The “World” According to Jack

Recently, I called to make reservations at the Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion. I wanted to eat sometime between 5pm and 7pm. I didn’t care what day.

The operator checked every day starting on June 25. It wasn’t until October 31st that he was able to secure a table for me at 5:45pm. Along the way, he was able to offer a couple of 8:30pm and 4:00pm reservations, but the prime dining times were completely booked up.

The operator told me that the Le Cellier is the most difficult restaurant to book at Walt Disney World and guests need to be willing to make reservations 120-180 days in advance to eat here.

For there Spanish speaking guests, Disney is offering a baseball cap that says:

Where suenos come true.

AllEars® Team member Jack Spence visited the Contemporary Resort recently.

According to reports, the Food and Fun Center was supposed to close this past weekend. I ate lunch at Concourse Steakhouse Tuesday, 7/31, so I could take pictures of the Tempo Grab and Go (temporary replacement) next to the Outer Rim. It isn't there yet. In fact, the Fun and Food Center is still open. We asked our server when it would open and all she knew was "very soon."

I noticed a couple other "construction" projects going on at the resort.

Actual construction has begun where the North Wing once stood at the Contemporary Resort. This is the possible site of the rumored new Disney Vacation Club resort.

All of the public doors into the Contemporary Resort are being remodeled. The revolving doors are being replaced with sliding doors with an "airlock" room inbetween.

I visited the Magic Kingdom today and took a couple of pictures of the Haunted Mansion. As you can see, it is encased in scaffolding.

Jack Spence Reports....

The Food & Fun Center on the first floor of the Contemporary Resort has been completely closed.

A new, temporary, counter service restaurant is now open on the fourth floor of the resort. This new eatery is called the Tempo Grab And Go. Much to my delight, this short-term establishment looks more permanent than temporary so resort guests won’t feel like they’re being short-changed when paying deluxe prices.

A new shop on the fourth floor is also taking shape as actual structures are now visible. In addition, the new floor tile in this area is coming along and looks quite nice.

On the first floor, artist renderings now display what the redesigned check-in area will look like.

Construction continues on the rumored DVC just to the north of the Contemporary. The building is definitely taking on a horse-shoe shape that matches artist renderings that circulated on the internet for a short time.

All Ears® Team Member Jack Spence (accompanied by Anita Answer and friends) files this report:

The good news: it’s still the Haunted Mansion. It has been improved. Some changes are obvious, others would hardly be noticed. They come together to update a wonderful attraction. Somebody who had never been on the attraction wouldn’t have a clue of which effects are new, and which are the originals from 1969 / 1971. Even people familiar with the attraction might have trouble.

First, what hasn’t changed:

It’s still the Haunted Mansion.

The feeling of the attraction is the same.

The entire graveyard scene is the same.

The busts that turn to watch you pass are the same.

The hitchhiking ghosts still join you on the way out.

The ballroom dancers are still backwards.

Rumors that weren’t true:

There are no live bats

There is no new shop at the exit.

What is different outside:

Outside, the queue begins near the old fastpass structure. The line has a couple of switchbacks in this area before proceeding under the “13 minute” sign. (The line was long this morning, so all the queue was in use.) The awning over the queue area next to the Rivers of America is wider than it used to be. This provides enough space that they can divide it into thirds – so one line goes in front of the mansion toward the attraction entrance, then it switches back toward the 13-minute sign, then switches back toward the attraction entrance again. The line is narrower than it used to be, so people more naturally fill the available space without worrying about passing (or being passed by) somebody else.

The color of the building is subtly different.

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD. DO NOT LOOK/READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED AT THE HAUNTED MANSION CHANGES. DETAILS OF THE CHANGES INSIDE OF THE ATTRACTION ARE BELOW THIS WARNING.

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD. DO NOT LOOK/READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED AT THE HAUNTED MANSION CHANGES. DETAILS OF THE CHANGES INSIDE OF THE ATTRACTION ARE BELOW THIS WARNING.

