New Driving Experience Coming to WDW Speedway

Although my husband is a huge NASCAR fan, we have never done the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which allows guests to get behind the wheel of a real stock car, at the Walt Disney World Speedway. (Mostly because my husband has done the RPDE and similar programs several times before.) But there's a new driving experience coming to WDW  in 2012 that might be more tempting to him.

I wish I could tell you its name...but it's so new that it doesn't even have one yet! For now, the website is called "Project Exotic." Intriguing, eh? The experience will be similar to RPDE (it's created by the same company), in that guests will get behind the wheel and drive on the WDW Speedway track. The difference? They will be driving exotic supercars such as the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 and LP570-4 Superleggera, and Porsche 911 GTR3.

Expect to see in-car cameras, souvenir photos, a record of guest lap times, branded apparel, and all the same accoutrements you find with the RPDE. Even better, if you act fast, you could have input into the final details of this experience. Simply visit the website and click on the "Launch Survey" button to offer your opinion.

Yep...pretty sure my husband is going to want to do this.

Snow White's Scary Adventure Closing Feb. 2012

Snow White's Scary Adventure is set to permanently close in February 2012, to be replaced with a Disney Princess meet-n-greet area. No date has been given as to when the new Princess area will be complete and ready for guests.



It's always sad to see any attraction go, especially one that has been around so long. Still, I'd be lying if I told you our family would truly miss the Snow White ride. It's not one of our favorites, and even at ages 5 and 8, our girls get a little creeped out by it. We did make a point to ride in on our last visit, knowing it would be our final opportunity to experience it.

Around the same time that Snow White's Scary Adventure closes for good, the new larger version of Dumbo will be reopening (Feb. 17, 2012), and Prince Charming's Regal Carrousel will also be undergoing a refurbishment (to be completed by March 2012).

Hidden Mickey Monday

Here's another Mickey we found on our last visit to WDW. Any idea where it is located?

Friday Photo

It's almost that time...Halloweeeeeeeeeen! Is it just my kids, or do yours start planning their costumes for nex year as soon as they get home from trick-or-treating? Both of my girls are big Kim Possible fans, and I lucked into this bargain costume online for my youngest daughter. She tried it on a few nights ago. She looks like she's ready to help save the world, doesn't she?



Are your kids dressing as Disney characters? What great costumes do you have lined up for them?

Thursday's Tip

I know I have shared this tip at one time or another, but it's so important that it's worth repeating. (And, if my Facebook "likes" are any indication, I've gained a few new readers since the last time I shared it...so it's new to some of you, right?) When you purchase a Disney Parks ticket, the first thing you should do as soon as you have that ticket in your possession is copy the long series of numbers and letters underneath the bar code on the back and then put that piece of paper somewhere safe. Why? That number is your key to replacing your ticket should it be lost, stolen, or eaten by a FASTPASS machine. (Don't laugh...it happens.)

Should any of the afforementioned mishaps occur, simply go to Guest Relations and give them the ticket number(s), and they'll be able to re-issue your ticket within minutes. (I know this from firsthand experience. Really not kidding about the FASTPASS machine thing.)



If you have a good camera, you can simply take a digital picture of the back. (Ours doesn't work so well on close-ups, but you can see where the number is located, underlined in green.) In the past, I have also sent my mom ('cause I can usually get in touch with her fast) an email with our ticket numbers in it, so that I could call her if anything happened and she would relay the numbers back to me. Sometimes we store them in my husband's smart phone. But the simple method of writing the numbers on a slip of paper and placing it in the care of someone NOT holding the actual tickets works quite well too. However you choose to do it, I highly recommend storing those numbers in a safe place. You never know when you might need them! (FASTPASS machine...that's all I'm saying.)

Here's another sub-tip: If you only lose one ticket, you can take a ticket from another member of your party to Guest Relations, providing they were purchased together. When you purchase multiple tickets in one transaction, they are all linked together in Disney's computer system. So you can use any ticket in the group to find another related ticket's bar code and, thus, have the lost ticket replaced. (Again, I know this from experience

Wednesdays with Walt

 Walt Disney is probably one of the most quoted Americans of modern times. Walt was a great communicator, and he had a way of encapsulating wisdom in small soundbites. Because of this, I thought I'd start a new feature at Affording the Mou$e to share Walt's often profound words. We'll call it "Wednesdays with Walt." Here's one to start the series:

 

I can never stand still. I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination.

