28 May, 2012

The Very Merry Not-So-Scary Wedding Trip — Part One: The Hotel

            I recently had the great honor to be in a Walt Disney World wedding.  My next few posts will be a report on that trip, including the magical day itself.

I have not been to Walt Disney World in four years.  When I say it out loud, I realize it doesn’t sound like a long time.  If I knew I could enjoy a Disney vacation every four years for the rest of my life, I would be very happy.  But a lot has happened in the last four years.  And those who look forward to their next Disney trip know that any amount of time, however brief, is too long.

I am, inwardly at least, a very different person than I was four years ago.  In that time, I have changed jobs, destroyed my credit rating, moved in with my girlfriend, started a blog, made new friends, lost old friends, and watched my mother as she was diagnosed with, battled, and finally succumbed to cancer.

I have a very personal, and frankly rather embarrassing, Disney tradition.  On my last day in theMagicKingdom, as I exit the park, I take a moment to glance back down Main Street at Cinderella Castle.  I always make a silent pact that, come what may, I will be back.  The last time I had made that pact, I had been visiting the World pretty regularly, once a year, for some time.  And at the time, I had no reason to think that would change.

But over the next four years, when at times my world was seemingly crashing down around me, the thought that I would ever enjoy another trip to the Magic Kingdom seemed often as out-of-reach as the moon.

For those reasons, this past trip was a very important one.  It was a trip that I would not have taken were it not for my good friends Jason and Jen.  My girlfriend Lauren and I were asked to be in their wedding.  Jason and Jen, being bigger Disney nuts than even I, decided to fittingly share their vows in Walt Disney World.  Being in a wedding was a perfect excuse for a Disney trip.  Having virtually no disposable income, it wasn’t easy for us (no matter how saving-savvy you may be, any Disney vacation is not cheap), but we promised we would make it work.

My inherent Catholic-esque feelings of guilt and thoughts of, “I shouldn’t be here; I can’t afford this; I don’t deserve this,” faded slightly upon first walking through the train station.  They dissipated completely, however, when I first laid eyes on the bride in her dress, and more profoundly, when I watched the groom see his bride walk down the aisle.  I then knew it was worth being there.

I have come to grips that my dreams and expectations of hitting the lottery will never come to fruition.  I will always be counting my pennies; I will always have bills and debts.  I may as well enjoy life while I can, for if the past four years has taught me anything, it’s that everything can change at a moment’s notice.  This may seem like a rationalization or justification, but as the saying goes that became somewhat of a “motto” for the trip, “You Only Live Once.”

But enough about my flood of emotions.  On to the hotel review!

We arrived Saturday night.  We opted for a later flight on Saturday, rather than an early flight on Sunday.  Even with the extra night at the hotel, airfare came out a bit cheaper, and we wouldn’t have to wake up at an ungodly hour to get to the airport (not that I slept the night before anyway!).

We stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan.  As I mentioned in a previous post (read all about the resort here), the Swan and Dolphin Resorts are operated under Starwood Hotels, as a Westin and Sheraton, respectively.  Now in the interest of full disclosure, Lauren is an employee of Starwood here in New England, and we were able to take advantage of a fantastic discounted rate not available to the public.  However, she does not work directly with those properties, and receives no compensation or initiatives from them for anything published in this blog.  (NOTE: Upon reviewing this post, I have noticed that sometimes the ads WordPress chooses for this article are for Westin, which is unfortunate for my case.  I assure you, however, I have no say or control over the advertisers on this site.  I promise.)  The review of the hotel is one hundred percent unbiased, and while the employee discount was a terrific perk, my opinions are not swayed by it in the least.

Although, if they wanted to toss me a Heavenly Bed, I wouldn’t object…

*Ahem*

Anyhow, that being said, I absolutely fell in love with the resort.  The best part, that goes without saying, is the location.  A quick jaunt by foot or boat to Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and the Boardwalk, the Swan was extra convenient because the rest of the wedding party was staying at the Beach Club next door.

The one thing that struck me was how well the Swan merged the brands of Disney and Westin.  Having stayed at quite a few Westins, I have found it to be my favorite of any hotel chain.  The alluring white tea scent they pipe into the lobby can also be found in the lotion, shampoo and conditioner in the rooms.  The signature Heavenly Beds are the most comfortable beds on earth, and service is always above-par.