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD. DO NOT LOOK/READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED AT THE HAUNTED MANSION CHANGES. DETAILS OF THE CHANGES INSIDE OF THE ATTRACTION ARE BELOW THIS WARNING.

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD. DO NOT LOOK/READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED AT THE HAUNTED MANSION CHANGES. DETAILS OF THE CHANGES INSIDE OF THE ATTRACTION ARE BELOW THIS WARNING.

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD. DO NOT LOOK/READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED AT THE HAUNTED MANSION CHANGES. DETAILS OF THE CHANGES INSIDE OF THE ATTRACTION ARE BELOW THIS WARNING.

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT AHEAD. DO NOT LOOK/READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED AT THE HAUNTED MANSION CHANGES. DETAILS OF THE CHANGES INSIDE OF THE ATTRACTION ARE BELOW THIS WARNING.

What is different inside

The first improvement I noticed was the sound. In the stretch room, the ghost host doesn’t bounce from one location to another. Rather the voice moves smoothly around the room. Also, some new sounds have been added to improve effects – when the room stretches, it creaks.

The interior of the attraction has been spruced up. For example, the wallpaper in the stretch room is new. The old was looking rather shabby. The frames on the stretch pictures look better.

The lighting throughout has been improved. While the ambient lighting isn’t brighter, most anything of interest is better lit. The hanging body above the ceiling is more visible; the ballroom characters are brighter.

Some of the pictures with the eyes that follow you have been moved to the loading area. The hallway where these pictures used to be now has windows on the left side, with lightning outside and the appropriate thunder. On the other side, there are still pictures, some with the eyes that follow you, and some not. But all of the pictures change appearance with the flashes of lightning.

One of the most obvious changes is the area where giant spiders used to be on giant webs. Those are completely gone, replaced by stairways going up, down, and around at odd angles. Some room décor around the area (such as candelabra and small rugs) are also at odd angles, even upside down. You can even see the foot falls as a ghost is walking on the steps. I always thought the spider webs were put in because there just wasn’t enough space in this area for anything more. The Imagineers certainly overcame that limitation.

The séance room has more items floating around the outer edges (or are they just better lit?) Madame Leota’s crystal ball floats and moves above the table.

The other most obvious changes are in the attic room. The pop-up heads are gone. Similar to the Disneyland HM, there are several pictures, each with the same bride, but each with a different groom. At Disneyland, the faces of the grooms fade out. I believe the effect is supposed to be the same here, but it wasn’t working. Finally, you see the bride, holding an ax which appears and disappears.

One of the best effects is that there are eyes (bats’ eyes, I think) which watch you from the darkness. Some of the eyes even move. As you move along, the eyes transform into the wallpaper – the same wallpaper with eyes that has been on the walls since opening day.

If you're looking for more information on the Haunted Mansion, Jason Surrell has written a great book on this attraction. The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies fleshes out how the Mansion's 999 grim grinning ghosts were brought to life. Rare early sketches and story concepts, and stunning architectural drawings illustrate the Mansion's evolution as it was constructed at each Magic Kingdom Park around the globe.
The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies

I rode the Haunted Mansion today and I’m happy to report that the Attic Room is now working properly.

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When the HM reopened, the Attic Room had been completely redesigned. Instead of the carnival-like “pop-up” heads, various portraits of a bride and her numerous, headless husbands were scattered around the attic. However, the pictures were stagnant and contained no special effects. Now, as you pass by each portrait, the husbands’ faces fade in and out as guests pass by while the bride’s face remains constant.

Now that the effect is working properly it is consistent with its Disneyland, California counterpart.

Yesterday (10/19/07), I ate lunch at Olivia’s at Old Key West. After I ate, I needed to run a quick errand at Epcot. Since I live in Orlando, I usually drive to all my Disney World locations, but today I decided to take the bus. The weather was pleasant and I thought it would be a nice change of pace.

