Micoofy Duck Trip ~ Sept 28th through Oct 5th
"See you real soon!"
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"See you real soon!"
The new parade at the Magic Kingdom is now known as Disney Dreams Come True Parade. The parade featured in the video above was known as the Share A Dream Come True Parade. They removed the globes and changed the music for this new parade to be featured within The Year of a Million Dreams 15 month long campaign.
So far I'm not a fan of the new music selection for the new parade this year but maybe after sitting among the crowd in Main Street... well maybe this new parade soundtrack will tug on my emotional strings... MAYBE.
Gosh golly gee wiz, now I'm sounding like all those unhappy Disney Park APer's who just can't be happy with what's presented to them.
At least we have something going down Main Street that will please 9 out of 10 people.
During my trip to Walt Disney World this October I'll be encountering the Headless Horseman on 2 nights during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. He comes just before Mickey's Not So Scary Parade and rides by so quick that most people usually miss the chance to photograph him.
You have a better chance of capturing him as a keepsake if you have your video camera on stand by, ready to start filming at a flip of a switch. You'll hear him coming, either by an announcement or the people screaming just down the parade route. He is quite a scary sight even though he's meant to be harmless.
Fun trick for your viewing family members is to hold the camera up as it records the crowd anticipating his arrival. Shake the camera slightly as if you're hands are quivering. Ask your friends and family member if they're scared- Yes I know this sounds chessy but when you watch the video later it becomes more "good times" rather than waiting... and waiting... and waiting for the Headless Horseman.
Answer: The music used in this video is from Walt Disney World's Epcot show, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Click Here
1, 2 & 6 ~ Disney Park Teacups are not that extreme of a ride but when someone is flashing a picture in your face, you should act as if the cup is about to take "awf". Usually the ride is over quicker than it takes to wash your hands so at least ride the Teacups twice, one to enjoy it and another for photo ops. Just don't scream because the young ones in the next cup may just start crying thanks to you.
3, 4 ~ When you've found yourself next to a Disney Park poster of some kind, do your best to impersonate the character portrayed in the artwork. Find a way to interact with the photo because most likely you're not going to see that character anywhere in the park. Trust me on that because before you know it, your trip is over and you never got to meet Alice from Wonderland. Gosh Darn it.
5 ~ Never forget the person behind the camera. Blow her/him a kiss. If you both are immature, yet the best of friends, flick each other off as a sign of love.
My jaw dropped when I saw this on Pirates of the Carribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest. I'd just gotten into the Disney Theme Park bandwagon and have been talking non stop to everyone I know about how Disney Parks are making this big comeback... and then it happens. Walt Disney Pictures created a new opening logo that features Cinderella's Castle in theme park animation complete with fireworks and the idea that the castle exists somewhere in the world.
With POTC 2 making one billion dollars worldwide in ticket sales I'm sure everyone has seen the new logo by now but if you haven't, then check it out.
A friend just emailed me about these videos found on YouTube and I just had to share them with you, my readers. If you haven't seen this attraction over at Walt Disney World then don't watch any of these videos as they will spoil the attraction for you. But if you have already seen the show, then click play and hear excellent sound quality to the visual sights that is Mickey's PhilharMagic!
When I visited Disneyland for my first time back in July I stayed at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel for 3 nights and 4 days. I first booked the Paradise Pier hotel because of the price... but then it started bugging me... the distance I had to walk to get to the parks and the quality of the hotel.
When I had gone to Walt Disney World in Florida last year I stayed at the Yacht Club Resort. That was a deluxe resort. Grand Californian Hotel in the Disneyland Resort is a deluxe hotel. I wanted a "deluxe" experience for my first trip to Disneyland so I opted to play the extra money for the hotel room with a Downtown Disney view.
The extra money spent was worth the experience. I felt comfortable in the hotel. I felt safe. I felt like I was going "home" after a day at the parks. I even slept near the fireplace in one of the chairs while with loved ones.
I had 2 frustrations with the hotel. One, the bed close to the balcony had this up chuck smell that someone didn't clean very well. And when I was waiting for the Disneyland bus I was given the wrong information by various hotel employees about what to do and where to wait for the Disneyland bus that would take me back to the airport.
I almost missed my bus, had to board another bus, take it to the Disneyland Hotel to catch up with my own bus. That was the only time during my entire stay where I found myself about to go "awf".
I never went to the pool as I am not into public pools but I did dine at the Storyteller's Cafe a few times. The experience there was great but once I dined by myself because my other party members wanted to go back to the park for a show so I opted for a table for one... and the waiter treated me like I was just not even there. Horrible service from that waiter and I had to get up after 10 minutes to get someone to refill my drink.
The bar located near the main lobby was very inviting and had these leather chairs that made you feel like you never wanted to get back up. I almost fell into a deep sleep there. Make sure to stop at the bar between park breaks.
The special entrance to Downtown Disney was great resource I used many times to get to the parks and to the shops of Disneyland. As far as the special entrance to Disney's California Adventure park was rarely used. Maybe twice during my stay since I only spent one full day at that park.
My final advice. Take the time to adjust your Disneyland budget if you are traveling with a small party and book a room at the Grand Californian Hotel. You'll thank yourself once you step into the hotel for the first time. Trust me, the excitement while staying in the GCH keeps building every second you're there. Trust me!
Sunless View: If you and your party are trying to find the best seat possible for the Parade of Dreams parade then always factor in the sun! Just look up and find out which direction sunset will fall. Make sure to have it behind you because if you're facing sunset during the parade then kiss your photos and videotape quality goodbye!
Try asking a Cast Member who is helping with crowd control about the sunset if you don't know. Some actually do know this answer. If you don't trust the CM's to answer this question for you then Google it and find out yourself before your trip.
YouTube member Zeusmoi's video of POD is featured above. They did get a great view of the parade but they will forever have the sun as an extra Cast Member that many wish didn't play a part in this sometimes one time experience.
Usually POD has 2 performances a day. Catch the earlier showtime if you can to avoid this problem. But if you catch the later performance then factor in the sun!
Character Greetings: If you've got a great view, whether standing or seating, of the parade floats and you're filming or taking a photo... never ever ever shout at the Characters to look in your direction. People actually did this when I was viewing the parade on 2 separate occasions!
Don't worry about taking the best video or snapping the best possible photo. If you think about it the best kind of photography involves photographing a subject when they are enjoying life, their attention away from the camera lens. The "stills of life" are far more remembered than the endless face forward snap shots.
Now if you're not filming or snapping fotos and you've got a child with you who's in much need of Character interaction then get to your desired front row seat early! The Characters do their best in waving and saying hello to every child but some will be missed, hopefully greeted by another Disney Character on another float.
Now if your desired Disney Character doesn't wave at your child and your young one is upset simply whipser "I'm sorry [Insert Desired Disney Character's Name Here] didn't say hello, but I see you." Then you look directly into your child's weepy eyed face and say "Hello" added with a gentle wave of your hand. Smile and hug him/her and get back to the parade.
Anwhere But Main Street: As seen in the YouTube video above the Disneyland Parade of Dreams parade is moving through Fantasyland just past the Matterhorn Ride. If you feel like you don't have the time to wait an hour or 2 for the perfect viewing spot on Main Street then find a spot anywhere between the Matterhorn and It's A Small World Ride. Believe me, there will be less people there but sometimes you never know. Always find a spot at least an hour early.
And check out Tinkerbell on top of the first float. She's got the best spot ever!
I had originally thought that I could cover my entire Disneyland trip report in one month but it seems I need more time because I've got even more photos and even great information to share with you. Expect updates from my July trip to continue through September 12th! And yes... Micoofy Duck has a few more Disneyland Princes to debut!
And then... 16 days later... I'm off to Walt Disney World! 7 days. 6 nights. 5 people. 4 Theme Parks. 3 days in the Magic Kingdom. 2 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Parties. 1 Hotel. It's going to be a one grand spooktacular trip! PLUS October 1st marks the beginning of Disney Park's newest campaign, The Year of a Million Dreams!
Little bit jealous? Then get on WaltDisneyWorld.com right now and start playing with the rates and quotes to see how you and your family/friends/partners/loved ones/neighbors/random people off the street can all go to Walt Disney World! Just remember, the more people you got going the less your part of the trip will cost!
Have fun planning!
