"A Model Day"at Disney World - Tilt Shift Video

I haven't posted anything for a while and this video made me smile. Wanted to share!



Or if you prefer Epcot :)

Epcot Canada Pavilion comedy show 1993

Need help identifying my old Walt Disney World home movies. Does anybody remember what this show was called or anything about it?  It's from Canada Pavilion, Epcot. July 1993.

Future World Brass. 1993

Who remembers Future World Brass? They played in Epcot from 1982 to 2000. Here's old home videos I finally got digitized from VHS to DVD from our very first family trip to WDW in 1993.

They were so awesome!

Walt Disney World iPhone Wallpapers

I was hunting for these to Disney-fy my iPhone earlier today and thought I'd share a few of my favorites.  Enjoy!

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Disney World Facebook Timeline Cover Images

Disney World Christmas Computer Wallpapers

Starbucks in the Disney Parks - starting June 2012

Yes. That's Mickey Ears on Mrs. Starbucks or whatever her name is.  Starting in June 2012 the first of six themed Starbucks locations will open in Disney's California Adventure. Starbucks coffee will be served INSIDE the Disney Parks. 

According to Disney Parks Blog, "The café will serve Starbucks items, including coffee and espresso beverages, Frappuccino® blended beverages, and signature breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Guests also will have their choice of Disney favorites, including signature sandwiches and other items, as well as delicious desserts and sweet treats."

OK, that sounds lovely, but I have mixed feelings about this.

Disney knows food. It knows themed dining. It certainly knows customer service.  Why do they need Starbucks to step in for the assist with this?  I’m no coffee aficionado, but seriously, the coffee selections in Disney parks are um, sub-par, to put it lightly. So I guess the quality will improve, that’s one good thing.

Which brings me to my devils-advocate point I’m trying to make here. As I said, Disney knows how to do food, they know how to do themed dining, but for some dumb reason they don’t know how to do coffee. The Nescafe insta-crud they offer for their coffee selections in the parks is barely drinkable. So… if their coffee is bad, which it is, and they have the money to hire the know-how, which they can…why don’t they just make the coffee better?! Doesn’t that sound a tad more reasonable than bringing a chain restaurant inside the parks? 

Outside the parks, anything goes as far as I’m concerned. Outside the parks is the “real world”.  For example, I live in Manhattan, so what does Starbucks remind me of…morning commutes, crowded subways, long lines, and cubicles.  Not exactly a fantasy world.  Starbucks serves its purpose in the real world, providing caffeine fixes for millions of people day in and day out.  But I don't want it in my fantasy world.

Inside the parks is not the real world, it’s fantasy world, a happy place where cubicles, deadlines, commutes, and emails don’t exist.   I don’t want to be reminded of the real world when I’m at a Disney park.  I go to Disney specifically to escape that very drudgery.   But now we’ll be surrounded by cups plastered with that smiling green Mrs. Starbucks, to remind me that the real world is still out there…waiting for me to return.

The Disney Starbucks locations will no doubt be themed and lovely in every way. They’ll be aesthetically beautiful, service will be excellent, the drinks will be varied and palatable (Not to mention ridiculously overpriced). You’ll be able to get your ‘Venti, Non-Fat, No Foam, No water, 6 pump, extra hot, chai tea latte’ (wtf? I never know how to order at Starbucks).  Just how you like it...every day on your commute to work. It will be familiar and that will make us happy. To get the same stuff we enjoy in the day to day "real world".  When "worlds" collide, eh?

Americans like Wal-Mart, too. I don't see that being plunked into Animal Kingdom anytime soon (I shudder at the thought).

Disney World Facebook Timeline Cover Photos

Love it or hate it, Facebook has made us all switch to the Timeline view in the past few weeks.  I am on Team "Love It". I think it keeps the information organized nicely and displays it in an aesthetically pleasing way. My favorite aspect of it is the ability to personalize your Banner / Cover Image.  Of course mine is a rotation of Disney oriented pictures, some my own, but also some professional shots.

These are from the Disney Tourist Blog. Stunning, aren't they!? 

Check out their site for the full collection (they have Disneyland ones too!): Disney Tourist Blog

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Disney World iPhone Wallpapers
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Top 10 Don’t Miss and Top 10 to Skip: Epcot

Note: This Post has 4 Parts 
Magic Kingdom 

Epcot
Hollywood Studios 
Animal Kingdom

These Top 10 lists are aimed at adults visiting WDW.  Except for when I was visiting as a young'un myself and went with my younger brothers and family, I have never been to WDW with children, so I cannot advise for those with young families.

Here are my Top 10 List of Must-Do’s and Top 10 for things you could Skip in Epcot (if you have limited time in WDW), plus my Quick Serve food (and booze) faves for those without a minute to spare.

EPCOT

Soarin'. If you miss this...well, just don't.

Top 10 Must-Do:

1. Soarin’ – get your Fast Pass for this as soon as you get into the park. No, seriously. Hustle to get to The Land and get on Soarin' (or at least get a fast pass) ASAP.
2. Spaceship Earth – Well, I guess before you zoom over to Soarin’ you can stop off for a quick ride on Spaceship Earth. I usually make this my first ride at Epcot since you have to walk right by it on your way in.
3. Mission: Space –Some people get queasy on this, I’ve never had a problem. Only you know what’s right for you and your tummy, if you should do Green Team or Orange Team.
4. Illuminations – This show and Wishes are the best way to end your evenings at WDW. Do not miss it. Tip: It doesn’t matter where you sit/stand for this, all have a great view, but I like to be across the lake opposite the countries, because they light up, and it’s closer to the main exit.
5. Test Track – I’m not a super huge fan of this ride, except for the fast part. Tip: Only ever go in the single rider line. It moves 100% more quickly (my numbers are not based in fact, only my observation & opinion).
6. Turtle Talk with Crush – This one is a little bit hit or miss, depending on who is “playing” Crush, but I’ve had a couple shows where I’ve been crying with laughter, so I’ll say this is a Must-See.
7. Mouse Gear – this is the only time I will suggest you go to a Disney merchandise store (Epcot country stores are a different story). It’s the biggest one and has almost everything Disney you could want.
8. Maelstrom – Water ride in Norway. I remember back in the day when this was the ONLY ride at Epcot!
9. World Showcase Players – If you can catch a street show, take advantage. They’re fantastic, take a few minutes to check them out.
10. Epcot Character Spot – I am not one for getting loads of photos done with characters, but this is the place to do it if you are on limited time. You get all the “Fab Five” characters in one swoop which is great, and the Cast members will take photos for your Photo Pass or your personal camera.

Captain EO.
I haven't visited this in probably over a decade.

Top 10 to Skip:

1. Living with the Land – There is usually no line for this, which is fine. Check it out if you have a spare minute; otherwise don’t lose sleep over missing it. The alternative forms of agriculture are interesting, but not my cup of tea.
2. Circle of Life – Very dated. Good environmental message, but I don't have much to say about it. *Yawn*
3. Captain EO – Dated, but I might check it out on my next trip in homage to MJ.
4. The Seas – The Clam-Mobile ride is pretty dull. I somewhat do like the aquarium exhibit bit, though.
5. American Adventure – Like Hall of Presidents in MK, this is very good if you need a nap in AC.
6. Reflections of China – Take it or leave it. I really like the shop in the China pavilion, found some really nice stuff in there. Japan too.
7. Innoventions – I don’t think I’ve ever even been in this. Skip.
8. Journey into Imagination with Figment – ditto for #7
9. O Canada – Very dated. Remember when Martin Short was popular? Yea me neither.
10. Ellen’s Energy Adventure – I have no idea what’s in this attraction. Not my cup of tea to even take time to check out though. Sorry, Ellen!

There are so many fantastic restaurants in Epcot that I should really dedicate another whole post to just the food there; or a whole blog, really. But since this is about how to do WDW in 2 days with quick and dirty instructions for how to jam it all into 48 hrs, I’m going to tell you my favorite snack and Quick-serve places only. 

Also, importantly, I’ve included some highlights for where to ‘Drink Around the World’ (which topic will very soon get a whole post dedicated to it).

Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush. Yesss.

Food (and Booze) Favorites:

1. Sunshine Season Food Fair (The Land) – the food here is a few steps above your average quick serve meal. It’s still very quick and cafeteria style, but lots of nice options. Many healthy and hearty choices that don’t come with a side of fries, if you know what I mean.
2. La Cava del Tequila (Mexico) – It’s got umm…tequila.  Thumbs up.
3. Margarita Cart (Mexico) – For margaritas on the run.
4. Rose and Crown Pub (UK) – Beer. Also quick-serve fish and chips are Super Yum Yum Noms.
5. Sommerfest (Germany) – German Beer, duh. Optional souvenir glass available for extra breakable fun.
6. France Pavilion kiosk – Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush or Grand Mariner Orange Slush are 'Must-Have’s!! Or wine is available, of course. It’s France.

WDW Trip Part Two: Resorts / Hotels

Note: this post ("WDW Trip") has Four Parts:

Part One: Flights

Part Two: Resorts & Hotels

Part Three: Park Passes
Part Four: Transportation
---

We are a thrifty family, so my Mom has only ever stayed at the WDW Value Resorts. We originally booked the whole trip for Pop Century.  On my last trip (this past July ’11 with my boyfriend) we stayed at PC for the first half, Dolphin for the second, and I LOVED it.  We checked out the Port Orleans Resorts for the first time on that trip and were enchanted. 

Here’s what my Mom and I have for our accommodations for our upcoming trip, and the costs:

POR. Nov 29 - Dec 2

November 29 to December 2 we are now staying at Port Orleans Riverside.  As far as Disney World resorts go, I too have never stayed in anything except a Value, so I am very excited. 

For these 3 nights we found an amazing deal on that will give us 30% off the usual rate, so we got Riverside for $114 per night!  Only about $30 more per night than PC, and we’re staying somewhere we’ve never stayed before.

Port Orleans Riverside: $114/nt x 3 nights = $342

Swan. Dec 2-4

I really wanted to show my Mom the Swan and Dolphin, so since I’ve just stayed at the Dolphin before, I wanted to give the Swan a try. I booked the Swan for December 2 to 4. PC has its charms, but for 2 adults traveling sans children, the Swan & Dolphin make for a much more grownup visit.

Biggest selling point for me was the ability to walk to Beach/ Boardwalk/ Yacht and EPCOT!!  Also it allows for a much quieter breakfast experience in the morning – no cafeteria full of mobs of people.  At the Swan/Dolphin you can get a nice cappuccino and croissant and sit on the Boardwalk watching the birds in peace for a few minutes instead of the chaos that is the cavernous PC cafeteria at breakfast.

Todd English's bluezoo at the Swan.
My type of place!

Swan and Dolphin have much more comfortable and quieter accommodations - no excited kids running around outside your door hollering at the crack of dawn, for starters!   I’m also really psyched to be able to come ‘home’ to get a nice grownup martini or quiet glass of wine at any of their (many) bars, or sleep on the Swan’s Westin Heavenly Beds I’ve heard so much about. In our last room at the Dolphin we had a great view of HS, and the Fantasmic pyrotechnics every night.

I just the other day read a fantastic article singing the Swan and Dolphin’s praises. Please check out what The World of Deej has to say - I agree with all of it entirely! More on the Swan & Dolphin's awesome location and transportation options in my next post: “Transportation and Parks”.

Swan for 2 nights: I splurged. $179/night x 2 nights + $46 taxes/fees = $403.82 total

Hotel cost total: $342 (3 nights) + $404 (2 nights) = $746 (5 total nights)

Top 5 Disney World Attractions that Were Never Built

There were numerous rides and shows of Disney parks that never left the drawing board. Some of them were fully designed with funding but not built, while others never made it past the concept-art stages of development.  


Here are 5 I wish Disney had seen through to completion for WDW: 

Original AK logo featured a dragon!

Beastly Kingdom - The original design for AK included a section called the Beastly Kingdom. It was a land devoted to creatures of legend and mythology, with an Evil side (featuring a dragon roller coaster) and a Good side (with unicorns etc). Due to budget constraints, Beastly Kingdom never came to fruition and the Camp Minnie-Mickey was built instead (so LAME!).  Give the Mt. Everest Yeti some mythological buddies to hang out with! 

Postcard for the never-built Venetian Resort

Disney's Venetian Resort (Deluxe) - The original resort opening was scheduled for Oct 1971. The Venetian would have been located between the Transportation and Ticket Center and Disney's Contemporary Resort near the water bridge. It was scrapped early on, replaced by plans for a Mediterranean Resort, which was also never built.  
Too bad! I love Venice and The Venetian hotel in Las Vegas is one of my favorites. You can never have enough wine, pasta and shopping. I like the idea of Goofy navigating a gondola around the Seven Seas Lagoon, too. 

Concept art for the Epcot Arab Pavilion

Arab Pavilion: Originally planned to be the largest Epcot Pavilion, the Arab Pavilion would feature a huge bazaar shopping area, animated boat ride and recreation of Persepolis. It reached the final stages of funding and approval until the Shah of Iran was overthrown and all financial support for the project was lost. 

Concept art for the Switzerland Pavilion - so cool!

Switzerland Pavilion: A Pavilion planned for Epcot's World Showcase. It would have brought a Matterhorn-bobsled type ride to Epcot. That would have been so awesome and such a difference to the Epcot landscape with the addition of a mountain! 

Concept art for the Mt. Fuji Roller Coaster for Japan

Japan Pavilion Roller Coaster: There were plans thrown around for a Mt. Fuji Coaster, Simulated Bullet Train Ride, and even a Godzilla themed attraction for the Japan Pavilion.  I love the Japan Pavilion, but also I really love roller coasters and thrill rides! The story is that Fuji Film was actually prepared to fully fund a mountain-coaster for Japan's Pavilion, but this sponsorship would have directly conflicted with Disney's contract with Kodak, so bureaucracy beat out artistic integrity and the plan was indefinitely shelved.


*~*~*~*~*
"You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." - Walt Disney