After the bus arrived and I took my seat, I noticed that the music being played was “Legacy,” an Epcot background piece that everyone’s heard but doesn’t know its name. After a few moments, the song ended and “One Little Spark” from the Imagination Pavilion began to play. I started to wonder if all of the music was now themed to the bus’s destination.

A moment later, a recorded voice could be heard. It welcomed everyone aboard and provided us with some tips about our upcoming visit to Epcot. At the same time, the speech was displayed on an electronic message board for all to read. The recording was loud enough to be heard but not overpowering.

When his remarks were finished, the music switched back on and continued to play another selection from Epcot. Shortly before arriving, Mr. Wagner could again be heard, informing us that we were about to reach our destination and to please gather up our belongings.

Unfortunately, my return bus had not been fitted out with this new system and I had to listen to a bus driver’s inaudible comments as he didn’t have a clue of how to properly use a microphone.

Since I don’t ride the buses often, this new system may be old news to many of you. But for me it was a pleasant surprise and I’m looking forward to the rest of the fleet being retrofitted.

Now onto the downside of bus transportation… When you catch a bus at the Hospitality House (check-in) of Old Key West, you are at the last bus stop in the resort. From here, you go directly to you destination. On the return trip, Hospitality House the last stop.

Unlike other Disney resorts that have multiple bus stops, Old Key West has a very convoluted layout. The bus must make numerous twists and turns as it snakes its way through the resort. So much so that by the time I returned to Hospitality House I was actually starting to get motion sickness.

The other large resorts, like Port Orleans and the Caribbean Beach are laid out in a more circular pattern. The bus just makes one large circle to reach all of the bus stops.

Because of this, I would seriously think twice before staying at Old Key West if I didn’t have my own car.

Construction continues on the Yak & Yeti Restaurant in the Animal Kingdom. Instead of bricks, mortar, and plywood, Asian themeing is starting to become apparent. Windows on the second floor are clearly visible and I’m hoping this will be seating for either the full service or the counter service restaurants. The building site is starting to have a completed feel about it and looks good!

Disney has constructed three billboards in the planters/dividers that separate the roadway that the parking lot tram uses to shuttle people to and from the main entrance. These billboards are two sided and advertise various Disney movies and television shows.

Construction walls have gone up around the A.B.C. Theater located alongside Echo Lake. A clapboard-sign says that the theater is gearing up for an all new production.

A temporary tent-theater has been erected out beyond the Rock-N-Roller Coaster. A banner across the theater sports the name Playhouse Disney In Concert. On the day I was there, a group called Dan Zanes was performing four shows during the day.

Realityland: True-Life Adventures at Walt Disney World by David Koenig

It’s easy to find information about Disneyland’s inception and design. We’ve all seen the film clip of Walt telling the story about sitting on a park bench as his two daughters rode the merry-go-round and he thought to himself that there should be a place where parents and their children could enjoy an afternoon together. I’ve read a number of books about Disneyland, its construction and early years. But when it comes to the history of Walt Disney World, they’re really isn’t all that much information out there.

Realityland: True-Life Adventures at Walt Disney World helps fill that gap. For the most part, the book starts after Disneyland has already been built. It describes the search for the perfect location to build “Disneyland East.” It goes into detail about how the company was able to secretly buy forty-three square miles of land in Central Florida. The nightmares of constructing such are vast complex are explored. And the frustrations Disney experienced during the first few years of operation are presented.

Ever wonder why Walt’s vision of EPCOT was never brought to fruition? Ever wonder why Disney only built three hotels until Michael Eisner came along? Ever wonder why the Swan and Dolphin hotels are located where they are? Ever wonder why all the shops now carry the same merchandise? This book answers these and many other questions.

But to tell a “complete” story of Walt Disney World, tales of its darker side must also be told. This book explores some unpleasantries that I’m sure the Disney marketing team would prefer not be brought to light. Many of the injuries and deaths that have occurred here are chronicled. The imperfect personalities of a number of the company’s executives are put under a magnifying glass. Decisions to sacrifice “show” for money are presented.

