Goodbye Spirit of America and Off Kilter

Yesterday, I saw some really tragic news.  Ok, so not actually tragic in the sense that no one died, no nation collapsed, and nothing blew up…well, maybe just Twitter exploded.  But to a girl who loves Epcot and its live entertainment, it was quite heartbreaking news.  Some of Epcot's long-time performers will sing/play/dance/act their last in the park in late September.  According to the Orlando Sentinel, Off Kilter, Mo’Rockin’, Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps and World Showcase Players will soon be replaced.

Off Kilter began rocking the Canadian pavilion with their Celtic melodies in 1997, and I happened to be in College Program during that year.  You can read more (and catch a few videos) about these masters of bagpipes and kilts here.  Disney is bringing in a lumberjack act to Canada.  I'll grab a Stella and give it a chance but it will never replace Off Kilter in my Disney nerd heart.  

Today I want to share a special memory about another group who will soon say goodbye.   The Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps is just what it sounds like.  This group of musicians plays traditional American tunes while wearing costumes inspired by colonial times.  I think the live performances are what really makes Epcot special and I always encourage people to slow down and take in the acts.  In November 2013, we did just that and caught a very special ceremony.  The leader of the group called the children up to the front of the pavilion and after a bit of marching, the children were all given copies of the Declaration of Independence and announced as Sons and Daughters of Liberty.  My girls were 2 and 4 at the time so they just liked their 'scrolls' but it was a really nice moment.

This is just one of the small things that keeps us going back to Walt Disney World.   I don't think the big ticket items are really the draw.  Yes, the roller coasters are great fun but the true Disney magic is when guests and Cast Members slow down and interact.  And you have to love it when you actually learn something while being entertained!

I wish a fond farewell to the groups who are soon ending their time at Epcot and look forward to checking out the new acts on my next visit.  To those who will be replacing Off Kilter and Spirit of America, you have some mighty big Doc Martens and buckled shoes to fill.  Best wishes!

If you are lucky enough to be at Epcot in the next month, please catch a performance or two from Off Kilter and Spirit of America for me!

Photo Flashback! Spirit of America

Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corp 

On our last trip in May 2014 I had the privilege of hearing the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corp on two occasions.  In this set they played the anthems for the different branches of service before striking a pose reminiscent of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima during WWII.  It was a very moving to see the old ex-military men standing watching this performance.

Flag Raising on Iwo Jima, 02/23/1945 by Joe Rosenthal

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, please remember those who have served her in our military.

--DisneyDad

A Walk Around The World With Ridge -- Last minute trip… again…

In the last few months I have moved my trips around two or three times and I’m right back where I started. I have to laugh at myself with the planning process because I know my stuff when it comes to traveling but making a long term trip plan and sticking to it isn’t my thing apparently. But I want to be at Epcot on its birthday since I myself am only a year and a little more than a week older than the park is. I don’t have a ton of ideas about the trip other than to be at Epcot on 10/01/2012 say Happy Birthday, pick up any swag that may be exclusive, maybe make some plans for a giveaway for later (everyone would like that wouldn’t they?) and see as many of my friends as I can. I have some GrowingUpDisney.com buttons from my last trip, how about a tweet up on 10/01/12? American Adventure meet up at 4:30 then see the 5:00 show?

No matter what happens I am also excited to see what if anything has been opened in Fantasyland. So much is coming and the changes are exciting. I've been one of the many sticking a camera over the wall to try and get a look. In November, and yes I'll be back in November, there is going to be an Annual Passholder preview that has yet to be announced but I have fingers crossed that it will overlap with our family vacation.

Back to Epcot... 30 Years of Epcot begins on 10/01 to celebrate all that is Epcot and also the Food and Wine festival will kick off the same weekend. I love the EIF&WF, as the kids call it, it has been a time when not only I have tried new drinks and dishes but also I have taken some of my favorite pictures. So I'll give you a taste of some of the fun from years past.

