm living! I'm in Chatham with five other girls and they're all very nice! Hopefully with the new CP's coming through in the upcoming weeks there will be more going on because it's pretty quiet here!

Today was my first day of driving. Needless to say, it was AWESOME! Kind of scary sometimes because there are narrow parts on the ride path, and we also have to make super wide turns all the time, but overall it's so much fun. Done with day two of training, only five more to go!

Jambo everybody! My name is Alexis and I will be your game driver for your 2-week photo safari here in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve!

Yep, you guessed it... I'll be driving the trucks at the Kilimanjaro Safaris in the Animal Kingdom! Could there be a more perfect job for me? Nah, I doubt it. So that was a very exciting thing to discover on check-in day.

Check-in day was... long. Oh man was it long. Check-in starts at 9, but in order to get your preferred apartment, you need to arrive early, and I mean EARLY. I woke up at 5:30 in the morning and it was still dark out. I figured nobody would be standing outside in the dark. Boy was I wrong! I ended up heading over to Vista Way around 6:15 and there were already about 100 people there! It was crazy. But I met some nice people and we talked until we could check in. Then we chose our complex, got our housing ID, and then went over to Casting. That's where it got very long. We had to give them our I9 forms, and that took a while. We also had to do fingerprinting for background checks. Then we discussed the Disney Look. Fortunately, we didn't have to dress up super nice because they knew we'd need to dress comfortably since we were moving in that day. We still had to adhere to the Disney Look, but they weren't too strict. Then we had a housing meeting for about two hours. I was all moved in that night!

The next day we had off, so I went to the parks with my mom before her flight that night. It was sad to say goodbye, but I know I'm going to have a blast this semester and she'll most likely be back here again soon.

On Friday we had Traditions, which is basically a sort of orientation. It was about four hours, and we learned about the Disney mission statement, as well as their rules and such. We even had a tour through the utilidors (underground tunnels for cast members) under the Magic Kingdom so that was pretty sweet. I ended the day by going to Hollywood Studios with some friends.

Yesterday was orientation for the Animal Kingdom, which is called DAKlimation (DAK = Disney's Animal Kingdom). So we talked a lot about the park, and we got a tour through it. And finally, today was my very first day of training. I'll begin driving the trucks tomorrow! Wish me luck!

See how it says "1 Day" on the little countdown nametag? Yes, that means I check in and start the program TOMORROW! Hooray! I've been spending a lot of time in theme parks so it's been a super fun few days. Yesterday was Islands of Adventure (I'm not going back to Northeastern due to the fact that I received my Hogwarts letter... oh wait, just kidding) and today was Hollywood Studios. I was able to get my roller coaster fix and that was awesome!

Since I check in tomorrow, I have a very busy few days ahead of me. Therefore, I most likely won't post again for a while. But when I do post again, I'll talk all about the check-in process, where I'll be working (hmm, I wonder where...), where I'm living, etc etc etc. Until then...

see ya real soon!

I am FINALLY in Walt Disney World! My mom and I left at 5AM yesterday morning and drove 8 hours through Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Our GPS even gave us a scenic route through D.C. so we saw the White House which was pretty awesome. We then ended in Lorton, Virginia where we boarded the Amtrak auto train. It left at about 4:30PM yesterday and we arrived in Sanford, Florida at about 8:45 this morning. And now we have officially checked in to our room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! I can't believe it's finally here. I'll update again once I'm checked into the program and I've started training and such.

TOMORROW!

That is all.

So this is cheating because it's not Disney, but this music is from Islands of Adventure. It's my favorite music from the whole park (besides Harry Potter, but that doesn't count because I love the music from the movies).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baAT-1pRp48

This is from the Lost Continent area, where Poseidon's Fury is. It's so great.

I leave on Saturday. I leave on Saturday. I LEAVE ON SATURDAY! Is this real life??

Okay, so this isn't technically park music per say, but it was featured in the Year of A Million Dreams commercials a few years ago and it's just so beautiful and jubilant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8O0tIJRu28

It's called "Flying" and it's from the most recent live-action version of Peter Pan.

We're in the teens now! I leave a week from Friday! Huzzah!

Now the music from Soarin'!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDmLvgITm5E

Perfect.

28 FREAKING DAYS.

Well, technically 23 days until I leave for Florida. 28 until I actually check in.

