Category Archives: In General

A Disney Souvenir of a More Permanent Nature

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Mediterranean LandscapeOr maybe I should call this post, “A Disney Souvenir More Naturally Permanent.”  You be the judge.  We live in the country, The Fam and I (well, mostly just Raymond, Junior and I do now).  When I say “the country” I mean we live on a farm – the kind with crops instead of animals, but it is totally normal for me to take the dog out in the morning and hear both roosters crowing and cattle lowing or mooing or complaining – whatever you want to call that boisterous bovine nonsense at 5:00 am.  Our neighbors do raise livestock.

What does living in the country have to do with Disney souvenirs?  Thanks for asking!  I’ll Hillside in the Mediterraneantell you about it.  In August, 2013 – after dreaming about it for many years – we took a Disney cruise in the Mediterranean.  As you might expect, we did and saw some wonderfully amazing things.  Oh, the places we went!!!  While we were in there, we noticed some very beautiful pine trees.  They were almost everywhere and looked a bit like cartoon trees – shaped like umbrellas, their lovely arched branches atop tall, tall trunks, provided shade in a way we found charming and so different from anything we’d seen before.  We asked our guide in Florence, Italy about them and were told they were simply “Mediterranean Pines”.  Back home, a little Google research revealed they may also be “Umbrella Pines” or “Stone Pines”.  Whatever their name, I thought they were lovely.

Pine Tree Groot!

I AM GROOT

Raymond, being the agricultural expert in the family, took it upon himself to surprise me with some actual Mediterranean Pines to grow in our very own backyard, side yard, adjacent field, and so on.  He ordered both seeds and saplings from a couple of different suppliers in far away places like California.  He carefully nurtured the tiny trees and carefully tended the seeds when they sprouted.  The net result is that now, after a year, we have some half-a-dozen baby Mediterranean Pines well on their way to providing some beautiful umbrellas of shade from the hot Louisiana sun.

So, the point of all this is to say – sometimes a tee shirt is a great souvenir.  Sometimes something that will last for years and years while reminding you everyday of one of the most wonderful experiences of your life – all while keeping you cool in the summer (eventually, anyway) – is the very best souvenir of all.

What’s your favorite Disney vacation souvenir?

If you want to read all about our adventures on the high seas in the Mediterranean, start here.

Why Walt Disney World Must Change

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Fantasyland / Rapunzel's TowerWhy Walt Disney World must change (and why I try to be understanding).

I’ve been reading the official announcements from Disney, listening to speculation, rumor, and predictions about the future of Disney parks, and watching the results of those announcements and prognostications explode on various social media platforms.  If it’s not anger and outrage over the replacement of Maelstrom with a Frozen attraction, it’s disappointment and heartbreak about the change in World Showcase entertainment, most notably the loss of Off Kilter (to be replaced by a lumberjack show of some sort).  It’s made me take a step back and wonder WHY are people so outraged by change? – Specifically, what would happen to our beloved Disney Parks if no changes ever occurred?  Let’s talk about that in a minute.

First, I want you to ask yourself this question:  Is there one specific ride or attraction in eachDisney's Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror park that, if it were closed forever, would keep you from returning to Walt Disney World?  As much as I love my top 5 or 6 favorites, the answer for me is no.  That wouldn’t keep me away.

So what has to stay constant?  What will keep me returning once or twice a year long into the future?  For me it’s these five things:

1. World Class Service – The Disney way of treating guests is still among the best on Earth.

Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life2. Choices – There’s a resort, recreation, restaurant, ride and attraction for every taste and style.  Where else in the world can you find so many options in one place?

3. Convenience – I get off the plane and onto the Magical Express.  Head straight to my resort then on to the park of my choice courtesy of Disney transportation.  There are dining, shopping, and entertainment choices virtually everywhere.  My Disney Experience, Magic Bands, Memory Maker, FastPass+, online check-in are, when working properly, all about added convenience.

4. Innovation – Disney’s Imagineers have brought us cutting edge theme park effects and technology since Disneyland opened in 1955.  Through the addition of interactive queues, the integration of modern updates to classic rides like Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, and the continued introduction of new ride technology means that our children and grandchildren will be as captivated by Disney theme parks as we are.Sitting Area, Studio at Disney's Old Key West

5. Relative Value – I still feel like I get my money’s worth.  I do take advantage of money saving options when and where I can and overall, I feel like there’s no better place for a family vacation.  I can tell you this – no place else compares to the fun we’ve had at Walt Disney World.  We’re paying to be in the Disney Bubble and it’s worth it.

“Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.” – Walt Disney

Back to the outrage.  Let’s imagine that everything stays as is.  Same technology, same resorts, Malestrom / Norway Pavilion / World Showcasesame entertainment, same rides and attractions.  Off Kilter gets to stay at Epcot indefinitely, Mr. Toad is still alive and well, interactive queues never get installed, Snow White still goes on her Scary Adventure, Spectro Magic rolls on night after night, and the Polynesian lobby maintains it’s original form.  I know, right?  Wouldn’t it be awesome to have some of our most-missed rides and attractions back where they belong?  For a minute, maybe, BUT – what keeps Walt Disney World the most beloved family vacation destination in the world is NOT through efforts by the Disney Company to try to maintain things as they are.  Guests return for the familiar magic, but also for the new, different, and innovative entertainment Disney is known for.  To remain unchanged is to become vulnerable.  The competition among theme parks for our vacation dollars is fierce.  The “been there, done that” mentality is alive and well – maybe not among us, the Disney diehards, but the generalMagic Bands at Walt Disney World population is susceptible to the draw of the newest, greatest vacation entertainment.  If they can’t find it in a Disney park, they can and will look (and spend) elsewhere.

Change is difficult – never more so than when we have no say about what is being changed.  We’re not involved in the decision making process, we don’t know the motivation behind every change, we didn’t get a vote.  We know what changes we’d like to see, but when changes are announced, they’re not what we would have chosen.  I like to believe that it is not always 100% about stock prices and corporate profits.  I’m also keeping an open mind about things like Frozen in the Norway Pavilion and Pandora in Animal Kingdom.  Until I see what they’re actually like, I can’t make a decision on whether they’re good or bad for their particular locations.  I’m excited about new and different experiences for our future vacations at Disney World.  I’ll always be sad and a little broken hearted when a familiar attraction makes way for something different, but most of the time, especially with Disney, different actually turns out to be better.

Now, if they’d just do something for poor Future World!

Your turn – share your thoughts on the upcoming changes at Walt Disney World.

 

 

 

 

Five Ways to Justify a Walt Disney World Vacation

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Walt Disney World Annual PassBy now you know me well enough to be certain that I never need a reason to visit Walt Disney World or sail on Disney Cruise Line or both!  I’ve heard though (sadly) that may not be the case for some people out there.  Some of my friends and acquaintences say, “I wish we could go to Disney World more often but my husband/wife/partner/mom/dad (insert applicable spoil-sport of your choice) doesn’t want to go.”  Personally, I think I’ve gotten pretty good at keeping the look of horror off my face at these moments and I usually just try to nod sympathetically and choke out some form of, “I understand” – which of course is a small white lie.  I don’t understand.  Not even a little.

This post is for those of you who need a nudge or know someone who does – let me help you get the Disney Vacation planning process off the ground with…They're only little once.

Five Good Reasons To Take a Disney Vacation:

1. Children Grow up So Fast!  He/She/They will only be this age once.  There is an abundance of magical moments awaiting children of all ages at Walt Disney World, but you must admit – the age window for that total buy-in of all that is magical and wondrous and REAL about Princesses, Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald and ALL the characters is limited.  Please, don’t pass up the opportunity to make those lasting happy memories!  We want future Disney fans, right?  This is the way to start that process off right!  Trust me – when you see the face of a child as they watch Tinker Bell fly from Cinderella Castle, see a ghost in their Doombuggy, receive a waive and a blown kiss from their favorite Disney Princess during the Festival of Fantasy Parade…it’ll all be worth it.

Family Pic at Disney's Boardwalk2. We Will Only Be US Right NOW!  Whether you’re newlyweds, the parents of teens, or empty nesters, this is a great reason to take a Disney vacation.  It’s hard to imagine how fast life goes by!  We took one Disney World vacation before we started a family and have traveled there many times on family vacations as our children grew up.  Finally, after 25 years, we get to go back as a couple…and it’s a good thing we’re taking advantage of this opportunity.  Our daughter is getting married next year and who knows?  We may be grandparents in the not too distant future!  Bringing on a completely new and different way to vacation Disney style!

3. So Much to Celebrate!  Any excuse will do!  Birthday, Christmas, Halloween, anniversary, honeymoon, graduation, good grades, family reunion, Super Bowl win – use what works for your particular situation. Celebrating a Birthday on Disney Cruise Line There’s no better place to celebrate than on a Disney vacation.  There are a lot of ways to celebrate on a Disney vacation and those Disney Cast Members love to help make your celebration special.  For Raymond, this is his preferred choice for justifying a Disney trip and has managed to use this excuse to celebrate his own birthday at Walt Disney World at least three times that I can remember.

4. Research!  I numbers 1-3 don’t help push you (or your loved one) to choose a Disney vacation, us this excuse:  We need to get the lay of the land, know what it’s like, practice our touring plans, test the rides and attractions, sample the food before we come back with any/all of the following:  Children, grandchildren, parents, friends, extended family, cheerleaders, choir My Haunted Mansion-themed Running Shoesgroup, marching band – whatever!  Pick some excuse for research – that’s your story and you’re sticking to it!

