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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Photo of the Week: Old School Pooh


It might be hard to believe but there was actually a time when you didn't get in live for characters, you just walked up to them. Characters didn't have fixed locations either, you could find them all over the place.

If you are wondering this photo is right out of the mid to late 80's.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Apple's Tablet is Out and It's Called....The iPad?!?

Good grief Charlie Brown what was Apple thinking? The iPad?!? Seriously? I'm sorry but it sounds like a high tech feminine product. I'd love to know who came up with that. What kind of thought process was involved?

If I can ignore the name I'm a little disappointed. There is no USB connector. For it's size that's unacceptable. The pricing is messed up. On one wants the one with only 16gb. We want the big one but we don't want to pay that much. Oh and I have to pay extra for 3g and get it its own data plan. Fantastic!

My guess is the price will drop over the next few months when they see the response they get and future versions will transform it from a glorified iPod Touch into a nice little gadget.

I still have no plans to buy it. Lines, Disney Dining, and the Disney Maps look just fine on my iPhone. Plus lugging that around Disney World wouldn't be fun.

Monday, January 25, 2010

The Main Street USA Penny Arcade

A lot of things have changed over the years in the Magic Kingdom. Some were good changes, some were bad, and some fell in the middle.

A lot of people don’t realize that The Magic Kingdom had an arcade on Main Street USA. Back in the 80’s the Magic Kingdom had a few arcades but the one on Main Street USA stood out. It was called the penny arcade. One of its biggest features was the cartoon machines. I call them that because I have no idea what you would actually call them. They were machines with goggles that you looked through while you turned a crank. By turning the crack you got to watch an old Disney cartoon. The best part was they only cost a penny.

In the back of the arcade you had your usual arcade games that you can find in any normal arcade. They kind of stuck out like a sore thumb. In fact the arcade at exit of Space Mountain and the arcade on Main Street USA just didn’t fit. I’m glad they were closed.

The only drawback of closing the arcades was the loss of those penny cartoons. They were an awesome piece of Disney history. Try and explain to kids that original arcades only had cartoons and oddball, non electronic games and see what happens. Honestly I never knew anything like that existed.

It makes me wonder where the old cartoon machine and antique games are now. There is no way Disney threw them out. If they did that would be a crime. Maybe we’ll see them pop up sometime in the future so everyone can gawk over them. They really were something else.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Photo of the Week: The Land - Hot Air Balloons


I don't know why but I always loved the hot air balloons that hang from the ceiling in the Land pavilion. Maybe its because they move or are just a nice touch. They are one of the reasons the Land has always been one of the best pavilions in Epcot.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

What Not To Do In Disney World

Seems like all we every hear about is what you should do in Disney. What rides are good, what dining locations are good, where to find characters, and so on. I want to mix things up. I thought I'd warn people about things they should avoid at all costs. I will warn you that these items are the result of actual events. I really wish that was a joke...

Don't feel up Minnie Mouse or any other character: Yes you will get removed from the parks but that's not all. The last guy who felt up Minnie Mouse got arrested and convicted.

No touchy, touchy in the wave pools: This should really be common sense. However, it's happened. If it's your spouse or other close person save it for the bedroom. If you don't know the person don't do it. A man was arrested and convicted because he "accidently" touched some people in the wave pool.

Don't punch the characters: Another one that should be common sense. Sadly it has happened. In fact one character punched back. I don't blame him. I think I'd take my head off and beat the guy with it.

Don't dump ANYTHING in the water on the water rides: In the worst example I've heard of (not sure if it's an urban legend) someone dumped a relatives ashes into the water in pirates. In Florida ashes are considered a bio hazard. They had to close the ride, drain the water, and sanatize the track.

Don't do it they can see you: If you are in Disney World you are on camera. Keep that in mind before you pick your nose, butt, scratch your privates, spit, go at it with a girlfriend on a dark ride, or any other shenanigans.