Another song from the parks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvFKjQR8EFk

The star tunnel music in Space Mountain!

35 days...

Welp, I missed a week. Here's another song from the parks I thoroughly enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THz6oysRtdc

The finale music to the OLD Spaceship Earth.

Oh, P.S... NOW IN THE 40's!

I wish I could just go now! I just went to my 6th and final concert of the summer. Sad. Counting down to concerts made the time to Disney go by so much faster! I went to three PHiSH concerts (two at Bethel Woods, one at Great Woods), Eddie Vedder, Dispatch and James Taylor/John Williams. Well, at least I only have 43 days. I still remember when I started in the hundreds! Yikes! So this is much better.

Thinking wonderful thoughts!

Cancion numero tres:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiVpRjxxnRk

The queue music from Peter Pan's Flight! Oh, so many memories.

Here's another one of my favorite songs from inside the parks...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RirDtNwyHHY

Oasis Garden Theme - Animal Kingdom

Who knew that this whole waiting for Disney would be so difficult?! I even have three jobs this summer to keep me busy, and it's not any easier! Oh well, it's June so only two-ish months.

I'll make a project for myself. Once a week, I will post some kind of Disney video or audio that makes me feel like I'm in the park. This week, it's the Innoventions Area Loop!

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u516i9kR4I

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8ATilZBYHk&feature=fvwrel

Terrible quality, but as soon as I remembered it, I knew I had to post it. So many memories!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYrdcqGFUro&feature=related

"Hey everybody, I'm a corporate symbol!"

Untitled

I AM SO EXCITED!

But there are still 83 days left. What's a girl to do?

Random post, late at night

Hello there, nonexistent readers! I'd like to take the time to write a few random things about the Disney College Programs. Mainly things I'm looking forward to, what I'm not looking forward to, and what I'd like to get out of the Program.

First of all, I seriously just cannot wait to be in Disney for six months. WDW is basically my second home, and I think I'm addicted to the feeling I get when I'm there. Because I've been going since I was four, I think the magic is mainly because of nostalgia. Even though new things have been added and some things have gone away, it's still the same place (although philosophers may beg to differ). When I walk through Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, or Hollywood Boulevard in MGM (it's still MGM to me), or Future World in EPCOT, or even the Oasis in the Animal Kingdom, I get the feeling that I'm a little kid again. And even though I've been so many times I've lost count, the magic is still there. I love looking around at new guests and seeing their faces light up when they see their favorite characters, or go on a ride for the first time. It's a nice escape from reality.

Second of all, I can't wait to meet everyone! Especially other people who love Disney as much as I do. It's hard to come by that in other places. However, I'm nervous about Disney trivia because I know I don't know everything there is to know about Disney (confusing? My bad), and I know I'll get absolutely schooled. Whereas at home, I rule at Disney trivia. But anyways, I'm really looking forward to making new friends and the experience as a whole.

I don't think there's anything I'm not looking forward to! Maybe very long work hours, but hey it's all part of the job.

I really hope I end up working at the Kilimanjaro Safaris. That is my top choice at the moment. Just to be able to learn more about the animals there, and teach guests about them would be amazing. Also, it'll be awesome to be driving "Simba 1" and saving Little Red. My second choice would have to be the Jungle Cruise. Even though they're not real animals, it seems like such a fun ride and I'd enjoy being a skipper. I'd also love to be able to somehow work with the animals there. I know that is probably reserved for specialists, but that would be awesome. I have experience with animals already so learning more about them would be fantastic.

Well all right I think that's all I really have to say. Plus I'm getting pretty tired. 107 days!

Day 30.1

YOUR FAVORITE THEME PARK RIDE

Thrill ride: Rock 'n Roller Coaster

Dark ride: Peter Pan's Flight

That's all, folks! I'll write again when it's closer to my arrival date!

Day 29.1

YOUR FAVORITE THEME PARK ATTRACTION

Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular and Festival of the Lion King

Day 28.1

YOUR FAVORITE THEME PARK

Easy. EPCOT. Followed by Magic Kingdom as a close second.

Day 27.1

YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE

Probably the first line in "Make a Man Out of You," because as soon as anyone starts singing "let's get down to business...." you can count on anyone in our generation to continue with "to defeat the Huns." Classic!

