Wordless Wednesday – April 10, 2013
Wordless Wednesday: Lunch With Walt
Category: Hollywood Studios
Night Rides at Walt Disney World
Night Rides
Night at Walt Disney World is my absolute favorite time to be in the parks. The majestic appearance of Cinderella Castle, the way light reflects off of each of the triangular panels of Spaceship Earth, the Tree of Life illuminated from below, and the warm glow of neon on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards are just a few of the reasons Disney parks after dark are simply amazing. I truly believe that the parks have two entirely different feelings during daylight and at nighttime. Come follow me while I explore the four theme parks of Walt Disney World to see some of the best rides to experience at night as they are completely transformed with different vibes from their daytime selves.
Animal Kingdom
Admittedly, this is the park I have spent the least time in after dark, mostly due to the fact that there are few times a year that you are able to see Disney’s Animal Kingdom after dark. Since the park is not open into the late night hours, usually not past 8pm or maybe even 9pm on the rare occasion, there are limited opportunities to experience attractions here at night. One such opporunity is during the Expedition Everest Challenge in May. This is a 5K through the Animal Kingdom followed by a scavenger hunt that takes you almost over the whole 5K course again. It is great fun and a unique change to get to see this gorgeous park late at night since the after party goes typically until 2am or so. For those that aren’t able to participate in this fun RunDisney event, the best attraction to ride at night is definitely Expedition Everest. The ride’s twists and turns and drops and backwards section seem even more thrilling when you can’t see what lies ahead. I strongly encourage any thrill seekers to make sure they try to do this at least once. It is not to be missed!
Hollywood Studios
Stepping into Disney’s Hollywood Studios at night, one can see how the extensive use of neon makes this park come to life. The heyday of Hollywood never looked better than under the fabulous glow of the bright neon colors lining Hollywood and Sunset. The crown jewel of the park at night is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It sits ominously looming over Sunset Boulevard, with its imposing exterior emblazoned with evidence of that fateful lightning strike. Much like Everest, part of the excitement of this ride at night is in the surprise and not knowing what is coming next. For those who have ridden Tower of Terror during the daylight, you can often tell when you are to the point of dropping by the telltale sliver of light peeking through the elevator doors ahead. Not so at night. This added element of surprise and not being able to anticipate when the drop is coming as well as during the day increases the adrenaline rush for me.
Epcot
My favorite park at night hands down is Epcot, and World Showcase in particular. The lighting softens from the often harsh Florida sun. Music wafts gently across the World Showcase Lagoon. Libations flow and guests are satiated by the phenomenal dining offerings presented by this park. Illuminations is a magical experience for me. But this isn’t about ambiance, food, beverages, fireworks, or even music. This is about Test Track baby! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) The newly revamped Future World attraction is incredible at night. I love the way the ride gives you a great dark ride inside and then whoosh! You are speeding around the track on a 45 degree angle pushing towards that top speed of 65 miles per hour. When you coming flying through those doors and into that night air, it is invigorating to say the least. Plus, the view of Epcot at night as you whip around the track is amazing!
Magic Kingdom
Spread out across the Magic Kingdom you will find fantastic examples of rides that I find are superior after dark. In Adventureland, the Jungle Cruise takes on a new mystique while exploring the Nile, Congo and Mekong Rivers. If you have never done this at night, what are you waiting for? The skippers corny jokes even take on a life of their own by lantern light. Just adjacent to the Jungle Cruise, the Magic Carpets of Aladdin provide a fun experience on your flying carpet that seems a bit more … adventurous (see what I did there) than during the day. Plus, it is a bit harder to spot the spitting camel at night, adding another element of adventure in trying to avoid it. Frontierland also plays host to two excellent choices for night rides. Both Splash and Big Thunder Mountains are far more exciting (in my humble opinion) at night. I love the moment on Splash right before you go down the five story drop when you catch that glimpse of the castle all lit up in all her glory. If you can try to time it right, Wishes as seen from Big Thunder is a transformative experince. It is one of my favorite views of the fireworks show.
Although it is entirely indoors, except for the queue, which is infinitely better at night (especially during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party), the Haunted Mansion is another great night ride. This Liberty Square attraction takes on an otherworldly and creepy ethereal feel to it when the sun goes down. I love when it is foggy and you can hardly see the tombstones in the graveyard and just barely catch the sound of the howling dog. Fantastic! Not to be left out is Fantasyland. Dumbo is so stunningly beautiful, especially now with the dueling Dumbos and the gorgeously lit fountains with alternating colors. I can stand in that queue transfixed by the serenity of changing lights and the soft sound of the water pouring out underneath the playful pachyderms.
