Continuing along the Walt Disney World Railroad through the Magic Kingdom, our other little boy has his own well thought out favorites. B has been to Disney 6 times in his 11 years – a record for most – not enough according to him – and has had very different experiences each time. He’s gone through phases where he was all about the parades and shows, others where he lived for the character meet and greets (we are thankful for the photo passes from this phase) and, like most recently, where he can’t get enough of the rides. And surprisingly, as he is still that little guy holding his autograph book waiting to see his hero Buzz Lightyear in my eyes, we are learning that the bigger, the better as far as he’s concerned.
At the age of 7, B’s favorite rides are very different from his choices even a year ago. We had a trip changing experience on our 2016 visit where we were granted a special fast pass (yeah the paper kind) able to be used on any one ride of our choice, whether it was ‘sold out’ online or not. It was the last day of our week and we had worn ourselves out going from park to park and ride to ride but we knew that we could squeeze in one more. Now at this point B was still holding on to the smaller ride’s, the Speedway, Dumbo (he’s always loved the circus tent waiting zone), and Aladdin however we knew he had hit that 40” mark and with a little coaxing could be persuaded to give Big Thunder a try. Well last ride, on our last day, wouldn’t you know it was his absolute favorite – highlight of his trip. By the grace of ‘rider swap’ we were able to give him a back to back ride, and boy did he love it. This was a turning point in our itinerary making and has definitely since molded his list of favorites.
When asked today he says that his number one favorite is the new family coaster Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train – and honestly, I can’t say that I blame him. This is one of those more recent creations with animatronics that could almost fool you into having a conversation with those hard working dwarfs, however it’s also a quite thrilling experience to coaster enthusiastic adults. Riders begin their experience with Walt’s first animated family in an extraordinarily interactive queue where they can play as they wait in themed video games on touch screens stationed throughout the line. There are hands on activities and so much to see that the wait is never boring – which is good because this can definitely be a lengthy wait as far as the kingdom goes. The ride itself puts you in a free rocking two person mine cart on a runaway track both indoors and outside at speeds that have B screaming with joy. There are times when you go from a slow uphill climb, immersed in scenes from the iconic film, to cruising downhill and around curves where if you glance up you can see all areas of Fantasy Land – it’s easy to see why this is one of his favorites. (Magic Mom Moment – a video of your ride is automatically linked to your magic band so you can remember this adventure for years to come. Also – fun tip – the Snow White and dwarfs dancing in the cottage at the end of the ride came straight from the Snow White ride of our childhoods – love it!)
I allowed an exception when B chose his second favorite ride, let’s just say it’s the “Mountains”. On our most recent visit he rode (back to back – thanks again rider swap) Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain each day we visited MK. Unfortunately, these wait lines are longer than we are typically able to wait and less than exciting for someone at 6 years old so we utilize are definitely a family who takes advantage of all of our resources (fast pass in the past and Genie+ today), or wait until next time when we can’t, but they are definitely favorites for both bigger kids and adults. Both B and G are now tall enough to hit the Magic Kingdom Mountain trifecta, and let’s just say we are here for it!! We are all pretty excited to see how Tron lives up to the the anticipation on our next trip and, while we will admittedly be missing our regular visit to the briar patch, we are pretty excited to see what Tiana has in store for Splash. 
B’s third choice is a family favorite of ours. We can turn almost anything into a competition so the interactive elements incorporated into Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin are just our style. B takes turns choosing who he wants to ride with aka compete against while weaving through the aisles and being greeted by an animatronic Buzz Lightyear requesting your help on a space mission like no other. On the two person (or three with a little one) cars you each have access to your very own laser tag style space gun. You can use team work, or competitive measures, to turn the car with the control stick and aim your laser at a multitude of targets throughout the ride, each with an undisclosed point value (there are some that are quite high – you just need to find them) trying to tally a higher total than your partner. I like that this ride is another that incorporates an in ride photo opp – he likes that he gets to ‘kick our butts’.
While his taste in rides is ever changing, and this is probably no longer his ‘favorite’ park, the true to story details are undeniable and there is no Disney World without the Castle. It’s where we start and end our trips now, and maybe always….although, maybe now. 😉
“Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it.” –Rapunzel (Tangled)
Disney Wife - Happy Life! 