Disney hotels, on the other hand, always outshine other hotels with their customer service and immersive surroundings.  The Swan, although not operated by Disney, definitely borrowed some of that Disney magic.  The big, bold architecture by Michael Graves is whimsical enough for Disney, but sleek and professional enough for Westin.

The Swan and Dolphin are, ultimately, convention hotels.  This means lots of working professionals and big groups, as opposed to the predominantly-family friendly Disney resorts (among the other businesses staying there while we were was the U.S. National Soccer Team, who had an event at the Wide World of Sports.  Early in the morning you could find them running laps around the Boardwalk in military precision).

It is definitely a great resort if you happen to be travelling to Disney without children (something I highly recommend…they just slow you down!).  Disney-run resorts are definitely more immersive in their own worlds; with lots more for little ones to explore and look at.  But the Swan is a nice retreat away from hyped-up kids and their over-tired parents (or, in many cases, hyped-up parents and their over-tired kids). While some Disney hotels will make you feel like you’re not in a hotel at all, the Swan is distinctly “hotel-like”.  But it’s a good hotel.  In fact, a great hotel.  Think of it as the opposite of the college-dorm-style of one of the All Star Resorts.

The room itself was a decent size (though truth be told, not quite as big as the Beach Club rooms).  Everything was immaculately clean, and stocked with complimentary bottles of water, tea, and Starbucks coffee.  Ample desk space adorned one full wall, with a mini fridge hidden in a cupboard underneath.  One downside was the lack of available power outlets, which made it difficult to coordinate the charging of iPhones, laptops, cameras and Kindles.  Okay, maybe not “difficult” per se, but definitely an occasional slight inconvenience.

Housekeeping did a great job, but, as we found while attempting to catch a nap between parks one afternoon, tended to be very noisy.  The slamming of doors and shouting to each other was not an uncommon sound throughout most of the day.  I understand most guests are not in their rooms for most of the daytime hours, but it was particularly inconsiderate and annoying.

The main pool area, while not as expansive as the Yacht & Beach Clubs’ Stormalong Bay, was very, very nice, even though spots in the shade are a rarity.  In addition to one, quieter lap pool at each resort, a large beach and pool area is spread between the Swan and Dolphin buildings.  The beach hosts events like movies, campfires, and swan boats (comforting to us honorary Bostonians), while the pool features a waterfall and a “hidden” grotto.  Friendly and personable waiters from the trendy poolside bar make their rounds, albeit slowly, around the sunbathing guests.  The biggest drawback for the whole resort, however, is that everything shuts down at 9pm.  I’m certain there are many people (other than us) who would have loved a cool dip in the pool after a day in the parks, especially after fighting off crowds following a fireworks show.

Dining options at the Swan/Dolphin are plentiful.  I’ll review each of our meals in turn in further posts, but we turned out to be regulars at the small counter of the Java Bar and the 24-hour Picabu Buffeteria.

Starting next post, I’ll walk through each day of our trip, with a special post on the wedding itself.  To be able to share Jenny and Jason’s wedding trip with them and our closest friends was an unforgettable experience, and worth every cent.  Jen and her sister’s family has truly been like a surrogate family to me and Lauren for many, many years, and Jason’s family has been no less welcoming.  I feel nothing less than honored to be a part of their special day, and wish them all the best in life together as man and wife.  So stay tuned, more to come…

Cheers,

Steve

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25 April, 2012

Of Swans and Dolphins…Are they Disney or not?

     

THERE’S A CURIOUS THING ABOUT CRESCENT LAKE.  Stretching from Epcot to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, its shores are lined with five distinct resort areas all connected via footpaths and waterways.  On one side, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs are laid out like a New England Postcard, with its sandy beach, lighthouse, and shipwreck-strewn Stormalong Bay (arguably the best pool area on Disney property).  On the opposing shore, the Atlantic City of days-gone-by lives on in Disney’s Boardwalk.  Shops, restaurants, and dance halls dot the landscape.  All of it, of course, is quintessentially Disney.

But despite all of the incredible theming, one’s eyes are inevitably drawn to the lake’s western shores.  There, towering over the Boardwalk resort, and in fact quite visible from inside much of Epcot’s World Showcase, the gigantic Swans and Dolphins gaze down from their pastel-colored perches.  To see them, especially up close, downright distracts you from the carefully detailed Disney resorts nearby.