Did I like this book? Yes. I enjoyed it very much – especially the sections that followed the history of Walt Disney World – good and bad. However, I felt the author sometimes went to great lengths to put Disney in a bad light. Take for instance, Chapter 8: Crash Mountain. This chapter describes many of the accidents and deaths that have occurred at Walt Disney World. After reading several pages I thought to myself, “All right. I get it. People can and do get hurt at Disney World. Enough already.”

I suspect that Mr. Koenig feels he presented a fair balance between those accidents that were Disney’s fault with those that were brought on by the guest’s own carelessness. I’m not so sure it was all that balanced. Overall, Disney was made to look bad. A similar chapter, later in the book, goes into detail of why security is needed in the parks. Although not as heavy handed as Chapter 8, once again I felt the scales were purposely tipped away from Disney.

I would be the last person to think Disney perfect. Often in the book I thought to myself, “That can’t be true.” But then I remembered back to the nine years I worked at Disneyland and thought, “Well, maybe it can be.” But I don’t think Disney is as bad as the book makes them out to be.

Should you read this book? If you’re like me, and want to know everything you can about Walt Disney World, then by all means pick up a copy. I know a lot about the “World”, but I found this book packed with fresh information. I kept saying to myself, “I didn’t know that.”

However, if you’re a person that believes all of the stories that the Disney marketing people spin, (and you want to continue believing them) then you might want to steer clear of this book. Often, when I’m waiting in line for an attraction, I can’t help eavesdrop on other people’s conversations. When I hear them wax poetic about how everything here is perfect, I roll my eyes and think, “If you only knew.” It’s these people who shouldn’t pick up a copy.

Disney’s single greatest asset is their fantastic reputation. And it’s well deserved. But the Disney organization is made up of flawed people, just like the rest of the world. This book explores the good and the bad, albeit tipped to the dark side – thus the title Realityland. If you can accept that Disney has some blemishes and can get over a slightly biased take, then you’ll enjoy this book. I did.

Realityland: True-Life Adventures at Walt Disney World by David Koenig is published by Bonaventure Press and sells on Amazon for $18.45.

For those of you old enough to remember the VCR’s introduction, you may also remember the battle between VHS and Beta. These were two, non-compatible formats vying for dominance in the VCR world. Today, a similar battle is raging for high-def DVD supremacy – this time between HD DVD and Blu-ray. Paramount, DreamWorks, and Universal have opted for HD DVD while Sony, 20th Century Fox, and Disney have chosen Blu-ray.

To help promote their product, Disney has set up a high-def TV in the “Once Upon A Toy” store in Downtown Disney. Here, movie clips are shown, giving guests the opportunity to see crystal clear pictures and the advantages of Blu-ray. In addition, Disney Blu-ray DVD’s are sold.

My good friend Anita Answer suggested I check out the changes made to the Monsters Inc., Laugh Floor attraction in the Magic Kingdom.

First, the lobby, or initial waiting room, has been redone. When the Laugh Floor first opened, a number of canvas banners were hung from the walls and ceiling. These banners provided comedy relief and gave guests instructions on how to text message jokes for the upcoming show. To me, these banners always looked cheap and reminded me that this use to be the Timekeeper attraction rather than an all new show. I’m happy to report that these banners have been replaced with permanent signs. The room now has a much more professional look about it.

The second change has to do with the preshow in the second waiting room. In addition to continued instructions on how to text message jokes, Roz and Mike Wazowski do a little routine. Roz shows the audience various “out takes” that Mike has been involved with while performing past shows. This is also a nice addition. Besides filling “dead” time, the skit is cute and brings more than a few chuckles to the room. In other words, Roz and Mike are warming up the audience for the show to come.

I visited the new Yak and Yeti Restaurant today in Animal Kingdom. Here are the photos.

Descriptions, menus and a narrative to come later.

I had heard that the Yak & Yeti restaurant in the Animal Kingdom was opening today. Since I had just been there a couple of days earlier and the construction walls were still up, I was a little dubious, but decided to check it out.

My friend Donald and I arrived a little before 11am. There were already about thirty people in line ahead of us. We confirmed with a cast member outside that the restaurant would be opening in about 5 minutes for “walk-ups” only.

During the first several minutes after opening, seating went slowly. Management was definitely giving the hosts and hostesses, servers, bartenders, and chefs plenty of time to get acclimated to their new surroundings before bombarding them. Eventually, they started taking names and told us approximately when we could expect to be seated. We were taken to our table around 11:20.

The restaurant is beautiful – just like you’d expect a Disney restaurant to be. Actually, I’m not sure beautiful is the right word. The restaurant is themed beautifully, but it’s not beautiful. I’m not exactly sure what region of Asia this eatery is supposed to reflect, but I’d have to say the areas in and around Nepal.

The building looks like it’s been here for many, many years and has seen the ravages of time. Floor tiles are broken, chandeliers are missing crystals, and the window pains are made of imperfect glass. Also strewn around the various rooms was Asian bric-a-brac – an assortment of stuff from all over. In other words, it looks authentic.

As our hostess took us to our table, she pointed out some of the details of the restaurant, telling us that the “proprietor” had selected this piece and that while on his travels.

The restaurant has a number of small dining rooms located on two floors. I doubt that any one room has more than ten tables in it. This gives guests a very cozy feel. Also, there are a few tables on each floor situated next to windows that look outside. I’m sure these window tables on the second floor will be in high demand.

The restaurant was promoting the Yak Attack, a concoction of Mango Daiquiri, Bacardi Light Rum, and Wildberry Flavors. Donald and I each ordered one and were happy we did. It certainly had a tropical taste about it, but was like nothing we’d ever tried before.

For appetizers we split the Dim Sum Basket. It arrived at our table in a bamboo steamer basket. Our waiter, Jay, set it down between us, then lifted the lid and positioned it just off to the side of the main bowl – a very attractive touch.

Later in our meal a manager stopped by. He asked us if Jay had presented the Dim Sum Basket correctly. When we said that he had, the manager was pleased and said that they are striving hard to serve several dishes with a flair. The Dim Sum Basket contained Pork Pot Stickers, Shrimp Siu Mai, Cho Su Bao and Pork Siu Mai. All was good and plenty for two to share.

For entrees I had the Baby Back Ribs .

Donald had the Maple Tararind Chicken. We were both pleased with our selections.

For dessert I had the Sorbet which consisted of three different flavors, raspberry, lemon, and mango. It was beautifully served and tasted even better.

Donald had the Chocolate Brownie Sundae. There wasn’t anything particularly Asian about it, but it was big and delicious.

Overall the menu is fairly tame. There is nothing so exotic as to send guests running for a hamburger. Even the pickiest eater would have an easy time finding something to their liking.

While dining, I saw Joe Rhode wandering through the restaurant with some other big-wigs. For those of you who don’t know, Joe Rhode pretty much designed the Animal Kingdom and was the primary guy when it came time to design and build Expedition: Everest.

I called his name across the room and he was kind enough to come over to our table. I introduced myself and complimented him on this wonderful restaurant. He then introduced me to another gentleman who was the lead architect on this project – unfortunately, I can’t remember his name. Joe was then kind enough to pose for pictures. I was jazzed!

At the moment, it hasn’t been decided if the Disney Dining Experience card will be accepted here. This restaurant is operated by Landry’s, the same company that operates the Rainforest Café, which does not accept this card.

Ever since the Animal Kingdom opened, I have said that it needs a waiter service restaurant inside the park. The Rainforest Café is too far away being all the way at the park’s entrance. The Yak & Yeti Restaurant is a welcome addition to the Animal Kingdom. The theming is wonderful and the food is good.

At the moment, reservations are not being accepted. They are only taking “walk-ups.” Beginning December 3rd guests can make reservations for January 4th and beyond by calling 407-WDW-DINE

The first change you’ll notice about the new Tusker House Restaurant is that Disney has positioned the check-in over near the Dawa Bar and the entrance is now located behind the restaurant.

