Now, Echo Lake is not terribly big. In fact, there's not a lot to it at all. Really, it just sorta sits there with little around it.
But, let's take a look anyways.
One of the most underrated attractions that doesn't get the love it deserves is the American Idol Experience. I saw this show with my mom and sister and we really enjoyed it. It's a neat concept. Basically, you audition in the morning with a talent crew off a list of preselected songs. If you are good enough, you get to compete in a show (about one every hour). It has all the lights, sounds, talent, announcers, and judges as the real American Idol show. The audience votes on who they like and the winner of the show competes with all the days winners in the last show of the night. The grand, overall winner gets a golden ticket to go to the front of the line when the actual American Idol goes around.
Indiana Jones Stunt Show is also in this area. I never got any photos of the show (sorry!), but I got the outside scenery. This includes the Dip Site. Interesting number painted up there...
The radio studios are a working studio. Neal Boortz has broadcast from here before. Boortz is a talk show host on NewsTalk 750 WSB and does mostly political talk. He's extremely entertaining and he also is a self professed Disney fan. His favorite resort is the same as mine, the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. He has said on his show that he wants his ashes spreaded there, although I'm not sure that's exactly within the rules.
There are two restaurants in the area that I really want to eat at. 50's Prime Time Diner and Hollywood & Vine.
Let's move over to Commissionary Lane.
Really there are only a few things here. The SciFi Diner which looks amazing is one. Another is the ABC Commissionary. Delicious fish and chips.
There is also an opportunity to meet Prince Caspian and see some Narnia artifacts and a short video.
That's really about it.
TTFN
On Deck: Magic Kingdom Resort Tales and Secrets (don't get too excited)
In the Hole: Final Animal Kingdom Photos
The oval shape of Echo Lake is one of Mickey's ears in what I'm guessing is the largest hidden mickey on property. It's not as easy to see anymore on satellite photos since they added the big Sorcerer's hat right on Mickey's nose, expanded buildings and the trees around the area have grown larger. I couldn't quickly find a good screen grab but search Google Maps for a satellite photo of the area. It's quite cool.
ReplyDeleteWe've eaten at both the Prime Time (multiple times) and the Hollywood and Vine (once). Hollywood suffers from what most of the buffets suffer from... it's kind of a mad house, but the food was very good. Prime Time is awesome. We ate there for the first time on our honeymoon and loved it. Decorated like Mom's kitchen from your favorite 50's era TV sitcom. Mom cooks and all the waiters and waitresses are your cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, whatever. Lots of fun.
I even got a sticker for cleaning my plate at Primetime!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI do believe the popular vote is you cheated to get that Vermy!
ReplyDeleteI have a Cast Member map that clearly shows Mickey's eyes, nose, and mouth. Yes, Echo Lake is the same shape and in the right position for the ear. However, the Brown Derby and Staring Rolls Cafe have definately hurt the look, as does the hat on the nose.
I spoke with some other Cast Members that were self proclaimed Hidden Mickey experts and they no longer consider this a true Hidden Mickey because it's been so distored. Many believe the largest Hidden Mickey at this time is actually outside of the Walt Disney World Resort down on I-4 towards Celebration. It's a cement tower that holds those big powerlines. I'll try to find a picture.
I still consider the Hollywood Hidden Mickey a real one. Maybe!