In July 2010, during a one-week Walt Disney World vacation with extended family--a total of eight people--we decided we would invest in the Deluxe Dining Plan at Walt Disney World, which cost (for adults) $71.99 per person per day. Our accommodations were  booked at Disney's BoardWalk Villas, as we are Disney Vacation Club members, so there was no significant outlay for our 2-bedroom villa (beyond the monthly dues, of course). We ...

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While I'm not the sort who wrings her hands and predicts the downfall of Disney on the basis of occasional misfortunes, misjudgments or even accidents, I do believe that, in light of several bus accidents ranging from serious to tragic that have recently occurred, it's time for a change.

That change, in my opinion, must include less reliance on bus transportation. I'm not saying that buses should be eliminated, but I am saying that three hundred buses in operation at any given time ...

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Since the economic debacle began, I've noticed that Walt Disney World has consistently found ways to scale back a bit without seriously eroding the entertainment value we've come to expect. But still, the erosion has been noticeable--and somewhat bothersome.




But judging from the opening weekend of the Flower & Garden Festival, I'm becoming optimistic that maybe--just maybe--Walt Disney World is trending away from scale-backs to "e-plussing"--a term from customer service courses signifying the "wow" factor, or giving the  guest/customer more than he or she expects.





Make no mistake. Disney is still being cautious. The Flower & Garden Festival Center, known as Garden Town, is open only on weekends, and the miniscule shop reflects a limited supply of goodies. Educational gardening seminars also occur only on the weekends--making "turnaways" inevitable because of limited seating capacity. I attended a seminar called "Easy to do Water Features" in a space seating only 77 guests. About 10 others who waited in line were turned away. Those lucky enough to participate received a potted iris--well, actually, we did the potting, but we were allowed to take the plant home with us. Since guests who visit from far away are less likely to have the wherewithal to take such a souvenir home with them, I was struck by the impression that the Flower & Garden Festival had become more of a local festival. Though I am a recently-transplanted local, I do hope Disney moves back into the truly international flavor of the Festival once the bucks start flowing a bit more freely for us.









I was also disappointed by the Festival-specific gifts. Other than the required shirts, mugs, caps and poster (a beautiful design by Randy Noble), there were very few unique gifts featuring this year's theme, "Celebrate the Great Outdoors." However, quite a few operating participants (vendors) were in attendance, selling items from original floral art to flower-scented soaps, thereby diminishing Disney's risk of possibly developing new items that wouldn't sell. I was, however, very impressed with a butterfly limited edition pin, which is pictured here.






With those criticisms aside, I found a lot to love about the Festival. Topiary seems to be all the more plentiful this year. But even better, the horticulturalists and Imagineers have positioned these pieces much more creatively than in the past. In fact, I was surprised more than once when I turned a corner and was face-to-face with a Disney character molded from organic material. The huge topiary display at Epcot's front entrance is one of the best I've ever seen in all my years of visiting, and it was difficult to squeeze in among all the guests to get a decent photo!




Despite the reduction in number of educational seminars, the quality of the few that happen has, so far, been high. Additionally, presenters seemed very conscious of our current cost-consciousness. On Saturday, the presenters spent some time explaining cost-effective ways to get a water feature up and flowing in your yard, and explaining on-the-cheap ways of turning sandy "soil" into a richer planting base. During the week, even without the seminars, a kiosk is open in Future World where you can "Ask An Expert" your own gardening questions. And you can always send a Disney garden specialist an email with your questions at wdw.disney.gardener@disney.com.




Though I spent 6 hours at the Festival on Saturday (March 6), I still didn't get to see all the Flower & Garden featured displays. Over the next couple of weeks, I hope to bring you more of the Festival's surprises. That fact alone--that Walt Disney World's Flower & Garden Festival offers at least a full day of Festival events--indicates that Mickey's reputation for e-plussing is not irrevocably tarnished, even by the horrible financial "set-back" we find ourselves in now.




Don't forget: If you need a thorough Walt Disney World vacation planning guide--actually, ours is called a "System"--please consider "Mousin' About Walt Disney World." More information can be found at http://www.mousinabout.com.

I also have a newsletter that's released about twice a month, called Aronda's NewsPad. Follow this link to sign up: http://www.arondaparks.com/NewsPad-Signup.htm.

Until next time,

Peace! Love! And Mickey Mouse!
Aronda Parks

        

Over the past several decades--at least since Epcot opened in 1982--it often seems that Disney reacts to theme park trends rather than sets those trends.

I am not making this assertion as a Disney-basher, by any means. After all, I have been a proud Disney fanatic since 1972, my first visit to WDW (though I had also been watching Disney movies for years prior, as well as enjoying The Mickey Mouse Club on TV).

