AllEars® Team Blog

Picnic In The Park - Animal Kingdom

2009-07-01T10:00:14Z

by AllEars® Team Member Jack Marshall

I have always thought that Disney's Animal Kingdom had some of the best food available in any of the parks. Picnic In The Park (PITP) is no exception.

First offered back in April, PITP is definitely a trailblazing meal option for Disney. The basic idea of the program is to select from two tiers of healthy food selections - tier 1 is sandwiches and tier 2 is meats. Details on what the selections are can be found on our Picnic In The Park page.

The process starts when you place your order at the Desk located to the right of the Island Mercantile building.

Orders must be placed a minimum of one and one half hours prior to picking up but you can order your picnic anytime between park opening and 1:30 p.m. for pick up anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The food is prepared in the kitchens of Tusker House. Pick up is done at the window of the Kusafari Coffee Shop and Bakery.

Recently, I dined with two friends and we selected the rotisserie chicken option for three people. The bill came to $29.99 ($31.94 with tax). We ordered our picnic at 10:15 a.m. and picked it up at 12:45 p.m. There are 16 suggested picnic spots throughout the park. We chose the Dawa Bar for its accessibility, closeness to Kusafari Coffe Chop and Bakery and the umbrella tables that kept the spot cooler and dry.

The meal comes in a green reuseable cloth bag.

The tier 2 meal for three consists of your entree, two sides to share, a dessert for each diner and a water for each.

Our rotisserie chicken was supposed to include 6 pieces but we got 8. I don't know whether it was a mistake or not but it was definitely not wasted.

Four our two sides, we chose mashed potato and gravy and macaroni and cheese.These came in pint containers (16 ounces).

We all selected different desserts. Shown here are the cornbread and the brownie.

The final dessert was a crisped rice treat.

The drinks were 12 ounce bottles of water and were the only option. Additional items like soda could be purchased individually if desired.

Finally, all the necessary plates, napkins, plastic utensils, mayonaisse and mustard were included as well.

I found the meal to be very good. It was heavily seasoned and was quite hot when we sat down to eat it. My dining companions also enjoyed their meals. We did notice that several things were lacking, notably butter or margerine for the cornbread and wet naps to clean up after eating the chicken. But these were minor things.

As of June 27th, 2009, Picnic In The Park has expanded to offer meals for two. Previously, meals for three were the smallest meals you could get.

The Disney Dining Plan is accepted for this but it will take one adult quick service entitlement for each meal ordered. In other words a meal for two would take two counter service credits while a meal for three would take three, etc.

I have to admit that this is an item that I most likely would not have purchased for myself but I am very glad that I had to for this report. I know I will be doing this option when my family returns to WDW later this year.

Be sure to visit out Rate and Review Area to share your experience and see what others have to say as well!

Disney's PhotoPass on AllEars.Net

2009-06-02T10:00:52Z

AllEars® Team Member Erin Blackwell brings us this blog entry on Disney's PhotoPass.

What can we tell you about Disney's PhotoPass? Well, like everything else on the site, we try to be as comprehensive as possible, so you have all the information you need for your Disney vacation. Let's start with the basics for everyone who hasn't been to the parks in awhile or is about to go for the first time!

What is Disney's PhotoPass? It used to be Disney's photographers would take pictures of you in a park and give you a slip of paper to claim the photos at the end of the day. If you forgot or if you couldn't get the picture(s) then, you were out of luck. But now, that's all changed... and for the better! With the advantages of digital photography, Disney created the only system of this kind: the photographers still take pictures of your vacation, but now you can claim that any time, including online for 30 days after your trip is over. From there you can view your photos, order prints, and create photo keepsakes. Many guests say since PhotoPass has done away with the old system, they had more photos taken.

The first time you have your picture taken, the photographer will give you a plastic Disney's PhotoPass card with an ID number on the back. Hang onto that card and use it for the duration of your trip. In fact, you can hang on to it and use it on every trip you take! Each time you see one of the roving photographers and want a photo taken, just go up and hand them your card - they'll get you situated, snap the pose, scan your card and off you go - and you can do this as often as you like.

By the way, you're not limited to one card. If you and others in your party each have a card, or you forgot yours in your room so you get another, it doesn't matter. Your online account will take the ID numbers from all those cards and combine them, so everything's in one place.

You'll also get a separate card if you attend a special event such as Halloween parties, and the Walt Disney World water parks give you a small card on a wrist strap like the one on the right. These cards are getting so popular, the Magic Kingdom now offers them at Pixie Hollow, and hopefully, that'll expand to all the parks.

The most important thing is the ID number on the back of the card. All of your photos are linked to that code, so write it down, take a clear picture of it, or save it somehow. That way, if you lose your card, you still have your pictures! You can even send this ID number to someone at home, so they can look at your pictures online and share in your trip. They can also tell you if a picture didn't come out well, so you can have it done again.

Each park at Disneyland and Walt Disney World has PhotoPass Centers, and even some of the resorts, so you can look at them while you're on your vacation. But since they're online for 30 days, from the date the photo was taken, you just go to http://www.disneyphotopass.com, register for free, and enter the ID number on the back of the card(s). Now you can add characters and borders, look at the Disney Gallery for their pictures, and figure out what kind of products you might like.

So where are the photographers? That's the biggest question that I hear. Where are they? How do you recognize them? I'm going to give you two ways of finding them. You'll be able to print these (and even download them to a PDA) so you can have them while you're at the parks.

First, how do you recognize them? Most Disney PhotoPass photographers wear the same basic costume: dark shorts or pants, white shirt, and, most times, a khaki photographer's vest. One exception are the photographers on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom; look for blue and white pinstripe shirts, with white pants and oversized beret-type hats. Both costumes are pictured on the left.

Second, the next big question: where are they? And "why doesn't Disney have maps for them!" Actually, Disney does have maps for the photographer locations. It's true that they aren't on the maps you get in the parks; Disney feels the locations can change so much, the paper maps become too easily obsolete.

But! The All Ears.Net PhotoPass page gives you the link for the only Disney PhotoPass maps; they're online and in PDF format, broken down by the six parks: Disneyland, California Adventure, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios. Just look for the camera icons on the map to find the photographers. You also get some general tips and where you can find the PhotoPass Center in that park.

I said I'd give you another way to find them, and here it is: each PhotoPass page on the site (one for Disneyland parks, and one for Walt Disney World) lists each location. I also give tips like the official maps and the PhotoPass Centers, but (putting on infomercial voice) wait, there's more! The pages give additional tips like characters in each section, and what can you get in the "magical photos", plus the restaurants, special event locations, and resorts. You can read these Disneyland PhotoPass locations and Walt Disney World PhotoPass locations tables, and use the print link to take them with you!

Remember: because of the weather, character times, and photographer availability, photo locations are subject to change without notice. Some locations are meant to be temporary: my husband and I had our picture taken by a photographer taking advantage of the sunset on a lagoon, as an example.

Some readers reported seeing fewer photographers lately; the good news is, Disney is bringing in more, so this problem can be resolved.

Note: one PhotoPass location outside the parks is the NYC World of Disney store, so you can get a touch of Disney while visiting the Big Apple.

"Magical photos"? Yes, Virginia, I did say "magical photos". They can also be called "special poses" or "magical poses". The photographers will ask you to pose in what might seem like odd ways: cupping your hands, pointing to the ground, looking surprised.... They do this because characters are added into the photo, like you crossing swords with Captain Hook or Stitch popping out of the ground. The latest magical photo is the Mickey balloons, like you see in All Ears team member Laura's hands. Disneyland told Laura they've only been available for a month. My personal opinion is, they've been added to coincide with the balloon theme for "What Will You Celebrate?", but it could just be, the balloons look great!

One Disney manager told team member Jack Spence that these balloons are available at all PhotoPass locations. We haven't tested all the places, but we can say that they're definitely available at these two locations:

Disneyland in front of the train station: as you see with Laura.

-and-

Disney's Hollywood Studios on Sunset Boulevard, as you can see with Jack on the left.

Ask if you get the balloon pose in other locations, and if you do, please let AllEars® know! More on that later.

The other newer magical photo that I've seen is also at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and it's Stitch bursting out of a hat in your hands. They offer it on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards.

Professional Portrait Service: Walt Disney World offers a private portrait session for you and your party at five of their hotels: The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, The Beach Club, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the newest location, Wilderness Lodge. (Each of these also has their own PhotoPass center.) For full information, check the Disney's PhotoPass page for Walt Disney World under Locations & Tips.

General tips: this section on the pages is about what you'd expect - tips on making Disney's PhotoPass work for you. The most important tip is what I said above: save that ID number! Others tips include help with dining locations, pictures with children, and not forgetting the great opportunity for beautiful night photos.

Ways to save money: that perked up the ears, didn't it? And why not? Who wouldn't like to save money? Disneyland guests save money on the PhotoCD of all your pictures, but did you know there is a way to get that price when you have a trip to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland?

And Walt Disney World guests: you've probably heard you can pre-order the CD and save 20%. But did you know that, even though this is called a pre-order, you can use the money saving link after your trip, right up to the 30 day deadline. This way, you can make sure you have enough photos to make the CD worthwhile before you buy it.

Look for other ways to save money in this section. Of course, it lists all the products you can purchase; they're the same for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. If you've been to these sections before, one of the updates is to product prices. Some even went down.

Yes, Virginia, you read that right: some prices went down.

Tips on Posing: here's a whole new section added to the pages. It deals with what kind of fun and creative poses you can do. Some photographers are great with this and so are some guests. One of AllEars.Net's photographers, Lisa Berton, for example, got an apple to pose with the Evil Queen from Snow White poisoning her. She also used the crowd behind her at Cinderella's Castle to do a "I crush your head! Crush! Crush!" pose. (Everyone who knows Lisa is nodding their heads right now and grinning.)

Another that I really love is Mickey cupping his hands with a couple's hands folded on top of his, displaying their wedding rings like you would in a wedding album. It's a lovely "intimate" photo that is all Disney.

So check out these new sections to inspire your imagination and have fun!

Contacting PhotoPass: Two things that never change (besides death and taxes): 1) people make mistakes and 2) so do the machines they create. Your photos might not show up in your account, or you have some other reason you need to contact Disney's PhotoPass. The pages give you five different ways to do this: their contact form, 3 different email addresses, and their phone number.

The only difference between the Contact PhotoPass section for Disneyland vs Walt Disney World is: the latter also has the phone number for the Portrait Sessions and the NYC World Of Disney store.

Both also have a link to the Disney's PhotoPass Help FAQ.

What's coming up: For Disney's PhotoPass? Quite a lot, I'm sure: locations are fluid, technology improves, more and more special events are created. For the PhotoPass pages on AllEars.Net? My next big update will be Photo Galleries. This way, you will see all the "magical photos" characters, some of the creative poses you can do, Special Events, and PhotoPass pictures in general.

Of course, I need to keep the pages current so they're useful. One way I do that, in addition to whining badgering politely asking people on the team for help, is reading the feedback, tips and reviews from our readers. Please send in what you learn about Disney's PhotoPass. You help out me and your fellow guests!

Thank you to Jack Spence who dared to open an email with the subject line "Good Morning, Mr. Phelps" where I begged asked for help, and to Laura Gilbreath for all her help!

D23 Materials Arrived!

2009-03-27T19:27:37Z

by Debra Martin Koma
AllEars Senior Editor

Well, it looks like all of my D23 materials (for the new Disney fan club that was announced just a few week ago HERE) have finally arrived.

I wanted to share with you a little bit about them.

I first received the membership card with a welcome letter.

It's a nice, sturdy credit card-sized card with a happy Mickey face on it. It even has my name and join date printed on the reverse side.
Nice.

A few days later, I received my copy of the new magazine and a colorful membership certificate.

You may have already read about the new quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three HERE. Now that I have seen the magazine for myself, I can tell you it really is a collector's item for any Disney fan. Really
high-quality production values, gorgeous photos -- worth the individual retail price of $16.95, in my opinion.

They also tucked in a little D23 decal -- I nearly missed it and threw
it out with the packaging. I'm not sure where I'm going to put it, but
still...

Finally, yesterday my "exclusive D23 gift" arrived in a big cardboard
tube. What was it? A lovely lithograph of Mickey Mouse painting a smile on a globe. The lithograph is a reproduction of a piece that was created in honor of Mickey's 80th anniversary last year by artist Paul Felix, who is an art director at Walt Disney Animation Studios. The original portrait, done in oils, is entitled "Putting a Smile on the World," and is 24x36 inches on canvas.

This lithograph, which comes with a certificate of authenticity verifying that it is the "exclusive 2009 Charter Year collectible gift" for D23 members, measures 20x30 inches. The certificate states that it is printed on archival 65# cougar natural cover stock, with fade-resistant, oil-based process inks.

It really is a lovely print, definitely worth framing and displaying.

So... the yearly membership fee for D23 is about $75. The magazine alone costs about $17/issue and it comes out four times a year. So for the magazine by itself I'd be paying about $68.

The lithograph is obviously worth more than $7, so I'd say that this year, at least, the D23 membership is worth it -- if you're an avid Disney fan.

All that remains to be seen is whether it continues to provide value for money in the coming years...

More on the D23 Program

2009-03-11T06:09:25Z

As you may have already read, on Tuesday, The Walt Disney Company launched D23, billed as "the first official community for Disney fans in the company's 85-year history." According to the official press release, D23 will provide fans with the opportunity to "go backstage and behind closed doors to get the inside scoop from every part of Disney, while experiencing the nostalgia, adventure and fantasy of Disney as never before."

