“My World” by Chad Smith

WDWNT on September 3, 2010

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So, as a committed Disney fan and lover of Walt Disney World, I often dream of Disney. When you’re sitting at work and things get a little stressful, you have those moments where your mind escapes. Where does it go to? Spaceship Earth at Epcot? The castle at the Kingdom? For a drop on the Tower of Terror?

At times, I imagine the “shopping day”, where I hit gift shops at the Yacht & Beach Club and Boardwalk resorts, or the always relaxing escalator ride at the Swan or Dolphin as I people watch. But, as a fellow Disney fan asks you, what is your personal Disney World? What do you imagine when you dream of the world?

I have some thoughts to share as I have talked with many folks about this subject over the years:

The Monorail

No doubt the monorail is Disney for many folks. A more common fame, the “Please Stand Clear of the Doors” has been quoted more than any favorite movie. The smell of the monorail, the sound and the feel all give the sensation that “oh, yes, I am back at Walt Disney World again!”. I always know the first sight on the monorail is one of the most reassuring visuals that “yes, you have arrived!”

Resort TV’s “Top 7 Must Sees”

Some may say we check into their hotel and rush to the TV for “Walt Disney World’s Top 7 Must Sees” hosted by Stacy Aswad. Stacy’s voice and presentation have given a many the feeling of “yes, we are in Disney now”. My wife and I always enjoy the show and often let it repeat the entire time we are on vacation. Who needs news, weather, etc. when you are at Disney? Give me the Top 7 again Stacy!

Hotel Lobby

Standing in line at check-in and waiting to start your vacation at your favorite Disney resort should have a name. Maybe I could contact Webster’s and see if they would add it to their dictionary. Let’s see… it would be something like…  “Mouseness”  -the feeling one gets while waiting to check into their favorite Disney resort to start their magical vacation. Oh, sorry to the online check-ins, while I respect the efficiency of saving time, you also sacrifice a possible Magical Moment being made by the Cast Member at check-in. There is a story here for another day and another article, one day I will share how a guest received a complimentary 5-day park-hopper at check-in.

Disney’s Magical Express

A great vacation usually starts with a successful flight into Orlando International Airport. Upon landing, skip baggage claim and proceed to the Disney’s Magical Express Welcome Center. This has become the first feel of Disney World for many since its inception in May of 2005. Disney’s Magical Express service collects your luggage and delivers it directly to your Walt Disney World hotel room within a short 3 hours or so after you check-in at your favorite resort. Nothing can be better than a cool ride on a Disney motor-coach heading to the start of your vacation (Please note: Disney’s Magical Express will not handle your bags if you arrive in Orlando International Airport after 10:00pm). This service has been especially great for families traveling with small children (I am one of those who mobilize a small army through the airport).

Character Meals

I have had many Disney friends say a breakfast at Chef Mickey’s is the best way to start day one of a Walt Disney World vacation. The monorail ride, breakfast with Mickey Mouse are a great prequel to a day at the Magic Kingdom! Even as I write this, I get excited thinking, “man, this sounds like fun!”. Our family has also always enjoyed the first evening of a trip with a character dinner.

Planning

I saved the best for last. As someone constantly wishing to be at Disney, you may find yourself just like me. The planning process can never be overlooked, it is half the fun! As the old saying goes, it is not the destination, it is the journey (or maybe it’s the other way around, oh well). Planning your trip, collecting your favorite Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR in Disney jargon), and surveying your friends or family who are traveling can build the anticipation. Enjoy this process, even in the pre-planning without an unknown travel date.

So my Disney friends, I presented some random thoughts for you to shut your eyes and imagine about. Where-ever you may be, sit back, relax, and think: “what is my “Disney World”?

WDWNT: The Wallpapers #5

WDWNT on June 22, 2010

Thanks to the amazing talent and generosity of photographer Tim Goodchild of timgoodchild.com, we are able to provide these downloadable wallpapers for your computer monitor. Simply click the link corresponding to your monitor’s resolution, then save the resulting image file to your computer. We will have select wallpapers available for dual-monitor and triple-monitor setups as well.

We will try to present a new wallpaper image once a week. This week, enjoy the refreshment of this advertisement at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park:

1024×768
1280×800
1280×1024
1440×900
1680×1050
1920×1080
1920×1200
Dual Monitor 1024×768 = 2048×768
Dual Monitor 1280×1024 = 2560×1024
Dual Monitor 1680×1050 = 3360×1050
Triple Monitor 1024×768 = 3072×768
Triple Monitor 1280×1024 = 3840×1024

Enchanted Update

WDWNT on November 22, 2007

The new pre-parade procession featuring Giselle from Enchanted has begun to appear before the Hollywood Hollyday Parade at the Disney MGM Studios.

