If you haven’t been to Disney World before or haven’t been for a few years you may be confused when you hear MGM and Hollywood Studios. Here’s the scoop…. what was once known as Disney MGM Studios is now called Disney Hollywood Studios. Same place - many of the same attractions plus some very cool new ones!

MGM… Hollywood Studios brings back memories to when our family visited Disney in 2005. Our son was so excited to go on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster until he realized he was too short! The poor little guy sat outside waiting for his Dad and sister to come off the ride. Two years later we returned and he was tall enough to ride and LOVED the music and speed… while Mom waited for the gang (remember I am not a Roller Coaster fan!). This past visit my friend Tracy was eager to try out some of the Hollywood rides and was a bit reluctant to go on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster but after some encouraging words she decided to go for it. Two rides later I think it is safe to say that this may be her favourite ride at this Disney park!

TIP… if you are visiting Disney for the first time ask your travel agent or Disney rep about the size restrictions. You can prepare your child and plan in advance and avoid disappointment!

OK…. the rest of the park. I LOVE Disney and each park has something unique so I can’t say one is my favourite, rather I have favourite attractions scattered through the various parks. Hollywood Studios is packed full of great attractions and you can easily spend an entire day enjoying this park. Among our favourites: Honey I shrunk the Kids Set is a huge playground for kids and includes elements of the movie. Our first visit the kids wanted to stay and play for the day (we didn’t but they wanted to!) - they really liked how “BIG” everything was. We hadn’t watched the movie prior to planning our trip so we rented it so they would have something to relate to while playing. I am glad we did that as they loved the grass, hose, ant and film canister (they were able to climb into the canister and slide down .

This park also offered up some exciting character moments. Sam, who loved Lightening McQueen at the time, was able to get up close for a photo! Emmy, a High School Musical Fan, loved the musical show in the street under the big hat. This years release of HSM #3 has the experience updated with new music and moves. I think our family’s favourite ride the first time around was Test Track which is fast but not a Roller Coaster (perfect for me) and very cool for kids who love cars. You are basically in a “test” car and they go through a series of tests like they would if they were checking for safety levels in the real world. The walk to the ride is full of great visuals and lots of fun information. More don’t miss attractions: Beauty and the Beast Live Show, Muppets 3D, and Fantasmic (the light show at the end of the night). One tip I will offer with regards to Fantasmic. Go in advance if you want a seat as this is a very popular show and worth the wait too! We didn’t book dinner before the show (but you can) instead we went early and had hot chocolate and a bite there. The kids got lunch boxes with sandwiches and fruit and the boxes were keepsakes. FUN! One thing I really love about this park is how interactive it is. The shows (Backlot Tours, Indiana Jones) feature members from the audience. Tracy was one of the Indiana Jones extras and it was fun to watch her participate!

OK now for the newest and coolest attraction…. The American Idol Experience! If you are a fan of this show you will LOVE this attraction. During the day you can try out to be part of an evening show - going through the same process you would if you were really trying out to be on the Idol Show. If you are lucky enough to be selected as a contestant on the show you will get to check out the green room where you can practice and then you’re into the studio for the evening show (where visitors to the park have a chance to be part of the audience). The studio really does look like the show but instead of America voting - the audience votes via armrest buttons. The judging panel is made up of similar personalities to the real show - so be prepared for the “SIMON” judge! The cool part of this experience is that you have a chance to win a dream ticket - of course the only way that dream ticket will get you standing in front of the real judges is if you qualify. Still - if you are up for a fun experience this is worth trying out! Click here to find out more about this new attraction!

If you are heading to Disney be sure to check out this park - it has something for the whole family. One word of caution - get to the park for the opening if you want to get a fast pass for some of the popular rides - they often run out by lunch!

When I came to Disney World when I was a teen, Epcot had just opened a year or two earlier. I remember the massive sphere sitting in the front of the park, I remember walking around the world and I especially remember the futuristic attractions.

Fast forward to our first family trip in 2005. I was excited to show my kids the castle and we really wanted to check out Animal Kingdom (my daughter loves animals) and Disney Hollywood Studios (At the time it was known as Disney MGM Studios) because Buzz Lightyear was going to be there - my son’s favourite at the time, but what I really hoped for was time at Epcot. While we did get to Epcot, our schedule only allowed for a half day visit and a quick trip around the world. I was a little disappointed but our kids were a bit young and I found it a challenge to keep their interest as we walked around looking at buildings.

OK - before I go on I want to backup and let those of you who haven’t been to Epcot - know what it is all about!

Epcot is made up of two distinct spaces: Future World and the World Showcase.

Future World & World Showcase

In Future World you’ll find all kinds of exciting attractions perfect for all ages. Our favourites include: Soarin’ an exhilarating aerial adventure that immerses guests in a multi-sensory experience, complete with sights, sounds, scents and the caress of warm breezes, Test Track, and Turtle Talk with Crush (found within The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion). You’ll also find all kinds of cool imagination attractions and you can take a ride in Spaceship Earth (recently updated to include some fun interactive features!).

World Showcase plays host to 11 nations displaying authentic ares, ethnic cuisine, entertainment and architectures representing their cultures. The ambassadors at each country actually come from those countries! ** Our very own Cara once worked in Canada at Epcot! Maybe she’ll drop by and post a comment to tell us more about her time at Epcot! You can find all the details of this park on the Disney website.

OK - back to the kids.

Our second family vacation to Walt Disney World meant the kids were older and we brought my husband’s mom to enjoy the magic. I really wanted her to experience the World Showcase at Epcot. So, this time around I did a little digging to see how I could enjoy Epcot while the kids had fun exploring the many countries represented.

First, I arranged for my son to do a little school project where he HAD to visit each country and get a photo with his bear. This was fun for him and meant we had to stop at each country.

Next I picked up an Epcot Passport (booklets you can buy with stamps and pages that you have each country sign) for each of the kids and we took the passports around the world - many of the cast members wrote the kids name in the language of the country plus the kids were able to see authentic clothing and listen to different languages and accents.

Finally, we took advantage of what I think is a really fun activity for all ages - KidCot. In World Showcase, young guests can create their own Epcot souvenirs at the park’s Kidcot Funstops. Craftsmen teach the budding artisans how to create a one-of-a-kind mask or a musical instrument using their own magical touch.

My plan was a success - the kids brought home many great memories and I finally had the chance to really enjoy the World Showcase.

You’ll find Kidcot at each pavilion - look for the Kidcot sign or ask. Some of the stations are easy to find and others are tucked away and take a bit of time to find. Save time and just ask!

Next time we visit the kids will be that much older and may be a little more interested in the countries but if they aren’t I will be getting to the park early to take advantage of the latest offering - the Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure!

High Tech Fun

I noticed kids walking around the Showcase when I was visiting the other day and when I asked what they were doing with these little hand held devices I was told they were secret agents on a quest to save the world! Most kids have heard of Kim Possible which makes this new attraction a perfect fit for families visiting Epcot and the World Showcase. In a nutshell the Kim Possible Showcase adventure sets kids and their families off on an international adventure. Kids will need an official “Kimmunicator,” which you’ll find at kiosks throughout Epcot. This interactive, hand held device is designed to help them maneuver through the mission. Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects guests with a variety of Kim Possible characters who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world. The highly interactive devices also allow guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside the World Showcase pavilions, creating an ultra-interactive adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

Guests can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in seven of the World Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and the United Kingdom. Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super villain from the animated series.

A Hidden Gem

One of our favourite ‘mini’ attractions at Epcot is Club Cool - you can find it in Future World near Innovations West. Here you’ll find Coca-Cola products from countries around the world and a few other non Coca-Cola flavours too! The kids can taste test the flavours - some are really tasty and others challenge the brave… actually they are all pretty good but each country has their own flavours and the kids will have fun comparing them to what they enjoy at home. This is a fun activity for the family to enjoy together!

So there you go - Parents + lots of fun for the kids = a family fun day at Epcot! If you happen to be at Epcot later in the day be sure to check out Illuminations: Reflections of earth. This nightly show includes fireworks, and a laser/water show, the kids will love it!

What’s next? Tomorrow we’re going to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Stop by for the inside scoop on the newest attraction: American Idol Experience and all things Hollywood.

Happy Wednesday!

Helen

I can’t believe my first trip to Magic Kingdom was 25 years ago. I was 18 years old (yes, I’m 43!) and I can still remember the magical feeling of seeing the castle and many of the rides I enjoyed back then are still going strong today. Pirates of the Caribbean has been updated but many of the original features are still part of this attraction - the hit Movie has been integrated into this attraction and the updated version is pretty cool - keep your eyes open for Captain Jack Sparrow - you’ll swear he’s the real deal! And while I am not the biggest pirate fan this attraction remains one of my favourites at Magic Kingdom.

So what are my other favourite attractions? Well I have to start by saying I am not a fan of any ride that drops (aka rollercoasters)! So my favourites do not include Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Space Mountain but I can say that my kids and husband love these rides and are very popular with guests at the park. Take advantage of the FAST PASS to avoid waiting in line.

So let’s get to my top picks…. keeping in mind that my favourites at Magic Kingdom are a little closer to the ground!

Mickey’s PhilharMagic

This is my all-time favourite attraction at Magic Kingdom. Not only is Mickey’s PhilharMagic the largest seamless projection screen in the world, measuring 150 feet long and 28 feet high but the show features the largest cast of classic Disney animated stars who have ever performed together in a single 3-D show. Another nice tidbit you might not know about, The entire production of “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” was created totally on computer, representing the first time the featured classic Disney characters were completely modeled and animated by computer.

This is a must see attraction - it will take you and your senses on a journey you will never forget!

A Hidden Gem

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a big place and if you don’t keep an eye on the map (or better yet, plan ahead) you may miss out on some of the attractions that this park has to offer. Of course even with a map there are some attractions that may seem like the kind you can pass on but be careful doing this, you may miss out on something really good! Wondering what attraction I am referring to? At Magic Kingdom, just past Space Mountain, in Tomorrowland, you will find an attraction called Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. This attraction features Audio-Animatronic performers and a revolving theater that tells the story of the evolution of technology in the 20th century. Our kids love seeing how things were done in the past and how technology has evolved over time. It is a great springboard to a discussion with kids on how progress does not always make our lives easier!

If you see a line up waiting for this attraction - don’t worry. This unique rotating stage means you don’t have to wait for the show to end - new guest are seated every few minutes. The show is about 20 minutes long making this a great stop when you want to get out of the sun and have a little down time!

Family Fun Character Meal

I see Character Meals as attractions - outside of eating your meal the time spent at the restaurant interacting with characters is a real experience and so much fun! Our family loves Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Palace for a character brunch. The kids get to interact with their favourite characters (the gang from Winnie the Pooh!) and the food is fun and yummy here too. Be sure to book ahead as this is a popular breakfast spot and make sure you position yourself across from the kid or on the outside of the table so you can easily hop up and get some great photos. The breakfast features a parade with the characters and all of the kids - walking around the restaurant. This is really fun and another great photo opportunity!

There you have it - my Magic Kingdom Favs! What is your favourite attraction?

Oh - and if you are planning a holiday or thinking about it - stop by a little later for some mom tested - family friendly tips!

Don’t forget to enter the CanadianParents.com Disney Contest for your chance to win a trip to Disney World.

And my pal Tracy is here with me at Disney - she’s enjoying her FIRST visit and is blogging about it. Stop by and check out her blog to see what she thinks of this magical place!

Don’t forget to come back… there’s lots more to tell!

Have a Happy Day!

Helen

Hey everyone… CPO is at Walt Disney World this week! As a BIG FAN of the Happiest Place on Earth (aka Walt Disney World) I am excited at the opportunity to give you a glimpse at the latest and greatest and to share some of my favourite “mom-tested” tips! Oddly enough, I am at “the World” on my own…. working of course… and while this is my most favourite place to come with my kids and family, being here on my own helps me to see some of the things I have missed out on in previous visits. I hope my discoveries this week will help you on your next trip!

OK - so lets back up a bit. This year, Disney parks is asking, “What Will You Celebrate?” because they know families plan special trips around the celebration of milestones in their lives – birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions, and triumphs! When I was asked what I was celebrating during my 2009 visit I thought…. ME! Like many moms, my life is busy with family commitments and the “me” in Mommy is often left behind. This trip is offering me time to reconnect with myself, time to enjoy a friend’s company and time to check out some of the attractions I might pass on when I have the kids with me! I am also discovering things I will want to do with my husband on our next visit, taking advantage of some of the added benefits of staying at a Disney Resorts… that let Mom & Dad have a little time to themselves while the kids have a bit of fun too!

(Photo: Disney/Gene Duncan)

So what are you celebrating this year? Would you want to celebrate it at Walt Disney World? Today we enjoyed a glimpse at the excitement building at Walt Disney World while we visited the Magic Kingdom. The new afternoon parade, Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, was full of energy and excitement and was one of the best parades I have ever seen at Disney (and they are all amazing!). What I liked about the Celebration Parade was the personal connection - it felt a bit like the parade was for me and I am sure each person watching felt much the same. Whether you are celebrating your first visit, a family reunion, the “ME” in Mommy or your Birthday — this really is the best place to celebrate the special moments in your families life!

Want to know what my favourite Magic Kingdom attractions are? Check back tomorrow and I’ll tell you!

Want to take your family on a holiday to Walt Disney World? Enter the contest for your chance to win!

From the Happiest Place on Earth….Helen