Last Monday we made it to Magic Kingdom. We had no idea what to expect and were hoping that the weather would be kind to us as the weatherman had predicted for the best part of a week. Well when we got up it was raining but the consensus of opinion was that we should still make the trip.

We set off at about 10 a.m. and because our neighbor is a Disney Cast Member and knows about these things we headed for the Grand Floridian Hotel where we were to park the car and take the Monorail to Magic Kingdom.

The Grand Floridian is the Disney Flagship Hotel and I can well understand why having spent a little while just looking around. It is well worth the visit and I hope that my photo's will convey some of that splendor and opulence.

The Monorail Station is on the second floor and the trains run every few minutes so there wasn't long to wait and we were on our way to Magic Kingdom and yes it was still raining. Having passed through the bag check we were in and immediately walked into The Town Square and Main Street U.S.A.

This was an area flanked on all sides by buildings and shops of all varieties. They were immaculately kept as you would expect of a Disney Attraction and there at the end of the street was The Castle which has recently undergone a refurbishment. It really was breathtaking and dominates virtually everywhere you go. Of course this is exactly the effect that was being sought as Disney wishes to transport you away from everyday life into a world of fantasy. I can only say it works.

The Castle is the hub and from there you can branch of to any of the seven different lands. We went to Frontierland first Where we watched Splash Mountain which is a ride and plunging five stories into Brer Rabbits Laughin' Place. We did not go on this but instead had a ride on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad which essentially is a runaway train coaster. It was a great ride with plunges and sharp turns. We got a Fast Pass for this one as it was so popular.

From there we moved into Liberty Square and caught the Riverboat for a journey around Tom Sawyer Island. Another great experience on the paddle steamer. Still in the same area we took in the Haunted House which was a good laugh and worth a visit.

Adventureland was the next area we visited and did the Jungle Cruise which is described as a silly safari boat tour and it was and very enjoyable also. Yes it was still raining but as you can see I haven't mentioned it for a while. There was so much going on it receeded into the background. After a great cruise it was of to Pirates of the Caribbean for another water trip around their haunts and taverns to see what they were getting up to and it sure was a lot.

Fantasyland was next where we stopped in on Mickeys PhilarMagic. This was great as it was a movie in 3D and you had to pick up your glasses to ensure you saw things properly. The characters jumped out at you and seemed to be right in front of your nose. Magic wands and things seemed to fly past you and during the Sorcerers Apprentice scene you get sprinkled with water. That's not all because you also get the smells of such things like apple pie.

This area is for the children and you should see some of the queues outside some of the attractions such as Peter Pans Flight, Dumbo and Winnie the Pooh. All I can recommend is that you get your fast passes early and enjoy some of the other attractions while you wait. Yes its still raining!! but do we notice no not at all.

Lunch time at last you really get hungry taking all this is in. We ate at Tony's Town Square Restaurant which is Italian and very reasonably priced. The portions are also manageable and the service was extremely good. Another advantage is that from the front area of the restaurant you get a good view of the Parade at about 3o'clock. The rain has stopped and it is brightening up.

After lunch it was off to Mickey's Toontown Fair where you can walk around Minnie's Country house and also Mickey's country house and their gardens. What colorful houses inside and out. The children will enjoy The Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm which is designed for young children to get a feel for the roller coaster and is crazy.

Next we went off to the last area which is Tomorrowland. Unfortunately the Indy Speedway was undergoing refurbishment so we couldn't have a go on that but we could go on the Space Mountain. Here we were spurred on by the Big Thunder Mountain experience but this ride was better much more scary and unfortunately I got the front seat. It starts off OK but things get darker and you cannot see the track in front of you. Here you are in the dark traveling at what appears to be great speed enhanced by the dark and you are thrown about around corners that you cannot see and therefore cannot anticipate. Quite an experience I can tell you and so difficult to describe. Basically all you can do is literally hold on for dear life!! Have a go on this one.

The Astro Orbiter on the other hand is a mild experience although for two adults the seating is cramped. Remember here to use the joystick for up and down movement. We didn't,t realize you could do this so had a very level flight.

Buzz Lightyears Space Ranger Spin is good also where you can qualify to become a Space Ranger by showing your prowess at shooting down aliens. Good fun this one.

A trip on Tomorrows Transit Authority is also good fun as it travels around Tomorrowland you get a birds eye view of what is going on.

After all this we decided to have a railroad trip around the park. Unfortunately we got to the station too late and couldn't get on the last train. After some discussion we decided that popcorn and soft drinks were the order of the day as we waited for nightfall and the firework display.

We didn't have long to wait and it was interesting watching all the lights go on and particularly the castle changing color many times. Then it was time for the fireworks and they were magnificent with the castle in the foreground and continuing to change color. What an end to a day that started with no promise at all. We will have to go back in the summer to have another look.

The park closed at 7 p.m. and we went back to the Monorail and decided to have a look at two more Disney Hotels on the way back. They were the Contemporary and the Polynesian. I did not like the Contemporary it reminded me of a prison that you see from time to time on the TV. The Polynesian was a different kettle of fish and a complete contrast. It was extremely busy the night we were there and it had a jungle type theme so there were lots of plants about which together with the water features and the Koi Carp looked quite authentic.

After this we stopped  again at The Grand Floridian and had a look at some of the menu's outside the restaurants. One of these had no prices so you could tell it was going to be expensive!

It really was a great day that started with no promise at all. It just got better and better and I will have to go back at some point to have another shot of Fantasy.

Now check out the photo's.

Bahama Bay Resort is only a few minutes from Disney so you too can quickly enjoy all that is on offer.