To formally announce the program, Disney hosted a press conference via telephone, with Steven Clark, head of D23 and executive editor of its quarterly magazine "Disney twenty-three," Marty Sklar, Executive Vice President and Walt Disney Imagineering Ambassador, and Dave Smith, Disney's Chief Archivist.

According to Clark, this new program (named for 1923, the year Walt Disney began what eventually became Disney Studios) is unique in that it has "unprecedented support" from the entire Disney Company, from the very highest levels (that would be CEO Bob Iger), and across all business units.

"In the past we have had great traditions of reaching out to fans -- Disney Vacation Club members, annual passholders, even pin-traders," he noted. "But we have not had a singular fan offering, something for all Disney fans."

Rather than catering to these "sub-communities," as Clark put it, D23 will be open to all Disney fans -- at least, those willing to pay $74.99 per year for membership.

And what do you get for that annual fee? "Unprecedented access to Disney, behind the scenes," Clark said. "We really think D23 is the ultimate insider Disney experience. We're going behind closed doors, pulling back the curtains... We realize especially in this economic climate that this is not 'one size fits all.' The D23 site will provide a rich web experience at no cost. The Expo will cost $37 for one day, which we think is affordable for a full day of an outstanding Disney experience. And for those who want the full-year experience, we think there is a great deal of value for $74.99."

The key features of D23:

-- a new high-quality quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three, that features exclusive articles and photography, and behind-the-scenes looks at all aspects of Disney. Better yet, the publication is free of advertising, making it "63 pages of uninterrupted Disney," as Clark called it, and a true collectible in its own right.

--an all-new web site at Disney.com/D23, with frequently updated Disney news, features like "Ask Dave" (Smith, the Disney Archivist), blogs from the production teams, event info and more. The site will be open to the general public, but only D23 members will receive regular email updates on special event and merchandise opportunities exclusive to them.

-- a "Surprise Collectible Gift" and the opportunity to purchase exclusive member merchandise. Each member who joins D23 will receive an exclusive collectible gift from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection. ("And it's NOT a pin," Clark laughed.)This merchandise line was created specifically with D23 members in mind, and each piece is authorized by the Walt Disney Archives. D23 members will have exclusive or early access to a wide assortment of Walt Disney Archives Collection pieces. "We're hoping to offer products that are inspired by or are faithful reproductions of assets we have in the collection of the archives," Clark explained. "For example, we'd really like to produce something like the snow globe from Mary Poppins, but we're really just getting started." But, as Sklar pointed out, the program is not just about finding ways to sell fans more merchandise. "This is about the community of fans -- this is about YOUR Disney," he added.

D23 also will host special events for its members throughout the year, such as advance screenings of Disney films, or smaller member events in the various theme parks -- but the details for these have not been finalized and Clark was reluctant to say too much for fear of "spilling the beans." The organization's signature event, though, will be the D23 Expo, which will be held in Anaheim this September 10-13 (and probably for the next four years, as well). The Expo will be open to all, but D23 members will have the opportunity for early entry to the event, as well as specially discounted tickets both to the Expo and to Disneyland. More details about the Expo, which will feature lots of celebrities, keynote speakers, special activities like a fashion show and screenings, and perhaps even a wedding, will be announced soon when its dedicated site, d23expo.com, officially launches.

Among the other highlights of the conference call, it was interesting to hear Clark's assertion that the creation of D23 does not mean Disney is trying to compete with other unofficial Disney sites or the "blogosphere."

"There is a vast world of stories and perspectives out there, and there is a voracious appetite for consuming Disney trivia, and more," he said, admitting that as a fan he reads many other Disney-related sites. "We believe there is room for everyone," he noted, adding, "We are all celebrating the larger Disney experience." He added that they would love to have other organizations have a presence at the D23 Expo, and did not rule out fan sites having their own tables at the event.

He also did not rule out the possibility of fans contributing content to the D23 site at some point, but admitted that it was not something that had been considered. "It's an interesting idea," he said. "I'll have to run that idea by some others."

Also on hand for the conference call was Chief Disney Archivist Dave Smith, who gave a brief chronology of Disney's relationship with its fans over the years, from the Mickey Mouse Club up through the present day NFFC. Smith, along with others from the Disney Archives, has been involved in the development of the D23 program. He claimed that he, too, as a Disney fan, was eager to see the new organization launch. "In my four decades with the company," Smith noted, "I've witnessed how much the fans stand by Disney. It will be exciting to see how D23 develops in the years to come."

Author's Note: The television program "The View" is visiting
Disney's studios out in Calfornia this week. Clark noted that viewers might want to watch the program Wednesday, March 11, to see actress/host Whoopi Goldberg sing a stirring rendition of the Country Bears Jamboree's "Blood on the Saddle" along with a Disney archivist as she tours the archive facilities.

What's New, What's Next at Downtown Disney

2009-02-26T06:33:01Z

by
Debra Martin Koma
Senior Editor
AllEars®

I recently had the chance to chat with Kristi Koester, a manager of WDW Product Marketing, and we talked about what's going on with the Downtown Disney area. While there was a lot she couldn't talk about, because it's still in the planning stages, there were a few things she COULD reveal. Plus we had the chance to talk more at length about some plans that have already been announced.

"When the night clubs closed on Pleasure Island (on September 28), we announced a complete transformation, not only of Pleasure Island, but of the whole Downtown Disney area," Koester says. "Over the past few months we have been working with Imagineers and many others to finalize this vision we have of making the area Disney's dining, shopping and entertainment metropolis."

Some of the changes to the area we're already seeing, she notes, pointing to the fall 2008 opening of T-Rex and the recent opening of the Design-A-Tee shop at the Marketplace. On the horizon is TrenD (pronounced trend-dee), an upscale, hip Disney fashion boutique, located on the site of the former Summer Sands in the marketplace, due to open in late March. And soon after that there will be a new, as-yet-unnamed restaurant with a Central and South American theme.

E-Brands Restaurants, based in Orlando, is the name behind the new restaurant, and the company already operates a number of high-concept eateries around the country, including Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar, AquaKnox ( seafood), and David Burke (Modern American cuisine in Las Vegas). Nonetheless, Koester claims that this particular restaurant's concept is new to E-Brands, and will add to the mix of the Downtown Disney area, which she says is evolving from "night clubs" to "night life."

The new restaurant, which is slated to open later this year with a wine bar and a tequila bar, will also feature an impressive view of the waterfront.

"That's been one of the issues at Downtown Disney," she notes, "the real estate issue. You have this prime location sitting on the water and it was blockaded by all these buildings. The area needs to be contemporized and the waterfront opened up -- we're looking at ways to maximize this asset."