Mystery Pin Machine

WDWNT on September 6, 2007

Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine makes its debut on Thursday, Sept. 6 at MouseGear located at Epcot®. More than a year in the making, this new pin machine will feature three, open edition pin collections – Puzzle, Pirate and Disney-Pixar. Each mini-collection will contain five pins each. Play is $5.00 per game which includes tax. Guests are encouraged to relax when playing the game as every player receives one randomly selected pin from the specially designed collections. There will be three tries per game with a maximum of one pin distributed per game. “Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine is something we have never done before,” said Steven Miller, Project Manager for Disney Pin Trading. “We’ve learned that Guests enjoy having fun with pins and enjoy the thrill of a good mystery. This machine combines the best of both worlds ultimately giving Guests an excellent, valued priced Disney pin to collect or trade.” Additional machines will be introduced at the following locations in the coming weeks: Disney’s Pin Traders at Downtown Disney® Marketplace; Tomorrowland® Arcade in Magic Kingdom® Park; Sorcerer’s Hat Shop at the Disney-MGM Studios and Everything Pop! at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Pins from Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine may not be exchanged or returned. Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine will require exact cash as no change will be given. Visa® and other credit cards will be accepted including the Disney Key To The World card.“I’m excited about this new and innovative concept for Disney Pin Trading,” said Julie Young, product developer for Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machines. “We partnered with many departments in The Walt Disney Company to introduce this new technology to the Disney Theme Park Merchandise division.” When asked about future mystery pins, Julie responded, “We always have a few surprises up our sleeves. You never know what may happen in the place where dreams come true.”

Future Projects

WDWNT on July 12, 2007

Over at the Disney MGM Studios, it appears we have seen the last of Mickey Avenue. The street from the end of the Narnia exhibit to the Backlot Tour is completely closed to become a Pixar themed street rumored to be called “Pixar Place”. The street will host the new Toy Story Mania attraction scheduled to open in Spring 2008. The construction walls feature a map of the park saying that Toy Story Mania is coming soon and giving guests directions to go around the wall to get where they want to go. Rumor has it that after the completion of Toy Story Mania, the area will become home to Cars attraction and perhaps a Pixar character stage show. The Block Party Bash parade, starring all Disney-Pixar Characters, is slated to debut at the park this spring in an attempt to add more Pixar to the studios.

Upcoming Events

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

September 6, 2013 D-Streets
Popcorns 2, September Poster Art
September 15th, 2013 WDW EPCOT
13 Reflections of Evil Vinylmation Trading Event (More info)
September 13, 2013 Online
2013 Poster Art Oswald
September 20, 2013 D-Streets
2013 Poster Art Donald
September 20, 2013 D-Streets and Online
Halloween Vampire Stitch & Scarecrow Mayor and Darkwing Duck 2
September 27, 2013 Epcot
Food and Wine Festival Gusteau
September 27, 2013 D-Streets
Silly Symphonies (More info)

*Reminder- All dates are tentative and could change without warning.

Win a Robot!

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Update: 8/14/11 If you listened to our most recent podcast you’ll know that Sarah won the contest. Congrats Sarah and your robot is on it’s way! Thank you to everyone who entered, and also thanks to the Disney Store for providing the prize. Look for more contests soon!

The Disney Store exclusive Robots series has been out or a while now and we wanted to know which one was your favorite.

Just post a comment with which robot you like the most from the series. We’ll randomly pick a comment as a winner and that winner will receive a unopened blind box from the robot set cutesy of Destination Vinylmation and the Disney Store. The contest starts now and ends at noon on Saturday August 13th EST.

Only one entry per person! Good luck!

ZoMG: Monty Maldovan and Muppets 2

WDWNT on January 1, 1970


The Muppets 2 Set looks even better in person!! I love them! I went to Downtown Disney yesterday for the signing and had such a great time! I love talking with other Vinylmation fans, trading and just having a great time!


I bought a few blind boxes of Muppets #2 and ended up with Dr. Teeth. (I love the colors on this one! This is also Monty’s favorite one!) Pigs in Space Miss Piggy, and Zoot! I really was hoping for the chaser because I love it! It reminds me of going to Disney World with my Mom when I was younger (before they moved Muppet Vision 3D to California Adventure) and watching Muppet Vision 3D in the park!
The line for Monty was huge! He was busy signing Vinylmation and talking with fans from 2 – 5pm..

I got a chance to talk with Monty about Muppets 2, the 9″s that he designed, as well as his take on the new shape of Vinylmation.
Monty told me that his favorite design from this series is Dr. Teeth. He also told me that he loves the accessories that are starting to be added to different Vinylmation series (there are 3 hats in this series!).

I told Monty that I just started a column on Destination Vinylmation and he let me know that he already LOVES Destination Vinylmation! He told me, ” I check it every couple days to get updated on Vinylmation news!! They know more than I do about things so I look to their website for information! They are doing a great job!”
I then went on to tell Monty how excited I am for the 9″ Muppets and asked when he thinks they will be released. He responded saying, “within this year.” (Sigh..I want them now!)

Finally, I asked Monty what he honestly thinks of the new design of Vinylmation. He looked at me and said, “he was a little bummed to see the Mickey design fade away, even though it is still there for the most part. We had a meeting where they showed the new form as well as new upcoming designs on the new forms and everyone was blown away. Any doubts people have about the new shape, will go away as soon as they see how detailed and perfect these new Vinylmation look!”

I had a great time yesterday and can’t wait for the next event! Thank you Monty for being so sweet and stopping to talk with me!

-Zoe