The “World” According to Jack

The six-acre Pembe Savanna which surrounds the north wing of Kidani Village at the Animal Kingdom Lodge opened today (September 1). I was on hand to check things out. Unfortunately, I don’t have much to report as there isn’t anything “new” that I didn’t already cover in my Kidani Village blogs. You see, for the most part, this new savanna can only be viewed from the rooms of the north wing. The one exception can be found in the pool area. Next to the Maji Bar, tables now overlook a small section of this animal habitat. This makes for a fantastic place to enjoy a cool drink in the evening.

Disney has also created a small viewing area near the Maji Bar where you’ll find a knowledgeable cast member who can answer questions about the various animals.

The savanna is populated with okapis, a typically shy animal closely related to the giraffe. You’ll also find red river hogs, impala, waterbuck, blue cranes, and spur-winged geese.

Since I visited Kidani Village around 9:30am, most of the animals were backstage attending their daily check-up with the vets and caretakers. Because of that, I don’t have any animal pictures to share with you. But to make up for this, I created a short video that highlights the public spaces of Kidani Village. I hope you enjoy it.

Read Disney's Official Press Release on the Opening of Pembe!

The Great Movie Ride has been entertaining guests for over twenty years, allowing us to do more than just see some of the classics, but to be immersed in and surrounded by them. Fifty-nine Audio-Animatronics figures, recreating some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, come to life as we travel from one cinemagraphic genre to the next. For almost nineteen minutes, we’re lost in a world of make believe and illusion.

The Great Movie Ride was originally planned as an Epcot attraction in Future World. It was to be a part of an entertainment pavilion and was to be located between the Journey Into Imagination and The Land Pavilions. When Michael Eisner joined the company in 1984 with a mandate to develop more of Disney’s Florida property, he decided to build a third park. Expanding on Walt’s original idea to give tours of the Burbank Studio, the concept for the Disney/MGM Studios was born with the Great Movie Ride as its centerpiece.

Here is a picture of The Great Movie Ride taken in October, 1989.

Unfortunately, this view no longer exists. To help kick off the “100 Years of Magic Celebration” Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat was constructed in 2001 at the end of Hollywood Blvd. This next picture was taken from approximately the same spot as the above photo.

I have nothing against this hat. In fact, I think it’s attractive. And I understand why the Imagineers placed it at the end of Hollywood Blvd. They wanted to utilize the “draw” concept. This icon will help draw guests into the park. But I think it’s a shame that it blocks the beautiful Chinese Theater and I wish they could have come up with a different idea.

The exterior of Disney’s Chinese Theater is an exact copy of the one located in Hollywood at 6925 Hollywood Boulevard. However, due to wear and tear on the Hollywood structure, some of the external décor has been removed. Disney’s version was built from vintage reference material and still displays these missing details.

The original theater opened on May 18, 1927 and premiered Cecil B. DeMille's film “The King of Kings.” (I have no idea why the above plaque says 1928. All of my research indicates that the theater opened in 1927.)

There are a number of stories as to how the tradition of actors placing their footprints in the cement came about. The most famous tells that Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement outside of the theater, giving Sid Grauman, part owner of the theater, the idea. This tradition has been kept alive at the Florida counterpart as can be seen in these next pictures.

If you’re a regular reader of my blogs, I’m constantly telling you to slow down and notice the details. The exterior of this theater is no exception. The center section (main entrance) of the building is designed to resemble a giant Chinese pagoda.

Flanking the entrance of the theater are two Chinese lions. These figures are often placed in front of gates or doorways as they were believed to have mystic and protective powers. Although the lions look like they’re both male due to their bushy manes, one is female. Look closely at their paws. The male has a ball underneath his right paw and the female has a lion cub under her left. The ball represents unity of the empire and the cub symbolizes prospering offspring.

Above the door is another Chinese symbol, the dragon. And if you look carefully at the roof, there are a number of these creatures climbing about.

The typical Chinese courtyard is traditionally a place of tranquility and privacy. In almost all cases some sort of water feature and garden will be incorporated into the design. The Chinese Theater’s courtyard is no exception. This is a lovely place to wander and relax. Although difficult to see in the second picture, the large sculpture is a water feature.

You can find a bit of Disney history inside the two windows located to each side of the outer courtyard wall.

Both Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967) premiered at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Photographs, programs, and tickets are on display in these windows.

There are more details worth note on the exterior of this building – too many to list here. So next time you’re heading for The Great Movie Ride, take a moment and look around.

Usually you enter The Great Movie Ride through the main entrance, but during busier times you may enter via a side door. When doing so, you walk through a lovely room featuring a panel-mural, vase, and intricate carpeting. All of the carpeting in the queue was custom made by a Japanese firm. Also, be sure to look at the ceiling. It is also stunning.

Further on in the queue are three display cases. Two have temporary exhibits, but the carousel horse that Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) rode in the movie is on permanent display. If the line is short, you won’t pass by this treasure, but the queue is open in this area so feel free to step out of line for a look-see.

The next portion of the queue is housed in what would be the seating area of a real theater. Here, previews of eight movies are shown. These include Alien (1979), Casablanca (1942), Fantasia (1940), Footlight Parade, (1933), Mary Poppins (1964), The Public Enemy (1931), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), The Searchers (1956) and Singin' in the Rain (1952). It takes a little over nine minutes to see all of the clips.

All of these movies are recreated in The Great Movie Ride with the exception of The Searchers. Although John Wayne can be seen in the attraction, this section of the show was designed to represent films of the Western genre rather than one specific movie.

For those of you who have never ridden on this attraction, you will experience one of two different scenarios during your journey through the movies. You can either receive the gangster treatment or the western adventure. In the morning, before the crowds materialize, only the gangster treatment is used. Usually by 10am, both scenarios are available. The front two vehicles will see the western bank robbery while the last two will experience the gangster shootout. If it’s important to you to see one or the other, just ask a cast member when you reach the turnstiles. The same holds true if you’d like to sit on one side or the other or request the front seat. However, you might have to wait for the next show sequence to begin in order to have your request granted.

The diorama behind the loading area is a composite of elements found in the Hollywood Hills of the 1920’s to the 1940’s. The Griffith Observatory and the Hollywoodland sign can both be seen.

The actual Hollywoodland sign was built in 1923 atop Mt. Lee as a promotional gimmick for a new housing development in the area. The sign soon became an icon and was used in many publicity photos and movies. By 1949, the sign was deteriorating badly. To its rescue came the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. They restored the sign, but in a desire to more accurately portray their city, they left off the “land” portion so it only read “Hollywood.” Over the years the sign received several more restorations, but eventually it reached a point of no return. So once again the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce came to the sign’s rescue, but this time rebuilt it from the ground up. In a nationally televised program, the new sign was unveiled on November 14, 1978.

The Great Movie Ride does not display an obvious track. The vehicles are guided by wires imbedded in the flooring. The steering wheels on the vehicles are not functional while in normal operation. However, they can be engaged for maintenance purposes.

Listed below are some bits of trivia contained within the attraction. I’ve only listed a sampling here. Believe me, there are many more.

