Theme Park Thursdays feature photos from one of our theme park adventures in the past.

Star Brick (2007)

Decorated brick columns at The American Adventure pavilion feature pretty white stars, as seen here in Epcot back in 2007.

Theme Park Thursdays feature photos from one of our theme park adventures in the past.

Enjoyment? Probably Not (2007)

This refurbishment sign was used in The American Adventure pavilion of Epcot's World Showcase back in 2007. Unfortunately, it does not apply to Congress.

Theme Park Thursdays feature photos from one of our theme park adventures in the past.

Keep your tuppence! (2007)

If you visit The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot, you may encounter this sign while dining outside of the Liberty Inn.  Needless to say, you won't find any music from Mary Poppins playing in the background!

Theme Park Thursdays feature photos from one of our theme park adventures in the past.

Celtic Canada (2009)

For some reason, there's a "5-person, kilt-wearing, bagpipe-playing Celtic rock group that performs traditional and original songs for Guests of all ages" in the Canadian pavilion of Epcot's World Showcase. Despite the fact that it seems like an odd thematic placement, they are actually quite fun to watch. Yup, I'm talking about Off Kilter.

Disney officially describes the group way:

Hailing all the way from Puerto Rico to Ireland, Off Kilter loves to play good old rock 'n' roll with a wacky Canada-centric sense of humor. Blending traditional Celtic instruments with more modern electronics, the very popular Off Kilter creates hard-driving music and big bellylaughs for everyone in the family.

Just what exactly is a "Canada-centric sense of humor"?  In any case, we enjoy listening to them.  I think one of the reasons they've lasted as long (since 1997) as they have is their great audience interaction, as well as often perform recognizable cover versions of popular songs.

Or it's the kilts.

Theme Park Thursdays feature photos from one of our theme park adventures in the past.

History of Norway (2009)

This large mural sits in the queue for the Maelstrom ride at the Norway pavilion in Epcot. It's a fun, but very short, ride… and one of the few "thrills" to be found in World Showcase. Disney's official description is as follows:

Maelstrom is a family-friendly adventure on a troll-tormented Viking ship from modern-day to historic Norway in the World Showcase area at Epcot theme park.  Come aboard for a stormy voyage through a Norwegian fjord, a troll-infested swamp and on to the North Sea via a thrilling backward plummet.

After departing a contemporary village, you'll be water-blasted to the past through a unique aquatic landscape. You never know what's around the next bend—you might even encounter polar bears and pirates! Once you've dodged the trickster trolls and other obstacles, disembark in the safety of a calm harbor. Then watch a glorious 5-minute film that captures the remarkable beauty of Norway today.

Exploring Norway's heritage isn't going to be smooth sailing, so buck up like a Viking would!

I wouldn't say it's that exciting, but there's never usually a line, so it's worth a ride!

Theme Park Thursdays feature photos from one of our theme park adventures in the past.

Magical Sibling Visors (1985)

We return to Walt Disney World in 1985… the home of double-decker buses, unadorned golf balls, and tall socks.  My Dad, sister, and I are in EPCOT Center's World Showcase, overlooking the lagoon.  You can see The American Adventure and Japan in the background, along with one of the Friendship boat launches.

Continue Reading…