For those planning vacations, or those seeing the behemoth structures for the first time, the question is often asked, “Are they ‘Disney’ hotels?”  The answer is no.  Or yes.  Depending on who you ask, and your definition of “Disney Hotel.”

CHILDREN OF THE ‘80s

            The relationship between the Swan/Dolphin and Walt Disney World is a bit of an unusual one, but it’s proved to be a very successful partnership.  It all began in the late 1980s, which explains the over-the-top style and color-choices for the buildings.

Back then, Disney paused their Walkmans and realized they were losing business to many of the hotels that were springing up in and around Disney’s hotel district.  There was also a very large need for more convention space.  Michael Eisner donned his plastic-rimmed sunglasses and oversaw the large increase of Disney owned-and-operated resorts, and had his eye on a new convention-centered hotel on Crescent Lake.

The Tishman Group, the contractors who actually built Epcot, insisted that they totally held the rights to any convention center in the Epcot resort area.  Eisner was all like, “Frankie says relax!”, and honored the agreement.  So the Tishman-Disney partnership was born, and they’ve been flying together like a flock of seagulls ever since.

Eisner hiked up his parachute pants and commissioned architect Michael Graves, who rolled up the sleeves of his Members Only jacket and designed the bold Swan and Dolphin hotels.  Tishman, no stranger to owning hotels, brought on Starwood Hotels and Resorts to operate the hotels.  Technically, as seen on the flags flown outside each entrance, the Swan is a Westin and the Dolphin is a Sheraton, although the names don’t reflect this.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

            So no, the Swan/Dolphin are not ‘Disney’ hotels, in that they are not owned or operated by Disney (Tishman has a 99 year lease on the land from Disney).  But being in the heart of Walt Disney World, Disney has a very heavy hand in the way they are run.

Although not employed by Disney, Swan/Dolphin employees are technically Disney “cast members” and must behave as such.  Guests to both resorts have complimentary access to all Disney Park transportation, and there’s even a dock for the boat service to the Boardwalk/Yacht & Beach/Epcot/Hollywood Studios.  Resort guests can even participate in each park’s “Extra Magic Hours.”

However, there are several Disney resort amenities that are not available to Swan/Dolphin guests.  The Disney Dining Plan can’t be purchased, and Disney’s Magical Express, the complimentary airport shuttle system, does not service these resorts.  A tip that may save you some money:  When booking through Disney, you are required to purchase park tickets with your room as a package.  You can, however, book through Starwood or the Swan or Dolphin directly, and not be forced to buy the tickets.  This is useful if you don’t want park tickets for every day you’re staying.

If you’re not interested in the dining plan, and aren’t worried about finding your own way to/from the airport, the Swan/Dolphin may be the way to go.  The rates can be pretty reasonable (especially for the area), and the service is just as good—often better—then official Disney resorts.  Here’s some more perks:

LOCATION, LOCATION, and…you get the idea.

By staying in the Epcot resorts area surrounding CrescentLake, you are closer to more stuff than any other resort on property.  Whether it’s the Swan/Dolphin, the Yacht/Beach, or the Boardwalk, both Epcot’s “back door” (the World Showcase’s International Gateway) and Hollywood Studios are just a quick boatride away (or walk if you prefer!  It’s really not far…especially to Epcot).  Fast bus service is available to the other parks, but Park Hopper-wielding guests (that aren’t in a hurry) can even stroll right through Epcot and catch the monorail to the Magic Kingdom.  Plus, the Boardwalk, next door to the Swan/Dolphin, has a variety of things to do during the day and after the parks close.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

Although you can’t add on the Disney Dining Plan with your stay, none of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants participate anyway, meaning less crowds and more options.  The Swan/Dolphin is home to an abundance of dining choices.  These include:

  • Il Mulino New YorkTrattoria:  The best Italian dining anywhere in Walt Disney World
  • Kimonos:  Consistently rated the best Sushi in the Orlando area, there’s also nightly karaoke!
  • BlueZoo:  From chef Todd English, this breathtaking seafood restaurant is a work of art just in its design.
  • Shula’s:  Steak and seafood
  • The Fountain:  A 1950’s style diner (honestly though, go next door instead to Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club…trust me)
  • Picabu Buffeteria:  A 24-hour cafeteria, guests-in-the-know from other resorts can often be found here late nights.
  • Garden   Grove:  A buffet with Disney characters, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The food options at the Swan and Dolphin are so renowned, the resorts have hosted the annual Swan/Dolphin Food and Wine Classic for the past two autumns.  The Classic is an ever-expanding event in the causeway between the two resorts, featuring favorite dishes, new and trendy food items, celebrity chefs, and wines from around the world.  Growing in popularity each year, it’s enough to rival the esteemed Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

So that’s the story on the two greatest Disney-resorts-that-aren’t-Disney-resorts.  Next time you’re planning your trip, take a serious look at the Swan/Dolphin.  It may not be traditional Disney theming, but the experience can be just as magical.