Don't drink too much alcohol: Booze and rides are not a good combo but an even worse combo is alcohol and the hot Florida weather. People will laugh at you if you pass out and need to be taken to first aide.

Don't flash on the ride photos: Yes Disney did away with the people who review the ride photos but that doesn't mean it's ok to flash. You'll just upset all the parents who are trying to have fun with their kids. Although there are two groups who will thank you - perverts and teenage boys.

That is the short list. I think you get the point. If there are any others you'd like to see, go ahead and post them in the comments.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Peanuts - Better Than a Cast Members Wages!

If you gave me the choice between getting paid in peanuts or getting a cast members wages I'd have to seriously consider the peanuts.

Peanuts have protien, good fats, and some carbs. Plus there is the fact that you can make a sauce, butter, or eat them as is. They really are rather an amazing nut. On the down side many people are allergic to them.

Recently Disney posted an ad for face characters. If you were interested you could get paid a whoping 11.75 an hour (acctually it may have been 11.25). Now think about that. If you are attractive, in shape, happen to look like a Disney character, can put up with a ton of hot sweaty kids, abusive parents, obsesed fans, and have some acting ability, you can make enough to...buy some Juicy Fruit after taxes and expenses!

The sad part is (and I'm guessing here) face characters get paid more than the average cast member. For the rest of the cast members I bet they get pay checks that are great if you run out of toilet paper.

Somehow most cast members keep smiling. I personally think Disney drugs them but I haven't found anyone who will admit to that. Then again maybe Disney is holding a family member at gun point and they have no option except to be happy.

Sure if you work full time you get benefits. Benefits are great until you need to pay your rent.

I know cast members are not allowed to take tips but what if I hand out bags of peanuts? At least they'd have a nice snack.

Friday, January 15, 2010

The WDW Today Chronicles

As you may or may not know I pull a lot of my ideas from the Disney community. I’ve done posts on the gang at the DIS, Ricky Brigante, Lou Mongello, Nathan Rose, Jim Hill, Deb Wills, and Van at Netcot. However no one has been abuse more than the gang at the WDW Today Podcast.

I’ve done so many posts about WDW Today I couldn’t keep track of them. That’s why I organized everything I’ve written into the WDW Today Chronicles. Below is an organized brake down…or record of abuse depending on how you look at it.

Matt Hochberg

The Hochberg Conspiracy: This was the post that started it all. An epic death match between Van at Netcot and Matt Hochberg which landed on of them in the hospital for more than a month.

Matt Hochberg Isn’t Afraid of Dinosaur: I reveal the why Matt claims to be afraid of Dinosaur including his secret encounter with Barney.

Len Testa

Len Testa – Tequila – The Shocking Connection: The first full post on Len Testa turned out to be a shocker. So many questions were answered in this post. Why Len acts like he does, why people drink Moxie, why Len loves Tequila, and who actually likes Stich’s Great Escape.

Len Testa Hates Donald Duck: I expose a huge, brutal feud between Len and Donald Duck in this post. From duck eating to alien abuse, it’s all here.

Massive Fire in NC Linked to Podcast Personality: I explain why it’s not a good idea to abuse an iPhone in this post about Len’s addiction to Mouse World Radio.

Mexico’s Tequila Bar Has Disastrous Opening: Everyone knows Len loves Tequila. So what could go wrong with Disney opening up a Tequila Bar? Maybe insane bingeing and cast member abuse?

Disney Worlds Unofficial Marathons: Not a full post about Len but I did name a unofficial marathon after him.

Authorities Track Maple Syrup Abuse to Disney Podcast: And you thought it was funny when Len drank maple syrup. He started a crisis with far reaching consequences.

Mike Scopa

Mike Scopa’s Dark Secret: Possibly the most demented post I’ve ever done about another human being. Did you know how old Mike Scopa really is? I expose it in this story.

Awful Weather Predicted for the First Week of March: What happens when Mike Scopa goes to Disney World? It rains, freezes, or some other weather nightmare. It’s so bad the weatherman have started basing predictions on his trips.

Mike Newell

Don’t Mess With Mike Newell: It’s always the quiet ones. You’d never guess Mike Newell was an evil mastermind would you?

Epcot Runs Out of Nachos: Did you know Mike Newell started an epidemic?

Annette Owens

Annette Owens: Butt Kicker: You think Annette is a nice southern belle don’t you? HA! I expose the truth in this shocking story. Beware of Annette’s Army.

General

WDW Today Starts Their Fifth Season Without a Fatality: Yes there is a reason why no fatalities is surprising.

Facebook is Evil but Everyone Is On It: Guess who is quick draw McGraw on Facebook.

WDW Today Does the Oregon Trail: What would happen if the gang from the WDW Today Podcast were forced to do the Oregon Trail? It was anything but fabulous.

One Big Dysfunctional Family: Ever been on a live show? You don’t know what you are missing.

Len Testa Hates Donald Duck

Recently it came to light that there is a recommendation in the “Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World” that is inaccurate.

As you may know if you follow the blog I ate at Yack and Yeti on my last trip to Walt Disney World. I ordered the duck and it was horrifyingly bad (see Yak Yack and Yeti).

I emailed the gang at the WDW Today Podcast to relay my experience. They answered the email in episode 633. When responding Len asked “Who orders the duck?!?” despite the fact that the duck is recommend in the book he co-authors.

I found it odd that Len would make that statement despite the fact that at least one person has claimed (emphasis on “claimed”) he writes every review, experience, reader feedback, and comment in the Unofficial Guide. That made me do what I do. I looked into it.

I discovered a dark secret and a massive feud that has been raging for years.

Back in 1998 Len was in WDW for a research trip. He was in line for Space Mountain and was just about to get on when Donald Duck cut in front of him taking the last spot on the train. This wouldn’t have been a big deal except for the fact that the ride broke down after that train left the station. Len had to wait for an hour to ride thanks to Donald.

Len got over this in time but another event broke the flood gates open.

In 1999 Donald Duck convinced the Disney big wigs to shut down the Alien Encounter in Tomorrow Land in the Magic Kingdom. This greatly upset Len. Even though the Alien in EAC was not the same species as him he saw it as an attack on all extraterrestrials (see Len Testa – Tequila: The Shocking Connection).

Things calmed down a little when Len’s distant cousin Stich was announced as the star of the new attraction. However, things really hit the fan when the ride opened. Donald ensured that the ride was AWFUL! He ensured that it was a slap in the face to all aliens.

This was the last straw. Len pulled some strings and made sure that duck became a recommended dish in the Unofficial Guide.

Donald didn’t realize the effect of the recommendation until six of his cousins disappeared without a trace. When Donald looked into it he discovered an explosion in the number of ducks being eaten through out Disney World.

In response Donald pulled strings and ensured that the duck was one of the most overcooked, tasteless dishes in Disney World. He also convinced the powers that be to force Stich into another awful attraction. In fact Stich’s Super Sonic Celebration turned out so bad it was shut down after less than a month of shows.

It is rumored that to get back at Donald, Len has recently taken up the sport of duck hunting and convinced the vets over at the Animal Kingdom to castrate all mallard ducks they catch on property.

No one knows how this feud will end but be warned. If you find your self in Disney World and see Len and Donald at the same time, take cover! It won’t be pretty.

DISCLAIMER: The above story is mostly fiction with accurate facts worked in. It’s never been proven that Len is an alien (it’s just common knowledge). Len claims he did not write the review for Yak and Yeti (see episode 668 of the WDW Today Podcast). Donald did not cut Len in line in 1998 (I think he was in front of him to begin with). There is no proof that Donald was involved with the decision to shut down EAC, open Stich’s Great Escape, or involved with the Super Sucky Celebration.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Photo of the Week - Jungle Cruise Humor


Who doesn't like the Jungle Cruise? People who don't like humor. The ride is full of humor. It might be corny but it's fun and a Disney classic.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Wish List

So it’s a new year and most companies are ready to roll with their strategic plans. Disney is no different. They no doubt have a plan for the year. That leads me to wonder what would I like to see happen in the next year?