Friday Field Trip: Pepsi Family Center

My brother and co-blogger, Ridge, visited my family for Labor Day weekend.  We took day trips to local historical attractions.  One day we checked out the Pepsi Family Center at Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina.  It was alot of fun and I'd like to go back when the kids are older.  When we were in one room, I said that I was all Epcot-jaded and I still thought it was awesome.  Read on and let me know what you think but something interactive like this would be great at the American Pavilion.

You start by checking in at the desk, getting a brief overview of the exhibit, and then you are issued a card which you activate at one of four sensors on the wall.  Then you enter the time machine, taking you back to 1835.  This part scared my girls, especially when we left through the time machine, but older kids would have fun with all the swirling lights and video.

Once we entered the town in 1835, we were instructed to gather at the clock tower.  There we watched a video by the mayor telling us a bit about his town and highlighting the places where we would be "working."  There was a house with a kitchen and a quilting room, a general store, a printer, a ship and turpentine distillery.  

We started in the kitchen, since it was a scavenger hunt and the most 3 year-old friendly.  There, the cook, a slave woman, appeared on the screen and told us about cooking in her time.  Then we helped her gather ingredients for two recipes, or receipts, as she called them.  As she asked for an item, we all ran around the room looking for it.  Once we located the ingredient, Tink touched it on a screen or pushed the button next to it.  Then it appeared on the table in the center of the room.  Once we found them all, the cook showed us how to make the dish.  We "made" ice cream and a fish pie.

Ridge tried his hand at typesetting while Andy and Tink helped the proprietor of the general store find items for a customer's order.

The ship had 10 or so duties and would be great for a group.  Andy and Ridge were assigned as Captain and First Mate.  They opened a few stations for me so I could play wherever I liked.  The girls both thought 'whack-a-mole' was hysterical.  It was supposed to be protecting the ships food supply from rats, but it was just the silly and fun arcade game.

We passed on the quilting exhibit and making turpentine.  Ridge really wanted to do that last one but we ran out of time since we wanted one quick walk around the gardens before it all closed for the day.  

~Amy

Walt Disney World - is it as cool as it used to be?

EPCOT 2003

The cool I'm thinking of is temperature and not cool like "_____" (fill in your favorite actor/singer).
After reading Dewayne Bevil's article in The Orlando Sentinel titled "No Sweat: Cool Theme Park Spots," the only one I can think of as "cool" is "Fonzie" from Happy Days.  He seems to think Disney and "other" Orlando theme parks may have bumped the thermostat up a little to save some $$$'s like a lot of us do.  With temperatures soaring in Central Florida (mid 90's for the week of 7/30/12) where do you go to cool off?

The first thing I can think of is DON'T GO when it's HOT!  My wife's favorite times are between October and February - with February being her favorite.  Of course we don't have children in school to worry about any more so we can "avoid" the hotter times of the year.  But if you have to work around school schedules, here are a few ideas.

First, be sure to drink plenty of fluids.  Bring a water bottle and keep refilling it as buying drinks can get expensive.

Next find the cool spots out of the sun.  Bevil's article starts with The American Adventure.  The Rotunda is open 30 minutes before a show, and sitting on the cool floor can help cool you off.  But don't leave too soon and miss the Voices of Liberty singing.  They are wonderful.  Then stay to see the show.  It is an absolutely "don't miss" attraction in EPCOT.

Two other cool EPCOT attractions are O'Canada and Reflections of China.  These are Circle-Vision 360 attractions and are dark and cool.

At the Animal Kingdom, the 3-D movie It's Tough to Be a Bug is a good place to get out of the sun and is fun.  Just watch out for Claire de Room.  Other 3-D attractions at the Studios and Magic Kingdom - Muppet Vision 3-D and Mickey's PhilharMagic are great places to sit down for a while.

At EPCOT there is a fountain I've seen lots of small kids running through - just bring a change of clothes - and there is a cool water mist for bigger kids near Test Track and one in the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland. 

At EPCOT there is also Club Cool.  It's not so much an attraction as a place to taste some Coke products.  It's free and it's cool.

DisneyDad and Mom on the People Mover 2003

Another treat to cool off can be found at the ice cream carts.  Get a Mickey head ice cream sandwich or the ultimate treat - Frozen Bananas.  One place that is a "don't miss" regardless of the temperature can be found at the Magic Kingdom's Aloha Isle - Dole Whip!!!  A frozen concoction of pineapple juice and soft serve ice cream is a treat not to be missed - especially when it is hot.

Other times when at the Magic Kingdom we will jump on the WEDway People Mover aka Tomorrowland Transit Authority for a 10 minute ride above Tomorrowland and into the dark of Space Mountain.  Or we may jump on the Monorail and visit the Contemporary or the Grand Floridian.  My wife loves going for afternoon tea at the Garden View Tea Room at the Grand Floridian.  It is a good place to get away for a while.

So if you find yourself in the heat at Walt Disney World drink plenty of liquids, enjoy some cool treats, and take in as many of the "cool" attractions as you can.  Oh! yes - don't forget the sunscreen!

--DisneyDad

Photo Flashback! The American Adventure

The American Adventure is a favorite attraction of the Growing Up Disney family and it seems appropriate to highlight it on this Memorial week.

Click here for other photos and stories about this fantastic attraction.

A Walk Around The World With Ridge--More America….American Adventure

       In this three hour tribute to all Nations but Mostly America, I will take just a few minutes to talk about American Adventure in Walt Disney’s EPCOT in World Showcase. The American Pavilion is located directly to the rear of the park between Japan and Italy.

Let’s look at the building, shall we? The building’s architecture is modeled after the Georgian style buildings found in Colonial America and is covered in 110,000 Georgian clay bricks. Beautiful columns stand before the entry to the rotunda queuing area of the American Adventure. Outside is a large fountain and to the left of the entrance is the Liberty Inn, where the typical fare is hamburgers, hotdogs and cold Sam Adams, let’s drink to Patriotism! Across from the American Adventure is the American Gardens Theatre where, at various times of year i.e. Flower and Garden Festival or Food and Wine Festival, musical acts liven the festivities. There is a shop to the right side of the entrance, which I am ashamed to say I have never been in…I pledge now that I will go into this shop on my next trip in 5 months and buy something with an American flag on it…although seeing as I am going back for Food and “Beer” Festival someone may have to remind me because the Sam Adams beer seminar is always right there and I forget, but I digress.

The pavilion has two different groups that perform daily: The Spirit of America Drum and Fife Corps and the Voices of Liberty. Both of these are wonderful experiences. The drum and fife corps plays outside a couple times a day between the American Adventure and the American Gardens Theatre. It is about a 10 minute performance that has Cast Members in Revolutionary period uniforms playing traditional marches. In the period they represent, the fife and drum were used to signal the army of the orders that were given such as march, halt, ready weapons, etc. because battle field communication was a bit frantic and signals were sometimes hard to relay by voice. Instruments have been used for thousands of years to aid commanders in giving orders that everyone should be able to hear. See what we learn from a tangent?…ok back to topic. The group Voices of Liberty is an acappella group that performs approximately a 15 minute show in the rotunda just prior to the crowd being allowed upstairs to enter the theatre. Usually they are dressed in a period costume; I personally have only seen them dressed in the fashions that would have been popular in the 1800s but I understand they have other costumes.

Take a few moments and peruse the rotunda. It displays a number of paintings by famous American artists depicting moments from US history. One of my favorites can be found to your left as you enter the building. It is a painting depicting the assembly of a B 17. If you look down at the floor, it is real marble and inlayed with copper. On the right side of the room is the American Heritage Gallery housing pieces such as a cast of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s hand, chairs that belonged to George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and Edison’s phonograph. Once it is show time, you are taken upstairs by an escalator, stairs or elevator. If using the escalator and stairs it is via the Hall of Flags. There are flags from other countries that have had claim over the lands of United States. In total there are 44; however, I have never seen the Confederate flag in the Hall. I guess we are just forgetting the struggle to hold a nation together?

