WDW Daily News

On a recent visit to Walt Disney World, I was reminded of another favorite thing of mine. I am always telling you about the details, those little things that make Disney magical. But this time I was reminded that the Parks sit in Florida and sometimes fellow Guests are of the wild variety. I have seen many different wild animals while visiting WDW. Walt Disney once said, “I have learned from the animal world and what everyone will learn who studies it, is a renewed sense of kinship with the Earth and all its inhabitants”. The Walt Disney World complex encompasses over 40 square miles; an area about the same size as San Francisco. Conservation and preservation are important aspects of the Walt Disney World project.

Approximately 25% of the land is set aside permanently for wilderness preserve. A conservation area was established in 1970 to ensure the land would not be developed.
The most recent animal I encountered was a bird of prey, probably a hawk. It flew down and landed on the bushes in the Luna Park Pool area of the Boardwalk Hotel. It was the second time on two different trips that I saw this bird. Both times the hawk spent about 10 minutes going in and out of the bushes, preening itself and scoping out the area before it flew off. The first time it came by was on a rainy afternoon; the second the sun was out. The bartenders told us it visits a couple times a week. Later we saw it perched on the swan icon of the Swan Hotel.

Florida is home to many diverse Birds of Prey in various colors, sizes, and shapes. I cannot say exactly what species the bird was but we guessed some type of hawk. Florida Birds of Prey could be anything from a Kite to a Bald Eagle. The bird we saw appeared to be somewhere in between more the size of a hawk. It was quite interesting to watch and try to figure out what it was.

These encounters add to the magic that is Walt Disney Word. While visiting, you can see animatronic animals and observe animals in their habitat at Animal Kingdom. You might even see animals native to Florida since these animals are allowed to visit the Parks and surrounding areas just like Guests! Observing and sharing the magic with these animals can enhance your visit so keep your eyes open!

Did you know that there is more to Liberty Square than just the Haunted Mansion? Think really hard. . . Can you name another attraction? Well, if you are left speechless, then continue reading so that you can learn of another often overlooked attraction in the Magic Kingdom. Of course, the hallmark attraction of Liberty Square is the Hall of the Presidents. This experience is educational in that it is filled with many different historical figures, and it tells the story of the presidency when it began with George Washington. The Hall of the Presidents was an opening day attraction on October 1, 1971 when the Magic Kingdom first opened its doors. When the park first opened and for several more years, tickets were required to enter attractions. A through E tickets existed, and E tickets were reserved for the most exciting and thrilling attractions. The Hall of the Presidents was actually an E ticket attraction. There was even an extended queue for this attraction where the food market sits currently under the awning in the center of Liberty Square directly across from the Liberty Belle Steamboat. The use of audio animatronics in this attraction is truly breathtaking considering all of the technical magic that must occur for each of these figures to speak, stand up, sit down, and behave in a real-life way during the show.

Speaking of audio animatronics, this show originated with Walt Disney’s desire to have a Liberty Street in Disneyland. As you know, this did not become a reality, but Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln was created. This attraction was a marvel when it was fashioned for the World’s Fair in 1964-1965 in New York. Finally, after this figure made its debut, the technology was starting to catch up with the creativity at WED (Walt Disney Imagineering). When Disney World opened in 1971, the Hall of the Presidents would be a testament to all of the knowledge and technical know-how that was gained from Disney’s showing at the World’s Fair.

The show has changed over the years as new presidents have been elected; however, the message that celebrates freedom and the importance of our Constitution is never lost through these alterations in narrators or in films that introduce the real show. Let’s take a tour of the building that houses this attraction and then take a look at the attraction itself. When you first approach the building, look for little details in the windows. You will see some lanterns and a doll in one of the windows. All of these little details have significant meanings. For example, see if you can figure out what the lanterns mean in American history. Hint: Think Paul Revere. Anyway, as you enter the building, be sure to take notice of the detailed and beautiful works of art that line the corridors of the halls in the building. After you take some time to explore, don’t forget to check out the Great Seal that is present in the center of the atrium. This seal was constructed with special permission because it is one of three that exist in the world. If you look at the Eagle, you will see that it will always be clutching an olive branch, which is a sign of peace in the country. However, the Great Seal in Washington actually has a removable piece of carpet that can represent the country being at war as well. I doubt the Disney Eagle will ever change to represent war.

Once it is time for you to enter in to the theater, you need to move toward the left of the building toward the curtains which will raise once the castmember has given you a little history lesson about America and about the Hall of the Presidents itself. When you enter the theater, you will notice its huge scope and size. Any seat will afford you a wonderful view of the stage. Personally, though, I always like to sit in the front row. I don’t want to ruin too much of the magic for you, but the show begins with a film about America that is narrated by Morgan Freeman. During this film, you will learn many interesting facts about some of the early leaders of America. When it is time for Abraham Lincoln to speak, the curtain rises on the most stunning audio animatronics figure that you will see until you see the Barack Obama figure and the George Washington figure. All of these figures are so life-like that it is hard to believe that they are not real people. All of the AA’s in this attraction are very well done. Each figure has his own introduction during the presidential roll call, and each president will nod or fidget in some way during the show. These little details add to the suspension of reality that occurs once you enter the show building.

Now, in order to fully enjoy this experience, you need to take a trip to Liberty Square and spend time in this attraction. Do not be tempted to take a nap as you sit soaking up the air conditioning that is such a respite from the unforgiving Florida sun. I know that it is tempting, but spend some time taking in the history as you experience a show dedicated to all nations, but mostly America. Oops, I think I stepped off on the wrong ride there! Anyway, try to make time for this attraction; you will not be disappointed, and maybe you will learn something along the way! Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

When Disney announced the Haunted Mansion collection for Beautifully Disney I was so excited. I love all things Haunted Mansion and have recently grown an interest in makeup. That being said I want to begin my review with I am not a makeup expert or beauty guru by any means, but I thought I’d share my experience and opinions on my purchase.

I never thought I would purchase anything from the Beautifully Disney line because it’s quite a bit more than I am generally willing to spend on makeup, but as I mentioned before, I was excited by all of the Haunted Mansion options. I really struggled choosing between the nail polish strips, nail polish set, and the mini lipstick set. I finally settled on the lipstick set for several reasons. The first, I would get the most use out of it. The nail strips were a onetime thing and the polish would probably dry out before I even used half of it. The second reason was this lipstick set includes the perfect shade of purple I had been searching for. (I’ll get more into the details of the colors in a minute.)

First, let’s talk about the basics of this product. This mini lipstick set contains four tubes each containing .04 oz of lipstick and the box gives it 12 months until expiration. This set cost $24.95 plus tax in October. I just searched Disney’s site and it seems this collection is no longer available, but I don’t know if that also means there isn’t any left at the Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney or Memento Mori in the Magic Kingdom. (Side note, the mini lipstick set in the Tangled Web collection appears to have very similar colors and is currently on sale for $17.99.)

Now, onward to the review portion of this article! Overall, I love this product. The packaging is wickedly awesome. The box contains imagery from the Haunted Mansion like Madame Leota, the wallpaper print, and the singing busts. The actual tubes of lipstick are purple with green skulls. I’ve kept my tubes in the original box because I just love it so much. It also helps keep me from losing any of my tubes because they really are quite small.

From packaging to the actual product…As previously mentioned there are four different tubes. These colors are deep and perfect tones that scream Haunted Mansion. The names of the colors are morbidly perfect as well. The first shade is called “Ball & Chain”. It’s a bright and bold red that seems to have an orange tone to it. This is the color I have worn the least. I don’t dislike it; it’s just not my favorite out of the group. The next color is “Look Alive”. This is a deep burgundy/brown shade. This is my second most worn color. I love it because it isn’t a shade I see often and I think it’s a very pretty contrast against my pale skin. The next color is “Bride and Doom”. It’s a lovely light mauve color. I don’t have much more to say on this one other than it is probably the most neutral/normal color in the set. Finally, the reason I bought this set…”Ghost Host”. This shade is an amazing lavender and, as odd as purple lipstick may sound, I think it is actually very pretty and not as eccentric as your may imagine. Each shade is wonderful and applies opaque. I know the pictures seem to show the colors have a shimmer, but they dry matte. That is a plus for me, but I know some may prefer the glossy look.

While there are so many things I love about this product, it is far from perfect. I’m really not that impressed with the longevity (or lack thereof) of this lipstick. It seems the color lasts up to 3 hours on average. Again, I’m not a makeup expert, but I was expecting a little better performance from Disney’s makeup line. Another issue I have seems to only happen with the “Look Alive” shade. This color seems to take forever to dry. This has led to me getting lipstick on my chin, and it does not easily come off. (Hello embarrassment!) Again, maybe this is my lack of makeup experience. Is there a trick I’m missing out on for better lipstick application? If so, please share! Anyway… back to the review. I know these two negatives are pretty big things, but I do not regret this purchase. I think the uniqueness of these shades and the wonderful Haunted Mansion theme outweighs the bad. However, I probably will not be purchasing anymore Beautifully Disney lipstick in the future… unless a Nightmare Before Christmas collection comes out. Then, all bets are off.

Have you purchased any Beautifully Disney products? What’s your favorite item or do you have buyer’s remorse? Share your experiences with me on Twitter @hoodie_life.