—Walt Disney

 

Disney Universe Now Available

The much-anticipated (well, by Disney gaming fans, anyhow) Disney Universe game for Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3  releases today. In the game, players can "suit up" as their favorite Disney characters and explore the worlds of such favorite films as Monsters Inc., Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Wall-E, among others. The game is getting pretty good reviews from Disney fans and gamers alike.

Will Disney Universe be on your Christmas list? You can order it from Amazon by clicking here.

Parade FASTPASS Coming to WDW?

Disney is beginning a limited FASTPASS test this week, offering guests reserved viewing space for the afternoon "Celebrate a Dream Come True" parade in the Magic Kingdom. The FASTPASSES are being distributed randomly at this point, but if you're one of the lucky recipients, you'll be viewing the parade from in front of the castle. The test period is expected to run through mid-November. No idea if or how Disney plans to implement this program on a regular basis for Park guests, but it sounds interesting.

We once had the good fortune (thanks to a Cast Member friend!) of experiencing reserved parade viewing. Let me say, that is the way to go! No waiting or being smooshed against your neighbor. We had only one other family (the Grand Marshalls of the parade) in the area that was approximately 15' x 10', and we were at the Main Street hub, facing the castle. Nice!  Here we are, having a snack and waiting for the parade to start:



Would you be willing to pay for reserved parade viewing?

Disney Offers Text Alerts @MNSSHP

Disney has launched a new mobile text program available to guests at the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom. Guests are informed by signs as they enter the Park, asking them to text TREAT to DPARK  (37275) in order to sign up for the alerts including tips, schedules, and real-time updates.

The sample texts I've seen include pretty basic information, such as times for events like the "Boo-to-You" Parade or trick-or-treat locations (information you could get from the map and guide you're given as you enter the MK). Some, however, contain more useful information, such as the current wait times for popular attractions.

Although the fine print informs guests that they will receive no more than 18 texts per night, each message gives the option to opt out of future alerts by texting STOP or calling 888-635-0110, if the texts become bothersome to guests. (This is especially important to guests who do not have an unlimited texting plan--18 texts per night could get a bit expensive if you're paying for them individually!)

Has anyone been to MNSSHP and tried the new system? What do you think? My guess is that the MNSSHP is merely a test, and this is a program that Disney plans to make available to all Park guests in the future.

Hidden Mickey Monday

We recently switched our chubby Morkie (Maltese/Yorkie mix) to a weight management variety of dog food. And we found these Hidden Mickeys in the mix:

Friday Photo

This is our youngest on Splash Mountain...still smiling at this point. She loved it the first time or two, while she was riding it with Daddy. But when I rode it with her, about half-way through the ride she declared she wanted to get off. Sorry, sweetheart...there is no "chicken exit" once you're actually on the ride. She survived without too much emotional trauma. For some reason this went from one of her favorite rides previously to one of her least favorite on this trip, without explanation. Maybe next year it will be on the "must do" list again.

Thursday's Tip

Halloween is just around the corner, and while it can bring loads of fun and candy for the kiddos, it can also bring hassle and headache to those responsible for outfitting those kiddos with costumes. While I am thrilled with the advent of readily available awesome costumes (does anyone else remember wearing those hideous thin plastic costumes and masks that were held on with a thin string of elastic?), they come at a cost. In fact, you might need to take out a small loan to purchase a "deluxe" costume.

There are, however, a few tips--let's call them "Thursday's Tips"--that will help let your little princesses or villains look the part without breaking the bank.

• Buy off-season. OK, so this isn't that helpful for this Halloween. But my girls actually start thinking about next year's costumes before we even dig into the candy from the current round of trick-or-treating. Shopping after-Halloween clearance sales is a great way to get a costume for next year, or to just snag one or two cheap ones for dress-up play.