Last, but certainly not least is my favorite land at night, Tomorrowland. The neon popping off the corner of seemingly every edifice is an inviting beacon to this part of the park. An attraction that I do not often do, but if I do will always choose to do at night is the Astro Orbiter. Sitting atop Rockettower Plaza, this spinning ride, similar to the Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Dumbo, seems to fly even faster through the cosmos at night, especially on that descent. Saving the best (again, in my opinion) for last, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover is a 12 minute break from the hustle and bustle that usually is the Magic Kingdom. At night, you can admire the gorgeous neon of tomorrowland, view lights on the edge of Main Street USA and of course see the luminous Cinderella Castle transform from blue to pink to green to orange before your eyes. You can read more about my love of this attraction here in a previous post dedicated to this classic Magic Kingdom ride.
Have you done any or all of these at night? If so, what are your favorites? Did I miss any of your favorite attractions to experience after dark at Walt Disney World? If I have, please feel free to share your thoughts. Hope you enjoyed!
Follow us for more updates: Wordless Wednesday – Chinese Theatre
Wordless Wednesday – Tower of Terror Details
Wordless Wednesday – Tower of Terror Details
Wordless Wednesday – Hanukkah In Lights
Weekly Review – Our Week On The Go October 1-5, 2012
Weekly Review – Our Week On The Go October 1-5, 2012
Weekly Review time!!! This past week here at On the Go has been crazy busy, but a total blast!!!
Now it’s time to look back at all that happened October 1st – 5th!!!
Let’s Go!
Happy 30th Birthday EPCOT!!! I took a look back at my first visit to EPCOT Center in 1986 with some quality Fisher Price Camera Pictures of some of my favorite rides!
It’s after midnight, and Cinderella Diamond Edition is out on BluRay! I review this stunning and chocked full of Extras DVD Release. Even if you already own Cinderella, I would run out and get Cinderella Diamond Edition!!!
The Orlando Home Show was this weekend, and it was full of great ideas for your home and the fabulous Mark Brunetz was there, too!!!
Disney Interactive has launched a Daily Shot with Ali Wentworth App! Fans of Popular Newsy Web Series Daily Shot with Ali Wentworth Can Now Get Their Daily Cup of News and Laughter to Go with the Daily Shot App!
Wordless Wednesday took us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Lobby of the Tower Hotel.
LEGOLAND Florida is Celebrating their First Birthday with tons of great savings and prizes for Florida Residents on October 15th!
Aurora and I had the unique opportunity to see another side of Titanic: The Experience, and it was a ghostly good time!
Betsy took us along for another look at the Art of Animation Resort, because since all of the sections of the Resort have opened she has some new favorite details!
Heather Thomson, from the hit Bravo show the Real Housewives of New York, will be speaking on October 21st during the Women for Israel Breakfast at the Hilton Orlando to benefit the Jewish National Fund.
And we ended the week with some news that made this WWE FanGirl get excited, WWE NXT is going to be at Full Sail Live! On October 11th!
Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!! We’ll be looking at some fun activities at SeaWorld Orlando, the Richard Petty Experience, some Food and Wine Festival Fun, and more!
And now for the shameless plugs…
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!!!
If you love pinning as much as we do, please make sure that you also follow us on Pinterest!
Want to know when we upload new videos? Subscribe to our Page on YouTube.
And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!
Follow us for more updates:
Wordless Wednesday – Creepy Lobby
Weekly Review September 17-21, 2012 – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Week And More
Weekly Review September 17-21, 2012 – Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Week And More
Weekly Review time!!! This past week here at On the Go has been full of great stuff, and it has been a little different since we double posted with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party information about week!!!
Also, we added a new contributor, Beth, to the site! Welcome Aboard!!!
Now it’s time to look back at all that happened September 17-21!!!
Let’s Go!
The Winter Park Sip and Stroll is coming up on September 27th, and it will celebrate the city’s 125th Anniversary of Incorporation!
We started our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party coverage with Tip, Tricks, and Information. There is so much to do and see at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!!!