However, at least in Orlando, after Epcot wowed millions of park guests, Disney (a) ... << MORE >>

(Today's blog is written by Mousin' About Walt Disney World co-author Dann Hazel)

Back in 1991, after saving for several years, I took my parents for their first Walt Disney World vacation to celebrate their retirement. To make the vacation as special as possible, I booked a vacation package known as the Grand Plan, which was a package exclusive to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Then, to heighten the experience, I requested a room on the concierge level of the Grand Floridian, which was upstairs in the main building where the Grand ... << MORE >>

In the afternoon of New Year's Eve 2009, The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of Marvel was finalized.

Since this possibility was announced a few weeks back, there has been a division between two camps: those individuals--proponents from both Disney and Marvel--who lament this occurrence, and those individuals who applaud it.

Needless to say, there are many who wonder what this acquisition will eventually mean for Disney's theme parks.



It's no secret that Disney has been stumped as to how to attract teens into its fan base. A friend of mine works with a group of adolescents in Central Florida; he says that his students, hands down, would rather visit Universal than Walt Disney World. The reasons are twofold. First of all, they don't really understand what Walt Disney World has to offer young people of their age group. Secondly, the really "killer" rides are located at Islands of Adventure.



Could the Marvel acquisition change all that?

I think the potential is there. So allow me to speculate about a possible future scenario that could happen right here in Central Florida.

The original plans for theme parks in the Lake Buena Vista Resort state that there is room for seven theme parks on Disney property. Over the past couple of years, we've heard rumors about "boutique parks" and villains parks circulating the Internet. But in my humble opinion at least, I never was very captivated by those rumors.



But what if CEO Robert Iger has another park up his sleeve--one based on some of the properties developed by Disney's new partner, Marvel? Might Marvel have a large enough stable of heroes and heroines to create one heck of a theme park that would embrace teens and their preference for fast rides, high-tech shows, and experiences throughout that park which would tantalize their preference for instant gratification?



While I don't pretend to have any connections to the movers and shakers in Burbank, I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibility that the reason Walt Disney World hasn't added new parks to its repertoire is becuase none of the ideas were quite up to snuff. However, with a brand new library of thousands of potential characters and storylines, the Imagineers and Marvel artists could go crazy with the kind of park never seen before in theme park history.

Superhero comics always feature lots of special effects, explosions, sexy characters, and the perennial theme of good versus evil. All of these things appeal to young people's entertainment tastes. Heck, even I, in my mid-fifties, am excited about the possibilities of some development with Marvel's characters and stories.



Let's face it. Walt Disney World has tackled many of the big themes that make up our world--like technology and cultural diversity  (Epcot), fantasy (Magic Kingdom), show biz (Disney's Hollywood Studios), and zoology and ecology (Disney's Animal Kingdom). It would be difficult to design a park with a theme to match these over-the-top ideas and experiences. However, Marvel's characters have a way of tapping into values that are very "American" (for lack of a  better way of putting it)--particularly those individualistic values that address the human potential to rise above challenges and be the best we can be. In a sense, comic book characters tap the very essence of identity development and identity celebration. Kids (and adults) read comics because the graphic novels make them feel as though they, too, share a sense of the invincibility typified by their heroes.

I think a Disney park directed by this overarching theme has the potential to be a great one! After all, the Marvel acquisition was timely in that it occurred at about the time Disney "ought" to be declaring a new theme park. (1971-82 = 11 years; 1982-89 = 8 years; 1989-98 = 9 years; 1998-Present = a longer than normal time lapse between new park announcements.)

But I would love to hear what you think, too.

By the way, if you aren't already subscribed to my newsletter--Aronda's NewsPad--please consider subscribing today. It's released about twice a month (unless something "hot" is happening in the parks), so you don't have to worry about overtaxing your Inbox. You can subscribe here:

http://www.arondaparks.com/NewsPad-Signup.htm

Have a magical day--and Happy New Year!

        

 

