Walt’s Words of Wisdom

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Mouse Host

I have always thought of Walt as being a wise man and I would say there aren’t too many people who would argue with that.  I decided to postpone the post I was working on for this week because I stumbled across a quote from Walt Disney that really spoke about something that has been on my mind a lot lately.  I am dedicating a short but sweet post to that quote not only because it is relevant to me but because it should be relevant to all of us.  I shall not venture to explain its relevance to me or how it could apply to your life.  I am just going to post it and let it speak for itself.

“A person should set his goals as early as he can and devote all his energy and talent to getting there. With enough effort, he may achieve it. Or he may find something that is even more rewarding. But in the end, no matter what the outcome, he will know he has been alive.” –  Walt Disney

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The Harmony Barber Shop

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Mouse Host

Because of the history between Walt Disney World and myself I have been fortunate to have many “firsts” there. I got my first bike and learned to ride in the Fort Wilderness campground. I pulled my first tooth outside of Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom. I experienced my first “first” on Main Street USA at the Harmony Barber Shop. That’s right, that is where I got my first haircut.

The shop was once located off of Main Street but is now tucked in the far left corner of the square in between the car barn and The Emporium as you first enter the park.  It can easily be missed but this shop can provide lasting memories and a wonderful keepsake for a little one’s first trip to WDW.  The Harmony Barber continues to be a working barber shop where anyone of all ages can stop by and get a “little off the top.”

Town Square is an attraction in and of itself!

You can make reservations for a haircut or if you want to just walk up then the best time is in the morning right when the park opens.  My advice is to go right after the park opens, whether you are making reservations or are trying to walk up.  Two reasons for this: The first is because it is located right at the main gate so it is convenient to go ahead and do it while you are at the front of the park rather than back tracking later.  The second and most important reason is because you may have to wait a few minutes for the shop to open if you arrive at the park for rope drop (when they open the park).  “Why in the world would I want to be there early and have to wait a few minutes for it to open?” you ask.  Well, I am glad you asked!  Because then you have some time and an excuse (although you shouldn’t need one!) to explore Town Square a little bit.  There is so much detail and beauty all over the square.  In the few minutes you have you won’t be able to take it all in!  I won’t go into detail about the Town Square…just yet.  Another post for another time….”Patience Iago….patience.”

Don’t rush through Main Street! There’s so much to see!

Much like the rest of Town Square and Main Street USA, when you set foot inside the Harmony Barber shop you feel as though you have been transported to a turn of the century small town because of the ornate and often authentic decor.  Everything from the wallpaper to the barber chairs give the shop that nostalgic feel.  It is definitely worth at least poking your head in even if you or a little one are not going for a trim.  If you time it just right you might even be visited by the barber shop quartet, The Dapper Dans.  I do believe they would make their appearance sometime around midday, so that would be the only reason (and a very good reason at that) to visit the shop any time other than the morning.

He’s cute like his uncle was too!

During our trip in May we may have (and I hope) started a family tradition.  Like his uncle, my little nephew, Jared, got his first haircut at Walt Disney World!  After his haircut he received complimentary mickey ears with “My First Haircut” embroidered on the back and a certificate documenting his first haircut.  I kind of felt slighted by this because I do not believe (and my grandma can attest to it) that I received any mickey ears or certificate!  Not to my surprise and in classic Disney fashion the Barber, Diane, presented me with my very own certificate as well.  I did not get mickey ears because usually people get their first haircut before their heads are as big as mine so they didn’t have any in my size.  I was very appreciative for my certificate.  It will be a good way to document the family tradition!

I’m not ashamed!

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I’m Back

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Mouse Host

It has been awhile….too long!  After the whole Navy debacle my blog got placed on the back burner because I hadn’t been posting regularly.  I think I tried to set an unrealistic goal for how often I would post on here and I became discouraged.  So I have decided this time around I would just post when I felt like it with no time constraints.  My fear was that people would stop reading if I didn’t post on some kind of schedule but obviously you would stop reading if I didn’t post at all.  So let’s do this!