• Buy second hand. My girls have nearly every Disney Princess costume in one size or another. And while we have some older costumes that I let them play in, I restrict their "Disney Parks Authentic" costumes to wear on special occasions (Halloween, a Park visit, Disney on Ice, etc.) only. They are practically new when they've outgrown them. I have given some to friends or family, but others go to a consignment store, where you can usually find a variety in great condition. (Stores won't buy them if they're not.) What might cost upwards of $80 at the Disney Store could be yours for as little as $15 or $20.


• Borrow it. Did your older nephew have an awesome Darth Vadar costume last year? Chances are, he's outgrown it--maybe he'd be willing to let you borrow it? We've loaned our beloved Disney costumes to friends, and they've always been returned in great condition. But be prepared to purchase a replacement if your child does any damage. It's always nice to return the borrowed costume with a small gift of appreciation too.


• Wear last year's model. You may have noticed that, although most of the Disney Princesses have been around for several years, Disney recreates their costumes with subtle changes every year. Sure, the new one is beautiful...but so was last year's (sometimes more beautiful). And you just might be able to find it at a discount. Better still, choose a character whose show is no longer currently playing on Disney Channel, and you might be able to score a real bargain. My youngest daughter will be Kim Possible this Halloween. The show isn't currently airing, but our girls have become fans through the Kim Possible Missions at Epcot and watching the series on DVD. I found a KP costume on clearance for $9.99 online. My daughter was thrilled with the costume and I was thrilled with the deal I got! High School Musical costumes are also readily available at discount prices.


• Make it. This only applies if you have skills. I don't sew...at all. But I have made various costumes for this school play or that church event, without ever threading a needle. It's amazing what one can do with fabric glue...seriously. The best part about homemade costumes is that they are one-of-a-kind. Think outside the box. You might have materials already in your possession that would make an awesomely unique costume!

What are your kids going to be this Halloween?

Candlelight Processional Schedule Complete

If you've had the good fortune to visit Walt Disney World during the Christmas season, I hope you took advantage of the opportunity to see the Candlelight Processional at the American Gardens Theatre in Epcot. This traditional show features music from a Cast Member choir, as well as readings from guest celebrity narrators. If you'll be hanging with Mickey and the gang for the Christmas holidays this year, be sure to check it out! The 2011 narrator schedule is as follows:

• Nov. 25–27: Mira Sorvino


• Nov. 28–Dec. 1: Michael W. Smith


• Dec. 2–3: Geena Davis


• Dec. 4–6: Edward James Olmos


• Dec. 7–9: Isabella Rossellini


• Dec. 10–12: Neil Patrick Harris


• Dec. 13–15: Lorraine Bracco


• Dec. 16–18: Chita Rivera


• Dec. 19–21: Trace Adkins


• Dec. 22–24: Susan Lucci


• Dec. 25–27: Blair Underwood


• Dec. 28–30: Marlee Matlin

Here's a pic of one of my favorite narrators from previous years, Steven Curtis Chapman. (He lives here in the Nashville area, and I actually taught his boys gymnastics when they were preschoolers.) And that's my Cast Member friend Conny, directly to his left, in the choir. So, yep, I was pretty excited when I found this photo, ©Disney.



Who's your favorite from the 2011 list?

Fantasmic! Technical Problems Confirm Need for Refurbishment

If you haven't had the opportunity to see Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios, you're missing one of the most unique experiences the Disney Parks have to offer. Although it's often a test in endurance just to get to see the show (we've waited through rain on more than one occasion, only to have the show cancelled), and guests are encouraged to be in their seats an hour before the show begins (which is great fun with wiggly children!), the show does not disappoint! Well...it usually doesn't disappoint. Except for sometimes it does.

See, one of the most memorable things about Fantasmic! is the enormous scale of the production. You have actors down low on the ground platform, with others waaaaay up high on the mountain top, while still others are paddling or riding in boats on the water in front of the mountain stage area. There are also some pretty ginormous (yep, I'm pretty sure that's a real word) characters in the show too--a snake that has alarmed its share of tots, as well as a Maleficent-inspired dragon that nearly fills the the entire stage area. It's a big scale show with pyrotechnics to boot...and when something is missing, the show just doesn't quite work.

