This is Part 2 of a three part series about the Fantasyland section of Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom.

Once you step outside Cinderella Castle the enchantment does not end. Beside the castle you may find a special little place called Fairytale Garden where Belle (from Beauty and the Beast) stops several times a day to read a story and mingle with guests. Check the Park Times Guide to find out show times.

Moving on from Cinderella Castle, fans of Tinkerbell might want to get there early. The first one to enter Tinkerbell’s Treasures, right on the other side of Cinderella Castle, may awaken the fairy by opening her wooden box on a shelf behind the cashier at the back of the shop. If you are not the first you may still observe the pixie dust trail she leaves as she moves through the shop during the day. Peeking through the first keyhole of the sewing drawer near the front of the shop you can catch a glimpse of her. The shop is divided into the Darling children’s nursery and Captain Hooks ship with the ships wheel in the middle.

Willie the Giant

Across from Tinkerbell’s Treasures you will find Sir. Mickey’s Shop, based on Disney’s version of Jack and the Beanstalk. Looking at the ceiling toward the back you might spot Willie the Giant lifting the roof to peek in the building. Down the street, before reaching Cinderella’s Golden Carousel you will find Excalibur protruding from an anvil just like in the legend of King Arthur. Another little detail, if you look down at the pavement you will find the bricks to be shaped like the blade of a sword.

When you come to Cinderella’s Golden Carousel you should look for Cinderella’s Horse. It is the one with a golden ribbon around its tail. This carousel was made in 1917 at the end of a golden century of carousel building. Discovered in Olympic Park in Maplewood New Jersey after the park closed, it was brought to the Magic Kingdom and refurbished.

Mickey’s PhilharMagic is to the left of the carousel, and it is a show you will not want to miss as Mickey and other well known characters play in this mixture of music, special effects and 3-D animated film. Perhaps you will catch a whiff of jasmine or apple pie as you watch the show.

Toward the back of Fantasyland you will find Ariel’s Grotto. Your passage from land to under the sea starts with a sandy beach full of shells underfoot. By the time you pass the squirt fountains you will be on your way to Ariel’s home beyond.

This is Part 1 of a three part series about the Fantasyland section of Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom.

As you leave Main Street USA you enter the Old World setting of Fantasyland. Subtle differences in landscaping, sound and architecture gently merge from one land to another.  On the far side of the central Hub in front of Cinderella Castle one passes the “Partners” statue of Walt and Mickey. You may notice the land rise toward the castle. Beneath the pavement are the Utilidors; facilities, offices and tunnels that allow for the flawless functioning of the show.  All of The Magic Kingdom is raised in this way, above the Florida water table, using the earth dredged from the Seven Seas Lagoon, except for Mickey’s Toontown, which opened after the park was opened.

Fairy Tales Come Alive in Fantasyland

As you enter Fantasyland, the Disney classics based on the tales of the Brothers Grimm, are brought to life in this recreation of the old world. Castles, medieval style tents and other details inspire you to imagine yourself in a fairy tale handed down through the generations. The temporary tents were there originally to hide some unfinished work but remained as they add to the atmosphere.

Cinderella Castle is a prime example of the charm of the old world setting, seeming to tower above the land. In reality much of that is the result of forced perspective to trick the eye into thinking something is taller than it is. Many of the buildings in Disneyland are built to the scale of 80/60/40 with 80 being at the bottom and 40 at the top. This is necessary since the buildings can only be so high because of the requirement of airplane beacons over 200 feet.

The three-circle design of the stone fence as you approach the castle will cast Mickey’s shadow at certain times of the day. To prevent children from sticking their heads through the circles and getting stuck, the rose in the center was added. The original design remains on the front of Cinderella Castle to either side of the clock.

When you enter the castle be sure to look up to see the Disney coat of arms over the entrance and exit. Once inside if you look to the left you will see a mosaic of Cinderella’s story and notice along the way the columns are covered with carvings of her forest friends. Crests can be seen along the walls, family emblems of Disney executives and imagineers. A book of the various crests may be requested to identify each one. Behind the castle is a fountain with Cinderella’s likeness made in such a way that when you bend down to take a drink you are bowing to the princess as her crown magically appears on her head.

As you move on beyond the Cinderella Castle you will find Tinkerbell’s Treasures to your left.  We’ll talk about the rest of Fantasyland in Part 2 of this series.

This is Part 1 of a three part series about the Fantasyland section of Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom.

As you leave Main Street USA you enter the Old World setting of Fantasyland. Subtle differences in landscaping, sound and architecture gently merge from one land to another.  On the far side of the central Hub in front of Cinderella Castle one passes the “Partners” statue of Walt and Mickey. You may notice the land rise toward the castle. Beneath the pavement are the Utilidors; facilities, offices and tunnels that allow for the flawless functioning of the show.  All of The Magic Kingdom is raised in this way, above the Florida water table, using the earth dredged from the Seven Seas Lagoon, except for Mickey’s Toontown, which opened after the park was opened.

Fairy Tales Come Alive in Fantasyland

As you enter Fantasyland, the Disney classics based on the tales of the Brothers Grimm, are brought to life in this recreation of the old world. Castles, medieval style tents and other details inspire you to imagine yourself in a fairy tale handed down through the generations. The temporary tents were there originally to hide some unfinished work but remained as they add to the atmosphere.

Cinderella Castle is a prime example of the charm of the old world setting, seeming to tower above the land. In reality much of that is the result of forced perspective to trick the eye into thinking something is taller than it is. Many of the buildings in Disneyland are built to the scale of 80/60/40 with 80 being at the bottom and 40 at the top. This is necessary since the buildings can only be so high because of the requirement of airplane beacons over 200 feet.

The three-circle design of the stone fence as you approach the castle will cast Mickey’s shadow at certain times of the day. To prevent children from sticking their heads through the circles and getting stuck, the rose in the center was added. The original design remains on the front of Cinderella Castle to either side of the clock.

When you enter the castle be sure to look up to see the Disney coat of arms over the entrance and exit. Once inside if you look to the left you will see a mosaic of Cinderella’s story and notice along the way the columns are covered with carvings of her forest friends. Crests can be seen along the walls, family emblems of Disney executives and imagineers. A book of the various crests may be requested to identify each one. Behind the castle is a fountain with Cinderella’s likeness made in such a way that when you bend down to take a drink you are bowing to the princess as her crown magically appears on her head.

As you move on beyond the Cinderella Castle you will find Tinkerbell’s Treasures to your left.  We’ll talk about the rest of Fantasyland in Part 2 of this series.

You’ve stumbled upon our small little travel blog that is completely dedicated to the Southern Florida area, in particularly the South Florida Keys.  From the southernmost point of Key West, to Key Largo and every where in between we’ll be highlighting all the fun things you can find to make your trip to the Keys a lot more enjoyable.

We’ll be highlighting activities such as deep sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, tours and boat trips.  We’ll also be reviewing restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs, stores and even a museum or two along the way.  Our team will even keep you up to date on the best place to snag those souvenirs or get the great photos.  Of course we can’t forget those out of the way coves and beaches, and special fishing spots.

One of the treasured jewels of New Orleans sits just outside of Jackson Square, in the heart of Old City and it’s likely one of the most photographed landmarks in all of New Orleans.  Saint Louis Cathedral located on Chartres Street on Jackson Square is the oldest continuously active cathedral in operation in the United States.  It derives its name from the 13th Century French King who led two crusades.

St. Louis Cathedral History

The present cathedral is actually the third on the present site of the church.  The first two were destroyed and rebuilt.  This first building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1722 while the second building burned in a fire in 1788.

The current cathedral was started in 1789 and completed in 1794 and then enlarged in 1851 with the central tower being added.  That tower was designed by Henry S. Boneval Latrobe, the first professional architect in America.

The Beauty of St. Louis Cathedral

The beautiful interior is decorated by murals which cover the ceiling painted by an Alsatian artist named Erasme Humbrecht in 1872 which depict different stories from the bible.   An ornate mural of St. Louis announcing the Seventh Crusade  was painted just about the cathedral’s main alter.

The main alter itself is carved-wood Baroque which was constructed in Ghent, Belgium and brought to New Orleans in pieces and then assembled. Colorful stained glass windows depicting the various Catholics also add to the beauty of the cathedral on the first floor.

Extending from the back of the church to the rectory on Royal Street is the beautiful St. Anthony’s garden which features a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  This garden also features a monument to 30 members of a French ship who died in a yellow fever epidemic in 1857.

Coming back around to the front of the church visitors marvel at the exterior of the building.  The steeples which were not originally part of the cathedral, along with the portico and pilasters were added in 1851.  The clock bell known as “Victoire”, was cast in Paris by Pere Antoine and has tolled hourly since 1819.

Pope John Paul II Visits

In 1987 the very popular and much loved Pope John Paul II celebrated a prayer service for clergy at this wondrous cathedral. To both mark the event and honor the occasion both a placard was placed on the cathedral’s outer wall and the pedestrian mall directly in front of the cathedral was renamed Place Jean Paul Deux.

It’s free to visit the cathedral but keep in mind that services are regularly scheduled and on the weekends weddings do take place.  You might even catch a happy couple posing by the lantern between the cathedral, Cabildo & the Pirate’s Cafe in Pirates Alley, for a picture from their happy day.  In the evenings you can get your fortune told or palm read in “Place Jean Paul Deux” by the many fortune telling merchants who set up shop there for the evening.

The Heart of City Life

From the beginnings of New Orleans the general area of what is now known as Jackson Square was the center of New Orleans life.  It’s closeness to the Mississippi River Port, the church and the government buildings made it the hub of local shipping and commerce.

Jackson Square area functioned as a hub of city of life throughout the rule of the French, the Spanish, then again the French and even after the American rule took over after the Louisiana purchase.

How It Became Jackson Square

After the Battle of New Orleans in 1814, the Baroness Pantalba financed the redesign of the area and lobbied for a more beautiful public square. The square was named in honor of Andrew Jackson, the hero of the battle of New Orleans for which one of three statues are in honor of. The square itself is surrounded by a beautiful iron gate. On the inside you’ll find many beautiful flowers and plants with pathways and benches all for observers to enjoy the splendor of the square.

Jackson Square is surrounded by Decatur, St. Ann, Chartres and St. Peter streets and all around the outside of the iron gating various street vendors set up their wares for residents and tourists to buy. From artists to palm & tarot card readers, you can find something to suit your fancy. Street performers and carriage rides and tours also line the streets that surround Jackson Square. Many races, marathons, and celebrations use the Jackson square area as the main starting area, especially with the “staging” area across the street on Decatur.

A Great Starting Point for Walking Tours

If you are looking to start a walking tour of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is mostly likely the best place to start and end your tour, as it is within close walking distance to many of the more famous attractions such as the Joan of Arc statue, the French Market, St. Louis Cathedral and even Pirate’s Alley.  It’s probably the most notable and easy to get to point in all of the French Quarter as well.

Most walking guides of the New Orleans French Quarter include stopping at Jackson Square at some point during the tour.  However, if you are doing your own walking tour whether its by yourself or with a large group, there’s a lot of history within just a few blocks of the square itself that you can easily pack your day with taking in a lot of sites and ending it with a nice stroll in the square beautiful gardens.

Hoping to catch up with Miley Cirus or the Jonas Brothers while you’re at one of the Walt Disney World Parks?  Well catching up with one of the bigger stars that attract mobs of screaming fans on your vacation to one of the parks might be a little be tougher than you planned.  Disney doesn’t really promote special “Disney Channel Stars” days, especially in the summer time when most families are visiting the parks.

The only times that Disney Stars perform in the parks, or make advertised appearances, are for parades, special shows, holiday celebrations or specials of some kind.

The Disney Christmas Parade has stars perform, and that tapes the first week of December each year. Disney also has some its celebrities be the master of ceremonies at Epcot’s Candlelight Processional.

Disney Stars might occasionally perform on the 4th of July. Keep in mind though, this is the busiest time of year to visit the parks. The biggest thing to remember about hoping to meeting the Disney Channel stars is that Disney needs to protect their stars and their guests equally.  If they had lists of when their stars would be at the park, mob scenes would likely occur which can put the young children in the park in as much danger as their stars.

If you are looking to meet any celebrity while you are in Orlando one of the better times to be in Walt Disney World is for the ESPN Weekend which is in February at Hollywood Studios. During this weekend you can usually catch up with a few of the more famous athletes that are in the park making appearances for this special weekend.

You never know who you might see walking around the park on any given day, at the end of the day, celebrities are just like any of us, they want to enjoy the magic that is Disney World too.

For ten years running New Orleans celebrates one of it’s own in style!  Every year to coincide with the greatest of jazz icons,  Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong’s birthday (August 4th) one of the best summer festivals around is held on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint at the very edge of New Orleans famous French Quarter and not to far from the famous French Market.  This year’s festival officially runs from Thursday August 5th through Sunday August 8th, however some events to tend to start a day or two before.

