Photo Flashback! Mission: SPACE Passholder Preview

In 2003, Ridge and I took a brother/sister trip to Walt Disney World for the Annual Passholder Preview of Mission: SPACE.  We rode it over and over.  Ridge survived more trips to Mars than I did.  After about three in a row, I was off looking for some Sprite while he took another trip.  We met a young teen in line who was pretty much spending his whole vacation there trying to see how many times he could ride this attraction.  I really enjoy Mission: SPACE but with pregnancy and then trips with babies, I haven't been able to ride it in years.

Here we are playing with one of those disposable wide shot cameras.

What do you think about Mission: SPACE? Are you Team Orange or Team Green?  Or Team Walk-On-By?

Magical Blogorail: What I Would Update

Welcome to the first stop on Magical Blogorail Red.  This month we discuss what we'd like to update at Walt Disney World if we could.  Imagineers are continually updating shows and attractions.  This is what we would like to update...

Ah, what would I update next at Walt Disney World? Realistically we know the Disney Parks are constantly changing and improving but they just can't do all they'd like to do. Well, let's pretend financial and creative resources are unlimited for this discussion.

My favorite park is Epcot so I'd put my imaginary refurbishment dollars there. Future World would be my main focus. The park is a terrific blend of entertainment and education. It plays host to the largest festivals at WDW however it needs a little attention and in my dream world, it will happen.

First, let's start with The Seas with Nemo and Friends. The undersea ride is fun and I like that they put something back in that area. However, it still feels like the pavilion lacks cohesiveness. Once you hop out of the clam shell, the place feels like a random hodgepodge of exhibits even with several sporting Nemo themes. Somehow the flow through that large building also needs to be improved. More of an A to B to C rather than simply wandering.

(Remember the hydrolators? When I lived in Kissimmee, I had a friend who was an Orange County sheriff. He was called out to deal with someone stealing from the gift shop at The Seas. The thief had quite the grin on his face when he jumped into a hydrolator to escape. Imagine his surprise when the officers didn't have to run flights of stairs to catch him. They simply walked out the door and waited for him on the other side.)

Continuing on to the Imagination pavilion. Where to begin? On the plus side, the fountains are great fun to watch and kids love them. It was certainly time for Honey I Shrunk the Audience to leave the theatre but I hope Captain EO is just a temporary filler while something new and interesting is being prepared. I always try hard to look at the details in the preshow area and I love Figment but I don't love the current version of the ride. Here's where we'd call in those unlimited creative resources to bring us something awesome in both the ride and the interactive theatre.

The Wonders of Life pavilion is now only used for special events. Come on fictional "skies the limit" resources, let's do something amazing over there.

And again, since I am dreaming....The Land's popularity skyrocketed with the addition of Soarin' and it's always super busy. I'd love to see flow improved here too. How about moving the Fastpass distribution machines outside to cut down on some of the "running in as fast as possible" crowd?

I wouldn't do much to Test Track (other than the maddening song in the queue) and Mission Space.  I know some want to update Universe of Energy since Ellen's sitcom has been off the air for years.  Personally, I wouldn't.  Not even with my fictional dollars.  Too low on the priority list.

Thank you for joining us on our Magical Blogorail journey this month.  Be sure to visit all of our stops.  Next you will head of to visit Heidi's Head.  Please watch your head and step...

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard: 

1^st Stop ~ Growing Up Disney

2^nd Stop ~ Heidi's Head

3rd Stop ~ My Dreams of Disney

Final Stop ~ A World View 

Photo Flashback!!! T-Shirts

One of the ways that Amy and I made our last brother sister trip in 2007 special is by having commemorative t-shirts made. On them we placed our favorite do not miss attractions and things we love to say. The list goes:

_Mountains, Presidents & Aliens

_"Lower your head and watch your step. If you forget, then lower your voice and watch your language."

_Off Kilter and The Jammitors

_Tonga Toast, Dole Whip & Turkey Legs

_Haunted houses and Peter Pan

_"Hey you in the yellow poncho!"