Day 26.1

SADDEST DEATH

Mufasa, Bambi's mom, Todd's mom. That is all.

Day 25.1

YOUR FAVORITE SCENE FROM YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE

This one is just impossible. I can't just pick a single scene! Sorry guys, I'm skipping this day.

Day 24.1

A MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU CRY

Oh where do I begin? Here's a list:

Lion King

Bambi

Fox and the Hound

Brother Bear

Dumbo

Lilo & Stitch

Bolt

Beauty and the Beast

Pocahontas

Peter Pan

Day 23.1

A MOVIE THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH

Well, they all do. But I laugh the hardest when I watch Finding Nemo, Toy Story 3, A Bug's Life and Lion King 1 1/2.

Day 22.1

AN OVERRATED MOVIE

The Princess and the Frog, definitely. I mean, don't get me wrong it was a good movie, but it just didn't live up to its full potential. Although, the Shadow Man's song is super badass.

Day 21.1

AN UNDERRATED MOVIE

Okay, definitely Brother Bear. Seriously, this is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies. I love the "one-with-nature" aspect of it. I also cry every time I watch it, which I suppose isn't all that surprising since I cry when I watch almost any movie. But this movie is adorable and heart-warming and wonderful. "Say it with me: KO-DA!"

Day 20.1

YOUR FAVORITE SEQUEL

These are my favorite Disney sequels:

Toy Story 3

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

Aladdin and the King of Thieves

Aladdin and the Return of Jafar

Lion King 2

Lion King 1 1/2

Day 19.1

YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PIXAR FILM

Definitely Cars. I think I've only seen it twice, which is odd for me because I usually watch Disney movies at least five times each. It's just okay. Kind of bummed they're making a sequel, but at least they're making a sequel for Monsters Inc so that makes it all better! Although, Mater is very funny. "It's like tuh-mater, but without the tuh."

Day 18.1

YOUR FAVORITE PIXAR FILM

Tie between Wall-E, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, and Toy Story 1 and 3. 'Nuff said.

Day 17.1

YOUR LEAST FAVORITE CLASSIC

My first instinct would be to say Bambi because it's so darn sad, but besides the beginning the rest of the movie is pretty good! Plus, the movie makes Man the villain. I can't hate a movie that does that. I think I'll say Pinocchio. I don't hate it, it's just my least favorite. Even though the most classic Disney song came from that movie (When You Wish Upon a Star), it's just an okay movie.

Day 16.1

YOUR FAVORITE CLASSIC

The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and the Lion King. Done and done.

Day 15.1

THE FIRST MOVIE YOU SAW

At home? The Little Mermaid. It instantly became my favorite Disney movie when I was younger.

In theaters? Beauty and the Beast

Day 14.1

YOUR FAVORITE KISS

Well, first of all, my favorite Disney ending music is from "Beauty and the Beast." The track is called "Transformation." It is BEAUTIFUL! Therefore, I'm going with the kiss from Beauty and the Beast after the Beast transforms back into a prince.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH9RTuaUL8k

Day 13.1

YOUR LEAST FAVORITE SONG

Honestly, I really don't have a least favorite. They're all really good. Well, I guess that's kind of a lie. See, the thing is, there are a bunch of villain songs that aren't so great (because they're villains, obviously), and there are some songs that are kind of annoying ("It's a Small World," for example) but listening to them is just so nostalgic so I can't say I don't like them. Therefore, I don't have a least favorite!

Day 12.1

YOUR FAVORITE VILLAIN SONG

Okay, probably a tie between "Friends on the Other Side" from Princess and the Frog (1), "Gaston" from Beauty and the Beast (2), and "Be Prepared" from the Lion King (3).

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4pStVNQc4M

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDMfpbdbHWg

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ6cw_MuTDE

Day 11.1

YOUR FAVORITE LOVE SONG

Oh, this is a very easy one. It's most definitely "So This is Love" from Cinderella. I want to dance to this song at my wedding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byPjh6unMOM

Day 10.1

YOUR FAVORITE SONG

Since I skipped all the days, I'm doing them now. Things here have just kicked into high gear. Last day of classes is next Wednesday and then I immediately start finals that Friday.

Aaanyways... my favorite Disney songs are probably "Go the Distance" from Hercules, "I'll Make a Man Out of You" from Mulan, "Belle (Reprise)" from Beauty and the Beast, and "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas.