           
     Though I’m fully aware of the profit motive behind any timeshare organization, I am continually struck by the professionalism and the respect for Disney legend and history that cast members of the Disney Vacation Club seem to possess. Whenever I attend DVC socials—and even its sales promotions—I feel a sense of being appreciated, as well as a sense that Walt Disney’s legacy is appreciated, too. 
     Occasionally, it seems that in the parks, both kinds of appreciation become somewhat secondary to the drive to sell, control, and manage.
     Now I’m not saying—like other Disney critics—that Disney is about to go to hell in a handbasket, that it’s allowed its capitalistic instinct to drive its pursuit of excellence underground. I don’t believe that. I do believe that Disney is sometimes a victim of its own success—particularly like the night at the Magic Kingdom just a few days ago when guests were packed like sardines on Main Street, U.S.A. and no one could move. Literally. I don’t believe that should have happened, but I also don’t have a clue how Walt Disney World could have assuaged hard feelings if it had taken more control of the situation. If I were a consultant—and Walt Disney World was willing to pay me the associated exorbitant fee—I would encourage the Imagineers to analyze just what it is that the Magic Kingdom has that the other three WDW parks are missing—and then try to cultivate more of it in those parks. 
     And, I think Walt Disney World should take a long, hard look at DVC’s qualities, too, and try to emulate them throughout the Resort, so that most guests feel the same type of satisfaction about their park experiences as DVC members say they do about their vacation club experience.
     From the time a contract is signed, the concept of an extended family is introduced, with a cozy follow-up every time a DVC member arrives at his or her resort hotel. “Welcome Home,” the security guard says—as does the check-in desk cast member, your luggage handler, and even your housekeeper. The idea of being a valued part of an extended family permeates the DVC experience.
     A few days ago, I had the wonderful experience of attending a sales promotion for existing DVC members who may wish to add points to their contract. A lively show was presented, complete with a talented pianist accompanying a superb vocalist who sang quite a few of Disney’s most beloved songs. In between the musical numbers, information about current and future DVC properties was presented in the most entertaining way. Even DeeVee Cee, her husband, Dr. Luke, and their precocious daughter, Ariel, showed up and presented their latest YouTube movie. These three characters were concocted just for DVC—to promote the timeshare program as well as to entertain DVC members. When I ran into the three “Cee’s” at the Merry Member Mixer, they seemed genuinely happy that I was there, and happily posed for photos with me. They are campy, outrageously funny, and a parody of the quintessential Disney fanatic. They are, in effect, a hoot.
     After the presentation, we were guided into another ballroom—the event was held at the Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center—where a huge spread was served, including all sorts of fruit, chicken quesadillas, egg rolls, bruschetta, beverages and more. We were encouraged to eat as much as we wanted. If we wanted more information about adding on points, we were asked to approach DVC cast members—not the other way around! Never were we subjected to a “hard sell.” DVC’s generosity created lots of good will among guests—so much so that I noticed many members were linking up with DVC cast members to inquire about adding on points. 
     In fact, I was one of those members. Dave was very gracious as we talked about my specific contract situation. In the end, I decided not to add on—at least not at the present time. However, I assured Dave that I would add on as soon as possible—and perhaps as early as the end of 2010. Rather than his eyes glazing over and shuttling me away to make room to a more “serious” potential customer, he proceeded to give me some pointers of some things to look for in the next year as I determined when the time would be right for me to invest once again. It was a respectful exchange. I asked rather pointed questions, and I never felt those questions were evaded. 
     I think Walt Disney World—indeed, the entire Company—could learn a lot from DVC. Because of my perception that DVC “gives” me a lot in exchange for my hard-earned dollars, as a customer, I am eager to spend money with this Disney unit again in the future. After all, I can’t get enough of Disney. Disney spills over into all facets of my life, whether it’s maintaining our company’s Websites (www.ArondaParks.com and www.MousinAbout.com) or promoting Disney to friends and acquaintances. Much of my home décor is Disney-centric. But my currently analysis of my good will tells me that much of that positive energy is a result of my involvement in the Disney Vacation Club. Without it, I worry that my feelings may be a bit more “mixed.” Somehow, Disney needs to work a bit harder to make guests feel more appreciated—after all, we spend lots of money for our passion—and to ensure that the park experiences are more level in quality. In my opinion, it’s disingenuous to tolerate the dominance of one park—the Magic Kingdom—over the other three when, with a bit more attention to attraction quality and park ambiance, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom could be just a popular as their oldest sister park.
     To close, I’d like to relate a brief story Dave told from the stage about a recent experience he had on the Disney Cruise Line. It’s a glowing example of how DVC cast members honor the Disney legacy. Roy Disney, Walt’s nephew, recently died, and during the sales promotion, Dave took a moment to remember Roy. Then he told a personal story. During the Disney cruise, Roy told Dave and several other voyagers of a time when Roy, as a young boy, was sick, in bed, and Uncle Walt came to visit. At the time, Disney was working on the film Pinocchio. While sitting at the foot of Roy’s bed, Uncle Walt told his nephew about some of the scenes the filmmakers were considering for inclusion in the film. If Roy laughed at the scenes, Walt left them in. If Roy wasn’t impressed, then Walt asked his filmmakers to rework those scenes. 
     The Walt Disney Company holds the unique position of being a wealthy, powerful company in the United States, while at the same time, enjoying the status of being a beloved company. It’s a precarious balance, really—and it would do well to be sensitive to those qualities and actions that will maintain its fans’ allegiance for decades to come.

Aronda offers a Walt Disney World email newsletter known as "Aronda's NewsPad." Subscription to her newsletter is FREE. If you're interested in subscribing, please follow the link below:
http://www.arondaparks.com/NewsPad-Signup.htm

        

There's a relatively new movement in the field of psychology called "positive psychology." This movement tends to focus not on the "what's-wrong-with-me" modality of our lives, but rather on what makes us happy, satisfied and fulfilled.

As I've read more and more about this movement, it has dawned on me that Walt Disney World captures the idea of positive psychology in a really tangible way. (Of course, for those people who are naysayers about the Disney experience, Walt Disney World may represent something else entirely. It's sometimes easy to feel--particularly during really crowded times at the parks--that Sartre's philosophy that "hell is other people" may have some validity!) From the theme song of "Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It" Street Party--"Celebrate Your Life"--to the "Welcome Home" greetings at Disney's resort hotels, Walt Disney World immerses us in a delightful exploration of what captivates our lives and makes us happy. In fact, I can recall not feeling quite up to par on a day I visited Magic Kingdom--thinking that even Disney wasn't going to be able to put a smile on my face. However, once this parade began, and the stick-to-your-brain-cells theme song started, I realized that I was already smiling. In fact, even my body began to move to the beat, and during the guest participation portion of the street party, I gravitated right on out into the Hub. There's something incredibly uplifting about the lyrics, "Celebrate your life...celebrate you" that transcends egotism. Because, really, it's not that participating guests are just celebrating their lives, but indeed, celebrating life itself.

At Epcot, the celebration of diversity really makes me feel a connection with people from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities. At World Showcase--though I really wish Disney would celebrate more than shopping and eating here by installing more shows and rides--I'm able to step outside my own European-American background, and into the shoes of people from around the world. So many times, I have been able to initiate a conversation with someone from one of the World Showcase countries, and find out a little bit more about his or her culture. I've even convinced a few cast members to give me a free language mini-lesson or two! I think this kind of experience makes us feel less alienated from people who don't share our backgrounds. Instead, we look for commonalities, and become a little more interdependent. Positive psychology supports the idea that people need social supports, and that people who make human connections are more psychologically and medically healthy than those who live insulated lives. One thing for sure: a Walt Disney World vacation ensures that you're not insulated!

And speaking of interdependence, a trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom allows us to have an inter-species connection. Marveling at the animals who live in this park makes us appreciate life on another level. From the safety of a forest or jungle trail, or a safari jeep, we get to admire the beauty of hundreds of animals, and in that admiration, we learn to appreciate similarities and differences in the way humans and non-humans live their lives. In this most dramatic way, Disney allows us to experience the "Circle of Life" and in that experience, we feel appreciative of living on a planet with such rich beauty and manifestations of existence.

To be honest, I was getting a bit bored with Disney's Hollywood Studios until the recent upgrades there. Now, I think that park is a wonderful tribute to what distinguishes us most from the creatures showcased in Disney's Animal Kingdom. It is the human spirit of creativity celebrated here, from wonderful voices at the American Idol Experience, to a history of cinema and the talent that has defined America's leadership in the entertainment industry. One positive psychology founder wrote extensively of a concept called "flow," which is the sensation of losing yourself in an experience about which you're passionate--in effect, an immersion into an experience typified by an altered sense of time and consciousness. Even a "thrill ride" like Twilight Zone Tower of Terror taps into the experience of flow, as it immerses you into a preoccupation with--well, just what kind of "drop" is the hotel going to subject you to this time?

Each park, in its own way, offers us an adventure--and that's what makes life exciting, really, when you get right down to it. As humans, I think, we crave novelty--but we also want a healthy dose of security thrown in as well--and Walt Disney World can give us that. Usually, we experience Walt Disney World with people we love, people we care about--and that's a kind of security, too. So we have this sensation that 's unique to Disney--that we're refreshingly "out of control" of our lives, yet that "reckless abandon" is tempered by the people and the company we love. In a way, Disney provides us that "flow" experience. Our Disney experience is like a balloon that floats gracefully, aimlessly high in the sky. Though it may be tethered, with our own awareness that we can "come down" from the experience whenever we're ready, it is still an adventure--and one that is never stale for those of us who truly "get" Disney.

        

Welcome to Aronda's "Around the World" Blog, a weekly review of the Walt Disney World Adventures of Aronda Parks and her staff.

In this uncertain, unstable economic climate, Disney is unique in its ability to heighten our spirits--as well as to give us something to look forward to as we anticipate better times. In our trips to "The World" over the past few months, it's true that at times guest enthusiasm seems a bit muffled when compared to a couple of years ago. We also see more guests "just browsing" the many shops, ... << MORE >>