(By the way, in case you’re wondering why the dolphins atop of the Dolphin don’t look like dolphins, it’s because they’re in fact dolphin fish.  They were common on nautical maps, and you can even find a couple in a fountain in Epcot’s Italy pavilion)

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26 February, 2012

The History of the Port Orleans Resort

As you probably know, there are at least two stories behind everything in Walt Disney World.  Every attraction, ride, restaurant and shop has a dual history.  The first story is what really happened.  It usually starts with an Imagineer getting a spark of an idea, followed by years and years of brainstorming, researching, writing, testing, designing, engineering, re-writing, re-designing, re-testing, tweaking, and finally, building.  A fascinating process in its own right, particularly to nerds such as myself, but rarely as noble and romantic as most people think.

The second history is concocted entirely by Walt Disney Imagineering.  By giving attractions, buildings and areas a back-story, it somehow makes it more real. And even seemingly straight-forward themed designs may contain a rich and elaborate story behind it.

Such is the case with Disney’s two Port Orleans resorts.  On the surface, the theming seems pretty basic, albeit well-executed.  PortOrleans:Riversideis a sprawling collection of Southern antebellum mansions, making guests feel as if they have stepped into Scarlett O’Hara’s Tara Plantation or perhaps a Mark Twain novel.  Down the river at Port Orleans: French Quarter, narrower streets lined with ivy-clad buildings and wrought-iron balconies are obviously modeled after the French Quarter of New Orleans.

But what most guests at either resort don’t realize is the extensive history (or rather, histories) of the area.  As usual, Imagineers have put in a lot of work in creating an imaginative backstory, one that explains just about every detail found in and around the resorts.

The real history is, as is often the case, the less exciting one.  Disney’s Port Orleans: French Quarter Resort opened as simply “Disney’s French Quarter Resort” in May of 1991.  Almost a year later, “Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort” opened just next door.  The two “moderate” tier sister-resorts were built on the banks of theSassagoulaRiver, a 2 ½ mile manmade waterway connecting the resorts toLakeBuena Vistaand the Downtown Disney area.

The expansive Dixie Landings boasted a 3 ½ acre recreation area, “Ol’ Man Island,” featuring a large pool with a waterslide, hot tub, and fishing hole.  Ol’ ManIslandis the site of a large oak tree, which holds the world record of being the largest living oak to ever be transplanted.  It took hundreds of laborers three days to transport the 85 ton tree from the area that’s now Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, and forty eight hours to replant it.  The operation was finished on April 22nd, Earth Day, 1991, and the island itself was subsequently built around the tree.

In early 2001, Disney officially changed the names of both resorts to include the “Port Orleans” moniker.  The original Port Orleans was now “French Quarter” and Dixie Landings was now “Riverside.”  Disney cited synergism and better branding to explain the name change, but many speculate that the company was trying to be more politically correct and separate itself from any negative connotations associated with the word “Dixie.”

Admittedly not a terribly exciting story, but as usual, Imagineers were armed and ready with their own version.  They told their story through a complimentary information sheet given to all guests called the “Sassagoula Times.”  The Times, originally two eight-page tabloid-style newspapers, contained not only the highly elaborate backstory of the resorts, but also information such as maps, frequently asked guest questions, and facility operating hours.

The Sassagoula Times was scaled down considerately over the years, and in 2009 was finally abandoned altogether and replaced with a generic Guest Services pamphlet.  But the history lives on with fans of the resort.

The story starts back—way back—inFrance, 1694.  French winemaker Estephan-Michele d’Orr and Scotsman-living-in-France John Leane got together to helm a private expedition to theNew World.  Their long journey brought them toFlorida, where they discovered theSassagoulaRiver(incidentally, “Sassagoula” was an actual Native American name for theMississippi River).  They settled on the banks of the river, realizing the location would be an ideal spot for a port. In 1704, Port Orleans was officially established, named for founders d’Orr and Leane.