Here are some honorable mentions:

"Golden Afternoon" - Alice in Wonderland

"Just Around the Riverbend" - Pocahontas

"One Jump Ahead" - Aladdin

"Under the Sea" - Little Mermaid

"The Second Star to the Right" - Peter Pan

"Trashin' the Camp" - Tarzan (with N Sync)

"Zero to Hero" - Hercules

"You've Got a Friend in Me" - Toy Story

"Be Our Guest" - Beauty and the Beast

Day 8.1 (oops, I did it again)

YOUR FAVORITE VILLAIN

Sorry for skipping so many days again. And messing up the days. So this is the REAL Day 8.1 My favorite villain would have to be the Shadow Man from "Princess and the Frog." He's just really badass with all his voodoo!

Day 9.1

YOUR FAVORITE "ORIGINAL" CHARACTER

Hm, probably Goofy. In addition to loving "A Goofy Movie" and "Goof Troop," he's just an all-around awesome, carefree character!

Day 7.1

Sorry for not posting yesterday. Things have gotten hectic. You know, school and the fact that the government will probably shut down tonight at midnight. Okay, "government shutdown" sounds more extreme than it actually is, but still. So both parties are to blame, but Republicans moreso. No, but really. They're all pretty much settled on a budget right now, except the Republicans don't want abortion or clean air regulations to be funded by the government. This is not about policy! This is about money! For goodness sake, grow up.

Aaanyway, today is:

YOUR FAVORITE SIDEKICK

Guess I'm gonna have to choose Timon and Pumbaa from the Lion King! Seriously, no sidekick is better than this dynamic duo, that's for sure. "Hakuna matata!" Maybe I should apply this phrase to my concerns about the government...

Day 6.1

YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL

Jeez, well there are so many animals in Disney movies that I love! Including all the lions in the Lion King (minus Scar and Kovu's mom), plus Timon, Pumbaa and other assorted animals in the movie. Uh, I'm a fan of Flit and Meeko from Pocahontas, as well as all the Dalmatians in 101 Dalmatians. I like the moose and bears in Brother Bear, ALL the fish in Finding Nemo, Kevin and Dug from UP, Remy and his brother from Ratatouille, Sebastian and Flounder from the Little Mermaid, Abu and Rajah from Aladdin, Dumbo, Jacques, Gus-Gus, Bruno from Cinderella, and I could keep going! Needless to say, I don't want to include pictures in this post because there are way too many animals to choose from.

Day 5.1

YOUR FAVORITE HERO

Well, since Hercules is a true hero, I can't forget about him! And then Simba is just really awesome, and I love the Lion King.

Day 4.1

YOUR FAVORITE PRINCE

Aladdin. There really is no competition.

Day 3.1

YOUR FAVORITE HEROINE

Jane, from Tarzan. She basically has my dream job: going out into the wild to study animals in their natural habitats. The only difference is that I wouldn't study gorillas. I'm more into dolphins, whales and sharks, but there are a bunch of other animals I'd love to see in the wild. Also, Jane gets Tarzan, who is pretty sexy for a cartoon.

Day 2.1

YOUR FAVORITE PRINCESS

Definitely a tie between Pocahontas and Ariel. Yup.

Day 1.1

So I didn't have enough time yesterday to start the survey, so I'll do the first two days right now!

YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER

You know, it's extremely hard to choose my favorite character. Because there are so many! Maybe I'll do with the Genie, Kronk, and Peter Pan. Those just came to mind.

Aww here it goes!

Okay, so I'm starting again. But with another survey. Just because I want to.

Day 1: Your Favorite Character

Day 2: Your Favorite Princess

Day 3: Your Favorite Heroine

Day 4: Your Favorite Prince

Day 5: Your Favorite Hero

Day 6: Your Favorite Animal

Day 7: Your Favorite Sidekick

Day 8: Your favorite Villain

Day 9: Your Favorite "Original" Character (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, etc)