First day back from boot camp

Well, my plan was to join the Navy and retire after twenty years.  After that I was hoping to head down to Florida to start my career with the Walt Disney Company.  However, my Naval career ended up being quite shorter than planned.  So now I am once again left to plan my more immediate future.  I was very fortunate to land a job with fantastic benefits, one of which being two weeks paid vacation.  Needless to say, my next Walt Disney World trip is already planned…and 3 more are possibly in the works.

Obviously, my love for Disney continues and actually grows each day.  I will not lie, there is hardly a day that goes by without something “Disney” in it, even if it’s just a thought.  Every morning at work I change my desktop background to a different photo from Walt Disney World.  I do this not just to brighten my day but it is also an attempt to spark a little curiosity in my coworkers with the hope that I can help them plan their dream vacation…or my dream vacation for them.

My first stage appearance at Walt Disney World

During my search for a new career, I seriously considered fast-forwarding to my career goal to work for the Walt Disney company.  Honestly, working for Walt Disney World is my dream job and not because I think it would be a vacation.  I have read many reviews from those who have worked for the company and many (especially college interns) complain about how strict the company can be on its employees.  This does not discourage me because I understand the company’s demand for perfection and my little time with the Navy has also given me a greater appreciation for attention to detail and the quality of work it produces.  The Walt Disney Company has created a quality product from the time of Walt Disney himself and that quality continues in his company today.  That type of quality can only be achieved by the passion and hard work of its cast members.

I believe I can help the Walt Disney Company continue its streak of quality.  I have a passion for the company because of all the fond memories I have from Walt Disney World and I would love to be a part of the magic and give back to guests what I received and continue to receive every trip.  I know what it is like to feel like nothing else exist outside of Walt Disney World when you are there.  I know what it feels like to be treated like a star.  I know that Walt Disney World can create unique experiences and memories that can no other place can offer.  These are just a few reasons why I would not only be honored to bear the title “Cast Member” but feel I would exemplify such a role.

Someday I shall don that coveted cast member name tag but until then I will do what I can to help those around me to experience the magic Disney has to offer.  I love offering advise and tips to those who are planning a trip to help make their experience more magical but the whole purpose of my blog is to at least spark your curiosity enough make you want to check out the most magical place on earth for yourself.

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A Touch of Disney at Boot Camp?

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Mouse Host

For those of you who do not know, I am headed off to boot camp for the Navy on Tuesday. I will be there for about eight weeks and then I head Maryland for six months to train for my job.  I ask for your patience as I will be absent for a couple of months.  I know a piece of you will feel as though it is missing while I am gone but I promise you I shall return.  There could be a guest writer who may offer a new but very similar perspective on all things WDW.  Hopefully you will take me back when I return!

Now…about the title to this post.  You must be thinking “What in the world does Disney have to do with boot camp?”  Well, not a whole lot but bare with me…  Toward the end of my training in boot camp I will experience “Battle Stations 21” which is the Navy’s largest simulator.  It is an officially commissioned ship that never sees the seas yet is deemed the unluckiest ship in the Navy.  Day after day the ship is attacked and recruits have to put their training into effect battling flooding, smoke, fires, and many other surprises.  Of course the ship is not actually under attack but the point is to make the situations feel as real as possible.  This involves attention to details and we know no one does details like Disney!  Now hold on!  Don’t jump to conclusions too soon.

Battle Stations 21 uses fans to create a breeze and uses scents to replicate the smells found outside and inside of a ship.  There are vibrations that create the illusion of explosions followed by fires, smoke, and flooding.  The attention to detail of the the “set” of the ship and the effects used in and out really make recruits feel like they are in the action.  If you have had the pleasure of visiting one of Disney’s parks then you know Disney does well to make guests feel as though they are somewhere they are not or experiencing something they are not.

Some have claimed that Disney built the enormous simulator for the Navy’s Recruit Training Command.  While I do not doubt at all that Disney could accomplish such a feat, I had a difficult time believing this.  After a little research I discovered one of the companies involved was founded by Bob Weis who is an executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering.