In 1727 Rene and Robert Banhomme, brothers fromQuebec, were named the first city planners.  Rene’s skill in architecture and Robert’s superb landscaping talent turned out to make the perfect partnership.  Soon the small cabins, marshes, swamps and bayous were transformed into a proper modern city.

The city flourished, becoming the commercial, social and cultural hub of theSassagoulaRiverarea.  In the early 1760s an architectural crusade was led by Gaston and Francois Poupon, sons of the city’s first governor Pierre Poupon, the Marquis de Sirloin.  As the city was sold fromFrancetoSpain, and then back toFranceagain, the region gained a hybrid of French and Spanish culture, evident in its buildings, fashions, and cuisine.

The Port Orleans Mint successfully kept up in minting Francs, Spanish currency, and special commemorative coins for the city’s annual Mardi Gras festivities.  In 1823, the territory was sold to theUnited States, and the Mint’s currency-producing services were no longer needed.  The Mint became the Bank of Port Orleans, but changed its name back to the Port Orleans Mint in 1886.  It still produces the Mardi Gras coins to this day.

All guests to French Quarter visit the Port Orleans Mint, whether they realize it or not.  The hotel’s front desk is where the teller’s counter was.  In keeping with the city’s rich association with jazz, the bars separating the customers from the tellers have been turned into a musical staff, with decorative music notes running the length of the counter (If you know how to read music, you might discover the notes are the chorus to “When the Saints Come Marching In”…that’s right, no detail is too small for Disney Imagineering).

In the early 1800s, “Colonel” J.C. Peace and his brother Everette settled up the Sassagoula from Port Orleans.  Everette moved onto a quiet, remote island to live out his life as a hermit.  “Ol’ManIsland” soon became the focus of many urban legends among locals, but brave souls who dared to boat across to the island were met not with a cranky recluse, but with a kind old man.  Everette, a skilled carpenter, built many slides, swings, ramps, and log-bridges, turning his island into a fantastic playland that is still enjoyed today.

Everette’s brother, J.C., built a stately mansion on the shores of the Sassagoula.  He also build a cotton mill, and helped establish trading between the group of trappers who set up cabins nearby.  The mill was designed for J.C. by mechanical engineer and cotton expert Whitney E. Lye (see what they did there?).

After a while, more businesses and mansions sprouted up in the area.  The Sassagoula Steamboat Company was founded, and the Dixie Queen Steamboat was launched.  The area was established as Dixie Landings, and prospered greatly.

And that, my friends, are the stories of Port Orleans.  Because of the rich theming and beautiful architecture and landscaping, it’s my favorite of the moderate level Disney resorts.   Next time you’re in Walt Disney World, even if you’re not staying there, pay a visit to Boatwright’s Dining Hall or the Scat Cat Club.  Saunter down Rue d’Bega or promenade across Magnolia Bend, and you’ll be transported into a bygone era-that-never-was.

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6 January, 2012

“Disney-Pretty”

(WEBMASTER’S NOTE:  The following essay was submitted by Darlene Ballard, a fellow Disney-phile and travel guru.  You can hear Darlene on the new See Ya Real Soon Radio Program podcast, coming your way real soon.  “Everybody neat and pretty?  Then on with the show!”–Mickey Mouse Club, 1955)

Disney-Pretty

              There are many reasons to go on vacation.  Some seek adventure and others need to relax and blow off some steam.   Families plan to spend time together and share an experience, complete with photos and video, to look back on years from now as a happy time when everyone was together.  Walt Disney World offers all of these things.

While I do go to Disney World for all of these reasons, and return often because the experience never fails to thrill, there is one big reason I make the nearly three hour flight from Logan International Airport to Orlando.  It makes me feel pretty.

I think of being on vacation as the having the opportunity to be my best self.  I have the time and freedom to put on make-up, put extra effort into my hair styles, and wear my favorite sundresses.  I pick up trinkets from shops throughout the resort and admire the new bracelet on my wrist from Epcot’s Mexico or my new headband from Downtown Disney.  With the Florida sun on my spaghetti-strap adorned shoulders, I count new freckles and can almost feel my hair color getting lighter.

While I’ve seen some sport sweats and fanny packs in even Disney’s best restaurants, I sit down for dinner with my travel companions and relish the feeling of my brand new mini skirt on my tanned thighs.  I always buy at least a few new items to wear for each trip, and most often I pull off the tags an hour before our meal reservation in our hotel room.  Wearing brand new clothes in one of my favorite places makes me happy enough to inspire a natural glow.

