Disney Memories #2

In this series, we'll highlight some of our memories of Disney past. We hope you enjoy reliving old attractions, shows, and experiences with us!

Andy Mation

Peter with Pluto!

Courtney's family loved visiting MGM back in the day to visit Andy Mation. Andy Mation, aka Carl Skenes,  was a balloon artist but he didn't make your typical poodle, he created Disney Characters! Andy Mation could be found over in the Animation Courtyard of MGM throughout the day. Courtney's family made many trips to see him and were lucky to take home a few of his creations. Not only would Andy make the balloon characters but he would also entertain the crowd with Disney trivia about the character he was making. For instance, what are the only two words Pluto has spoken? (answer at the end of the post) Andy Mation was a great addition to MGM and is truly missed. 

Did you ever have a chance to see Andy Mation? What character did he make you?

Missed Disney Memories #1? Check it out here!

*Pluto's two spoken words were "Kiss Me"*

It's in the Details #6

In this series, we'll be looking at details that are hidden all around you at the parks. The Imagineers do a great job placing in many hidden gems and things to try that one has to take a moment to notice, or explore. Many of these are obvious and in plain sight, and some are hidden quite well, you just have to know where to look.

  In this week's In the Details, we take a look at another hidden gem in Space Mountain. As you exit on the conveyor path, to the left is a baggage pick-up, to reclaim your checked items for your spaceflight. On the baggage conveyor is a well traveled container, having gone to many places. Two places of note is Mesa Verde, and Alpha-Centauri, locations from the late Horizons. The first, Mesa Verde, is an actual location within the ride, famous for its hover car, desert farms, and the weather on the horizon. 

  The second isn't an actual Horizons location, but related to the space section of the ride. The actual in-ride location was Brava-Centauri. However, noted in a pre-show spiel, there was a whole line of Centauri-class space stations. Alpha would most likely be prior to Brava. In reality, as well, Alpha Centauri is also the closest of a group of stars that make up our closest interstellar neighbors. Thanks to Jeffl8ton for reminding me of that!

Missed It's in the Details #5? Check it out here!

The Little Things #7

In this series we want to take some time to appreciate the Little Things that just make Disney, Disney. These are those moments and experiences that just make you smile and laugh; those moments that create memories to last a lifetime; and those that only Disney magic can create.

Enjoying a Mickey Bar

Have a favorite Little Thing? Share it below or on Twitter and we will share some in a future post!

Missed The Little Things #6? Check it out here!

Hidden Mickeys #4

One of our favorite things to do in the Parks is find hidden Mickeys. Every week we will share a new hidden Mickey from Disney World but won't share where it is till the next week. See if you know where they are!

Have you spotted this Hidden Mickey before? 
Share your guesses on where you think it can be found!

Did you guess where last weeks hidden Mickey is?

This Mickey can be found in the shop in Canada at Epcot!

Try to find it the next time you are there!

Disney Memories #1

In this new series, we'll highlight some of our memories of Disney past. We hope you enjoy reliving old attractions, shows, and experiences with us!

If you look closely you can see Courtney's family in the front!

In honor of Derek's new position in Monorail Operations, we want to start off with one of our favorite past experiences, riding in the front of the monorail. Some time ago, it was possible for guests to ride in the cab of the Monorails. It was something that was a favorite of many folks, and still many ask to try today. It was a unique experience to ride along the front of the train and coast along the rail. And who can forget receiving your monorail license from the driver!

Did you ever get to ride in the front of the monorail? We'd love to hear your story!

It's in the Details #5

In this series, we'll be looking at details that are hidden all around you at the parks. The Imagineers do a great job placing in many hidden gems and things to try that one has to take a moment to notice, or explore. Many of these are obvious and in plain sight, and some are hidden quite well, you just have to know where to look.

  With this In the Details, we'll take a look at Space Mountain. During the recent refurbishment, many of the graphics and details were updated and help present Space Mountain better as a spaceport, as it was intended to be. In various locations, you'll see Starport Seven-Five. The Seven-Five is an allusion to its opening year in 1975. Also, to help tell the spaceport story, at the entrance is a listing of locations/flights that are boarding or in transit, much like an airport would have for aircraft.

Missed It's in the Details #4? Check it out here!

Hidden Mickeys #3

One of our favorite things to do in the Parks is find hidden Mickeys. Every week we will share a new hidden Mickey from Disney World but won't share where it is till the next week. See if you know where they are!

We seem to have caught a Mickey fish! 

Do you know where it can be found? Share your guesses below!

Did you guess where last weeks hidden Mickey is?

This Mickey can be found at the Polynesian by Kona Cafe!

Try to find it the next time you are at the resort!

Car Masters Weekend

This weekend is Car Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney West Side. We decided to head on over there to check it out today! Even though it was a rainy day at times, we still really enjoyed the event!!

The first thing we spotted was the Lone Ranger and Tonto hanging out on their horses at Planet Hollywood. 

Then we made our way around the West Side to check out some of the exotic and classic cars that were on display. We found some pretty nice and interesting ones! Here's a few of our favorites:

This Herbie actually lifted it's hood and squirted water!

It's Mike!

After looking around at the cars we took some time to check out the Disney Infinity booth. Here you could try out the new game! Derek played the Pirate game for a while. It's neat because you can switch out the characters that you play and can play different Disney and Pixar characters in your favorite stories. 

Then we made our way to the Planes booth where you could play a couple games and get tattoos and little wooden planes!

There was also a "Monster Truck" with Mike and Sulley!

While we were at the event we also took in a Yo-Yo demonstration and ended our day with a very short presentation about Cars and Cars Land with automotive legend, Chip Foose and Pixar's Jay Ward. Unfortunately the rain came in and cut the talk short. However before the presentation they did trivia and Derek won us a pair of tickets for La Nouba! We can't wait to go!

This was our first time checking our Car Masters Weekend and we are so glad we did! It was a fun little afternoon event that we highly recommend checking out if you are in town! There's still one day left!

Today also marked 5 years and 5 months together! Looking forward to many more!

Hidden Mickeys #2

One of our favorite things to do in the Parks is find hidden Mickeys. Every week we will share a new hidden Mickey from Disney World but won't share where it is till the next week. See if you know where they are!

This weeks hidden Mickey is one of Courtney's favorites! 

Do you know where it can be found? Share your guesses below!

Hmm.... Where am I?

Did you guess where last weeks hidden Mickey is?

This Mickey can be found in France at EPCOT.

Try to find it the next time you are in the park!

It's in the Details #4

In this series, we'll be looking at details that are hidden all around you at the parks. The Imagineers do a great job placing in many hidden gems and things to try that one has to take a moment to notice, or explore. Many of these are obvious and in plain sight, and some are hidden quite well, you just have to know where to look.

  In this It's in the Details, we'll take a look at small little activities you can try at the parks. These can be as simple as taking a look, or require more involvement. at the entrance to the France pavilion, from across the Channel, there's a small collection of usual tourist stops in the form of souvenir and artist stands. Among them, is a telescopic viewer, meant to give you an excellent look at the Eiffel Tower in the distance. It works well, but recently has been re-purposed for the Agent's P's World Showcase Adventure.

Missed It's in the Details #3? Check it out here!

The Little Things #6

In this series we want to take some time to appreciate the Little Things that just make Disney, Disney. These are those moments and experiences that just make you smile and laugh; those moments that create memories to last a lifetime; and those that only Disney magic can create.

Going Under this Sign

Nothing says it's Disney time like this sign!

Have a favorite Little Thing? Share it below or on Twitter and we will share some in a future post!

Missed The Little Things #5? Check it out here!

Hidden Mickeys #1

One of our favorite things to do in the Parks is find hidden Mickeys. Every week we will share a new hidden Mickey from Disney World but won't share where it is till the next week. See if you know where they are!

Can you see the Hidden Mickey?

Do you know where you can find this Mickey? Share your guesses!

Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom

We tried out the new Wilderness Explorers game today at Animal Kingdom. This new activity is based off of the Boy Scout-esque troop Russell is a part of in the movie Up. When you arrive at the park the Wilderness Explorers headquarters is located on the bridge as you head towards the Tree of Life; it's on the right.

At Headquarters a Troop Leader will explain the game to you. It was at this point where we learned the the Wilderness Explorers Call and received our WE Handbook and very first badge (sticker)! We were then off to collect the rest of our badges.

There are 31 badges to collect, spread out throughout the park. The great thing about this new game is that you can complete it as you make your way around the park and you don't need to earn them all in one day. So there is no need to rush to the stations. We completed 10 badges during this first play and it took us about 2 hours.

We decided to complete the badges on the two main animal trails at Animal Kingdom, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek. Following our handbook we first went to the Jungle Trek where we completed activities involving the bats and tigers! Each activity station is marked with a Wilderness Explorer logo and corresponding badge picture. At the station there is usually something for you to either do, see, or fill out in your handbook. After completing the activity you will receive your badge from the Badge Guide.

Looking for our clue!

After the jungle trek we made our way to Africa and the exploration trail. On the way we stopped to earn our Music Badge!

Playing the drums!

On the exploration trail we worked on quite a few badges including our Hiking Badge! Be ready to spend a lot of time on this trail as there numerous badges to earn.

After receiving our Hiking Badge we decided to save the rest of the badges for another day so we could spread out the fun! It's also important to note, one of the badges requires you to ride the Safari; it might be a good idea to get a fast pass for this one!

We really enjoyed this new addition to Animal Kingdom. It is really a great activity for kids to learn while they explore the park! It also helps you explore areas of the park you might not normally go to. All the cast members seemed to really love the new activities as well, as they were all very excited to help us earn our badges. We cannot wait to go back and earn the rest of our badges because as any Wilderness Explorer knows "The wilderness must be explored, Caw Caw, Roar!"

Are you a Wilderness Explorer or excited to become one on your next trip? Share your experience below!

Segway Tour at Fort Wilderness

Courtney's parents and brother went on a segway tour at Fort Wilderness to "practice" for a tour they will be doing in Rome when they go on their Disney cruise this summer! Without further ado here is a post about the experience by Courtney's Mom:

Today three of us took the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure (Segway Tour).  It is offered 2 times at 8:30 and 11:30 at Fort Wilderness. We started at the Bike Barn with a group of 9. First, we had two great guides, Forrest from San Diego and Ron from Chicago. We started in an indoor room in the Barn with a 5 minute video about how to ride the segway.  We were then given helmets and electronic headsets. Then Forrest "the safety guy" gave us a demonstration of how to turn on the segway and move around on it. Once we were done we all got to take a bottle of nice cold water from the fridge and out we went to conquer the segway. 

We were greeted by Ron in a small flat area with alot of cones and our segways.  Ron took the time to help each of us get onto the segway and "balance ourselves". Once we could stand still we practiced moving forward and back and turning.  We even zigzagged through cones. Dad was going a bit fast and Ron mentioned that could get him in trouble!  Those boys!!  We then went to a hilly area and practiced riding there also. Once we were all given the OK we started our Adventure.

First we segwayed through Fort Wilderness with Ron telling us trivia about how Walt bought up the land in other peoples names and got some great prices. We drove on regular roads, street type areas and off road (grassy and forest areas). Our first stop was Bay Lake where Forrest now our "photographer" took all of our pictures with the amazing background of Bay Lake.  

 Our next stop was Pioneer Hall which is where Hoop De Doo Review is.  After a few jokes we were off to Tri-Circle Ranch, "do you know why it is named Tri-Circle Ranch?" Could it be that Mickey is made of three circles OHHH!!! Ron also talked about Walt's love of horses.  We saw the white ponies that pull Cinderella's Coach, as well as many horses including one named "Sully". These horses pull the trolley cars on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom and two of them were lucky enough to be in the Not So Scary Halloween Parade. Headless Horseman anyone?

Then we were off to Wilderness Lodge. This was a lot of fun. We were on road, off road, ducking under branches, zigging and zagging.  Even though it was warm the breeze kept us cool.  We heard stories about when Wilderness Lodge came into existence and about the heart shaped foliage on many of the trees. As we approached the Lodge he pointed out the two tall chimneys and mentioned the amazing fireplace inside which everyone must visit.  Look for the Hidden Mickey! 

Before we knew it we were on our way back to Fort Wilderness. We stopped for a quick look at the lake with the Contemporary in the background.  Forrest and Ron told some jokes, asked us lots of trivia questions which we got many right much to their surprise!!! Then Forrest sang us a song. We won't tell you the song so if you take the tour you will be surprised.  He actually had a pretty good voice!  

Then it was time to head back.  A bit more on road, off road, driving some places you couldn't go on your own, and zigging and zagging under the beautiful tall trees. Before we knew it we were back at the Barn.  We were each presented with a Segway Tour Pin and a handshake from our great tour guides. This was definitely an unexpected amazing experience that everyone should try!

Photos courtesy of Mom and Dad!