Disney’s Awesome Things #21: The Clean, Wand-less Spaceship Earth

#21When I first got the news that the Spaceship Earth “Epcot” signage and wand were to be removed, I wasn’t happy. I had never seen the ball without them, so to me, this was shocking. But not for long.

Since I had never seen it before the wand and other needless glitz, I was horrified at the thought of all that leaving. To me, it was a part of Spaceship Earth, and without it, things would be plain and boring.

Boy, I’m so glad I was wrong! When I saw that enormous “golf ball” for the first time after the decluttering, I was amazed. Saying it looked great would be a horrible understatement.

If I had to describe the clean Spaceship Earth in adjectives, it would be only the following – simple yet majestic.

That’s why it’s the iconic structure for such a brilliant park as Epcot. Inside it’s reflective silver shingles an adventure awaits.

Photo by JNad

Disney’s Awesome Things #20: Being the Chosen One to Hold the Red Card

#20In the wonderful world of wait times, some folks often wonder how Disney manages to constantly keep an accurate wait time up for guests. And that’s where the infamous red card comes in.

If you’ve ever been the “chosen one” to hold the Red Card, then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Every so often, a cast member will scan the magnetic card and give it to one lucky guest. Then when said guest gets to the end of the line, another cast member scans the card, which updates the ride’s wait time.

“This card is used to help provide you with the most accurate wait time. Please hand the card to a cast member at the end of the line. Thank you.”

The fate of the ride wait time is in your hands. Now doesn’t that feel awesome?

Photo by mrkathika

Disney’s Awesome Things #19: Short Rain Showers that Clear the Park

#19You can see it coming from a mile away. It’s those dreaded Florida afternoon showers that get everyone soaked, cold, and miserable. But something awesome happens when the storm ends.

That’s right – the clouds blow away, the sun comes out, you can feel the humidity rise as the storm is now over. But what’s so awesome? The fact that everyone is gone.

Yep it’s true that those rain showers really clear the crowds. It starts raining, and it’s like the floodgate keeping all the little guests in suddenly opens and people pour out of the park.

Sure it’s now uncomfortably humid, but look on the awesome side. You now have the park close to yourself. Now stroll through that empty park and enjoy yourself.

Photo by Joe

Disney’s Awesome Things #18: Getting Free Desserts on Your Birthday

#18YUM. Just look at that ice cream cone. It’s wet coolness is just glistening in the hot sunlight. The instant you put your tongue on that it will be an absolute paradise. All your troubles will slip away.

What’s even better than simply having some of those delicious Disney desserts you ask? Simple – getting them for free.

If you go to Disney parks on your birthday (and are wearing that infamous pin), it’s true. Not only will you hear “Happy Birthday!” one hundred times, but maybe – just maybe you’ll get some special surprises.

More common if you go into sit-down restaurants, the waiter will bring you a complimentary dessert on your birthday.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the sweet treats as you eat yourself into bliss.

Photo by shereeny