Last year’s events kicked off on Wednesday with the Satchmo Art Festival that was a real crowd pleaser of an event, lots of great art celebrating the Louis Armstrong & other jazz icons were available to delight the crowds.  Attendees also gathered in Armstrong Park to celebrate at the Satchmo Birthday Party.

During the weekend on the grounds of the Old U.S. Mint you’ll find three stages of Jazz music, which include genres such as traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, and brass bands. You’ll also find sponsors’ booths, stands with traditional New Orleans cuisines and lots of “Satchmo” merchandise.

The celebration wraps up on Sunday, where patrons packed into St. Augustine Church on Governor Nicholls Street, to participate in the heralded Jazz Mass where, upon conclusion, the crowds dance into the streets to join in the second-line parade to the festival.  If there’s one celebration in August to head down to NOLA for, it’s the Satchmo SummerFest!  You can check out the official site at www.satchmosummerfest.com

August is right around the corner and if you are heading to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida during August this year, you might want to check out the special events in the various parks.  With concerts, pin trading, fireworks and parades, there’s bound to be something that will make your trip extra special.

Walt Disney World Parks Special Events:  August 2010

• “Sounds Like Summer” Concert Series

  Disney’s Epcot,  June 15 – August 9, 2009
  These fun & rockin’ mini-concerts take place in Epcot’s American Gardens Theatre at the far end of the park.   Shows are three times a day at 5:15, 6:30 & 7:45PM.    Performances are subject to change but here’s the remaining current schedule for August 2010:

• July 27 – August 8:  2U – The World’s 2^nd Best U2 Show
• August 3-9:  Petty Theft – A Tribute to Tom Petty

• Disney Pin Celebration 2010 – Trade City USA

  Epcot: World Showplace – August 27-29, 2010
  This is an exclusive ticketed event that guests who attend the Disney Pin Event will enjoy all the fun trading activities, the also having the opportunity to purchase specially designed pins, and meet Disney pin traders from around the globe. Pin traders & enthusiasts will find themselves in a special place, Trade City, a cute little, eclectic town nestled in Trading Valley. Trade Valley is home to the world’s biggest ear hat and the world’s longest lanyard.

• Bay Lake Tower Grand Opening

  The newest Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort is scheduled to have its grand opening on August 4^th, 2009.   It is located in the Magic Kingdom resort area near the Contemporary Resort.

• Last Tour to Endor

  August 14, 2010, 8:00 pm – 1:00 am, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
  Bring along your best Star Wars costume for this event (no really costumes are encouraged)!   This unique celebration is highlighting the original Star Wars ride in Disney.  The event will allow guests a last chance to ride the original Star Wars attraction before it closes for a yearlong refurbishment. Last Tour to Endor will be held on August 14 during Orlando’s Star Wars Celebration V. The special event costs $75 and will include themed party zones, fireworks and a Death Star Disco.

• Summer Nightastic!

  Magic Kingdom: June 6 through August 14
  Shimmering shining Disney magic lights up the parks until August 14, 2010. The wonderful sights and sounds of the Main Street Electrical Parade return to the Magic Kingdom again with a parade led by Tinker Bell, who travels on a brand new float.

  Summer Nightastic Fireworks Spectacular also lights the night sky with wondrous vivid colors and exciting visual effects set to a backdrop of whimsical fairytale like music. Finally there’s also a dance party featuring high-energy music played by popular DJs.

• Summer Nightastic!

  Disney’s Hollywood Studios: June 6 through August 14, 2010
  Just like at Magic Kingdom, the park lights up with shimmering shining Disney magic lights here, too! In addition to that:

  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will have a few unexpected surprises with new lighting effects created just for Summer Nightastic!
  • At the courtyard of the Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster popular DJs will pumping out your favorite summertime tunes at the “Rock N’ Glow Dance Party.”

• ENCORE!: DREAM OUR DREAMS

  Epcot’s World Showplace -August 6, 7, and 8
  The popular cast choir & orchestra, formed in 2002 by a group of Disney Cast Members, will be performing a musical tribute to the legacy of Disney. Over the past eight years ENCORE! has raised more than $110,000 for a variety of Central Florida charitable organizations. Pas performances included concerts featuring the music of Broadway, patriotic songs, gospel hymns, rock anthems, movie themes, and pop favorites. ENCORE!’s designated charity for this year’s performances is Make-A-Wish.