When loading and unloading the ride vehicles, the “house lights” are on. But as the ride begins, you can hear a director yell out, “Quiet on the set.” At this point, the house lights dim and stage lights come on. In addition, the lights within the various buildings on the diorama begin to illuminate. In other words, filming is about to begin.

The Busby Berkeley girls in the first scene sit upon several tiered turntables. When the attraction first opened, the different levels rotated in opposite directions. Due to continual maintenance problems, this area was redesigned and now the girls stand stationary. It’s a shame a better solution couldn’t be found as I feel this is the weakest set on the attraction.

When first entering Gangster Alley, look to the right of the hotel. You can see movement behind the curtains on the second floor.

Further on, Mickey Mouse’s feet can be seen underneath a peeling poster.

The two Audio-Animatronics gangsters are named Squid and Beans. The live gangsters are named Mugsy (male) or Mugsi (female).

The license plate on the gangsters' car reads "021429." The St. Valentine's Day Massacre took place on this date, February 14, 1929.

The horse that John Wayne sits on does not represent a particular horse from his movies. It’s intended to represent a composite of his film steeds.

Across from John Wayne, there is a sign on the wall with the name Ransom Stoddard Attorney. In the movie “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” starring John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart, Mr. Stewart played the part of Ransom Stoddard.

The Audio-Animatronics bank robber’s name is Snake. The live bank robber is named Kate Durango (female) or Kid Carson (male).

After the bank is blown up, you can see smoke escaping from between the timbers of the barn.

Behind the Egyptian god Horus, a hieroglyphic Mickey and Donald can be found.

Contrary to some rumors, no real skeletons are used in this attraction.

Contrary to another persistent rumor, the Lockheed Electra 12A airplane seen in the Casablanca sequence was not the same plane used in the actual movie. However, the back half of this Great Movie Ride plane was removed and can be seen in the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom.

In the Fantasia section of the attraction we’re told that the sorcerer (unseen on the ride) is named Yensid. This is Disney spelled backwards. Adding to this bit of trivia, Disneyland’s steam trains and monorails were originally owned by the Disney family under the company name of Retlaw, Walter spelled backwards.

Due to legal restrictions, Disney cannot provide a list of the movies shown in the final sequence of the attraction. However, one movie is mentioned by name, "Good Morning, Vietnam.”

I haven’t included any “show” pictures of The Great Movie Ride. Instead, I’ve created an abbreviated video of the experience. I hope you enjoy it.

A handful of famous people have worked at Disneyland. John Lasseter (founder of Pixar) was a Jungle Cruise skipper. Steve Martin worked as a magician in the Main Street Magic Shop. Michelle Pfeiffer portrayed Alice in Wonderland. Teri Garr was a parade dancer. And Bob Cummings, Art Linkletter, and Ronald Reagan are/were members of Club 55 since they worked at Disneyland on opening day (July 17, 1955) as guest personalities. But there is one other famous celebrity who had a more notorious stint as a cast member.

During the summer of 1967, Richard Carpenter performed at Disneyland with John Bettis as a banjo and piano duo. They played at Coke Corner on Main Street.

Being a time-specific land, they were instructed to play certain pieces from the early 1900’s. However, they were frequently asked by guests to perform more contemporary songs like “Somewhere My Love,” “Yesterday,” and “Light My Fire.” Being young and cocky, they ignored their directive and honored the guest’s requests. Talent supervisor Vic Guder spoke to them numerous times about straying from the approved song list, but his words had little effect on the duo. Eventually, they were fired.

Being young and not completely understanding how the supervisor-subordinate relationship works, they thought they had received a raw deal. To vent their frustration and outrage they collaborated on an “anti-establishment” song titled, Mr. Guder in honor of their Disneyland boss. The song was later recorded by Richard and his sister Karen and was released on the “Close to You” album in 1970.

In later years, Richard admits that perhaps he should have been satisfied with having a job and not behaving as he did.

Here are the words to the song. Something to keep in mind when reading them, the 1960’s represented a time of change. Non-conformity was rampant – except at Disneyland where cast members were expected to maintain the Disney look and attitude. Grooming standards were extremely strict then, more so than they are today.

Mr. Guder.
Say! Mr. Guder.
May I have a moment with you?
Because there is something I've got to say.
And please don't let it scare you away.

Mr. Guder.
Say! Mr. Guder.
I have seen you go through a day.
You're everything a robot lives for,
Walk in at nine and roll out the door at five.

(*) You reflect the company image.
You maintain their rules to live by,
Shine your shoes let's keep a neat haircut,
Now that you're wearing a coat and tie.

Mr. Guder.
Say! Mr. Guder.
Some day soon may realize,
You spend your life just playing a game,
Where no ones wins but everyone stays the same.

Repeat (*)

Mr. Guder.
Say! Mr. Guder.
Some day soon may realize,
You spend your life just playing a game,
Where no ones wins but everyone stays the same.
The sa-a-a-me.

Please!
Play your game!
Stay the same.

Most people pay very little attention to the music being played in the background while visiting a Disney theme park. Our eyes are much too busy taking in all of the sights to consciously pay any attention to the melodies filling the air. The songs are simply there. But if the music wasn’t surrounding us at every turn, we’d notice. Our stroll down Main Street would seem flat and wanting.

Disney puts a lot of thought into the music they select for each land or area of their parks. First, it has to be appropriate. Obviously, they’re not going to play German music at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot. But you will find 1930’s and 40’s big band music on Sunset Blvd. at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Next, the music is usually somewhat upbeat. Disney wants their guests to be happy and a jaunty melody can affect our mood. I’m not saying that every tune played is a toe-tapper, but you won’t find many dirges, either.

Disney also wants the music to be recognizable when possible. If we can hum along with a tune, we’ll feel at home and comfortable.

But have you ever paid any attention as to where this music comes from? I mean, when you walk through a Disney park, the tunes are just there, as if by magic. The sounds don’t come from any one direction, they surround you.

In this article, I’m going to show you how this magic happens. In reality, I’m not going to provide you with any information you couldn’t garner for yourself if you were so inclined. In this blog I’ll cover the Magic Kingdom and leave the other parks to your own discoveries.

Let’s start with Main Street. The most commonly used technique along this thoroughfare is to hide speakers behind vents. Since many structures have openings to allow for air circulation, this is the perfect spot to place a speaker.

Another common practice is to design the speaker into the structure.

Out on The Hub we see the vent method used again as well as hiding a speaker in a lamp pole.

Many of the melodies played on Main Street are old standards that hearken back to a simpler time. A number of these songs, like “In the Hills of Old Kentucky” and “Kentucky Home” are performed by the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and are available for sale on Amazon. Disney’s 1963 movie “Summer Magic” and his 1967 film “The Happiest Millionaire” both provide music for Main Street. The stories in both of these movies took place around the turn of the 19th to the 20th century so the theming is correct. The same can be said for the three Broadway musicals represented. Oklahoma, The Music Man, and Hello Dolly were all set in this same era.