So although Battle Stations 21 may not be as fun as experiencing a Disney attraction I am sure (being the WDW nerd that I am) I will not be able to help but reminisce of a more magical place than the unluckiest ship in the Navy.

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Tom Sawyer’s Island

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Mouse Host
Tom Sawyer's island in Magic Kingdom

map of Magic Kingdom

Tucked back in the far reaches of the Magic Kingdom lies a place often ignored and unexplored.  Despite being regularly overlooked, this attraction has something to offer guests of all ages and just may be worth working into your touring plans.  For this reason I consider Tom Sawyer’s Island to be a hidden treasure of Walt Disney World.

There are no rides, shows, shops, or snack stands on Tom Sawyer’s Island and you have to take a raft just to reach the island.  This could be the reason the island is not a desired destination for many guests.  Permit me the opportunity to reveal the appeal this island may hide.

Tom Sawyer’s Island is a combination of a park and playground.  It is not your typical slide and swing playground but there are plenty of places to climb and explore including a large fort, floating rope bridges and many elaborate, dark caverns.  The island is deceivingly large and there are numerous paths so one could explore the island for quite awhile.  If you have kids or are a kid at heart this could be a great place for you or your kids to burn off some of that Mickey Mouse ice cream or turkey leg from Adventureland!

Maybe you just need a break.  Maybe you need to let your kids run off some energy or you just need a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.  Tom Sawyer’s Island is the best place to escape the noise and frustration of crowds in the Magic Kingdom because it is so over looked or ignored.  It could provide you and your special someone a little time to just take a stroll and talk.

If you are a fan of a picnic in the park and like to bring your own food into the parks to save money Tom Sawyer’s Island is the ideal spot.  With the entire island nearly shaded it would be difficult to find a bad place to picnic.  Plus the island even has picnic tables…if you can find them.  There are numerous benches along the paths and a few covered places that have rocking chairs.  You are pretty much guaranteed  a roomy, shaded, quiet spot for a picnic on Tom’s Island.

trying to finish what Tom left

If you are aware of the adventures of Tom Sawyer you will most likely understand why there is a half painted fence on the island.  The job was abandoned not only by Tom but by those who were “tricked” into taking over the daunting task.  The unfinished fence is not the only thing you might find abandoned on the island.  You just might also stumble upon a few paint brushes Tom and his friends may have left behind.  Well, actually it is the cast members that leave these paintbrushes lying around and finding them may be more difficult than just happening across them.  Every morning the cast members will hide a few (usually 2-5) paintbrushes throughout the island for guests to find.  Finding them could be as easy as looking under a bench or as difficult as slowly maneuvering your way through the dark mysterious caverns.  Finding one of the paintbrushes could mean Fast Passes for your entire group.  Depending on crowd levels, Fast Passes can be a really sweet incentive for spending an hour and a half (yes, I spent an hour and a half…) looking for the paintbrushes but I think exploring the island while on the hunt is quite enjoyable in itself.

Tom Sawyer's paintbrush

This is what the paintbrush looks like

If you intend on nabbing one of the abandoned paintbrushes try to be on the first raft to the island which leaves an hour after the Magic Kingdom opens. Sometimes the cast members on the raft can be very helpful when it comes to finding the paintbrushes.  Sometimes they know how many there are and where they are and sometimes they have no clue.  On your trip over to the island try to discretely get some information out of the cast member and come back to the dock every so often while on the island to ask if any have been found.

I hope you have learned something about Tom Sawyer’s Island that will at least make you consider taking a raft over next time you are in the Magic Kingdom.  If you are enjoying what you are reading feel free to leave a comment.  If you would like updates about new posts just click “sign me up!” on the right.  If you know someone who might be interested, please spread the word.  I don’t do this blog just because I like talking about Walt Disney World (although I do!).  I do it for you!  Thank you so much for reading!

Posted in Hidden Treasure, Magic Kingdom | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

The American Idol Experience

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Mouse Host

The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios allows guests to get involved in the action.  They not only can vote for their favorite contestant and boo their least favorite judge but they also have the opportunity to be a star in the show.  That’s right, auditions are held everyday to find performers for each of the five shows during the day.  Only 15 are chosen a day and only 5 will move on to the finale show at the end of the day.  The one who is voted American Idol of that particular day receives the “dream ticket” allowing them to audition for the real American Idol show without having to wait in line!

Prior to my most recent trip I decided I would audition for the show and I made it! So I am going to take you trough what The American Idol Experience is like and offer some tips at the end for anyone who might be interested in showcasing their talent at Walt Disney World.

I showed up to the audition entrance and had to wait a few minutes outside.  I took this time to make sure I remembered the words and practiced my song a bit.  Once I was called into the building I then had to wait for one of the two audition rooms to open up.  There was a cast member there to explain how things would work and he also asked a little bit about myself.  When one of the rooms was available the cast member directed me in and introduced me to the audition judge and left me with him.  He spoke to me briefly and asked a few questions to get to know me a bit.  Then he asked me what I was going to sing and told me to begin when ready.  This first audition you are to sing any song (that is not your own) without music.  I had already researched the songs available to sing for the show and picked “Drops of Jupiter” by Train to sing for my audition.  After I finished he told me I did well and showed me a list of songs and asked if there were any others I knew from it.  At this point I wondered if he thought I was alright but needed a little more proof.  Unfortunately I did not really have anything else prepared and the list of songs was so long I had a difficult time singling one out.  As I was frantically attempting to find another song to showcase my talent he began reaching into his drawers and said,  “I tell you what, I like what I hear and I think you have a nice rock voice so I am going to send you to the next audition.”  I was shocked to be honest!  In all my preparation before the trip I did not really expect to make it.  I just thought it would be a neat experience just to try.  The judge handed me a button that said I auditioned (which everyone who audition gets) and a performer number.  Then he wished me luck and suggested another song that would be good for my voice.

From there I went down the hall where they have a small room with ipods and headphones.  Now it was time to pick two songs to sing in front of the next judges.  All the songs on the ipod had a version with and without vocals and some even had the song in another key.  The words were also displayed on the ipod screen much like karaoke.  My first choice was “Drops of Jupiter” and for my second choice I went with the first judge’s suggestion which was Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls.  At this point my sister was allowed to be with me so she helped me with my songs and after practicing the songs a few times I went to the cast member and told her I was ready.  Then my sister and I went into the next auditioning room.  There I got to sing both of the songs I picked out with music and words just like karaoke.  I sang “Drops of Jupiter” then “Iris.”  Well I didn’t know “Iris” as well as I thought I did.  It is a little different when you have no one to sing along with so I didn’t do to well on that one.  They had me sing “Drops of Jupiter” again because they knew it was my strong song.  After offering me a few words of encouragement they played a clip of Ryan Seacrest who was going to tell me whether I made it to the show or not.  Well, it’s hard to build suspense when you know I made it already so I will continue.

They congratulated me, wished me luck, and gave me a badge to wear around the parks letting people know I was going to be in the show and to.  From there they filmed a few “candid” moments (like me going out and telling my sister I made it even though she was in the room with me).  They used these clips in a video they put together for the show for each performer.

Once I was done with all of the filming I was free to go with a few hours before I had to be back to prepare for the show.  When I returned there were three other performers there even though only three would be in the show.  A fourth was brought back to fill in if one of the three did not show or did not want to go on.  Because the extra was not needed she was dismissed but was given a Fast Pass which basically allows her to get in any attraction with Fast Pass without waiting (don’t worry, I will cover this in the future).  I thought it was a sweet consolation prize!

Now that we got rid of the riff raff it was time to get down to business!  Each performer was sent to have makeup put on so we would look pretty in the lights and on camera.  We each were given 5 minutes with a voice/performing coach which was very helpful for me.  After our coaching and makeup we had a quick run through of how the show would go and we each practiced our songs on stage.  Then it was show time!

The show from there ran pretty much like American Idol.  A video was played introducing each performer and after each contestant the judges gave their thoughts.  The judges were very much like the judges on the TV show.  One was the cool guy, one was the adoring lady and the last of course was the grumpy critic.  After all the performances the audience votes for their favorite singer and the winner is announced.  The winner of each show comes back for a finale show at the end of the night.

The American Idol Experience was the highlight of my trip.  It was such a fun and unique experience that only Disney could offer.  The cast members were amazing!  The back stage cast members did a great job making sure we felt comfortable and had a great time.  The host and judges made the show very entertaining and authentic.  The audience was fantastic as well.  They cheered for all the performers and booed the grumpy judge.  After the show numerous people told me I did well and that they voted for me.  Later in the day we were in line for Toy Story Mania and a little girl motioned for me to come over and bend down.  Once I did she shyly said, “You rocked on American Idol.”  Cutest thing ever!  The next day I was looking for a place to sit in a restaurant and a guy yelled across a patio, “Hey, I voted for you!”  It was a pretty good feeling to hear all of the encouragement from the audience during and after the show even though I didn’t even win!

If you have any ability to sing I encourage you to audition your next trip to Walt Disney World.  I assure you, even if you do not make it to the show, it will not be a bad experience for you.  I want to share a few tips to those who might be interested auditioning for the show:

  1. Check out Disney’s American Idol Experience website to see what it’s like
  2. Pick at least two songs from the song list and practice.  Check YouTube for your songs being sung at The American Idol Experience because Disney’s version is different (shorter) than the real version.
  3. Practice singing your songs without music because you will have to do this for your first audition
  4. Don’t hold back.  Just giving a little more can be the difference between making it to the show or moving on the finale.
  5. The day you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios dress as if you are going to perform on stage.   Either wear it or pack it.  You don’t have to dress up real nice.  Just think about whether you would want to go on stage in a sleeveless mickey mouse shirt and crocs…
  6. Make sure you eat before your audition or before you go back to perform.  I say this because I didn’t and I had to scarf down a carrot cake cookie on my jog back to the studio to get ready for the show and a carrot cake cookie is not something that should be scarfed!
  7. The words will be displayed at the back of the theater just like karaoke so you don’t have know the words but….know the words!  You can connect with the audience better if you don’t have to read your song.
  8. The judges will offer useful advice but they are also there for the audiences entertainment.  Unless you are absolutely perfect the grumpy judge will rip you.  Don’t take offense.  It’s all about theatrics.
  9. Relax and have fun!  Take it all in!  The audience is behind you 100%  No one is going to boo or laugh.  If you made it to the show, then you are 1 of 15 for the entire park that day!  If the WDW judges think you deserve to be there then you probably do!
Posted in Disney's Hollywood Studios, shows | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Plan, Plan, and Then Plan Some More

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Mouse Host

Not too long ago a friend asked me for some tips for his upcoming family vacation to Walt Disney World.  This of course made my week because I love talking about WDW almost as much as going (hints the blog…).  One of the reasons I enjoy talking about WDW so much is because it is an opportunity to help others see what it has to offer everyone.  I wish that everyone would take at least one trip (at least 4 days) down there and when they go, to have the best experience possible.  That is why I will be offering tips to make the most of your Walt Disney World experience!

If I could only give one tip to someone visiting Walt Disney World it would probably be the most vague but also, without a doubt, the most important.  The best tip I can offer is to plan your trip rather than just going.  There is so much hidden behind the word “plan” when I use it in reference to a WDW vacation but don’t worry, I will walk you through what I think is the key to a successful visit.

Your planning should begin with research.  I know you probably don’t like hearing that word while you are considering your vacation but a little bit of work goes a long way.  Whether you are planning your first trip or are planning your annual trip, research is an important part of planning your vacation.  If you need a little incentive to start researching go to the Walt Disney World website and browse attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc.  This serves as a great way to learn about the park and get you excited for your trip.

Walt Disney World is not like most other theme parks; you should not simply just pick up and go.  I believe this is the cause of so many people’s ill feelings toward the place.  I recently spoke to someone who claimed WDW was more miserable than magical.  Well they went in the middle of July…Disney is magical but it cannot change the temperature in Florida!

