It was rather poignant that we saved the first Florida park for our last. The Magic Kingdom is the flagship theme park of Walt Disney World. Based on the original Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971, as the first of four theme parks.
To get there, from our campground, we had to ride a boat. What a cool way to arrive.
Once there, we were met by the usual suspects (minus Bob): Erline, Jan and Chris.
I don't think any of us were prepared for it to be Christmas in the Park so I tried to ignore it as much as possible. Christmas should never come before Thanksgiving.
We found our 'friends' in various spots around the Kingdom.
Even the Jungle Cruise's narration was geared toward Christmas. The captain ended it by saying, "I'm going to tell you what I tell my relatives at Christmas, 'Get out. Leave my presence (presents)'.
The Magic Kingdom holds some of my childhood memories. When it opened 45 years ago, it had 23 attractions, three of which were copied from Disneyland. At the Kingdom, I got to see the things that I loved as a child that have since disappeared from Disneyland. The Bear Country Jamboree is one such attraction.
After 21 miles of walking, over three days (36 hours in a Park), we got a little silly with our photo opportunities.
For dinner, we traveled on the Monorail to Disney's Polynesian Resort, one of two original hotels.
The beach, adult beverages and a Fire Dancer... what more could one want?
Next stop was the Grand Floridian. Described as "Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication" this was a pretty lavish hotel worth exploring.
We returned to the Magic Kingdom to see it at night and to witness the fireworks spectacle. We were definitely not disappointed.
This has been an exceptional few days. Reconnecting with Erline, meeting her neat husband, Bob, and spending exhaustingly fun time with Chris and Jan... it has been truly MAGICAL. And the memories made have been unforgettable.
Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place ... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn — together.
―Roy Oliver Disney, October 25, 1971
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1 comments:
Wow. I had no idea that the Magic Kingdom in Florida is a replica of Anaheim! I would love to go there (with some good walking shoes). I SO miss the Bear Jamboree!! "I'm so hungry, so hungry, hungry as a bear, got a mouth full of teeth and a belly full of air" and other such classics. (This was from memory but I think it is pretty accurate.)
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