This has its pluses and minuses. The plus, it can get crowded over near the Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery (the old entrance). If Disney had added a check-in booth in this area, it would be a nightmare logistically.

The negative thing about where they did position the check-in is that it’s located adjacent to the stage area where drummers and acrobats perform several times a day. In fact, when I checked-in, I had to yell to be heard. After checking-in, I was asked to stand over near the Dawa Bar. The crowd of people milling about is sure to detract from the bar’s atmosphere. When the host called my name, he too had to yell to be heard over the beating drums.

A hostess took me to my table and as she did, she did her best to describe the hotel upstairs (wink, wink), and the African artifacts found throughout.

The restaurant’s seating area has not changed at all.

The only difference you will find is that the tables are now set with silverware and wine glasses. I noticed that the tables for four only had two wine glasses – assuming that most parties of this size would have children in tow. There are no soft objects in the seating area so there is nothing to absorb the sound. It can get noisy in here.

My server Dorothy greeted me promptly and explained that many “venders” had created tempting dishes for sale in the marketplace. This storyline was a nice touch.

The old counter-service area has been beautifully redesigned into a lovely buffet. You’d never know that it had been converted. Happily, Disney did keep the wonderful rotisserie and it can still be seen roasting chickens.

Also, the quaint shops that line the second floor of the buffet/marketplace are still there. Take the time to look up sometime, the detailing is wonderful.

Everything I tasted was good. If I had to sum up what I thought of the buffet, I’d say it was a mini-version of the Boma buffet at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The only complaint I had was the plates available at the carving station were cold – thus, when I got back to my table, so was my meat. On subsequent trips to the buffet, I found the plates to be warm.

A quick rundown of the food available: A bread station with non-typical offerings. A cold-cuts table with sliced ham, turkey, and cheese. These offerings were very pedestrian – there to please picky eaters. A number of salads – both leafy and not. A carving station with pork and sirloin. Curried chicken, a seafood casserole, salmon, rotisserie chicken, and an assortment of potatoes and vegetables round out the meal. A children’s table is also available.

Lunch costs $19.99 and I thought it was worth the price. Dinner costs $26.99 – the only difference being that prime rib is added to the menu. I’m not so sure prime rib is worth a $7 increase.

Breakfast Menu

Lunch Menu

Bottom line – I would definitely return for lunch. I enjoyed myself and the food.

The following is taken directly from a sign posted on the Streets of America in the Disney-MGM Studios.

In 1986 Jennings and Mitzi Osborne of Little Rock, Arkansas granted their daughter’s Christmas dream by covering their home with sparkling red lights.
By 1993 the Osbornes had bought and decorated their neighbors’ homes, too. The Christmas display had grown to three million lights and drew crowds from all of the state of Arkansas.

Some of the Osborne’s neighbors were more frazzled than dazzled by the display as they endured nightly traffic jams. Citing the display as a public nuisance, the Arkansas Supreme Court pulled the plug.

The night the lights went out in Little Rock wasn’t the end of the Osborne’s Dream. It was only the beginning. In 1995 Mickey and Goofy came calling and invited Jennings, Mitzi and Breezy to bring their lights to the Disney-MGM Studios.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights opened on November 24, 1995 on the Residential Street Backlot at the Disney-MGM Studios. It became an instant Holiday tradition for countless families. Over the years, more than 1.5 million guests have experienced the display.

In November of 2004, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights moved to the Streets of America Backlot where it is bigger and better than ever.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights looks right at home here. As for the Osborne’s, this is the fairytale ending to their Christmas dream. And since the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights first lit up the Studios, the Osborne’s have sponsored over 32 Christmas lights displays throughout Arkansas. What began as a Christmas wish from a little girl has grown into holiday magic that has touched the lives of millions of people.

End Signage

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights begins each evening at 6pm and remains lit until one hour after the park closes. A giant light switch can be found about halfway down the Streets of America. Each night, a child is selected to “throw the switch” and turn on the lights.