Day 10: Your Favorite Song

Day 11: Your Favorite Love Song

Day 12: Your Favorite Villain Song

Day 13: Your Least Favorite Song

Day 14: Your Favorite Kiss

Day 15: The First Movie You Saw

Day 16: Your Favorite Classic

Day 17: Your Least Favorite Classic

Day 18: Your Favorite Pixar Film

Day 19: Your Least Favorite Pixar Film

Day 20: Your Favorite Sequel

Day 21: An Underrated Movie

Day 22: An Overrated Movie

Day 23: A Movie that Makes You Laugh

Day 24: A Movie that Makes You Cry

Day 25: Your Favorite Scene from Your Favorite Movie

Day 26: Saddest Death

Day 27: Your Favorite Quote

Day 28: Your Favorite Theme Park

Day 29: Your Favorite Theme Park Attraction

Day 30: Your Favorite Theme Park Ride

Day 30

The final day of this challenge! I'll probably be MIA for a while after this since I really don't have anything to write about... or maybe I'll do another 30-day challenge.

FAVORITE STATUE/EYE CANDY IN THE PARKS

Definitely the Tree of Life in the Animal Kingdom. It's just so beautifully done. The carvings are amazing, and I love seeing all the different kinds of animals. It's also really cool to be able to stand at the top of a ride at Blizzard Beach and be able to look over and see this Tree sticking out. I love it!

Day 29

FAVORITE MONORAIL COLOR

I'm a huge fan of the Tronorail. I love the blue-ness of it. It's just so awesome

Day 28

FAVORITE FIREWORKS SHOW

Here's another tie... between Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at EPCOT. I love sitting in the audience of Fantasmic! and seeing everyone's faces (children and adults alike) light up when they see all the characters walk out onto the ferry at the end of the show. It's probably my favorite part. But the combination of music and magic just makes me so happy when I watch this show. It's unbelievably good.

As for Illuminations, the music is what captivates me. And I love how the fireworks are perfectly timed to the music. Also, I love the part even before the show starts, when Powhatan "blows" out the flames around World Showcase Lagoon. It's a perfect beginning. And I also love when the lights turn on in the different countries. I basically just sit there with chills the entire time. It's so beautiful.

Day 27

FAVORITE WDW BREAKFAST

Well, this is an extremely easy question... Chef Mickey's! I believe I've already discussed it, but it's whatever. Chef Mickey's seriously has the BEST breakfast in, not only Disney World, but the ENTIRE world. I love everything from the Mickey waffles, to the amazing scrambled eggs (nowhere else has scrambled eggs like these. They are literally perfect. Well, actually they're not the best--they're second only to my dad's scrambled eggs). I remember the bacon and sausage being good, but I'm a vegetarian now so I can't eat 'em anymore. No worries! Everything else is just as delicious!

Day 26

FAVORITE SOUVENIR

That would probably have to be CDs with music from the park. Music is something that means a whole lot to me, and when I listen to music, I'm in the zone. Different kinds of music make me think/feel in different ways. When I listen to music from the Animal Kingdom (namely Oasis Garden Theme), I can actually picture myself walking through the Oasis at the front of the park. Or I see myself walking past the Virtual Jungle Cruise in Disney Quest. When I hear the Innoventions Area Music on my iPod, I can see the famous EPCOT landmark, I can see the dancing fountains, I can feel that strong wave of air conditioning when I walk past the doors for Innoventions... it's all so vivid. I even have the music from Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, as well as Fantasmic! I don't really need anything else from Disney. However, I do have a Disney princess watch that I bought a few years ago, which I still wear to this day. I also used to collect glass figurines so I have a few of those from Arribas Bros in Downtown Disney. There isn't much else.

But I do keep all my hotel keys and park passes. I even have a few unused Fast Passes. Those are probably my favorite "free" (the word free is relative) souvenir.

Day 24

FAVORITE FACE CHARACTER

Again, I'm gonna have to go with Aladdin.

Day 23

SCARIEST ATTRACTION IN WALT DISNEY WORLD

Okay, so I have yet to go on DINOSAUR at the Animal Kingdom, so I can't say it's the scariest ride. To be honest, the reason I haven't gone on it is because I'm terrified. I mean, dinosaurs are awesome. I love Jurassic Park (although it should be called Cretaceous Park, since most of the dinosaurs shown in the movie are from the Cretaceous Period--little fun fact of the day), but I'm so scared to go on DINOSAUR. I know that dinosaurs pop out at you and it's dark, and the anticipation would be awful and I'd probably jump so high if I go on the ride (not to mention pee my pants; well actually I probably wouldn't). Yes, I'm a wimp. It took me 17 years to go on my first roller coaster, and I didn't even go on it voluntarily. One of my friends literally picked me up and put me on the Kraken (which is the big roller coaster at SeaWorld. However, I won't be going back to SeaWorld again--long story. Maybe I'll get to it in another post). Needless to say, I very much enjoyed the Kraken and I've loved roller coasters ever since!