Another way Downtown Disney will "maximize this asset" is with Characters in Flight, the first Downtown Disney attraction, scheduled to open in April. This tethered balloon ride, situated in the water between Pleasure Island and West Side, is operated by the same company that runs a similar ride at Disneyland Paris. It will allow 30 participants at a time to go 300 feet off the ground and will last six minutes. The cost for the experience has not yet been set, but Koester notes that it will be quite an exhilarating ride.

"The ride will operate day and night," she explains, adding that the balloon will be illuminated in the evenings. "It's off-white, silhouetted with Disney characters, and will be quite a unique site hovering over the water at Downtown Disney."

When asked if this type of activity along with the closing of the night clubs, signals a shift to making Downtown Disney and specifically Pleasure Island more family-oriented, Koester shakes her head.

"No, I don't think that's it. I think the area will have a family focus, but will also be accommodating to others, not catering to one group more than another." She adds, "We're looking at rounding out what we have already and bringing in the best brands from all over. Not necessarily chains, but more unique experiences, like Raglan Road. We're looking at an array of dining possibilities, places with show kitchens, open lounges, that will appeal to everyone, not just families."

So what about bringing some of the old night clubs back, then? Specifically the beloved Adventurers Club, which was a uniquely Disney experience.

"I can tell you for certain that the Adventurers Club as it was will not be coming back to Pleasure Island," Koester states. "I'm afraid it will be a line in Disney history."

As for the rest of the changes the area will be seeing, Koester says they are coming, but as Imagineers are looking at transportation and a whole host of other related issues, it's been a challenge to develop and lock onto a finalized plan. But, she adds, there will be a succession of smaller announcements over the next 18 months to two years, as Disney reaches agreements with other partners who will open locations in the Downtown Disney area.

"As you can imagine, tough economic times like these tend to slow things down," she notes. "But you can expect an announcement at least of the overall vision for Downtown Disney early this summer."

ESPN Updated with Schedule! The Weekend Awaits!

2009-02-23T08:17:29Z

by Debra Martin Koma
Senior Editor
AllEars®

ESPN The Weekend Schedule!
Saturday Part 1
Saturday Part 2
Sunday Part 1
Sunday Part 2

Some of you may know that I visited Walt Disney World during ESPN The Weekend for the first time last year, and that my son came away a winner after participating in the Dream Job Experience (read his blog a see video about the event HERE).

Well, he's twisted my arm, so I'm taking him down for the event again this year -- we'll be heading to WDW later this week!

While I was in the World LAST week, though, I had the chance to speak about ESPN The Weekend to Jason Dobbins of Disney's product marketing. For those of you who also might be going to the see the star athletes and ESPN personalities, here's what he had to tell me about this year's event.

The format for the event will be the same as last year's -- as Dobbins noted, it was so successful last year, they didn't see any reason to change anything this year. So you'll still see the motorcades with the athletes throughout the day, and they'll still have conversations under
the Sorcerer Mickey Hat.

There will also be live broadcasts of popular ESPN shows like "NFL Live" and "1st and 10," live ESPN Radio broadcasts, and interactive game shows like the returning Dream Job Experience and Stump the Schwab for fans to take part in.

In the former show, members are selected from the crowd and have a chance to act as broadcasters of a major sporting event. The
audience votes who does the best job, while the participant gets feedback from some celebrity athlete judges. (That's the one my son the ham participated in.) In the latter, select members of the audience team up with an athlete to answer trivia questions, hoping to outscore ESPN personality Howie Schwab.

Dobbins added that they have been trying to add on another new interactive experience with one of the athletes scheduled to appear, but details weren't quite ironed out when we spoke... so keep your eyes peeled for something new on the schedule!

Shows like these and other activities will again be spread out all over the park, some taking place in the Theatre of the Stars (working around showings of Beauty and the Beast), others possibly in the Sounds Dangerous theater. One of last year's venues, the ABC Theater, is now home to the new American Idol Experience attraction, so instead some shows will be held in what's now called the Premiere Theater, back in the Streets of America area of the park. That theater, former home of the Hunchback of Notre Dame show, is now fully enclosed and air-conditioned.

The theme park will also host the ESPN SportsZone, located behind Rock'n' Roller Coaster and the Soundstages. You get a really cool perspective of the park from back there, plus there's lots going on -- basketball and baseball "clinics", autograph signing... you won't be bored, that's for sure.

Sort of a random note: attendees will be treated to the introduction of a new Powerade product -- apparently, Coca-Cola is giving ESPN The Weekend guests an exclusive first taste.

A tentative list of attendees for the weekend's festivities can be found HERE, but remember -- it'll be changing up until the last minute, as details are being finalized. (But Steeler Lamarr Woodley had better show up, or I'll have one disappointed Pittsburgh fan on my hands!)

If you're heading south for the event, have fun! And if you spot me in the park (I'm sure I won't get out of Disney's Hollywood Studios all weekend!) be sure to say hi!

Watch for a report on the weekend when we get back.

American Idol Experience Press Event

2009-02-14T04:51:07Z

by Debra Martin Koma, Senior Editor

Finally have a minute to catch up after the last two jam-packed days -- just wanted to give you a taste of the American Idol Experience event with the promise that more details and photos will be coming in the next day or so!

The festivities started with a motorcade featuring about 20 past American Idol contestants, including Sanjaya, he of the ever-changing hairdos (below).

Many of the Idol celebrities stopped to speak on the BLUE (not red) carpet, including Bucky Covington.

Once inside the Idol theater, we were surprised with a short speech from Jay Rasulo and a
very unexpected host, Ryan Seacrest -- and judge Paula Abdul.

The Idol show was just great, but even better, it was capped off with performances by David Cook, the most recent Idol winner, and Grammy award-winner Carrie Underwood.

Like I said, this is just a taste of the press event -- more coming about the new attraction and many other things... soon!

Tales of a Reluctant Runner: Part 3: Training Completed

2009-01-06T10:00:51Z

by Michelle Scribner-MacLean

Every Sunday for the past two years I’ve had a ritual – I play tennis with two close friends for two hours early in the morning. I absolutely love this time and, even though I’ve been training for the Disney Half Marathon for the past year, I have never given this up.

As we were walking off the court today, I said, “Well, guys, this time next week I’ll either be in the hospital or I’ll have my medal.” We all laughed, but I thought to myself, “I’ll be fine. I WILL have my medal from Disney.”

Friday marked the last of my long runs, a ten-mile run at my local Y (weather here has not been cooperative, so I had to make do with the indoor track). I will probably do one more 2-3 mile run this week, but my coaches tell me that I need to scale back and allow my body to rest and prepare for the race.

I can’t believe that I’m done…during the past several months I’ve spent hours and hours running, thinking about running, thinking about what gear works for me. I’ve had aches and pains, I’ve noticed my body getting stronger and my stamina building. I’ve had hours of conversations about training, diet, strategy, and I’ve seen the race map and even got a tour of the race route when I was at MouseFest (after running in New Hampshire, it looked blissfully flat!).

