Destination Disney: Top 8 Favorite “Lands”

So week number 3, or 8, depending on your viewpoint, of Destination Disney is upon us (well actually it was upon me a few days ago) and our topic is our Top 8 Favorite Lands or the like.  This was a tough one to narrow down, as have the others been, but I am happy with my final choices and I hope you are too.  Have a read through, enjoy my photos and then head on over to Heidi’s Head, our gracious Destination Disney hostess, and read her list and many others.  I hope you share your favorites with me by leaving a comment or two

1) Main Street, U.S.A. (Magic Kingdom)

I think you will find many Disney fans love and adore Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.  For me there are many reasons.  The view of the Castle is probably the best reason I love it, but there is also the statue of Minnie with Roy Disney, The Chapeau where you can ohh and ahh over the beautiful array of Mickey ears and the Main Street Bakery with it’s wonderful smells   My favorite store is Uptown Jewelers and I love to watch the Trolly Show when I get the chance.  The street is filled with balloons, all the time, which I love!

2) Fantasyland (Magic Kingdom)

Fantasyland is undergoing some major changes right now and I can hardly wait to see it when it is complete, but my love for Fantasyland started with the original.  I adore all of the rides here with my favorites being Dumbo, the Carrousel, the Teacups and Winnie the Pooh.  It will be wonderful to have the new Dumbo with the extra spinner so we can ride it twice as many times!  I have seen the new Winnie interactive queue and it is pretty neat.  The other reason I love Fantasyland is Mickey’s PhilharMagic.  Hands down my all time favorite 3D show

3) Mickey’s Toontown (Magic Kingdom)

Okay, a bit of a cheat here because Toontown is no longer, but I truly loved it and pretty much everything about it.  What a wonderful place to meet characters in the Judge’s Tent, not to mention shop   The Barnstormer will still be great, but it looks different now.  I will not dwell on the negative though.  But I will miss Mickey and Minnie’s homes.  I just can’t believe they are gone, possibly to never be seen from again.  They were the true epitome of fantasy for me.  I could spend hours just checking out the nooks and crannies.  My daughter and I loved to do this, but alas, we will have to move on, much like the homes did…

4) The Land Pavilion (Epcot)

Another wonderful example of Disney’s diversity and coolness   With The Land you have adventure with Soarin’, some peace with a ride on Living With The Land and even two great places to eat.  For the last minute bite or for when you just want to chill for a bit, Sunshine Seasons has some wonderful offerings.  But if you planned ahead and got a ressie at The Garden Grill you are still in for a treat.  The food is very good, in my non foodie opinion (especially the blueberry buckle) and you get to meet characters!  Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale make it that much better..

5) Camp Minnie Mickey (Animal Kingdom)

The first reason I love Camp Minnie Mickey is it’s name   Okay, not really, but it is pretty catchy.  What I truly love the most about this little slice of Animal Kingdom is the wonderful and incredible Festival of the Lion King show!  It is my all time favorite live action show.  It has to be seen to be appreciated, but once you do you will know what I mean.  The talent and entertainment is outstanding and brings tears to my eyes each time.  I love the various Character Meet and Greet Trails you encounter in CMM as well.   It is not such a hardship in this slightly hotter park to stand in a line with spray fans cooling you off whilst you wait for some friends to show up   Oh, and did I mention funnel cake?  Forrest Trails has the best funnel cake, I’m not kidding

6) Norway (Epcot)

We love to visit Norway for a few reasons, but my top is because of Akershus and their wonderful Princess Storybook Character meals.  You get to meet a wonderful array of princesses and have a pretty good meal to boot.  It is nice and cool inside and you never feel rushed to move on.  We have always had great experiences here.  Across the little courtyard is the Kringla Bakari og Kafe which is the best bakery around!  I love their skool bread and other pastries.  Once, my daughter and I had lunch their and ONLY ATE PASTRIES!  I won the best mom award that day

7) Germany (Epcot)

I love the toy shop in Germany.  That’s it.   Well, okay, not the only reason, but it is my main reason.  Der Teddybar is a sweet little haven of wonderful toys and I want them all   Especially anything by Steiff.  These stuffies are always lovely to look at and cuddle.  The trains are pretty cool to.  And then there is Karamell Kouche the new shop sponsored by Werthers, you know, the caramel people   It smells so good in here and they have some really neat things to try.  An absolute must do!

8) Pixar Place (Hollywood Studios)

This tiny little spit of an area does not offer much, but it does have two things going for it; Toy Story Mid-Way Mania ride and it’s queue.  It is spectacular in design and will keep you entertained the whole time you wait to board your little car.  You will find yourself exclaiming over little things you didn’t notice before and the competitive animal in you will come out once you start your game.  It is simply lots of fun

I hope you have enjoyed my top picks for favorite lands etc..  Don’t forget to share your faves with me in the comments and then visit Heidi to see what everyone choose.  Thanks for reading along.

FT&PD

Suz