  1. Future World Renewal – Future World is part great and part garbage. I’d love to see the Universe of Energy get a makeover. I’d also love to see the Imagine Pavilion brought back from the dead.

  1. Finish the World Showcase – It’s been how long? Forget years, how many decades have you had to finish the world showcase? I was nine when the last pavilion opened. I don’t want one, I want two new countries! No actually I want as many as will fit over there. It’s time for some new countries.

  1. Ease Off the DVC – I can’t afford DVC. Even if I could my wife would murder me if I bought into it. It seems like all of the new resorts are either non-Disney or DVC. Why not pull one of the old ideas out of your hat? There were some great plans back in the day. You’ve got the room.

  1. Expand the Monorail – You know the worst part about the Animal Kingdom is getting there. Can you imagine if the monorail went there?

  1. More Bang for the Buck – Over the last few years more and more has been stripped out of Disney and at the same time ticket prices have increased. Stop that! Just leave the prices alone and start adding stuff back in.

  1. Roll Out the Booze – Alcohol doesn’t ruin the family atmosphere at Epcot, Animal Kingdom, or Disney Hollywood Studios so why can’t I get a drink in the Magic Kingdom? The Magic Kingdom would be a little more Magical if I could get a shot of Glenlevit somewhere.

  1. Walt Disney World Explorer 2010 – I’d be very happy if you would do a new Walt Disney World Explorer. I loved that CD. It was the best. I wasted so much time on it, it’s embarrassing. I’d pay top dollar for it but knowing my luck you’d only release it on PC.

  1. Castle Suite – I’d like to stay in the castle suite. Is that too much too ask? It’s not like its being used for anything.

  1. Epic Mickey – Please let Epic Mickey be a good video game. Don’t wreck it by trying to please everyone.

  1. Stich – Please put Stich out of his misery. Everything you have put him in has been a mess. If you can’t use Stich right don’t use him at all.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Not On My List

My next WDW trip is less than 90 days away. Most of the planning is done. On my last trip I nearly killed my wife my by going commando and on most nights we left the parks early to go to dinner. This time my plan is much different. I’ve learned from my mistakes. Instead of hitting the parks early we will be hitting them late and closing them out. This way we get to enjoy the last hour the parks are open when most of the people have left.

No matter what your plan is, it is very difficult to do everything. Some stuff normally ends up getting dropped. So what am I going to drop this time?

1 – Tomorrow Land Speedway – I didn’t do this last time and I’m not doing it this time either. I see no reason to do this ride.

2 – Magic Carpets of Aladdin – I’ve never done this ride and I don’t plan on ever doing it. It’s a cheap carnival ride.

3 – Dumbo – I’m not a kid so Dumbo isn’t really a draw.

4 – Astro Orbiter – The view is nice but the line is huge. Plus it’s hard to take pictures at night on this because it’s moving so much.

5 – Stich’s Great Escape – I almost cried when I went on this. Creating this out of EAC was one of the worst things Disney ever did.

6 – Toon Town – I’ve never done this and I never want to. Bring out the wrecking ball!

7 – Ellen’s Energy Adventure – This one is on the fence. No matter how much I love the dinosaurs I can’t stand the show. It’s so loud it hurts.

8 – Imagination with Figment – I don’t want to rape my childhood again. My heart still aches when I see what “Journey Into Imagination” turned into.

9 – Kali River Rapids – It’s too short and it’s too wet.

10 – It’s a Small World – I’m not a sadist so why would I subject myself to this?

11 – The Tea Cups – The only reason this is on the list is because my wife can’t spin and going on this alone is just sad.

