Splash Mountain - Magic Kingdom - Walt Disney World

Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom is a great thrill ride that's good for all ages.  It's fashioned after the 1960's film "Song of the South" featuring the adventures of Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear.  The ride is a water experience so plan on getting wet.

 You'll climb to the top of the mountain and get into log boats where you ride through the mountain and into the world of the briar patch where you recognize all the characters from the iconic movie.  I believe there's a height requirement for this one and may not be best for kids under 5 but they can guide you when you arrive.  The ride lasts about 5 minutes and culminates at the top of the mountain where you plunge down the mountain at break neck speed.

I did my best to get good pictures but the boats move through limited lighting and it's hard to focus on any one thing so I did my best.  (I'm a writer - not a photographer).  We enjoy this ride because the animation and details are as exquisite on this attraction as on all the Disney rides and you'll love it.  Although most of the ride is a boat ride you are excited because you know what's coming at the end so it makes the whole thing interesting.

As you come down the mountain at the end you will get very wet so brace yourself!  It's an awesome feeling in the hot Florida summer and a cold shock in the winter months.  Your boat will be photographed on the way down which is fun because you get to see every body's unrehearsed reactions to the big fall.  It's usually hilarious and makes a great keep sake photo to take home with you. Have fun!

New Fast Pass at Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Walt Disney World theme parks will soon unveil a newer, faster, Fast Pass technology.  It's designed to help park attendees better manage their day by stetting times and locations.  This way visitors can avoid some of the park lines, especially during the summer season when the parks fill up to capacity.

The idea was featured on local news but didn't give a lot of information.  The reporter who floated the story emphasized that it is an organizational tool for travelers (got that) but didn't really detail how it works.  He did say that it's been tested at the parks and appears to work so we'll see.  As soon as I learn more I'll post an addendum to this one.  Thanks for hanging on.

Expedition Everest - Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World

One of the most intriguing rides at Disney's Animal Kingdom is Expedition Everest, a high-speed roller coaster train ride to the top of the world guarded by the ferocious Yeti. The visual effects on this one are remarkable. As you enter the country of Nepal you feel as though you left Florida and are climbing into the Himalayas.  The cultural accuracy of this part of the park is so cool that you get into the mood for the ride long before you get on it.

You'll get in line at the train station and wind through the building until you board the train.  As you're walking there are all kinds of examples of artifacts and photos from real expeditions into the Himalayas to keep you interested.  It's laid out in an intelligent display so you can not only enjoy the ride but educate yourself along the way.

The ride takes you straight to the summit and then plunges you backward into darkness with hairpin turns and screaming beasts culminating in a huge plunge down the mountain.  I don't want to describe it any more but I don't thing a could possibly ruin it for you!

This is one of the funnest rides in the park and may well be worth using Fast Pass due to it's popularity. The kids will love it - guaranteed! There are health restrictions but it's also wheelchair accessible like all the rides so check your program or the signs as you enter the ride.  Any questions there are always cast members to help you.  Parents may wish to consider if it's an appropriate ride for children under 7 but I've seen smaller kids on it before. 

Haunted Mansion- Walt Disney World

I think the indisputable Grand Dame of The Magic Kingdom is the Haunted Mansion.  This is one of the original attractions that opened with the park in 1971 and had the biggest draw until it was rivaled by the opening of Space Mountain a few years later.

 The house itself is an actual mansion bought by Walt Disney and brought back to Florida from Great Britain.  It was reconstructed on it's present site.  The mansion has frightened and fascinated kids and grown-ups alike for over 40 years and always will.  Sorry but I have no photos from inside as they don't want anybody ruining the experience with flash photography.  I can say you will thoroughly enjoy over 900 happy ghosts and goblins.  It was always my favorite as a kid.

About two years ago they shut it down for a good portion of the year and renovated the interior.  They didn't change the house but updated the technology so we could enjoy it by 21st century standards.  This one doesn't have Fast Pass so pick a time when the lines are down so you don't have to wait too long.  TIP:  If you don't mind standing in the rain it's a good time to wait, however, the Europeans aren't daunted by rain so be prepared!

Theme Park Fast Pass (short line) Policies

Here is a short video comparing the Fast Pass policies for Disney World, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure, and Sea World/Busch Gardens.  I hope this explanation is informative: