Monthly Archives: September 2015

Disney World’s Future – My Two Cents

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RM-Disney's-Hollywood-Studios-EntranceI want to ride on a Slinky Dog roller coaster.  I absolutely do!  That’s one of my most favorite of the many recent announcements about what we can expect next at Walt Disney World.  I’ve spoken about change before, and the importance of being open to new technology, themes, characters, and experiences.  As much as we think we’d like our favorite vacation destination to remain the same every time we visit, like ourselves and our children, it has to grow up too, so to speak.

Disney World’s Future – My Two Cents

Closures make us sad.  Think about this:  If we had happy childhoods, with glowing, happy memories, we instinctively want to recreate those experiences again and again.  That’s human nature.  When a component of our fondly remembered past no longer exists, we tend to believe the future (of that particular circumstance) will not be as good.  The value is diminished.  This is not necessarily true!  We can create new, happy memories with a new set of circumstances.  We just have to be open to the opportunity. (Insert “Let it go” sequence here while viewing Maelstrom photos.)Malestrom / Norway Pavilion / World Showcase

We’re naturally apprehensive of the unknown.  I will not argue with the naysayers who cannot understand how the heck Avatar belongs in Animal Kingdom.  It hasn’t opened yet – nobody’s experienced any of the attractions or the environment Pandora will have to offer.  It might not matter how you feel about the movie, the immersive experience might just be incredible on its own.  Similarly, Star Wars, I’m sad to say, is not universally appealing to everyone.  I grew up with Star Wars – it’s part of my own happy childhood memories and I’m over-the-moon-excited for the new Star Wars Land.  Not so for everyone, I get that.  Celebrate a Dream Come Trup ParadeI’ll also add that, if I ruled the Disney World, the Toy Story Land slated for the Studios would have been a broader Pixar-based area.  Not because I don’t love Toy Story, but because a more inclusive focus would have offered more potential.  What’s important is that we’ll have new, expanded Disney-imagineered environments and experiences to enjoy.  Or not.  Let’s keep an open mind and give it all a try before we categorically dismiss something as no good.

I can’t think of a single deal-breaker.  I realize I’m more accepting of change than the average person, but there are no rides or attractions that could change or close that would keep me from choosing to vacation at Walt Disney World.  Disney fan message boards are full of folks who constantly bemoan any and all changes as something that will make them vacation elsewhere.  They will not allow Disney to have one more cent of their vacation dollars.  To those folks I say, fine!  By all means, move along and find somewhere else to spend your money.  Disney World is (and will be) crowded enough without you.RM-Animal-Kingdom-Construction-Walls-Tree-of-Life

I listen to analysis, but not too closely.  I love hearing Disney fans discuss their opinions on Disney World’s future.  There are some mighty deep, in-depth theories on Disney’s expenditures versus returns, crowd figures (and traffic patterns), the perceived value of certain attraction/land additions, and the effect on future park ticket prices.  I find most of it interesting and some of it completely ridiculous.  I take it all with a grain of salt!  If the Disney Company feels pressure from Universal Orlando (Comcast) to create clever, entertaining, more immersive guest experiences – we can only benefit from competition!

I welcome all the changes – until I’ve seen, heard, and experienced all the new rides, attractions, restaurants and themed areas coming to Walt Disney World over the next several years.  I welcome more, better, and different opportunities to expand my love for Disney in all its forms.  Bring it on.  I’ll be anxiously waiting.

How about you?  What upcoming changes are you most excited about?

Interested in hearing various opinions on upcoming Disney World changes?  Try these podcast episodes:

 

 

 

 

I’m in Shape! (If Rectangle Counts)

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IMG_0593Lately, I’ve been the least motivated to move than I have in the past 15 years.  I’ve found the living room sofa to be much more to my liking than at previous times in my life.  A fluffy, cuddly pooch, the remote control, social media friends via smart phone, those Lip Sync Battle YouTube videos – honestly, who can blame me for drifting dangerously close to full fledged Couch Potato status?

I blame stress, I blame exhaustion, I blame Junior (aforementioned cuddly pooch), and I blame Disney bloggers and podcast hosts for making my Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds much too interesting to ignore.  Alas, I’m…a blob.  Or a block.  Yes, block would be most accurate.  My waistline’s expanded, my muscles have become un-toned, and, while I’m still running, it’s at a mighty leisurely pace I should probably classify as “mosey”.  Why am I telling you this?  Accountability.  I’ve got to do something other than make excuses (I’ve reached expert level!) and you guys will (hopefully) support me in my endeavor to get back on track!  I don’t need much, a bit of sympathy, camaraderie, encouragement maybe?Junior-on-my-shoulder

This has been the strangest year – full of both happy, exciting events and heartbreakingly sad ones…in unprecedented numbers!   The ups and downs have been a convenient way to keep from looking too closely at how I haven’t been focusing on healthy choices.  Physical activity and clean eating were once top of mind!  Justification for NOT exercising (as much) combined with increased indulgence in comfort foods has taken a toll!  I’m sluggish, heavy, and disappointed.  I deserve better than this.  From me.General Dis Pics 11.13 070

Many of you have been following along on my Disney adventures for almost two years.  You’ve regularly offered your insights on the various topics I’ve thrown out for discussion.  I’m hoping you’ll join me again now as I set out to meet some modest (but important) goals.  Should you be inclined to set some goals of your own, I promise to cheer you on!

Between now and November 15th…

  • I will lose 10 pounds (at least).
  • I will be trained and ready to run my 7th half marathon on November 15th.  (To prep for the Princess Half in February, 2016)
  • I will add 10 minutes (or more) of resistance training to my workouts.
  • I will run or bicycle no fewer than six days a week.

That’s it.  I’ll keep you posted.  If you decide to join me and want to share goals, swap progress reports, and be my fitness buddy, shout out to me over on Living a Disney Life’s Facebook page.  I hope to see you there!