Hello, my name is Cliff Downey and welcome to my personal web page about the Disney Theme parks. I visited Walt Disney World from June 5-9, 1997, and had the time of my life while I was there. I rode Splash Mountain and bought the photo. Hence, the name of my personal web page. Since returning I've been sharing my experiences with all my family and friends. However, before I left, I gained a lot of information by surfing the net and visiting other people's sites. I just figured now its my turn.
Anything interests me! I have been a fan since I was a kid, especially when I first visited Walt Disney World in February 1972. I especially like the theme parks and the the castles. Catch my letter "IN THE DARK" on page 13 of the Spring 1998 issue of "DISNEY MAGAZINE".
Here's some information about Walt Disney World during its 25th Anniversary celebration.
This is me with Mickey Mouse during Walt Disney World's 25th Anniversary. (click here for more photos) While in the Magic Kingdom: First you have to see the "It's Time to Remember the Magic" Parade. My favorite part of the parade were the opening and closing floats with all the "classic" Disney characters. I especially liked how "fireworks" exploded over the castle in the "Enchanted Forest". I would advise getting to Main Street outside of The Emporium about 45 mintues before the scheduled time for a good seat on the curb. This is true for all the parades and fireworks. Buy yourself an ice cream, pull up a piece of sidewalk/curb, and relax and wait. It's worth it! I caught the SpectroMagic parade in front of Cinderella's Castle at the Hub. The entire parade is beyond description. My favorite part of this parade was the music/soundtrack to it. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day (even if I did stay in the park after it). However, I wouldn't stay in front of the castle after the parade but move off to the sides or you'll miss seeing the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks as they explode behind the castle.
For rides, I would always go to the left. The lines seem to be shorter and moved faster. My favorites are the "mountains": Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain. Of course, I do have to put in a good word for the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise, and Alien Encounter. Two thumbs way up!
Grab a turkey leg while you're in the Magic Kingdom. They're pretty good and make for easy "fast food". For a live camera picture from the Magic Kingdom, click here:
Here I am at Disney-MGM Studios. (click here for more photos) While at Disney-MGM Studios: First go on an "early entry morning" so you can be one of the first people on The Tower of Terror. The cast members will escort you up to the attraction so no one gets mobbed in the rush. From what I've heard, take the "seatbelt seat" for a real thrill ride. The whole ride is quite a rush. Afterwards you can catch The Great Movie Ride, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, and the Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour. If you're interested in the "magic" behind the Magic, take both The Magic of Disney Animation and the BACKSTAGE PASS to "101 Dalmations" tours. If you liked Body Wars and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience in EPCOT, you'll like Star Tours and Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 4D respectively. Later, if you sit toward the front of the topiary of Mickey Mouse in front of The Great Movie Ride (Grauman's Chinese Theatre), after the "Sorcery in the Sky" fireworks the cast members might take you on The Great Movie Ride one more time after the crowd diminishes. It's really cool, and you feel like you're getting a private tour.
I caught the last running of the Toy Story parade before they introduced the new Hercules: Zero to Hero parade. The Toy Story parade was cute. The "Sorcery in the Sky" fireworks is seasonal and awesome. Lots of music from the movies provide the background to this display, and even Mickey Mouse makes an appearancešoš. For a live camera picture from the Disney-MGM Studios, click here:
This is me flirting with Minnie Mouse at EPCOT. (click here for more photos) While at EPCOT: I would advise going to World Showcase as soon as it opens, visit the countries of your choice, eat both lunch and dinner in World Showcase, go back to visit the Future World section and catch Illuminations 25 right up front on the Promenade. However, you need to get there by 8:15p.m. for good seats. Illuminations is a fireworks and laser extravaganza performed to classical music. It's a "must see not to be missed" event.
In Future World my favorite attractions were: The Livng Seas, Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Cranium Command, and Body Wars. I liked The Living Seas over The Land. For HISTA, sit as close to the middle of the theater as you possibly can. It makes for a better show. I also enjoyed Spaceship Earth and "Ellen's Energy Adventure. I wanted to ride Test Track, but it wasn't open yet.
I don't think I had a favorite country in World Showcase. I enjoyed visiting ALL the countries (What did you expect? I'm a Social Studies teacher!). However, I really enjoyed The American Adventure (and Teacher of the Year Award exhibit). It reminded me of the Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom; only it's done on a grander scale, being more sweeping and politically correct. Stroll around and catch the live entertainment in each country (acrobats, musicians, and comedy troupes). For a live camera picture from EPCOT, click here:
If you go to Blizzard Beach (It's a cool spot when it's hot!): I would definitely wear trunks (not Speedos) if you're a guy, and a one-piece suit (not a bikini) if you're a gal, when you go on Summit Plummet (or Slush Gusher). You'll be glad you did. The chair lift will take you to the top of Mt. Gushmore. Also try out Runoff Rapids with the enclosed inner tube run, the Downhill Double Dipper, Teamboat Springs for a family raft ride, and Cross Country Creek for a leisurely float around the park (Watch out for the "snow blower" and the icy cavern).
My last piece of advice is: stay on the Disney property at one of their resorts. It's so much nicer and easier if you do. I stayed at the All-Star Music Resort. Request the Calypso if you want to be close to the pool, food court and bus pick-up: and the Country Fair if you prefer to be farther from "the action". I stayed at the Broadway Hotel and found the room to be more than accommodating for one person. The staff was polite and efficient, and my room was always immaculate. The Disney buses ran about every 20 minutes to the various destinations: Magic Kingdom, Epocot, Disney-MGM Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Disney Village Marketplace, Pleasure Island. Nobody makes you feel safer or more secure while on vacation than Walt Disney World. And nobody does it better than Disney.
Anything
interests me! I have been a fan since I was a kid, especially when I first visited Walt Disney World in February 1972. I especially like the theme parks and the the castles. Catch my letter "IN THE DARK" on page 13 of the Spring 1998 issue of "DISNEY MAGAZINE".
This is me with Mickey Mouse during Walt Disney World's 25th Anniversary. (click here for more photos) While in the Magic Kingdom: First you have to see the "It's Time to Remember the Magic" Parade. My favorite part of the parade were the opening and closing floats with all the "classic" Disney characters. I especially liked how "fireworks" exploded over the castle in the "Enchanted Forest". I would advise getting to Main Street outside of The Emporium about 45 mintues before the scheduled time for a good seat on the curb. This is true for all the parades and fireworks. Buy yourself an ice cream, pull up a piece of sidewalk/curb, and relax and wait. It's worth it! I caught the SpectroMagic parade in front of Cinderella's Castle at the Hub. The entire parade is beyond description. My favorite part of this parade was the music/soundtrack to it. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day (even if I did stay in the park after it). However, I wouldn't stay in front of the castle after the parade but move off to the sides or you'll miss seeing the "Fantasy in the Sky" fireworks as they explode behind the castle.
Here I am at Disney-MGM Studios. (click here for more photos) While at Disney-MGM Studios: First go on an "early entry morning" so you can be one of the first people on The Tower of Terror. The cast members will escort you up to the attraction so no one gets mobbed in the rush. From what I've heard, take the "seatbelt seat" for a real thrill ride. The whole ride is quite a rush. Afterwards you can catch The Great Movie Ride, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, and the Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour. If you're interested in the "magic" behind the Magic, take both The Magic of Disney Animation and the BACKSTAGE PASS to "101 Dalmations" tours. If you liked Body Wars and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience in EPCOT, you'll like Star Tours and Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 4D respectively. Later, if you sit toward the front of the topiary of Mickey Mouse in front of The Great Movie Ride (Grauman's Chinese Theatre), after the "Sorcery in the Sky" fireworks the cast members might take you on The Great Movie Ride one more time after the crowd diminishes. It's really cool, and you feel like you're getting a private tour.
This is me flirting with Minnie Mouse at EPCOT. (click here for more photos) While at EPCOT: I would advise going to World Showcase as soon as it opens, visit the countries of your choice, eat both lunch and dinner in World Showcase, go back to visit the Future World section and catch Illuminations 25 right up front on the Promenade. However, you need to get there by 8:15p.m. for good seats. Illuminations is a fireworks and laser extravaganza performed to classical music. It's a "must see not to be missed" event.
If you go to Blizzard Beach (It's a cool spot when it's hot!): I would definitely wear trunks (not Speedos) if you're a guy, and a one-piece suit (not a bikini) if you're a gal, when you go on Summit Plummet (or Slush Gusher). You'll be glad you did. The chair lift will take you to the top of Mt. Gushmore. Also try out Runoff Rapids with the enclosed inner tube run, the Downhill Double Dipper, Teamboat Springs for a family raft ride, and Cross Country Creek for a leisurely float around the park (Watch out for the "snow blower" and the icy cavern).
My last piece of advice is: stay on the Disney property at one of their resorts. It's so much nicer and easier if you do. I stayed at the All-Star Music Resort. Request the Calypso if you want to be close to the pool, food court and bus pick-up: and the Country Fair if you prefer to be farther from "the action". I stayed at the Broadway Hotel and found the room to be more than accommodating for one person. The staff was polite and efficient, and my room was always immaculate. The Disney buses ran about every 20 minutes to the various destinations: Magic Kingdom, Epocot, Disney-MGM Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Disney Village Marketplace, Pleasure Island. Nobody makes you feel safer or more secure while on vacation than Walt Disney World. And nobody does it better than Disney.