Tuesday we looked at how LEGOLAND Florida is now partnering with the Dream Village to help make other’s dreams come true!
Then we looked at the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Merchandise with prices. These tend to go quickly, so if you are attending a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party you will want to definitely go in search of these items early!
Wordless Wednesday took us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a Warning!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Wordless Wednesday was of my new favorite MNSSHP sign!
The P!nk Truth About Love Tour is coming to the Amway Center in February 2013! I am soooo excited!!!
Thursday we shared our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Videos of Boo-To-You, Happy HalloWishes, and the Villains’ Dance Mix & Mingle .
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPlW0LHKIs0
Friday, Cheryl shared her experience at the Star Wars Celebration VI Star Wars: The Clone Wars Panel.
And our final Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party post for the week is our Roundtable where we discuss our favorite parts of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!
And now for the shameless plugs…
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!!!
If you love pinning as much as we do, please make sure that you also follow us on Pinterest!
Want to know when we upload new videos? Subscribe to our Page on YouTube.
And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!
Follow us for more updates:
Wordless Wednesday – Warning!
The Week in Review: August 13- – August 17, 2012: Sports, Icebergs, and Wild Adventures!
The Week in Review: August 13- – August 17, 2012: Sports, Icebergs, and Wild Adventures!
It has been another amazing week here at On the Go, and now it’s time to look back at all that happened August 13th to August 17th!!!
Let’s Go!
On Monday we took a look some local sports teams. First, the Orlando Solar Bears signed three new team members. And at the Orlando City Soccer Club, Kevin Molino was named to the Trinidad team for Canada Friendly.
Aurora and I ventured out to Titanic: The Experience, and she shares her thoughts on a Visit to the Titanic.
For Wordless Wednesday, we took a look through the trees at Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
We took a look at LEGOLAND Florida’s STEM Focused, Interactive Programs for kids.
Betsy makes her way out west to Disneyland, and shares part one of her Trip Report in her California Adventure!
Friday, Megan took us along on her Wild Africa Trek! She has some great photos and information about this really up-close Safari Experience!
Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!!
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook!!!
If you love pinning as much as we do, please make sure that you also follow us on Pinterest!
And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!
Follow us for more updates:
Wordless Wednesday – Through the Trees at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Tom Cruise sighting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
While spending a couple hours in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Wednesday evening I thought I would get to do one or two things. I started off with my favorite activity, the Animation Academy and wound up doing that back to back and drawing two characters I’d never done before (Carl from Up and Grumpy).
Then I was going to ride the Great Movie Ride, which is another favorite of mine, but the wait was over 40 minutes. I went to ride Toy Story Midway Mania instead. When I came to the downstairs part of the queue I saw a line of leaders/coordinators against the wall on the side where you exit.
I knew something was going on, but I wasn’t quite sure what, so I asked the cast member after I was in the corral for my ride vehicle. She told me that there was a VIP and that he would be getting off the ride very shortly. She said it would be someone instantly recognizable, but was unable to indicate who he was. I figured I would get my camera ready, just in case it was someone I happened to know, and there came Tom Cruise. I snapped a few pictures before he got out of the vehicle (sorry they are kind of blurry, but it was quick).
The next set of riders got on and he was ushered to a separate backstage entrance. I’ve seen a few celebrities in the parks previous, but never with this many Disney CMs around them. Usually they just have a VIP guide with them or two depending on their party size. Granted I’ve never seen anyone with the celebrity status of Tom Cruise either. After a couple minutes, right before I was supposed to ride, I saw the heard of coordinators come back from the backstage area. Apparently Tom Cruise was going to ride again. I just happened to be in prime position with my camera and switched it to video as he rode by.
httpv://youtu.be/_RudG-2tEJo
This wasn’t exactly how I was planning on my evening going, but it was still kind of fun. At least I got the high score of the hour on TSMM and got to do Animation Academy twice. I missed out on dinner, which forced me to have a dinner of ice cream (okay, just dinner for me maybe) with friends since it took more time waiting for the attraction since it was stopped twice to accommodate Tom Cruise. I think he owes me dinner. 😉
Check out more of our videos here on our YouTube page.
Follow us for more updates: Wordless Wednesday – Quiet on the Set
The Week in Review July 16 – 20, 2012
It was a super busy week at On the Go in MCO!!!
We talked about the Holidays, Giveaways, Merchandise, Miniature Golf, and more. So let’s take a look backnat all of this week’s posts!!!