Tomorrowland doesn’t bother with trying to hide their speakers. Here the Imagineers placed them in plain site. They just disguised them to look like futuristic objects. See for yourself.

The music of Tomorrowland was performed with the use of synthesizers. Very few (if any) “traditional” instruments were used in the making of these recordings. The music also has a strong beat to emphasize energy. A sharp ear can make out “Strange Things” from the Disney/Pixar 1995 movie Toy Story. “A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and “Now is the Time,” both from the Carousel of Progress, can also be heard. And for you old timers, “If You Had Wings” is also played.

I have to say, I was disappointed with the speakers in Mickey’s Toontown Fair. All of them that I could find were out in the open. Many times, outdoor speakers are hidden beneath bushes, but not here. The Imagineers didn’t even bother. Take a look.

Most of the songs played in Mickey’s Toontown Fair are from the cartoons Disney produced during the ‘30’s to the ‘50’s. “Minnie’s Yoo Hoo,” “The Country Cousin,” and “The Three Little Pigs” are just a few of the selections in store for you here.

In Fantasyland the Imagineers did a fine job of hiding the speakers.

As you might expect, the music played in Fantasyland is from the many animated movies Disney produced over the years. These are the songs that we all know by heart and we could probably even sing the words. However, near Pinocchio Village Haus the music has a different theme and is Bavarian in nature.

Many of the speakers in Liberty Square are hidden in vents (like Main Street) so I didn’t take many pictures in this area. However, I do like the bird house disguise.

The music in Liberty Square is patriotic and homespun. Violins, the fife, and the dulcimer are the instruments of choice for most of these renditions. A Disney connection is also present. The song “The Sons of Liberty” from the 1957 movie Johnny Tremain is played.

Where Main Street uses vents to hide speakers, Frontierland uses boxes. On many of the balconies and porch tops, rustic crates that blend into their surroundings can be seen.

A variation on the box theme is the barrel.

And on Splash Mountain speakers are encased in make-believe rocks.

“Oh My Darling Clementine,” “Home on the Range,” and “Happy Trails,” among a dozen other western favorites, are all on tap. Fiddles, banjos, guitars, and harmonicas make up the orchestra in Frontierland. The Disney song heard in this area is “Davy Crockett” from the 1950's TV series.

Last, but not least we come to Adventureland. Next to the entrance sign is a drum. But upon closer examination we find that it’s actually a piece of metal normally used as a vent or filter. Its multiple holes allow sound to pass right through.

On a balcony we find a lovely wicker planter. Once again, this “open” material provides the perfect place to hide a speaker. Music can easily flow through its openings.

This final picture is of the Pirate’s Stage near Pirates of the Caribbean. In this case a speaker is hidden in a birdcage.

When entering Adventureland, much of the music heard is played on the marimba with a tribal African beat. In many ways, it sounds similar to the music heard in the Animal Kingdom.

As you move further into Adventureland the music takes on a Middle Eastern theme.

And finally, the music from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies can be heard in Caribbean Plaza.

I didn’t want to take away all of your fun, so I’ve only covered the Magic Kingdom in this blog. I’ll let you discover your own musical moments in the other parks. But before I go, I’d like to share one of my favorite bits of Disney trivia.

In the attraction “it’s a small world” we all know that there are two counter melodies that play against each other. But in reality, there is a third melody heard on this ride. As you pass the Switzerland section, a young boy, perched high and to the right, yodels this other tune. But there’s more to the story. Let’s travel to Blizzard Beach. Among the many songs played here is this same young boy yodeling the third part to “it’s a small world.”

This final blog about Bay Lake Tower will contain some odds and ends not previously covered. Also, at the end of this article, I have included a Q&A section.

Let’s start with the Community Center. Located off of the Bay Lake Tower Lobby, the Community Center is where you’ll go if you want to engage in some sort of activity. When you check in, you should find a “Recreation Activities” bulletin in your room. This sheet lists all of the activities provided for the next week as coordinated through the Community Center. These include Disney trivia challenges, campfire/marshmallow roasts, pool volleyball, ceramics, and sand art creations, just to name a few. DVD's can also be checked out here. They are free to members and a $5 charge for others.

Also in the Community Center are a number of games. These include Wii, computer, and the board variety. This is also the spot where you can check out shuffleboard and bocce ball equipment.

At the Cove Bar out by the pool, you can enjoy a refreshing libation. Also available is a limited menu offering quick service meals.

Also at the Cove Bar you can order Private Dining. Just pick up the phone and place your order. Within thirty minutes your meal arrives in an attractive bento box. (Mine arrived in less than ten.)

I ordered the Contemporary Club Sandwich from Private Dining. The second meal is from the Cove Bar and is the Five Spice Chicken Lettuce Wrap.

Next to the Cove Bar is the beverage refill station for those of you who have purchased refillable mugs.

Next to the pool is a Mickey shaped fountain for kids to run and splash in.

The swimming pool features zero entry at one end.

On the shores of Bay Lake is the best spot on property to have a BBQ. Several covered picnic tables are available and you can’t beat this view while basting those ribs.

To the north of BLT are two new tennis courts. These are for the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower only. No reservations are needed as this is a first come, first serve facility. Please limit your play to one hour.

When you arrive at your room, one of the first things you should do is study the Evacuation Route sign on the back of the door. You need to know how to exit the building in case of an emergency.

This picture hangs over the sofa. Pretty cool.

These next two pictures were taken while I was lying in bed. Nice view, huh?

Back at the Top of the World, I wanted to give special thanks to my waiter Dan. He took care of serving me drinks and food for two evenings and I couldn’t have asked for a better cast member to wait on me.

Here is the menu featuring the items served at the Top of the World. Last night I opted to try the Chicken & Vegetable Summer Roll. To be honest, I thought they were somewhat bland, but the accompanying peanut sauce added a nice flavor.

I’ve created a short video of the Wishes Fireworks Show and the Electric Water Pageant as seen from the Top of the World.

Questions & Answers

Many of you asked questions about the resort, and I did my best to answer them when I posted your comments, but I realize that it’s not easy to wade through the comments looking for something in particular. Below, I tried to capture all of the questions asked over the last several days and provide an answer to the best of my understanding.

Q. Is there music in the lobby and halls?
A. Light Jazz/New Age music is played in the lobby, but not on the hallways. More upbeat music is played out by the pool.

Q. Are there age/height/weight restrictions for the pool slide?
A. I could find none. All I could find was a sign displaying general safety rules.

Q. Is there a charge for the pool lockers?
A. The lockers cost a quarter and are coin operated.

Q. Are the room washer and dryers reduced in size?
A. Although the washer and dryer are stacked, they seem to be of a standard size, large enough to hold a decent load.

Q. Does the pool bar accept the Disney Dining Plan or Tables in Wonderland?
A. Not at this time.

Q. Can we watch the fireworks from the Skyway Bridge?
A. Yes, and the music is played in this area.

Q. Can we watch the fireworks from the elevator lobbies?
A. Yes, but there is no music played in this area.

Q. Can you see the fireworks from the pool and hot tub?
A. No.

Q. Are there speakers on the room balconies?
A. No. However, your television broadcasts the fireworks music on channel 20.

