Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

[Moonbear]

The future of Disney Magical Express will be decided some time soon.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-express1406mar14,0,7865806.story

Considering that this is a service the guests really want, a service that has revolutionized how people travel, is being copied by other resorts and hotels, etc.. it is silly if Disney is forced to stop it.

Zz.

I'm still not sure what the fuss is about. People who would rent a car would do so anyway. And resorts have offered free shuttle service to and from airports for ages. The only real difference is that they also add the convenience of handling your luggage for you, which isn't even relevant if you were planning to rent a car. Heck, if I wasn't meeting you there when you already had a rental car, I'd have probably rented a car too. The parking lots sure didn't look like there was any shortage of people renting cars at Disney. Might it cut into the taxi revenue? Sure, if you had a choice between a free shuttle provided by the hotel, and paying a taxi, unless you were in a hurry, you'd probably choose the shuttle, regardless of whether the luggage service was inclusive. Though, that's no different than in any other city either. I've taken advantage of free airport shuttles to and from hotels in many places, as well as discounted shuttles provided for conference attendees; even the shuttles you pay for are usually cheaper than a cab ride, so I only take a cab if I'm in a hurry and don't want to wait for a shuttle (even with the Magical Express, you have to wait a bit before it's ready to leave, and then it stops at several hotels on the route...overall, it's a bit slower than taking a direct hotel shuttle, and a lot slower than a taxi, so if I was traveling on business and knew I had a meeting I HAD to get to, I would go with a taxi or rental car). Competition is a part of business.

Though, I wouldn't mind an alternative service where Disney still handles the luggage heading to the resort, but I could opt to take any form of transportation for myself. The luggage service is the appealing part, not the shuttle service. Since Disney offers the service free anyway, they don't lose anything if they can send out a cargo van for the luggage rather than an entire bus...it would probably even work out more efficient for them to do that since they can just quickly load a van and get out rather than sitting around with a motor running waiting for passengers to straggle over to the bus. Actually, to me, the ideal service would be for Disney to handle the luggage and then provide a car-rental package deal along with everything else, so I don't have to drag my luggage around the airport getting to the rental counters (are those even in the main terminal in Orlando, or did you have to get onto another shuttle or walk across the parking lot to get a rental car?)

 

[ZapperZ]

Actually, to me, the ideal service would be for Disney to handle the luggage and then provide a car-rental package deal along with everything else, so I don't have to drag my luggage around the airport getting to the rental counters (are those even in the main terminal in Orlando, or did you have to get onto another shuttle or walk across the parking lot to get a rental car?)

The car rental counter is on the lowest level where you got on your DME bus. The car port is in the same car park ramp across from the airport. So yes, you still have to haul your luggage to it.

That's why we only have one large luggage and one carry-on each when we travel there. It's so much easier to roll them to the car rental pickup area. Besides, we almost go on automatic pilot since we know exactly where to go.

The DME is all about convenience, no doubt. Many who have used it liked it a lot. It will be too bad if they take it away.

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The Japanese Crown Prince and his family visits Tokyo Disneyland.

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060313p2a00m0na012000c.html

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Ooh, I finally got around to ordering some of that African Autumn tea we had at the Boma restaurant. It took me a while to justify spending that much for a tin of tea, but when it comes to tasty foods, I seem to manage to talk myself into it eventually. I sat here just sniffing it while the first pot was brewing. I think it's going to become a regular bed-time tea for me (it's all herbal...no caffeine...didn't know that before, but know it now).

I might have to get a second tin to keep at my office...even without the caffeine, the lovely aroma will make it a nice tea to sip on a stressful day.

 

[ZapperZ]

Ooh, I finally got around to ordering some of that African Autumn tea we had at the Boma restaurant. It took me a while to justify spending that much for a tin of tea, but when it comes to tasty foods, I seem to manage to talk myself into it eventually. I sat here just sniffing it while the first pot was brewing. I think it's going to become a regular bed-time tea for me (it's all herbal...no caffeine...didn't know that before, but know it now).

I might have to get a second tin to keep at my office...even without the caffeine, the lovely aroma will make it a nice tea to sip on a stressful day.

I haven't gotten around to ordering that yet. I already have 3 differnt types of teas at work, and even more at home. So maybe I'll wait a little while longer.

We just finished making all of our reservations for the Memorial Day week trip. We're staying for free (using Marriott points) while we're doing Disneyland/California Adventure. And I didn't realize till now that there's hardly any direct flight from LAX to Orlando. So with the plane change and the time difference, we're spending almost a whole day time traveling to Orlando from LA.

71 days left. I can't wait!

So now we're trying to finalize our Sept. trip.

:)

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

More Easter pins are being released. This one is a picture of Stitch ripping the head off a chocolate bunny.

Charming.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10931167.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

The car rental counter is on the lowest level where you got on your DME bus. The car port is in the same car park ramp across from the airport. So yes, you still have to haul your luggage to it.

That's why we only have one large luggage and one carry-on each when we travel there. It's so much easier to roll them to the car rental pickup area. Besides, we almost go on automatic pilot since we know exactly where to go.

The DME is all about convenience, no doubt. Many who have used it liked it a lot. It will be too bad if they take it away.

Zz.

REJOICE!

Moonbie, and all you future Disney World visitors,

The Orlando Airport and Disney has reached an agreement to extend the Disney Magical Express service till 2011.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-disney1606mar16,0,5914642.story?coll=orl-business-headlines-tourism

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

OK, you are not going to believe this... well... ok, you might.

If you have been on any of the Disney monorail, you would be familiar with the regular announcements they make during the ride. In fact, it is repeated often (and if you ride it many times) that some of the phrases have become ingrained into the minds of many... such as :

"Please stand clear of the doors"

or

"Por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas"

Well, some entreprenual soul thought that this would be so recognizable that people might buy these phrases if it appears on T-shirts! And it is becoming a hit! It seems that there was at least one report where a couple of people wore the t-shirts, and they were stopped by other people, even cast members, asking where they got those t-shirts.

The nice part about this is that these phrases are not copyrighted, and the t-shirts have nothing to connect them with Disney. So only the die-hard Disney fanatics would even recognize what it is.

Of course, being one of the Disney fanatics, I bought myself a couple of these t-shirts. Can't wait to wear them on my next trip. Maybe I'll wait till I know it's the day I'm going to the Magic Kingdom and ride the monorail. One of the t-shirts is in teel green, so I can't be missed. :)

Attached below are two views of the t-shirt, from the front that has the english phrase, and the back that has the spanish phrase.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

The nice part about this is that these phrases are not copyrighted, and the t-shirts have nothing to connect them with Disney. So only the die-hard Disney fanatics would even recognize what it is.

Uh, yeah, the rest of us will think it's phrases spoken in elevators or on the airport shuttles/monorails.

 

[ZapperZ]

A new round of rumored layoffs at Disney animation unit and Circle 7 as one of the fallout of Disney-Pixar merger.

http://www.o-meon.com/pages/news&features/n&f_03-15-06.html

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The latest pictures around the Disneyland Resort. I wouldn't mind having that poster in the second picture. What I would do with it is another matter, though. I have officially ran out of wall space.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-199.asp

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

The Pin Pursuit on the Magical World of Transportation starts today at WDW.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/event?id=14724

Looks like the pins in this pursuit at good ones too. The whole set fits on a background cardboard picture shown below. Too bad they don't have this closer to the Memorial Day weekend.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/19031706.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

OH MY!

To be released at Disneyland this coming Sunday is this ADORABLE Easter pin!

Sorry Moonbie, I can't get this either, or else I would have gotten one for you too.

:(

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10425891.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

REJOICE!

Moonbie, and all you future Disney World visitors,

The Orlando Airport and Disney has reached an agreement to extend the Disney Magical Express service till 2011.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-disney1606mar16,0,5914642.story?coll=orl-business-headlines-tourism

Zz.