Giveaway!!! Don’t forget to enter to win your very own Customized Autograph Book by July 27th!!!
Betsy took us along as she cooled off playing the Summer Course at the Winterland Summerland Miniature Golf Course.
This Week LEGOLAND Florida announced that they wouldn’t be raising ticket prices!
In Videos this week, we got see something we thought we would never do…We got to see Vanilla Ice Perform at the Gaylord Palms Christmas in July Event! We’ll be bringing you more details about what Gaylord Palms has in store for the Holidays next week, but here is some Ice, Ice Baby goodness to hold you over…
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAwYOlNPYb8
Subscribe to our YouTube Page so you don’t miss any of our fun videos, too!!!
On Facebook, we have added some our pictures from the Gaylord Palms Christmas in July Event to our Page. While you’re there, Like Us!!!
We found some great new Merchandise this week at Walt Disney World!!! First we took at look at the new Limited Edition Ear Hat Ornaments that are sure to get you in the Holiday Spirit!
Then we found some Halloween Trading Pins and the Halloween Lanyard out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
In More Halloween News, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has been hard at work getting ready for Howl-O-Scream by growing some crazy pumpkins.
For Wordless Wednesday, we take a look at the Mickey made of Mickeys at D Street at Walt Disney World Downtown Disney West Side.
If you love pinning as much as we do, please make sure that you also follow us on Pinterest!
And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter!
Follow us for more updates:
Celebrating The Fourth Of July At Walt Disney World
Patriotic fireworks displays, a rock ‘n’ roll concert, traditional outdoor activities, or your favorite characters in Patriotic Costumes, there’s a way for any and everyone in the family to celebrate the Fourth of July at Walt Disney World.
I will apologize now for the utter and total lack of pictures!!! Last year was our first Fourth here, and we stuck close to Celebration for the Fourth of July!!! But this year we are going to fix that since there are soooo many ways to celebrate at Walt Disney World!!!
Magic Kingdom Park – Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. This special pyrotechnic show, taking the place of Wishes on both July 3rd AND 4th, will light up the sky above Cindarella’s Castle. These fireworks are AMAZING!!!!! Last year we chose to view them from a different perspective! We had an early dinner at Kona on July 3rd, and then headed out to the Polynesian Beach to enjoy them. It’s important to know that both the Polynesian and Contemporary Resorts strictly enforce entrance to guests staying there or with dining reservations! Also, if you are thinking of watching from the beach you may consider bringing your own beach towel or blanket since towels are strictly for resort guests!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios – What do you get when you mix traditional fireworks with the all-new Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration? A Fourth of July that is a cut above the rest! (Sorry for the bad landscaping pun…) Get your groove on at the Sorcerer Hat, aka BAH, with a DJ starting at 6 p.m. Then at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Mulch, Sweat & Shears take Guests on a musical road trip through America. Rock ‘n’ Roll hits from Memphis to Motor City will all lead up to a special fireworks presentation at 9:45 p.m. I am always a fan of Morris and the Boys taking the stage near the BAH and Fireworks in the Studios!!!! My best advice is that if you love the band, make sure you get there super early to get a great spot near the stage. However if you want a good view of both the band and fireworks, I really suggest grabbing a spot towards the center to back of the BAH area between the two lighting towers. This is an amazing spot, because you will really get to take in the spectacle that is the Fourth of July at Hollywood Studios!!! Don’t worry if you are lining up a little late, make sure you head over near the American Idol Experience jumbo screen since they typically will put video of what’s going on up there!
Epcot – Discovery Experiences at American Adventure present a bit of American history and heritage. From 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Guests may meet with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress. An afternoon of live entertainment kicks off at 12:30 p.m. in the America Gardens Theater with the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert. This holiday special is a harmonizing partnership of the 8-part a capella Voices of Liberty, Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps, and Disney characters. In the evening, the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series takes the stage with four performances from Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute. The grand finale to these classic beats is The Heartbeat of Freedom, a special tribute in the sky following Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at 10 p.m. We’ll be spending our Fourth of July in Epcot this year, and I am beyond excited to catch all of these great experiences…especially the Voices of Liberty Fourth of July Concert!!!!
It’s also important to note that both Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney will not feature fireworks.