I can’t imagine how many miles I’ve walked throughout the parks and beyond.  While I’m certain I’ve never lost an ounce of weight  on Disney property, given my tendency to eat my way through it, and my affinity to the dining plan, there is certainly the self-esteem building feeling from having gotten some solid exercise.

Nothing makes a girl feel prettier than a little romance.  There is nothing more romantic than getting dressed up, attaching myself to the arm of my man, and hearing my heels click on the pavement as we walk to dinner at one of our favorite Disney World restaurants.  We’ve enjoyed dinner in Epcot’s San Angel Inn, and it was perfect.  The atmosphere gave the illusion that we were miles away in Mexico, and the table for two, under low lighting, gave the illusion that we were the only two people in the world.

When the trip is over, and I’ve finally given in and put on my sweatpants, I sit on the plane ride home and smile at the smell of sun still lingering on my skin and the knowledge that the next trip is not so far away, because we’ve already planned it on the Magical Express.  With the sundress I bought from a kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom packed in my carry-on, I know I’ll be able to feel Disney-pretty, even at home.

-Darlene Ballard

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28 December, 2011

A BIG Announcement from See Ya Real Soon!

Hi, everybody!  Hope everyone’s holiday season is nothing less than magical.

First and foremost, I’d like to apologize to you, dear reader, for the lack of recent posting.  All of us here are gearing up for an all new project, coming your way soon.

We are excited to announce the ”See Ya Real Soon Radio Program,” an all new podcast bringing you discussions on all of the latest Disney news, rumors, and just plain ol’ fun!  Each week, our roundtable panel of Disney-philes will talk about what’s happening in the world of Disney and beyond.  We’ll have reviews, previews, interviews and conversation, all presented in a fun, entertaining format geared specifically for adults.  We’ll let you in on travel tips, answer your questions and listener e-mail, and discover in-depth park secrets many people miss.

Looking for that much-needed Disney “fix” in-between vacations?  We’ve got you covered.  We’ll talk about not only our favorite aspect of the parks, but our not-so-favorite things as well.  Starting up (very) soon, you’ll be able to download episodes through iTunes, or listen directly on our site.  For a sneak preview of the site, and to meet the podcast team, visit www.seeyarealsoonradio.com.

We’d LOVE to hear from you, and read your comments on the air!  Start sending us your questions, show ideas, or just say “hi!’ at seeyarealsoonradio@gmail.com.

As we speak, the whole team is working feverishly to prepare the first episodes.  We’ll have more news real soon, so stay tuned!

-Steve

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4 October, 2011

Random Musings: The Disney Store, The Lion King 3-D, Princess Rapunzel, and Avatar-land

Some things I’ve felt the need to write about, but each not enough to fill its own post:

The Disney Store Times Square

I recently spent a couple of days in New York City.  The last time I was in the Big Apple, the Disney Store was still located on Fifth Avenue.  They have since closed that location and opened up a new venue in the middle of Times Square.  The Times Square store was heralded as ushering in the new generation of Disney Stores.  After the Walt Disney Company re-acquired management of the Store in 2008, a rebranding was announced.  Steve Jobs, Disney’s biggest shareholder, would lead the charge into making your Disney shopping experience different that the average retail venture (not unlike his unconventional Apple Stores).

I was anxious to see for myself this new, reborn Disney Store.  I must say, I walked away impressed, but not blown away.  The new store is much smaller than its predecessor, but the space is well-managed.  On the main floor, the two walls on either side depict the Manhattan skyline in silhouette form.  Every so often, images are projected, depicting a multitude of different characters, synced up with sound cues.  It may be a fireworks display, or you may see one of your favorite characters fly by.  While we were there, we saw Peter Pan, the house from Up (followed by Kevin the bird, tangled up in balloons), Winnie the Pooh (searching for a honey tree), and, my personal favorite, the lantern festival from “Tangled.”

The merchandise, while still geared mostly toward little ones who want to play dress-up, was far better than any Disney Store has had as of late.  Adults could find some unique character t-shirts, mugs and the like.  Snow globes and Christmas ornaments were available, and there’s even a small Marvel Comics section.  But I’d still like to see some more Disney home/kitchen decor.

