Walt Disney World and Orlando, Florida - Part 1 (The Magic Kingdom)

This week I had a business conference in Orlando, Florida for the American Resort Development Association. At the tail end of the conference DW and AB joined me. We stayed over at the Wyndham Vacation Ownership resort at Bonnet Creek right by the Walt Disney World Attractions.

On our first day my cell phone battery died. So we had to replace it at an AT&T Store. After that we stopped for a quick lunch and then headed to the Magic Kingdom. AB was pretty happy about going.

He also likes drinking from a Camelbak. I can't tell you glad I was to have the Camelbak at all teh Disney attractions. There's no substitute on a hot day in a crowded theme park for having ice cold water whenever you want it, of you son wants it, and not having to lug a heavy bottle around in one of your hands all day.

We started out in the Magic Kingdom on the Walt Disney Railroad that goes around the perimeter. AB liked the train. So did DW and I.

This reailroad is one of the most overlooked features of the Magic Kingdom for two simple reasons.

• You can get around the park without having to weave through all of the congested streets and pathways. There are two stops along the track that let you out in Adventure Land and where Fantasy Land Meets Tomorrow Land. Just board at the park entrance and sit back to get to your stop and avoid all the congestion and rubbish for sale on Main Street USA.

• The train is a good shady place with a little breeze to stop and take a rest. Moreover, becuase it's moving a long with a view of the Magic Kingdom's attractions, it keeps children entertained while you and they take a much needed rest and respite from the sun and the heat.
  

Besides the classic image of Cinderella's castle, this photo shows you one of AB's two favorit things about the Magic Kingdom. Was it the castle or the shows there? No!! It's the street car tracks running up Mainstreet USA towards the castle. AB was completely captivated by by following the tracks. He didn't want to leave.

"AB, lets go to Pirates of the Caribbean" or "Let's go ride the Flying Dumbo" said I. Reply: "Nyet!! Stay with the tracks!!"

He was so captivated with the tracks and so vocally obstinate in opposing going anywhere else, he didn't even notice girls his own age checking him out.

Taken from the tracks for a photo and not happy about it. The only kid not smiling in the Magic Kingdom...

This shot was taken by one of the Disney Photo Pass photographers. This is an excellent service and I recommend using it for the classic posed shots in the Disney attractions.

• Their photographers issue you a 2"x 3" card with a numeric code on the back.
• You give the photographer your card with the code before they shoot your photo.
• Then go to the Disney Photo Pass website later, enter your code and see your the photos.
• You do some limited editing and add captions and graphics like in the photo above.
• You can order prints, gifts (e.g., mugs, t-shirts), and download the picture files.
  
  

But we finally pryed AB away from the tracks and I think he was happy we did.

This leads us in the direction of AB's other favorite thing at the Magic Kingdom - the spring clips holding the chains to the posts on the switchbacks where you queue-up to go on rides.

And AB really liked the nightime light parade....