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

Conquer the Heat – The ‘Coolest’ Attractions Around

Guess what? Florida is hot. And that’s not going to change anytime soon. So until it does, here are some places for cooling off + relaxing in the parks.

Ellen’s Energy Adventure
Alright so maybe the jokes are a little corny, and maybe the effects are a tad outdated. But still this is the ultimate place to get refreshed.

Including the pre-show, it lasts an astonishing 45 minutes – giving you plenty of time to rest the weary leg muscles and soak up as much air conditioning as you can.

Spaceship Earth
Another long one here. Lasting about 25 minutes from start to finish, Spaceship Earth is a great relaxer. This ride also stops fairly frequently for handicapped guests, etc. so that might get you even more time to cool off.

If you’re bored one day, do what I do: just change the language and listen to the spiel in French, Spanish, or Portuguese. Very entertaining.

Club Cool
While not necessarily an “attraction”, Club Cool is located near the Fountain of Nations at Epcot.

Not only is it an indoor area where you can cool off for as long as you want, but also they have fountains of soft drinks from around the world – for free and with unlimited refills. It’s really one of the hidden gems at Epcot.

3D/4D Films
That’s right – Mickey’s PhilharMagic, It’s Tough to be a Bug, MuppetVision, & Honey I Shrunk the Audience Captain EO all last fairly long and are very cool. If you get my draft…er drift. Plus the wonderful smell of apple pie doesn’t hurt either!

Where do you go? Of course there are many more attractions and other places that are great for cooling off – what are your favorites?

Photo by janoimagine

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

The Great Debate: Captain EO Has Returned

As you should know, Michael Jackson’s “Captain EO” is returning to Epcot’s Imagination Pavilion in just a couple of days. But is this a good thing or a bad one?

Here are some comments (both views) under the Orlando Sentinel article:

Arguments against EO

“This guy is one of the worst role models in recent memory. I am shocked and saddened by Disney’s decision to honor a man who should be utterly forgotten. Disney should know this.”

“Wow WDW, this is your answer to Harry Potter? An old video you had sitting in the back closet? Wow good luck with that.”

“Michael — come back! All is forgiven…NOT! I am embarrassed for WDW.”

Arguments for EO

“Captain EO isn’t about Michael Jackson’s personal life! It is a 3D movie that is entertainment. If you don’t like MJ, don’t go see it.”

“I love this movie… I’m so glad they brought it back… No matter what your feelings are about Jacksons personal life you can’t argue that he is one of the best performers in history.”

“Stop Hating on Michael Jackson. He was a troubled soul who had a horrible home life who was always trying to recapture his childhood.”

Now I wasn’t going to share my opinion on this but I think I will. I don’t want EO back. It had it’s run, now let it go.

I know most people will disagree with me. But I’d still like to know – what’s your opinion? Duke it out in the comments.