There was plenty of NYC specific merchandise (surprising, considering how hard it is nowadays to get resort–or even park–specific merchandise down in Walt Disney World).  All in all, I found it to be a really nice, fun, well-run store.  But it was, mind you, still a store.  There was no special Disney “experience”.  It wasn’t, as had been promised, anything different than shopping at any other store.  If you’re a Disney fan, however, and you happen to be in the NYC area, it’s worth fighting the Times Square Sea of Perpetual Tourists That Stop Directly in Front of You and Guys Trying to Hand You Flyers to check it out (I left with an Oswald the Lucky Rabbit plush, making the whole New York trip worth it).

Disney’s The Lion King in 3-D  

It’s been many years since I’ve seen The Lion King in its original form (although I’ve seen the stage production a few times since), so I was excited to see it in 3-D.  It did not disappoint.  It reminded me that the movie, no matter in how many dimensions you see it in, is a masterpiece.  Artistically, musically, directorially, in every way a masterpiece.  It represents the pinnacle of Disney animation (check out the MUST SEE documentary “Waking Sleeping Beauty” for a behind the scenes look).  While it’s not necessarily everyone’s favorite Disney movie (mine is Beauty and the Beast), it is arguably the best.  Seeing it in 3-D allows you to notice things you hadn’t before, and because the film is so cinematic as it stands, it lends itself to 3-D beautifully.  There are scenes that look as if they were created specifically for 3-D, even though the artists at the time would never have dreamed it would be re-released 17 years later in that form.  Well done, Disney.

After grossing so much at the box office, I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney started re-releasing more and more of their library in 3-D.  I think it’ll be tough to make any of them as good as The Lion King though (However, I’d be anxious to see The Little Mermaid).

That’s PRINCESS Rapunzel to you!

Congratulations to Rapunzel, co-star of Disney’s “Tangled.”  The girl with the 70-ft long hairdo was declared an official Disney Princess yesterday in a lavish, star-studded royal ceremony at London’s Kensington Palace.  The other nine official princesses were on hand for the celebration, but Rapunzel herself arrived in London about a week early to do some sightseeing.  Her hair could be seen in front of Big Ben, the Tower of London, and other historical sites.

Disney’s Animal & Blue People Kingdom

I suppose I wouldn’t be a self-respecting Walt Disney World blogger if I didn’t address the really big news announced recently.  Disney, as I’m sure you’ve heard, is teaming up with James Cameron to produce an “Avatar”-themed land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with many more projects around the world to follow.  I’m afraid I don’t have anything new to report on this front.  Not a lot of details have been released yet (or can be expected to be released anytime soon…they’re still in the “blue sky” phase of planning).

I will say this, though:  Opinion appears to be sharply divided between people who love the movie and are excited for the expansion, and people who think it’s a bad idea.  Personally, I can’t possibly think of how any add-on Animal Kingdom would be a bad one (I know many folks were holding out for the long-rumored Beastly Kingdomme, but it appears those plans have finally gone the way of the unicorn).

Admittedly, I am one of the few people on both Earth and Pandora who has not seen “Avatar” in its entirety (nor, to be honest, do I have any desire to.  I’ve seen both Pocahontas and Fern Gully, I think that’s enough).  But I can’t argue that the visual effects and imaginative world created by James Cameron would make a really kick-ass theme park land (especially at night).  That is, of course, if it’s done right.  And Disney Imagineering tends to do things right (especially when they’re given proper funding, which they most certainly are in this case).  The thought of the combination of two of the most creative minds on the planet, James Cameron and John Lasseter, sends chills down my spine.  And the lush landscaping and heavy not-so-subtle message of conservation in the movie makes it a perfect match for AK.

Ultimately, however, before I or anyone else can pass any judgment whatsoever, we need to see the finished product.  Ten years from now, after the project has been completed for some time and the two sequels have been released, we’ll know just how much of good idea it was.  Until then, we’ll just have to sit tight.

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9 September, 2011

The Fantasyland Expansion Project: Two Years Later

Well kids, two years ago today, I published my first post.  Discussing the rumors of an upcoming addition to the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, the post was validated just a few short days later, when the rumors were officially confirmed at the first D23 Expo in Anaheim.  The accuracy of the “leaked” blueprints, coupled with the at-the-time-unusual way Disney confronted the rumors directly, still lead me to believe the prints were leaked by Disney as part of building buzz leading up to the announcement.