I would consider it an understatement to claim that Walt Disney World is a complex place.  I guarantee you will not do or see everything in one trip.  That is unless you plan on staying there for over a month…seriously!  If you take such a passive approach to such a complex place you will leave feeling frustrated.  Because of its complexity it is important for you to research the things Walt Disney World has to offer that you would be interested in and plan your trip accordingly.

I believe the ideal system for planning a WDW trip is far too lengthy to cover in one post…believe me, I tried.  My post was getting too long so I just had to emphasize the importance of planning and break down the minute details in later posts.

It is never too early to begin planning.  Just a few months ago I was planning my next trip for a  year and half in the future.  Well…all the planning got me so excited I moved it up to this month but that’s beside the point.  Doing research for your trip may seem like a lot of work but I know I enjoy it and I think it adds to the excitement to figure out before hand what attractions to do, what shows to see and what restaurants to go to.

I said I wasn’t going to go into detail but I couldn’t just leave you hanging like that so I am listing a few brief planning tips:

WDW planning excel sheet

This is a glimpse of how detailed my planning gets.

  • Look for special events: you may want to attend them or avoid them to avoid crowds.
  • Check weather conditions throughout the year for Florida.  It usually will rain at some point during your stay no matter what time of year you go but some months are a little rainier than others.  Also check temperatures.
  • Check crowd levels: Most of the time crowds will be lower during value seasons but there are a number of resources out there that will give estimates of crowd levels throughout the year.  I will do a post on my favorite resource sometime after my trip.
  • Check out what parks have Extra Magic Hours (EMH).  EMH can be a good thing or bad thing.  They allow guests staying on site either an extra hour in the morning or 3 hours in the evening to stay in the park.  The extra time in the parks is the good thing but the larger crowds it draws is the downside.
  • Check show schedules well in advance.  Some shows/parades do not run everyday so plan to be in that park on the days they are running.
  • If you are going to eat in the park check out the restaurants on WDW’s website to find the food you like or a place you might want to try.  There are so many unique dining experiences you may not want to settle for just a burger and fries.  If you plan on dining at a table service restaurant (which I very much advise) also research those (food/prices) and make reservations in advance.  Depending on when you go and the restaurant you may need to make the reservations 180 days in advance…yes I said 180.
  • Check out the many add-on experiences/tours WDW has to offer.  If you have the extra money some of these would be great investments.  There are plenty for adults and children!
  • A great way to cover all of the basics when it comes to planning is to book your vacation through a Disney travel agent.  There are some great companies out there who offer great services for free!  We do more than just book what you want.  We will look for ways to save you time, money, and inform you of other ways you can make your trip even more magical.  

Ready for your next magical vacation?  Contact me for your FREE no obligation quote!

575054_106783406183121_554385829_nStart planning your next magical vacation by contacting Magical Vacations by Me at (314)494-9166 or joey@magicalvacationsbyme.com

 

Posted in Trip Planning | 3 Comments

Where in the world is Disney World?

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Mouse Host


I Write this post to admit to you all…yes, all three of you, that I have never been to Disney World.  You three may argue otherwise and anyone else who may be reading may wonder how I can possibly be starting this blog if I have never been to Disney World.  I have never been to Disney World because it simply does not exist.  I have, however, been to Walt Disney World.  “Oh, what’s the difference?” you might ask.  Well, I believe there is a big difference.

Some say there is something a little more special about Disneyland because you can walk where Walt walked.  I agree, but I also would urge people not to forget that Walt also walked where Walt Disney World now stands and his involvement in its development was enough to make the place just as magical.  Although Walt only stood in Walt Disney World during the construction phase and what stands there today is not exactly what Walt had in mind, I still feel as though the place rightfully bears his name and apparently so did his partner and brother, Roy O. Disney.

