by Sean | Mar 5, 2013 | Tips and Tricks, Walt Disney World
What is a show that debut in 1971 and remains one of the few originals from the opening year? The Electrical Water Pageant!!!
The Electrical Water Pageant is a light parade on the Seven Seas Lagoon consisting of over 50,000 light bulbs. It is a beautiful display consisting of sea serpents, whales, turtles and many others. The pageant is composed of 14 lighted floats and includes four outboard motors to keep the show moving. 
To keep the show fresh the maintenance team has to replace between 100 to 1500 lights weekly to prevent a bad show. So, next time you are around the Seven Seas at night, be sure to find a spot to watch the pageant.
Below is the general time of the pageant, but be sure to check Guest Services for the times during your stay.
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by Sean | Mar 3, 2013 | Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland
You have walked by it, you have observed people running their hands over it, you have thought – “What the heck is that?” It’s the Kugel Ball! Sure, now it all makes sense, right?
Well then what is a Kugel Ball? A Kugel Ball is simply a sculpture of a granite ball supported by a thin layer of water. The granite ball must be supported by a base that is the exact same curvature as the ball to provide the exact area of water to allow the ball to move. The Disney kugel ball weighs in at around 6 tons.
Who doesn’t want to go home from vacation and say that they stopped a 6 ton granite ball? So, next time, don’t just pass by, join in the fun and stop the ball and change its direction it just may change yours.
by Sean | Feb 5, 2013 | Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom, Tips and Tricks, Walt Disney World
It’s a small world after all; It’s a small world after all. I know you are singing it, and you can thank me later today when it pops back into your head. Much thanks to the Sherman brothers for that. Yes it’s a song to remember and a very cutesy ride that’s not to be missed. It is a classic created in 1964 for the New York World’s fair in a 
pavilion sponsored by Pepsi. Hmm that’s odd you surely can’t find a Pepsi on property anymore. The ride can be found at Disneyland, Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each attraction has close to 300 animated dolls, don’t believe me? Ask the dishes, or count them next time and let me know.
As you ride the attraction, take a look in the water. People from all over the world throw in money to make a wish each time they ride. I once heard that the ride can contain around $100,000 in coins between cleanings. How much do you think is in there?
by Sean | Jan 14, 2013 | Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
Fastpass: Yes
Ride Duration: 7 minutes
Year Introduced: Dec 2012
Height Restriction: None
Let’s go under the sea with the Little Mermaid!
This charming ride is a cross between Winnie the Pooh and It’s a Small World, in which you have a continuous moving ride system with animated characters moving to a song that will still be running through your head for days to come. After the video screens were introduced on the Finding Nemo ride at Epcot, I was a bit concerned that Disney was moving to more “virtual” type rides. I was greatly relieved when Little Mermaid opened and I found a more traditional ride.
After waiting in an amazing interactive queue, which is almost as good as the ride, you step inside Eric’s castle where your clamshell vehicle descend deep into the ocean and meet Ariel and all her friends. While the ride takes you through the entire movie as Ariel meets Prince Eric and evil Ursula. In the final scene Ariel’s father and all sea life come together to wish Prince Eric and Ariel well. Truly a great experience for all ages. Be sure to watch as Sebastian pops up in the oddest places
One note of caution, the clamshell does tilt forward and backward so ensure that everything in your pocket is secure. My brother had a camera fall out of the clamshell which required them to close the ride for a short while until it was recovered. Although the continuous ride means the line will go a little faster than others (Peter Pan, I’m taking to you), it is new and therefore Disney Day By Day recommends visitors ride this first thing in the morning or late in the evening.
Rating 5/5 
A classic ride for a classic Disney Movie.
by Sean | Jan 12, 2013 | Magic Kingdom, Main Street, USA, Walt Disney World
Remember the downtown Christmas windows of the past? The excitement to see what each window has in store. Well those windows still exist on Main St USA. Take a walk with us to see the Mickey’s Christmas Carol windows before they are taken down for the year. Which is your favorite?
by Lori | Dec 16, 2012 | Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World
Our most recent trip to Disney World was full of surprises and new experiences. Sean saw one of his dreams come true when we stayed at The Polynesian, one of the best (if not the best) views of the Magic Kingdom. Review to come!
Speaking of the Magic Kingdom… our first day to the park ended up being more than magical! We were thrilled when we headed back to the new Fantasyland and were able to go on The Little Mermaid ride before its official opening to the public. Expect a review in the future, but for now let’s just say it’s a big two big thumbs up!
While headed toward the exit of the ride more surprises were to come. Who should follow 
behind us but some of the actors from Disney’s show Jessie! Our son was thrilled when the young actor who plays Luke gave him a peace sign. A few other actors were also seen snacking on cinnamon rolls from Gaston’s Tavern. It was obvious they were there for promotional reasons, but it was still sweet to see these young kids laughing and having a good time; basically being typical children.
Only an hour or so later while heading to the Beauty and the Beast castle for our first dining experience there (another two thumbs way up!) we spotted none other than a lovely looking Whoopi Goldberg who also seemed to be enjoying her trip to the most magical place on earth!
Apparently, Mickey Mouse isn’t the only celebrity one might encounter while at Disney. All in all, it was a trip full firsts and wonderful surprises!
To keep the show fresh the maintenance team has to replace between 100 to 1500 lights weekly to prevent a bad show. So, next time you are around the Seven Seas at night, be sure to find a spot to watch the pageant.