While we've never personally witnessed a Fantasmic! FAIL, friends of ours witnessed a major dragon malfunction. (They weren't too upset, though, because they were a little concerned about how their children would react to it in all its glory.) But as of this weekend, "technical problems," have forced Fantasmic! to rework the dramatic finale in which Sorcerer Mickey appears on top of the mountain and shoots fireworks from his sleeves. This sequence has been replaced by a traditional Mickey at the bottom of the mountain doing the same motions. Not exactly the "WOW" moment that guests are accustomed to seeing.

But, have no fear! Disney is planning a much-needed refurbishment of Fantasmic! for early 2012 (Jan. 9 through Feb. 12). Let's hope this will be enough to get the kinks out of the system and tackle all the technical problems troubling the attraction.

Free Wifi Expands to Include More Resorts

I told you in this post about Disney first testing free wifi in public areas of the Contemporary. Then, the free wifi offerings expanded to include a building at Coronado Springs and also the Grand Floridian. (Incidentally, I forgot to even attempt to log on to test it out while I was there in September.) Now, Disney is finally offering free in-room wifi at a variety of resorts. As you can see, the list mostly includes Deluxe Resorts and DVC properties at this point, but we can hope that Disney plans to eventually make free wifi the standard at all Resorts. Here's where you can find free wifi for now:

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club 
BoardWalk 
Contemporary Resort
Coronado Springs 
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Old Key West Resort
Polynesian Resort
Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Wilderness Lodge
Yacht Club

I'm a Winner!

I received an email from Disney's Prize Fulfillment department that I was a winner in the "Feel Like a Million Giveaway." What was the prize? you may ask. OK, so I didn't win a million bucks...or even ten. No, I didn't even win a tangible prize that would arrive in the mail. I won 5 Disney Movie Reward points...and a page of "printable stickers."

I'm no genius, but I was pretty sure that "printable stickers" was just code for "picture of Disney characters that you can print on sticky paper that you purchase with your own money and then cut out yourself to make a sort-of sticker"...and I was right. Yep, kinda bogus.

But, hey, I'm a winner! And I'll take the 5 bonus reward points. Just snagged a $20 Disney gift card for 750 points--a new reward that won't last long, I'm sure. If you've been saving up your DMR points, you might want to log on and grab one before they're gone.

Friday Photo

In light of recent news of a rather lengthy refurbishment for Thunder Mountain Railroad, I offer this Friday Photo:



It will be interesting to see if and how this scene changes!

Thursday's Tip

If time is money, then saving time is as valuable as saving money, right? This Thursday's Tip will keep save you time waiting in long lines to purchase food: eat at off-peak times. Specifically, for lunch, before 11:30 or after 2:30. (Dinner isn't quite as critical, but I recommend avoiding the 6:00 p.m. hour.)

Let's face it: most of us get a little cranky when we're hungry, don't we? The last thing we need is to stand in line for twenty minutes or more just to get a sandwich and a Coke. By choosing a non-typical meal time, you can salvage enough extra time to squeeze in another attraction--and avoid hunger crankiness!

Most WDW eateries open at 11:00 a.m. for lunch (if they aren't open for breakfast). If your family is like mine, you probably get up early and have breakfast around 7:00 a.m. or so, before going into the Parks. So, by 11:00, you're ready to have lunch. Arrive when a restaurant opens and you'll be among the first in line. Not only that, but some WDW restaurants have fun opening traditions. If you arrive at Casey's Corner at opening, you just might get to throw out the "first pitch" to Casey. (Those standing by get to sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and are awarded with free Cracker Jacks.)

Of course, if you have more self control than my crew, you can also opt to eat late. Grab a mid-morning snack at around 10:30, and enjoy short lines and empty tables after 2:30 p.m. at most counter service restaurants throughout the World.

Changes to ADR Requirements

Until now at Walt Disney World, only a few select dining experiences (such as Cinderella's Royal Table) have required a credit card to hold your Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR). But with the prevalence of free dining, it has become harder and harder to get a dining reservation around the World--partly because those diners were grabbing ADRs right and left (trying to use up those credits!) with no consequences if they did not use said ADRs.

