FROM: Because I Stinkin' Love Disney World Published Thursdays

Mickey's PhilharMagic

I have something in common with Ashley Metz. We both stinkin' love Mickey's PhilharMagic in Fantasyland! For me, a trip to Disney World isn't complete with at least three or free visits, and Ashley wouldn't find that strange at all.

- by Ashley Metz, June 23, 2011

For everyone, there's a 'first time' at Disney World.

Have you ever taken first-times to the park? Did you morph a tour guide guru, taking your initiates to a few insider spots, insisting they try iconic foods, perhaps even pointing out the sights, Disney style, with two fingers?

If not, then you should make friends with some Disney World novices immediately and talk them into taking you to the park.

From Touring...

When it's my turn to play tour guide, I hold nothing back.

I always treat my fresh meat friends first to the Magic Kingdom, mostly because when many people think Disney World, they think Magic Kingdom. After all, Disney World started with only this park, so why shouldn't newcomers start with it, as well?

Once inside, difficult choices must be made. Which land to visit first? Which attractions to ride, for sure? Which foods to eat, without fail?

There's no single 'master' list that must be followed, no matter what - but if there were, Mickey's PhilharMagic in Fantasyland would be on it.

And Singing...

The PhilharMagic is a fun attraction that will rekindle old Disney movie memories. Boys and girls (big boys and big girls, too) will enjoy this light-hearted nod to all things fun! So, if you've never had a chance to see Mickey's Philharmagic, you are in for a treat.

At the start of this 3D show, Mickey is supposed to come on stage and conduct the magical instruments. But before he can start, he's called off-stage. Before leaving, he warns Donald not to touch his hat - the magical sorceror's hat, which you'll recognize from Fantasia. Donald, of course, has his own agenda. Once he dons the hat, you embark upon an adventure through classic Disney animated films.

The best part is the 3D. The movie is visually appealing, but your other senses are entertained, as well. From the smell of apple pie and the 'feel' of champagne bottles popping right in front of you to the delightful Disney soundtrack, you will be sit spell-bound.

(Okay, not all your senses will be engaged: there's nothing to taste. For that, buy a Mickey Ice Cream Bar when the show is over!)

I admit that I've broken out in chorus during the show. But hey, it is stinkin' Disney World, so I say sing away!

I love watching a first-timer at this show, because it's like comfort food for your senses. I also the emotions the show evokes. There's the joy of Disney, the thrill of following Donald as he hunts for Mickey's lost hat, the child-like sentiments of the early Disney films, and of course, the overall sense of wonder. You can't help but smile and laugh!

The show ends with a little Disney humor as Donald is shot out of a tuba into the back wall, bottom up, feet kicking.

I love that part!

While stuck in the wall - you have to turn in your seats to see it! - Donald laments his poor choices, and finally he slips entirely through the hall, as the lights come up and the crowd files out.

Back to Teaching...

When my students (by the way, I teach kindergarten!) return from trips to Disney, I ask them what the did. Nine times out of ten, they say "the pool".

What the heck? They have pools at Disney World?

But often I hear "that one where Donald got stuck in the wall!" Then the other little park veterans in the room join a chorus of "oh, I LOVE that one!"

See how memorable is the PhilharMagic! It really is a must-do.

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