WDW Daily News

Although Magic Kingdom is known for its many kid-friendly attractions and Cin¬derella Castle, one of my fa¬vorite parts of the park is all of the “shows” going on around the park at various times every day. It seems like there’s always something exciting happening at every turn- clowns performing in Storybook Circus, a trolley com¬ing down Main Street, USA, or royal aristocrats coaching little lords and ladies the finer points of etiquette in New Fantasyland. However, every time my family makes a trip to the Magic King¬dom, we make it a point to see a few of our favorite experienc¬es while we’re there. Here are some of my personal favorites:

The Dapper Dans – Main Street, USA.

During our past visit to WDW, I discovered how much I actu¬ally love the Dapper Dans. This old-fashioned barbershop quar¬tet is charming, talented, funny, and generous, always willing to stand for a picture or chat af¬ter they are done with their set. Wherever they sing, they’re sure to draw a small crowd, but it al¬ways amazes me that so many people simply walk by without a glance. Next time you find yourself on Main Street, USA, do yourself a favor and stop to listen to these amazing sing¬ers. Each set is slightly different from the last, so you can even come back and listen multiple times in a day. Whether you’re old or young, a Disney fanatic or Disney newbie, you’re sure to be entertained with the Dapper Dans’ songs, jokes, and chimes.

Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pi¬rate Tutorial – Adventureland

Who doesn’t love Captain Jack Sparrow? In this interactive tu¬torial, a few select kiddos can learn how to swish, stab, and distract their way through a swordfight with Jack’s trusty companion, Mac. Jack Sparrow himself even makes an appear¬ance, and once the training is over, you can pledge your alle-giance to the Captain and join him in singing the song, “Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me.” This show occurs several times throughout the day, but you can usually find the showtimes in the Magic Kingdom Times Guide. We usually stop to watch Jack a few times each trip, and even though the jokes and script can get a little repetitive after you’ve seen it several times, the un¬predictable actions of the kids chosen from the crowd makes each show a new experience.

Flag Retreat Ceremony – Main Street, USA, Town Square

The Flag Retreat Ceremony oc¬curs every day at 5:00 p.m. in Town Square, right around the flagpole. For each ceremony, a park-going Veteran is selected to help lower the flag and fold it. Joining the ceremony is the Main Street Philharmonic, WDW Security, the Dapper Dans, and a special Guest selected to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Patri¬otic songs like “The Star Span¬gled Banner” and “God Bless America” are played as the flag is lowered and folded. It can be an emotional experience, and some people are moved to tears. We saw the ceremony for the first time this past summer and were extremely glad we had caught it, as it has now become a trip staple. Not very many people know about this Magic Kingdom tradition, but it is defi¬nitely something worth seeing.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I wanted to focus on something beyond what we all are most thankful for, such as a healthy and safe family, a good job, etc…

I wanted to make my column about things that I am thankful for, Disney style. Disney has created so many wonderful memories for my family I thought it would be fun to create a list. After reading my list I would like to hear your thoughts via Twitter.

I am thankful for….

• Walt Disney having the vision to create a place where families could have fun together in a safe environment

• The Walt Disney Co. continuously expanding and improving their parks, resorts, and service
  Being able to travel to Walt Disney World several times a year to get a different experience each time

• Having a wife and kids who love Disney as much as I do

• Minnie Mouse opening up her arms to greet my youngest daughter on a pathway at Animal Kingdom and giving her a HUGE hug, which is something she still remembers to this day

• The look of amazement the first time my daughters stepped foot into Magic Kingdom

• The look of joy the first time my daughters meet a Princess

• The look of bewilderment on my face when Belle picked me to play Beast at “Storytime with Belle”

• The ability to have two sets of grandparents who “get” what Disney is about and love to vacation with us

• Being able to help others maximize their time during their Walt Disney World vacations

• Being able to see my daughters reaction when she finally reached the magical 48” height mark
  Blizzard Beach’s Summit Plummet helping me overcome my fear of heights

• Disney Vacation Club allowing our family to have accommodations that we otherwise might not be able to afford

• The smell of the Pop Century lobby after a 20 hour drive

• Entering my resort room, turning on the TV, and hearing the sounds of Walt Disney World Today Channel

• The time we were able to experience riding in the front of the monorail

• My youngest daughter, who has Polycystic Kidney Disease, to be healthy enough to ride most attractions that she wants to

• Being able to “scream like a little girl” on Expedition Everest and fitting right in with everyone else

• Not looking like a fool wearing a crazy Disney hat around the parks

• Having a place where I can make a wish and truly believe it will come true
  Imagineers always wanting to “plus” an attraction

• Being fortunate enough to start planning another Disney trip