Post by MVPStephanie on Nov 13, 2017 0:24:09 GMT -5
Top 10 Magical Moments of our Recent Walt Disney World Vacation
November 13, 2017
November 4-11, 2017: 11/4-Magic Kingdom, 11/6-Magic Kingdom, 11/7-Hollywood Studios, 11/8-EPCOT, 11/9-Animal Kingdom
Entering the Magic Kingdom (as well as the other three parks) is truly magical! It is an experience, from the second you step through the gates to the time you leave. We visited the parks during a very busy time. Had I done a little more research, I would have probably rearranged our dates of travel, but since we were there, we made the most of our time, in spite of all the "activities" going on.
For starters, it was Princess Marathon weekend and the Food and Wine Festival was still happening at EPCOT. There was also a taping of the Disney Holiday Celebration going on at Magic Kingdom. We found about the marathon after we arrived at Magic Kingdom at 6:30 AM after driving through the night from Charlotte, NC and seeing people as far as the eye could see. We had no idea where to go as the normal roads that led to parking lots were closed off. Finally, we figured it out and our vacation had officially begun! It's hard to narrow down our favorite moments of our vacation to just 10, but here are what I consider our TOP 10 Magical Moments of our Walt Disney World Vacation (in order they happened).
#1: Christmas at Disney
Our first magical moment of our trip was walking through the gates and seeing all the beautiful Christmas decorations set up and the Christmas carols that were filling the air around us. We immediately were in the Christmas spirit. Beautiful garland hung around the rooftops of the train station. A larger than life Christmas tree was the center of attention around the Nutcrackers in the entrance to Main Street USA. Christmas wreaths dangled from each light post. The opening ceremony included music and dancing from some very spirited Disney performers.
#2: Disney Stars
Something seemed different in front of Cinderella Castle. There were large lights and cameras set up. Areas were roped off. We had a feeling something big was happening at Magic Kingdom, but didn't know what. Later, I was alone, waiting for Happily Ever After to start while my husband and daughter went to ride 7D Mine Train (after no luck getting fast passes and watching wait times all day). I noticed hedges blocking the stage of Cinderella Castle. There were dancers and choreographers scattered around the stage in various areas. Later, I found out that the filming of the Disney Holiday Celebration that will air on ABC and Disney Channel on Nov 30, Dec 2, and Dec 25 were being filmed at Magic Kingdom. Cameron Matthews was the host and announced that Monday Sofia Carson, Dove Cameron, Raven-Symone', and Issac Brown from Disney Channel would all be there for the filming. I couldn't wait to tell my daughter, Emily! Cameron told us if we wanted to be in the audience, we needed to dress in Christmas attire and be ready by 8:00 to stand in line to participate. I told Emily when she returned and she wanted to be there for the filming. So, that's what we did! I rearranged our schedule for the week, cancelled our fast passes for the next 2 days, and decided we were going back to Magic Kingdom to be a part of the taping. We didn't have a great spot, but it could have been worse. We were to the left of the stage (all the way left) on the 2nd row back. Thankfully, the girls in front of us allowed enough space for us to see between them. We had a great view of all of their performances. Did I mention Sofia Carson is Emily's FAVORITE Disney star and Dove Cameron is mine? It was also great to see Raven and Issac Brown. They were so funny together! It was incredible to be so close to all of them!
Click here for a video of Sofia Carson's Dress Rehearsal for Chillin' Like a Snowman
#3: Sofia Carson told Emily Happy Birthday
My daughter, Emily was waiting for the right time to yell out, "SOFIA, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" The moment was just right because Sofia looked right at Emily and said, "Happy Birthday!" and blew her a kiss. Emily's mouth hit the floor and she was immediately in heaven!
#4: Finding the Cursed Engagement Ring at the Haunted Mansion
After years of trying to find the cursed engagement ring outside the Haunted Mansion, I finally found it! I realized I had never found it before because we usually had fast passes and we bypassed the area where the ring is located. I won't give away the secret to where it is, but I will post a picture that will give you hints! Here is an article you can read from Walt Disney World for Grown Ups that gives you the story about the legend of the ring.
