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The Magic, the Memories, and (Maybe) YOU!

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:47:00 GMT

I will admit: I was one of those skeptics who felt that Disney’s “Let the Memories Begin!” was destined to really suck as a theme. (For the record, I still think it’s not the best that Disney’s PR machine could have devised.) But the associated Cinderella Castle light show, called “The Magic, the Memories, and You!”, compels me to reconsider—a little.

Walt Disney World invested in a very expensive projection system along with light bulbs costing about $4,000 each to replace! (Don’t drop one of these babies!) I’ve heard that Disney uses more than a dozen projectors in the show. (If you look over your shoulder during the performance, you can spot the sources of the projections: on the roof of The Plaza restaurant, and on the roof between Casey’s Corner and the restrooms/baby care center.) The light show is projected against Cinderella Castle shortly before the “Wishes!” fireworks begin, with a pretty compelling “Let the Memories Begin” theme song. (When I heard the theme song performed online, without the benefit of the accompanying images, it sounded pretty hokey. My opinion has changed; the song is very compelling, IMHO.)

We’ve been told (and told again) to expect 500 images of Disney guests projected against the Castle. I’m sure that number must be accurate, but it certainly seems like far fewer, as these images are actually secondary to the lighting effects. Rather, guest PhotoPass pix complement the lighting effects, rather than take center stage. I really thought the ripple effect across the Castle, as though it was about to disappear into the moat, was very cool. I liked the vines that grew around the turrets. You may have heard, by now, of the largest turret that is transformed into a rocket, and blasts into the sky. Very effective! Walt Disney, welcoming his guests to “this happy place,” also appears, and may bring a small tear to your eye. Images turn into reality when we spot projections of fireworks across the front of the Castle, only to turn into the real McCoy each time—a nice warm-up for the Wishes! Fireworks about to start. The Castle even seems to be reconstructed right before our eyes, using blocks that evoke "it’s a small world."

So don’t be jaded, as I was. Give it a try, as it’s a high caliber show. I found myself joining other guests as they clapped in appreciation of the show.

When Disney Deals Aren't Particularly Good Deals

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:24:00 GMT

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 also have the Tables in Wonderland discount card, which provides 20% off most meals at Walt Disney World. In all honesty, we toyed with the idea of just using that discount, as we were quite uncertain as to whether we were getting a good deal with the Deluxe Dining Plan.

Here's why.

At first glance, $71.99 per person for three meals a day didn't sound too exorbitant--particularly when the Deluxe plan included an appetizer, entree, dessert and nonalcoholic beverage. (The Deluxe Plan also included 2 snacks per person per day, as well as a Refillable Mug.) It's not uncommon for a Disney diner to rack up a $30-$35 meal charge at a table service restaurant at WDW, so when you mutiply by three, you see that you might be getting over a hundred dollars worth of food for less than $75. Sounds like good logic, right?

Well, it is, if you have an appetite that big. But a couple of us aren't that big on desserts (unless they're something really special), so we found ourselves ordering desserts when we weren't really that keen on having them. Note, too, that there's a strange psychological conflict goiing on during your dining adventures. While wanting to get as much value as you can from the Mouse (translation: racking up a huge bill, thereby increasing your Plan's value), you are simultaneously increasing the amount of tip (18%) for which you are responsible. One couple in our party for one week racked up over $200 in tips--in addition to the $1,007 (for two Deluxe Plans) for which they were responsible. By the time our vacation ended, the entire party of 8 had more than 23 snack credits left--which were cashed in for food and drinks to go on checkout day.

As for the refillable mug: As much as I love BoardWalk Villas, this resort has absolutely the worst approach to refilling your mugs. You have to report to the BoardWalk Bakery (or, if open, BoardWalk Joe's or the pool bar) and allow a cast member to fill a cup (since cast members are not allowed to touch your mug). At the Bakery, you may stand in line 10 or 15 minutes before a cast member gets around to you. Even the Value Resorts have a self-service queue for Refillable Mug guests, making the time investment minimal. Furthermore, because of the constant dining and snacking, there were precious few times we really needed a free refill at the resort. And don't get me started about iced tea refills. They simply did not exist at the BoardWalk.

Now I know there are other plans you can purchase--including the all counter service offer--but we liked the idea that we could enjoy the finer restaurants that we may have avoided if we were paying in the conventional way. (That feature was a good one--we used two credits from our plan to enjoy Citricos, which was an exquisite meal. Unfortunately, we were still somewhat full from lunch when we were seated for dinner, so we didn't enjoy the meal as much as we would have were our stomachs empty.) But beware of the counter service plan, too, as you are relegated to enjoying only typical fast-food fare. (And many of Disney's counter service restaurants will not satisfy!)

Finally, with the Deluxe Plan used mostly at table-service restaurants, expect to spend up to four hours per day in restaurants, thereby cutting into park touring time. While that was no big deal for the Florida residents in our group who go to Disney regularly, it was quite the turn-off for members of our party who visit Walt Disney World once every five years or so.

Bottom line? Beware of Disney's Dining Plans--unless you are a guest who can reasonably expect to eat (and enjoy) so much food!

Are you planning a Walt Disney World vacation soon? Then I invite you to check out our Dynamic Planning System called "Mousin' About Walt Disney World." Much more than a guidebook, it provides multiple components to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck during your magical Disney vacation. For more information, visit the official website at www.MousinAbout.com.

Disney Transportation: Time for Change?

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:40:00 GMT

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 are far too many, both in terms of environmental impact and safety. Besides, these coaches are antithetical to Walt Disney's vision of showcasing technological advances. After all, every major and many minor metropolitan areas have their city buses.

The answers to Disney's over-reliance on bus transportation are nothing new. Those of us who "traffic" in Disney news and rumors have predicted potential movement in the Disney transportation arena for years. Unfortunately, our predictions haven't panned into reality.

Maybe the time is right now.

First of all, both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom have no monorail connection, and I firmly believe monorails have the potential to drive park interest and park attendance. After all, without this sexy mode of transportation connecting a park, there is less of a "consciousness" on the part of a Disney guest of that theme park--particularly if that guest is a casual guest who "knows" only that the Magic Kingdom equals Walt Disney World. The technology is also clean, and while there have been a couple of incidents--one fatal--involving the monorail recently, its safety record far surpasses that of the bus system.

Several years ago, a colleague noted that he had actually seen some blue-sky sketches of a "People-Mover" that would transport guests staying in Disney resort hotels to central transportation centers. This is my second proposal--implement these "People Movers" whose design is based on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority in the Magic Kingdom, and get rid of all those buses that continue to disrupt the ambiance of Disney's marvelous resort hotels. Old Key West in particular comes to mind, as it was not too long ago that I could not fall asleep for hours while the buses kept circling a cul-de-sac just outside my window.

Finally, high-speed rail has also been mentioned as a possible alternative transportation. Now that high speed rail is quickly becoming a reality in Central Florida--with a proposed stop on Walt Disney World property--perhaps it, too, can become an on-property option. One thing is for certain. The high-speed rail station on Disney property will require some method of transportation to move guests to their destinations, along with their luggage. I just hope Walt Disney World doesn't decide to activate even more bus traffic to accomplish this goal.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not down on buses overall; I also generally find bus drivers polite and accommodating to guests. I have no bone to pick with this wonderful cast members, nor do I wish to see these individuals lose their jobs. Besides, buses are never likely to be eliminated from Walt Disney World (though I can see a time when they're utilized mostly by cast members needing relocation to another duty station in a different park or hotel). There should never be a reason to lay off drivers, as they could certanily be reassigned to the alternative modes of transportation.

The bottom line is simply this: Walt Disney World needs to diversify even more its transportation offerings to such a degree that buses become the most peripheral mode of transportation for Disney guests. They are cumbersome, expensive to operate and maintain, environmentally unfriendly, and noisy. I would love to see a World freer of these ambling vehicles, and more welcoming of sleeker, quieter, more efficient and innovative transportation options.

Are you planning a summer vacation to Walt Disney World? Be sure to check out Mousin' About Walt Disney World (located at www.mousinabout.com), a WDW vacation planning system designed and produced by my friends and colleagues Dann Hazel and Josh Fippen. Mousin' About consists of six components that guarantee the most thorough planning opportunity you can find--including tips on how to save money!

I also publish a Walt Disney World newsletter about twice a month, and if you just can't get enough Disney, I would love for you to sign up for a subscription. The sign-up page is located at http://www.arondaparks.com/NewsPad-Signup.htm.

Peace, love and Mickey Mouse,
Aronda

The Flowering of a Festival

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:32:00 GMT

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

A Disney Renaissance in Florida

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:13:00 GMT

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) reacted to Universal's announcement of a studio theme park by opening Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park, and (b) attempted to draw Busch Gardens' crowds by opening Disney's Animal Kingdom. Arguably, even the water parks might be said to be a reaction to several water parks in the area, including Wet and Wild. Even the Fantasyland expansion now underway at the Magic Kingdom may be a reaction to the regal Harry Potter extension at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.

Still, I am of the opinion that even when Disney opens new venues in reaction to others, they are often superior to the original. But this idea of being reactive instead of a trendsetter--particularly if it continues--may very well erode Disney's credibility as a theme park entertainment leader.