Disney recognizes the problem, and they've come up with a solution: beginning October 26, more restaurants will require a credit card to secure a dining reservation. And if you miss an ADR and fail to cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled meal, your card will be charged $10 per person in your party. Here's the list of restaurants/events requiring a credit card (the first four had previously required a credit card to secure an ADR):

• Cinderella’s Royal Table 


• Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show 


• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue 


• Mickey’s Backyard BBQ


• 1900 Park Fare 


• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall 


• Artist Point 


• California Grill 


• Cape May Café 


• Chef Mickey’s 


• Cítricos 


•  The Crystal Palace 


• Flying Fish Café 


• The Garden Grill 


• Hollywood & Vine 


• Jiko 


• Le Cellier 


• Narcoossee’s 


• ‘Ohana 


• Tusker House 


• The Hollywood Brown Derby 


• Victoria & Albert’s (will charge a $25 per person fee for no-shows)


• Yachtsman Steakhouse

Now, I know some people will see this as a major deal...a huge issue. Personally, as one who doesn't use the Disney Dining Plan, I see it as a necessary minor inconvenience that prevents guests from making a dozen ADRs for one day, simply so they can choose one at the last minute, preventing other guests from snagging those ADRs. I'm rather intentional about the ADRs that I make, so I've never made one that I didn't keep (however, I have made changes to get a more desirable time/day...well before our arrival). And it's worth it to me to take a minor risk of offering my card to secure my reservation if it means there will be more dining options available.

In addition to the 407-WDW-DINE number, Disney has set up a special number just for ADR cancellations, 407-WDW-CNCL. You can also cancel reservations at any Guest Relations or resort front desk.

Art of Animation to Open First Wing in May 2012 (video)

© the Disney Co.

The Art of Animation Resort will begin opening its doors on May 31, 2012. As expected, the resort will open in phases, beginning with the Finding Nemo wing. The Cars wing is expected to open in late July, followed by the Lion King suites in September and the Little Mermaid rooms by the end of 2012. To have a sneak peek, check out this video.

Astro Orbiter Fire Evacuates Tomorrowland

A minor fire on the Astro Orbiter closed down all of Tomorrowland on Sunday morning, just after opening. No one was injured--in fact, there was no one on the ride when the fire broke out,  but Tomorrowland was closed in order to allow safety vehicles to move freely in the area. Apparently, a melted light near the top of the decorative centerpiece of the attraction (not near where riders would sit) was the culprit. While the fire was put out almost immediately, the ride remained closed on Sunday. Other attractions in Tomorrowland re-opened to guests later in the day.

Hidden Mickey Monday

On our most recent visit to Walt Disney World my oldest daughter became an expert Hidden Mickey spotter. They really are everywhere! I decided we would start sharing some of the photos of the Hidden Mickeys we found in the Parks--and some we have spotted in our everyday life here at home--in a feature I call "Hidden Mickey Monday." I suppose I'll continue to post as long as I continue to find Hidden Mickeys. Here's the first:



Anybody know where this one is?

Reburbishment Schedule Changes

There are several new items worth mentioning on the Walt Disney World refurbishment schedule. First, we have actual dates for the Dumbo refurb: Jan. 9 through Feb. 17, 2012. Which, apparently means the new double-Dumbo will be opening on Feb. 18.

We also have confirmation now that Thunder Mountain Railroad will undergo a rather lengthy refurbishment beginning Jan. 9. It is currently scheduled to last through March 31, but that could always change. Not such good news if you have a trip planned during those dates, but great news for those who will visit after. TMR has been in need of this refurb, as several aspects of the ride are "broken"--such as some missing railroad tracks that should hide the actual coaster tracks and problems with the falling rock scene. In addition, expect the addition of an interactive queue, as seems to be the norm with almost all attraction refurbishments at WDW these days.



In slightly less exciting news, the Liberty Square Riverboat will also undergo a short refurbishment Jan. 28 through Feb. 3, 2012. And the Swiss Family Treehouse remains closed through Oct. 31, 2011 (a bit longer than originally scheduled).

UPDATE: I just read from another source that Thunder Mountain Railroad will actually be closed until May 28, 2012. Wow, that's a long time for one of WDW's most popular attractions to be closed! Hopefully all the changes/updates will be worth it.

Friday Photo

We found a ton of Hidden Mickeys on our most recent WDW vacation. Do you know where this one is?

