Magic Kingdom

A Closer Look at the New Haunted Mansion Interactive Queue

11 May 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I’m sure by now you’ve seen and heard of the new interactive queue that’s been added to Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion. I took these photos about a month ago but you know how it is, things are often as busy in ZannaLand as they are in any other land! Despite the lack of scoop on these photos, I figured I’d share them here anyway, mostly because I know my mom hasn’t seen them yet, so hey, that’s at least one person! 😉

The great part about these new interactive queues Walt Disney World is creating is that if guests want to experience them, they must separate from the regular standby line, thereby essentially agreeing to engage in a more laid back, slower-paced approach to a ride. The interactive queues are also not accessible by the FastPass line since those guests are clearly on a mission.

When I first walked through the new Haunted Mansion queue, it was a strange feeling. You could stop and really explore the details to each section; posing for photos or trying out all of the interactive elements, but what that meant was that you were also willing to relinquish your spot in line if you wanted to wait for a picture while guests behind you chose to move on. It really goes against everything Disney has drilled into us as guests! Keep moving, no line cutting and definitely don’t hold up the line with silly antics like taking pictures or playing with displays!

At first, people were polite and tended to stay within their ‘places’ but once some saw I was taking kind of a LOT of pictures, they went ahead. And…that was okay. It was sort of a zen-like experience to just let people go and know that we were all getting to the same place anyway (which is really my philosophy in the parks anyway, granted this is easier to do when you are a resident, I know). It was also a lot of fun watching other families and children experiencing everything at the same time. All in all, I think the interactive queues are a great addition and will hopefully foster this new type of park-goer that is more mellow and willing to spend longer to get to the same attraction at a more leisurely pace vs. the ever-present Dumbo-or-die mentality.

And now, without further ado, here is a video montage of my photos from my last visit – designed just to give you an overview, so you can discover them in detail on your own. Make sure you watch till the end for a very special part of the new queue. Of course die-hard Disney fans will notice the previous tombstones honoring Imagineers Marc Davis, X. Atencio, and Yale Gracey among others. The new organ also pays tribute to Thurl Ravenscroft, famous for his part in the singing busts at the end of the ride (as well as the voice of Tony the Tiger and the Grinch songs). Be sure to look for these details on your next visit!

Special thanks to Denise from MouseSteps.com and Jeff and JeffLangeDVD.com for letting me use her photo of the wedding ring in the queue. This was added after I took my photos so I haven’t yet seen it in person. If you’d like to see the interaction in action, check out their video of the Haunted Mansion queue. I’m also including their video of the new Hitchhiking Ghost scene at the end of the ride, if you haven’t yet experienced that (with location of the wedding ring at the end of the video!) —

Happy Easter from Mr. and Mrs. Bunny at the Magic Kingdom!

24 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Happy Easter to all!! Hope you have a wonderful day no matter what you celebrate!

Easter bunny at Magic Kingdom — Happy Easter from the Easter Bunnies!

Thanks to @JEFF_EMT for sharing this fun photo!

Mickey, Minnie and the Princesses Move in to Town Square Theater

15 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

The same day we checked out the Easter treats in the Magic Kingdom we also ventured over to the all-new recently opened Town Square Theater. The theater is the new home for the character meet and greets that were taking place over in Mickey’s Toon Town Fair before it closed. Formerly Expo Hall, Town Square Theater is adjacent to Tony’s restaurant, to the right as you enter the Magic Kingdom park. There are some lovely details to this new area, so I thought I’d share some photos below:

Character greeting sign — Mickey's hand points out that character greetings are this way! (and crushes that lady's head 😉 )

Wait time for Mickey — When we were there, the wait time for Mickey was only 5 minutes

Princess wait time — While the Princesses wait was 30 minutes

Town Square Fast Passes — Around the corner from Tony's, to the right of the Chapeau, is the Fast Pass distribution area for Town Square Theater

Town Square Theater entrance — Atrium inside Town Square Theater leading to the queue

Tony's Town Square — Looking over to Tony's from the atrium of Town Square Theater (construction was still going on on the low walls)

Town Square queue — The extensive queue area, leading to either Princessess or Mice!

