This week we have a selection of letters answered by staff writer Chris Barry on some of his recent columns. The first group are in response to his April 16, 2010 article, “Top 5 Coolest Queues at Walt Disney World.”
Jim P. writes:
While I think they could have done a lot more with this particular queue, the one at Dinosaur does a nice job of distracting you from what’s ahead in regard to the ride itself. I know the first time I went I was reading and looking around at the exhibits and never noticed the warning signs about how intense the ride was and figured it to be more of an informative adventure versus a thrill ride.
When we got off our reaction was “wow, i wasn’t expecting all that at all.” It was fantastic but it totally blindsided us, in a good way. The next year when we went we were in line behind a Brazilian family who spoke little to no English so like us, they looked at the exhibits and obviously missed the warnings. As the ride began they were waving at the little dinosaurs with their kids and having a great time, but when it took off, they absolutely lost their minds. The kids were shrieking and the parents were really shaken up and obviously didn’t know what they were getting themselves into.
I have to say, seeing the photo at the end was one of the most priceless moments I’ve ever had at Disney. This poor family was white as a ghost and quite possibly may have needed therapy. When everyone got back outside, while the kids were still a little upset, the parents were snapping back to reality and having a good laugh about the whole thing. It’s a great queue, but with the available size I’d like to see more, even if just out in the courtyard, but since there are such interesting things to look at while waiting it’s pretty easy to skip over the warnings. If the queue can trick you into a unique experience, even if not on purpose, it’s a good line in my book. Thanks for a great article and allowing me to toss a funny anecdote into the mix.
That is a great story. I know we all preach that you have to plan and be prepared for things when visiting a Disney park, but sometimes it’s great to see people totally blown away by something they never expected.
Randy K. writes:
There’s no doubt you will receive lots of comments on this list, because so many of the queues are great. The Muppets 3-D queue is funny, with the movie parody posters, long before the wonderfully creative pre-movie movie. Although short, Rock n Roller Coaster’s recording studio and basement garage are perfect set ups for the ride. I could go on – but it would be easier if this were a “top 20” list.
So many of my lists could and should be Top 20’s, easily.
Melia writes:
I really enjoyed reading your Top 5 Queues article. It’s very true that no other park can even begin to compare to Disney when it comes to queue lines. I agreed with some of the items on your list – Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest, and Nemo – but a few of my other favorites weren’t on your list. My personal favorites (in addition to yours):
- Toy Story Mania
- Test Track
- Jungle Cruise
- Dinosaur
Thanks for a really great article! (Suggestion for your next Top 5: Preshows!)
Toy Story was certainly a tough one to leave off, and I have to admit, the family debate completely left out the Jungle Cruise queue. I’m not sure how that one slipped by.
Top 5 pre-shows has been on my mind for some time. Everything in due time!
Kelly writes:
I loved the “queues” article! Here are some of my favorites from my 20+ trips there:
- Haunted Mansion: the graveyard, the sounds, the “cast members”, the “expanding room”… enough said!
- The “new” Space Mountain queue.
- Kali River Rapids is pretty cool too.
- Test Track: love all the “car stuff” and those sounds that play over and over!
- This one may seem silly but I like it: The wait for the monorail at the Magic Kingdom. I love when you get to the top and you can just look around at the beautiful scenery and the entrance to the park.
I love everything Disney; always have, always will.
Great choices. Interesting take on the monorail queue. i think you’re right. I haven’t been on Space mountain since it re-opened…but I’ll be there in 2 weeks, so maybe it’ll make it to my list.
Next, a reader responds to Chris’ February 19, 2010 article, “Top 5 Things I’m Looking Forward to Doing on my Kid-Free Trip to Walt Disney World.”
Kim T. writes:
Oh Chris Barry you just made my day! Heck you might have made my vacation (which starts in two weeks). My darling hubby and I are heading to the World sans kids for the first time, and I’ve been suffering so much guilt I don’t even talk about it.