Unfortunately Walt died before much work on Walt Disney World began and the project was almost put to an end.  Luckily for us many employees of WED Enterprises urged Roy to continue with the project that was to be named Disney World according to Walt’s plans.  However, three years later Roy gave his dedication speech of Walt Disney World.  Roy insisted “Walt” be added to the resorts name to honor his brother.  Despite Roy’s contribution to the project, he still thought of it as Walt’s park.

Why do I go to the trouble to say Walt Disney World rather than Disney World?  I do so because Walt’s presence and legacy exists just as much in Walt Disney World as it does in Disneyland.  I believe Walt’s company has done an excellent job of continuing his legacy of imagination, excellence, and magic.  When I say “Walt Disney World” I am not only honoring Walt but I am honoring Roy as well.  I am honoring the work he put into the place and his wish to have his brother forever memorialized in a place that truly shows the magic Walt brought into this world.

Posted in WDW History | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Reasons to Return #1: Experience the Movies

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Mouse Host

One of the many questions us Walt Disney World geeks get is why are you going back?  Apart from the simple answer, “because it’s the most magical place on earth!” I am usually left speechless because I do not know where to begin.  There are so many reasons to go back again and again so I have decided to make this into a reoccurring series on my blog called “Reasons to e”  In this series I plan to cover my reasons and hopefully the reasons of other geeks like me for returning to Walt Disney World over and over.  So, in no particular order, here it goes…

Reason #1: Experience the Movies

Besides geeking out with all things Walt Disney World, another hobby of mine is watching movies.  I am not alone when it comes to this love for movies. People around the world have an ongoing, perhaps growing, interest in movies.  There certainly are many elements to the cinematic art of story telling which can captivate audiences such as a good plot, clever scripts, great actors/actresses, detailed sets, and well matched soundtracks. Apart from the artistic aspect of movies, some might also just enjoy the simple pleasure of being whisked away from everyday life to take part in a story one would never have the chance to be a part of otherwise.

I believe people get a special feeling when they get to have a unique experience they think would never or rarely happen.  The unique experience then becomes a meaningful memory to them and they will recall and retell they story over and over throughout their life.  I am sure you have already recalled one of your own.  Have you not?

One thing that makes Walt Disney World such an easy destination to return to is its ability to create so many unique experiences for so many people.  Would you consider being in a movie a unique experience?  I would and though I may not have the looks or talent to make it into a movie it’s okay, I can just go to Walt Disney World!  That’s right, Walt Disney World offers an in-movie experience throughout its parks you cannot experience anywhere else.

There is no better place for me to start than with the place that started it all: The Magic Kingdom.  Most guests have no idea of the transportation that occurs as they enter the Magic Kingdom.  It is here that guests go from attending a movie to being in the movie themselves.  Once you present your ticket, you then enter into the lobby of the theater where you will find the “red carpet” made of bricks.  After passing through the lobby you will enter into the dark tunnel underneath the train station acting as the theater’s hallway with posters of “coming presentations” on either side.  These “coming presentations” are actually posters of the attractions you will experience in the park such as The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.  As you reach the end of the dark “hallway” the train station tunnel begins to slowly reveal the feature presentation just as a theater curtain might.  Once you pass completely through the tunnel the scent of popcorn overtakes you and you are no longer in a movie theater; you are in the movie itself!

Once inside the parks you are immersed into a cinematic experience everywhere you go from attractions to the restaurants.  Disney goes to great lengths to create this experience for its guests.  The attention to detail Disney uses in its parks is unparalleled to any other theme park in the world.

A movie relies heavily on its Haunted Mansion facadesets to make its story realistic to its viewers.  Painting backgrounds on a piece of plywood can often be the demise of a movie’s credibility so realistic sets are essential.  Disney feels the same way and has maintained the level of excellence Walt established within his company years ago.