Mickey wait time — Inside is another wait time board for Mickey

I’ll leave the rest of the experience inside Town Square Theater as a surprise for when you are able to visit but until then, I leave you with some friends, posing with our favorite rodents –

Thanks to pals and all-around awesome folks Nicole, Cade, and Mike for letting me share their photo with you all!

Creating Magic and Memories at the Harmony Barber Shop

8 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

I’m pleased to bring you a guest post today from a wonderful Disney fan and friend, Mary Jo Collins. Known as “MoJo” by most, she just effervesces with Disney magic and pixie dust when you meet her. I am honored to have her here sharing some wonderful stories and information on everyone’s favorite barber shop – Harmony. You may remember we recently took our littlest guy, Giovanni there for his first haircut. The magic they share will truly touch your heart. Take it away, Mo Jo! (click to enlarge photos)

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Echoing through the air, a beautiful rendition of “Goodbye, My Coney Island Baby” serenades a starry eyed child sitting high in the swinging chair. Just a few minutes earlier, a story about the big fish caught last week is followed up with talk of the weather. From the ornate carved woods and the checkerboard floor to the good conversation abound, you have been taken back to a place gone by. It is a quaint barber shop with a harmonious barber shop quartet nestled on a familiar street. It’s not Mayberry. And it’s not Floyd Lawson standing behind the chair with his scissors in hand. It is much more. It is the Harmony Barber Shop. Many families around the world have visited this fine establishment to experience the time-honored tradition of a haircut in the Magic Kingdom.

Harmony busy day — The bustling Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony empty chair with booster — The barber's chair awaits a child

Harmony Emily window — Emily enjoys the view from the window of the Harmony Barber Shop

Considering Walt Disney’s fondness of a hometown Missouri barber shop, Main Street, U.S.A. would not be complete without this hidden gem. Discovering the essence of an old-timey barber shop in today’s world where a quick 5 minute cut at a SuperCut is just status-quo would certainly make Walt proud. Even the barbershop quartet, the Dapper Dans, is occasionally on-hand to treat guests with their excellent four-part harmony. Here, anyone is welcome to take a seat in the barber’s chair and be exposed to some magical hair treatments. Matter of fact, about 400 guests of Walt Disney World experience the Harmony Barber Shop each week.

With the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A.

Located just past City Hall on the corner of Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom, the Harmony Barber Shop offers the traditional haircut, as well as a variety of specialty menu treatments. While the barbers have a license and usually years of experience, they are indeed Cast Members and are experts at entertaining children and comforting them during the process. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. Walk-ups are always welcomed, but advanced reservations can now be made thru Walt Disney World Reservations. Ask for a booking via “Children’s Activities”, otherwise the Cast Member may have a hard time locating it. They accept 2 reservations at the top of each operational hour and 2 reservations at the half hour. The 2 reservations per half hour are given priority, then walk-ups are taken on a first come, first serve basis.

Harmony Blaise First Haircut — For some children the first hair cut can be scary, Cast Members try to comfort the child with toys, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers. Pictured here is Blaise before his first hair cut.

A standard haircut for an adult is $19 and children 12 and under is $15. The barbers always offer some special pixie dust to top off the new do for no additional charge. To add a little festive color to your current style or to your freshly cut hair, add $5 for the color gel. Men can also get a beard or mustache trim for $10. Now, the Harmony Barber Shop’s most famous treatment is the “First Haircut” and rightly so. People have been known to delay their child’s first haircut for months so that they could do this world renown experience on an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World. To the delight of the children, they are treated to fun with pixie dust, bubbles and Mickey Mouse stickers till their hearts content. After the first haircut concludes, the child is awarded a certificate and a “My 1^st Haircut” embroidered Mouse Ears. Then to finish the show, pictures are taken with the ubiquitous “big red scissors” and Mickey cape. The “First Haircut” with all the special extras is $18.

