Walt Disney World With Kids (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [80]
Map Location 6
The Magic of Disney Animation opens with a fast and funny show starring Mushu, the pint-size dragon from Mulan with the voice of Eddie Murphy, and a live Disney animator. The animator describes how a character evolves in the animation process, and Mushu learns, to his horror, that he originally wasn’t destined to be a dragon at all.
After the show, it’s on to the interactive exhibits. These are fun for all ages, and you can stay as long as you like. “You’re a Character,” a quiz that tells you which Disney character is most like you, will save you years of money otherwise spent on therapy. (Don’t like your character? Try the test again!) Or you can insert your own voice into clips of animated classics, digitally color a cartoon, or—most exciting for youngsters—meet the stars of Disney’s latest film. While stars from the older flicks circulate through all the parks, Hollywood is usually the only one where you can meet the newest stars.
The best part of the attraction for older kids is the Animation Academy, where you can learn to draw a Disney character. Your drawing becomes a great free souvenir that you can take home. Many kids like to have the character they drew autograph the picture the next time they see him or her in the park. Or you can buy a frame for your masterpiece as you exit the attraction. “Learning to draw Pooh was an unexpected highlight for our family,” wrote one mom. “I think we may have discovered an unknown talent in our 8-year-old son!”
Disney Junior—Live on Stage!
Map Location 5
Younger kids love this stage show where they sing, dance, and play along with costumed cast members from such Disney Channel shows. (Characters are updated periodically to make sure they’re from currently popular programs.) The performance space holds large crowds, with the children (largely preschoolers) grouped on the floor where they can participate in the show, i.e., they can stand, jump, sing, and shriek within the confines of your claimed spot on the carpeted floor. Show emcees and performers are skilled at drawing even the youngest and the shyest of children into the action.
Although the show is simple, it’s a big hit with toddlers and preschoolers and substantial lines begin forming about 30 minutes before showtime. Visit whenever your kids are at their happiest and most rested.
Oh, and there’s more excitement as you exit. Characters are often on hand for meet and greets in the Animation Courtyard, and this is the only place you’ll see Disney Junior stars.
On Pixar Avenue
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
Map Location 8
This is more of an exhibit than an attraction, but it does remind you that almost everything in Disney World sprang from the extraordinary vision of a single man. There are plenty of artifacts and memorabilia, as well as a film about Walt Disney’s life.
Backlot Tour
Map Location 10
The Backlot Tour begins with a stop at the special-effects water tank, where audience volunteers help film a naval battle scene. Then you stroll through the props department before boarding a tram that stops in Catastrophe Canyon where you’re caught in an earthquake and flash flood. (If you’re sitting on the left side, prepare to get wet.) After the rumbles subside, you ride behind the canyon to see how the disasters were created. Note that the Backlot Tour is frequently closed in the off-season and there are rumors that it might close for good.
Toy Story Mania
Map Location 9
Ever fancied being one of the toys in Toy Story? Well, going on this ride may be the closest you ever get, and there’s no doubt you’ll feel—ahem—animated. Toy Story Mania combines a ride through a cartoon toy box with the challenge of playing carnival midway games. You put on 3-D glasses and suddenly you’ve been shrunk into a toy spinning around with Woody, Hamm, Rex, and other familiar characters. Just when you’re starting to get the hang of being in a cartoon, you come across the first interactive games. Using spring-action shooters, you’ll launch rings at aliens, shoot darts at balloons, and hurl eggs at barnyard