Yet something very different is beginning to happen here in Central Florida--something that has a unique "feel" to it. Something that has the potential to impact WDW.

Let's start with this week's announcement of a bullet train connecting Tampa and Orlando, with a proposed Disney station for which WDW is donating the land. Certainly, this mode of transportation will open up opportunities for more Floridians to visit WDW--turning a 90-minute drive into a less-than-an-hour train adventure. And since you won't have to do the driving to go home, you can close down the parks without worrying about behind-the-wheel fatigue. Consequently, crowds will swell to some degree.

Several weeks ago, Merlin Entertainments announced its largest Legoland yet, to be constructed at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, less than an hour's drive from WDW. Really, Legoland Florida will be a relatively small player when compared to the behemoth known as Disney, but it does attract a major part of WDW's demographic--children ages 2-12. If the state of Florida follows the Orlando Sentinel's suggestion that the toll road located close to the slow-to-develop Flamingo Crossing at Walt Disney World be extended to shorten the trip from the Disney area to Legoland Florida, then it's even more likely that WDW guests will make a one-day trip to Winter Haven. WDW won't take such an attendance drain lying down; it can't afford to. There will have to be a Disney-magical response, though we haven't a notion what it will be--yet!

Several weeks ago, I predicted the possibility of a Marvel-inspired theme park after Disney's acquisition of that company--a park that would be more appealing to young men and teens, a difficult demographic for Disney to attract. Last week, Disney/Marvel announced "The Heroic Age" which begins in May 2010. Though we do not as yet know what "The Heroic Age" will fully entail, could it not be a test balloon of sorts to see how popular such a theme park might become? Though I may be wrong, I have a strong gut feeling that the Marvel acquisition was just as much about potential theme park development as it was about valuable motion picture properties. In fact, a Marvel-inspired park at WDW would provide an appropriate venue for another Halloween party, scheduled after hours to appeal to the same demographic as Halloween Horror Night over at Universal. Also, such a park could open later in the morning, and close late at night--always! (After all, teens usually like to stay up late, and sleep in!)

But by far the most exciting, under-the-radar development is Disney's Next-Generation initiative (Next-Gen), led by former Epcot VP Jim McPhee, a man who is greatly respected among both Disney cast members and Disney fans. Jim's budget for research and development for "next-generation" theme park technology is reportedly well over $1 billion, with a directive to make theme park experiences more personally interactive than ever before. Since R&D takes time, it is not unreasonable to believe--as Kevin Yee intimated in a recent column on MiceAge--that attractions and even a future theme park may be awaiting the results of Jim & Company's creativity.

A recent press release on The Daily Disney indicated a meet-and-greet area in the new Fantasyland that will incorporate sophisticated technologies, including those that make characters even more lifelike. I can't help but think that this announcement results from progress made by Next-Gen.

I hope that the investment Disney has made in Next-Gen research moves the Company out of reactive mode and back into pioneering mode, where it started and has always belonged.

Retrospective: Disney's Grand Plan

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:27:00 GMT

(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 Lobby is located.

At that time, the Grand Plan (which has evolved into other packages over the years) included all meals at table-service restaurants, along with two snacks per day. You could also book meals in Cinderella Castle, Victoria & Albert's (only one Vickie & Al's meal was allowed, though), and all dinner shows. Even in-room dining was included--which turned out to be a really good thing since we never went to bed early. Consequently, we ordered room service for breakfast almost every morning during our stay (which, by the way, even include filet mignon!). Our food allowances were actually a bit oppressive, though, since our concierge level rooms also allowed us to enjoy food and drinks in the concierge lounges. At times, it felt as though we were wedging park attractions between meals!

I'll never forget the look on my parents' faces when they entered the Grand Floridian's Grand Lobby. My parents had worked hard over the years, and took very few vacations--and often, because four children were involved in their travel plans, accommodations trended toward the more economical digs. Part of my reason for wanting to book the Grand Floridian was to show my appreciation for all they had done for me throughout my childhood--to let them know they deserved to be pampered. I remember my father saying, uncomfortably: "Now, Dann, you knonw we don't normally stay in places like this."

I smiled and said, "You'll get used to it!"

And indeed he did. Within an hour or two, Dad was checking out the resort, listening to the pianist and jazz band, and dropping by the concierge lounge. Finally, though, he got a little restless.

"Okay, Dann. Show me what's so great about Walt Disney World."

Mom was tired, so she decided to take a nap while we spent a couple of hours in the Magic Kingdom.

Dad was wowed by the monorail, and enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. We also saw the afternoon parade--which was Disney's Easter version. Later that evening, we retrieved Mom from our room, and we returned to the Magic Kingdom to see the Castle fireworks.