Once inside the theatre, you will notice there are statues along the wings of the stage. These are to represent the spirits of America: Adventure, Compassion, Discovery, Freedom, Heritage, Knowledge, Independence, Individualism, Innovation, Pioneering, Self-Reliance and Tomorrow. When you are seated in the 1000+ seat theatre, don’t worry about your position. Personally I like to sit down front because I am in awe over how real the animatronics figures are but with a stage so big I think this is truly an attraction where the theatre was designed to have no bad seats. Your hosts of the American Adventure are two of my favorite Americans, Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain). Both were extremely influential men of their own times as well as our own. I could ramble on about Dr. Franklin but I will spare you all the nap that would surely ensue.

Our illustrious hosts take us on a journey through the building of America. Now something I have failed to mention to this point is that this attraction uses sets and animatronics figures that rise up from out of the floor and descend from the ceiling. The show is as technically complicated as you can imagine; however, when you are watching the show your belief is completely suspended and these are not just animatronics they are real living, breathing and, in Mark Twain’s case smoking, people. As we stroll with our hosts through our country’s history starting with the Pre-Revolutionary war and ending with the “Golden Dreams” montage (believe me, it is a catchy tune and you will be humming it as you walk out at the end,) we are introduced to figures such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Fredrick Douglas, Susan B. Anthony, F.D.R., Will Rogers (who twirls a lasso!) and Chief Joseph just to name a few. The movie that plays at the end of the show called the “Golden Dreams” montage has been updated in the last few years to include 45 new seconds of footage some of our most recent American tragedies and triumphs and I dare anyone to make it through without being just a little misty eyed. As the show comes to an end Dr. Franklin and Mr. Twain discuss the past and future quoting John Steinbeck and Thomas Wolfe and their influential thoughts on America. Again I will not take your time and tell you what is said; instead I invite you to make your way to the attraction and see it for yourselves and experience our American Adventure.

originally appeared 7/9/10

Photo Flashback! A Proclamation

A still from the American Adventure.

In the early days of the American Revolution, the Colonial Representatives outraged over taxation being applied on goods imported and exported caused a redress of grievances to the King. This fell on deaf ears as the French and Indian war had done much to empty the English coffers. King George angry with the audacity of his subjects to not pay their taxes, sent troops to stop all trade in Boston and end any thoughts of sedition. However we all know how this was received.

originally appeared 1/12/11

A Walk Around The World With Ridge--Hall of Presidents

“Welcome to the Hall of Presidents”

You may remember that line from “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” when the boys were studying for their history presentation. While I don’t think Mr. Lincoln ever actually said that, the Hall of Presidents is still one of my favorite attractions.

Setting the scene, the attraction is located in the Magic Kingdom between Frontierland and Fantasyland in Liberty Square. If you are like me (a huge history fan) then you will want to look at the surrounding buildings. All are stunning recreations of 1780s-1790s Boston architecture and, with Disney flare, use trompe l'oe (to trick the eye, thanks Reading Rainbow) and forced perspective to make the buildings seem larger than they really are. Disney uses these effects all over the place; they are masters of the techniques.

When crossing the bridge from the Hub into Liberty Square, the Disney magic comes out and with a little eye for detail you can really see all the effort that goes into creating the theme for each land. Around the bridge are ropes, crates marked tea and other sundry items you were likely to find in a Boston harbor town of the Revolutionary War period. The lamp posts have eagle finials adorning them and they are illuminated at night. In the middle of the square is a reproduction of the Liberty Bell, installed in 1989. The large oak next to the Liberty Bell is the Liberty Tree and the plaque next to it tells how the tree was a used in colonial times as a meeting place for the planning of the Revolution. The tree has 13 lamps hanging from it to symbolize the original colonies and their struggle. Seeing the tree always makes me think of the Thomas Jefferson quote: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Anyway history lesson aside, directly opposite the Liberty Bell and Tree is the reason you are reading this, the Hall of Presidents. It now also bears the subtitle, “A Celebration of Liberty’s Leaders.” The outside of the building is marked with the date 1787 for the year the Constitution was first signed; it wasn’t ratified till 1788, then the first Presidential election under the Constitution was held in 1789 (sorry, more history lessons).