Last year a new tradition was started with the beginning of Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Selected Christmas songs have been synchronized with the lights and the entire street “dances” as lights turn off and on in time with the music. If you haven’t seen this new addition, you need to do so. It’s an all new show!

As always, falling snow, hot chocolate and spiced nuts add to the wonderful Christmas atmosphere.

More Osborne Light Photos from this year's display.

Once just a part of the Star Wars Weekends at the Disney/MGM Studios, the Jedi Training Academy was a small stage show where children could learn to use the lightsaber and battle Darth Vader. The show proved so popular that Disney built a permanent training academy next to the entrance of the Star Tours attraction.

The show begins with a Jedi Master performing a short routine of lightsaber moves.

He then selects around twelve children from the audience (ages 4 – 12). I would suggest arriving early if your children hope to be picked. Those chosen are presented with training lightsabers and brown Jedi robes. After donning their outfits and becoming familiar with their weapon, the Jedi Master demonstrates a combination of lightsaber tactics.

The children are then walked through these moves, one by one. After they have mastered their new skills, they are combined into a choreographed routine.

When their training is complete, two Stormtroopers arrive on the scene, preparing us for the arrival of Darth Vader.

Vader appears moments later through a thick mist. He struts menacingly around the stage then approaches the children, offering to teach them the Dark Side of the Force. The Jedi Master refuses.

Vader then accepts a challenge to fight each Jedi Trainee, one by one.

With the help of the Jedi Master, each child approaches Vader and uses their new fighting skills against evil. The audience is very supportive and cheers on every trainee.

After all of the children have battled Vader, he once again tries to seduce them to come over to the Dark Side.

But during his attempt, Yoda’s voice magically echoes from the surrounding trees, telling Vader that he is outnumbered and doesn’t stand a chance. Vader leaves, but vows to try again.

Even if you don’t have children, this show is entertaining and will bring a smile to your face. It’s very well done and a lot of fun.

Several shows are presented daily. Times can be found on the “Times Guide” handout available throughout the park. There is also a sign posted near the Star Wars attraction listing today’s shows. Each training session lasts approximately twenty minutes.

All Star Café Redesign

When I heard that Disney was changing the All Star Café from a table service restaurant to a counter service restaurant, I was disappointed. I always enjoyed this spot. In fact, the first review I ever wrote for AllEars.net was for this eatery. However, I realize that it was a business decision to make the change. Often, this place was deserted, especially if there were no events scheduled at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. Disney needed to do something to increase business here.

I visited the new restaurant on Sunday November 25th. According to one cast member, this eatery does not have a new name yet so it’s still being called the All Star Café until one is selected. This is evident by the missing sign over the entrance and on the posted menus.

Speaking of the entrance, it has been moved inside the gated area. The old entrance was outside the gated area so anyone could eat here, whether they were attending an event or not. When I visited today, several ticketed events were in progress and cast members were guarding the gates to the sports complex. I approached one of them and explained that I just wanted to eat lunch at the new restaurant. She told me to come on in and pointed the way.

Later, I spoke to a manager about this and she told me that the entrance policy is in flux. At the moment, anyone can eat at the All Star Café. All you have to do is inform a cast member at one of the gates and you will be granted admission. Supposedly, Disney is keeping track of how many “non-event” guests are eating here, but I didn’t see anyone counting me as I entered. It is possible that in the future, this restaurant will only be open to guests attending a ticketed event. The manager compared this policy to eating at the Brown Derby in the Disney/MGM Studios. You must have admission to the park in order to eat at its restaurants.

The new entrance to the All Star Café is a cavernous room with a decided lack of decor. There is a large counter with menus overhead along the back side of this room. It is here that you place your order.

After you pay, you are given a plastic number and told to find a seat in the restaurant. Off to the side of the counter is a queue if a line should form (which it did by the time I was leaving).

