WDWNT: The Magazine – Car or No Car?

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

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The question all new Disney interns asks themselves once they have learned they are a Disney Cast Member: car or no car? Having a car to drive is the universal sign of freedom. You can at any time hop into your car and go wherever you wish to go. The only limit may be money, and with rising gas prices, it is certainly a possibility that you won’t be able to afford to go wherever you want.

Disney knows that some of their college interns may not be able to afford a car while they are living in central Florida, so Disney provides free bussing to and from Walt Disney World to wherever you may be living. Now, what if you want to go out, how would one do so without a car? Well, Disney takes care of that, as well. They have busses that take you to the Florida Mall and Publix, which is a grocery store. Disney will even provide bussing to beaches and their local competitors, Sea World and Universal Studios, when the Disney College Program sponsors those trips.

So, should one really need a car while on the Disney College Program? Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer for this question. It took me a couple months to realize what strategy was best.

I did have a car while on my program and gas prices killed me as I drove it everywhere. So, what I learned to do was take the busses to and from work and occasionally when I visited a Disney park. If I wanted to go anywhere else, though, I drove. I still had to put gas in my car but by not driving to work I saved a lot of money. By doing that I was able to make trips to Daytona Beach, Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens (twice), a Tampa Rays vs. Cincinnati Reds game, Cocoa Beach, and Sea World (twice).

Now, just because you do not have a car in Florida does not mean you will not make similar trips like these. There are some advantages and disadvantages to having or not having a car while working for Disney during your internship.

Having a car during your Disney internship means you are not bound by the bus schedule. You can plan your day around what you want to do and your work schedule. You can do whatever you want on your days off. If there is a get together with some colleagues that you want to attend you can drive yourself over there. If you want to eat at CiCi’s Pizza, you can whenever you want.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? Be careful, though, because the gas price range for Lake Buena Vista, Florida, as of August 23, 2013, is $3.35-$5.99, according to Gas Buddy. Don’t freak-out too much about that station with $5.99; it was $5.99 every day I lived in Florida. I’m not quite sure how that station stays open. Unless you have a great gas mileage car, I would not suggest driving to work. The traffic getting to and from Walt Disney World is brutal on a car.

Yes, you would have to take the bus to and from work, which may or may not add time to your trip, but you save that money and can do more with your Disney experience. For most interns this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for the Walt Disney Company and you should want to maximize this opportunity.

The Disney College Program busses do get a bad rap but 99% of the time they get Cast Members where they need to be and on time. Only once during my internship did I fear a bus would not get me to work on time because the driver sat at Vista Way apartments and chatted with a friend for half an hour. I still got to work on time that day and had a great time.

My biggest regret is ever having driven to work for a couple of months. I was unable to afford to go to Universal Studios throughout my entire trip because I had spent so much on gas driving to work. If I had saved that gas money I could have done everything that central Florida has to offer.

I recommend that every Disney College Program participant have his/her own vehicle in Florida, but do not drive that vehicle to work. Instead, drive that vehicle to Daytona Beach one day, or to Busch Gardens to experience the thrill of SheiKra, or to Sea World to get splashed by Shamu.

WDWNT: The Magazine – GAC Changes and Consequences To Guests with Disabilities

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

Months ago, news broke about the abuses happening in the Disney Parks with the GAC, or the Guest Assistance Card. An undercover story detailed the story of wealthy parents paying individuals with disabilities to escort their families through the Parks so that they could “skip the lines” at the attractions.

The fall-out over this expose has been heartbreaking for many families who have children with an ACTUAL disability, because they are uncertain whether the newly-revised guest assistance system will provide the same level of guest assistance as the previous GAC system.

I am one such family. I have three children, two with Special Needs, and I am uncertain how we will navigate the Parks once the new Disability Access Service Card (DASC), formerly the GAC, goes into effect.

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My Disney story is one of love at first sight…

When I first walked into the front gates of the Magic Kingdom at 14 years old, I knew I was hooked. After college, I moved to Orlando for a year, and spent at least one night per week in the Parks. I got married at Polynesian resort and had my wedding reception dinner at the Artist Point restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge. I’ve been to the Disney Parks over 100 times.

When I had my first son, his first trip to Disney was when he was 6 months old and I knew I wanted to raise my kids “Disney.” I wanted to see my beloved Disney through my kids’ eyes.

My son loved Disney, even from an early age. We watched the movies and Disney shows, so he knew all of the characters and had a wonderful time seeing Mickey and the gang in person. We tried to go to Disney at least once a year. In 2006, we went as a family – my husband, my two-year old son, our new baby, and me.

But something changed for my oldest son when we went to Walt Disney World that year.  Characters that he formerly loved meeting now scared him. He would cry and try to get away from Mickey and Goofy, not hug them. He covered his ears and screamed during parades and shows. He freaked out while we waited in the crowded lines. He even slapped me and my husband while waiting in lines, and he is the most calm, non-violent kid I know. We knew coming home from this trip that something was wrong.

After we got back from the trip to Disney World, we saw Doctors and Psychologist and got the diagnosis — Autism.

We were devastated.

As as the weeks passed, we realized the challenges that we had ahead of us.  My son spent hours and hours per week in therapies. My son could quote lines and lines from “Toy Story,” but could not ask me for a cup of juice.

And this may sound silly, but one of my thoughts was “How will we ever go back to Disney World, with all of the challenges we now have?”

We waited two years before deciding  to return to Disney World. In that time, my son with Autism got a little better. We welcomed a new baby boy, bringing our family to five members – two parents and three boys!  I also joined an Autism support group after my son’s diagnosis, and from other parents, I learned about Disney’s Guest Assistance Card. Guests with disabilities can request a card at Guest Services; this pass enables these guests to wait in an alternate line, away from the crowds and noise. We knew this pass was the answer to my son’s sensory processing problems.

On our trip in 2008, we went to Guest Services on the first day of our trip, with a note from his Pediatrician, stating that my son has Autism. The Cast Member at Guest Services said that because of HIPAA laws, he didn’t need to see the letter, but we kept it on us at all times, just in case. We heard that some families using the GAC had experienced nasty comments from the people in the standard lines, and I wanted to make sure that I had the Doctor’s note as proof of our son’s disability, in case anyone every questioned our integrity.

(And if anyone ever did question my integrity, saying my sons don’t “look” disabled, I would show the Doctor’s note, and tell them that I would GLADLY trade places with them, if that meant my sons wouldn’t live their whole lives with disabilities.)

And with the GAC, we had a FABULOUS time.

And that’s really what we were striving for when on vacation at Disney World — to feel like any normal family. Because at home, during every other day of the year, we have Speech therapies, Physical therapies, Occupational therapies, psychologist appointments, Social Skills training, and a myriad of meetings with teachers and educators. To be able to get away from the stresses of our lives at home, and be able to enjoy Disney World with our sons, despite the challenges of my son’s disability, make me love Disney all the more —  because Disney has always provided appropriate accommodations to those with disabilities.

In 2011, our youngest son was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. He also cannot tolerate loud noises (like parades and fireworks) and lots of people in close proximity of him, but we use a stroller that creates a space just for him. But in contrast, he craves sensory input, and LOVES roller coasters, thrill rides and anything that spins him around.

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My youngest son blocking out the noise of the fireworks

We’ve been back three more times since 2008, and have used the GAC each time. It’s been a lifesaver for our family. I don’t think my sons could handle the Disney Parks without the GAC.

So you can imagine my disappointment when the news story broke about people abusing the GAC system. I can’t imagine people abusing a system designed to help people with disabilities! For those of us with children with disabilities, we struggle every day, even with the simplest of tasks – brushing teeth, getting dressed, school work, making friends, maintaining a sense of normalcy. Walt Disney World has always given my family accommodations to make use feel like any other family on vacation, happily relaxing together, enjoying each other, spending quality time together.

This past week, Walt Disney World has announced changes to the GAC, set to be implemented in early October. These changes come in response to the abuses detailed in the news expose. And I can tell you, as a HUGE Disney fan and a Mom of three kids, two with Special Needs, I am nervous about the changes.

We made out last trip to Disney World this past August. We used the GAC to navigate the Parks and my son with Autism had very few issues. But one of his problems was that we had a reservation for dinner at the Plaza Restaurant on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom. Due to a computer glitch, the Cast Members could not seat us for about 20 minutes. We were given a buzzer, but this “glitch” threw my son off of his schedule. We had reservation at a certain time, and if you know anything about Autism, change is not always a welcome thing. He became very upset and agitated and it took all we had, as parents, to keep him calm and distracted until we could be seated.

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My oldest son with Autism holding the restaurant pager and stressing out about our delayed reservation time

I am now very grateful we took our family vacation in August, before the changes to the GAC take effect, because I am truly nervous about the ramifications of this new system on families with disabilities.

The new DASC card will have a photo of the person with a disability printed on it, for which I am in favor. This way, those individuals scamming the system will not be able to use cards issued for other people. But other changes are more uncertain…

As Tom Corless reported earlier in the week, the changes will work this like this: “On the back of the DAS card, you will find a grid that guests familiar with Universal Orlando’s accessibility system will recognize. There are enough spots for about 30 attractions visits (if you fill them up, you will need a new card), and the columns are labeled “Attraction,” “Posted Time,” “Current Time.” “Return Time,” and “Cast”. The way this works at Walt Disney World is the greeter Cast Member at each attraction (NOT special kiosks, as has been rumored) will take the current wait time, subtract 10 minutes, add it to the time on the clock and tell them to come back at that time to enter an alternate entrance. For example, if the wait at Space Mountain is 60 minutes at 3:00 pm, the guest would be told to come back at 3:50 pm to enter the FASTPASS line. This also works at continuous shows, too: if the next show of Voyage of the Little Mermaid is 2:45  pm but the Cast Member knows the last person in line will get into the 3:15 pm show, he’ll tell the guest to come back for the 3:15 pm show. Again, this is to have the guest wait the actual length of time everyone else is waiting while also accommodating the guest’s needs. The guests can go eat lunch or see a show while they wait for the time to come up, and then come back any time after their return time

So let’s just talk out a DASC scenario with children with Autism…. With the new DASC, we approach a kiosk at the front of Pirates of the Caribbean and obtain our “return time” to come back  in an hour. Then we have to LEAVE the Pirates of the Caribbean area. My son has seen the Pirates attraction, gotten excited about going on the ride, and now we have to leave and come back in an hour? Because of his disability, he doesn’t always have the cognitive understanding that we will come back at a later time; he thinks we are not getting to go on the attraction at all. It’s very likely he could have a meltdown on the sidewalk in front of Pirates because he wants to ride it NOW. (And for those that don’t understand Autism, he is not being a spoiled brat, it’s just Autism rearing its ugly head)

This new system may not work well for kids on the Spectrum. With the DASC, Disney may be excluding many, many families with kids with disabilities. Families that, for many years, have seen Disney World, as the ONE PLACE where their family could feel “normal.” Typical. I am in touch with several families that are not sure they will be returning due to the changes.

In response to my concerns, and many other families in the Autism community, I reached out to the Walt Disney World PR office, to see if I could get some clarification to questions I had about the new DASC. This week, I spoke with Jacquee Wahler, a member of Disney’s External Communications team. She was able to assuage my concerns and assure me that Walt Disney World will always be striving to create a magical experience for every guest. Jacquee stated that the “Disability Access Service (DAS) Card will be a new tool provided at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort theme parks to enhance the service we provide to our guests with disabilities at our attractions. It replaces the Guest Assistance Card (GAC), and allows guests with special assistance needs to virtually wait at those attractions with a posted wait time. This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FastPass service and Disney FastPass+.”

Walt Disney World has also released a statement from Meg Crofton, President of Walt Disney Parks and Resort Operations. In it, the press release states, “Our commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all our Guests has not changed. We have long recognized that people may have different needs, and we will continue to work individually with our Guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.”

Personally, I am holding out hope. Disney, you haven’t failed me yet. My oldest son still remembers what he had for lunch at the Pinocchio Haus three years ago. Both my sons with Special Needs were in the Captain Jack’s Pirate Tutorial show at the Magic Kingdom. We ridden “It’s a Small World” more times than I can count. Some of our most cherished memories are at Walt Disney World and I don’t want that to end for us. I will keep coming back, because Walk Disney World has always been my family’s “happy place.”

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Good times at the Magic Kingdom for my family

I am apprehensive about the new DASC, but I’m willing to wait until October 9th to hear the reviews of the new process. I would love to bring my son with Autism to the Magic Kingdom on October 9th and document the new DASC system in action, to see how it’s really going to work with those with disabilities.

I think the most important tip I took away from my talk with Jacquee Wahler is that for those guests with disabilities, you need to take the time to have a real open and honest conversation with the Cast Member at the Guest Services counter when asking for the DASC.  Be sure to talk about your family members diagnosis and what challenges you experience because of that diagnosis. Be clear about what your family member struggles with on a daily basis and how the translates in the Disney Park setting.

Meg Crofton also wrote in her statement, “As with any change, there will be a period of adjustment, particular for those families that have developed and refined their preferred ways of enjoying our Parks with their loved ones over the years. I thank you in advance for your patience as we fine-tune our new program to mitigate the current abuse, while still providing the special experience our Guests have come to expect from Disney.”

“Disney Parks holds a cherished place in the hearts of the millions of Guests who visit us each year. We know that is especially true for those of you who have a loved one with a disability. For many families, what would be impossible elsewhere is not only possible, but magical, at our Parks and Resorts. ”

Here is hoping that Walt Disney World continues to make the impossible possible for ALL families.

Do you have an opinion on the new Disability Access Service Card? The previous Guest Assistance Card? How should Disney create a system that gives accommodations for guests with disabilities, but keeps out those that would cheat the system?

WDWNT: The Magazine – A Gluten & Dairy Free Epcot Illuminations Dessert Party

WDWNT on October 29, 2013

On October 13, 2013, a gluten and dairy-free IllumiNations dessert party was held at Rue De Paris, near the France Pavilion in Epcot.

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This event was sponsored by Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW. Tickets were $50 per person and included admission into the event, giveaways, goody bags, and more.

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An all-you-care-to-eat special diets related buffet was available, as well. I have to admit that at first I was a little cautious about spending the money for my ticket. I do not personally have any dietary restrictions, and how good can a bunch of gluten and dairy-free desserts really be? Once I took a closer look at the menu, however, I knew I had to give this party a try.

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Chocolate drops were the texture of brownies…delicious!

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Asian Green Tea and Ginger Glazed Mini Donuts

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French Apple Cocotte was basically like a warm apple cobbler and non-dairy whip made from rice milk

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The absolute, hands down crowd favorite, however, were these fabulous All American Chocolate Bacon Whoopie Pies! They were fantastic!

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Having access to a private IllumiNations viewing area made for an amazing end to a wonderful evening.

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This was the second annual event of its kind. Next year if there is a third annual event, and you are able to make it, I highly recommend that you do so! The desserts made a believer out of me. Just because it’s gluten and dairy-free does not mean it has to be taste free.

WDWNT: The Magazine – How Technology Changed The Disney Fan

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

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As Disney fans, we all try to stay on top of what goes on in our favorite place in the world. Whether it be vacation deals or a new attraction opening, today’s Disney fan wants to be informed. From podcasts to emails to the Disney Parks Blog, the Disney enthusiast has literally countless tools at their disposal to keep up to date on what goes on. The question is this: Do we remember what it was like before? Before the Internet, and before technology reached the 21st century?

Consider walking down Main Street USA today. What do you see? Cameras? Maybe. Video cameras? Some. Smart phones? Definitely. This is in stark contrast to a walk down the same street 20 years ago. It’s even a change from five or 10 years ago. Technology has had a major shift in the way people get and receive information, media and entertainment. We have seen this shift first hand, in the way New Fantasyland has been presented to the Disney community. Every part of the construction has been under a watchful eye, and each new piece has been quickly shown to the world. If a fan wanted to be completely surprised when they made their next trip, it would be close to impossible due to the way we are all connected.

As Disney fans, we can remember the days when information was passed through word-of-mouth or printed media. The construction of Disney/MGM Studios was a relative unknown to many guests, because Disney was able to keep some things secret. The construction of Sunset Boulevard was seen only by the guests who visited the park at that time, and through their own cameras. Disney enthusiasts can remember when 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea closed without notice, or when “Toad-ins” were set up through personal conversations by local residents protesting the eminent closure of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Those times are cherished by those who enjoyed surprises.

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With the expansion of technology in communication has come the advent of the advancement of technology for Disney guests. With the creation of the My Disney Experience mobile app and Fastpass+, navigating the parks is easier, and guests have more control than ever over their Disney vacation. Remember making dining reservations? The phone calls to Disney Dining, and the time it took to plan out how the day would be, only to be discouraged in finding out the chosen restaurant was booked? Those days are long gone, as are the times when reservations could only be booked from home or by concierge. These days, technology allows guests to make and cancel reservations with a touch of their smartphones.

Society today enjoys being involved, and feeling as though they are a part of what is going on. From podcasts to discussion forums, blogs to rumor mills, Disney fans have spoken in droves about their opinions and thoughts about anything and everything Disney. Rumor has it that through these connections, Disney decided against Pixie Hollow in New Fantasyland, and it’s why Hyperion Wharf stayed on the drawing board.

The close connection that Disney has with its guests, which started in the time of Walt Disney himself, allows fans to share their thoughts, both positive and negative, and feel as though their opinions matter. Guests feel as their comments are heard and respected; it keeps them coming back. The changing air of technology has not only changed the way we vacation, but also how we communicate with fellow Disney enthusiasts. Technology has brought the Disney community closer, and now we feel fully connected.

WDWNT: The Magazine: So You Want To Be A Pirate?

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

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Ahoy mates! So you’re looking to join a merry band of pirates are ye???  Well, nowhere on earth is there a better place to join a brigade of swashbucklers than Walt Disney World! ARGGGH!  Pirate opportunities abound throughout the World, but the Magic Kingdom houses the secret hideouts of many throngs of scurvy pirates.  It is best to start your search in the daylight hours; after dark those dirty scoundrels are known to take to Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon in search of plunder.

Any pirate indoctrination should begin on Main Street, U.S.A.  Main Street say you?  There are no pirates about on Main Street…..but a quick stop at The Emporium on the corner is in order to pick up your pirate bandana, eye patch, and earring.  Now that you look like a pirate, it’s time to seek them out and join their merry band.

Head west and cross the bridge to Adventureland.  Adventureland is home to many fabled pirates and if you’re lucky you may catch the most infamous of all, the legendary Captain Jack Sparrow.  Captain Jack and crew like to gather just inside the Adventureland gates at the Pirate Tutorial.  The show takes place throughout the day and is the perfect beginning to your adventure (check park schedule for times).  Here they will teach you how to handle a sword and other pirate duties.  You can even make an appointment to get a complete pirate makeover at the Pirates League.  The Pirates League is located between the entrance of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the Plaza del Sol Bazaar.  Making a reservation for this experience is necessary. Call 407-WDW-CREW.

Your search will then lead you to the treehouse of the Swiss Family Robinson.  Shipwrecked for many, many years, there are several pirate artifacts throughout their home.  Wind your way through the paths and up the stairs to see what you can discover.  From the lookout deck, gaze around to see if you can spot any of those sneaky rascals scurrying about in Adventureland.

Screen Shot 2013-07-28 at 10.03.42 AMUp next, heading toward Frontierland on your left, is the home of the most infamous pirates of all.  Designed by Walt Disney himself, here you will find the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  Enter into an underground pirate cave, travel back in time, board a ship……there are many surprises and adventures to be had, so keep your chin up and your eyes open.  Upon exiting the ride be sure and visit The Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop to pick up a telescope, pirate jacket, or anything else made for a pirate.  This location will have what you need for what’s coming up next.

Your journey now takes you to the newest pirate creation in the Magic Kingdom, A Pirates Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas!  Located in Adventureland, you must find the magic talisman; it is a special card specific for this activity and here’s a hint, it can be found at the Crow’s Nest in Adventureland.  This is a brand new interactive game in which you and your family and friends finally get the opportunity to become pirates in Adventureland.  There are five different missions to complete and if you are successful you will be a member of Captain Jack’s crew!  Each of the five missions takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Time now for lunch or a quick bite at an eatery where pirates are known to congregate, Tortuga Tavern in Adventureland.  Grab a cheese burrito or taco salad, a cold drink, and find a table.  Take a load off before heading out to Frontierland.

Snake your way through the beginnings of Frontierland and keep your eyes open; you never know where those sneaky pirates could be hiding!  Make your way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and climb aboard the wildest ride in the west.  You won’t find any pirates here, but keep your eyes open over yonder by the water for you may see pirates hiding out in the forts on Tom Sawyer Island.  Be careful, they are known to be armed and dangerous.  Cannon fire from the forts on the island must be watched for.  And don’t forget to hang on!

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If you’re still able after that runaway train ride, make your way to the docks of Tom Sawyer Island in Frontierland.  Board one of the rafts, mateys, and don’t be afraid to try to take it over. You’re in your pirate garb after all.  It’s a short sail to the island, but prepare yourself for the island holds many surprises and hiding spots.  Follow the maps and journey to the caves, forts, and cannons, and heed this word of warning: be extra careful on the bridges.  Don’t be surprised to meet other pirate types like yourselves face to face in a fort or cave.  Being a good pirate, commandeer the raft back to Frontierland and then head around the docks toward Liberty Square.

On your left is the home port of the Liberty Belle Riverboat.  What pirate adventure would be complete without commandeering an authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler?  Take charge and head to the upper decks as the cruise begins and keep your eyes peeled for pirates, Indians, and many wild animals!

Returning the paddle boat to its owners and leaving the riverboat docks, head into Fantasyland.  Here you will meet another of the most infamous pirates to have ever sailed, the legend himself, Captain Hook.  Join the Captain, Mr. Smee, and, of course, Peter Pan and Wendy on Peter Pan’s Flight.  You’ll be suspended above the most famous pirate adventure ever.  Look out for the Croc!  Remember, you’re one of the pirates now!

Staying within the hallowed walls of Fantasyland it’s time to head under the sea to seek some treasure.  Where in the Kingdom could one find more treasure than with one of Disney’s famous Princesses?  Yes, I mean that famous mermaid, Princess Ariel.  Jump on her newest adventure, Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid.  Keep your eyes peeled and grab what booty you can.  Remember that evil Ursula may be watching, too!  Don’t get caught and be sure to wave to Flounder and his friends as they are pirate fans.

Now your quest will have you leaving the Magic Kingdom behind and following the brick path that leads to the docks of Disney’s Contemporary Resort (about a ten minute walk).  Here you will join the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage (reservations required, call 407-WDW-PLAY).  This is the perfect way to end a day of pirate adventuring.  Captain Hook and Mr. Smee will be there to see you off and Captain Patch will be your captain and guide for this epic journey.  You’ll sing pirate songs, have pirate snacks, play games, and win prizes, all while sailing around the Seven Seas Lagoon.  Wishes fireworks from the Magic Kingdom is even more magical from the deck of your pirate ship!  Watch it and the Electrical Water Pageant while sailing on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon!  More surprises will await you upon returning to the home port at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Tuckered out by now, you are an official Disney Pirate.  Time to head home, count your plunder and booty, and relive all the magical adventures of the day!  The best part: you can do it all again on your next Disney visit.  Pirates of all ages are always welcome in Walt Disney World!

WDWNT: The Magazine – A Disney Animation Legend Remembered

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

A Disney Animation Legend Remembered

By Joshua Hall

When I say Pixar, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Maybe the hopping lamp or the rubber ball with the star on it? Better yet, who comes to mind? How about Steve Jobs, the man who funded PIXAR when it became an independent company? Or John Lasseter, Pixar’s visionary genius who helped to bring the company to Hollywood fruition? Sure there are others: Pete Doctor, Ed Catmull, the list goes on and on but there is another Pixar great that you might not have heard of. I’m talking about Joe Ranft. You know, Joe Ranft? He was an animator, storyteller, and occasional voice actor. Heimlich the Caterpillar, Wheezy the Penguin, and Jacques the Shrimp (viola, he is clean!) all have one thing in common: Joe Ranft. Still don’t know him? From Toy Story to Cars, Joe worked on them all and he did so with artistic savvy and quiet diligence. Alright, alright…so who was this guy and what else did he do?

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Back in the good ‘ol days when animated features were still being made by hand one drawing at a time, a young boy born in Pasadena began to take an early interest in the arts. He fancied himself a storyteller, he liked to draw and make people laugh. He enjoyed film and the occasional magic trick. That young boy was Joe Ranft. With such a personality, it comes as no surprise that Joe, now a young man, enrolled at California Institute of the Arts where he studied animation and began to hone his skills as a writer and as an animator. After two years of study, Joe was offered a job and began working for Walt Disney Studios as a writer and storyboard artist in 1980. During these early days of Joe’s work, he received occasional training from the legendary Eric Lawson, who was one of Walt Disney’s original animators known as the “Nine Old Men”.

During his time with Disney, Joe worked on several animated features as a writer and animator; major blockbusters such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and the Lion King just to name a few. It was also during this time that Joe met John Lasseter. In the early 90s, Joe left Disney and joined Lasseter at Pixar where he took his first job as story supervisor for Toy Story, a role for which he received his only Academy Award nomination (Best Writing). Joe would continue to work at Pixar. He wrote and provided the occasional voice for many Pixar classics such as A Bug’s Life, Monster’s Inc.,  The Incredibles, and even some small voice credits in Cars (I’m not a Mack, I’m a Peterbuilt!)

Sadly, Joe’s life came to a tragic end when a car he was riding in crashed. He was on his way to a conference where successful businessmen help to mentor young men who are trying to straighten out their lives. Few have made such an impact.

In 2006, Joe was recognized as a Disney Legend, an accolade that is so well deserved. I hope you’ll join me in remembering this amazing storyteller, animator, and human being. Thanks Joe for everything you’ve given to make our day just a little bit brighter.

“It’s fun to draw for me and explore what’s there. To create a drawing and see it come alive, you’ve caught something, something unique.” – Joe Ranft

“For every laugh, there should be a tear.” – Walt Disney

WDWNT: The Magazine – Downtown Disney, A History

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Downtown Disney, A History

by Nathan Bradley

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Hello Humans! Today I’ll be sharing the history of Downtown Disney and venturing into what lies in its future…

Downtown Disney is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex on the south side of Disney’s property. It was initially called The Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, opening on March 22, 1975, as a shopping complex intended to serve the planned residences within the Walt Disney World property. As the target audience ultimately became all Walt Disney World visitors, it was renamed Walt Disney World Village in 1977. In 1984 came the Eisner era. His famous “keep them on property” philosophy was applied through beefing up the area. The area started to attract locals as well.

In 1986, to compete with the growing popularity of the Church Street Station clubs in downtown Orlando, Pleasure Island was announced. It was opened on May 1, 1989, the same day as the Disney-MGM Studios theme park. It was the height of Eisner’s philosophy: if someone else in the area is doing it, we’ll do it too, except better. Later that year, the original adjacent shopping complex was renamed The Disney Village Marketplace.

In 1995, major enhancements and expansions were announced for the area, with The Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island being combined into a newly-branded district named Downtown Disney. Two years later, when the rebranding was implemented, major additions also came to the area. 1997 saw the addition of Downtown Disney West Side, featuring La Nouba by Cirque Du Soleil, DisneyQuest, and Virgin Megastore. The expansion of the World of Disney and the AMC Pleasure Island Theaters also came at this time. With the new West Side, a thriving Pleasure Island and a packed Marketplace, 1997 until 2004 was arguably the Golden Age of Downtown Disney.

Pleasure Island was a nighttime entertainment complex with two comedy clubs and four dance clubs. While the Village/Marketplace and West Side have always been free to enter, Pleasure Island required the purchase of admission and was closed during the day. The clubs included 8TRAX, BET Soundstage, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins Dance Palace, Motion, Pleasure Island Jazz Company, Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Club, and, of course, the Adventurers Club. Beginning in summer 2004, Pleasure Island became free to enter, and only those guests entering the nightclubs were charged admission. It was from then that Pleasure Island began its decline. The free entertainment was attracting large groups of local teens which was considered “undesirable.” As a teen myself who wants to go to concerts without paying the price, I can easily see why this happened.

Many repeat Walt Disney World visitors were and still are upset by the closing of Pleasure Island, which provided an escape for adults from the theme park grind and an overall fun experience. Not to mention the fact that the performers, especially at the Adventurers Club and Comedy Warehouse, were of the highest Disney quality. Although I never got to experience these clubs, being 16, people have recounted some of their most fond Walt Disney World memories to me, which were from Pleasure Island. Downtown Disney nightlife is definitely not to be underestimated on the Walt Disney World hierarchy of attractions.

All clubs closed permanently in 2008 with the nightly “New Year’s Eve” celebrated for a final time. New shops and restaurants were planned to replace the closed clubs, but the economic recession of 2009 delayed those plans. On November 18, 2010, Walt Disney World Resort announced a project named Hyperion Wharf, which was planned to replace the Pleasure Island complex. Pleasure Island would have undergone extensive renovations and re-theming to transform into the early twentieth century wharf-themed entertainment area. New shopping and dining locations would have also been added. In July 2011, it was announced that these plans had been delayed. Hyperion Wharf was later cancelled in favor of Disney Springs: a retheming of the entire Downtown Disney area.

