First Visit to MK: Disneylander Documentation

[Californian Elitist]

I guess it depends on the person because I’ve seen people say the exact opposite. That Florida looks newer and has better infrastructure than the places they are coming from.

To be honest I could probably go to google maps and put side by side comparisons between the two places and they would look extremely similar. MCO is definitely is due for a refresh I agree.

I’m confused on your usage of the word dated because from what I’ve seen of So Cal is doesn’t look newer than here and actually extremely gritty in some areas.

Maybe where they come from, things are even more dated? The places my friend and I visited just didn’t look very 2010s/2020s, but more so 80s and 90s.

“Gritty” and “dated” don’t mean the same thing. We saw some gritty areas in Florida, too. I can give you various spots within Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, that don’t look like Cocoa Beach or Orlando.

The only thing we saw that looked most up to date was Disney Springs. This is not to say that everything we saw harkened back to the 80s and 90s. However, many things did.

Prime example. We passed the Florida Mall on the way to the airport.

To me, that looks dated. This is where I sometimes shop in Los Angeles:

I’m not saying that nothing in Southern California is outdated. What I am saying is that where we stayed and what we saw in Florida consisted of dated buildings and structures. Even some of fast food spots were old. Just reporting what we saw.

 

[CaptinEO]

I noticed this. We went to Cosmic Ray’s and they had “Walt’s chili cheese dog” and “Walt’s chili cheese fries” on the menu. They totally made that up.

Walt's iPhone case. Walt's Genie+ Reservation service. Walt's Wagyu Beef Slider.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

I noticed this. We went to Cosmic Ray’s and they had “Walt’s chili cheese dog” and “Walt’s chili cheese fries” on the menu. They totally made that up.

I think the chili is supposed to be a food item for the 50th. SUPPOSEDLY it's Walt's recipe, but it wouldn't surprise me if that was BS.

 

[waltography]

Maybe where they come from, things are even more dated? The places my friend and I visited just didn’t look very 2010s/2020s, but more so 80s and 90s.

“Gritty” and “dated” don’t mean the same thing. We saw some gritty areas in Florida, too. I can give you various spots within Southern California, particularly Los Angeles, that don’t look like Cocoa Beach or Orlando.

The only thing we saw that looked most up to date was Disney Springs. This is not to say that everything we saw harkened back to the 80s and 90s. However, many things did.

Prime example. We passed the Florida Mall on the way to the airport.

View attachment 642566

To me, that looks dated. This is where I sometimes shop in Los Angeles:

View attachment 642567

I’m not saying that nothing in Southern California is outdated. What I am saying is that where we stayed and what we saw in Florida consisted of dated buildings and structures. Even some of fast food spots were old. Just reporting what we saw.

Side note, but I'm quite fond of Westfield Century City; it's very well-designed for the area with the mix of conversation pads and open areas.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

So what rides and attractions did you do? It sounds like Peoplemover, carousel of Progress, Buzz, it’s a small world, Haunted mansion, POTC?

 

[Californian Elitist]

So what rides and attractions did you do? It sounds like Peoplemover, carousel of Progress, Buzz, it’s a small world, Haunted mansion, POTC?

And Mermaid!

 

[Centauri Space Station]

And Mermaid!

Oh cool! What did you Think of the wdw facade and queue?

 

[Californian Elitist]

Oh cool! What did you Think of the wdw facade and queue?

It was beautiful and elaborate, but there was water coming dripping from it, almost like it was raining in the queue. A woman behind us told us that they rinse the top of the queue with water to prevent potential damage during the fireworks (we had gotten in line right after the fireworks ended).

The ride itself is exactly the same, which I knew going in. The queue is very nice, but if I had to pick one, I’d choose the DCA queue. It’s prettier and less elaborate. From what I remember, MK’s queue is mostly rocks (it was a walk-on, so we didn’t have time to look at any details). Correct me if I’m wrong. I’m not the biggest fan of the actual ride. MK’s queue is better than the ride. DCA’s queue matches my expectations for the ride more. Subtle, but pretty, if that makes sense.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

It was beautiful and elaborate, but there was water coming dripping from it, almost like it was raining in the queue. A woman behind us told us that they rinse the top of the queue with water to prevent potential damage during the fireworks (we had gotten in line right after the fireworks ended).