The HoP, as we call it in my family, is an attraction that grows every four to eight years, with the addition of each new President. The pre-show area holds items on loan from the National Archives and from the families of the Presidents themselves. The personal effects include those of Washington, Ford and Bush 41 & 43. The boots 43 wore to his inauguration were in the display at one time. The current display also includes dresses from several First Ladies. The center piece of the rotunda is the Great Seal of the United States. It is the only official seal outside of Washington D.C. and it literally took an act of Congress to get it there (ok, so they signed a resolution to allow it… close enough.) There are portraits on the walls and usually there is a cast member offering details of the artifacts in the room. If you are lucky enough to get to meet James, listen carefully. James has to be hands-down the most knowledgeable cast member I have ever had the pleasure to talk with and I have been able to do just that on my last two trips to the World. I am a history buff and James told me several things I had never heard. The show itself is about 20 or 25 minutes and runs every half hour but don’t be afraid to hang back and look around when everyone else goes inside.

Once it is time to enter the theatre please move all the way to the end of the row. Believe me there is usually plenty of room once everyone is seated to move around if you just have to sit in the middle. The theatre is also ECV accessible so don’t be afraid taking it in. Once seated, you will notice right off that this is a very large theatre. The stage, after all, has to accommodate 43 people or the likenesses thereof. Now I know you’re saying 43 people? Ridge, there are 44 Presidents, and you would be right; but please remember civics class and the fact that Grover Cleveland served two nonconsecutive terms as the 22nd and 24th President so he is only counted once.

In the latest update of the show there is a new film, centered on Mr. Washington, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, JFK and the 9/11 tragedy. Basically the film is about some of the Nation’s greatest Presidents and the struggles they faced. There is new narration with Morgan Freeman, although my sister is adamant that they should have Maya Angelou come back and do it. Mr. Lincoln gives the Gettysburg address alone onstage. Also new this year is a standing and speaking George Washington, voiced by David Morse, the same actor who portrayed Washington in the HBO mini-series “John Adams.” When Mr. Washington has completed his speech the Presidential roll call begins and each President is highlighted. The end is capped off with Barack Obama giving his Oath of Office and a short speech about his ideas of the American dream. Curtain closes, house lights go up, if you have been napping in the air conditioning, sorry it’s time to go; there is always the Haunted Manson to continue the cool. All joking aside, the Hall of Presidents tells a short but stirring tale of “Us”, We the People, where we came from, how we as a nation struggled and the men we have selected to lead us forward. To see even more of the story of “Us” I highly recommend heading over to EPCOT to American Adventure.

originally appeared 5/2/10

Team Post: I Never...

Ridge: Whenever I go to WDW there are things that just don’t ever get done. It‘s not that they are any less fun but either they have run their course with me or I am simply not willing to wait in the massive lines anymore.

Number one thing I generally don’t do is character meets. Unless I am with others or a character breakfast, there just isn’t a character that I would wait to see. Unless you count me breaking this rule on my last trip. Since the demise of Mickey’s Toontown Fair, Mickey is now available at other locations. The one I was actually excited about is the Hall of Presidents meet with Mickey in Colonial vestments. Mickey looks good in a tri-corner hat.

Astro-Orbiters.  While heights in general don’t bother me (I’m a licensed private pilot,) I am not a fan of things that are bolted to a pole and spin unless I have the chance to inspect it before flight. It’s not that I don’t trust it, because I don’t but I remember riding it once as a small lad and it not being something I have ever really wanted to do again. So far I have been able to maintain that resolution.

Something that is slowly working its way into the never or rarely do category is Test Track. I used to love Test Track, but with the lack of ABS skid test and queue making all the intense noise and the heat vision camera not always working, I have started losing interest.

