Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise » Florida

Part 1 – Walt Disney World: Epcot

Administrator — Fri, 09 Jul 2004 02:36:08 +0000

“Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow” was Walt’s dream of a grand self-sustaining city of the future, but it never materialized. Instead after Walt’s death it was built as a theme park designed primarily for teens and adults, that offers attractions that will both entertain and educate. In December 2003 Blair and I along with our 2 children Justin and Alicia, ages 16 & 14 traveled to Walt Disney World. Epcot was our first stop. There is a lot to do and see at Epcot, try and allow yourself two days to fully explore the park. It is comprised of two total different theme parks in one. Future World offers rides and attractions that showcase or demonstrate man’s progress in science and technology. The first sight you see arriving at Epcot is “Spaceship Earth” the 180 foot tall silver golf ball like landmark, which houses a ride that carries you past scenes depicting the evolution of communications. In the Wonders of Life Pavilion you will find Body Wars, a simulator ride that takes you through the human body and Cranium Command, a theatre-style presentation that takes you into the mind of a 12-year-old boy. Next you come to Mission Space the newest thrill ride in the park. It was incredible you can feel the gravity pull and weightlessness of being in space. Another popular ride is Test Track, you take on the role of a test driver for General Motors checking how your vehicle responds to different road conditions and then to the speed test as you break through a barrier and head outside for a 65 mile per hour ride on hills, curves and hairpin turns, it’s a powerful and exciting ride. In The Land Pavilion you can journey by boat through various ecosystems. The Living Seas Pavilion houses a huge saltwater aquarium full of more than 200 varieties of marine life, including stingrays, dolphins, barracuda, and sharks.

Part 2 – Walt Disney World: Epcot

Administrator — Fri, 23 Jul 2004 02:40:49 +0000

World Showcase at Epcot is comprised of 11 pavilions surrounding a large lagoon. Each re-creates some of that countries characteristics and landmarks in incredible detail. The first pavilion to the right is Canada where you can view a 20-minute movie in 360 Circle Vision that offers a visual tour of our Country. Next is the United Kingdom with Anne Hathaway’s cottage, beautiful parks, and English pubs. The France Pavilion has a re-creation of the Eiffel Tower. The main attraction here is the Impressions de France movie that offers a visually look at France. At the Morocco Pavilion shopping is the order of the day, shops sell handcrafted baskets, brass items, and Moroccan clothing. Next it is off to Japan where you will see Japanese music performed. You will also find one of the best restaurants in Epcot here, a Japanese steak house where your food is prepared by talented chefs right at your table. The American Adventure Pavilion has a huge colonial-style mansion as its centrepiece. It offers a 30-minute historical theatre presentation. Italy has a courtyard surrounded by examples of Italian architectural styles. There is a marketplace selling chocolates, Italian pastries and dessert items. The Germany pavilion is a re-creation of a small German village, you will find shops filled with clocks, watches and handicraft items, Participate in the daily wine tasting or stop for a drink at the beer hall. Your next stop will be China, beautiful gardens filled with rose-bushes and reflecting ponds offer a relaxing atmosphere. The Temple of Heaven houses an informative movie about the mysterious country of China. In the Norway Pavilion you will have the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and Folklore. The main attraction here is Maelstorm, a 10-minute ride in a Viking boat looking at the countries past. Your final stop will be Mexico where you can take a pleasant and relaxing boat ride to from the ancient Maya Culture to the current city life.

Part 3 – Walt Disney World: Disney MGM Studios

Administrator — Thu, 05 Aug 2004 17:31:12 +0000

Disney MGM Studios is a combination theme park and working movie and television studio. On our recent trip to Disney World in December 2003 this was my teenager’s favourite park. We screamed with delight each of the 7 times we plunged down the 13 stories on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

The adventure begins as you enter the lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Guest are invited into the library for a preshow then it is off to the boiler room where you will board a service elevator for the ride of your life. The elevator rises 13 stories then free falls down and just when you catch your breath it zooms back up and does it again. The ride is programmed with different drop sequences so you never know what to expect.

Another ride we also enjoyed 7 times was the Rock’n'Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. You go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and then straight your into first complete loop. The ride features a soundtrack synchronized to reflect the twists and turns of the roller coaster.

For those of you not quite ready for the wide side there is plenty of other attractions to visit. Star Tours is a flight simulator thrill ride to the moon of Endor. If you like game shows you don’t want to miss Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play it, the audience can compete to get in the Hot Seat where you can play for prizes. Disney MGM Studios Backlot Tour takes you behind the scenes and lets you in on some secrets of movie making. Muppet fans of all ages will truly love Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3-D. Join Kermit, Miss Piggy and all of the classic Muppet character in this hilarious fiasco. The perfect way to wind up your day is to attend Fantasmic. Join Mickey as he performs his role as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in this night time spectacle that combines lasers, special effects, dancing water, fibre-optic effects, Disney characters and a cast of over fifty performers. It was an incredible show that we all enjoyed.

Part 4 – Walt Disney World: Animal Kingdom

Administrator — Fri, 20 Aug 2004 02:02:30 +0000

Animal Kingdom, the newest park at Walt Disney World opened in April 1998. The park covers more than 500 acres and has over 200 species of animals. Animal Kingdom is divided into six different areas. The first is Discovery Island where you will find the 145-foot “Tree of Life”, it is the centrepiece for the park and has 325 animals carved into its trunk, roots and branches. It’s Tough to be a Bug is located in the trunk of the Tree of Life, this 3-D movie has incredible lifelike special effects. You will get a bug’s eye view of life as a multi legged creature. Next it is off to Africa and Kilimanjaro Safaris, You’ll ride on a safari truck with a tour guide as you travel through over 100 acres of savannah, rivers, and rocky hills. Expect to see Lions, Antelope, Zebras, Rhinos, Elephants, Giraffes, Crocodiles, Gazelles and Hippos. Then journey to Asia and experience Kali River Rapids, a wild raft trip down a ragging river through rapids and waterfalls — be prepared to get wet. At Rafiki’s Planet Watch Conservation Station you will find a series of walk through educational exhibits on animals and conservation of our planet. Camp Minnie-Mickey has one the best live musical shows I’ve ever seen.”Festival of the Lion King” is a high energy musical with singers, dancers and characters from the popular movie. DinoLand USA is the amusement park area of Animal Kingdom. Here you will find Dinosaur, this thrill ride takes you back 65 million years to save the Iguanodon from extinction. Primeval Whirl is a roller coaster style ride with spinning cars, sharp turns, and drops. End your day with Mickey’s Jamming Jungle Parade, a 15-minute extravaganza featuring Mickey, Minnie, Rafiki, and a cast of over sixty dancers and performers.

Part 5 – Walt Disney World: Magical Kingdom

Administrator — Sun, 05 Sep 2004 16:23:16 +0000

Magic Kingdom opened in October 1971, it is the most popular park at Walt Disney World, it covers 107 acres. Magic Kingdom consists of seven lands. Main Street USA is where the Disney magic begins to come to life. In Tomorrowland visit Space Mountain where you can experience a roller coaster ride through the darkness of a galaxy. Fantasyland is home to Cinderella’s Castle, It’s a Small World and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. A wonderful new addition to Fantasyland in 2003 was Mickey’s PhilharMagic, a 3-D film complete with in-theatre effects and plenty of Disney music. .As you journey in to Mickey’s Toon Town it is like walking into a topsy-turvy cartoon world. Be sure to stop by Mickey’s house for a visit. Frontierland depicts the pioneers of America, take a trip on a run away train or join Brer Bear for on the wettest ride in the park, Splash Mountain. In Liberty Square visit the ghosts at the Haunted Mansion or enjoy a paddle wheeler cruise on the Liberty Belle Riverboat. At Adventureland climb aboard a river boat and venture out on a Jungle Cruise or take an excursion through a bayou with the Pirates of the Caribbean. The perfect way to end your day at the Magic Kingdom is by watching the fireworks show that takes place over Cinderella’s Castle. “Fantasy in the Sky” is a spectacular light show complete with Disney tunes. Be on the look out for Jiminy Cricket as he flies overhead to the Castle.