Credit to Disney

Disney Springs, expected to be completed in 2016, will be divided into 4 main “neighborhoods”: The Town Center, The Landing, The Marketplace, and The West Side. Along with the retheming, many additions are planned for logistical purposes. The specific additions listed are based on the leaked concept art and not official Disney press releases. These additions include a bridge across the marketplace lake, a bridge from the marketplace to Saratoga Springs, and a multi-level parking structure. Right now, Downtown Disney is a logistical nightmare, so these modifications are certainly welcome. Specifically, the inability to easily walk from one side of the complex to the other is crippling to the success of the West Side and Pleasure Island. In terms of theme, Disney Springs is to “Draw inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty,” according to the official Disney press release. The West Side, as per the leaked images, will have abandoned, elevated train tracks where adults can drink above the shoppers below. The whole complex is supposedly a town that evolved around a single spring during the days of the Florida pioneers. Thus, the Downtown Disney area will for the first time have a coherent backstory, something that should always sit well with Walt Disney World veterans.

Completion of the Disney Springs project can’t come soon enough for fans of the area who remember the days when Pleasure Island was a nightlife hotspot. The last five years of Downtown Disney have been devoid of an overarching theme to transform the commercial district into a truly Disney destination. Nonetheless, with the plethora of marketplace shops, DisneyQuest, and the AMC Theaters, the Downtown Disney area has long been a staple for the “off day” or rainy day for guests. With ever-improving food and entertainment choices, Downtown Disney is also a draw for locals. The Disney Springs theme will only improve the area, infusing life into the barren wasteland of Pleasure Island and making the complex more than just something to do on an “off day.” We’ve already seen additions such as Splitsville and the Fork & Screen theater that have started to draw people away from the Marketplace. With better parking, easier navigation, and more options coming with the Disney Springs project, Downtown Disney very well may enter a new golden age in the near future.

WDWNT: The Magazine – Fantasia: Music Evolved Announced for Xbox One

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

Fantasia: Music Evolved Announced for Xbox One

by Michael Truskowski

Technology is a funny thing. A new iPhone comes out every year, and your new computer is replaced the day after you buy it, but the video game consoles are now closing in on a decade on the market. The 7th generation consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii) landed in 2005/2006. After years of speculation, the 8th generation is upon us. The Nintendo Wii U hit store shelves at the end of last year (and unfortunately for Nintendo has largely stayed there), Sony “showed off” the PS4 in February (and by “showed off” I mean they talked about the console for an entire press conference without ever showing it), and just a few weeks ago, Microsoft announced the Xbox One (proving that yet again, they are incapable of numbering systems that make sense). One of the major features of the Xbox One is that the Kinect sensor, which allows for controller free game play, will go from being a mere accessory to being a standard, fully integrated part of the experience. It was Kinect Disneyland that finally persuaded me to go out and get a Kinect for my Xbox 360, a game which I reviewed for this magazine. I think I know what will be the first Kinect game I play on the One.

On June 4th, Disney announced Fantasia: Music Evolved, and upcoming game for the Xbox One (a version for the Xbox 360 will also be released).The name itself is a not so subtle nod to Halo: Combat Evolved, the game which helped define the Xbox platform (though I suspect Fantasia will involve fewer machine guns). Unlike the button mashing of Halo, this game will be all movement.

The storyline puts you in the role of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Mickey apparently having been furloughed due to the sequester). If you ever wished you can step into Mickey’s role, controlling your surroundings with a mere wave of your hands, then this looks to be the game for you. Under Yin Sid’s direction, you will go forth into a world that, at least in a few of the screen shots released, bear a striking resemblance to the levels from Epic Mickey. Your interactions to the music will bring the areas to life, rewarding you with increasingly complex and interesting harmonies. There is no winning or losing in this game. It’s all about creativity.

In terms of the music, this is not your grandfather’s Fantasia. In addition to classics from the film such as “Night on Bald Mountain,” Fantasia: Music Evolved will also feature the music from contemporary (or close to it) artists. Announced so far are Avicii, Bruno Mars, Fun, Kimbra (is it a sign that I am officially old that I had to look this one up?) and Queen (every music game is now contractually required to have Bohemian Rhapsody). Disney has promised music from over 25 artists, so I suspect we will learn about more of the options as the release date gets closer. The focus on more modern pop tracks has me slightly worried. Yes, it will be more appealing for the younger crowd, but I do hope that we do not lose the Fantasia feel. I will reserve judgement of course, but I secretly hope that there will be a “classic” mode somewhere in there that will give you the option to command a real symphony.

Still, the Disneyland game for Kinect was enjoyable, if flawed. This will not appeal to the hardcore gamers, but it is not meant to. I am glad to see Disney continuing to look for ways to innovate in the video game space. We have come a long way since Mickey Mousecapade. For those of you attending this week’s E3 conference, be sure to stop by the Disney Interactive booth for a hands on demo. The game is set to be released some time in 2014. Look for a detailed review here once it is.

Fantasia: Music Evolved Official Fact Sheet

Overview

“Fantasia: Music Evolved” is a breakthrough musical motion video game inspired by Disney’s classic animated film “Fantasia.”  In the game, players enter the magical realms of Fantasia, selected by the legendary sorcerer Yen Sid, to hone their musical and magical prowess as his new apprentice.  “Fantasia: Music Evolved” takes players on an interactive and immersive motion-controlled journey through worlds of music and magic.

Players will control music spanning all genres and eras, including classics from the original film such as “Night on Bald Mountain” to over 25 hit artist selections ranging from chart-topper Bruno Mars to rock royalty Queen and electronic DJ and producer AVICII.  Using Kinect motion control technology and natural, controller-free gameplay, players will control the musical flow of these hits, unlocking the power to transform the music and living world.