Theatrical Re-Release Dates for More Disney Films

On the tails of the recent re-release of The Lion King in theatres--and its obvious success--Disney has just announced the theatrical re-release of several more Disney and Pixar films. They will all be available in 3D, which seems to be the new norm for Disney. Here are the dates:

• Beauty and the Beast: Jan. 13, 2012


• Finding Nemo: Sept. 14, 2012


• Monsters, Inc.: Jan. 18, 2013


• The Little Mermaid: Sept. 13, 2013

And, although this is merely speculation, I did see an additional list (a comment on a fan site, so take it for what it's worth) that takes the schedule through 2017. These releases include: Aladdin (Jan. 2014), The Incredibles (Sept. 2014), Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 (Jan. 2015), Sleeping Beauty (Sept. 2015), Alice in Wonderland (Jan. 2016), Pocahontas (Sept. 2016), Mulan (Jan. 2017), and Treasure Planet (Sept. 2017). If this is accurate, I would expect these to all get the 3D treatment as well.

Does anyone out there remember the days when you actually had to wait for a theatrical re-release if you wanted to see an old movie again? Ya know, the days before VCRs and DVD and Blu-ray players? Fun times! Although my girls are big fans of all of these movies, it will be the first time they see most of them on the big screen. They'll have to wait almost two years for the one they're most excited about (Little Mermaid), so I hope their enthusiasm for Princess movies doesn't wane before then!



Thursday's Tip

If you're at all familiar with Disney's FastPass service, you know how much of a time-saver it can be. But knowing how to properly use the system to your advantage is invaluable. Here are a few tips to make FastPass work for you:

• Get a FastPass for the most popular attractions first. This might mean sprinting to Toy Story Mania at rope drop or sending a runner to Soarin' as soon as you're in the gate, but it's worth the effort.


• You aren't locked into the time window listed on your FastPass. You can return to the attraction any time after the window opens. I had heard mumblings to the contrary recently, but on our most recent trip we encountered no problems returning to attractions well after the time frame given on the FP.


• You don't have to wait until you use the FastPass you're holding to get another one. In most cases you simply wait until the return time on the FP opens, and you can get another one. But what if you get a FP at, say, 9:15 a.m., and the return time isn't until 4:45 p.m.? It doesn't mean you have to wait until evening to get another FP. Just look at the stub, and you'll see the time that another FP will be available to you printed at the bottom.

Anybody have any other great FastPass tips to share?

Another Room-Only Discount

There is a new room-only discount available for travel dates from October 30 through December 23, 2011. Discounts range from 15% to 30% off, depending on the category and/or resort (details below). This discount must be booked by November 19, and it's very likely that Thanksgiving week is excluded from this deal.

• All-Star Movies and Port Orleans French Quarter, 15% off


• All other Value and Moderate Resorts, 20% off


• Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Polynesian, 25% off


• All other Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas, 30% off

Winter Room-Only Discount

There is a room-only discount that is now available to Disney Rewards Visa cardmembers, but it will be available to the general public beginning tomorrow (Wed.).  The discount is for most stays from January 2 through February 20, 2012 and must be booked no later than Dec. 21, 2011. Here's the breakdown of the discounts:

• All-Star Movies is 20% off


• Value Resorts (except for Movies) and Moderates are 25% off


• Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Polynesian are 30% off


• All other Deluxe Resorts and the Deluxe Villas are 35% off

Fantasyland Update

Disney has finally given us a bit of insight into the Fantasyland Expansion timeline. No, they haven't revealed specific dates for each new attraction's opening, but we do now know that the current Dumbo ride will be closing in early 2012 in order to move it to the new location (which will also essentially double the ride's capacity!), where it will open later in 2012.

We're also being told that the new Great Goofini ride (which is essentially a re-themed version of Goofy's Barnstormer) will be opening in early 2012, as well as a new Fantasyland train station. Currently, the train still stops at the closed Toontown station, under the premise that the train must fill up with water (but it's actually so the trains will maintain equal distance and load times from each station, to keep things running seamlessly). On our recent trip, we were able to snap a few pics of what's going on behind the walls:









In addition to the pics we took while on the train, we also took a few over the wall in the current Fantasyland. We hoped for better aeriel views, but we didn't get around to riding Dumbo--perfect for aerial viewing--this trip. Here are a few views of the top of the Beast's castle and some of the rock wall for the Little Mermaid ride: