Favorite Walt Disney World Attractions Part 1

The difference between Disney World in Florida and DisneyLand in California is that in Florida, the expansive Resort area involves 4 Parks, 2 Waterparks, Downtown Disney Area, Campground, Sports Complex and much much much more.  The reason for our interest in Florida is the proximity to where we live. Being from the East Coast gives us an easy connection to falling in love with a Resort like WDW which is a two day trip down the coast along Route 95.  We have made the trip before.  We have flown once and didn't like it, so even if driving is hard, it is our preference.  Here are some highlights along the journey if you drive:

The top of the East Coast is Maine, then New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.  Now in New Jersey, if you are driving, you must use the NJ Turnpike in order to shave 2 hours off your trip.  It isn't pretty...and there is a toll...but you have to do it.  My advice is to try and make this part of the trip in the dark of night, when at least the view is speckled with lights in the night.  Anyway, enough about New Jersey...next you pass through Delaware which is extremely small and then Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina.  When you hit the line of SC and NC you must stop at "South of the Border".

Honestly, PedroLand (SOB), is small but packed with silly thrills and inexpensive.  We like to stop and stay overnight at the SOB Motel.  It takes us a good 11 hours of driving to reach this point so, plan ahead!  After North Carolina, you hit Georgia and then enter Florida at Jacksonville more or less.  From the border, WDW is 2 hours away!  Along the highway you will see the Universal Parks Resorts and soon you will come to your turn..."Welcome to Walt Disney World".

After you have checked out your resort and ventured into one of the four parks of WDW, you will compile a list of your favorites. 

Annika (11 years old):

• Cali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom
• Ariel's Grotto in FantasyLand at Magic Kingdom
• It's a Small World in FantasyLand at Magic Kingdom
• The Metro in TomorrowLand inside the Magic Kingdom
• The American Idol Experience at Hollywood Studios
• KimPossible Mission in Epcot
• "Finding Nemo, the Musical" at Animal Kingdom

Alex(4 years old):

• The Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom
• Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground at Hollywood Studios
• Pooh's Thoughtful Spot Playground at Magic Kingdom
• The Dinosaur Boneyard Playground at Animal Kingdom
• Canada Pavillion waterfalls at World Showcase inside Epcot

David(Dad):

• Haunted Mansion in FantasyLand at Magic Kingdom
• Pirates of the Caribbean at Magic Kingdom
• Being with Family..anywhere in the park (how cute)
• **Looking forward to "Soarin' " at Epcot inside the Land Pavillion in Future world
• Other FutureWorld Attractions that have tech/video game features.

AngelMarie(Mom):

• (can't miss):  Buzz Lightyear attraction in TomorrowLand at Magic Kingdom
• All rides in FantasyLand at Magic Kingdom, at least once!
• Aerosmith Rockin' Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios
• American Idol Experience (SINGING!)
• The Oasis and Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom
• The entire World Showcase at Epcot
• SpaceShip Earth at Future World in Epcot

So these are my family's favorites.  There are lots of smaller attractions or events that are not to be missed...little programs that are easy to overlook.  Even the Hidden Mickey's can be a blast.  There is Pin Collecting throughout the Park which is not so much a passtime as a passion!  The quaint backdrops that create the ambiance for your visit are imagineering at it's best!

Annika discovered the Chicken Coop from The Hannah Montana Movie...it is a little hidden treasure you can find if you take the "Backlot Tour" at Hollywood Studios!  At the time of this picture, we were HUGE HM fans...XxOo Miley!

This WALL of animals winds and curves and is probably 200 feet long.  It is a beautiful mural you will pass as you enter Rafiki's Planet Observatory.  This can be found in Animal Kingdom

Annika cannot fully appreciate the excitement of this spot at Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom.  You see, as a child, I grew up watching the Walt Disney version of the Sword in the Stone.  To come across it here near Cinderella's Golden Carousel was like a dream come true for me!  People line up to pull on it...LOL

http://youtu.be/TuAc8-GyQjg

Inside Future World in Epcot, vist the Sea Pavillion.  It is an expansive indoor aquarium with a Manatee tank and 2 "Nemo" attractions.  This photo is a little indoor exploration area based on characters from the "Finding Nemo" movie...Bruce the Shark and the shipwreck are a little sopt for the kids to crawl through stuff and pose for photos.