Designed by Harmonix, critically acclaimed creators of Rock Band and Dance Central and the world’s leading music and motion gaming studio, players become the sorcerer’s newest apprentice, exploring remarkable worlds and unlocking the magic within the music, with Disney Interactive’s “Fantasia: Music Evolved.”

 Game Features

  • Perform your favorite songs from Bruno Mars, Queen, Fun., Kimbra, AVICII, as well as other world renowned artists and classical masters – using natural, gesture-based movements that put you in complete control of your own musical journey.   Experience a full range of genres and style unique to each performance.
  • Transform and remix music via magical manipulators in real-time like never before, changing music in intuitive and surprising new ways.
  • Explore breathtaking environments with your motion controlled “muse” including the mysterious subaquatic world of “The Shoal,” an enchanted printing press, and more;
  • Discover worlds filled with hidden musical interactions designed to engage players, encouraging them to unleash their creativity.

 Publisher:                           Disney Interactive

Developer:                          Harmonix Music Systems

Platforms:                           Xbox One®  & Kinect™ for Xbox 360®

Genre:                                   Musical Adventure

Players:                                Compete and collaborate with friends in multiplayer for up to two local players

Available:                            2014

ESRB Rating:                      “RP”  – Rating Pending

Price:                                    TBD

Official Trailer: Fantasia: Music Evolved Trailer

WDWNT: The Magazine – A WDW Celebrations Event: Flora, Fauna, and Fantasy!

WDWNT on July 17, 2013

A WDW Celebrations Event: Flora, Fauna, and Fantasy!

by Patty Granger

On April 19th, 2013, WDWCelebrations held their eighth Disney fan event. The event, Flora, Fauna, and Fantasy included a visit to New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom®, a stroll through the blooms of the Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival, and ended with a celebration of the anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park.

Who is WDWCelebrations, you may ask? WDWCelebrations is a not-for-profit, unofficial Disney fan organization. The group kicked off its first fan event, Celebration 25, in 2007. Since then they have been holding events that are not only about gathering Disney fans together but also focus on giving back to the community. Each event raises money for a designated charity. The event this past April raised $550 for Give Kids the World.

I had the great pleasure of attending Flora, Fauna, and Fantasy and it was a trip that will NOT soon be forgotten. This was my first opportunity to enjoy an entire WDWCelebrations event, having only been able to previously stop in for one day at Project XL: The World at 40. There was another significance this particular trip to Disney. This was my first solo trip to the World!

The great thing about WDWCelebrations events are that you don’t have to go with friends and family, you can show up to an event not knowing anybody attending and find yourself new friends once it’s over. So if you have opted not to go to a Celebrations event in the past because you didn’t have anyone to go with or didn’t know anyone who was attending DON’T let that stop you from going to a future event. In my opinion, the best part about attending a WDWCelebrations event is all the amazing fellow fans you meet over the course of an event. Everyone is there to meet old and new friends alike and it seemed like everyday I was meeting someone new. Meeting fellow fans wasn’t the only highlight of the trip though, here are several other highlights of the weekend:

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Eating at Be Our Guest restaurant,

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Witnessing a party of 60 or so get on Living with the Land for a group ride,

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Running around Animal Kingdom for a scavenger hunt,

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And being picked to be in the parade at Animal Kingdom.

These are just a few of the many events that took place over the course of the weekend. Like I said it was a trip not soon forgotten. I know in the future I will be making every effort to attend any events WDWCelebrations throws. So who will be attending WDWCelebrations next event, Studio 25?

If you want to stay updated on all of WDWCelebrations latest happenings or just learn more about their organization go to their website, follow them on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook.

 

WDWNT: The Magazine – Arrow Dynamics: Disney’s Coaster Partner

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Arrow Dynamics: Disney’s Coaster Partner

by Michael Truskowski

Arrow Dynamics is a name that is well know to coaster lovers, but many Disney fans may be unaware of the fact that Arrow was instrumental in the creation of Disneyland. Throughout its history, Arrow redefined theme park attractions and helped jump-start the modern coaster boom that continues to this day.

Disneyland

Arrow caught the attention of Walt Disney in the early 1950s as his plans for Disneyland were moving from an idea on a park bench to the real world. This was to he an innovative park, and would not simply be a collection of off the shelf carnival rides. This was particularly evident in the dark rides of Fantasyland. Just a short list of Arrow built Disneyland attractions include Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, Snow White’s Adventure, The Mad Tea Party, and Dumbo. Arrow was instrumental in creating the ride systems that powered these attractions.

This was not a minor partnership. Walt himself visited Arrow, and the two companies worked closely to ensure that Disneyland was ready to open as scheduled. On opening day, nearly all of Fantasyland consisted of Arrow attractions. It proved that Arrow could go beyond simple carousels (although Disneyland did include one of theirs as well). What came next though, is what really put the company on the map.

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The Modern Coaster

If you went back in time to 1955, Disneyland and Arrow Development would have seemed the least likely to change the roller coaster industry forever. Up to this point, Arrow had been known exclusively for its flat rides. Disneyland had famously eschewed thrill rides all together. Roller coasters were largely still wooden. Steel coasters were little more than copies of their wooden counterparts that used the same trains and same track designs. The famous Coney Island Cyclone, for example, is categorized as a wooden coaster, even though a large part of the structure is steel (though the track is traditional wood).

When Walt finally decided that Disneyland was ready for a coaster, it had to be something new and fresh, like Disneyland itself. So Disney and Arrow set out to make something that would have a permanent effect on the thrill industry, one that has enabled nearly all of the record-breaking coasters of today. It is an idea that now seems so simple; tubular steel tracks.

The Matterhorn Bobsled coaster would not be an off the shelf ride. It was to be themed. It would not look like a traditional coaster, but would need to fit the Disneyland aesthetic. So Arrow, a company that had not previously built a roller coaster, went to work on this new concept.