_Ragland Road and Dad's Den

_Magic orchestras and fiery car chases

_Snack at Columbia Harbor House

_Space Missions and high-speed tests

_"Por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas."

_A Pirate's life for me!

A Walk Around The World With Ridge--Riding For Big & Tall

Go Big or Go Home. These are certainly words everyone has heard about one situation or another. It’s a fantastic mantra for a challenge but not always the best way to handle your life. I am a "person of size," a "rider at large" or any number of euphemisms for overweight. I am the most in-shape out-of-shape guy I know. I hit the gym 4-5 times a week, go hiking, swimming, and any number of other general outdoor activities I love to participate in. This so far hasn't changed the fact I take up some extra space. My sister has been after me for a while to talk about attractions at WDW that are both good and bad for the rider of larger than average size. I myself am tall and larger than your average bear and so far in my Disney visiting career, I have had little trouble with rides at WDW. Disney is a place where in general the ride vehicles are large enough to accommodate me just fine and I don’t often have to make the conscious decision not to try something. I have complaints with only a few of my favorite rides.



Most of my problems come from thrill rides with lap bars that cover more than one person. Since I am the first one it hits, am I am the only one to be safe? Big Thunder Mountain is the first one that comes to mind. I thought I was going to have to hold my big sis in the car with me because she was sliding all over the seat. However, this happens to lots of people on this ride because it is really jerky. Single riders beware; no matter the size on this one you will be tossed about vigorously. The omni-mover rides tend to have a bar that comes down on you: Haunted Mansion, The Seas with Nemo, Peter Pan; all could potentially be a tight squeeze to the larger rider. Personally I have never had a problem with any of these rides but the turnstiles just before the doors to Haunted Mansion always try and steal my wallet when the arm comes up. There have been some changes to the turnstiles in recent years with the addition of the electric eye versions. These do make it much easier to get around for everyone. In a situation where the line gets backed up and you happen to have someone behind you that has no concept of personal space, they can't bump you with the padded end of the turnstile arm. Oh yes, this has happened.

One of the rides that I can't and just haven't even attempted in years is the Tea Cups. I can sit in it, however turning it becomes a problem since I tend to fill in all available space between the seat and the turning wheel.

One ride that was successfully converted from a lap bar to seatbelts is Tower of Terror. I rode once with an Asian family on the same row as me. I like to think of that as single handedly changing everything. I mean, really, what was the cast member thinking on that one? Well, now that it has been corrected for many years now I like it better with the seatbelts because it seems like a more intimate experience for riding.

Space Mountain is more of a problem on the tall side, rather than the large. I am 6 feet tall and I find that my legs and feet get crammed into the spaces behind the seats unless I ask to sit in the front of the vehicle. It can get uncomfortable quickly and it makes disembarking more difficult as I try and remove your feet from the little nooks and crannies from either side of the seat in front of me.

I also can't recommend ever riding Primeval Whirl at Animal Kingdom to large or small. The ride concept idea is nifty idea, however the ride vehicle has a terrible design. It is a four seat vehicle that has the riders sitting all in one row with at a 45 degree angle to one another so the two in the middle share leg space. Back a few years ago big sis, her hubby, a friend of mine and I all tried it together and quickly learned just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. It was horribly uncomfortable for all involved.

Overall I find that the rides that use seat beats to be plenty large enough to handle the vast majority of visitors to Walt Disney World. The attractions with theatre seating are usually ok, however they can be a little tight to some. The good part of that is usually these attractions aren't filled to capacity in every showing so you can get a seat between yourself and others if needed. The only attraction I find that is full most of the time is Mickey's Philharmagic. Because of its popularity you may want to be towards the end of the theatre loading if you think you need some extra space. Rides with lap bars and shoulder restraints are decent to get in and out of and are generally comfortable. An exception to this could be Mission Space because the shoulder harness comes down and the forward console tilts in. If you are someone with a large middle or chest you could feel really cramped. Riders to WDW shouldn't be afraid because in general Walt Disney World is the most understanding theme park in all of Orlando.

If you have any questions about rides please feel free to ask me or you can check out Allears.net for WDW At Large for more information and pictures of some of the rides.