Harmony first hair cut Jennifer — Noah was mesmerized by the Mickey Mouse stickers during his first hair cut.

More than anything, the Harmony Barber Shop leaves an indelible memory for so many guests. From a first hair cut to a fun punk hair-do with pixie dust, the transformations that occur on a daily basis at the Harmony Barber Shop are a perfect example of the campaign “Let the Memories Begin.” The change in appearance of its patrons is no less dramatic than the change in their spirit. It’s a homey, personal memory that is so rare while vacationing, but is so perfectly composed at the Harmony Barber Shop. Here are a few more of the thousands of memories that have been culminated over the years. Don’t miss John Eric’s story at the end.

Special Occasion Hair Cut with Pixie Dust.

Having never had my hair cut in a barber shop before, my 40^th birthday trim in the Harmony Barber Shop was a refreshing treat on a scorching June day.

Harmony 40th Mary Jo — Celebrating my 40th Birthday with a trim!

Harmony celebrating the Goofy Challenge — Jeff celebrated the finish of the 2011 Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge with a new cut.

Pixie Dust.

Spiked to perfection after a trim.

Harmony child cut with spiking — Barbara created super spikey hair to the delight of Wyatt

First haircuts, Harmony style.

Harmony first Cindy2 — Getting the first hair cut

Harmony first Cindy — Covered in Mickey Mouse stickers for the first hair cut

Harmony first cut Neil — Walt Disney World Moms Panelist Leslie helps entertain her son during his first hair cut on his very first birthday!

Harmony first Cindy big red scissors — The finale of the first hair cut experience... Pictures with the big red scissors and Mickey cape

Harmony first cut neil mickey ears — The famous "First Haircut" Mickey Ears

A Celebration of life.

John Eric Bartels’ mom and dad had always dreamed of having their son’s hair cut at the Harmony Barber Shop. In April 2008, Jay and Alisha took their son John Eric to Walt Disney World for some much needed magic. Fighting a battle against Stage IV Neuroblastoma Cancer, 22 month old John Eric didn’t have hair to cut. However, the dream of having their son encounter the Harmony Barber Shop was important. With love and compassion, the Cast Members gave John Eric a special, one-of-a-kind treatment. After the lavishing of the Mickey Mouse stickers, a unique “Hidden Mickey” was painted on the back of his head. John Eric watched contently looking in the mirror as the barber worked her magic. He was so proud of his “Hidden Mickey” that he wore it for several days. The heart and soul of John Eric and his parents were lifted that day by their amazing experience. Jay and Alisha will always be grateful for this memory.

Harmony John eric in the window — John Eric loved his experience at the Harmony Barber Shop

Harmony john eric stickers — Getting bunches of Mickey Mouse stickers

Harmony John Eric getting his HM — John Eric getting his "Hidden Mickey"

Harmony John Eric HM — John Eric loved his "Hidden Mickey"

This article is written in memory of John Eric Bartels (June 18, 2006-May 16, 2008)

Harmony in memory of John Eric2 — John Eric with Pluto

Harmony john eric display — The day in the Harmony Barber Shop will always be a cherished memory.

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Many thanks to Mary Jo for sharing these wonderful photos and family stories with us. In addition to being a wonderful mom of two adorable Disney kids (Emily and Wyatt above), you can find Mary Jo on twitter at @MoJoDisney, on facebook, and hanging around the WDW Radio team, where she is a member of the WDW Radio Running Team, Finisher of 11 Disney Running Races (including Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge)! She just came back from the WDW Radio Disney Dream cruise – maybe we can convince her to come back and write about that here too!

Get A FastPass To Mickey This Spring At The Magic Kingdom

22 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Following Tom Staggs revealing press conference last week, Disney is now releasing details from the first change: FastPasses to meet characters.

Here’s more from the official Disney press release:

Magic Kingdom officials have a hunch a really “hot ticket” in their realm this summer is going to be something other than a ride, a snack or a show. Rather, it’s a first-ever opportunity to nail down a time to meet with Mickey Mouse.

When meet-and-greets with Mickey move into a permanent new location in Town Square later this spring, Magic Kingdom guests will be able obtain a Disney’s FASTPASS ticket specifying a one-hour window when they can return to see the popular character for hugs, photos and autographs — without waiting in the standby queue. It will mark the first time the complimentary, computerized service has been available for a character meet-and-greet at any Disney Park.

Since spending time with Disney characters is at the top of the “must-do list” of many guests, the FASTPASS ticket will allow them to experience their Mickey Mouse meet-and-greets more conveniently. As a result, guests will be able to devote more time enjoying other Magic Kingdom experiences with family and friends.

The new meet-and-greet location, Town Square Theater, will be located inside the current Exposition Hall area just inside the park entrance. Imagineers already are working to completely transform the space for the new experience. “This isn’t just remodeling Expo Hall; it is completely re-imagining this entire venue as a beautiful Victorian-era theater and the new home for Mickey Mouse,” Jon Georges, WDI Director, Senior Show Producer, said.

“Mickey and Main Street, U.S.A. are great examples of pure Americana that complement each other very well,” Concept Designer Jason Grandt said. “We drew a lot of inspiration from classic Mickey animated shorts such as The Nifty Nineties and Mickey’s Grand Opera. Many of the scenes in these shorts look like they take place right on Main Street.”

Guests arrive at a building befitting Mickey Mouse’s stardom — with a grand-Victorian-theater elevation, including a marquee that glistens with gold-leaf trim and sparkles with lights. Inside, there’s a mosaic floor, lush curtains with gold rope tie-backs and polished-brass chandeliers. Imagineers are creating new elements and surprises for Magic Kingdom guests, including an interactive queue — with an extra touch of Disney magic — and highly themed retail shops.

The queue takes guests “backstage,” where Mickey is waiting to greet them in a rehearsal-room environment amid posters, steamer trunks and stage props.

In addition, during the New Fantasyland construction, royalty will be visiting as the Disney Princesses will be in Town Square Theater to meet and greet their loyal subjects.

Currently, guests can visit with Mickey Mouse in Tomorrowland, in a location to the right of Space Mountain. Meet-and-greet experiences with the Disney Princesses are currently at Adventureland Verandah.

Mr. Teller of Penn and Teller Visits Disney World

12 February 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Perusing my twitter stream the other day, I noticed that Mr. Teller, the tacit partner of the magical duo making up Penn & Teller, was in Orlando. The partners were actually performing nearby at UCF but Teller appeared to make his way over to Walt Disney World the next day. I’ve been a fan for years, so I follow both Penn and Teller on twitter. I couldn’t resist sharing when Teller started tweeting pictures of some friends he met at WDW:

From Teller’s tweet: “I’m at Walt Disney World. They seem to favor monarchy in these parts.”

Teller at Disney World — Mr. Teller meets Ms. White

From the tweet: “With a Toy Story army man.”

Teller at Disney's Hollywood Studios — and Mr. Teller meets a green army man

You never know who you’ll see in the World! Have you ever seen a celebrity in the parks? Back when I worked in the Magic Kingdom I saw Bruce Willis (during the Demi years) and Sylvester Stallone at Planet Hollywood. Earlier than that I saw Dick Van Patton over by the ABC Commissary at the Studios. And of course Chef Robert Irvine twice now! I think I’m due for another celebrity meeting, no?

First Haircut Magic at Harmony Barber Shop

28 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 11 Comments

first haircut magic kingdom — Ready for anything with Mickey stickers!

It’s not news to any regular readers that we go to Walt Disney World…a lot, nor that we have 3 children. My oldest son is about to turn 12 this weekend, my daughter is 10 and my youngest son turned 2 the end of October. While we have visited the barber shop in the Magic Kingdom many times, in both its locations, we had never experienced a “first haircut” there. With our first child, the thought just never occurred to us and we took him to a local kids hair cutting place. With our daughter, well, we just never really cut her hair until she was about 4 anyway! So since we now frequent Disney a lot more than “normal” with the blog and Moms Panel and twitter meet-ups etc. It seemed only natural to experience this rite of passage, well, the right way.

Now what’s changed since our last visit, aside from the new location, is that you can now actually book appointments at the Harmony Barber Shop. Since this is such a popular attraction among those who know the Magic Kingdom, the wait time can get quite long in the shop. Simply calling 407-WDW-DINE will secure you a spot in the barber’s chair. Walk-ins are still available but will be taken when available around those with appointments. Our time was for 11am on a busy Saturday, and despite the line out the door, the wait wasn’t too bad for those without appointments. These dual-skilled cast members/stylists know their stuff and do it efficiently. The “First Haircut” package is $18, a child’s haircut is $15, Adult haircut is $19 and colored hair gel and pixie dust is $7.50

Mickey Chinese New Year Antenna Topper-Year of the Rabbit!

23 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Saw this yesterday in the Magic Kingdom (at Star Traders to be exact) and of course, couldn’t resist adding it to my collection of Disney antenna toppers!

Gung hei fat choi!

The Magic, The Memories and…US!

20 January 2011 by Suzannah Otis 8 Comments

I was recently invited to attend the media preview for the Magic Kingdom’s much anticipated “Castle projection show”. The show was announced some months back along with the 2011 campaign – “Let the Memories Begin“. The show and campaign itself received much criticism from cynics, assuming Disney was just using other people’s photos and videos so they didn’t have to come up with something on their own. Many objections to “YouTube videos on the castle” were heard over the interwebs.

Ever the Disney-supporter, I posted on twitter and facebook about how I supported this campaign. Really, I’m the kind of Disney fan that doesn’t think we are “owed” anything, yet many critics compare each year’s promotion to the Year of a Million Dreams or the What Will You Celebrate? campaigns, which were overflowing with extras, freebies and one-of-a-kind experiences. Last year, you still got a free ticket – if you volunteered for it. This year, however, the focus is on families – no matter what that consists of, and the memories created at Disney Parks throughout the world. After all, aren’t the best “extras” the intangibles that you hold in your heart and mind for years to come?

Despite my understanding and excitement about Let the Memories Begin, I still wasn’t sure how the Castle would fit in to this equation. After all, people don’t typically like when Cinderella Castle is messed with. (I happen to be one of the few people in the universe that thought it was cute – but totally understand those that were upset at its appearance for their visits; a year is a long time for bright pink.) Would this be something that most guests couldn’t relate to if their pictures weren’t selected? Would it disrupt the magic of the kingdom? Well, all my fears were assuaged Tuesday night when I experienced “The Magic, The Memories and You” first-hand.

First we were treated to a press conference with Park executives Al Weiss, and Meg Crofton. We were told about the upcoming news at the Parks (Wild Africa Trek, La Hacienda, Via Napoli, Star Tours 2). Alan Bruun, Associate Creative Director Walt Disney World Entertainment then gave us a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how the new castle show was created. The castle was actually graphed with a grid for the 3-D photo imaging required to ensure seamless projections and special effects. We were shown the locations for the 16 projectors used in the show. In addition to videos pulled from the Let The Memories Begin site where guests can submit their family videos, 500 photos taken in-park that day will be hand-picked to appear in the sometimes twice nightly show on the castle. As Bruun was quoted that night, “it’s a heck of a lot more than a slide-show on the castle”. Since seeing is believing, we all headed over to Cinderella Castle to experience the show for ourselves.

VIDEO: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

30 November 2010 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

It is difficult to surpass the wonder that is the Boo to You Parade during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party – but if anything can, it’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I was saying just the other day that I think I’m related to Buddy the Elf, because of my intense love for all things Christmas-related. Disney knows better than anyone how to amp up the holiday magic for the season.

Just walking into the Magic Kingdom or any of the parks with holiday decorations up and you’ll be in the spirit. However to really create some magical memories, you simply must head over to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This separate ticketed event runs on select nights in November and December and believe me, it is worth the price of admission.