I’ve had the support of my family, who had to lose me to yet another activity. I’ve had two terrific coaches, who have checked with me daily, offering advice about how to get around various obstacles such as weather, minor injuries, and working around a busy schedule. I’ve also had the support of my wonderful friends who have been there with an encouraging word and I’ve even had the support of many All Ears readers, whose emails have meant the world to me.

So…when I was leaving that tennis court today, I came to the realization that I’ve put in the hard work and I’m ready to tackle my 13.1 miles. I do so with a bit of trepidation, but lots of enthusiasm and confidence. I know the hard work all these months will pay off.

What’s left to think about? Well, when I was at MouseFest, I had the pleasure of meeting Melanie, her sister Julie, and their very nice mom. These Colorado ladies were kind enough to share their Disney running experiences (and their hopes to run more Disney races).

This family was so special and full of enthusiasm, they really touched me… and yesterday I was fortunate enough to find a note from Melanie in my email box.

She reminded me about something that I’d forgotten that I need to do….She said, “…for a few minutes (or maybe even a few hours) try to be a little selfish. Try to soak in your accomplishment. Be proud, you have worked hard for this and you deserve the elation you will feel when you cross the finish line. It is the most amazing feeling in the world. I have said repeatedly that I wish I could bottle my feelings at the end of the race because you will feel like you can accomplish anything (and you just did)!”

Thanks, Melanie. I will be sure to take that time to soak it all in. I am proud…of this journey…that I didn’t give up, and that I’m ready to go. Mostly, though, this experience has reminded me how lucky I am to have such a wonderful support network in my life.

Good luck to all of my follow runners! Looking forward to seeing you there at the finish line!

Signed,
The Not-So Reluctant Runner
Michelle

Capturing the Magic The All Ears Way

2009-01-05T10:00:09Z

by Mike Scopa and Michelle Scribner-MacLean

Capture the Magic is a Tagrel Community MouseFest ritual that answers the age old questions: How many people can you find with Disney tattoos in the Magic Kingdom, is it possible to persuade guests to form a chorus line and do high kicks, and can you convince cast members to use their bodies to spell out the word “Mickey” in Liberty Square?

Picture this: several Walt Disney World veterans wearing matching shirts, running all around the World in a photo scavenger hunt for which the only prize for winning is a year’s worth of bragging rights.

We decided to tag along as our All Ears Team, composed of our fearless leader, Deb Wills, and team members Linda, Gloria, Laura, Andrea, and Lisa tried to score points and beat the clock in this 90 minute challenge.

Two AllEars reporters grabbed their camera, notebook, and running sneakers as we tried to catch up with this energetic crew. Here are a few of the memories that we captured as they tried to work as a team to Capture the Magic.

AllEars team takes off!
With time of the essence, the AllEars team rushes to their first clue led by team photographer Lisa Berton. They were fast – even though both reporters are training for Disney races and found it a challenge to keep up with this determined crew.

The Eyes Have It
At one stop in Tomorrowland, the AllEars team members consider changing the name of our website to AllEyes.net.

Sharing Disney knowledge
The AllEars Brain Trust deciphers the next clue.

Abbey Road
The AllEars rendition of the Abbey Road album cover, as they follow their fearless leader to the next task.

When You Least Expect It, Disney Magic Happens
The AllEars Team shows that there is strength in numbers as they lift Merlin’s Sword.

Wishes
Are there enough coins in the world to ensure our beloved AllEars team wins this scavenger hunt?

The AllEars Rendition of the Dream Team
What exactly is it about the Hall of Presidents that makes you sleepy? Even being outside this attraction (currently closed for refurbishment) seems to make our fearless team members want to take a nap.

Checking to See What is Left
Keeper of the clues, Linda Eckwerth, keeps the crew on track while she checks to see what is left.

A Cast of Thousands Tried to Help Them Meet Their Goal
During the competition, the AllEars Team and some cast members got a big kick out of this stop on the scavenger hunt.

They’re a Little Bit Country
A country jamboree AllEars style!

Really Minnie Mouse?
With 15 minutes to go and exhaustion setting in, the AllEars team apparently started to see imaginary characters (your humble reporters, however, noticed nothing….hmmmm).

Doing the Holidays the Disney Way
When on Main Street, U.S.A., it’s always the right time to break out into hardy renditions of your favorite holiday classics.

See Ya Real Soon!
Although they may not have won, the AllEars crew had a wonderful team-building experience and got to see the Magic Kingdom in a different way.

We are very proud of their efforts on behalf of the entire AllEars team and these reporters are grateful to have tagged along during this spirited (and, at times downright strange) trip through the Magic Kingdom.

Musings From A Newly-Dubbed MouseFest Veteran

2008-12-26T10:00:55Z

Musings From A Newly-Dubbed MouseFest Veteran
by Michelle Scribner-MacLean

[cue fanfare]

I’d like to make an announcement. I am now a MouseFest veteran. After three years, I finally feel like I have to chops to give myself this title. Am I allowed to give myself this title? I’m not really sure. There may, in fact, be some sort of a MouseFest Committee that approves these sorts of things, but in lieu of presenting my case to such a committee, I will leave it up to you, dear reader. I will make my case as I describe my trip and allow you to decide if I’ve moved from newbie to veteran status.

Fact #1: Arrived Early

In years past, I arrived at MouseFest on the day everything was getting started. Bad move. It was like getting sucked into a whirlwind and I never really caught my breath. This year, however, I decided to arrive a day before things actually got started.

Early Wednesday morning I met my AEN buddy Mike Scopa at the airport and headed off to Orlando very early. (Mike and I make up the New Hampshire Bureau of AllEars). This was a good chance to compare schedules, chat, and for me to hear about the 107 meets that Mike was hosting (okay, it may have been more like 8, but it was making me exhausted just hearing about all that was on that guy’s plate!).

After we got to Orlando and checked into our respective resorts, we headed to Downtown Disney to meet Mike Newell (MouseWorld Radio and WDW Today podcast) and some other friends for a very relaxing, though noisy, lunch at a new restaurant that we all wanted to try, T-Rex.

Overall, I was underwhelmed by the restaurant, which template is largely based on The Rainforest Café: from the store on the outside to the podium where you check in, there are a lot of similarities. The theming has some interesting elements including a very large, animatronic octopus, an ice room, and a periodic meteor storm, but there are a few things other things that detract from the experience. As I mentioned, it was also very loud and not a good place to chat with friends, but also, it was pretty expensive (my salad was $13.99 and it was okay, but not worth that money).

Fact #2: Spent Time With Old Friends, Made New Friends

The first year I went to MouseFest, I knew almost no one. As with any new experience, it was sort of a risk to go there, but I did go and had a nice time. I met up with a few people and left with the notion that it would be a good idea to get more involved in the Disney community: listen to more podcasts, read more of the writers, and join some of the Disney online boards so that I could get to know a few more people who had the same passion for Disney that I did.