The ride itself is exactly the same, which I knew going in. The queue is very nice, but if I had to pick one, I’d choose the DCA queue. It’s prettier and less elaborate. From what I remember, MK’s queue is mostly rocks (it was a walk-on, so we didn’t have time to look at any details). Correct me if I’m wrong. I’m not the biggest fan of the actual ride. MK’s queue is better than the ride. DCA’s queue matches my expectations for the ride more. Subtle, but pretty, if that makes sense.

Very true, MKs queue does make it seem like it’s about to be DLs Potc or something

 

[Californian Elitist]

Very true, MKs queue does make it seem like it’s about to be DLs Potc or something

I agree. The good thing is I already knew what to expect. Still, the facade is absolutely beautiful.

Speaking of Mermaid, I’m not exactly sure why MK’s Fantasyland gets a bad rep. I thought it was the most aesthetically-pleasing lands in the park. I went in with bias because I was stationed in Fantasyland when I was a DL CM, but I actually liked MK’s a lot. I will say that there is a lack of cohesiveness, somewhat. You’ve got the circus theme, the tent thing going on (which is arguably circus-themed, but the double Dumbo section felt way more like a circus), the princess/fairytale aesthetic… There’s a lot going on. But overall, I enjoyed it very much and it was one of my favorite areas of the park.

 

[Figments Friend]

I agree. The good thing is I already knew what to expect. Still, the facade is absolutely beautiful.

Speaking of Mermaid, I’m not exactly sure why MK’s Fantasyland gets a bad rep. I thought it was the most aesthetically-pleasing lands in the park. I went in with bias because I was stationed in Fantasyland when I was a DL CM, but I actually liked MK’s a lot. I will say that there is a lack of cohesiveness, somewhat. You’ve got the circus theme, the tent thing going on (which is arguably circus-themed, but the double Dumbo section felt way more like a circus), the princess/fairytale aesthetic… There’s a lot going on. But overall, I enjoyed it very much and it was one of my favorite areas of the park.

If you ever return to Florida and visit MK again, I recommend a meal at 'Cinderella's Royal Table'.
You will enter the Castle through a side entrance and get to enjoy the inside decor, having a meal on the upper level overlooking Fantasyland.
A must do at least once, even if you are not a fan of character dining.

Yes, the meal is grossly overpriced...but the atmosphere and 'original WDW' design vibes make it worth it.
I experienced breakfast last year there , and thought the food was tasty and the Cast were literally my royal servants.
It's one of the few spots left at WDW that showcase the original interior design intent and it's charming.

-

 

[DLR92]

I’ve enjoyed perspective of Magic Kingdom.
I would think you would certainly enjoy Animal Kingdom and Epcot, if you done them. My work friend went to WDW, she said hand down Epcot was her favorite. Mainly it was how much drinks offered casually in the world showcase.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I’ve enjoyed perspective of Magic Kingdom.
I would think you would certainly enjoy Animal Kingdom and Epcot, if you done them. My work friend went to WDW, she said hand down Epcot was her favorite. Mainly it was how much drinks offered casually in the world showcase.

World Showcase is the one thing in Epcot I fear may not impress me, given that I’m a world traveler. I believe I would like it, just not necessarily be impressed. We’ll see!

 

[Centauri Space Station]

I agree. The good thing is I already knew what to expect. Still, the facade is absolutely beautiful.

Speaking of Mermaid, I’m not exactly sure why MK’s Fantasyland gets a bad rep. I thought it was the most aesthetically-pleasing lands in the park. I went in with bias because I was stationed in Fantasyland when I was a DL CM, but I actually liked MK’s a lot. I will say that there is a lack of cohesiveness, somewhat. You’ve got the circus theme, the tent thing going on (which is arguably circus-themed, but the double Dumbo section felt way more like a circus), the princess/fairytale aesthetic… There’s a lot going on. But overall, I enjoyed it very much and it was one of my favorite areas of the park.

Yeah, the medieval tent theme makes it feel less spectacular than DL. I do think MKs pooh is better than DLs. Mine Train is cute just not too long. Phillarmagic is more of an experience with purpose built theater and preshow designed for it than DCAs. Peter Pan is pretty much the same as it was since 1971, but I do think the London scene is a little more in depth than DLs. Yes Dumbo is actually a sub area Storybook circus. It contains Dumbo, which is nice and not usually a huge wait since they doubled it. Then it has the barnstormer which is a kid coaster, a meet and greet tent, snack area, and the train station.

World Showcase is the one thing in Epcot I fear may not impress me, given that I’m a world traveler. I believe I would like it, just not necessarily be impressed. We’ll see!

I would liken it to New Orleans square at DL. A charming recreation, but it tries to be more authentic with mini versions of famous areas of each country. Most food is great, and they have loads of cultural exhibits and history info. The rides are more Disney chars now but I think they fit decently besides Frozen. Then the two circle visions in China and Canada, and American adventure animatronic show are more educational.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Yeah, the medieval tent theme makes it feel less spectacular than DL. I do think MKs pooh is better than DLs. Mine Train is cute just not too long. Phillarmagic is more of an experience with purpose built theater and preshow designed for it than DCAs. Peter Pan is pretty much the same as it was since 1971, but I do think the London scene is a little more in depth than DLs. Yes Dumbo is actually a sub area Storybook circus. It contains Dumbo, which is nice and not usually a huge wait since they doubled it. Then it has the barnstormer which is a kid coaster, a meet and greet tent, snack area, and the train station.

I would liken it to New Orleans square at DL. A charming recreation, but it tries to be more authentic with mini versions of famous areas of each country. Most food is great, and they have loads of cultural exhibits and history info. The rides are more Disney chars now but I think they fit decently besides Frozen. Then the two circle visions in China and Canada, and American adventure animatronic show are more educational.

I really wanted to ride Pan. The wait time on our phones said something like 10 minutes, but when we got to the ride, it said 30. When we initially looked at the line, we couldn’t tell that it actually wrapped around in the back, so we hopped in line. The queue is so beautiful. We came to a stop and realized that it probably was actually a 30 minute wait. Coupled with someone near us who was quite musty and we decided to hop out of the line. Lol hopefully I can ride next time.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

I really wanted to ride Pan. The wait time on our phones said something like 10 minutes, but when we got to the ride, it said 30. When we initially looked at the line, we couldn’t tell that it actually wrapped around in the back, so we hopped in line. The queue is so beautiful. We came to a stop and realized that it probably was actually a 30 minute wait. Coupled with someone near us who was quite musty and we decided to hop out of the line. Lol hopefully I can ride next time.

Haha don’t blame you! Sadly Pan can take forever in standby

 

[Californian Elitist]

Haha don’t blame you! Sadly Pan can take forever in standby

Just like at DL. I’m betting Pan is busy everywhere. Low capacity coupled with popularity and you’ve got long waits, unfortunately.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I’m not sure if anyone lives in the area or anywhere nearby, but the next time I’m near Orlando, I’d be so down to plan a meet-up. Would have been helpful to have someone there with us to really show us the park. Maybe we would have appreciated it more.

 

[DLR92]

Just like at DL. I’m betting Pan is busy everywhere. Low capacity coupled with popularity and you’ve got long waits, unfortunately.

It still kills me Disney has never attempted a grander scale for Peter Pan or Mr. Toad in any modern Disneyland's in Shanghai or Hong Kong. It is the best!

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

Pan has two levels of seats per ship in Paris. The line goes faster. The inside is beautiful.