Disney Secrets: DHS

As a dedicated Disney-goer, I have learned a few things, some of which I am happy to share, some of which will remain my secrets!

First and Funnest:
Slow Down and Look for the small stuff.
No, not Small World.
I mean the little things that most people hurtle right past on their way to the big rides.

Like the well over near the 'Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular' at DHS.

The sign says "Do Not Pull Rope".

Only the "Not" is crossed out.

One of my sis' favorite WDW stories is about the time she was pulling the rope and a woman walked by and said, "Some people just can't read", loud enough for sis to hear.

That obviously oblivious lady was one of those folks who miss half the magic of Disney because it isn't listed on the guide map.

A few other small things at DHS to look for:

_ the "Singin' in the Rain" umbrella. Step on the square, if you dare!

_ the Key under the mat at Muppet*Vision. There's a note telling you where to look, but you'll have to find the note yourself!

So, take a minute and pull the rope and sing in the rain, but don't let a 'ton of bricks' fall on you!

Peter and the Noonatics

If it's Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot, it's Flower Power time!

If it's Flower Power time, I gotta see Herman's Hermits!

These guys always put on a good show.
No, wait. A great show!

They always look like they are having as much fun as the audience.

H H always pack the America Garden Theatre.
And part of the pack are the Noonatics, members of Herman/Peter Noone's fan club.

The first several rows, stage right, are reserved for these folks, and let me say this, they are almost as much fun to watch as Peter/Herman and the Hermits.

Photo from Peter's website: PeterNoone.com

Progress, Bah

They say that progress is a good thing.
But with progress comes change.

And here are some things I wish would not have changed.

At Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Then: Tarzan Rocks
Now: Finding Nemo, the Musical.

Nemo is a great show, but I sure do miss Tarzan's Phil Collins' tunes and the skaters.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Then: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire-Play It
Now: Toy Story Mania

TSM is a great attraction! I just wish they had put it elsewhere and kept WWTBAM, my co-favorite thing at DHS and one of the very few adult-oriented attractions at WDW.

Then: Residential Street
Now: Lights! Motors! Action!

Residential Street was bulldozed to make way for the Stunt car stadium. When it comes time for the Osborne Lights, you really miss it. Now those millions of light are crammed into the Streets of America. It's a bit over-whelming.

Toy Story's Green Army Men
The guys used to do a really cute street show.
Now the guys only show up in the Block Party Bash and to sign autographs.

Over at Universal Studios:

Then: Kongfrontation
Now: The Mummy.

I have to admit that I missed Kong all together. We moved back to Florida when this attraction was just closing. But from what I have read about it, I'm pretty sure that I would have liked it better than the Mummy.

Beetlejuice vs The Ghostbusters.
This was my favorite street show and I never missed seeing it when we were at US.
Please, please bring them back!!!

-> New Blog Title<-

I have thought about changing the title for a while as I am not a true Theme Park Junkie, but rather, more of a 'specialist'.

Confession # 9: I Like Apples AND Oranges

Someone posted a rant against Universal Studios in one of the on-line Disney newsgroups I read.

Was there last week....What a rip off ... Disney World was much better, it did have a lot more class...

It's a bit like comparing apples and oranges.

Disney World and Universal Studios ARE different.

Disney World's operating theme is "The Happiest Place on Earth".

Universal Studios' operating theme is "We are not Disney".
Okay, okay, it's really "Where Blockbusters Come to Life".

Universal is not shy about making fun of themselves and the place down the road.

Disney pretty much ignores the place up the road.

Disney is more kid-oriented, but Universal does have lots of kid-stuff too.
In fact, over in IOA there is one ride that you HAVE to be with a kid to ride!
And when 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' opens next year, well, that will blur the line even more.

I have to confess that there are shows, rides, characters, etc that I really prefer about one place or the other.

For example: I'll ride Expedition Everest (WDW) but not The Hulk (US-IOA);

I much prefer Jurassic Park River Adventure (US-IOA) to Splash Mountain (WDW);

I'll stand in line to see "It's Tough to Be a Bug" (WDW) but not "Shrek 4-D (US);

The Tower of Terror (WDW) has it all over Dr Doom's Fearfall (US-IOA).

I like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (WDW), but Men in Black (US) is better, and Toy Story Mania (WDW) is even better yet!

I have to admit that (most) Disney Cast Members are much more personable than (most) Universal employees.

Not counting Beetlejuice (US), who is in a class all his own.

And I'll take Pluto (WDW) over Scooby Doo (US) any day.

But overall ... Viva la Difference!