Year two of MouseFest I was lucky enough to know a lot more people before I got there, but I also spent time with some MouseFest veterans, who introduced me to even more new experiences.

For year three, I found that I was approaching my planning in a new way: with my friends in mind. We spent months making plans, emailing schedules, planning ADRs. This year I knew that, rather only than run from meet, I wanted to make spending time with friends a big part of my experience. So I did.

I met some old friends, including Masayo from Japan, and delighted when several people came up to her, knew her name, and asked to have their photos taken with her. Masayo’s generosity, enthusiasm, and love of all things Disney are legendary.

I got to know some friends a bit better. One person who comes to mind is fellow AEN staffer Fred Block. I knew Fred a little bit from MouseFests past and from Magic Meets, but there I always see him race from place to place on a Segway. Fred and I are gadget lovers and got to have fun conversations about that, but on Monday we both participated in the recording of the WDW Today podcast Sip and Snack episode.

Basically, the idea is to choose one drink or snack as you travel around each of the countries at EPCOT. After spending several hours with Fred, I’ve decided that he is one of the most hysterically funny people I’ve ever met and I think he should have his own sitcom: The Fred Block Show. Watching him eat marzipan in Germany was just priceless (although I’m still not convinced that Fred actually knows what marzipan is even now).

I also got to meet some new friends, people who I will look for when I attend future MouseFests. Two people who quickly come to mind are Colin and Elisabeth from Georgia, who were spending their 5th anniversary at WDW and attending their first MouseFest. They brought so much enthusiasm to every meet that we went to that it was a pleasure to watch them enjoying themselves.

Through the kindness of Deb Wills, I was able to offer Colin and Elisabeth a “wish,” tickets to attend an AllEars Illuminations dessert party. As we stood there and watched the show together, I found myself looking forward to meeting up with these friendly WDW fans again.

Fact #3: Took Time to Relax

I’m not going to pretend that I got all of that much sleep at MouseFest – that is one MF skill that I’ve yet to master. However, I did take time during the week to do some really relaxing and fun things, away from the regular meets and meetings that I attended. First, I took the time to look at the holiday decorations at the different resorts. One afternoon I spent some quiet time at the Yacht Club, looking that the toy train set with a Disney touch.

Although I wasn’t staying at DVC resort during this trip, I did take about 30 minutes sitting by Storm-Along Bay at our home resort, Beach Club. It was wonderful, quiet, “me” time and I decided that sitting by this pool is is one of my “happy places” at WDW.

Finally, the most relaxing time of all during the week was courtesy of Deb Wills, who spoiled the AEN staff with a delicious dinner at the Gaylord Palms. While spending several hours chatting with friends was relaxing in itself, we were further spoiled with a visit to Ice. We live with lots of ice in the northeast, but never saw anything like this. I highly recommend this experience.

Fact #4: Tried New Things

I always try to do some new things when I’m at WDW. Even with all my trips, I’ve yet to experience everything there is to do. In addition to attending several new meets, I tried out a few other new things. During the Sip and Snack, an AEN colleague recommended that I try the green tea ice cream in China. Here’s my reaction.

If you're unsure of what that face means, it means "not my cup of tea." (Pun intended). Thanks for that, Mr. Scopa.

It was also my first time trying the Illuminations Dessert party, a few other new restaurants, and it was my first time co-hosting an AEN meet at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, which was a lot of fun and a huge honor.

So, dear reader….I will leave the verdict to you. Am I now a MouseFest veteran? I think so.

Regardless of your vote, I hope to meet you there next year.

Passholders' American Idol Experience Tour

2008-12-15T13:41:29Z

by Debra Martin Koma
AllEars® Senior Editor

At the outset, I have to say one thing: I am very excited to announce that I was the very first non-Disney cast member to set foot in the brand new American Idol Experience that is nearly set to debut in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Yes, when Disney held its special Annual Passholder tour for the new attraction on Sunday, I was the very first person in the very first (10 a.m.) tour to set foot in the place. It was pretty exciting. For me, at least.

So, what did I learn on the tour? Well, lots of things. Most importantly, I guess, is that the new attraction is scheduled to open on February 14, 2009! Whatever the new attraction may be like, I'm always thrilled when something new opens.

What else can I tell you? Well, I'm sorry that I wasn't allowed to take photos on the tour, so I'll try to relate as much as I can remember.

Since they couldn't really let us see the actual show that guests will experience come next February, they walked us through both backstage and in front of the stage.

When you enter the backstage area, you'll first encounter the auditioning booths... two as soon as you enter, another two further down the corridor. The whole area is very sleek and contemporary, done in royal blue carpeting, light wood, glass block and chrome. Though it wasn't there yet, the area will also eventually have a plasma screen TV, which will show an introductory video featuring American Idol's host, Ryan Seacrest.

But wait... Maybe I should back up a bit. For those of you who want to try out to be a performer at the American Idol Experience, you'll be able to pre-register online on Disney's site, before you come down to Walt Disney World, or you can just simply turn up to audition on the spot. (You'll have to be at least 14, though.) Those who audition will sing, a cappella, for a casting director in one of the four soundproof rooms. They'll be allowed to bring one guest with them throughout the whole process.

If selected during the audition process, the contestant will next spend some time in the producer's lounge, where they will be given an iPod holding 113 songs. They'll have up to 20 minutes to listen to the tunes on the iPod to decide which one they would like to sing at the next step in the process -- in front of the producer.

The producer's room is slightly large than the basic auditioning booth. There the contestant will sing with accompaniment and will learn whether they are passing on to the next phase -- to perform in front of an audience. There will be three to five contestants selected for each show.

Once the contestants are selected they will be given a special "vote for me!" lanyard to wear as they walk around the park for the remainder of the day, until they are tapped to perform. Contestants will receive a phone call about an hour before they are due to perform for the American Idol Experience -- that gives them time to talk with the stage coach, vocal coach, and hair and makeup people.
As the tour guide told us, everyone will truly be set up for success.

On the audience side, though, no special skills are necessary. As you're waiting in the outdoor queue, a crew will be filming you -- excerpts will then be intercut into a video that will somehow be used during the show. (Justin Guarini, runner-up from the first season of American Idol, will be featured in this video.)

When you enter 1000-seat theater you'll find quite a sight. More sleek furnishings, blue carpeting and upholstery, but more than that -- the set is identical to the REAL American Idol show. Understandable, really, when you discover that it was designed by the same person who designed the set for the television show, Andy Walmsley.

This "smart theater", as the tour guides called it, is equipped with some impressive technology. For example, the LED lights that it uses save enough energy to power 60 houses each day. In addition, during the performances, the contestants will wear a transmitter that will enable the lighting to follow them automatically -- no worrying about stepping out of the spotlight.

After the contestants perform, they will be evaluated by three judges, who will be patterned after the familiar format used on the American Idol television show. One judge will be the hip, cool judge, one will be nurturing, and one will be the "tell it like it is" judge -- you know, like Simon Cowell. However, as our tour guide reminded us, it IS Disney World, so this judge won't be quite so nasty. And, just like on the television show, while the judges have their say, it is the audience's vote that counts. Members of the audience cast their vote using the keypads embedded in their armrests.

There will be seven preliminary shows per day, each running about 20-25 minutes. The eighth and last show of the day will be the grand finale, which will last about 45 minutes. During the finale, the seven winners from the day's earlier shows will perform, vying for the big prize -- a Dream Ticket that gives them the chance to go before a producer of the actual American Idol show. As one of our tour guides described it, it's like a FASTPASS to AI -- it doesn't guarantee you'll be on the show, but it gets you past the auditioning process and directly to a producer.

Other participants who don't win the Dream Ticket will receive special commemorative souvenirs, too, but it sounds like the experience alone will be a fantastic memory to take home.

Our tour guides concluded by telling us that a Passholder Preview is coming soon -- no date given, though. If you're interested in going, be sure you're registered on Disney's passholder site, as the announcement will be coming by email.

Overall, I'm anxious to see this new show -- I'm probably one of about 10 people in the World who has never watched American Idol on television, but still, I think seeing the new live "Experience" will be interesting -- but only from the audience! There is no way I would ever audition for something like that myself!

Running Disney With Gadgets

2008-11-25T10:00:24Z

Running Disney With Gadgets By Michelle Scribner-MacLean

Among my friends, I have a bit of a reputation for loving electronic gadgets….in fact, I have earned the nickname Gadget Gal because I really do enjoying playing with my technology toys.

I was happy to find that there are many ways to connect my love of gadgets with my preparation for the Disney Half Marathon. In fact, I have found several things that have made my training more organized and my running more fun.

Web Gadget: Map My Run

MapMyRun (www.mapmyrun.com) is a wonderful website that helps runners with journaling workouts, figuring out pace, and even number of calories burned. The most interesting tool on the website, is the feature that allows you to find out how far you’ve run by “drawing” your route on a map.

In addition to calculating your distance (I, for one, like to know if I’ve run 3.2 versus 3.5 miles!), it also allows you to save your runs and share them with friends. The best part is that, although, you need to provide a username and password, but MapMyRun is free. Because you have a free account, you can save your runs and view your progress.

iPhone Gadget: iMapMyRun

I’m a die-hard iPhone owner and recently discovered a new, free application for the iPhone that is related to MapMyRun – it’s called iMapMyRun (available at the iTunes Store in the Applications section). When you got out to run you can bring your iPhone with you and turn on iMapMyRun which uses the iPhone’s GPS features to pick up satellites which tracks your time, current speed, average speed, as well as your route.

When you return from your run you can save it and it will upload it to your MapMyRun account, as well as show you a map of where you ran. There is even a feature to allow you to post your running route on your Twitter account (Twitter is free “micro blog” social networking tool). I use this constantly now in my training and when I return from my run, I still find my gadget-loveself saying, “This is so cool!” It is cool, but it’s very useful.

Music Gadget: Your MP3 Player Plus iTunes

The final gadget that is indispensable is my Disney running list on my MP3 player (which, for me, is integrated into my iPhone).

Over the years I’ve collected many Disney songs that a fun and inspirational….and just keep me moving over those long distances. Some of the songs on my playlist include: Will and Elizabeth (Pirates of the Carribean), Go the Distance (Hercules), Colonel Hathi’s March (Jungle Book), Just Can’t Wait to Be King (Lion King), Under the Sea (Little Mermaid), Grim Grinning Ghosts (Bare Nake Ladies), Go With the Flow (Finding Nemo: The Musical), Jalan Kopo (pre-show music for EPCOT’s Illuminations), and, of course, the Mickey Mouse March.

You can share your list of running songs by building publishing a playlist on iTunes for free. You can view some of my Disney Running Playlist and download songs at: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=296681342

Gadget Holders

Now you’re probably envisioning me running with gadgets strapped all over me, that isn’t the case. There are many device holders available on the market into which your phone or MP3 player can fit safely. With mine, the nylon case straps comfortably around your arm with Velcro and stays snug during running.

Safety First

It’s certainly fun to have gadgets, but safety has to come first. I make sure that even when I’m listening to music, the volume is low enough that I can hear cars, pedestrians, or other runners.

During many races (Disney included), you’re not permitted to use MP3 players because of the number of runners. I might miss my gadgets, but they have been very helpful for training and getting ready for my half marathon. And anyway, I know the sights and sounds of Walt Disney World will allow be all I need to keep me moving to the finish line.

Old Key West New Patio Furniture

2008-10-26T10:00:01Z

Jack Marshall just returned from a trip to Walt Disney World. He stayed at Old Key West and reports that all the villas have received new patio furniture!

Jack also spotted this sign at Downtown Disney!

Adventures by Disney - Backstage Magic - Now It's Time to Say Goodbye

2008-09-24T10:00:00Z

Our last breakfast was at Storyteller's Cafe at the Grand Californian, but it seemed a bit lonesome since not everyone was there. Some of our tour family had very early flights and were already gone; others had much later flights and were sleeping in on their last day. But for those of us there, it was a bittersweet time.

I can't say enough nice things about everyone in our group. We had all sorts of personalities and a wide variety of ages and interests, but everyone just meshed together perfectly. If any of you happen to be reading this blog, thank you for the pleasure of your company and thank you for helping make this trip so memorable.

Gary and I left the Grand Californian in grand style, a shiny black town car to take us back to LAX and our totally uneventful trip home.

If you've followed along this far, you've probably done so because you might be considering this or another Adventures by Disney trip.

I cannot begin to tell you how first-class the Adventures are. Prior to booking, when we looked at the cost of the trip, it was definitely in the "pricey" range. After having actually been on the Adventure, I know why. Everything was absolutely top notch and that is the "signature" of all the Adventures.

We were met at (and returned to) the airport in a private town car. Our meals were wonderful. The accommodations couldn't have been any better. The Hollywood Renaissance Hotel where we spent the first two nights was connected directly to the Hollywood & Highlands center and the Kodak Theater (where the Oscars are presented). Perfect location; perfect tours.

There was not one little item that our guides Quinn and Julie did not think of and take care of for us. Thirsty? Here's a bottle of water. Hungry? Here's a snack. Too hot in the sun? Here's an umbrella to use.

Second, if you are a pin collector, the trips are the only way you can get pins specific to your trip. We received one pin each day. I'm assuming it's probably the same on all the trips.

Overall, our Adventure exceeded every expectation I had for a "tour." I did virtually no planning and just went with the flow.