Other transportation vendors at Orlando airport is figuring out how to cope with the new DME agreement that will run till 2011.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-disney1706mar17,0,6504468.story

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

Oh my god!

Look at those laptops! I want one! :(

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/...ers-epson-endeavour-disney-laptops-161083.php

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

More adorable Easter pins. This time the egg opens up to reveal our cute couple - Mickey and Minnie.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904604.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

They have released the design of the pins for this year's Flower and Garden Show at Epcot. Leading the way is this GORGEOUS jumbo pin. I have to hand it to them, this one takes the cake.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10930887.jpg

 

[Evo]

They have released the design of the pins for this year's Flower and Garden Show at Epcot. Leading the way is this GORGEOUS jumbo pin. I have to hand it to them, this one takes the cake.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10930887.jpg

Ooooh. :!) :!) :!)

 

[Moonbear]

I watched my new DVD of Lady and the Tramp tonight. I know they improved the color in this version, but I don't remember Tramp being a tan dog; I always thought he was a gray dog! Was the color that bad in the old version, or did they change his color?

 

[ZapperZ]

Ooooh. :!) :!) :!)

Yup! It was a good one.

The other jumbo pin in the Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival is this one. I just find this to be a very intricate pin and rather full of details.

Both of the jumbo pins for this festival are worth having. I hope they still have them when I show up... oh... another 69 days from today!

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10904810.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

I watched my new DVD of Lady and the Tramp tonight. I know they improved the color in this version, but I don't remember Tramp being a tan dog; I always thought he was a gray dog! Was the color that bad in the old version, or did they change his color?

This is bad... I bought the DVD, but I haven't seen it yet.

I don't quite remember the actual color of Tramp. I know that I certainly didn't see it at the theater, so all my recollections were from seeing it on TV from the video.

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

This is bad... I bought the DVD, but I haven't seen it yet.

I don't quite remember the actual color of Tramp. I know that I certainly didn't see it at the theater, so all my recollections were from seeing it on TV from the video.

Zz.

Oh, you had a deprived youth. No wonder you are so crazy about Disney now. My grandparents loved all the Disney movies, so rounded up me, my sister and our two cousins every time one came out and took us to the matinee (yeah, they claimed to do it for the kids, but we all knew it was just an excuse for them to go to the movies). We even got to stop at McDonald's or Roy Roger's for lunch before the movie, which was a big deal to us kids who were never allowed to have fast food! The down side was my grandparents didn't want to pay for movie theater popcorn, so would sneak in unbuttered and unsalted popcorn in my grandmother's purse. Sometimes she'd bring a bag of candy instead, and that was much better.

Though, I'm not sure how many times I've seen "Freaky Friday" and "The Shaggy Dog, D.A." They almost always put on a double feature of one of those along with the animated film at the theater we went to.

 

[GeorginaS]

Um, I could have sworn Tramp was grey. I have the VHS around here somewhere. I'll have to look.

 

[Moonbear]

Um, I could have sworn Tramp was grey. I have the VHS around here somewhere. I'll have to look.

I was pretty sure about that too, but then I started to question my memory, since it really has been a VERY long time since I've watched the movie. He's beige in the DVD version.

Though, I laughed when the movie was over and I discovered they had little kids in mind when they formatted the DVD...after all the credits are done, and a brief pause, the movie starts over again all by itself! No more waiting to rewind the tape with antsy kids who want to watch the same movie over and over and over again until you want to scream...you can leave them to watch it in a continuous loop forever!

 

[GeorginaS]

Kids do that? They hadn't invented betamax or video when I was a kid, so we didn't do anything like that. And any children I've spent time with recently, I keep them too busy with other stuff. So, kids do that?

 

[ZapperZ]

This is a tip from a first time visitor to Walt Disney World. It's a fascinating read. Compare this with the list I made waaaaaaaaay early in this thread (message #2). An update of that list is coming up soon.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-0603190476mar19,1,6349786.story?track=rss&ctrack=1&cset=true

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Kids do that? They hadn't invented betamax or video when I was a kid, so we didn't do anything like that. And any children I've spent time with recently, I keep them too busy with other stuff. So, kids do that?

Oh yes. Not a practice I'm exactly approving of, because it inherently implies they're spending hours in front of a TV instead of doing something else, but they'll find one video they like and watch it for a week. And, yeah, when I hear the parents complaining that the video is driving them crazy, I do have to ask why they don't just tell the kid to do something else. Of course, with me being the sort of person who will fall asleep on the couch watching a movie, I'd rather it not restart when it gets to the end but just stop.

 

[ZapperZ]

Pixar stock certificates are fast becoming a collectors item! And I have one!

:)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060319/ap_on_bi_ge/pixar_stock_certificate

Zz.

 

[Moonbear]

Pixar stock certificates are fast becoming a collectors item! And I have one!

:)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060319/ap_on_bi_ge/pixar_stock_certificate

Zz.

That's pretty funny, especially if it gets to the point where the piece of paper is worth more than the actual stock itself.

 

[Evo]

Tramp was grey, I know that for a fact, I have old books from the original movie.

They made him tan? Why?

 

[ZapperZ]

Fulton's is one of my favorite places to eat at Downtown Disney. However, when Moonbie and I were there, we didn't get a chance to have dinner at this place. This is because Moonbie was on a Disney Dinning plan, and I think this place doesn't accept that (Fulton's is not owned by Disney, but rather is a chain of Levi restaurant).

This is the picture taken during our January trip, so that explains the Christmas decorations.

Zz

 

[ZapperZ]

Happy First Day of Spring!

Although it doesn't feel like it here in Chicago... brrrrrrrr!

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10394869.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

That previous pin was released at Disneyland Resort in California. This one was released at my "home" resort, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.

Zz.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10924736.jpg

 

[ZapperZ]

Rumors are running rampant (don't all rumors do that?) that Disney will announce new Disney cruise destination - which might include Hawaii, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and even South China Sea.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-bk-disneycruise031706,0,7083979.story?track=rss

Zz.

 

[ZapperZ]

There are two TV shows related to Expedition Everest coming up in April.

April 9, the Travel Channel, 8pm Eastern:

Premiering the week of April 9, 2006, on the Travel Channel, "Expedition Everest: Journey to Sacred Lands" follows the journeys and discoveries of Rohde as he embarks on his adventure to Everest. Providing unprecedented coverage of this artist's journey to reveal this complex and unique region, the special will cover the miles traveled to research and replicate so accurately the culture, architecture and customs of Nepal for the newest Disney attraction.

"Imagineers are renowned for our passionate approach to creating the legendary experiences guests have come to expect from Disney," said Rohde. "We are going to incredible lengths to tell this story to our guests: researching cultural and spiritual legends through local people who have reported sightings of the yeti, and governments who preserve pristine lands in the name of the creature known as 'protector of the mountains.' "

Rohde is quite familiar with that part of the world, having traveled there on numerous occasions. In 2004, Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering architect Stefan Hellwig and production manager Chris Kelly went to the Nepalese Himalayas to study the lands, architecture, colors and culture to shape their design for the mythical village area of the attraction they were creating.

After a journey by jet, surrey, helicopter and donkey, the trio reached their destination -- a 1,000-year-old monastery near Mustang. The goal was to immerse themselves in the region, to gain a sense of place that is not possible from looking at photographs or even films. They returned with an understanding of what it feels like to be in the Himalayan culture and environment. And as the Expedition Everest design team focused on creating that "sense of place," it was invaluable.

"Touching the prayer wheels, hearing the tonal spectrum of animal bells, experiencing a 360-degree view from the mountaintop monastery and seeing how the local people applied color to their homes left a deep impression on us," said Rohde. "This experience allowed us to approach this project with an insight and authenticity we could attain only by being there."

When Walt Disney World guests approach the village area that signals the entry to Expedition Everest, they will see how the research efforts paid off. They will be transported to the Himalayan region as they walk by colorful flags looping from building to building and pole to pole. Emblazoned with animal symbols, the banners are inspired by the Himalayan prayer flags that send thoughts and prayers to the wind. Throughout the village area, the yeti appears in architectural details, revealing its dual existence as earthly creature and mythological legend. And the adornments couldn't be more real: Nepalese carvers created these special pieces based on their beliefs and local stories. At the Mandir, a traditional Himalayan shrine structure, wooden doors depict the creature in his very real realm, coming down from the mountain to snatch up a yak.

The team talked with local Himalayan monks about earth-based pigments, studied the carved details of local earthen, rock and wooden buildings and researched cultural iconography -- all with the goal of creating an experience that would be so extraordinarily immersive and real, that guests to Disney's Animal Kingdom would believe, if even for just a moment, that they'd been transported to the other side of the world.

The team also was interested in learning about the beliefs and culture of the region.

For thousands of years, diverse cultures along the Himalayan mountain range have believed in the yeti -- some as a real, living being and others as a spiritual protector. Many believe that sightings of this mysterious, hairy creature mean the forest is pure, pristine and undisturbed, and as the great forests disappear, so, too, does the yeti. Nonetheless, its spirit lives today as a great, mythological creature, important and essential to the Himalayan people.

Local people told Rohde of animal carcasses tossed high in trees, yak skulls broken in half with amazing force, and tufts of bluish hair caught on branches. All these were attributed to the yeti. Many others told stories of yetis eating Spanish moss, a sign of a pristine habitat and underlying signal that the yeti seeks our natural areas to protect.

To learn more about these beliefs, Imagineers made a special visit to the Ding Guo Shan monastery, known for its preservation of sacred lands and belief in the yeti. Accessed by a narrow slippery road with sheer drop-offs, the thousand-year-old Ding Guo Shan sits atop a mountain, surrounded by undulating wreaths of clouds. As the team approached, the clouds parted to reveal the forested mountain surrounding the meadow and the monastery. Young monks were playing on the long trumpets and shawms (ancient woodwinds) as the trekkers approached: the community had come out in full dress to greet the team.

The team stayed at the monastery and joined the monks for meals for three days. Rohde interviewed the Rinpoche, a sacred man known as "the living Buddha," about Ding Guo Shan and the yeti. The Rinpoche said that the last sighting was in June.

The monks described the yeti by placing both hands above their heads in a flattened cone shape to indicate the distinctive shape of the high domed ridge of the yeti's head, which is part of many descriptions. They described the hair of the yeti as radiating from its belly. The older monk tried to indicate the stride of the yeti, which seemed to be about five to six feet. They described its feet as being quite long. Rohde reports, "I asked the Living Buddha point blank what he thought the yeti was. He replied that it was two things at once. A real animal and an immortal, a deity."

Later in the journey, the team reached the Qinling mountains, near Xian, the area known for the buried terra cotta army of the first Chinese Emperor. Dr. Anne Savage, specialist in Golden Monkeys and primatologist from Disney's Animal Kingdom, arranged for the team to hike into a reserve that is home to Golden Monkeys, the animals providing the inspiration for Expedition Everest's yeti. Conservation International President Russ Mittemeier, internationally renowned primatologist, joined the team for this special opportunity.

Monday, April 10, Science Network, 9pm Eastern.

At 9p Eastere Time on the Science Channel..."BUILDING A THRILL RIDE EXPEDITION EVEREST"...Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the technology, engineering and creativity harnessed to build one of the most elaborate thrill rides in theme park history "Expedition Everest" at Disney's Animal Kingdom. See the transformation of a five-acre sleepy cow pasture into a 200-foot mountain and Nepalese village. This special reveals the step-by-step creative process behind the construction, culminating in the unveiling of the replica of one of the most mystical and majestic mountains in the world. Viewers will also meet the revered protector of the mountain, the Yeti, brought to life through awe-inspiring technology and painstaking detail, down to the individual strands of hair in the creature's pelt.

Zz.