I have never been over to Beaches and Cream. It sounds like a wonderful place and I have had nothing but plans for years to go over and have a No Way Jose or with a group a Kitchen Sink. Maybe I can pull it off on my next trip.

Disney Quest is also something I have skipped. I went once right after it opened and because I was young and it was new and I had fun. But I eventually grew out of video games and just didn’t care anymore, but now I am playing games again. I think it is time to give it a go once more just to see what is new in arcade style gaming.

Characters in Flight.  This isn’t really a never do; this is a never done. It isn’t because I don’t want to but every time I go over the wind is too high or weather is bad in general.


Amy: While we always try to explore what's new at Walt Disney World, it does seem that there are a few things that we just don't do.

I intentionally pass on the water rides. I think Splash Mountain is a fantastic attraction but it's a once every 5 years or so ride for me. I always end up soaked and I just don't find that to be fun. Not to sound like a stick in the mud, but I prefer to show up for ADRs with dry clothes. I've ridden Kali River Rapids only once and then I took a change of clothes.

I enjoy the films at Epcot, especially "O Canada!" but those aren't an every trip thing for me. I'm sure that's partially influenced by the fact that we frequently visit during the Food and Wine Festival and the booths keep us mainly on the promenade.

I've never been to DisneyQuest. Just not my thing but hey, I doubt I'm the target audience there anyway.

I always want to see the Beauty and the Beast stage show and Flights of Wonder, but the times just don't tend to work out.

Please don't throw things at your computer, but I haven't seen the candy artist at Epcot.

There are still a few restaurants left to explore, but I consider most of those in the "haven't gotten to it yet" than the "I avoid it or forget about it" category. However, I do avoid Cinderella's Royal Table. I prefer the old days there. With two daughters, I'm sure I'll go again someday, but for now, no thanks. I also pass on the mega-sized, huge chain, super loud restaurants at Downtown Disney. I've given them a shot, but with the other unique options on Disney property, I'll skip these over the top eateries.

I don't do so, but I always want to yell at people who never experience "American Adventure."


DisneyDad:  Over the years of going to Walt Disney World, I feel like I have done most everything once. There are, however, a few things that I have not done or don’t repeat too often. We have favorite things that are must-do on each trip, but I don’t think much about the opposite. Some of the things I never do are not because I have an aversion to something, but often because my wife does not want to do something and I don’t often go off by myself to do/ride anything.

One ride I have done “once” falls into this category. My wife does not want to get wet on a ride, so I only remember riding Splash Mountain once or twice. I love the ride, and even now as I write this I can hear “everybody has a laughin place” in my head. There is another water ride I have never been on at AK and that is Kali River Rapids. Like my wife, the idea of walking around in wet shoes and jeans does not sound appealing to me.

I’ve stayed away from “The American Idol Experience” at the Hollywood Studios. I am one of the few people in the USA that does not watch this on TV, so the attraction at the Studios does not hold any “attraction” to me. So, on every trip I will bypass this.

Tink enjoying the beginning of "Playhouse Disney:
Live on Stage" in Granddaddy's lap

There are things I did do, then didn’t do, and now are doing again. When my kids were young I sat on the floor with them to see Bear in the Big Blue House at the Studios. For a long time, I stayed away from this attraction and its many iterations. On our last trip, I sat in the floor again with my granddaughter as my feet and legs went to sleep to see Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (now Disney Junior Live on Stage). While I enjoyed the show and watching my granddaughter excitedly watching Mickey and Handy Mandy, without her I would not have taken time to sit in the floor to see the show.

Many of the things I don’t do fall into the “age appropriate” category. Rides that have thousands of children in the line are probably things I will bypass. I have ridden on Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel and in the Mad Tea Party tea cups and will do so again with my granddaughters, for now, I will bypass these as well as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and The Magic Carpets of Aladdin. I love Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow Whites Scary Adventures and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, but not the long lines. Although, if the lines are short, you’ll see me on these too.


What are your "never do's" at Walt Disney World?

Orange Bird!

Ridge just bought me an Orange Bird shirt. Yay! Thanks!




-Amy