Haunted Mansion building

One example of this is the facade of The Haunted Mansion.  As you approach the attraction you cannot help but believe you are about to step foot into an actual run down colonial mansion but after the ride you just can’t help but wonder how they fit that entire ride into that mansion.   Despite the building that houses the ride being about ten times larger than the mansion itself, you will never see any trace of it while in the parks.  I could go on about facades, hiding buildings, and the details put into the “sets” at WDW but I must move on.  Another article perhaps…

A great sound track can really contribute to the plot of a movie and enhance the viewer’s experience.  Disney, a veteran movie producing company, obviously knows the importance of music within a theatrical presentation.  Because Disney’s parks were created to be a theatrical experience they make it a point to constantly surround guests with a soundtrack that is themed with the particular time and place the guest is located within their cinematic journey.  I am not just talking about rides and shows.  Here is a challenge for your next trip to WDW: See how many places you can find where you cannot hear any music playing at all.

What good is a movie without a clever story?  Is not the whole point of a movie to tell a story?  I don’t think too many people would disagree that Walt Disney was an excellent story teller.  Walt’s story-telling abilities extended beyond the big screen to his theme parks.  When Walt first conceived the idea for his first theme park his wife voiced concern about creating another amusement park.  Walt himself did not even fancy amusement parks therefore he dreamt up a place where people of all ages could enjoy themselves.  He obviously understood people’s love for a good story so when attractions were developed for the parks, if it was not based off of an existing story a story was created for it.  The stories can be found in the details of the sets, and architecture, through props, scripts, music, sound effects and even smells.  One of the greatest and most elaborate stories created for the Disney parks is the story of The Haunted Mansion.  I will not go into it but if you want to just take a gander at the extent of this story jump over to DoomBuggies.com.  Disney has proven its ability to tell a quality story by inspiring movies by its attractions.  How many theme parks can say that?

The ability of movies to take me away from my everyday life and transport me to a time, place, and story I could never be a part of is so intriguing and satisfying to me and knowing I can go to Walt Disney World and experience the movies rather than just watching them will keep me going back!

This has been a very basic cover of one of the reasons I will continue to visit Walt Disney World.  I will be honest that it was kind of torturous for me not to go into ridiculous detail and include so many more subjects but I will cover many of them in the future.  I want to give the proper attention to the subjects I want to cover and avoid overwhelming you at the same time.  Plus I want to leave some of it to you to discover!

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Posted in Disney's Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, WDW History | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome”

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Mouse Host

“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome”  –Walter Elias Disney

I would like to borrow the words of the wonderful Walt Disney to welcome you to my blog.  I cannot promise you it will be as happy as Walt Disney World but my hope is to allow you to see the magic that exists in the 30,000 acres located in central Florida.

My passion for Walt Disney World began at a young age thanks to my grandparents who took me on a regular basis.  I got my first haircut, learned to ride my bike, and pulled my first tooth at Walt Disney World along with many other special memorable experiences that will most likely be covered in time.  Few would disagree that it is not a difficult thing to fall in love with WDW as a child.  On the other hand, there are many who may not understand an adult’s obsession for the park.  You may be one of them and that is totally okay!  One of my goals for this blog is to potentially unveil the magic for those who “just don’t get it” as us Disney geeks like to say.

Although I was a regular to WDW as a kid it has actually been over 10 years since my last visit.  Despite being separated for over a decade my love for the place has remained.  This was evident through the countless times flipping through Disney guide books at Barnes and Noble, through my periodic visits to the WDW website adding up the cost of a potential trip, and stalking people on Facebook who recently visited the parks…I only stalk those who post pictures so it’s okay!

My next trip to Walt Disney World (24 days!) will be my first as an adult so it will be a whole new experience for me.  I will get to experience things I have never experienced or never cared to experience before.  I can guarantee I will have a blast but I will also be researching and gathering information to bring back to you so that you too can experience the magic whether you are a skeptic or a Disney geek stalker like me!

I created this blog not only because I love to talk about Walt Disney World but I also want to share with others the joy of the happiest place on earth!  I would like you to be a part of this blog, not just a reader so please feel free to comment on my posts, suggest topics, share experiences or ask questions from planning a trip to WDW to details of the parks.  If I do not know the answer I will do what I can to find out!  I would like you to be a part of this blog, not just a reader!

Posted in WDW History | Tagged , , | 4 Comments