Team Favorites--Thrill Rides

The view from the top of Tower of Terror.  Look quickly!

Amy:  I am a thrill ride junkie.  I have yet to find one I won't queue up for.  What I love about the Walt Disney World thrill rides is the combination of a well-developed storyline with a 'take your breath away' experience.  

Tower of Terror is impeccably themed.  From the time you enter the area, everything feeds into the story of this once-grand hotel.  From the small signs naming the varieties of the trees to the personal possessions in the lobby, you can sense the energy that once filled the space and the eerie stillness that has now taken hold.   I'd love to go on a tour of all the details in this attraction.  I tend to linger where I can to take it all in.  And on the thrill side, you can't beat the multiple drop sequence!  

Space Mountain was one of my early coaster experiences.  I love that you ride in the dark and can't really see what you are in for until it's too late.  It's got plenty of speed and drops that always surprise.  The long walkway in the cool darkness builds the excitement and is a great transition from the heat of the Florida sun.  I'm a little disappointed that the peek into Space Mountain is now gone from the TTA.  It was fun to see in a bit from the tame ride.

Expedition Everest's Fastpass line makes me a little sad.  This has to be one of the most detailed queues ever and most people just blow right past it.  Walk just a smidgen slower through this area and take in the displays around you and let the story build.  And then... Everest is a fast-moving, "I dare you to keep your hands up" ride.  I love the section where you go backward.  Such a well-themed and exciting ride, too bad the yeti doesn't move anymore.  But I think lots of people miss him anyway--it's hard to see even a huge creature when you have your eyes closed and you are holding on for dear life.

Thank you, Imagineers, for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and its inversions.  That is all.

I have to give an honorable mention to Splash Mountain.  It's a fabulous attraction that is well themed to its story.  I just don't like walking around in wet pants so it's a must do every 5 years for me.

Splash Mountain

DisneyDad:  When Space Mountain opened in 1975, I got my wife on to ride it - ONCE! It took twenty years to get her to ride again.  She's due to ride it again in 2015.  For her, once every twenty years is enough.  One thrill ride she does enjoy is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom.  Disney describes it as a "mild but wild" coaster.  It may be tamer than the other "mountain" rides but this is no kiddie ride.  You are warned to "hold on to your hat" as you enter the gold mine ore trains that run through the town of Tumbleweed.  It provides some "air time" as well as a nice spiral as you make your way from the mountain to the town.  Lookout for a few animals around town and Cousin Ed in his long-johns sitting in a bathtub after the flood.

Expedition Everest:  Even the photo ops are well-themed!

Ridge:  Thrill rides.  


Well, what to say about thrill rides at Disney?  The most obvious are the roller coasters: Space Mountain, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Expedition Everest.  Space Mountain is the classic ride at Disney: fast, dark and fun.  Part of the fun of this one is the queue's build up.  A dark cool tunnel underground with ominous sounds and lighting.  Once on the ride, more dark, more ominous sounds and a ride that drops you into the darkness for the duration of our journey. 


Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is just a new and smoother take on the dark rides at Disney.  It isn't creepy or ominous inside at all, unless you are unsettled by the music industry.  The ride is faster and smoother than Space Mountain.  Think fighter jet vs. biplane or rock and roll vs. Gregorian chant.  OK, that last one is a bit harsh but you get the point. 


Expedition Everest is an outstanding mix of these two rides.  Fast and in the dark with the feeling of an old coaster in terms of ride smoothness or as one might expect an escape from a mountain yeti would be.  The queue is a great part of this ride walking through the mountain shop or the museum showing the aftermath of dealing with the elusive yeti.  Fun times. 


There lots more rides that can be called thrill rides.  Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Universe of Energy, Mission Space... Yeah one of those things is not like the others.  Attractions are thrilling for lots of reasons, speed, lighting, education factors...no on that last one? Well then just overall experience, if it gets your heart pumping then it's thrilling.


What is your favorite thrill ride at Walt Disney World?  We definitely didn't include them all.  Anyone for Test Track or Mission Space?  Or maybe Barnstormer?