Thursday, October 14, 2010

Guest Post: Reflecting on Disney Memories from my Childhood

I’ve been reflecting on some old Disney memories lately. I don’t know if it was DisneyDad’s “Gone but not Forgotten” post perhaps? Although I was too young to remember the Mickey Mouse Revue, I greatly enjoyed experiencing it through Disney Dad’s post. Or it could have been all the news on the upcoming Fantasyland expansion? It’s always exciting to see something new and exciting at Disney World. However, those changes usually mean we have to say goodbye to an attraction we‘ve all known and loved. I began thinking of the rides I enjoyed during my childhood and how some are no longer with us. I’m sure I’m dating myself but perhaps some of you have experienced some of the following as well?

Skyway: Oh, how I loved the Skyway! How fun it was to ride on a ski lift in an open car that transported you above Magic Kingdom! It took visitors from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland and vice versa. I just liked to ride it. I didn’t care where it was taking me, just put me on the Skyway and I was good! I’m not certain why they decided to get rid of the Skyway but my guess was for liability reasons (you think?) I do remember hearing about some things that went on while riding the Skyway. For instance, spitting on people below and other things I won’t mention but I can assure you it wasn’t very Disney-like. Regardless, I liked the Skyway and I miss it. I still can’t figure out why they have kept the entrance but every time I pass by it, it brings back good memories.

Kitchen Kaberet: This was an animatronics show at Epcot I fondly remember. I mean, c’mon who can forget The Kitchen Krackpots (say what?), Cereal Sisters, and Hamm & Eggz singing catchy songs about eating healthy?! My favorite was "Veggie, Veggie, Fruits, Fruits." I particularly liked the broccoli character that wore sunglasses. Clearly it made an impression on me since I remember it all of these years later.

Eastern If You had Wings, Delta If You Could Fly, Delta Dreamflight: My favorite part on this ride was the “take off” at the end. Think very primitive version of Soarin’. However, back in the day, it was pretty cool. Speaking of cool, they blew a breeze on you that made you feel like you were in flight, perfect for those hot Florida days! I bet a lot of visitors rode the ride for that reason alone.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was where I discovered a little something about myself…claustrophobia!!! I think I might have a panic attack thinking about it right now so I’ll move on.

And I’ve saved the best for last…



Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride: This was my absolute favorite ride growing up. I was shocked when we took my son to Disney for the first time and this ride no longer existed *gasp*! I loved riding in the jalopy wondering if I was going to crash into something. I vividly remember the sounds and light of the train. I can still see the bright light coming toward me to this day and I remember thinking, “I hope we don’t crash! Please don’t crash! Oh, thank goodness, we made it!” It wasn’t until recently, I read what the whole ride was about. I wonder exactly who's idea it was to put a children’s ride in Fantasyland about a frog who goes to jail, where there’s a shootout, getting hit by a train and everyone ends up in hell?! There were two different tracks with different scenes. The other one involved a tavern with barrels of beer, getting hit by a train, and also ending up in hell! Hmmmm? Well, whoever it was, I thank you! That was the best ride ever and it will always hold a special place in my heart *sniff, sniff, tear*.

Thanks for the memories, Disney! I look forward to seeing what’s in store for the future and I’ll always treasure my Disney memories from the past.



Contributed by Corby C. of Atlanta, Georgia. She is a proud wife and mom to Banks and Henley, a Disney Destination Planner with Travel with the Magic and one of our Minnie Moms.

1 comment:

  1. great post! I can't remember what blog/podcast/website I saw this but someone suggested a disney park filled with nothing but retired disney rides. how I miss horizons/if you had wings/timekeeper and other fantastic rides! thanks for sharing your memories!

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