"I've seen lots of good firework displays in my day," Dad said, "but this was definitely the best."

(In Epcot, he expressed a similar sentiment about IllumiNations.)

Though it took Mom another day to warm up to the place, both parents ultimately became eager to enjoy all that Walt Disney World had to offer. To this day, Mom will talk about "all that food" she was "expected" to eat. And every now and then, Dad jokes about moving to Florida to become a greeter at the Grand Floridian. Now that I'm living within 45 minutes of Walt Disney World, I tell him to "come on down."

During our visit, a number of European cast members were being trained to run one of the resort hotels at Disneyland Paris. It so happened that our concierge cast member--Tonya, I believe was her name--was one of those individuals. Mom and Dad became friendly with her, and every time she saw them, she would ask if they were enjoying themselves, then offer to make reservations for dinner shows or other meals. Dad, who had served in the Navy, chatted with her about her life in Europe; it was great to see my parents making themselves right at home amid the magic.

Each evening, when we returned to our room, our beds would be turned down, and chocolates left on our pillows. Also, each day we received a gift--including a basket from the Easter Bunny on Easter, filled with Godiva chocolates, cheeses, Disney collectibles and trinkets, and a Grand Floridian coffee mug that I have to this day. Since I'm a big Mickey fan, Mom and Dad said it was okay to keep anything with Mickey Mouse on it. To this day, I still have a collectible plate with Mickey cheek-to-cheek with Walt Disney--a limited edition plate with an edition size of 5500--and a wonderful reminder of the time I was able to "give a little something back" to two people who worked very hard to give me opportunities they never had. But I wasn't the only one "giving a little something back." Frequently, Mom and Dad encountered cast members who bent over backwards, as Mom would say, to be nice to them, to see that they were enjoying themselves, and to ensure that Mom, who was a vegetarian, was enjoying her food.

In a way, this experience makes my long-standing "love affair" with Walt Disney World even more meaningful, because I understand that, while Disney can be incredibly expensive, it has the ability, the motivation--perhaps even the power--if not to deepen relationships, then certainly to remind us how much the people in our lives really matter. Whether spouses, significant others, partners, parents, children, friends or other relatives, a little Disney-branded pixie dust sprinkled on our relationships helps us to look at our loved ones with new vision and deeper appreciation.

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

Speculation: What Marvel May Mean to Disney

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:52:00 GMT

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!

Disney Vacation Club: More Disney Than Any Other Disney Business Unit?

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 22:22:00 GMT

     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

Staying Positive at Walt Disney World

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:20:00 GMT

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.

Aronda's "Around the World" Blog

disneyguide@arondaparks.com (Aronda Parks) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:26:00 GMT

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, yet not so many filled shopping bags out in the parks. (We don't think that everyone is sending their treasures to the front of the park or to their resort hotel rooms!) So it was no surprise when the announcement appeared today (December 3, 2009) that attendance and sales were down at Walt Disney World for 2009.

But we also know that in the past, Disney has utilized these economic "ebbs" as opportunities for planning and expansion. In fact, we know from the D-23 convention that unprecedented growth is in the works for the Magic Kingdom--including another great dining experience, a ride tribute to The Little Mermaid, and more character meet-and-greets. We can only hope that this is only the beginning of another "Disney Decade"--perhaps one that extends from 2010-2020. And in our opinion, it's time to update and grow all four major theme parks here in Central Florida. We think that Epcot, particularly, could stand a re-Imagineering like that of Disney's California Adventure. Though this park has a wonderful character, some of its attractions have grown a bit stale--and as beautiful as World Showcase is, perhaps it is time for a Disney Visionary to concoct a few more international adventures that would highlight countries in dramatic ways. In Future World, some of the features feel a little like "space junk" floating around in a kind of theme park stasis. As beautiful as Animal Kingdom is, there is still something missing--something like Beastly Kingdom! Surely investment in the growth of its current parks in the Company's largest Resort would in the long run pay tremendous dividends.

Additionally, we haven't given up hope for a fifth gate. While we figure it's not going to happen within the next five years--after all, there's plenty of work to be done with the existing four major theme parks--the ever-quickening pace of technological development will almost demand that Disney design and execute a theme park powered by the products that drive such development. It will happen, but for many of us, it's just not happening soon enough.

At any rate, Aronda's "Around the World" Blog wants to be there as Disney moves into the second decade of the 21st Century. And each week, we'll bring you highlights, insights, and commentary inspired by our many trips to Walt Disney World.

We hope that you'll bookmark our blog-space, and visit frequently. And even more, we hope that you're willing to join in the dialog. After all, what better consultants can Disney Parks and Resorts have than those of us who love eachand every visit we make?

See you real soon!

Aronda