Confession # 24 : Changes- Like and Dislike

WDW has made / and is making / a lot of changes lately, some I've liked a lot, some not so much ...

   The new Fantasyland:

Tried 'Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid' - nicely themed, but unless you're six, just eh.

I do like the Le Fou Brew and am excited about the new '7 Dwarfs Mine Train' (although a CM friend said it was 'just okay').

Loved Toon Town Fair (now gone), totally dislike Storybook Circus.

Overall: not so hot.

    Then there's Hyperion Wharf  Disney Springs.

Looks like more shopping and dining, fewer things to do.
I wish that a few of the clubs would have been kept (Comedy Warehouse, Adventurer's Club, maybe one dance club). It would have given those of us over 18 something to do at night after the parks close.

The new multi-level parking garages will definitely ease the parking place shortage. And hopefully the traffic engineers will design everything perfectly.

Overall: I've felt that DTD need a face-lift for a while, so mostly YAY.

    The Polynesian Resort will return to its original name, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.
  "The sweeping renovation happening now also includes a new food and beverage experience opening for guests next year, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto — based on the popular themed lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in California." Disney parks Blog

  

 

 Photo: Orlando Attractions Magazine

From the look of the artist rendering of the new lobby, the waterfall and 'rainforest feel' will be gone.  Booooo.

Aaaand, a new DVC resort is being built over the lake, like a real South Seas resort, too cool.

Photo: Orlando Attractions Magazine

Overall: Mostly like.

Now this is what I'm truly excited over....

Coming over at the Animal Kingdom:

Pandora, The Land of Avatar    

This sounds most interesting!

New rides (on a Banshee!) and a nighttime show: Rivers of Light!

Photo: Disney Parks Blog

Pandora-the-land-of-Avatar-name

Avatar-land-Animal-Kingdom-Disney

Since Camp Minnie-Mickey is gone to make room for Pandora, The Festival of the Lion King has been relocated to a new theater in Africa (where it belongs!). It looks so much better than the former location, more in keeping with the African theme! 

Overall: Bring it ON!

Confession # 23: I Miss ToonTown Fair... Still!

Today is the 3rd-year anniversary of the demise of WDW's Toon Town Fair.

ToonTown was closed in 2011 to make way for The Storybook Circus part of the new Fantasyland.

Dueling Dumbos, Pete's Silly Sideshow, Casey Jr, Splash 'n Soak Stations, The Storybook Circus Giggle Gang (clowns)....

just cannot compare with Mickey's and Minnie's houses. Ever.

Confession # 22: Mind-Change!

Okay, so I wasn't thrilled when Disney announced that
'Avatar-land' would be a huge new part of Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Even tho I enjoyed the film immensely)

I was hoping Disney would create 'Australia' to go along with Africa and Asia.

Imagine:
   an Outback area (kangaroos, wallabys, dingoes, emus,
        koalas),
   The Great Barrier Reef,
   a "Shrimp on the Barbie" food kiosk,
   and my personal favorite: "Mad Max", the ride.

Sigh.

But then, over on the Disney Parks Blog,

First Look: Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Okay, so now I'm interested!

"As these concept renderings show, in the world of AVATAR guests will encounter awe-inspiring floating mountains and wander through a nighttime jungle of bio-luminescent plants that are alive with light and sound. 

Guests will also discover what it feels like to soar into the sky riding a Banshee."

Photos: Disney Parks Blog

Bring on Pandora!

Confession # 21: Not Impressed

with the new 2013 Disney Park promotional theme: 

Limited Time Magic

Imagine an Independence Day celebration — only it lasts an entire week — or Main Street mainstays the Dapper Dans rocking out with boy band hits in barbershop style. Picture yourself at a Friday the 13th dance party with Disney villains that lasts to the 13th hour or a Valentine's Day that becomes Valentine's Week with Disney castles blushing pink. These and many more special experiences will surprise Disney Parks Guests as they roll out each week in 2013. Here's a sampling of Limited Time Magic in store for Guests — for a limited time only:

• True Love: Celebrate romance and enchantment throughout Valentine's Week with special moments and entertainment geared to lovebirds. Guests can celebrate their Valentine as Magic Kingdom and Disneyland turn up the romance, complete with their iconic castles bathed in hues of red and pink. Disney Princes join their Princesses to meet park Guests in special settings, prix fixe menus turn up at select restaurants and Valentine collectibles will be offered for the week. 
   
  
• Independence Week: It's red, white and blue as Disney Parks salute America with a Fourth of July Fireworks Party for an entire week, with patriotic lighting bathing the Disney castles on both coasts. Mickey Mouse appears in his patriotic finest, and Guests will find special U.S.A. shirts, Ear Hats and other limited-edition souvenirs.
   
  
• During "Long Lost Friends Week," lesser-known Disney characters will move from the shadows to the spotlight with meet-and-greets on both coasts. Photos opps with characters that could include Flik, Clarabelle Cow, Remy, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum will appear throughout the parks. And Disney Guests will even have the chance to vote online for which characters they want to see.
  
  
• Pirate Week: Why talk like a pirate one day when you could celebrate these scalawags all week long? The adventures of Jack Sparrow come to life like never before during a bicoastal buccaneer bash in which Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts become pirate-palooza: pirate bands, pirate meet-and-greets and more.
• 
  
• Dapper Dans Sing Boy Bands: Dapper Dans, the iconic quartet from Main Street, U.S.A., will add a special finale to their show, claiming the title of the "Original Boy Band" and delivering a medley of hits from One Direction, *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys.
  
  
• Unleash the Villains: A Friday the 13th in 2013 is a special day, so Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios are staying open until the "13th hour" (1 a.m.). Maleficent, Capt. Hook, Jafar and other Disney villains host a dance party, complete with limited-edition collectibles and nighttime mischief on Sept. 13.
  
  
• Golden Horseshoe Revue: The fabled Frontierland show returns to Disneyland for one month only, bringing back the corny jokes and enduring songs that were often enjoyed by Walt Disney himself.
  

The experience of the week will be announced in a variety of ways, including in-park, Disneyworld.com, Disneyland.com, Facebook, Twitter and the Disney Parks Blog - adding to the element of surprise. For more information about Limited Time Magic, visit the Disney Parks Blog.

Begins in January.

For 52 weeks.

Big whoop.

I was really hoping for the Free Birthday-Day Celebration to return.

 

Confession # 20: I'm Not a Fan

of the DHS Stunt Shows:

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular   and   Lights, Motors, Action.

Photo:WDW

I've seen Indiana Jones several times and was bored each time.
I'm just not impressed by smokin', squealin' tires. Sorry.
Here's a thought:

Instead of giving  Mr Iger another multi-million dollar bonus,   Disney bulldozes the two stunt shows and replaces them with: 

 Indiana Jones Adventure

 (instead of the Indiana Jones Stunt Show)

 

  Photo:Disney

 

 -- and --

Cars Land

  (instead of the Cars Stunt Show)

Photo:Disney

Confession # 19: I Love Dug

Pluto has long held the position of my favorite Disney character. He never spoke - except for two brief words *Trivia alert*, so he had to rely on a multitude of facial expressions and body language. 

But now I must confess: Dug the dog (from "UP") has equalled Pluto's place in my affections.

Who could resist those eyes! That nose. The voice. ("I have just met you and I Laaahve you!"

 The making of Dug the Dog

Meet Dug

*Trivia: the two words spoken by Pluto: "Kiss me"

Confession # 18: J.R. Martinez

 J.R. Martinez , Army veteran, soap star, and Dancing champ, recently visited Universal Studios' Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Photo:  Orlando Sentinel

I'm not generally impressed by celebrity, but I do think J.R. is a special guy.
I do wish I had been there that day to shake J.R.'s hand and thank him for his service to our country.

Confession # 17: Disney's Dumb Decisions Part DUH

Disney has just broken ground on a new 963-acre park to the tune of over 3.7 BILLION dollars - in Shanghai, China.
Say what? Yep. Shangahi. China. Not to be confused with the Disney park already located in Hong Kong.

Disney Shanghai

Well. I think that 3.7 BILLION dollars could have been better spent at the American parks. Have you been to WDW lately? Have you paid $82 for a DAY ticket? Have you seen the trash all over the ground? Has the Magic dimmed a bit?

At WDW, Disney could have: hired more Cast Members (especially custodial) / added a new land in the World Showcase / added a new area to the Animal Kingdom (this has been a rumor, but no action yet) / added new rides: like Monsters,Inc and Indiana Jones at DLR / built a new Moderate resort / extended the monorail to run from park-to-park / maybe even lowered ticket prices.

Confession # 16: I Think Disney Makes Dumb Decisions, Sometimes.

WDW is in the process of dismantling Pleasure Island.  The clubs Motion and Rock 'n Roll Beach Club have been demolished, their rubble already carted off. Mannequins, BET Soundstage (the BET has been removed from the sign), The Adventurers' Club and the Comedy Warehouse will be next.

In their place will be, what else, shopping and dining venues.
Family-friendly, of course.
Big whoop.

I liked Pleasure Island when it was what it was originally built for - a place where adult Disney-goers could have adult fun, because not ALL Disney guests are princess- or pirate-loving children.

They could at least have spared one or two clubs for us older folks, maybe The Adventurers' Club which has a huge fan following .

Confession #15 : I Am A Planner

I am SUCH a planner that my family teases me about having OCD about it.

O.K. I'll admit that I probably am Obsessive/Compulsive in the trip planning area and I'll also say that this is not a bad thing as long as you are flexible (have a Plan B - and be flexible with it, too).

I cannot imagine coming to WDW and NOT having a daily (but flexible) plan for parks and dining. In fact, if you haven't made prior plans for dining, good luck on eating at the more popular places.

I am planning for a Dollywood trip this spring.
Unfortunately, DW does not have the information base that WDW has.

Google: Disney World trip planning. There are 314,00 results.

Google: Dollywood trip planning. There is 1 (one) result.

So. If any Dollywood veterans are reading this and have helpful hints, ideas, suggestions, must-do and don't bother lists, please, please drop a note in the comments.  My family will thank you.

TIA!

Confession # 14: My Favorite Disney Character

... is not Mickey or Minnie.

It's Pluto.

Because he does not speak - except for two words* in a 1931 cartoon,"The Moose Hunt", Pluto has to be very expressive in his actions and facial expressions.



And in "Mickey's Kangaroo", Pluto has a voice, although it's just his thoughts:

* Those two words: "Kiss Me"

Confession # 13: Not Me

As much as I've looked forward to the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter over at IOA/Universal Orlando, I did NOT go on Opening Day.

Nope. No way.

It had been announced that the parking lots (Universal Orlando has 2 huge multi-story lots) would open at 5:30 am even tho the WWoHP wouldn't open until 10:30 am (not counting the earlier entry for special guests).

And people started lining up the day before, standing on the I-4 overpass ALL night because U/O wouldn't let them stay on property.

I turned on the tv at 5 am and there was already coverage on local stations which continued until, get this, 9 am, just about when Bill Davis, U/O prez started to open the envelope (see below).  Our local ABC channel switched over to The PTL Club! So I switched over to the local all-news station.

From someone who was there:

The Harry Potter Morning-After Report

I am definitely gonna go, later, tho, like about November.

And I'm already saving up $$ for all the HarryPotterCrap I want ... definitely a wand, both kinds of butterbeer (frozen and not frozen), cauldron cakes, chocolate frogs (seeing a trend here...)



(Line photos: Orlando Sentinel)

Confession # 12: I Like It

The WDW monorail train that travels between TTC and Epcot looks different  these days:

Photo:Orlando Sentinel

Although it's a giant advertisement for Disney's remake of TRON, I like it. The colors, anyway.

And as for the criticism (“Never thought I’d see the day that Disney would bus-wrap their monorails to advertise for a movie”, etc), well, hello, have you been in a Disney store lately? A majority of Disney merchandise relates directly to Disney movies or TV shows.

Story Here

Confession # 11: I Miss the Great Fright Way

The Ghostbusters vs Beetlejuice was my favorite street show over at Universal Studios until February 19, 2005, when it was closed after a 15-year run.

In every on-line survey I've taken for Universal Orlando, I've mentioned how much I miss these guys.

I'm not the only one. There is an on-line petition   to bring this show back.

Confession # 10: I Miss Food Rocks

Food Rocks (previously known as the Kitchen Kabaret) closed in January, 2004, to make room for Soarin'.

We never missed this 12-minute, er, concert when we were at Epcot. And if the Boy was with us, we might see it twice.

And I should mention two things: 1) the Boy was much older than you might think, and 2) this was the only animatronic attraction that Hubby never slept through.

Although Soarin' is absolutely worth the wait in line, I DO miss those hokey little characters singing those familiar, yet different, tunes:

Füd Wrapper (the host),

The Utensils - a collection of kitchen gadgets based on the band Queen ("Give Us Junk"),

The Refrigerator Police ("Every Egg You Break"),

the Peach Boys ("Good Nutrition"),

Pita Gabriel ("High Fiber"),

Chubby Cheddar ("Let's Exercise"),

Neil Moussaka ("Vegetables Are Good For You"),

The Sole of Rock 'n' Roll, a fish that strongly resembles the singer Cher,

a piano-playing "Little Richard" pineapple ("Tutti Frutti"),

and The Get-To-The-Point Sisters (a new version of "Respect")

Maybe these guys could be relocated, like over in the Wonders of Life building?

Confession # 9: I Like Apples AND Oranges

Someone posted a rant against Universal Studios in one of the on-line Disney newsgroups I read.

Was there last week....What a rip off ... Disney World was much better, it did have a lot more class...

It's a bit like comparing apples and oranges.

Disney World and Universal Studios ARE different.

Disney World's operating theme is "The Happiest Place on Earth".

Universal Studios' operating theme is "We are not Disney".
Okay, okay, it's really "Where Blockbusters Come to Life".

Universal is not shy about making fun of themselves and the place down the road.

Disney pretty much ignores the place up the road.

Disney is more kid-oriented, but Universal does have lots of kid-stuff too.
In fact, over in IOA there is one ride that you HAVE to be with a kid to ride!
And when 'The Wizarding World of Harry Potter' opens next year, well, that will blur the line even more.

I have to confess that there are shows, rides, characters, etc that I really prefer about one place or the other.

For example: I'll ride Expedition Everest (WDW) but not The Hulk (US-IOA);

I much prefer Jurassic Park River Adventure (US-IOA) to Splash Mountain (WDW);

I'll stand in line to see "It's Tough to Be a Bug" (WDW) but not "Shrek 4-D (US);

The Tower of Terror (WDW) has it all over Dr Doom's Fearfall (US-IOA).

I like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin (WDW), but Men in Black (US) is better, and Toy Story Mania (WDW) is even better yet!

I have to admit that (most) Disney Cast Members are much more personable than (most) Universal employees.

Not counting Beetlejuice (US), who is in a class all his own.

And I'll take Pluto (WDW) over Scooby Doo (US) any day.

But overall ... Viva la Difference!

Confession # 8: I Wanna Be a Chipmunk!

I'd love to be a "Head" character at Disney World.

Not THE Head character tho.
I used to think Meg Crofton's
job would be the ultimate Cast Member role.

But that's way too much responsibility and
I would much rather have fun!

So, the "Head" character I wanna be is a chipmunk!
Chip, Dale, either one.

Yes, I DO know the difference.
(Nose, teeth, eyes)

Confession # 7: I Bought a Dollywood Pin

As a collector and trader of Disney pins, I made an interesting discovery: Dollywood has some pretty neat pins, too.

No, I haven't made it to Dollywood, yet. That trip is still in the plotting stage.

But I did find some Dollywood pins for sale on eBay and I figured to get some to use as traders on our (future) visit.

But a couple of them won't make it to the trading lanyard.
I'll be keeping these:

Confession # 6: Things I've Seen

that aren't listed in any Orlando guide book ...

... Like the crowd gathered around the Lion King topiary at Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival ... watching a squirrel! The furface, sitting on Rafiki's head, was as still as, er, a statue, and the (otherwise normal) people were confused as to its origins - was it real (biological) or Disney (botanical) ? Even when it scampered down the topiary figure and into the bushes (animatronic ?), some folks were unsure.
Too funny!

... Like the lady in an EVC (electric cart) loading onto a Disney watercraft. She revved that thing up and leaped the ramp. And was actually briefly airborne. We thought she just might keep going off the other side.
Too exciting!

... Like the 3 Japanese girls singing "It's a Small World" in Japanese while waiting for the boat at Port Orleans.
Too sweet!

... Like Fireman Mickey at the Oogie Boogie dance party at Mickey's-Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party. He was a little fellow of about 2 dressed up as a fireman, complete with a Mickey-eared helmet. He was dancing so earnestly, and his costume must've been very warm, so he barfs on himself, mom cleans him up, and he's back to dancing.
Too Oogie Boogie!

... Like the Disney Cast Member at the Whispering Canyon Cafe having the kids swear an oath: "I promise ... to stay up really late and get up really early ... and to ask for EVERYTHING I see ... and to NEVER, no matter what mom says, go to Universal Studios".
Too hilarious!

... Like the Scooby-Doo at Universal Studios whose costume was so tight that it was obvious it was a boy dog.
Too XXX!

... Like the little girl sitting behind us for lunch at the Crystal Palace trying to get the characters' attention. Instead of whistling (which I can't do either), she would go, "Wheee-uuu-whittt, Pooh Bear / Tigger / Piglet / Eeyore!!
Too funny and sweet!

Confession # 5: I Read "Team Rodent: How Disney Devours the World"

... and loved it.

It's just a bit dated now, having been published in 1998.

Mr. Hiassen, a fellow Floridian, has written an eighty-three page zinger about the Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney World.

Chapter titles include:

Insane Clown Michael (Eisner)
Republic of Walt
Fantasy Fantasy Island
Whistle While We Work

The back cover of the book states that Mr Hiassen's "dream is to be banned forever from Disney World" ...

I'm surprised that he wasn't.
The Disney High Muckey-mucks (Mickey-micks?) don't often have a sense of humor when someone takes potshots at the Mouse House, or in this case tosses grenades.

Several years ago the book was being discussed in an on-line Disney World newsgroup and some of the readers were positively aghast that some writer would write unflattering things about anything Disney.

The Walt Disney Company is a business after all, and what is the main concern of most businesses?

Right, the Bottom Line. $$$.

"Team Rodent: How Disney Devours the World" can be found for sale at Amazon.com but not at the World of Disney store.