The tubular track gave them the ability to do some very important things that made the Matterhorn unique. It allowed for a much more compact coaster, one that could fit in the middle of Disneyland without looking out-of-place. The coaster’s compact size allowed for the sort of theming that was required to fit in to the park. It also enabled a quick succession of unexpected turns and drops. These features allow a ride to be thrilling without needing to be extremely tall or fast, and is an element that Disney has relied on for its coasters ever since. And although it is not nearly as smooth today as it was 50 years ago, the new track allowed for a less rickety ride, and has allowed it to run nearly daily for over half a century.

The Matterhorn was also unique at the time in allowing multiple vehicles on the track at the same time, thanks to the innovative use of multiple braking zones along the track. Rather than having to wait for an entire ride cycle to complete, vehicles could be regularly dispatched, allowing for a much higher hourly capacity. Just try to imagine the line for the Matterhorn today if this were not the case.

The Matterhorn launched Arrow into one of the premier roller coaster manufacturers in the world. It also proved to Disney that it was possible to build a thrill ride that could still be enjoyed by families, and could be well themed and fit nicely into this new type of park. Many coasters from this era have been demolished, but the Matterhorn not only still stands, but is still ranks among the most popular attractions in the park.

New Rides

The Matterhorn set off decades of innovation from Arrow Development, in part due to a sizable investment from Disney. Most notably, Arrow created the first Log Flume ride in 1963 with El Aserradero at Six Flags Over Texas. Nearly every amusement park in the world would add a log flume to its roster, Disney included.

But most importantly for the modern roller coaster, Arrow was the first company to successfully include inversions. While coasters had previously attempted to turn riders upside down, they were unsafe, painful, and short-lived. The tubular steel track that Arrow had developed allowed for a smooth, safe loop to be added to the track. Arrow’s prototype, Corkscrew premiered at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1975. A coaster by the same name at Cedar Point opened the next year, being the first to have three loops, one of them a vertical loop (although Arrow lost out to the Schwarzkopf designed Revolution as the first coaster with a vertical loop by seven days).

Another important innovation, if less successful, came in 1981. Arrow designed the first modern suspended coaster, The Bat at King’s Island. This was a truly unique ride that placed the track above the riders’ heads, in cars that could freely swing from side to side (not to be confused with the later inverted coasters, which have no floor but cannot swing independently). While extremely popular with the few who were able to ride it, The Bat proved to be problematic for the park. It spent more time closed than open, and required near constant maintenance work to keep it running. It was closed and dismantled three years later. Arrow would eventually get it right, and suspended coasters were popular before being displaced by the more modern inverted coasters. Today, few first generation suspended coasters remain.

In the early 1980s Arrow was purchased by the German ride manufacturer Huss after a decade of ownership by the Rio Grande Railroad company. The Arrow Huss company lasted only five years before Huss filed for bankruptcy. In 1986, Arrow Dynamics (the name the company would be best known by) emerged.

One of the most famous and most popular Arrow Dynamics coasters came in 1989, Cedar Point’s Magnum XL–200. This was the first roller coaster to reach a height of 200 feet, and began a new golden age of taller, faster roller coasters. Notably, the coaster had no inversions, after years of Arrow and others chasing more and more of them. Instead, the ride focused on its height, its speed, and a considerably amount of airtime. Magnum regularly tops the best coasters list to this day.

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Transitioning

Thorough this period, Arrow continued its work for Disney. It followed up the very successful Matterhorn with another steel coaster, this time in Florida. Space Mountain took the Matterhorn design and added the extra thrill of darkness, giving the relatively tame coaster (its maximum speed is about 27 mph) a heightened sense of speed and lack of control.

Arrow had already created many mine train style coasters when Disneyland contracted them to build Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Arrow would also work on Walt Disney World’s Big Thunder Mountain, but this would be the final time Disney would use Arrow for its coasters. When Tokyo Disneyland looked to create its own Big Thunder, they instead turned to rival Vekoma. This began a new partnership which would also include Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, as well as the Paris Big Thunder.

Decline

In the early 1990s, a new company entered the coaster wars, Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M). This new company would perfect the Stand Up Coaster, and invented the Inverted Coaster, which places the track above the rider and nothing beneath their feet. The inverted coaster became the absolute standard for the industry, and nearly every major amusement park added one in the 1990s.

Busch Gardens contracted B&M to build two new coasters for them, one in their Tampa park, and one in Williamsburg Virginia. The ride that opened in Tampa, Kumba was an immediate hit. It is one I personally remember riding and being absolutely blown away by. It was tall, fast, and had multiple inversions, yet was a completely smooth ride. Its layout still inspires B&M coasters to this day.

But B&M was not able to keep up with its current workload, and so the Williamsburg coaster passed to Arrow, which had built that park’s popular Loch Ness Monster coaster. Feeling pressure to match B&M’s achievements, Arrow stepped out of their comfort zone with Drachen Fire. For as much as Kumba had a reputation for being smooth and comfortable, Drachen Fire would be the complete opposite. The ride quickly gained a reputation for being rough and even painful. It closed in 1998, and was dismantled in 2002. As B&M rose, Arrow began to decline.

An interesting note about Drachen Fire. It was one of only three coasters to have an inversion known as a cutback. One of the others is Space Mountain: Mission 2 at Disneyland Paris, a Vekoma coaster.

Arrow’s last innovation was a truly unique coaster, X at Six Flags Magic Mountain. This “4th dimensional” coaster places the riders on the side of the track, with vehicles that could move independently from the train itself. The ride was, and remains incredibly popular, but was plagued with problems.

Arrow Dynamics filed for bankruptcy in 2001, and was purchased by S&S Power, a company mostly known for its drop towers and other pneumatic rides. S&S Arrow has continued to make a few 4th dimension coasters, but nowhere near the level of constructions from their time as an independent company.

Despite all this, Arrow Dynamics coasters have remained a staple of parks around the world. It is nearly impossible to take a trip to Disneyland and not ride an Arrow attraction, even if you do skip the Matterhorn. Arrow Dynamics helped build the modern theme park.