But I digress. Onto the scariest attraction at WDW, in my opinion. This attraction is no longer at Walt Disney World (thanks, Captain EO. However, this show is cheesy but good). It was Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. You may think I was petrified by the scene with the snake, or maybe when the dog looks into the audience. Nope, it was the part with the mice. Okay, I love mice in real life. But having them crawl up my legs (even if it's pretend)? Not so much. Every time I went to see this show, I would keep my feet/legs on my seat until that scene was over. It freaked me out so much! So there you go, the scariest attraction in WDW.

Day 22

So, I guess I did Day 25 instead of 22 by accident yesterday. I have NO idea how that happened, but oh well! I'll do the actual Day 22 right now!

FAVORITE PARADE

In all honesty, I don't really watch parades much anymore. But I remember I used to love watching the Tapestry of Nations parade at EPCOT. I loved the huge puppets and the drumming--it was all so amazing. Not to mention the music was incredible (I have the music on a CD and I find myself listening to it quite often. This is the first part: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRMGvIpxoMw)

I guess my favorite parade that's currently running in the park is the Main Street Electrical Parade, because again it features music that I remember from my childhood. No, I'm not saying I listened to the Baroque Hoedown on repeat when I was younger, but I do remember the music from the parade. Also, the lights are incredible. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OdK5-yWIGs)

Day 25 (oops!)

FAVORITE ACTIVITY OUTSIDE THE PARK, BUT STILL ON DISNEY PROPERTY

Well there was this one time when my family and I decided to go kayaking around the little river at the Wilderness Lodge... I wouldn't say that's my favorite thing to do because the water was disgusting, but it's definitely one of the funniest memories I have from family Disney vacations! But anyway, my favorite things to do outside the parks are lounging by the pool (usually Luna Park, if we stay at the Boardwalk), exploring the Boardwalk, and walking around Downtown Disney.

Day 21

FAVORITE CHARACTER TO SEE IN THE PARKS

For nostalgic purposes, I'm gonna have to go with Aladdin. The first time I went to Disney World was for my fourth birthday, and I remember spending most of the morning/day in the then-Aladdin-themed restaurant in Hollywood Studios (which was still MGM Studios--I still call it that, actually). Looking back on it now, this particular Aladdin was incredibly attractive... but that's besides the point. He gave me a birthday card which all the characters in the restaurant signed, and he even asked me to be a part of the parade later in the day! I have a vivid picture in my memory of sitting on a parade float with my grandma and looking out onto the crowd. Definitely something I'll never forget. But since then, Aladdin is probably my favorite character in the parks.

Day 20

FAVORITE WDW DESSERT

I guess this goes hand in hand with my favorite snack to grab in the park! My favorite dessert in all of WDW is of course the Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar!

Day 19

LEAST FAVORITE ATTRACTION

This is a really hard question. I haven't witnessed Stitch's Great Escape yet, but I've heard horrible reviews about it. I would almost say It's a Small World because the song can ruin a whole day, but it was a huge part of my childhood so I can't call it the worst part. I've only been on the mild version of Mission: SPACE, the one without the spinning, because I can't stand spinning. I can't say I don't like this ride because I haven't had the full effect and I actually really enjoyed the mild version (mostly because I went on with one of my really good friends and we screamed and pretended it was super scary and intense the entire time). Hm, so I'm sitting here, at my keyboard, going through all the rides/shows in all the parks and I'm coming up with a blank as to which one is my least favorite because they're all awesome in their own way. I think I'm gonna have to go with Snow White's Scary Adventures because, well, it's terrifying! I remember being so scared by it when I was little. I mean, I probably should have gotten the hint when I saw the title: "Snow White's Scary Adventures." But hey, I wasn't really paying attention to the titles when I was little. So okay, I'm going with this ride. I've heard that it's going to be replaced with a Snow White roller coaster, which would be totally awesome!

Day 18

WHAT ATTRACTION DO YOU WISH THEY'D BRING BACK?