5. Get In Shape!  If all else fails, run!  No, seriously.  If you’re not already a runner, get moving.  This year I’ve used reasons #2 and #3 then realized that I am already a runner so I quickly said HEY!  I must participate in a runDisney event!  Right now!  Before I get any older!!!  Before Raymond realized what was happening, we were booked for a February vacation.  Now, I will actually have to run the 5k, 10k, and half-marathon I’ve registered for, but still…a Disney vacation with a twist is still a Disney vacation.  Raymond likes doing things on his own, so while I’m running, he can have some alone time to enjoy Walt Disney World!  Plus, we get to eat in some excellent table service restaurants…I believe proper pre-race nutrition is critical!  Read about my personal road to runDisney here.

Hopefully, you are now fully armed with all the ammunition you need to convince your mom, dad, husband, wife, grandmother, brother, sister – whoever necessary – to take you on a Disney vacation!!!  Use it wisely, my friend.

What are YOUR favorite excuses, reasons, and justifications for planning a Disney vacation?

 

 

 

25 Random Things to Love at WDW

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Magic Kingdom / Cinderella CastleThis post is dedicated to my husband, Raymond, who took me to Disney World for the first time and on every visit since.  He also married me 25 years ago today.  (Thanks for asking, Honey, I’ve been having the best time EVER and I wouldn’t change a single moment.)

Yes, the rides are wonderful and the attractions immensely entertaining, but wait!  There’s more!  There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of tiny parts to the whole of the experience that makes up a visit to Walt Disney World.  If you’ve been there and you’ve soaked it all up like a thirsty sponge, then you can spout your own testimony about how many details, both large and small, bombard you with happiness, wonder, and delight.

Here are a few of my favorites…25 Random Things to Love at Walt Disney World:

1. Footprints in the sand…well, technically speaking, it’s more like peanuts in the concrete, shells in the tarmek, bird trails in the asphalt.  Walk along in your favorite park and Hoofprints in Magic Kingdom's Storybook Circus Areaoccassionally, as you glance down, you’ll see these incredible surprises – planted there to match a particular area’s theme.  It’s an amazing and very special way to add a little something extra – here in Louisiana, we call that a lagniappe.  So, as you’re waiting to ride Under the Sea, look for the shells.  Headed for Dumbo?  Look for clues the circus animals left behind.  On a trail in Animal Kingdom?  See who was there before you.  How much fun for kids of all ages to hunt for these little treasures.

2. Cast Members from Around the World – and close to home.  I read Cast Members’ name tags all the time.  We’ve met some really awesome people from all over.  Yes, world class service is Disney’s strength, but it means more to me when I take a minute to learn a little bit about the person behind the name tag.  One of my favorite Disney days happened because I found someone from home.  You can read the story here.

Yellow Monorail / Walt Disney World3. Pixie-dusted moments – They’re there all the time, happening all around you – you just have to look for them.  My particular favorite was my very magical moment I once had with Donald.

4. The sounds of the monorail – Is it the whoosh as it pulls into the Contemporary?  The sound the doors make when they open?  The way it looks circling Epcot?  The announcer’s voice?  YES!  Yes, it is.

5. A quiet corner – Even in the midst of a very crowded park there are wonderful, quiet places to sit and soak up the feeling of being there.  Some of the best peaceful places are at the resorts very early in the morning – or late at night.  It’s often busy and there’s so much to do and see Interactive Queue for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad– finding a moment to just BE makes me slow down and enjoy Walt Disney World all the more.

6. Interactive queues – Genius!  What more can I say?  Three of my faves are Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and Expedition Everest.  Yours?

7. Mickey Mouse-shaped food – Seriously.  Nothing says vacation happiness like snacks in that iconic, beloved form.  Mickey pretzel, Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar…you know you love them.

8. Water – Bay Lake or Seven Seas Lagoon (Electrical Water Pageant!), the dancing and jumping waters of Epcot, free ice water in the parks, your favorite resort pool, the mote around Cinderella Castle, Crescent Lake, Discovery River in AnSoarin's Patrickimal Kingdom – Disney knows H2O!

9. Patrick Warburton – He just makes Soarin’ for me.  If he’s replaced in a future Soarin’ refurb, my heart will break.  And when he talks to squirrels as Kronk in The Emperor’s New Groove?  It cracks me up every time.

10. A Juggling Mime and Other Cool Stuff – The live performers on the Boardwalk, the Casey’s Corner Pianist, the Dapper Dans, the Grand Floridian Lobby Orchestra, the Voices of Liberty – all of these talented acts are such a special treat!  No, I don’t expect them to last forever (I still miss Four for a Dollar) but I appreciate their contribution to my Disney World happiness.

