How to Plan an International Trip: Travel Tales and Tips : Dream Vacay at Disney World, Orlando, Florida, USA, Magic Kingdom Again

DAY 4, DEC 8, Thursday:

We were at Magic Kingdom again to complete the sights we did not cover on our 1st visit.

We started the day with a train ride. Though the sun was out, it was a cold day.

This is Disney World Railroad. A 19th-century steam train that circles the park, with stops at Main Street, U.S.A. and Frontierland.

This is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

A roller coaster with a runaway mine train theme. No inversions, but the hairpin turns, fast hills, and frequent tunnels make for an exciting ride...after the run away train ride, we ran back to the queue and did the ride again...

From the Cinderella castle hub, Adventureland can be reached via the leftmost path, followed by Liberty Square moving clockwise. Fantasyland is straight through the castle, and Tomorrowland is off to the right

FRONTIERLAND:

Frontierland celebrates the United States west of the Mississippi in its 19th-century frontier years (with just a bit of rural Southern flavor). From Mark Twain's Missouri to the California Gold Rush, there's a lot of adventure packed into a small area.

Tom Sawyer Island is a pair of heavily wooded islands perfect for imaginative and adventurous play.

The restaurant was aptly named Aunt Polly's. We totally relived the book...

Frontier land leads off to Liberty square. The Liberty Square Riverboat sets off for another voyage--the barrel and keg in the foreground add to the ambiance. Took a raft to the island. Authentic 18th century island atmosphere. The Rivers of America here.

Rocking chairs at Tom Sawyer's island.

Winding paths, a spooky cavern, a barrel bridge, and even the rustic frontier Fort Langhorn are among the many places to explore. It was a real maze ...In fact we arrived at the same spot three times... going round in circles trying to find the way out. Could feel Injun Joe may pop up...

The island is away from the mainland hustle and bustle and is full of great oaks, pines, red maples, elms and sycamores. Spent an hour here.

There are six paintbrushes hidden around the island. if we find and bring a brush to a cast member we could be given a Fastpass for Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.... we did not do the hunt though...left the island reluctantly.

Here we are into colonial America in Liberty Square, where freedom and independence are the buzzwords .... Even the buildings are red, white, and blue in this patriotic harbor town.

Here's Dumbo the Flying Elephant spreading his giant ears and flying around. We can make Dumbo go up and down as we spin. This classic attraction has been the very first "thrill ride" for countless kids over the years.

This is Prince Charming Regal Carousel.

This carousel was built in 1917, making it the oldest ride.

Found dilapidated and no longer operational in 1967 in Maplewood, New Jersey, it has been meticulously restored to its splendor.

This Castle Courtyard: area of Fantasyland, closest to the castle, has most of the Fantasyland rides--Prince Charming carousel, Peter Pan's flight, Mad Tea Party, It's a small world, Winnie the Pooh, and Mickey's Philharmagic...we did all these twice over.

Tomorrowland Speedway here. don't need a driver's license to drive these real gas-powered cars;

Drive around a 0.4-mile (640 m) racetrack (safely secured to a guiderail) and try not to bump into the car in front.

This is Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. An indoor dark ride with a laser gun game. We help Buzz Lightyear beat the evil Emperor Zurg by firing our laser at targets scattered throughout the ride.