This is an easy one: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea! I know they put a Finding Nemo one out in Disneyland, California, but it's just not the same. I haven't even been out there in years so I haven't had the chance to ride it. But, I miss the classic version in Walt Disney World. I was really little when it was still there, but I remember it pretty clearly. I remember being scared by a squid, which makes sense from the story. It was just really cool to be able to get into this "submarine" and then see everything underwater. This ride probably contributed a whole lot to my love of the sea.

Day 17

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

Okay, so since there are SO many restaurants to choose from, I'm gonna break it up into categories...

Favorite full-service restaurant: Sci-Fi Dine In (Hollywood Studios). I love the whole vibe of this place. I really feel like I've entered a 1950s drive-in theater, but it's a restaurant! I also love the previews for the old movies.

Favorite quick-service restaurant: Electric Umbrella (EPCOT). Well, EPCOT is my favorite park, and this restaurant is part of Future World which has my favorite music. I also remember going to this restaurant when I was younger, so it's very nostalgic. I think I eat here at least once every time I visit WDW.

Favorite buffet: Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort). I LOVE coming here for breakfast. They have the best breakfast foods, especially the classic Mickey waffles. And it's great that it's a meet-and-greet restaurant. I definitely have to eat there every time I go to WDW!

Day 16

FAVORITE SNACK TO GRAB IN THE PARKS

How can anyone ever pass up a Mickey Premium Ice Cream bar? They're delicious! I don't know how the folks at Disney do it, but these ice cream bars are unlike any other. I remember a few times my family and I went down to Disney, we bought some of these for the room but didn't get a chance to eat them, so we ended up having them for "breakfast" on the day of our departure. Best breakfast ever? Most definitely.

Day 15

FAVORITE WDW RESORT

Yes, the Boardwalk is my all-time favorite. I just love the vibe, that 1930s-era atmosphere everywhere in the resort. Not to mention it's about a five-minute walk from EPCOT (my favorite park) and a 15-minute walk from Hollywood Studios (with two of the best rides in all of WDW, Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror). Plus, it's easy to see Illuminations: Reflections of Earth from a Boardwalk-view hotel room, and it's possible to hear the cheers and music of Fantasmic! from a pool-view room. So, the magic from the parks is extended over to this resort, which makes it all that more amazing.
Now, I can't forget about Old Key West. This is our "home" resort, because my family is part of the Disney Vacation Club. We stayed at Old Key West for years, but now we've just started staying at the Boardwalk because it has a better location and it's nicer. But Old Key West will always have a special place in my heart because it's very nostalgic. I remember the pool very vividly, swimming late at night. And also being able to go ALL the way into the jacuzzi when we were younger, because we weren't allowed to do that at home. I remember walking down the outdoor stairs in the morning when we could hear the morning birds and feel cool air before it became extremely hot. I even remember the smell of fresh, humid, cool air in the morning. All the little things, you know? That's why I'll always love Old Key West.

Day 14

Sorry, I skipped two days! So I'll do them both right now...

FAVORITE ANIMAL KINGDOM ATTRACTION

My favorite ride in the Animal Kingdom is most definitely Expedition Everest. The adrenaline rush is awesome! And I really enjoy how it goes backwards. Plus that drop is sick. My favorite show in the Animal Kingdom is the Festival of the Lion King. I hadn't seen this show in years until I went with a group of my friends two years ago. I forgot how amazing it was! The music is incredible, as is the dancing, as are the acrobatics (yes, those monkeys). Everything about it is spectacular.

Day 13

FAVORITE ANIMAL KINGDOM AREA

I'm choosing both the Oasis and Africa. I really like the transition from the "real world" to the Animal Kingdom, and the overall vibe is amazing. Plus, the music is so soothing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RirDtNwyHHY

I could listen to that all day! In fact, the entire Animal Kingdom soundtrack is incredible, and I have listened to it all day!

Africa is just awesome. I've always wanted to visit the real Africa, and I like this preview I can get in the Animal Kingdom. Plus, I really enjoy the Kilimanjaro Safaris (it would be great to be a "Simba 1" safari guide for this ride! Hint, hint? Although the Jungle Cruise would be fantastic as well). My dad really likes the Pangani Forest Trail because he loves looking at the gorillas, so it's nice to be able to share that with him.

Day 12

FAVORITE HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS ATTRACTION

Ever since I started going on roller coasters (about 3 or 4 years ago), Rock 'n Roller Coaster has always been my number one (actually, it's tied with the Hulk at Islands of Adventure, but that's beside the point). I love the take-off at the beginning, I love the adrenaline rush I get as soon as they start counting down, and of course I love the music! Plus it's awesome when you think it's over but then it just starts up again. Overall, it's a fantastic ride.

Day 11

FAVORITE HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS AREA

It's a tie between Sunset Boulevard and Animation Courtyard. Sorry for all the ties, it's hard to choose the best in Walt Disney World because it's all amazing! But anyway, I'm partial to Animation Courtyard because it has the Voyage of the Little Mermaid as well as Animation, the walk-through studios. It's very nostalgic for me. Even though the Animation Studios aren't the same as they once were, it's still awesome to walk through. I remember there used to be an animated/live-action short movie starring Robin Williams at the end of the walk-through. That was awesome! I wish they would bring it back. I mean, Mushu is great and all, but it's not the same.

As for Sunset Boulevard, I mean, it's just so cool! I love walking down and going through the stores and then ending up at the Tower of Terror and Rock 'n Roller Coaster (two of my favorite rides). It's also where Beauty and the Beast is located, which is an excellent show. And then it's also where the route to Fantasmic! begins. There's so much good about it!

Day 10

FAVORITE ATTRACTION IN WORLD SHOWCASE

Maelstrom is one of the hidden treasures in Disney World. Not many people know about, or it's not very appealing to everyone. So it's always nice to go because the line is about 5 minutes almost every time. I like how it goes backwards and it seems like you're going to go right off the edge, but then you go forwards, right down a drop! It's awesome. Plus it's in Norway, which is a country I want to visit sometime in my life.

Day 9

FAVORITE ATTRACTION IN FUTURE WORLD

I remember going on Soarin' Over California in California Adventure in Disneyland, and it was awesome. When I later found out that they were going to put the ride in Orlando, I was so excited! It's definitely one of the best rides in all of Walt Disney World. The smells, sights, and feelings during the whole ride are sensational. The top row is the best, by far too!

Day 8

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE IN EPCOT: FUTURE WORLD OR WORLD SHOWCASE?

Well since I've already said that my favorite park music is the Innoventions Area loop, my favorite part of EPCOT is definitely Future World. As cool as it is to be able to walk around the world in about a half hour, Future World has always held a special place in my heart. Probably because it has most of the rides, and I didn't start appreciating World Showcase until my teens so there's a bit of nostalgia in Future World. It's just plain awesome, I guess!

Day 7

FAVORITE ATTRACTION IN ADVENTURELAND

First of all, I'd like to say that I would LOVE to be a skipper at the Jungle Cruise. That would be an amazing and super fun experience.

But Pirates of the Caribbean is definitely my favorite ride in Adventureland, hands down. I love the movies (mostly because of Johnny Depp, but that's besides the point...) and the ride is just incredible!

Day 6

FAVORITE ATTRACTION IN FRONTIERLAND

Yes, that would be Splash Mountain. Big Thunder Mountain is just okay. Before I went on Splash Mountain for the first time, I was SO scared. I used to just stand on the bridge in front of the ride and wait for my family to go down the drop. Now, I go down the drop! It's so much fun. I can't believe I missed out on it for so many years. Definitely a classic. "Everybody's got a laughing place!"

Day 5

FAVORITE ATTRACTION IN LIBERTY SQUARE

Hall of Presidents! Kidding; I actually haven't seen that show in years. But I'm definitely gonna have to choose the Haunted Mansion, mostly because I don't think there are any other attractions in Liberty Square besides the riverboat. But anywho, it's an awesome ride. The new effects are incredible, and I really like that even after refurbishment, it's still pretty much the same classic ride it's always been. "Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize..."

Day 4

FAVORITE ATTRACTION IN FANTASYLAND

This was very easy. Peter Pan's Flight is most definitely my favorite attraction in Fantasyland! Even though I've been on it many times, it's still so nostalgic for me and I love how we're in flying ships looking down on London and then Neverland. It's so amazing! Plus, I love the music in the queue before the ride starts. It just brings back so many memories for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiVpRjxxnRk