Disney’s Awesome Things #17: Zipping Along the People Mover

#17Many argue that it’s the intense rides that make Disney. I beg to differ. While those are fun, it’s definitely the peaceful relaxing attractions that you’ll enjoy most. For instance, the TTA.

Say whatever you want about how awesome Tower of Terror or Space Mountain is – but I’ll be completely satisfied on the zippy Tomorrowland Transit Authority, aka the People Mover.

It’s almost as if all your cares go down the drain as you are zipping along the twisty magnetic track observing the crowds, lines, and rides. And the fact that it’s half air-conditioned doesn’t hurt either.

It’s a blast through the future and an awesome attraction that should never be missed.

“Paging Mr. Morrow – Mr. Tom Morrow. Your party from Saturn has arrived. Please give them a ring.”

Photo by Joe

Disney’s Awesome Things #14: Good Ol’ Uncle Orville

#14The Carousel of Progress is always a must-do for me. Sure it gets kind of lame after a while, but it’s so memorable and the fact that Walt himself created it makes it even more awesome.

One of my favorite characters in the rotating theatre show is good ol’ Uncle Orville – known for his famous (and only) line in each scene, “No privacy at all around this place!” While he’s only physically seen in one scene (in the picture above), he is heard in every scene if I’m not mistaken.

“Uncle Orville’s taken over the coolest spot in the house. And he’s rigged up a real clever contraction. He calls it “air cooling.” To bad he’s not reading the help wanted ads.”

And for a fun fact you might not have known – Uncle Orville is voiced by Mel Blanc. Blanc’s son is also in the attraction as the radio announcer.

Photo by Joe Penniston

Disney’s Awesome Things #10: ‘That Guy’ in Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor

#10 The Laugh Floor is a great attraction in that it thrives on guest interaction. If there were no guests, there would be no show – which makes it an interesting concept. Especially fun, is ‘that guy’.

In case you’re lame and need a brief refresher, “that guy” is a person in the audience chosen at random before the show starts – and once he is chosen, he’ll be picked on for the rest of the show.

Yes, it’s always fun to laugh at with the unlucky person picked for this embarrassing position – especially when he gets put on the screen with a title underneath saying he’s offering to buy everyone churros.

That Guy definitely is a funny and awesome part of your day at Disney. Unless, of course, it’s you!

Photo by footballwander2

Disney’s Best and Worst Move in 2009

Every year Disney announces and opens new, exciting things for the Walt Disney World Resort. Many times, attractions refurbished or announcements made are adored by the world of fans. Some times, they’re flops. Since we’re starting a brand new year full of exciting possibilities, let’s take a look at the best and worst move made in WDW during this past year.

WORST MOVE: Opening Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration

In short, this was a stupid idea. I wonder who thought to put in yet another attraction about Stitch – in the middle of Tomorrowland – with shows in the heat of the day – and there being no shade anywhere. Look how excited everyone looks in this picture – and it was so successful it almost lasted a whole month! I think this addition simply added something new – regardless of the quality it didn’t have that we expect from Disney.

BEST MOVE: D23 & It’s Announcing of Fantasyland Expansion

In my opinion, Disney redeemed themselves (somewhat) by announcing the new Fantasyland expansion at a D23 Expo. This brought new and completely unexpected ideas into our head with wonderful pictures. It makes me look forward to moving forward – now because there’s something big in the works that will vastly improve and expand Magic Kingdom and their classic attractions.

What do you think? Were these the best and worst moves in 2009? If not, what were they? Let me know in the comments.