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

Day 3

This waiting for August 17 isn't getting any easier. Well, anyway, continuing these 30 days...

FAVORITE ATTRACTION IN TOMORROWLAND

As depicted in the pictures above, it's a tie between the Tomorrowland Transit Authority and Space Mountain. For the TTA, I used to be so afraid of roller coasters and I loved being able to go through Space Mountain on the ride, as well as other attractions. I also remember one time when we were on the TTA and went through Space Mountain, the lights were all turned on and the ride was stopped. It was really funny because the people on Space Mountain saw us going through the ride via the TTA and they'd talk to us. I remember my dad jokingly yelling out "hey do you guys need us to bring you food or something?!" It was hilarious.

And of course, I love Space Mountain. I started going on roller coasters about three years ago, after I attended a summer camp at SeaWorld and my friend picked me up and put me on the biggest coaster there. Yes, the Kraken was my first roller coaster. And I've been hooked on coasters ever since! Much better than Hooked on Phonics, I'd say.

Day 2

FAVORITE LAND IN THE MAGIC KINGDOM

Probably Tomorrowland, with Adventureland as a close second. The Tomorrowland Transit Authority is still one of my favorite rides, and it brings you all around Tomorrowland. I guess I just have a lot of fond memories from that ride and just from Tomorrowland in general. Plus, I love Space Mountain!

Day 1

FAVORITE WDW PARK:

Hm, this was difficult, but I'm gonna have to go with EPCOT. I know, I know, you probably expected me to choose the Animal Kingdom (because I'm a devout animal enthusiast), but EPCOT is amazing. Although, I would love to work in the Animal Kingdom! I love being able to walk through 11 countries in a half hour because of World Showcase. But Future World is probably my favorite part of the park. Before I started going on roller coasters, Spaceship Earth was my favorite ride in all of WDW, and it's still one of my top favorites. I also LOVE the music played throughout Future World. I actually have it on my iPod so I can listen to it all the time and easily picture myself right outside of Innoventions. Okay, so I'm a little crazy. But who isn't?

music part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT_45mU655U

music part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qbf3CKe8OU&feature=related

First post!

Hello blogging world!

I'm extremely excited for next fall because... I'll be taking part in the Walt Disney World College Program! I'll be working at an attraction! Okay, let's get real now. This is legitimately my dream come true. I've wanted to work for Disney for as long as I can remember. I seriously can't wait. I've been trying to keep myself busy, but that's easier said than done! I'm leaving in August, but it feels like an eternity until then. Therefore, I am setting up a blog that's all about Disney, all the time. I will also keep this up during my time in Walt Disney World! So to start this blog off right, here's a 30-day activity!

30 Days of Walt Disney World

Day 1: Favorite WDW park?

Day 2: Favorite land in the Magic Kingdom?

Day 3: Favorite attraction in Tomorrowland?

Day 4: Favorite attraction in Fantasyland?

Day 5: Favorite attraction in Liberty Square?

Day 6: Favorite attraction in Frontierland?

Day 7: Favorite attraction in Adventureland?

Day 8: Which is your favorite in EPCOT: Future World or World Showcase?

Day 9: Favorite attraction in Future World?

Day 10: Favorite attractions in World Showcase?

Day 11: Favorite Hollywood Studios area?

Day 12: Favorite Hollywood Studios attraction?

Day 13: Favorite Animal Kingdom area?

Day 14: Favorite Animal Kingdom attraction?

Day 15: Favorite WDW Resort?

Day 16: Favorite snack to grab in the parks?

Day 17: Favorite restaurant?

Day 18: What attraction do you wish they would bring back?

Day 19: What is your least favorite attraction?

Day 20: Favorite WDW dessert?

Day 21: Favorite character to see in the park?

Day 22: Favorite parade?

Day 23: What is the scariest ride?

Day 24: Favorite face character?

Day 25: Favorite activity outside of the park, but still on Disney property?

Day 26: Favorite souvenir?

Day 27: Favorite WDW breakfast?

Day 28: Favorite firework show?

Day 29: Favorite monorail color?

Day 30: Favorite statue, fountain, or eye candy in the parks?