Hidden Magic, Disneyland's Space Mountain

Article first appears within the Disney Theme Parks Examiner postings on Examiner.com, Sept 9, 2014

Hidden Magic examines lesser-known attractions, snacks, tactics and distraction to help you make the most of your Disney visit. Yes, everyone is thoroughly familiar with Space Mountain, but do you know the best time to ride it?
If you have ever been stranded on that convection oven of a patio in the Space Mountain STANDBY line, on an average afternoon, you know it is an experience you don't want to repeat. You don't have to. Ever. Space Mountain is the best ride, this side of Radiator Springs, for FastPassing.
While this is an eternally popular attraction, if the wait time is 40 minutes, or more, you should come back later. Anything more than 20 minutes, you run the risk of getting caught outside as Space Mountain Disneyland runs a particularly liberal FastPass line. Gatekeeper CM's will hold up several furlongs of standby riders for even a single FastPasser. This is not a criticism. Get a FastPass.

Have a question, observation or condemnation for Hidden Magic? Please comment here, or reach out to us on Facebook and twitter.
See FULL ARTICLE HERE

The Legendary Dole Whip

Article originally appears within the Disney Theme Parks Examiner postings on Examiner.com on Jan 22, 2015.

Of course, the Dole Whip is no big secret. It's not even a little one. But do you know how to get one without standing in a prohibitive line? And no, we don't mean getting a fake one at Friendly's or making a hallow substitute at home. Hidden Magic has your solution to getting your hands on the Park's genuine, most coveted treat without sacrificing precious Disney moments, energy and enthusiasm.
The Dole Whip, for the six of you who don't know, is a seemingly simple, yet extraordinary pineapple soft-serve frozen dessert. They are vegan, gluten free and just excellent. For many they are an indispensable element of the Disney experience. Which why the line for one commonly rivals Big Thunder Mountain.
Within the Disneyland Park you will find this delicious concoction in Adventureland, at the Tiki Juice Bar adjacent to the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction. Inside the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, you will also find them in Adventureland, at Aloha Isle. Droves will forgo Space Mountain for a first-thing-in-the-morning Dole Whip, even when it's cold. There is essentially no good time to grab one. None of the typical Disney crowd-avoidance tricks apply here. During a parade, in the dead of night, beneath a downpour; guests will cancel lunch reservations and forfeit FastPasses for a whip.

So what's the hidden-magic secret? See the FULL ARTICLE HERE