#5: My Husband as a Knight in the Enchanted Tales with Belle Attraction
My husband is not one to volunteer, so he was volunteered by a cast member to play the role of a knight for the Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction in Magic Kingdom. He stood there with a cardboard knight torso in front of him and took his job very seriously! He can tell his own enchanted tale of his time at Enchanted Tales with Belle.
#6: Big Fat Panda
I met Big Fat Panda on our Magical Vacation Planner Travel Agent Conference cruise on Oasis of the Seas recently. He does a lot of media events with Disney and it was an honor to meet him on our cruise. I mentioned to him that we were going to be at WDW this past week and wanted to meet up with him. Our schedules were opposite and I didn't think I would get to see him, but I ran into him at Hollywood Studios while we were taking a stroll through the park, on our way to Sunset Blvd. I grabbed a quick picture and we had a brief conversation about what attractions are a "must" and we were on our way. I hope to see him again in the future! Check out his channel on YouTube and his show, "The Big Fat Panda Show" where you can find the latest happenings on everything Disney.
#7: My Husband Volunteering for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! in Hollywood Studios
As I stated above, my husband is not one to volunteer, but he actually volunteered this time and was chosen. He's 6'5" so it's not hard for him to stand out when he raises his hand. What was super funny about this is the MC said, "You sir, with the grey shirt on, sunglasses hanging from your collar, and your children pointing at you..." Yes, she said, "CHILDREN!" Haha, I'm his wife and I'm 40! I'll take the compliment though! To get selected, he had to dance in front of a packed theater. Dancing is not his forte'! Click here to see the audition!
#8: Riding Tower of Terror for the First Time
I had no idea what to expect in the Tower of Terror ride. I thought it was going to be terrifying. I didn't want Emily to see my heartbeat through my shirt so I zipped up my jacket a little more! She was crying. She did not want to ride it. It was an all-day ordeal to get her to agree to go with us. It was all three of our first time riding this AMAZING ride! Not knowing which way you were going (up or down) was exhilarating. Then the doors open up and you see a peek of light and then they shut again and you continue the terror of the haunted elevator. Then it's over and your elevator returns to its origin. Emily said, "that was the worst ride ever." It must have been so terrible because while I watched the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks show alone, my husband and Emily went to ride Rockin' Roller Coaster (since we had fast passes) and then they went back on Tower of Terror. I had no idea they rode it again until later. They rode it without me? Really!? Now she says, "Tower of Terror is my FAVORITE ride!" Mission accomplished! Since money is so tight right now I couldn't get the Memory Makers, but let me tell you, the pictures were priceless! I wish I could get them!
#9: Mickey Mouse Kissing Emily
When we embark on our magical voyages on Disney Cruise Line, the characters all get to know Emily. She is known as Dancing Cruise Girl because she loves to dance with the characters. We were standing in line, about the 2nd family from the front of the line, when out of nowhere, Mickey Mouse danced up to Emily, bent down and kissed her (you know, the way a mouse kisses). Her eyes lit up. Then he went off stage and the next Mickey came out. The only thing we can think of is that that particular Mickey Mouse knows her or remembers her. Why else would Mickey Mouse dance up to her, and skip the other family in line to give her a kiss? Hmmm. Was it the same Mickey from one of our voyages? We will never know for sure, but we felt that moment was one to take note of as a magical moment.
#10: Emily Getting Sadness (and Joy) to Dance...Yes, Sadness Danced!
Emily, like I said, is Dancing Cruise Girl. She wants to become Dancing Disney Girl, but said that sounds funny. She has a heart of gold and it does not go unnoticed. She said she was going to try to cheer Sadness up. She led the way to meet Sadness and Joy while dancing. Joy immediately joined in and believe it or not, Sadness tried to do the dance as well. It was our favorite moment of our trip! Sadness motioned that she was sad we were leaving.
What a great vacation this was! I can't wait to return to Disney World in December to make more magical moments!
Written by
Stephanie Inch
Travel Specialist at Magical Vacation Planner
November 13, 2017
November 4-11, 2017: 11/4-Magic Kingdom, 11/6-Magic Kingdom, 11/7-Hollywood Studios, 11/8-EPCOT, 11/9-Animal Kingdom
Entering the Magic Kingdom (as well as the other three parks) is truly magical! It is an experience, from the second you step through the gates to the time you leave. We visited the parks during a very busy time. Had I done a little more research, I would have probably rearranged our dates of travel, but since we were there, we made the most of our time, in spite of all the "activities" going on.
For starters, it was Princess Marathon weekend and the Food and Wine Festival was still happening at EPCOT. There was also a taping of the Disney Holiday Celebration going on at Magic Kingdom. We found about the marathon after we arrived at Magic Kingdom at 6:30 AM after driving through the night from Charlotte, NC and seeing people as far as the eye could see. We had no idea where to go as the normal roads that led to parking lots were closed off. Finally, we figured it out and our vacation had officially begun! It's hard to narrow down our favorite moments of our vacation to just 10, but here are what I consider our TOP 10 Magical Moments of our Walt Disney World Vacation (in order they happened).
#1: Christmas at Disney
Our first magical moment of our trip was walking through the gates and seeing all the beautiful Christmas decorations set up and the Christmas carols that were filling the air around us. We immediately were in the Christmas spirit. Beautiful garland hung around the rooftops of the train station. A larger than life Christmas tree was the center of attention around the Nutcrackers in the entrance to Main Street USA. Christmas wreaths dangled from each light post. The opening ceremony included music and dancing from some very spirited Disney performers.
#2: Disney Stars
Something seemed different in front of Cinderella Castle. There were large lights and cameras set up. Areas were roped off. We had a feeling something big was happening at Magic Kingdom, but didn't know what. Later, I was alone, waiting for Happily Ever After to start while my husband and daughter went to ride 7D Mine Train (after no luck getting fast passes and watching wait times all day). I noticed hedges blocking the stage of Cinderella Castle. There were dancers and choreographers scattered around the stage in various areas. Later, I found out that the filming of the Disney Holiday Celebration that will air on ABC and Disney Channel on Nov 30, Dec 2, and Dec 25 were being filmed at Magic Kingdom. Cameron Matthews was the host and announced that Monday Sofia Carson, Dove Cameron, Raven-Symone', and Issac Brown from Disney Channel would all be there for the filming. I couldn't wait to tell my daughter, Emily! Cameron told us if we wanted to be in the audience, we needed to dress in Christmas attire and be ready by 8:00 to stand in line to participate. I told Emily when she returned and she wanted to be there for the filming. So, that's what we did! I rearranged our schedule for the week, cancelled our fast passes for the next 2 days, and decided we were going back to Magic Kingdom to be a part of the taping. We didn't have a great spot, but it could have been worse. We were to the left of the stage (all the way left) on the 2nd row back. Thankfully, the girls in front of us allowed enough space for us to see between them. We had a great view of all of their performances. Did I mention Sofia Carson is Emily's FAVORITE Disney star and Dove Cameron is mine? It was also great to see Raven and Issac Brown. They were so funny together! It was incredible to be so close to all of them!
Click here for a video of Sofia Carson's Dress Rehearsal for Chillin' Like a Snowman
#3: Sofia Carson told Emily Happy Birthday
My daughter, Emily was waiting for the right time to yell out, "SOFIA, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" The moment was just right because Sofia looked right at Emily and said, "Happy Birthday!" and blew her a kiss. Emily's mouth hit the floor and she was immediately in heaven!
#4: Finding the Cursed Engagement Ring at the Haunted Mansion
After years of trying to find the cursed engagement ring outside the Haunted Mansion, I finally found it! I realized I had never found it before because we usually had fast passes and we bypassed the area where the ring is located. I won't give away the secret to where it is, but I will post a picture that will give you hints! Here is an article you can read from Walt Disney World for Grown Ups that gives you the story about the legend of the ring.
