Keys to the Kingdom

On Thursday morning, Marc and I did the Keys to the Kingdom Tour. It was an amazing five hours! We got to learn some Disney trivia and secrets. Our first stop was Main Street where we learned about all the names on the buildings. We also heard about the four keys: Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency. Here's the condensed version:

Next, we got front of the line access to the Jungle Cruise. We learned a few secrets along the way and spotted some Hidden Mickeys. We also got to talk to two guys who were training to be boat captains. Very interesting! We went backstage to see the parade floats. I also learned that they treat the water rides with Bromine, which is why they have that smell I can't get enough of. We also saw some things backstage which we vowed to never retell!

After hearing some more Disney history, we ate lunch at Columbia Harbor House. It was really good, but then again, is fish and chicken ever bad? Another cast member told us more trivia while we ate.

After lunch, we got front of the line access to Haunted Mansion. Our guide told us some things to look for, so we were all eyes as we went through. For the first time ever, I saw a Hidden Mickey in the ballroom scene! Apparently, it "appears" every day in one of the place settings on the table. The cast members rearrange the plates back to their right positions, but they always end up back as a Hidden Mickey. Cute!

Finally, we got to see the Utilidors! That is the system of tunnels that run under the park. (Actually, the park is over the Utilidors, since the park itself is on the second level.) It was neat to see a little bit of the hidden part of Disney. 

After the tour, we went back to the resort, freshened up, and went out for lunch at Fuddrucker's. We rested at the resort for a little bit, then headed back to Magic Kingdom. Of course, by the time we got there, another storm was approaching.

And the best picture I've ever taken of Cinderella castle:

Marc and I donned our ponchos and Crocs and braved the storm! We were able to walk on all the rides, with the exception of Peter Pan. We got soaked from the knees down, and we had a blast!