All posts by Debi Lander

Disney’s New Mine Train Ride in Fantasyland

May 28, 2014Family Life, Land Adventures, Travel Journal/BlogDisney World, Dwarfs Mine Train Ride, Magic KingdomDebi Lander

The largest expansion in the history of Disney World is now complete. The Seven Dwarfs have been busy. They dug out the old 20,000 Leagues under the Sea space and discovered a mine. A roller coaster was built on top of the mine as the final addition to the make-over of Fantasyland. The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride will open to the public on May 28th.

The Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland

: A few of the Seven Dwarfs.

I had the opportunity to meet those dwarfs, visit their facility, and take a test run recently. I assure you, it’s not Dopey or Sleepy. The ride strikes it rich.

The mine train is a very high tech, a silent roller coast that gives a rousing but not too scary adventure. I’d say the ride ranks more thrilling than the Barnstormer, but doesn’t go as high or drop as much as Big Thunder Mountain. Perfect for young children tall enough to qualify for the attraction.

: Disney’s Seven Dwarfs

The best part, in my opinion, was the time spent underground. You see the dwarfs dig, dig, digging and Hi- Ho-ing while they work and sing. I’m sure children’s eyes will light up as the mine sparkles with beautiful gems. When your car exits that area, you once again soar over Fantasyland catching a gorgeous view of the Beast’s Castle. The ride finishes with a peek into the cottage of the Seven Dwarfs. Don’t miss Snow White dancing with the gang.

Last year Disney added The Enchanted Forest, inspired by The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Here, you can venture through lush landscapes, discovering roaring waterfalls and royal castles along the way. The Enchanted Forest attractions and experiences include:

• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid : Enter Prince Eric’s castle, board a giant clamshell and rock out on this new musical attraction.

Ariel in the Under the Sea attraction. — Ariel in the “Under the Sea” attraction.

• Be Our Guest Restaurant: Feast in one of 3 incredible dining rooms in the middle of Beast’s Castle.

• Enchanted Tales with Belle: Become part of a lively retelling of the “tale as old as time,” hosted by Belle and Lumière.

• Ariel’s Grotto: Take photos and get autographs with everyone’s favorite undersea princess.

• Gaston’s Tavern:The manliest of manly places, this eatery serves up tasty tavern fare.

Last June, I was in the Magic Kingdom with my three granddaughter’s and this charming area was by far their favorite. Well, how could I have gone wrong taking three little princesses there? They met Belle and, of course, had photos snapped.

I personally adore Sebastian, the crab, and loved the Under the Sea ride so much that I chose to return by myself. I also hopped into a honeypot for Winnie the Pooh’s Adventure in the 100-acre Wood. Then I walked over to Tomorrowland. Couldn’t leave without taking a spin with Buzz Lightyear- truly a great kid’s ride for adults.

The fireworks spectacular is always a favorite, but in recent years Disney added nighttime projection onto Cinderella’s Castle. I found this adds an awesome new dimension. This year’s show is “Wishes,” the largest fireworks display ever presented at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

The night time spectacular is narrated by Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy. Guests of the Magic Kingdom are told a thrilling “story in the sky” featuring hundreds of brilliant pyrotechnic effects exploding above and around Cinderella Castle.

You’ve just got to love the Magic Kingdom!

By the way, I also visited Epcot and saw “Illuminations,” their fireworks display the night before. Amazing lighting effects around the spinning globe of nations.
Below are two video’s you can click on to experience the new Mine Train Ride. Enjoy.

First Half of the Mine Train Ride

Disney’s Mine Train Ride- from the middle section.

A Traditional Tamil Lunch at INDeco Heritage Hotel: Swamimalai, India

May 27, 2014Food TalesINDeco Heritage Hotel, India, lunch, SwamamalaiDebi Lander

My traveling companions and I left the Swamimalai Temple hot, tired and hungry. We had toured two temples that morning traveling through back roads in Southern India. Then, enroute to a Heritage Hotel, we got lost. Fortunately our driver spoke Tamil, the local language, and we eventually found the place. We stepped out onto beautiful grounds and were immediately transported back to 1800’s. The check-in area at INDeco Heritage Hotel sits within a beautifully restored British villa from 1896.

We were welcomed with cool hand and face towels and a refreshing Ayurdevic foot massage. How lovely! That restored our hot and tired bodies, but we were still hungry.

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Adventures in Southern India IV: The Swami Temple

May 24, 2014Land Adventures, Travel Journal/BlogIndia, Swami Temple, Swamimalai, templesDebi Lander

Day 3 : Way Down Upon the Swami Temple

Names in India are tongue twisting words. I have declared the Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple, in Swamimalai simply the Swami Temple. My group visited this ancient site the day after we left Pondicherry.

Swami is a Hindu temple near the city of Kumbakonam and the Cauvery river. The temple is one of the six holy shrines of Murugan. The temple has three gopuram, those huge gateway towers covered with hundreds of figures, three courtyards and sixty steps. There is also a large pool or water tank, formerly used in temple rituals.

When we entered we found a large group of people on the floor organizing mounds of paper money that I assume had been dumped from the collection containers. Another group was sorting coins. Seemed odd that this was done in such a public space, but as I said over and over on my trip, “Things happen differently in India.” Just observe.

We ran into a young girl who was celebrating a special day with her entire family. My apologies, but I really didn’t understand the meaning of her celebration. Anyway, the multi-generational family meandered through the formidable stone structure lined with hundreds of intricately carved pillars. The pinnacles were painted in bright almost neon colors as were sections of the ceiling. The family group stopped for short prayers at some of the statues. I just lingered behind.

Attached to the temple was a market area where vendors sold statuary, trinkets, flowers, fruit and treats. The ceiling of the collanade between the buildings was also brightly painted.

This temple, like Chidambaram seen in the morning, is ancient. The website claims in is from the Sangam period during 2nd century BC and is thought to have been modified by Parantaka Chola I, during the 900’s AD. Also like Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, this one was damaged during the Anglo-French war between Hyder Ali and British in 1740. Today the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

We didn’t stay that long, just meandered around taking photos. Therefore, I believe the best way for me to present it, is simply to show my pictures.