11. International Marketplace – Where else can you go to find imported goods from so many countries?  Epcot’s World Showcase offers incredible opportunities to take home some global awesomeness.  Want to snack on some dried, shredded fish?  You can buy that in Japan!  Hey, don’t knock it ’til you try it…it’s actually not bad!  Need an authentic German cuckoo clock? Haunted Mansion's Madame Leota Italian wine?  Norwegian sportswear?  Yep – find it all in Epcot!

12. Ghosts – The Haunted Mansion’s residents are what makes the attraction one of the most beloved on Earth!  I can’t even pick a favorite because they are, each and every one of them, so special and unique!  Those singing busts!  The Hitchhiking Ghost! The dancing ghosts in the ballroom!  Little Leota at the very end of the ride!  I will “hurry baaaaack”, thank you, yes indeed.

13. Elephants – The ones on the Jungle Cruise are adorable, but the ones that can be seen on Animal Kingdom’s Kilimanjaro Safari are just wonderful!  You never know what they’ll be doing or how many you’ll see.  Maybe that’s why the Safari is an absolute must-do for me on Kilimanjaro Safari Elephantevery Walt Disney World visit. Okay, so it’s a lot more than just the elephants, but they are so COOL!!!

14. Infinite Choices – In food, accommodations, activities, rides, attractions, recreation – there is literally something for everyone…in every category.  No two vacations are exactly the same.  My familiar favorites combined with new experiences are part of the joy that is Disney World to me.

15. Ride Photos – Yeah, I know, they’re usually pretty bad, but the good ones?  Priceless vacation souvenirs!  I love how posing for ride pics brings out everyone’s silly side.  One of my goals in life is to come up with something new and different for Splash Mountain.  I love looking at these classics. (Warning: strong language, but awesome pics)

16. Characters – I may not always want to meet a particular character, but they are such an 1900 Park Fare / Drizella and Anastasiaintegral part of the Disney magic!  Character dining is always fun and the characters in the Festival of Fantasy Parade are unbelievably cool, but it’s still the sudden, unexpected character interactions that I love the most.

17. Knowing Carousel of Progress, It’s a Small World and I were all born in the same year.  We may seem old, out of date, worn down, and in need of updating to YOU, but to me?  We’re classics!

18.  Out of the Way Pin Boards – We like pin collecting and trading.  We really like finding pin boards to check out in resort shops, restaurants, front desks – the less popular or obvious places to try to snag a special souvenir.  Why this is so, I’m not exactly sure, but finding a new treasure in one of these lesser-known resources makes the discovery more memorable.

WDW Jungle Cruise Skipper Jeff19. The Hairy Leg!  You know exactly what I’m talking about.  In Pirates of the Caribbean, there’s a LOT to love and I’m sure you have your favorite characters.  Mine just happens to be that guy with the hairy pirate leg that hangs over the bridge as your boat glides beneath it.

20. A Really Great Jungle Cruise Skipper – Not all skippers are created equal.  The enjoyment of the Jungle Cruise experience all depends on the subtle talents of the skipper.  His or her careful timing – the well-paced delivery of each pun is crucial for the full enjoyment of all that is the Jungle Cruise.  It’s a art, really.

21. Chipped Paint – In a vacation destination where every effort is made to ensure the cleanliness and upkeep of every park detail, it’s an absolute marvel how well the same company can make chipped paint look so perfect!  Just look around in the The Aged Walls of Animal KingdomAnimal Kingdom – the buildings, signs, statues, props – everything’s been worn, aged, and rundown to perfection!  I’m in awe.

22. Wishes Nighttime Spectacular – If I have to pick one show to see after dark, this is it.  Disney entertainment doesn’t get any better than this.  Cue the goose bumps!

23. The Final Scene in Splash Mountain – I love the whole ride, but that last scene with the Zip-a-Dee Lady paddle wheeler is the BEST!  No other ride has a finale like this one.

24. 3D Glasses!  Next to an Earhat, these are the accessories I love the most!  Opera Glasses, Ready for Toy Story Midway ManiaBug Eyes, the purple ones in MuppetVision 3D (especially how cute they look on Statler and Waldorf), those big yellow ones you put on for Toy Story Midway Mania.  Call me crazy – they could all be plain black standard movie glasses, but they’re NOT!  That’s just one of thousands of Disney Details that make me foolishly happy.

25. I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World for 25 years – and I still want to go back again and again.  If you’ve made it all the way here to #25 then you’re probably just like me (thanks for hanging in).  We understand each other!  I know I could easily list 25 MORE things to love at Disney World! What are some of the things you love the most?