12 – Back Lot Tour – There is just no reason to do this every time you go. Last time I got picked to do the boat scene and I saw the canyon.

13 – PW in Dino Land – It’s so bad I refuse to even name it. Last time my wife cracked her ribs on it because they tried to cram four of us on the ride.

14 – Chester and Hester’s – Does anyone do this abomination of an area? I don’t even want to see this area it’s so ugly.

There are some others too but I don’t need to name them. If you can’t see two adults with no kids doing it, we’re not doing it.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Photo of the Week - The California Grill

One of the best things about the California Grill is its open kitchen. By default they have to keep it very clean it is part of the show.

This photo was taken from my seat at the chefs counter. Many people want to sit by the windows so they can see the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. I'd rather sit here. If you sit at the chefs counter the chefs will trow free food your way. It's one of the best dining experiences in Disney World.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Does NCL Do Anything Right

After reading about my experience on NCL I left some people wondering if I was just an embittered person trying to make up for the fact that I had a bad vacation. That’s not true. My goal is to explain what I experienced so you can judge for yourself. That’s why in this post I’m going to explain what NCL does that is good.

1 – Deposit on a Future Cruise: If simply put down $250 towards a future cruise NCL gives you $100 in on board credit. This isn’t your average program. First you do not need to pick a cruise. It’s good towards any cruise in the future. Second you don’t need to use an NCL travel agent when you find a cruise you want. You’re travel agent can book it for you. The $250 reserves the cruise. Normally if cost at least $500 to reserve a cruise. You have a year and a half to cruise so you have plenty of time.

2 – Tasters: NCL does multiple tasters throughout the week. For $15 you get four drinks. That’s a great deal. They do one for martinis, beer, whiskey / scotch, and more. How many they have depends on the length of the cruise.

3 – Customer Supplied FAQ on Their Website: NCL has a part of their website where you can ask questions. That’s not a big deal. However, users can answer other people’s questions. This allows for some information to be shared that NCL normally wouldn’t share.

4 – Serve Yourself Soft Serve Ice Cream: The only way this would be better is if it was available 24hrs a day.

5 – Hand Sanitizer Stations: They have these at every restaurant and when you get on and off the boat. They also make you use them. If only the airlines did that.

Ok that’s about it. Are those enough to make you go on a cruise with NCL? I doubt it but keep in mind that there are a lot of people out there who like NCL. My parents like NCL. That blows my mind. I think it is because they are older. Old people seem to like NCL.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

D23 Gets An Update

What a surprise Disney added a new level of membership to D23. I wonder where they could have gotten a novel idea like that? (see my post "How to Fix D23"). The new level is called silver and is $40 cheaper than the traditional "gold" membership. The only difference between the two levels is only gold members get the magazine. At least that's the only difference that has been revealed. I wouldn't be surprised if Disney makes some of the special events open only to gold members.

Is the magazine worth $40? For some people it might be. It's not your typical magazine. It's a monster. It's about 50% larger. It's about the size of a normal art book. For others the idea of paying that much for any magazine is insane and I tend to agree with them.

In my opinion D23 is still broken and could be greatly improved (greatly improving profits in the process) but until Disney hires me to fix it I don't think we're going to see a really good D23 anytime soon.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Illuminations Video - Part One and Two Posted!

I've finally gotten around to posting my Illuminations videos. I took these in December 2008 from the Japan Pavilion. The temp was around 40 and I was wearing shorts and a tee shirt so I was trying to not shake too much. You will notice that this is the holiday version of the show. There are a few small differences between the regular version and this one.

Part One
Part Two

Friday, January 1, 2010

Photo of the Week - Mexico Pavilion


Is any pavilion more impressive than Mexico? They really broke the mold when they made this one. Other pavilions are impressive but Mexico has that certain magic that hits when you walk inside. No matter what it's doing outside or what time of day it is it's always evening with perfect weather in Mexico.