Disneyworld: the happiest place on earth

by Renee Tomcanin assistant news editor

Most people would think that Disney World, home of Mickey Mouse and children's movies, is strictly for families and young children. However, there is a lot in the resort that appeals to teenagers and young adults. The parks that hold the most to do for the 17-21 crowd are MGM Studios and the Magic Kingdom. The first is home to movie stars of past and present paired with familiar Disney twists.

When you first get to MGM, check out ''The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror." As you follow the path up to the Hollywood Tower Hotel, Spanish moss and an eerie mist help to set the mood. Once inside enter one of the service elevators and begin your journey into the strange realm of 'The Twilight Zone." Be prepared, however, to be dropped five times in a row, from heights as much as 13 stories.

The next stop you should make is to the Rock and Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. This indoor roller coaster propels its limo shaped cars from 0-60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. If you enjoy twists, loops, and loud rock music, this ride is great for you.

If thrill rides are not quite your style, check out one of the many shows. The Broadway style "Beauty and the Beast," the intense "Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular" and the humorous "Jim Henson's MuppetVision 3-D" are some of the treats that appeal to both the ears and the eyes.

MGMalso has a host of movie and television related attractions. Star Tours twists and turns its riders through familiar "Star Wars" scenes. Crawl and race through the "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" movie playground. Tour actual ABC sounds sets on the Backstage Pass walking tour, or see the house 'The Golden Girls" stayed in on the Backlot Tour. Experience the power of sound in "Sounds Dangerous," starring Drew Carey.

For dinner or a good lunch, check out Prime Tune cafe. The '50s atmosphere radiates as soon as you step through the door. Black and white sitcoms and old Mickey Mouse Club skits play while you eat. Think your mother nags you enough? Well, the Ma and Pa servers will make sure you eat properly (no elbows on the table). If you finish your meal, you get a Clean Plate Club sticker. Prepare for a fun dinner.

At night, be sure to check out "Fantasmic!" This production combines film and live actors to create a spectacular sight. Mickey Mouse, the Queen from "Snow White" and other stars dance on stage while movie clips are projected onto walls of water. Fireworks, blacklight and bubbles add extra glitter to the show. It may seem like any other Disney stage show, but it is well worth the time. Just be warned. Seats go fast, so make sure you get there early.

After a day at MGM, be sure to check out the Magic Kingdom. If you are feeling nostalgic and want to relive those magical movies of your childhood, check out many of the character theme rides. "Peter Pan's Flight" and 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," all in Fantasyland, take you through various scenes related to the movies. For more toon enjoyment, check out Mickey's Toontown Fair. Be sure to go to the Judge's Tent to meet the mouse himself.

Space Mountain and the Extra TERRORestrial Alien Encounter are full of thrills for those who want some adrenaline in their systems. These can be found in the futuristic Tommorowland. For more stomach-dropping fun, try Splash Mountain. The classic flume ride takes you through the story of 'The Song of the South" and then drops you into the briar patch below. Caution-you will get wet

For thrills of another sort, be sure to go on ''The Haunted Mansion." Enter your doombuggy and see all of the hologramic marvels and animatronic spooks that lie in wait. While it is not excessively scary, some of the ghosts can catch you off guard. Most importantly, beware of hitchhiking ghosts! Disney has created the Fast Pass system that is perfect if you can't stand waiting in long lines all day. With a valid ticket, visitors can receive a pass that will give them an hour time frame in which to return to the attraction. This pass allows you to jump to the front of the line, cutting down on your wait. However, you can only get one Fast Pass every two hours, so choose the crowded attractions first.

Make sure that you save up some money when planning your Disney trip. One-day park tickets are $46, but it is better to invest in the four or five-day park hoppers that allow going back and forth between parks. It is often less expensive to stay at a hotel outside of the area in surrounding Kissimmee or outside of Orlando.