Q. In what rooms can Ethernet/HSIA connections be found?
A. In the one-bedroom units, the only connections are in the master bedroom at the desk.

Q. What room is the balcony next to?
A. On the one and two bedroom units, the balconies are situated off of the bedrooms with sliding glass doors. An additional standard door connects the balconies to the living room.

Q. Do guests staying at the BLT have a separate check-in line at the Contemporary Resort.
A. No. All cast members can provide service for both resorts.

Q. Do the bathroom doors have locks?
A. No.

Q. Can the sliding doors between the master bedroom and bathtub be locked?
A. No.

Q. Is there someone who can provide “general information” at the BLT?
A. An information desk is located in the lobby and is manned during much of the day.

Q. Does the monorail stop at the BLT?
A. No. You must take the Skyway bridge to the Contemporary to catch the monorail. If you’re heading for the Magic Kingdom, it may be quicker to walk.

Q. How long is the walk from the BLT to the Magic Kingdom?
A. I think the average walker could make it in ten minutes.

Q. Does the Skyway Bridge have glass to protect you from the wind and rain?
A. No. One small section of the walkway has frosted glass panels, but this is to shield your view of the loading dock below.

Q. What is the music you used on the video you created (on the BLT Part 1 Blog)?
A. The title of the piece is “Behind the Waterfall” and can be found on the CD titled “Natural States.”

Q. Will the addition of BLT increase the number of people boarding the monorail at the Contemporary?
A. Not really. Remember, the North Wing was located here before the BLT. The two structures have basically the same amount of rooms. Although the number of people may increase some, that number is insignificant compared to the monorail capacity.

Q. The furniture looks uncomfortable. Is it?
A. The barstools were fine, but the sleeper sofa and sleeper chair were stiff and I did not find them comfortable. This simply might be because they're new. I'm hoping that after they're "broken in" they will be okay.

Q. Are hair dryers provided?
A. Yes. One can be found in the master bathroom drawer.

Q. On what floor do the rooms start?
A. In an earlier answer, I said the 2nd. This is incorrect. There are some rooms on the first floor.

Q. Do all of the rooms have a balcony?
A. Yes. Studio and one-bedroom units have one balcony. Two bedroom units have two balconies. And the Grand Villas have four. Units on the first floor have a small patio.

Q. Is construction of BLT complete?
A. Construction on Bay Lake Tower is complete. Of course, being new, there are bound to be a few things here and there that require attention. But if you're worried about hearing jackhammers, that's not going to be a problem.

Q. Does Bay Lake Tower offer room service?
A. A complete room service menu is offered. The kitchens in the Contemporary will be servicing the BLT.

Q. What type of cooking utensils/pots and pans are in the kitchen?
A. There is a full set of pots and pans, casserole dishes, knives, tableware and flatware. You name it, it's here. You will have no problem preparing meals in this kitchen.

Q. Did I see an overhead nozzle in the master bathroom shower?
A. Yes. There are two nozzles here, one on the wall and one on the ceiling. However, only one can be activated at a time.

Q. Can I use filters and loose grounds to make my coffee in the provided coffee maker?
A. Yes.

Q. Is the sofa bed comfortable?
A. I never slept on it so I can’t answer your question. However, the bed in the master bedroom was extremely comfortable.

Q. Who may use the Top of the World lounge?
A. Current policy states: Only DVC members staying on points and staying at the Bay Lake Tower, and those staying in the room with them, may use this lounge.

Q. Will this policy change?
A. Probably. At the moment, Disney does not know what the actual demand for this venue will be, and until that can be ascertained, they’re taking a conservative approach and limiting access. I’m certain that this policy is in flux and we will probably see it change several times before a permanent procedure is settled upon.

Q. How do you gain access to the lounge?
A. Guests must check-in at a podium in the lobby of BLT. A cast member will check your room key. They can tell by the information printed on the card whether or not you’re allowed to access the lounge. Once you have been cleared, you are escorted to a dedicated express elevator.

Q. I don’t like this policy. Who can I complain to?
A. Since this policy is in flux, you might want to wait a month or so and see what happens. But if you want to voice your displeasure now, contact a DVC representative if you’re a member. Non-DVC members should contact guest relations.

Q. Are children allowed at Top of the World?
A. Yes. Children, accompanied by an adult, can visit the Top of the World. However, they should refrain from sitting at the bar.

Q. What is the capacity of the Top of the World?
A. The lounge and outdoor viewing area combined can hold 499. The lounge alone can accomodate a little over one hundred.

Q. What are the hours of the Top of the World?
A. The Top of the World is open from 5pm until midnight -- last call is at 11:45.

Q. Can you make reservations for Top of the World?
A. No.

Q. Can you use Table In Wonderland at Top of the World?
A. Yes.

Q. Can you use the Disney Dining Plan at Top of the World?
A. Yes. But you might not want to. It takes one full-meal credit to order one flatbread. This would not be a good use of your credits.

Q. Does Bay Lake Tower have its own bus stop?
A. No. Guests staying at BLT share the Contemporary bus stop.

Q. Does Bay Lake Tower have its own exercise room?
A. No. Guests staying at BLT will use the gym at the Contemporary.

My “Opening Day” blog about Bay Lake Tower has generated a slew of questions. At the moment, some of them are answered within the comments section of my first blog. After I return home, I’ll publish all of the answers in a final Bay Lake Tower article.

I’m going to start this blog discussing the “Top of the World” lounge on the 16th floor of the resort.

For those of you who don’t remember, the restaurant/lounge that is now the California Grill at the Contemporary use to be named Top of the World. Here guests could be entertained by celebrities and in later years see a show called “Broadway at the Top” while they enjoyed a meal. The new BLT lounge pays homage to the Contemporary by reusing this name.

First, let me give you the current policy as to who may use the Top of the World. Only DVC members staying on points and staying at the Bay Lake Tower, and those staying in the room with them, may use this lounge.

I know this policy delights some and infuriates others. At the moment, Disney does not know what the actual demand for this venue will be, and until that can be ascertained, they’re taking a conservative approach and limiting access. I’m certain that this policy is in flux and we will probably see it change several times before a permanent procedure is settled upon.

Check-in for the Top of the World lounge takes place at a podium in the lobby of BLT. From there, a cast member escorts your party to a special elevator that only stops at the 16th floor. Once there, it’s just a short walk to the lounge.

These first few pictures are of the bar. The mural is an artist concept drawing that John Hench drew when the Disneyland monorails were in the planning stages. This mural is transparent with a solid backing that can be lowered behind it.

These next pictures are of the lounge area.

Here is a picture of Mike and Brucie, two of the full-time bartenders. Both of these fine people will take good care of you when you visit.

To each side of the lounge are large outdoor viewing areas. This is where you’ll want to be in order to get the best view of the fireworks.

Being a long day, I tuckered out at 8 p.m., and have no pyrotechnic photos for you. Until I get some, enjoy the spectacular view.

The music from the fireworks show is played both in the lounge and out on the viewing area. Take a look at the speaker covers. The music is also available in your room on TV channel 20.

Although I missed out on the fireworks, take a look at the full arch rainbow we saw over Bay Lake. Believe me, my photo doesn’t do it justice.

While at the Top of the World, we sampled three of the flatbreads offered. One is appropriately called a BLT – Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. Another contained beef, mushrooms, and onions. And the third had mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. Deb and Donald both thought the BLT was the best. I preferred the beef.

The restrooms that service the lounge have the cutest sinks for children. I hope we see more of this in future locations.

Now I’m going to move back to my room and fill you in on some details – good and bad.

Let’s start in the living room. This room is designed to sleep three. The sofa and chair both fold out into beds. I have to say, I didn’t find either very comfortable to sit on. However, I’m hoping that they just need to be “broken in,” as my main complaint was that they were “stiff.” The bar stools, on the other hand, were fine.

There is no portable luggage rack in the unit. This could be a problem for guests sleeping and unpacking in the living room. However, there is ample drawer space underneath the TV console.

The drapes have no sheers behind the blackout curtains. I have stayed in a tower room at the Contemporary many times. Believe me, in the late afternoon, you need sheers to defuse the harsh sunlight.

Since the DVC units are basically apartments, the kitchens come completely stocked with cooking utensils and tableware. I love how the dishes have a “modern” look.

All TVs have a connection box that allows you to hook up your camera directly. The living room TV also has a DVD player.

Both bathrooms have sliding doors. Neither one can be locked. Additionally, the doors do not close tightly. For instance, the bathroom off of the living quarters has a quarter inch gap running from floor to ceiling where the door meets the wall. This allows “private” sounds to easily be heard by those in the unit. This is something that Disney MUST address immediately.

The utility closet is located off of the master bedroom. Here you’ll find an iron and ironing board, vacuum and safe. The safe allows you to enter a personal code rather than swiping a credit card.

The luggage rack in the master bedroom is built into the furniture and a drawer can be found underneath. Additional drawers are located under the TV console.

High speed internet access is available at the desk in the bedroom. I will check today to see if it is also available in the living quarters. Access is free to members staying on points. All others are charged $9.95 for each 24 hour period.

The clock radio has an iPod docking station.

The duvet cover has Mickey stitched into the design.

The shower head also has a space-age look.

Okay, that’s it for today. I’ll have another installment sometime tomorrow.

Bay Lake Tower – Opening Day

Before I get into the nitty-gritty, I need to give you a little background. When I covered the Kidani Village, I was given a private, VIP tour about a week before the resort opened. Because of this, I was able to get a lot of pictures beforehand and obtain answers to the questions I knew you were going to ask. Unfortunately, that was not the case with Bay Lake Tower. So you need to bear with me.

I checked in this morning (August 4) at 7:30. I rushed around like crazy taking pictures and videos for this blog. Since my laptop isn’t as powerful as I’d like, I returned home to create this blog. I’m heading back to Disney later this afternoon.

I know you’re going to have dozens of questions. But at the moment, I don’t have the answers. I usually try to answer my comments within 24 hours, but that’s not going to be the case over the next three days. Please feel free to send your questions via the comments section of this blog, but understand, it’s going to take me some time to get back to you with an answer.

Also, this blog will be heavy on pictures and short on commentary.

Okay, let’s begin.

To start, you check-in at the Contemporary. Bay Lake Tower does not have a “front desk.”

Here are some pictures of the front of the resort.

Just inside the front door are modernistic paintings of the Magic Kingdom castle.

Here are some pictures of the lobby.

You can also gain entrance to BLT via a walkway connecting it to the Contemporary. Okay, here comes the confusing part. The walkway at the Contemporary is on the fourth floor. It connects to the fifth floor of BLT.

You cannot gain access to any part of Bay Lake Tower without a room key. You can’t enter the lobby doors. You can’t walk across the skyway, and you can’t enter the pool without a key.

These next three pictures were taken just outside the lobby as you walk toward the pool area.

Here are some pictures of the pool.

Next we see three pictures of the slide.

There is a pool-side bar that also serves light meals. These include: Caesar Salad w/Chicken, Club Sandwich, Five Spice Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and Vegetable Summer Rolls.

Here is the hot tub.

Adjacent to the pool is a lovely beach with lounge chairs. To me, this might become the most romantic spot at all of Disney. Being early morning, the chairs were not yet set up.

There are a limited number of lockers at the pool.

Next we see pictures of the two elevator lobbies. Notice the Contemporary and Space Mountain in the background.

Here is a picture of a typical hallway and room-door exterior. Also, notice the Hidden Mickey in the carpet.

The first thing I noticed when I entered my room was the lamp positioned squarely in front of the window. What were the designers thinking? I’m paying for a view. I didn’t want a lamp in my way, so I immediately moved it.

Here are some pictures of the living and eating areas. Take a look at the Andy Warhol-esque picture of Space Mountain over the dining table.

There is a full bathroom off of the living room.

I was staying in a one-bedroom unit. Here are pictures of the sleeping area.

Next we see the balcony off of the bedroom. There are two chairs and a small table. As you can see, there is plenty of room for several people to stand here and watch the fireworks. This is the view from the seventh floor.

The master bath is separated from the bedroom by sliding doors.

Here we see photos of the master bath.

Also found in the one, two, and three bedroom units is a washer and dryer. For those of you staying in a studio, a laundry facility is located on the first floor off of the lobby.

Okay, that’s all I’ve got for now. I hope to visit the lounge this afternoon and hopefully have more pictures and information for you tomorrow. Below is a quick video I put together to try and give you a better idea of what the resort is all about. Enjoy.

When Disney announced and built Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama, I was annoyed. I realized that the Animal Kingdom desperately needed more rides and attractions, but I felt that the bean-counters tried to remedy this situation by the cheapest means possible. They bought “off-the-shelf” rides and had the Imagineers spruce them up the best they could. I also did not like the “carnival” atmosphere they created with the games on the midway. After all, Walt built Disneyland in an effort to get away from this sort of cheap amusement park. So the first time I visited Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, I had a chip on my shoulder and didn’t like what I saw.

After some time had passed, it finally sunk into my thick head that Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama wasn’t going away. It was here to stay. So I decided to climb down from my high-horse and take another look at this section of Dinoland U.S.A., only this time, I’d try to be objective. Once I did this, and embraced the storyline, I found that the Imagineers actually built a pleasant and engaging area. And like everything else they do, it’s full of details.

The story of Dinoland U.S.A. goes something like this. In the early 1940’s, Diggs County contained little more than ranch and farmland. This is evident by the barn seen on the property. (By the way, there is an ATM on the side of this structure.)

Two locals, Chester and Hester owned a rundown gas station and a few acres of land along the highway. This allowed them to eek out a meager living.

They sold Sinclair gasoline. The irony of this would become evident in the years to come.

