After some time at EPCOT, I slipped onto the monorail for a quick visit to the Magic Kingdom. In spite of requiring reservations to enter, the park was just as crowded as ever. The one newer ride I wanted to get onto was the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but the wait was too long to justify it. I decided to go wherever things were call me (In other words, get as much in with short wait times as possible.). There are some classics that I would hit if possible.
At three separate times in the night, I photographed Cinderella's Castle, and I achieved three different effects. The middle picture below is my favorite, and I really think it belongs on the front of a puzzle box.
At three separate times in the night, I photographed Cinderella's Castle, and I achieved three different effects. The middle picture below is my favorite, and I really think it belongs on the front of a puzzle box.
Next, I walked into Philharmagic, a 3D show that includes sprays of water, scent, and air at strategic points. The show is a cartoon montage of several Disney staples, but features Donald Duck as he attempt to retrieve Mickey's sorcerer hat.
| | There was a tiny little girl in the seat in front of me who had the sweetest giggle, which she involuntarily employed every time something silly happened on the screen. Thankfully, the adults with her made no attempt to stifle her joy, and the entire crowd around us fell in love with the little girl. I was smiling through tears as I remembered my own daughter's precious giggle at the same age. A short wait got me onto It's a Small World for a nostalgic float through an attraction that was conceived for the 1964 World's Fair. What a shame the world can't achieve the same acceptance as the dancing dolls on this ride. |
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| Of course, I was obliged to visit Liberty Square, an area that just doesn't get enough attention and respect. Located here is a replica of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Cast from the same mold as the original, this bell rests beneath a large tree with lanterns suspended from its limbs, itself representing (you guessed it) the Liberty Tree, the original of which was the location of so much of our founding history. I circled back to walk into the preshow stretching room of the Haunted Mansion and a ride on a "doom buggy". I don't think a person could ever see everything there is to appreciate on this iconic dark ride. | |
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| A quick walk, practically walking across the street, I stepped into a performance by the Country Bears. I've heard that this show may be changing shortly, but I can still appreciate the ingenuity that created it in the first place. It's a better show when there is a crowd in the theater, but with less that ten of us, it's easy to see why it could be replaced. A final trip to the Pirates of the Caribbean rounded out this evening visit to the Magic Kingdom, and it was time to catch a boat to cross the lake back to the resort and catch a shower before hitting the sheets.  |  The next day was going to be our most anticipated time in Florida with special programming in store just for the 50 teachers who attended. |
There will be more and more posted about this special experience.
Click on the Imagination Campus page for everything related to the 50 Teachers Celebration.
Click on the Imagination Campus page for everything related to the 50 Teachers Celebration.
