Disneyguy Visits DisneyWorld, FL

Disneyguy Visits DisneyWorld

This feature is intended to be a small report of one Disneyland lover's visit to DisneyWorld in Orlando, FL. I had only been to DisneyWorld one other time in my life, and that was when I was a baby in my parent's arms; needless to say, I don't remember anything from that trip. I don't mean this to be an entire trip report, simply my views comparing what I saw to Disneyland and perhaps helping others visit DisneyWorld who had only been to Disneyland. I was fortuante enough to visit all 4 main theme parks of DisneyWorld, which include the following:

Magic Kingdom
Epcot Center
Disney-MGM Studios
Animal Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom in DisneyWorld is based on Disneyland in California. Many of the rides are the same, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. However, even though they are the "same" they are also very different in structure, ride layout and format etc. The map is also different, as the Magic Kingdom has no New Orleans Square, but instead a Liberty Square in a different area. The Magic Kingdom also has rides that Disneyland doesn't, such as The Hall of Presidents, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, and the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. The Magic Kingdom also is home to some attractions which have been removed from Disneyland in California, such as the Skyway, the Carousel of Progress and the original Country Bear Jamboree show. The land of Toontown is also themed differently as a county fair, and so called Mickey's Toontown Fair. Also, the Magic Kingdom doesn't have some of the rides that Disneyland does, such as Star Tours (which is in the Disney/MGM Studios) or the Indiana Jones Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Generally speaking, getting around in the Magic Kingdom is easy if you know your way around Disneyland. The differences are many, but exciting and fun. You won't believe how much bigger Cinderella's Castle is compared to Sleeping Beauty's Castle!

Epcot

Epcot has SO much, it is hard to label it one thing. I guess you could consider it a fun exploration of the world. In the front section, you will find the signiture Spaceship Earth giant ball thing (pictured here) as well as many attractions designed to inform and entertain at the same time, including Universe of Energy and The Living Seas. In the center of the park, is a giant lake; the World Showcase Lagoon which is surrounded appropriately by the World Showcase. The World Showcase is a wonderful display of culture from Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom and Canada. Each country is beautifully designed and decorated and includes shops and an attraction which shows off that country. The detail is intricate and very impressive. At night, the World Showcase Lagoon explodes in fireworks, lasers and water with "Illuminations," an excellent show featuring the music of all the world over.

Disney-MGM Studios

The Disney-MGM Studios park is described officially as the place "Where Show Business Takes Center Stage" and it is just that. The park has numerous shows and fewer attractions, and is a fun look into Hollywood. Attractions include Star Tours, The Great Movie Ride (a tour through the classic films), and of course, the famous Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. There are also tours such as the Backlot Tour and Backstage Tour which take you through movie sets and even things filming in progress. It is a working studio for TV shows, movies etc. Shows include the very funny Muppets in 3D, plus live action Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and Doug Live! The Studios is also home of Disneyland favorites such as Fantasmic! and the Mulan Parade.

Animal Kingdom

Disney's Animal Kingdom is the newest park in DisneyWorld and is very impressive. At the center is the remarkable "Tree of Life" which has countless shapes of animals displayed in a huge tree. The park fans off from the tree much like the Magic Kingdom or Disneyland spread out from the Castle. The Animal Kingdom is divided into lands including Africa, Conservation Station, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A., Safari Village and Camp Minnie-Mickey. A main focus here are tours and safaris which drive you through real conservation areas that are homes to real animals. Added tour scripts and special effects add excitement and fun into these tours. The Kali River Rapids is a sure-fire way of getting soaking wet and having a blast doing it. The Countdown to Extinction ride uses the same technology as the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland to take you back in time to save the dying dinosaurs in a race to beat the giant meteorite. Very fun and thrilling. Shows include the funny and cute 3D "It's Tough to be a Bug" which stars your friends from Disney's A Bug's Life. Also are shows from movies like The Lion King and Pocahontas. The shops and resturants are themed beautifully. All in all, this park is not to be missed when visiting DisneyWorld.

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