Two resorts that really get into the spirit of celebrating the Fourth of July are Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge! If you are a guest staying at these resorts, you may want to consider joining in the fun while you are there!!!
The schedule for activities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground on July 3rd is as follows:
- 10:15-11 a.m.: Patriotic Craft
Show off your creativity with this fun Independence themed craft. Meet at Pavilion at Meadow Swimming Pool. - 11 a.m.-noon: Acorn Toss Dodge ball
Join us in the field by Meadow Swimming Pool for our fun twist on Dodge ball. - 1:15-2 p.m.: What’s in your beach bag?
Bring your beach bags and get ready for an exciting poolside game! - 2-3 p.m.: Giant Board Games
Oversized games mean twice the fun! At Meadow Swimming Pool. - 3-4 p.m.: Pool Party
Our daily poolside party! Games, dancing, fun and prizes! - 4-5 p.m.: Splash Ball
All the fun of baseball with a soaking twist! - 6-9 p.m. Independence Eve Beach Party at Clementine Beach:
- 6-7 p.m.: Sandcastle Building Contest – You provide the tools and creativity and we’ll provide cool prizes!
- 7-8 p.m.: Dance Party – Celebrate America’s Birthday by dancing the night away!
- 8-9 p.m.: BINGO – Free BINGO on the beach!
- 9 p.m.: Disney Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky!
A special Independence Day fireworks celebration at the Magic Kingdom Park visible from Clementine Beach - 7 p.m.: Red Light, Green Light
- 7:30 p.m.: Campfire Lighting
- 8 p.m.: Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-a-Long
- 8:40 p.m. Movie – National Treasure at the Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-a-long
The schedule for activities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground on July 4th is as follows:
- 11 a.m.-noon: Red and Blue Noodle Races
Join us at the Meadow Swimming Pool for fun relay races in the water! - 1-2 p.m.: Design your own Kites ($5)
Create your own cool kite then fly them in the field nearby. Meet at the Bike Barn. - 2-3 p.m.: Goofy Bingo
Can you match the all the Disney characters? Get five in a row for a chance to win fun prizes. - 3-4 p.m.: Pool Party
Our daily poolside party. Games, dancing, fun and prizes! - 4-4:30 p.m. Chalk Art
Meet at Meadow Swimming Pool to create a red, white and blue display. - 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Make Your Ice Cream ($4)
Shake your way to a super delicious dessert! Meet at the Bike Barn. - 7 p.m.: Corn Toss
Meet at the Campfire theatre for this fun tailgating game. - 7:30 p.m.: Campfire Lighting
- 8 p.m.: Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-a-Long
- 8:40 p.m.: Movie – Homeward Bound
- 9 p.m.: Golf Cart Parade
Register at the Bike Barn by 7 p.m. Parade will travel down Fort Wilderness Trail toward Pioneer Hall.
The Fourth of July activities at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge look super fun!!!
- 1 p.m. Patriotic Craft – Come on over to the party cart by the pool, and make a patriotic memory to take home.
- 2 p.m. Red White and Blue Pitchburst – Join us for our very favorite hot weather game. Hit the target to break a giant water balloon over a volunteer’s head.
- 3 p.m. Big Blast Pool Party – Join us by the party cart for lots of fast paced poolside holiday fun and a treasure box prize.
- 4 p.m. Big Beach Party Begins!!!
- 4 – 4:45 p.m.: Sand Castle Contest (awards from 4:45-5:00).Bring your team (or join one on the spot) and show us your creativity and construction skills and maybe even win a prize!
- 5 – 6:30 p.m.: Make Your Own Ice Cream. Join us on the beach for this super sweet deal! We will show you how to make your own ice cream. In a matter of minutes you can mix, shake and eat!
- 6:30 – 7 p.m. Splash and Score This is another fun hot weather game. Come show us your skills!
- 7:30 – 8:45 p.m. Campfire Fourth of July tradition means a campfire on the beach! Come on down and join us for campfire fun, followed by fireworks and a patriotic movie on the beach.
- 9 p.m. – Fireworks Enjoy the movie, “National Treasure”, immediately following the fireworks.
However you decide to spend the Fourth of July, we hope that you have a very safe and fun holiday full of food, fireworks, and great memories!
We’ll be tweeting pictures and information about the festivities starting on July 3rd, so make sure you follow us on @onthegoinmco and like our Facebook page for all the fun!!!
Follow us for more updates: