It wasn’t long ago that I raved about the value for your dollar that can found while dining at Trail’s End. The buffet at the Fort Wilderness Campground received more praise from me than just about any other dining destination at Walt Disney World. But things have changed a bit, and my view isn’t quite what it once was. Read the rest of this entry »
Located next door to the 50s Prime Time Cafe (in fact, they share bathrooms) is the Hollywood & Vine buffet restaurant. The design of the place is that of a 50s diner. A CM with one of those old-fashioned paper hats, checks you in out front. Then, you must wait to be called and there can often be a significant wait even if you have a reservation. Read the rest of this entry »
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has done some outstanding work since it opened ten years ago. Its conservation efforts are worthy of great credit. But it is time for the park to give its guests a look behind the scenes at the work they do in a more accessible way. If the animals are truly the stars, give us a better backstage pass to see what you do for them.
My point is this; make Rafiki’s Planet Watch better than it is. In concept it is a great idea. You take a wonderfully themed train out of Africa to the place where the magic happens. But after you board the train, the magic quickly fades. You get only a passing glimpse at the animal buildings on the way, rather than a truly good look at what is there. And when you finally get to your destination, there are only a hand full of exhibits and often nothing really happening besides typical character meet-and-greets and a slightly underwhelming petting zoo.
To be honest, I don’t know the logistics of what is available to do there as far as the animals’ welfare is concerned. But even just a more interesting and entertaining complex would be a start. How about an IMAX style film of the Serengeti? I would like to see some more interactive items that teach us about the animals and their homes. How about some animal areas like a lion section where you can actually see lions, as opposed the glimpse of the top of a sleeping lions head you get on the safaris. Or maybe cheetahs, which are almost never seen by guests on the ride? Place experts at these areas to answer questions and get people involved.
It seems the Imagineers started with a good idea at Rafiki’s Planet Watch. And after the design of the train, either ran out of money or creativity. It is time for Disney’s Animal Kingdom to show off the good things it does and bring the people closer to the animals.
After my last trip, I have been in Walt Disney World for well over 30 days during the famous Year of a Million Dreams sweepsta…err…celebration. And I am here to tell you that after all that time spent in the midst of this great “one of a kind” promotion I feel exactly the same way about it I did when I first heard of the plans. I think it stinks, plain and simple.
I must first admit that I have never won anything in all that time. Not a thing. No silly mouse ears, no dream fast passes, just big fat nothing. I guess you can say that my dreams have not come true. But what is worse, because I really never expected to win anything, is that I have never even seen someone else win either? What I have observed is scores of people all looking longingly at the now obvious “dream squads” as they walk by wondering what they need to do to have their dreams come true. I can see the hopeful guests loitering in the area of the dream squad hoping that if they stay close perhaps they will be there when “the dream comes true”. But, I have never seen success.
As I have said many times before, this is not a promotion or a celebration. This is a sweepstakes, nothing more and nothing less. And like nearly all sweepstakes, the goal is to get you to participate not to make sure you win. Disney has done a brilliant job promoting these sweepstakes. But they know darn well that the vast majority of those who participate by paying for a ticket to the park will go home empty handed. No dreams will come true for them. For a company who takes the word “dreams” so seriously, they have really cheapened it tremendously.
I can only hope that this nonsense will soon come to an end. The promotional decorations are getting old and you can barely even find the dream squads anymore, though I guess that is an improvement from being teased by them passing you by and you getting nothing. It is time for a celebration or a promotion that everyone who pays their hard earned money to afford the ridiculously high ticket prices can participate in and benefit from.
Are we finally closing in on the major refurbishment to Space Mountain that we have all been hearing about for so long? It seems that may just be the case, as rumors swirl about an early 2009 closing and a long one at that.
First, here is what Lou Mongello over at Disney World Trivia had to say last week…
Latest rumors indicate that the Magic Kingdom’s Space Mountain will get a major refurbishment including overhaul and possible replacement of some or all of the track (although the layout will remain the same), new load area, new on-ride effects, darkened on-ride environment, and new trains which include single passenger seating and new audio systems. Now here’s the bad news – the refurbishment is rumored to begin in January 2009 and last anywhere form 10-11 months.
While TouringPlans.com confirms this information with a report that also includes a possible closing of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority…
Strong rumors are beginning to indicate a January 9th, 2009, closure of Space Mountain for a long refurbishment period (a year or so) and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority will also close for periods of this refurbishment as the track runs through the Space Mountain building.
Permits were recently filed to replace all of the speakers in the TTA ride, likely preparatory work for the larger refurbishment for both attractions.
So it appears the clock is ticking on Space Mountain, a classic and still very fun e-ticket attraction. Personally, and I have said this before, I think this money would be better spent by adding more to do at the Animal Kingdom or the Studios. But I am still looking forward to seeing what Imagineering can come up with here. They have had a good record of recent upgrade to classic attractions, so here’s hoping that trend continues on one of my long time favorites.
What do you think? From what Mr. Mongello describes, this looks to be a good idea. Even though Space Mountain is great fun as it is, a new track and effect may really turn this into a truly amazing experience. Are you ready for a major change to this Magic Kingdom mainstay?
The World Showcase at Epcot has become one of the more stagnant areas of Walt Disney World. Sure, we now have an updated Mexico boat ride that features the three caballeros. Martin Short now hosts the Canadian films. Big deal. What the area really needs is a new pavillon or two.
During its infancy, there were many grand plans for the World Showcase. I still recall the signs indicating the future sites of pavillons dedicated to Spain and Israel. And how many of you recall the Danny Kaye CBS special that went into detail as to the Equitorial African pavillon. Other plans had Venezuela, Costa Rica, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates all located around the World Showcase. And let us not forget that Italy was to have a gondala ride, Germany was to have a rhine river cruise, and there have been all sorts of rumors about a Japan attraction.
I would like to add two nations to the hit parade. Theoretically, there is room for more than two, but I don’t want the lagoon to feel too crowded. I like the little green spaces between some of the nations. But 2 additions would help rejunevate this area of the park. The question is what countries should join. There are many nations that have a rich history and a well-known culture/mythology that could appeal to park-goers, such as Greece, Egypt, Russia and India. There are nations like Australia and Ireland that appeal to the tourist industry. Other possibilities include Spain, Argentina, Poland, Korea, the Netherlands, etc. etc.
However, the one thing that sticks out about the current line-up is the absence of any South American countries. Africa, at least, has Morocco as well as its own land in the Animal Kingdom. And yes, I know Autsralia is a continent, as well, but I believe that some day it too will be a land at the Animal Kingdom (at least it should be). Therefore, for one of the pavillons, I propose Brazil, the continent’s largest nation. Brazilan cuisine (I know Brazilan barbeque is becoming popular) and shopping venues can be fully developed. Music and dance are an important part of the Brazilan culture and would be represented in a show. A sort of Carnival without the nudity.
An attraction could be lifted from the old African pavillon. The visitor could walk through a dark rainforest at night with sounds of the jungle all around you including a somewhat frightening jaguar. I had an idea awhile back for an American area of the Animal Kingdom that would include both the North and South continents. In the southern part, I would have an Amazon Jungle Cruise. The idea was you slide down a short, dark flume into a large greenhouse filled with amazonian birds, monkeys, turtles and fish. Assuming Disney decides against a South American area of the Animal Kingdom, that idea could be transplanted here. Another option (and my preference so we can keep animals in the Animal Kingdom) would be a massive IMAX presentation detailing the richness of Brazilan architecture, history, and geography.
For the second nation, I would choose Russia. Why you ask? Because I have heard some of the plans for a Russian pavillon and they sound great. St Basil’s onion domed cathedral was the be the centerpiece. There was to be a mixed media (read: AAs, live actors and animation) theater presentation on the history of the country. There was also going to be a ride based on the legend of Ivan and the Magic Pike. Throw in a restaurant and some shops and we are in business.
Finally, I would also add one more attraction to an existing pavillon. During construction, nearly every nation had an attraction to accompany it. Unfortunately, as with many subsequent Disney projects, the budget was too small and things got cut. Of the old pavillons that don’t have any attraction (Germany, Italy, Morocco, Japan and the United Kingdom) the one that needs some new life the most is Germany. The original rhine river cruise was to take the guests through a tour of Germany in minature. I think I would scrap that idea. Instead, we will use the rhine as a cruise through time exploring the “barbaric” tribes (like the Franks and Saxons) who formed the backbone of europe, the crowning of Charlemagne, through the turbulence of the dark ages and Martin Luther. It could explore some of the famous landmarks, as well. Perhaps, it could even include some mythological scenes. All accompanied by the music of Beethoven and Brahms.
These additions would spice things up in the World Showcase. I for one do not like the rumors of a thrill ride coming to this more adult-oriented area. I feel a bullet train ride in Japan or a log flume ride in Canada would be misplaced. Add another coaster to the Magic Kingdom or a log flume to the Animal Kingdom, but keep the World Showcase a little more sedate and focused on the art, culture and cuisine of the world’s nations.