In 1947, amateur fossil-hunters found some dinosaur bones in the area. Once their authenticity could be verified, scientist and grad students swarmed the area, eager to discover their own finds. An old fishing lodge (Restaurantosaurus) became their gathering place and soon after, the Dino Institute was founded. When time travel was invented, the Institute erected a modern building to facilitate research. To help subsidize costs, tours were offered to non-professionals.

Meanwhile, Chester and Hester could see others getting rich while their profits had only risen mildly with the influx of tourists. Determined to cash in on the area’s new found wealth, they started selling souvenirs as well as gas. It wasn’t long before their tacky merchandise was raking in more money than the gas they sold, so they converted the entire service station into a large shop called “Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures.”

Out back and behind their store they created a photo op where their customers could pose with a whimsical dinosaur. (Note, this is a smoking section of Dinoland.)

Take a look at some of the corny signs and slogans they erected to attract passing motorists. If you look carefully at the last sign, you can see how they painted over an old GAS sign with a souvenir ad.

Another “attention getter” was the dinosaur (if you can call it that) that they created out of plaster, rocks, bottles, and broken glass and mirrors. I’ve read that there is a Steamboat Willie pin embedded somewhere on this dinosaur, but I have not verified this.

Ever frugal, the team used old tires as planters.

On the roof top you can see a number of homemade dinosaur weathervanes.

As profits started to grow, Chester and Hester decided to build a small amusement park across the street from their souvenir shop. Since their land bordered the main highway, this would be the perfect spot to attract passing tourist aiming for the Dino Institute.

Soon after, Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama was born.

Like all roadside attractions of the day, numerous signs, advertising the approaching venue, were placed along the highway for miles in both directions.

Also found in the vicinity are billboards advertising the Dino Institute and Diggs County.

Near the entrance to Chester & Hester’s, the word DINO-RAMA is spelled out with plants. Upon closer inspection, you can see that the ever thrifty team used old license plates to form the outline of the letters.

At one time, there was parking for Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama next to the souvenir shop, but this area has been turned into a picnic area.

Typical of the era, “novelty architecture” was brought into play with the creation of a large yellow dinosaur (concreteasaurus) to entice motorists to stop.

The midway, Fossil Fun Games, contains six different challenges.

Dino Whamma!

In this game you use a mallet and lever to try to ring the bell. Some of the “levels of expertise” you can achieve are: Wimposaur, Biceptoraptor, Brawnosaurus, and Triceps-A-Tops

Fossil Fueler

Here you use a water pistol to fill your fuel tank before the other players can achieve the same goal.

Mammoth Marathon

At this game, you roll baseballs into a number of holes with different point designations. With each point, your mammoth advances toward the finish line.

Comet Crasher

With this contest, you toss comets (balls) into a sea of goblets. The color of the goblet your comet lands in, determines the prize you win.

Bronto-Score

This is a basketball toss game.

Whac-A-Packycephalosaur

As dinosaurs pop up, you whack ‘em with your mallet.

The games each cost $2.50 to play; however, the booths do not accept cash. You must purchase coupons at either the nearby souvenir stand, a strolling vendor, or at Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures. The prizes awarded are brightly colored plushes resembling everything from fanciful dinosaurs to snakes. None are Disney characters.

There are other midway attractions besides the games. You can see a “deformed” image of yourself in a wavy mirror.

Have four automatic pictures taken of you and your friends as you cram yourselves into this small picture booth. (Cost, $5).

Or you can pose for a picture behind a dinosaur cut-out.

Chester and Hester took their old vacation trailer and converted it into a concessions stand. Hot dogs, popcorn, and frozen and liquid drinks are for sale at Dino Diner.

If you look at the pavement, you can tell that Chester and Hester were tight on money when creating their little park. As it expanded, they just built on top of their former parking lot. Also notice the flowerbeds are lined with the old tires that they accumulated over the years running their service station.

There are two rides at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, TriceraTop Spin and Primeval Whirl. Let’s start with TriceraTop Spin.

In case you didn’t notice, the second “T” in TriceraTop is capitalized. That’s because the ride resembles a giant top – the kind you had as a kid and would pump and watch spin.

The vehicles you ride in are, of course, fanciful triceratops. Each has two seats. The front seat has a lever that controls the pitch and the back seat has a lever that controls the height.

While spinning, a comet orbits in the opposite direction around the top of the top.

The views while riding are also a lot of fun.

If you owned one of these tops as a kid, you might remember that they were cheaply made and usually constructed out of tin. The triceratopses on this ride look like “tin toys” and even have the flaps that were used to fasten them together.

Another example of the thriftiness of Chester and Hester can be found on a number of signs scattered around the attractions. Once again, they recycled old license plates.

The big draw in Diggs County is the time machine over at the Dino Institute. But Chester and Hester didn’t want to be left out of the action so they created their own time machine and named it Primeval Whirl. Of course, you don’t really go back in time on Primeval Whirl like you do at the Institute. But it is a lot of fun and a little zany.

There is a height restriction for this ride. Children must be 48” to ride.

Close observers will notice a striking similarity between these three dinosaurs found near the top of Primeval Whirl and the hitchhiking ghosts of the Haunted Mansion.

Before boarding your time traveling vehicle, you walk past the machinery that makes your journey possible. Trained scientists will notice the sophisticated components Chester and Hester used when creating their time machine like discarded hubcaps and whisks from a Hobart mixer.

You also pass by the technicians, readying your craft.

Eventually, it’s time to board your time machine for a fanciful blast to the past. For those of you who have never ridden, I’ve created a short video to give you an idea of what it’s like to travel through time with Chester and Hester.

My one complaint about this attraction is the seat size. The time machines are designed to hold four people in two seats. However, these seats are extremely small and even two average sized adults would feel cramped squeezing together under one lap bar. If you’re a person of size, request a seat to yourself.

My family took many vacations by car during the 1950’s and early 1960’s, traveling throughout much of the western United States. During our journeys, we encountered a lot of tourist traps. Although none were quite like Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, I think this area is a good compilation of the mom and pop enterprises that once populated the highways, long before the Interstates (and Disneyland) put them out of business. If you’re old enough to remember Burma Shave signs, then you should be able to glean a certain amount of nostalgia from this area and appreciate it as a part of our history.

Let’s start with a little history. When the Animal Kingdom opened (April 22, 1998 – Earth Day), there was no Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Well, there was, but it was called Conservation Station back then and was an outcropping of Africa. Conservation Station failed to spark the guest’s imagination so sometime in 2001, this area became its own “land” and was renamed Rafiki’s Planet Watch. In reality, not much changed except for the addition of a number of sights to the boring walk from the Conservation Station train to the actual facility. With these new exhibits came a new designation for this walkway, Habitat Habit. In addition, Rafiki, the all knowing mandrill from the Lion King movie, was added to the trail.

These changes helped increase interest, but this area is still under appreciated. I’m going to guess that many of you have experienced Conservation Station/Rafiki’s Planet Watch at one time or another. I’ll also venture to guess that you came away from the experience saying to yourself, “This was nice, but now let’s go do something exciting.” If I’m correct, I’m hoping that my blog will convince you to give this “forgotten” land another chance. If you’ll just slow down and appreciate that this is not Expedition: Everest, there are many rewards to be found here.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch is placed strategically near the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris and Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. The Imagineers’ expectation was that you would be so inspired after viewing the animals in the “wild,” that you’d want to see how they were cared for backstage and would hop aboard the Wildlife Express to Conservation Station.

The Harambe Train Station is reminiscent of the European colonial-style structures built in many parts of Africa during the late 19th to early 20th century. Once again, details abound if you take the time to look for them.

When you enter the structure, you’ll see a lot of unused queue. It’s obvious the Imagineers thought this attraction was going to be more popular than it is. To the far right side of the building are the ticket windows. Posted between them is a sign of interest.

Since the picture’s size precludes you reading it, I’ll post its contents here.

NOTICE

The Harambe Town Council and Eastern Star Railways are very regretful to announce the cessation of continuous railway service to:

BWANGA STATION

And points beyond.

Service to the above area has been interrupted due to:

AN EROSION OF THE TRACKS

Future service to the affected regions will be announced and implemented by the Harambe Town Council and Railway if and when it is deemed to be of public service and of a safely sufficient to appropriate standards.

ALL MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO REMEDY THE CURRENT SITUATION

HARAMBE TOWN COUNCIL

This sign, and several others in the queue, were intended to be read while waiting in line. It’s a shame that these details are passed over as we race to board the train.

Overhead are signs that list the north and southbound stops along the Eastern Star Railway.

To each side of the station platform are enclosures containing luggage. These are holding areas used for the loading and unloading of baggage. Also notice the top of the train. This is where possessions are stowed during a trip. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the baggage is old and the belongings eclectic. This train caters to a developing area and its passengers are of meager means. All of their worldly goods may be traveling with them. Everything from bicycles, chairs, trunks, crates and safari equipment might be found up here.

The train’s engine is modeled after English steam-powered locomotives that traversed Africa in the early 20th century. Close inspection will find that these locomotives have seen better days and have been patched together over the years.

The seating on the coaches is side-facing. This allows everyone to have a good view during the five and a half minute ride to Conservation Station. The train can carry 250 passengers. Along the way, the conductor gives a brief overview of what awaits you at Conservation Station and points out some of the sights.

Harambe Station is located at the edge of civilization. As soon as the train pulls out, you are surrounded by lush vegetation as you skirt the east side of Kilimanjaro Safaris.

As your journey continues, the backstage homes of many of the animals come into view. Each night, all of the creatures of the Kilimanjaro Safari are brought to these (and other) enclosures for feeding and care. It’s not uncommon to see animals as you pass by this area as they are given occasional “days off” to rest up from their hectic safari duties.

Eventually, the train pulls into Conservation Station where you disembark. There are a few points of interest here, but the real sights lay ahead down the lush trail.

A short distance down the path we encounter Rafiki, pointing the way to Habitat Habit. This is a good photo op for the kids.

In the early years, there was nothing along this considerable walk to Conservation Station except a thriving jungle. As pleasant as this was, most people found it boring. So when Rafiki’s Planet Watch came into existence, this trail was populated with a number of exhibits that promote the environment.

At the first stop along the path we encounter the Cotton Top Tamarin monkey. Here we learn that researchers at the Animal Kingdom are studying these creatures and their habitat. It’s hoped that the knowledge gained here can someday help save these endangered animals and their dwindling forest.

The next encounter along the trail is definitely for the little ones. A simulated backyard has been created and children are taught that the creatures that live near our homes, even the icky ones, are beneficial to our environment.

Any child who wishes to participate is loaned a grease pen and board. On the leaf shaped pallet are pictures of all the creatures “hidden” within the backyard. As the children discover a bug or animal, they check it off on their leaf. When they find them all (or most), they return to a cast member who congratulates them on a job well done.

The cast member then presents them with a “Kids’ Discovery Club Membership Card.

On the reverse side, the six lands of the Animal Kingdom are listed. The cast member then helps the child stamp the Rafiki’s Planet Watch space, indicating that they have completed this challenge. Check your guide map for a “K”, indicating the other “Kid Discovery Club” locations around the park

In the last section of Habitat Habit you’ll find a number of signs and simple displays. These encourage us to create “animal friendly” environments in our own backyard.

Next stop, Conservation Station. This building’s entrance is marked by a large collage of animals. But while taking in this impressive work of art, don’t forget to look at the rockwork in the pavement.

Once inside, the collage continues. Instead of just walking through this area, take a moment to appreciate this room. It is amazing.

For the most part, the public area of Conservation Station is contained in one large room with different areas dedicated to various topics. There are several “cut outs” of animals scattered around this room. On the back side you’ll find “Fact… And Fable.” The information presented here replaces myths with truths about the creature.

To the left of the entrance we find “Song of the Rainforest.” Step inside one of these booths for a 3-D sound adventure. Grandmother Willow from Pocahontas narrates this short audio tour. The sound effects are so realistic you’ll want to swat the mosquito as it flies in your ear and your skin will crawl when the bird-of-prey snatches its next meal just inches from your head. Also heard is the destructive sound of a chainsaw as it cuts into a tree. The message here is strong – we must save our rainforests.

To the right of the entrance is a small, stand-up theater. Currently, a short movie about Siberian tigers is shown here.

For me, the highlight of Conservation Station can be found in the research and care facilities located along the outer wall. A wealth of information is available here for the taking.

The first stop is the Wildlife Tracking Center. One of the many duties performed in this lab is the testing of feces. Samples are continually being gathered from all of the animals throughout the park. Just like with humans, the information garnered from these tests provides invaluable information as to the health of the animal. For instance, by checking the hormone levels in the feces, the technicians can determine if certain animals are pregnant.

And I’m sure the kids will love the poop exhibit. On a table in this room are various stuffed animals. Behind each animal is a sample of its poop.

And if this hasn’t satisfied your excrement curiosity, you can actually handle some elephant poop at the next exhibit. Don’t worry, it’s been incased in some sort of resin so it neither feels yucky or smells. Kids love this.

Also in this area are two knowledgeable cast members. They love nothing better than to answer all of your questions. Here is Suzanne showing me how the researchers at the Animal Kingdom are studying elephant vocalizations. While playing a recording, she showed me a printout of the sounds that they make.

Perhaps the biggest draw at Conservation Station is the Veterinarian Treatment room. This is an actual operating room where animals are examined and operated on when necessary. Of course, some of the larger animals are too big to be cared for here, but the general rule is this. If the animal weighs less than 500 pounds and can fit through the door, it is treated here.

All of the animals are given yearly health check-ups. These are usually scheduled between 10am and 11:30am. The afternoon hours are left open so that the vets can make their rounds out in the field. On the day I visited, an Imperial pigeon from the Maharajah Jungle Trek was being given its yearly exam. If you look closely you can see the anesthesia face mask covering the bird’s beak.

I was told that three days earlier a tiger received a root canal in this room. You never know what to expect from day to day. The Animal Kingdom also has its own version of a paramedic vehicle so that the vets can attend to emergencies out in the field.