And not that there’s anything wrong with that.  If that was indeed the case, the move was a cunning one.  Not only did it successfully get people talking, it showed a drastic change in the way Disney handled things.  It wasn’t that long ago that Disney Parks treated public relations with military-like caution.  Walt Disney World was extremely hush-hush about its entire operation, neither confirming nor denying anything until the project was near completion.  The creation of the D23 fan club, the official Disney Parks Blog, along with a sudden strong presence on leading social network sites, proved that Disney knows people crave behind-the-scenes material as it happens, and true Disney fans want access to up-to-the-minute updates on current and future projects.  The veil of secrecy has, for the most part, been lifted enough to get a good peek at stuff, and Disney is finally acknowledging it has a strong (and often loud) fan following.  And projects like D23, Destination D events, and the recent Haunted Mansion’s Room for One More event shows Disney has found a great way to get these fans directly involved, and make some money off them in the process.

Yes, a lot in the Disney company has changed in the past two years.  And although we are still a good year away from its completion, I thought a good idea for my second anniversary post would be to revisit the Fantasyland expansion, and see how things are coming along.

As to be expected, a lot is different from when former Parks and Resorts chairman Jay Rasulo first made the expansion announcement at the ’09 D23 Expo.  Even more has changed from the leaked blueprints that came to light earlier that summer.  The initial plan called for a land-within-a-land for each of the major Disney Princesses, a Pixie Hollow area for Tinkerbell and friends, a circus area with not one but two Dumbo attractions, and something that appeared to be labeled the “Cheshire Coaster,” to replace Goofy’s Barnstormer.

Of course, as input from fans came flooding in, management began intervening, budgets started fluctuating, and, simply put, Imagineers’ ideas changed, the current progress shows deviation from the original plans.

The Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella sections have been eliminated altogether in favor of a Fantasyland princess meet-and-greet tent.  Belle can still be found in her cottage, next to Gaston’s Tavern, in the village next to the Beast’s castle.  The castle will house the Be Our Guest restaurant, featuring a state-of-the-art Lumeire interactive animatronic.

Ariel still gets her much anticipated ”Voyage of the Little Mermaid” ride, already up-and-running in Disneyland.  Pixie Hollow appears to have been scrapped entirely (for now), but Tink and her fellow fairies can now be seen over in Adventureland.

Dumbo will indeed move over to the area once occupied by Mickey’s Toontown Fair, with a new queue-less wait system.  The area will feature many other interactive games and attractions.  Goofy’s Barnstormer will not take on an Alice in Wonderland theme, but rather be re-themed from the country theme of the previous land to the Storybook Circus theme of the new one.  Goofy’s Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini will have Goofy as an ace pilot in a death-defying aerial stunt show.

One of the most exciting changes to the original concept is the announcement of a new e-ticket attraction to replace Snow White’s Scary Adventures.  While the Scary Adventures will certainly be missed, Imagineers are working on a Seven Dwarves Mine Train Coaster.  It will tell the story of Snow White, much like the current attraction, but will hold a quicker-pace and even some mild thrills.  The coaster cars are a brand new design that has passengers swinging from side to side as it moves forward, much like a coal car in a mine.

Even though we are still a while away from the grand opening, construction appears to be barreling along a steady pace.  The Beast’s castle is up (it’s very small, but through forced perspective and the placement of its surroundings, looks to be towering off a long way in the distance).  Prince Eric’s castle facade is nearly complete, and the circus tents over next to the new Dumbo attraction are erect.

With the opening date so far off, I am without doubt that even more changes are to be expected, but with the framework for most of the new attractions already laid out, those changes will most likely be minimal.  I for one cannot wait to see the much-deserved facelift for the area, even if just for the improved landscaping.

I leave you today with this clip that I found absolutely hilarious.  This was at the Parks and Resorts presentation at this year’s D23 Expo.  Tom Staggs, who took over for Jay Rasulo as chairman.  He explains that when he first started in the position, he wanted to get an idea as to what all of his employees go through, so he helped out in various jobs around the parks and on the cruise ships.  My favorite line is when he’s cleaning up elephant dung and asks his supervisor warily, “Seriously? Jay did this?”  The video ends with him dressed as Tinkerbell, screaming his head off as he plummets toward Cinderella Castle on a zipline.  This short clip has shown that Staggs is without a doubt one of the most personable Disney executives I’ve seen in a long time.

Enjoy, and thank you to everyone for two magical years!  See ya real soon!

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