Now, my kids have spent many a day with Mickey, in fact they were at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party just this past November. But going without them gave me such mixed feelings I couldn’t sleep. This article has helped me realize how lucky my kids are that their parents love each other enough to really want to go to the California Grill together (that’s on MY top 5…as is a King room at the Coronado, and riding Rock ‘n Roller Coaster together, which we’ve never been able to do.) In fact I’ve never ridden it; I always stand with the kids while Daddy rides. I am thrilled to have found your article and will be a regular reader from now on.
Well, thank you very much and welcome to MousePlanet. It is a wonderful thing. Our 11-year-old kind of gets it. Our 7-year-old twin boys don’t really know yet, but we’re going to take them all back this summer, so they’re not exactly suffering.
The California Grill is excellent. Truly, one of the best meals we’ve ever had anywhere, not just at Disney. Make sure you’re there when the restaurant lights dim and the Wishes music is piped into the restaurant sound system. It’s wonderful.
My wife hasn’t been on Rock ‘n Roller Coaster either and we’re both eagerly awaiting that ride. Our “Mommy and Daddy” trip is in two weeks also. We’ll be experiencing the magic and romance at the same time. Hope you enjoy. I know we will.
Chris’ article “Robert’s Stuff” (February 5, 2010) inspired the following two letters.
Matthew G. writes:
The reason the Jiminy Cricket ceramic figures have different coloring is that they are ceramic projects (as in different individuals painted them). These were available unpainted and unfired. Individuals could buy them, paint them however they pleased and glaze and fire them. While they were indeed licensed by Disney, they were unpainted, so Disney was not responsible for the color choices.
I would imagine these were from the 70s or early 80s. That is when the “paint it yourself” ceramic craze was in full swing. I always enjoy your column and look forward to the next installment.
I kind of figured that, but the paint job was so well done and neat that it almost looked professional. Thanks for the info and the kind words.
Barry A. writes:
I think this is the best one of all. I am sorry to hear about Robert. I lost a friend Randy, who was very similar to your Robert in many ways. They will live in our hearts and our Mouse heads forever.
You can tell Robert’s wife that the two tall Jiminy Cricket figures are Cuernavaca from Mexico from the 1950’s and are worth about $100 for the pair, allthough she should keep them no matter if they are rare. I think Robert is looking down and loving it that his collection is still pleasing people now all over the world, thanks to you.
Take care my friend, and thank you for this moving article. It brought a tear to my eye.
It’s always easy to write about Robert and it’s even easier to remember him since I’m surrounded by memories. Thanks for the kind word and for always reading and taking the time to respond.
Finally, Chris’ “Top 5 Reasons to Stay at Port Orleans-Riverside” (January 22, 2010) struck a chord with the following readers.
Bonnie J. writes:
You are a man after my own heart. I too suffer from severe Walt Disney World withdrawal almost constantly. I find the onset occurs pretty much when I cross the Florida line headed back to North Carolina. Similar to you, I was there only a year ago and it feels like forever. And like you, we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside.
We’ve stayed there a couple of times before. I love that resort. I love that we always take the boat to Downtown Disney the afternoon we arrive. I love riding back that evening after dinner. I love walking through the resort in the evenings after coming back from the parks and early in the mornings with the sun coming up through the pines. I always recommend Riverside to people once I have talked them into staying on property. Anyway, really enjoyed your article and always enjoy MousePlanet.
So many people feel the same way about Riverside. Reading all of your responses has really made me want to go back as soon as possible.
Julieann writes:
I enjoyed your top 5. Since you are an expert, I’m wondering if you could tell me which buildng would be closest to both pool and main building in the Bayou section?
I appreciate the title, but I’m far from an expert. I’m just a fan.
Building 14 in Alligator Bayou is the closest to the Riverside main building and is also a short walk to the main pool complex on Ol’ Man Island. Keep in mind you will have to walk over a bridge to get to the main pool. I’m not sure if mobility is your concern. If it is then either 14 or 18 will be as close as you can get to the main facilities. Building 18 is just a little further away, but it is probably a little more peaceful and is right next to a quiet pool as well.
To me, building 27 is ideal. Close enough to everything, but just a little removed from the busy main facilities.
I hope you’re planning a trip. Have fun.