Continuing along this outer wall we see a number of animal enclosures. These include reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. I know that these slithery creatures might give some of you the heebie-jeebies, but rest assured, they’re all safely contained behind glass.

At the final station, we learn about the animal’s diet. Actual samples are on display with descriptions of what goes into their daily meals. This is a working facility and cast members can frequently be seen here preparing the food for a given animal group.

In the center of Conservation Station, a cast member can often be found with an animal in hand. These animal encounters are scheduled every hour on the hour and will last for about thirty minutes. Here we see Heidi with a Scarlet Snake. After providing us with some background information, she takes questions from the small group gathered around her. She then encourages us to touch the snake.

Another cast member is on hand with a disinfectant hand gel. If you touch one of these creatures, it is mandatory that you clean your hands afterwards.

Each hour brings a new animal and more learning opportunities. Here we see a tarantula and an owl. Sorry, I didn’t find out the species of either.

Conservation Station also offers good opportunities to meet some Disney characters without huge crowds. Pocahontas, Jiminy Cricket, and Rafiki all make appearances here.

Before heading outdoors to Affection Section, I needed to use the restroom. When I approached the urinal, I burst out laughing as I read the sign at eye level.

By the way, I know the answers to the questions because I DID wash my hands. If you want to know for yourself, you’ll have to make a visit to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and either visit the men’s room or have a male member of your party do so.

Through the doors at the far end of Conservation Station we find Affection Section. This is a petting farm intended for children.

Just inside the enclosure is a basket full of brushes. Feel free to pick one up and give a goat a good combing.

Besides goats, sheep, a donkey, llama, cow, and a pot-bellied pig are on hand.

When you’re finished with the animals, a sink is available near the exit for a vigorous hand washing.

Next to the petting farm is a small stage. Several times a day, a thirty minute show is presented here. Usually, two animals not normally seen in other parts of the Animal Kingdom are displayed and discussed. But before the show started, I found Nikki sitting on stage with an opossum. It seems that this little fellow was attacked by a dog and lost its front left leg. After being treated by a vet, it was moved to an animal shelter and eventually adopted by Disney. Nikki was feeding this little cutie, trying to get him used to being on stage, as he’ll eventually be one of the animals to star is this casual presentation.

In the show I saw, one of the sheep from Affection Section was brought onstage. The cast member discussed how this animal, and others, are trained – not to perform, but to assist the vets when it comes time for their check-ups. By using certain commands, an animal can be trained to step onto a scale or present itself for an injection. A child from the audience was selected to help in the demonstration.

The second animal displayed was a Ball Constrictor. With this animal, the cast member explained the importance of snakes in general and the characteristics of this animal in particular. At the end of the show, children and adults were given the opportunity to touch the animals and ask more questions.

Each day’s show offers two different animals. In addition, the animals presented are constantly changing as new creatures are added to the lineup – like the opossum.

Next to Affection Section is the “Out of the Wild” shop. The usual Animal Kingdom souvenirs are sold here. However, if you’re looking for something to eat, you’re pretty much out of luck. With the exception of some very light snacks and bottled water, there is nothing here to satisfy those hunger pangs.

The train ride back to Harambe Station skirts the edge of Asia. Along the way, a small, authentic village can be seen.

The goal of Rafiki’s Planet Watch is to educate people about the importance of our environment and about the animals who inhabit our planet. This is one of a handful of spots in the Animal Kingdom where you can engage knowledgeable cast members in conversations about the creatures that live here.

I spent two and a half hours at Rafiki’s Planet Watch and I wasn’t bored. But to be honest, I spent a lot of this time taking pictures and asking questions so I could blog about this area. It would not take most of you anywhere near this long to experience the sights and sounds found here. But Rafiki’s Planet Watch deserves more than just a cursory glance. This is not a passive place. Like so many things in life, the more effort you put into this area, the more you’ll get out of it.

It’s interesting what fond memories the Fort Wilderness Railroad conjures up in so many of us considering its short life. It only ran between 1973 and 1977. Still, this little train made a big impact and continues to cause us to wax nostalgic when we think of it.

Originally built at a cost of $1M, these trains were used to transport guests around Ft. Wilderness in the same manner the buses do today. They ran from 7am to 11pm and guests could ride all day for $1. The scenery was magnificent as you traveled beneath a pine and cypress forest, over canals, and through meadows. You didn’t need a destination. Riding was sufficient.

If this train was so great, then why did the Fort Wilderness Railroad have such a short life? Well, there are several reasons and they all combined to create a headache for Disney – a headache that aspirin alone couldn’t cure.

The design for the Fort Wilderness Railroad was based on narrow-gauge plantation locomotives that were used in Hawaii to haul sugarcane and pineapples from the fields to the docks. They were reliable and considered steadfast workhorses.

The four Fort Wilderness engines and rolling stock (five cars per train) were built in California by Mapo, Disney’s engineering and development department. Built at 4/5 scale, these engines had a 2-4-2T wheel design and used diesel fuel to heat the water for steam. Fully loaded, each train could accommodate 90 passengers.

The total length of the Fort Wilderness track was twice as long as the track that circles the Magic Kingdom. Yet, the Fort Wilderness engines only held 225 gallons of water and 175 gallons of fuel compared to the Magic Kingdom’s engines which carry 1,837 gallons of water and 664 gallons of fuel. This decreased capacity required the trains to make frequent stops to replenish their supplies – an often overlooked detail. It wasn’t uncommon for a train to run out of “gas” and be stranded on the tracks.

Much of this inattention could be attributed to Disney’s desire to save money. Rather than hire a professional railroad crew, inexperienced workers were employed off the street. These cast members were given the “basics” of steam train operations, but in essence, they were simply ride operators with no experience in running a railroad. A steam engine is a complicated piece of machinery with temperaments that require constant attention, something these undertrained cast members simply weren’t equipped to provide.

Another problem had to do with the roadbed. Corners were cut while laying the rails, installing the spikes, and placing the ballast. Because of this, the tracks often shifted and derailments were common. Repairs and maintenance were an ongoing nightmare.

There were also complaints from guests that the trains were too noisy and disturbed the tranquility of the campground. Since they started operation at 7am, campers did not appreciate being jolted out of their sleeping bags to the sound of the engines’ whistle. In addition, there were no barriers between the track and the campsites. There was nothing to prevent a child from wandering onto the rails as you can see in this next picture.

Eventually it was decided that the Fort Wilderness Railroad was more trouble that it was worth and Disney did not want to invest any more capital to fix the problems. The trains were retired and eventually found themselves in a field exposed to the elements. After years of neglect, several members of the Carolwood Pacific Historical Society purchased the decaying trains and have restored them to their original beauty.

Two of the coaches were briefly used as ticket booths at Pleasure Island, but they too were eventually replaced by permanent structures.

All of the track has been removed from Fort Wilderness, but you can still see some of the trestles that once spanned the canals.

It’s a shame this endeavor wasn’t undertaken properly in the beginning. If it had been, maybe we’d still be riding this lovely train today rather than buses on our way to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review.