Editorials – WDWNT Archive

“My World” by Chad Smith

WDWNT on September 3, 2010

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”?

Windows of the World – Part II by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on July 23, 2010

Continuing our detailed coverage of the names behind the windows on down Main Street U.S.A. from Part I, we’re still heading down the western side of the street, about half-way up towards the castle. Right after Cecil Robinson’s name is:

JACK LINDQUIST

Jack Lindquist’s window reads Peterson Travel Agency / Reservations by Cable Anywhere in the World / Passages Boarded By Sea & Rail / “Exclusive Representatives for the Titanic” / Jack Lindquist, Purser

Lindquist started as the advertising manager at Disneyland in 1955, was named Vice President of Marketing for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in 1971, and became President of Disneyland in October 1990. He retired in 1993, and was named a Disney Legend the following year.

As a former child actor who appeared as an extra in the “Our Gang” series and danced in the Lucille Ball film, “Best Foot Forward,” in 1955 Jack Lindquist was hired by Walt Disney as Disneyland’s first advertising manager. He was originally working in an LA-based advertising firm for corporate client at Disneyland. One day Jack had a meeting at the Park and fell in love with the place. He was working there the very next month. Jack was eventually involved in nearly every aspect of Disneyland including marketing the original “E tickets.”

In 1955, while working for a Los Angeles advertising firm as a consultant to one of the original Disneyland corporate participants, Jack had a meeting at the Park prior to its opening and “fell in love with the place.” One month later, he was working there.

He continued to move through the Disney ranks and later he set the course for marketing Walt Disney World, and in 1972, was named vice president of marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In 1976, he was named vice president of marketing for Walt Disney Attractions, and in 1982, was promoted to executive vice president of marketing and entertainment for all of the Company’s outdoor recreation activities.

Jack went on to set up the Marketing Division for Tokyo Disneyland, and a executive vice president of creative marketing concepts for Walt Disney Attractions he developed promotional and entertainment ideas for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. During his 38 years with the company, Jack was responsible for a number of classic Disney projects including, Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom Club, Disney Dollars, the Disneyland Pigskin Classic, the Ambassador Program and Grad Nites. He was also one of the big supporters for Disney’s California Adventure.

After Jack’s window comes a window honoring Dave Gengenbach, Bob Gurr, George McGinnis, and Bill Watkins. Their window reads: The Big Wheel Co. / “One-of-a-Kind” / Unicycles – Horseless Carriages / Dave Gengenbach, Bob Gurr, George McGinnis, Bill Watkins.

Hoop Dee History by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on May 26, 2010

When thinking about a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, there are almost as many planning strategies as there are attractions. But in addition to planning your schedule around attractions, shows, and parades, many guests also plan their days with an eye to meals and dinner shows.

Having presented over 35,000 performances to more than 10 million guests, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is one of the most popular dinner shows at the Walt Disney World Resort. Located in Pioneer Hall at the Fort Wilderness Campground, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is performed three times a night, seven days a week, at 5:00, 7:15, and 9:00 pm. Guests call months in advance for reservations to try to get one of the coveted seats, and there is almost always a line of people hoping for cancellations at each show.

Whether you are a loyal follower of the show or one of those who haven’t yet seen it (but will), we are going to explore the history and creation of this loveable wilderness goofball of a vaudeville dinner show.

One the creators and writers of the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue was Ron Miziker, who also created many classic pieces of entertainment for the Walt Disney World Resort (see our previous Main Street Electrical Parade article).

The show is considered the longest continuously running musicals in American theatre history. It holds a special place for everyone who has seen the show. Often when you first try to describe the show to someone, they will typically be skeptical, but interested. It’s not until someone experiences the show for the first time do they understand the undying love and affinity for the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue.⁶

Despite its longevity, the evolution of the Hoop Dee Doo Revue has just as many do si dos as a square dance.

Windows of the World – Part I by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on April 22, 2010

Whether you approach The Magic Kingdom by monorail, boat, bus, or on foot, the sight of the train station and what waits just beyond it always brings a smile to even the most seasoned of park travelers. Part of the magic (and genius) to the design of the Magic Kingdom, as well each of the parks, is the amount of detail that is given to each and every object. Nothing was put there by accident, but is part of a very well thought out plan to create the most immersive and realistic experience for every guest; even those who have been there many times.

If you have taken “Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom” or “Backstage Magic” Tours you learned about how and why the Magic Kingdom is laid out the way that it is (If you have never taken either one of these tours – you should make a point of doing so on your next trip). According to the tour guides, the Magic Kingdom is laid out very similar to the way a movie is constructed, with the train station acting as the entrance of a movie theatre or the curtain on the screen. As you walk through the breezeway tunnels to Main Street, there are posters on the walls acting as the “coming attractions.” Then as you exit the tunnel, Main Street unfolds before you as the opening sequence of the movie with Cinderella’s Castle becoming the “start” of the movie.

One of the things that is in the opening credits of every film is the title of the movie, the name of the producer, and the key people who were involved in bringing the movie to life. This is the same layout for The Magic Kingdom.

The “title” for the park is found on the front of the Main Street train station, The Magic Kingdom – Walt Disney World. And if you look up above the sign you will find the name of the “producer” on the window, “Walter E. Disney – Chief Engineer – Keeping Dreams on Track”.

Walking down Main Street USA, when guests look at the second and third floors, they will see names of various people accompanied by their “titles” and “business” on the windows. These are the other production credits to The Magic Kingdom “show”.

“A Contemporary Classic” by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on January 29, 2010

When one uses the words landmark and iconic, they typically refer to objects and places that are instantly recognizable by virtually everyone, anywhere on the planet. These words can easily be applied to things like the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, and the Taj Mahal. But for a theme park and resort complex? Never… well except for one place, Disney Parks.

In addition to Mickey Mouse, who is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, Cinderella’s Castle, Epcot’s Spaceship Earth and a number of other Walt Disney World buildings also fall into that category. Another Walt Disney World landmark that falls into that group is the Contemporary Resort Hotel.

The Contemporary Resort Hotel and the Polynesian Village Resort (as it was known in 1971) were the first two hotels to open with Walt Disney World on October 1, 1971. On opening day, it truly lived up to its name, but to truly appreciate this resort, one must understand the hotel’s history.

In 1964, Walt Disney puts “Project X” (later known as “The Florida Project”) into motion. After Walt’s death in December of 1966, Roy put most of Walt’s plans for EPCOT the city on hold; however, he incorporated many of EPCOT’s ideas and companies – already on board – into the creation of the new Florida park and resort. The birth of the Contemporary Resort Hotel came from Walt’s vision for his “Progress City,” as well as the involvement of US Steel.

“Curtains Up and Napkins Out” by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on January 6, 2010

When people make their plans to visit Walt Disney World®, one of the first things they look forward to is making their dining reservations. Currently you are able to make your reservations 180 days from your arrival.

The first thing many people do is book reservations at the character buffets and at some of the more upscale restaurants including Le Cellier (Epcot), California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort), and Coral Reef Restaurant (Epcot), etc.

One dining experience that typically is forgotten is the Disney dinner shows. It’s not that they are not popular, but they are typically not a priority booking.

There are three main dinner shows at the Walt Disney World Resort: Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show, and Mickey’s Backyard B.B.Q.

There are some general rules for each of the three dinner shows. These three dinner shows are all-you-care-to-eat and are served family-style. You can ask your server to continue to bring out as much of everything or of something specific as you wish.

Each show does require reservations. It’s best to book them in advance so you can not only get the seating time you desire, but also – in the case of the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue and Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show – your preferred seating category. These two shows offer three pricing categories for adults and children. You can book any of these dinner shows through Disney Dining reservations, online, or at your Disney resort. It’s best to book your reservation early as tables are assigned in the order of when reservations are made.

Buy or Pass on the Annual Pass? by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on December 13, 2009

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People have always had one question for Walt Disney World’s Guest Relations over the years when it comes to buying tickets, “Is it worth getting an annual pass?”. The answer is yes… and no.

Trying to figure out if you should buy an annual pass might be best represented by a flow chart, because after the initial question there are many follow up questions that need to be asked in order to determine if (and when) the annual pass is the right choice.

We are going to try and not really answer questions about the annual pass, but look at as many possible scenarios and try to provide you with the broadest amount of information about it that should not only point you in the right direction, but also help you with your decision.

“Last Stop New York, New York” by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on November 2, 2009

Beginning in Los Angeles and traveling to 36 states and making 40 stops across the U.S., the Christmas Carol Train, part of a major promotion by the Walt Disney Studios for its upcoming film Disney’s A Christmas Carol, made its final stop this past weekend in New York City.

“Closed for Your Future Enjoyment” by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on November 1, 2009

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For regular guests and frequent visitors alike, there is nothing worse than heading down to the Walt Disney WorldResort only to find your favorite attraction or restaurant is closed for refurbishment. For those unfamiliar with the term, a refurbishment is when something is closed for an extended period of time for extensive repairs or remodeling. As always, everything at the resort is subject to a “refurb”, including the water parks, hotels, transportation system, etc.

Probably the two most widely known refurbishments taking place or about to take place are that of Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and the expansion of Fantasyland. There are many more “refurbs” about to begin than just these major projects, so we’re going to try and break it down for you that will not only make your next visit to Walt Disney World pleasant and surprise-free. To make it simple to find what is and isn’t open, we’re going to break this down by months: November, December, and January.

“Holidays Around The World” by Chuck Mirarchi

WDWNT on October 8, 2009

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Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort can be daunting for even for the most seasoned Disney travelers, but visiting during the holidays can be truly overwhelming. There are four theme parks, two water parks, the Downtown Disney district, twenty-one resort hotels, and not to mention the numerous water and sports activities available. All of that alone is enough to keep someone busy on a vacation, but there are numerous special offerings that go under the radar of most visitors… and they shouldn’t.

Special events, backstage tours, and special dining events happen throughout various areas of the resort, but with one major difference: special events are offered for a limited time during the year and backstage tours and special dining events are typically offered year around.

First, we’ll take a look at special events. These events typically happen around the same time of the year, every year. They are highly anticipated by those who know about them, but casual WDW visitor may not be aware. Whether they are sporting events or holiday celebrations, many people build their Walt Disney World vacations around these happenings.

Both Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade are popular events that take place at The Magic Kingdom. Because of the limited amount of tickets sold on select dates— 24 party days for Halloween and 19 party days for Christmas in 2009—these events tend to sell out quickly. The general estimate is 20,000 tickets, but Disney does not release exactly how many they sell for each evening’s party. It is best to purchase tickets in advance of course, but tickets can be purchased on the day-of the party if available.

Advance ticket purchase is the same for both parties. After calling Disney (or purchasing online) and giving a credit card, tickets can be mailed or picked up upon your arrival. If you’re already in the park on the day of the party, proceed to the Rose Garden near Cinderella’s Castle after 4:00 PM and Cast Members will swipe your party ticket and put a wristband on you. Those holding party passes, but not planning on being in the park earlier, can typically head to the main gate at 4pm and look for specially designated Cast Members who will assist in getting you set up. Although the Halloween and Christmas parties officially start at 7pm, guests will be admitted as early as 4pm. When the park closes at 7pm to regular guests, only those guests with wristbands may stay. Cast Members do check and will kindly escort out anyone not wearing a wristband.

Both events have similar set-ups: holiday-specific themed fireworks and parades, character meet-and-greets, access to some regular Magic Kingdom attractions, themed food and beverages, dance parties, and other specialty events and shows.

Tag: Editorials