Recently, we were talking about underappreciated attractions on the On the Road with Mickey Podcast. I thought I would share with you today my top 3 attractions that I feel aren’t getting the love they’re due at Walt Disney World.These attractions are three that I feel are skipped over or not prioritized in the park touring plans of guests but I feel they are great and worth the time to visit. I hope you will give them a try during your next visit.
1) Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This interactive gallery features a collection of memorabilia from the Disney archives. Visitors are shown artifacts from Walt Disney’s life and from the history of the company he founded — from his birth in 1901 through the company’s vision for the future. Also, the attraction includes a short film of Walt Disney’s life in a special “Walt Disney Theater.” The film explores the extraordinary hardships Walt overcame, as well as previously unseen footage, including Walt talking about his creation, Mickey Mouse. The film is narrated by actress Julie Andrews, who starred as Mary Poppins.Throughout the gallery, scenic pieces and props create a trip through each era of Disney’s life, beginning with a brief look at Disney’s early years, from his birth in Chicago and his formative years in Marceline, Missouri, a period that was crucial to his development as an artist and storyteller.Among the artifacts on display are:— a model of Main Street, U.S.A.from Disneyland— Walt’s animation camera stand, the table on which he animated “Steamboat Willie” and “Plane Crazy”— Oscars for “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (one regular size and seven dwarf-sized) and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”— Disneyland Castle model— An interactive re-creation of Project X (Walt Disney World Resort) Florida— A life-sized Roy Disney graphic with interactive audio as Roy dedicates Walt Disney World Resort in his brother’s name— Abraham Lincoln sculpture bust— Disneyland Paris Sleeping Beauty Castle model— Disney’s California Adventure modelIn one of the attraction’s most exciting features, Walt Disney himself talks about the most meaningful and emotional moments of his life through a rare collection of audio interviews, many heard publicly for the first time, which are triggered when guests approach the various sections of the gallery.This is a walk-through exhibit, which takes at least 15 minutes to view. There is no place to sit until the end of the exhibit, where you enter a theater to view a film.The film on Walt Disney lasts about 15 minutes.Translator units for this attraction are available at the entrance.This attraction is wheelchair/ECV accessible.Assistive Listening Devices from Guest Services Can Be Used HereMany youngsters are not aware that Walt Disney was a real person. This exhibit will help show that he was more than just an icon, but a man with a vision. Because of the nature of the exhibit, though, it may not be of much interest to very young children.
2) Carousel of Progress at the Magic Kingdom.
A Classic – Walt Disney originally conceived the show as part of a new area at Disneyland Park called Edison Square. When the concept was abandoned, the idea was reimagined, eventually opening under the name “Progressland” at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.With the classic song “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” this nostalgic show really takes you back to simpler times as you follow an American family over 4 generations of progress and watch technology transform their lives.During each era, learn how the technological marvels of the day made life more comfortable—and paved the way for unimaginable innovations.Discover how gas lamps, the hand-cranked washing machine and gramophone made the pre-electric era a breeze.Watch the advent of electricity give rise to modern conveniences like the electric iron, the radio—and the simple, revolutionary light bulb.See how the automatic dishwasher and television set transformed the American household.Today’s high-tech marvels include virtual-reality games, high-definition televisions and voice-activated household appliances. Imagine the wonders the next hundred years may bring!A “Revolution”ary Theatrical Experience, this show is presented inside a revolving theater, the show includes an innovative audience seating area that moves around a stationary central stage for each act.
3) For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This show is a 30 minute re-telling of Frozen by the Royal Arendelle Historians with sing-along clips from the film. Character appearances include Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff.The show opens with Princess Anna looking for Queen Elsa. She introduces the audience to the Royal Historians of Arendelle, who comedically re-tell the story of the film assisted by animated clips that are subtitled with song lyrics so that everyone can sing along. It is hilarious!!The characters really play up to the audience and interact very well with the audience.Eventually the Historians are joined on stage by Anna, Kristoff and Queen Elsa herself. The show concludes with an encore of the film’s most famous song, “Let It Go,” accompanied by special lighting effects and an unexpected “snowfall and other special surprises and magical touches make this show a real royal treat!This is great for kids but the comedy makes it great for adults as well as some of the banter is above kids’ heads, for sure!Special note: In the winter, they often do a Holiday version of this show with Olaf and songs from the “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.”Plus, 30 minutes in the A/C is awesome during the hot months.Accessibility: Guests using wheelchairs will be seated in a special area in the rear of the theater, but may remain in wheelchair/ECV. Video Captioning, Handheld Captioning and Assistive Listening are all available.
Do you agree with my list? Let me know what 3 attractions you feel are under appreciated at Walt Disney World. Thanks for joining me today!
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