A number of attractions at the park were under refurbishment. Since this is probably the only trip I'll make to California for a long time, I was disappointed not to be able to see the Haunted Mansion, Fantasmic, The Main Street Electrical Parade, Small World and the Aladdin show. If you take the tour at another time, you probably will not experience as many closures. But, as I said, that was a bit of a disappointment. I wish I had known beforehand; I might have booked for a different date.

A minor disappointment was with the "backstage" part. I loved everything we did; I just wanted to do more. When I took the day-long Backstage Magic tour at WDW, we went into costuming, the paint shop, the carpentry shop, some of the storage facilities, computer central for the MK parade, etc. I was expecting this same sort of backstage experience, but it wasn't there.

I asked our guides about this and they pointed out reasons why those types of experiences were not included. First (and probably foremost), the upper management at the California parks has a different philosophy about "backstage" than does the management at the Florida parks. They are more protective of the "magic" and are less willing to share how the magic is made; they do not want to spoil it for the guest.

Second, Adventures by Disney tours are designed for families with children as young as 5. (They do not design a special tour when it's adults only.) At WDW, you must be 16 to go on the Backstage Magic tour ...so, sights (like rows of Mickey Mouse heads) that might be interesting for teens and adults would be totally inappropriate for smaller children.

There is also a safety factor, especially when children are in a group as well as a "space constraint" factor. Disneyland does not have the luxury of space that the Florida resort area has. We had 24 on our tour and often had to split into two groups. (Some tours have as many as 40.)

Even with the rehabs and less of the "backstage" than I would have liked, this Adventure was wonderful and worth every penny. Could you go to California and see the parks for less money? Absolutely! Could you have the same experiences? Absolutely no way!!

Would this trip be right for you? Maybe yes, maybe no. Think about what you want to get out of your trip. If you want to go and spend maximum time in the two parks, ride every ride, see everything there is to see, then, no, it's probably not for you unless you add on a day or two more to your trip. Yes, you can see a lot, but there's no way to see it all in the amount of free time you have.

Do you like Disney history and learning about the company philosophy passed down by Walt Disney himself and how it shapes the parks today? If so, this trip will be a dream come true. On the other hand, if you could care less about the history, then skip the Adventure and just go visit the parks.

Do you like a good bit of structure to your trips? Your Adventure is VERY structured for most of the time. Yes, you do have some free time on your own, but often it's just a couple of hours. You do have to be up early for breakfast and morning activities. You do need to meet with the group on time for various elements of the tour. You do walk a LOT, but it's a "comfortable" trip. Sneakers and casual clothes are appropriate most all the time.

So back to that earlier question, is this trip right for you and your family? Only YOU can make that determination, but I give the Adventure an A+ and I give our Adventure guides Quinn and Julie and A++ for their knowledge, their willingness to share, their hard work and their wonderful, warm and welcoming personalities.

If you have specific questions, you can e-mail me at ggkons at gmail dot com and I will try to answer as quickly as I can.

Adventures by Disney - Backstage Magic - Disney's California Adventure

2008-09-23T10:00:00Z

All Ears team member Glo from Miami and her husband Gary continue their report on their Adventure by Disney - Backstage Magic! Click here for all of Glo's reports! Scroll down for most recent entries.

Today is the last full day we had on our tour and it was packed full of wonderful experiences.

The day began early again (7 AM) with a great buffet breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen in the Disneyland Resort. I would be remiss if I didn’t stop to tell you that they fed us very well on the trip …maybe too well ;-) The various breakfast buffets were wonderful as were all of the other meals. Also, throughout the day, if appropriate, Quinn and Julie would make cold bottles of water and juice as well as other snacks (granola bars, cookies, fruit chews, etc.) magically appear. We did not go hungry or thirsty, for sure!

After breakfast, we headed to Disney’s California Adventure for a couple of backstage activities before the park opened.

First was Soarin’ over California at Condor Flats. Although the building façade looks different and some of the queue is different, this is exactly the same attraction that was installed at WDW in 2005. We split into two groups and while one group “soared,” the other group did a backstage activity.

From Soarin’ we went directly to the animation building and had a private talk with Crush. This was not the Turtle Talk with Crush show that many are familiar with, but rather, just a conversation with Crush for our group. I was hoping they would explain some of the technology of this attraction and was a bit disappointed when they didn’t, but it was still a wonderful experience.

We also went into studio where we were taught how to draw Mickey Mouse. Some of us had wonderful Mickey’s, but others agreed that their Mickeys looked more like Chip or Dale. No matter, it was a fun experience and those drawings magically appeared in tubes to be taken home on the last morning.

As an extra and special activity, our group then headed over to the Tower of Terror and rode as a group using some sort of “Magical Fast Pass” our guides possessed.

We then had lunch and the rest of the afternoon and early evening on our own, but were left with instructions to meet at the Hyperion Theater where we would walk to the location for our farewell dinner. I can’t remember where we were supposed to have our farewell dinner, but wherever it was, that location was closed and a buffet was set up for us in the “props room” of the Hyperion. It was a great location and obviously constructed to be used as a private group dining facility.

As with all the other meals, the food was delicious, but there were a number of other surprises in store for us. An animator, Stacia, who has been with the Disney Company for some 30 years, drew characters per our requests. What a fun experience.

We also watched a slide show of all our various adventures and had a visit by a couple of very special characters. I’ll never tell, but I’ll bet you can guess.

…but that wasn’t all the magic for our last night. Once dinner was over, we had an hour or so before we met back in Disneyland to view the fireworks from our special viewing area …and special it was! Perfect view of the castle with no one in front of us.

You know those dirty looks you get when you use a Fast Pass on Rock n Rollercoaster when the stand-by line says 90 minutes and you just waltz by a zillion people? Yep, we got lots of those kinds of looks as we sat on the strategically placed benches behind a rope with two cast members “guarding” our view saying, “This is a walkway, move right along. You can’t stand here.”

For a few minutes we thought we might not get to see the fireworks show. According to Guide Julie, they are canceled more often than you’d think because the park is located so close to the freeway. So, if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, the debris from the shells falls on the moving cars and this is not a good thing. They will delay the fireworks up to 15 minutes, hoping the winds die down enough, but if that hasn’t happened by 9:40, they cancel the show because local ordinances restrict the noise after 10 PM. Those of you who know me personally, know I LOVE fireworks and I was so hoping they wouldn’t be canceled …and they weren’t.

The show begins much the same way as “Wishes” in the Magic Kingdom at WDW, but then takes all sorts of spectacular twists and turns. Tinker Bell flies from the top of the Matterhorn, down to the castle, past the castle, around the castle, back toward the Matterhorn. It is much more impressive than the “flight” at WDW …and so were the fire jets from the castle parapets! All in all, it was a wonderful show and a wonderful way to end our adventure.