Thursday, July 5, 2012

Aspies take Disney- Magic Kingdom Part 4

The last part of the Magic Kingdom is Tomorrowland. One of the park's biggest and most popular attractions, "Space Mountain," is here. The entire ride takes place in the dark and features music (I don't know if it's loud or anything.) It gives a true illusion of being in space. This is definitely one to use FASTPASS for and I'd probably utilize the ride swap option, too as it is very intense. Roller coaster people love this. Non-roller coaster people become nauseous. Also in Tomorrowland is the Astro Orbiter. This is very similar to the Dumbo ride with one key difference- it takes place very, very, very high in the air. The view is great but will probably be too much for those that don't like heights.

I really wanted to try "Buzz Lightyear," but it was closed temporarily. The technology is slightly older than that of Toy Story Mania. However, the ride is the same idea: you ride through different scenes shooting at targets trying to rack up the highest score. It's very dark but there's plenty of light to see what you're shooting with your laser. If Zurg creeps your kid out, this ride has to be skipped. If not, go ahead and try your luck!

Down the road is "Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor." I loved this attraction. It's a great way to cool off and you can even text them a joke to use in the show. The wait feels worse than it is. Don't take one look at the line and walk away. It doesn't move until the previous show ends and the theater opens, but once it does you move really fast. The second waiting area is nice; a short informative/humorous video plays and you even get a glimpse of Mike's 'dressing room' door, if you look for it. Once inside, you are seated in a rather large theater and the show begins. The monsters react to you through similar (or possibly the same) technology as "Turtle Talk." Audience members are selected via hidden cameras to represent Boo, Sulley, Mike(?), and Randall onscreen for a retelling of the story of sorts and there is always one particular guy that gets picked on. I'm fairly sure that only adults get picked during the show, other than Boo. There's usually another audience member or two that gets selected to do something foolish or because of their look; 'Santa' was in our theater. Don't let this deter you if you're shy. There's a very small chance of being selected and it's mostly just a few 2-second cutaways. It's all in fun, and this show is fun indeed.


We probably love Stitch more than any other family does or ever could. However, after LOTS of negative reviews from all kinds of people (including mega-fans) we decided against seeing "Stitch's Great Escape." I truly do believe we made the right decision. Many Aspies will dislike the restraints that trap you in. If this was an actual ride, the restraints would make sense. However, this is just a video show with the help of an auto-animatronic Stitch. The entire experience is so dark and full of effects that even Disney warns that it might be scary. The worst effect takes place when Stitch burps chili dog into the air. You can't escape the ghastly smell. I've also heard that you feel pressure from the restraints during different parts of the show. As much as I love Stitch, it wasn't worth the risk.


"Tomorrowland Speedway" is fun, but not necessarily worth the mass lines that build up. Your best bet is to go here first thing. We had no wait, even though the screen outside said we would. I found this ride to be a tad harder to control than Disneyland's "Autopia." Two people fit in each car and, of the two, only one can influence the drive. Don't be afraid to let the kids get behind the wheel. A track runs beneath each car to help you stay in line, but even the most experienced drivers can jerk all over. Usually a ride will feel less jerky or uncomfortable if you know that you're the one controlling it. The final part of Tomorrowland is the "People Mover." It's a relaxing full-circle ride that lets you see every part of Tomorrowland. This isn't very exciting nor is it popular, so lines are small. Ride this if you need a break from the heat or if there's extra time on your schedule.


That wraps up the Magic Kingdom. We probably spent a full day's worth of time between the two days we hit it (we took advantage of the Park Hopper option.) It all depends on just how much your family is willing to do.

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