Walt Disney World Parks:  Special Notices

• Fantasmic!:  Limited Showings
  Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  This really cool light show is no longer presented every night.  It will be offered August 2, 4,  6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 31.  It’s a hugely popular show so make plans to arrive at least 60 minutes early .  Keep in Mind: When the shows are limited performances, you know the park, in this case Disney’s Hollywood Studios park is going to be busier on days featuring a Fantasmic! show.  Warning: If you have small children you might want to take into consideration that while the show is excellent it does feature Disney Villains for about 10 minutes of the show and can be pretty intense & frightening for young children.

• SpectroMagic Nighttime Parade: Limited Showings
  Magic Kingdom

  This delightful nighttime parade will only be offered every night through August 15^th, .   SpectroMagic parade is only offered a few times a week in the second half of August on the before mentioned 1 – 15, and then on  August 18, 21, 22, 23, 27, 29, 31.  Keep In Mind: Magic Kingdom will be a lot more crowded on days featuring a SpectroMagic Parade.

As hot and as humid as N’awlins can be in August the same can be said for the fun at the festivals, which in August there’s no shortage of!  From Jazz celebrations to food festivals there’s something just about every weekend of the month to suit just about any traveler.

• Community Fair & Blessing of the Fleet

  Grand Isle

  July 30-31 and Aug. 1, 2010, Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion in Jefferson Parish.
  Blessing of vessels and community fair!  Entertainment, food, games and more.  FREE event. (985)787-2997

• Satchmo SummerFest

  August 5-8, 2010, Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Ave.
  Come and celebrates the New Orleans legend, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, with outdoor concerts, seminars, children’s activities, a club crawl and second-line parade. at the Old U.S. Mint.  Over 26,000 visitors are expected for this year’s 10th anniversary celebration.

• National Hot Air Balloon Championships

  August 6 – 8, 2010, Baton Rouge, Pennington Center and BREC’s Perkins Road Park.
  The Southeast Regional and Louisiana State Hot Air Balloon competitions.  This festival although not in New Orleans features a lot of fun things like liftoffs, fireworks, music, kids’ activities. (225) 933-2027.

• Great American Seafood Cook-Off

  August 7-9, 2010, New Orleans Morial Convention Center
  America’s finest chefs show their skills in seafood preparation at the 2010 Great American Seafood Cook-Off.  Enjoy delicious seafood, and watch culinary challenges all  This event also includes alligator and high-school cook-off.

• Whitney White Linen Night

  August 7, 2010, New Orleans, Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp St.) and Warehouse Arts District.
  Art gallery openings, special exhibits, fun, food and music. (504) 528-3805.

• Six String Music Musicians’ Invitational

  Festival

  August 7, 2010, French Quarter, New Orleans
  Enjoy Jimmy Buffet style tropical island music as singers and songwriters play for three days & nights at French Quarter venues.  There are even auctions to benefit charities.  504.392.4384 for more information.

• Mamou Cajun Music Festival

  August 13 – 14, 2010, Mamou Civic Center
  Cajun Food, Cajun Music and Tons of Cajun,  The Mamou Cajun Music Festival began as a one-day festival presenting some of the local Cajun musicians to the citizens of Mamou and Evangeline Parish. It has since become what it is today, a two-day music festival, presenting traditional Cajun musicians, dancing, food, and contests.  Traditional Cajun music, sack races , guinea chases, egg-throwing and arm-wrestling contests, there’s even a greased-pole climbing, and boudin-eating contest. (337) 468-3272

• Delcambre Shrimp Festival

  ,
  August 18 – 22, 2010 , Main Street, Delcambre, LA
  This shrimp festival is always the third weekend in August.  Rides, food, bands, shrimp cook-off, water fights, dancing, blessing of the fleet. 337.685.2653, 888.942.3742.

• Le Cajun Music Awards Show & Festival

  August 20-21, 2010, Cade Community Center in Cade, LA
  The Le Cajun Award and Festival is a unique three day event that features an awards ceremony honoring the best in Cajun music and Cajun musicians and includes a two-day dance festival with award winning Cajun bands providing the music. (800) 346-1958

• Gueydan Duck Festival

  Aug 26 – 29, 2010,
  The Gueydan Duck Festival offers the public great entertainment with its Duck and Goose Calling contest, Skeet Shooting, Hunting Dog Trials, and Decoy Carving. This is in addition to great food, nightly bands, Junior and Senior Queen’s Pageants, a Grand Parade, Outdoor and Indoor Cooking Contests, Auction, arts and crafts, and to top it all off, a thrilling Carnival. (337) 536-7858, 888-536-6456