#5: My Husband as a Knight in the Enchanted Tales with Belle Attraction
My husband is not one to volunteer, so he was volunteered by a cast member to play the role of a knight for the Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction in Magic Kingdom. He stood there with a cardboard knight torso in front of him and took his job very seriously! He can tell his own enchanted tale of his time at Enchanted Tales with Belle.
#6: Big Fat Panda
I met Big Fat Panda on our Magical Vacation Planner Travel Agent Conference cruise on Oasis of the Seas recently. He does a lot of media events with Disney and it was an honor to meet him on our cruise. I mentioned to him that we were going to be at WDW this past week and wanted to meet up with him. Our schedules were opposite and I didn't think I would get to see him, but I ran into him at Hollywood Studios while we were taking a stroll through the park, on our way to Sunset Blvd. I grabbed a quick picture and we had a brief conversation about what attractions are a "must" and we were on our way. I hope to see him again in the future! Check out his channel on YouTube and his show, "The Big Fat Panda Show" where you can find the latest happenings on everything Disney.
#7: My Husband Volunteering for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! in Hollywood Studios
As I stated above, my husband is not one to volunteer, but he actually volunteered this time and was chosen. He's 6'5" so it's not hard for him to stand out when he raises his hand. What was super funny about this is the MC said, "You sir, with the grey shirt on, sunglasses hanging from your collar, and your children pointing at you..." Yes, she said, "CHILDREN!" Haha, I'm his wife and I'm 40! I'll take the compliment though! To get selected, he had to dance in front of a packed theater. Dancing is not his forte'! Click here to see the audition!
#8: Riding Tower of Terror for the First Time
I had no idea what to expect in the Tower of Terror ride. I thought it was going to be terrifying. I didn't want Emily to see my heartbeat through my shirt so I zipped up my jacket a little more! She was crying. She did not want to ride it. It was an all-day ordeal to get her to agree to go with us. It was all three of our first time riding this AMAZING ride! Not knowing which way you were going (up or down) was exhilarating. Then the doors open up and you see a peek of light and then they shut again and you continue the terror of the haunted elevator. Then it's over and your elevator returns to its origin. Emily said, "that was the worst ride ever." It must have been so terrible because while I watched the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks show alone, my husband and Emily went to ride Rockin' Roller Coaster (since we had fast passes) and then they went back on Tower of Terror. I had no idea they rode it again until later. They rode it without me? Really!? Now she says, "Tower of Terror is my FAVORITE ride!" Mission accomplished! Since money is so tight right now I couldn't get the Memory Makers, but let me tell you, the pictures were priceless! I wish I could get them!
#9: Mickey Mouse Kissing Emily
When we embark on our magical voyages on Disney Cruise Line, the characters all get to know Emily. She is known as Dancing Cruise Girl because she loves to dance with the characters. We were standing in line, about the 2nd family from the front of the line, when out of nowhere, Mickey Mouse danced up to Emily, bent down and kissed her (you know, the way a mouse kisses). Her eyes lit up. Then he went off stage and the next Mickey came out. The only thing we can think of is that that particular Mickey Mouse knows her or remembers her. Why else would Mickey Mouse dance up to her, and skip the other family in line to give her a kiss? Hmmm. Was it the same Mickey from one of our voyages? We will never know for sure, but we felt that moment was one to take note of as a magical moment.
#10: Emily Getting Sadness (and Joy) to Dance...Yes, Sadness Danced!
Emily, like I said, is Dancing Cruise Girl. She wants to become Dancing Disney Girl, but said that sounds funny. She has a heart of gold and it does not go unnoticed. She said she was going to try to cheer Sadness up. She led the way to meet Sadness and Joy while dancing. Joy immediately joined in and believe it or not, Sadness tried to do the dance as well. It was our favorite moment of our trip! Sadness motioned that she was sad we were leaving.
What a great vacation this was! I can't wait to return to Disney World in December to make more magical moments!
Written by
Stephanie Inch
Travel Specialist at Magical Vacation Planner