When I arrived at my table I found an interesting electronic box. Instructions on the side told me to place the plastic number I was given into a slot on the top, then remove it and set the number to the side. This action electronically notifies the kitchen where you are seated so they can easily find you when it comes time to deliver your food. This was a nice gimmick.

Guests are given a paper cup when they order a drink. Beverages are dispensed on an all-you-can-drink basis while dining in the restaurant. Soda fountains, tea, and coffee can be found along one side of the dining room along with condiments, napkins and straws.

The décor of the dining room is the same as it used to be, yet different. All of the personal sports memorabilia has been removed which gives the room a cleaner look.

Also, a wall separating a private dining room has been knocked out, opening up more seating and exposing several large windows that lightens the room considerably.

The bar is in its same location and basically unchanged.

Many of the large TVs are still mounted high above the seating area. However, I was disappointed that they hadn’t been upgraded. These are old, rear-projection televisions and they look bad by today’s standards. The pictures are not sharp and the color is dubious at best. In this day and age, it’s a shame Disney didn’t upgrade these sets with LCD or plasma.

Also gone are the little black boxes that could be found on every table. These boxes could be used to tune in the audio on any given station being broadcast. When I asked a cast member what had happened to them, I was told that they were no longer available. Audio was a thing of the past. In fact, even if there is a “big game” on, you will not be able to watch it with sound. I can only guess that Disney is trying to encourage a fast turn-over rather than promote a “sports” restaurant atmosphere. The only non-human sound was the piped-in music.

In one corner of the room was a television tuned to one of the Disney resort stations promoting DVC membership. This was pretty meaningless with no audio.

Another possible change from the old policy is the days of operation. The new restaurant may be closed when no sporting event is scheduled at the complex.

One of my complaints about Disney restaurants over the past several years is the homogenizing of their menus around property. They offer the same food everywhere you go. One glaring example is the Reuben Sandwich. Well, it just so happens I don’t like corned beef. I keep asking anyone who will listen, “Why can’t they serve pastrami & rye at just one restaurant?” Well at last, they do. And that’s what I ordered. And it was good. Sandwiches come with your choice of baked potato chips, melon-cucumber salad, or coleslaw.

My friend Donald ordered the clam chowder and a chicken Caesar salad. He said the chowder was better than he expected for a counter-service restaurant. He said the Caesar salad was fine – nothing to complain about, but nothing to write home about either. Note, the food is served in plastic boxes.

Also available on the menu was ice cream. I asked what would happen if I ordered ice cream at the same time I ordered my lunch. Would it all arrive at my table at the same time and sit there melting as I ate my sandwich? I was told, no. If you order ice cream, you retrieve it at a later time at a counter inside the dining room. Just show them your receipt and you will be given your dessert. One cast member told me that next week guests will be given a plastic coin when they order ice cream that can be redeemed later.

When we had finished eating, I wasn’t sure if I was expected to bus my own table so I asked a cast member. He told me that Disney expects guest to leave the tables dirty and their staff will take care of cleaning up the mess.

This restaurant is definitely a cross between table-service and counter-service. The fact that your food is brought to you and then Disney cleans up after you is a nice touch.

Because of the blurry distinction, Disney is still trying to decide if this restaurant should qualify for the Disney Dining Experience 20% discount. At the moment, it does, but things could change.

This restaurant does honor the Disney Dining Plan. And if you’re confused between these two plans, read Anita Answer’s column dated November 19th.

Would I go back? Yes. I live locally and as long as I can get in without buying a sporting event ticket, sure, why not. I eat at Disney World five times a week and even with the vast number of dining choices available, I still need all the variety I can get. The meal I ordered was fine and I liked the fact that my food was brought to the table and I didn’t have to clean up after myself.

Should you eat here? If you’re already attending a sporting event at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex, yes. The food is basic, but good. And if you’re hungry, there is no reason to jump in your car and travel someplace else. But should you make a special trip if you don’t already have a reason to be here? Not really. Unless you’re a true Disneyphile like myself and want to experience everything at Walt Disney World, I wouldn’t bother.

The Art of Disney, or as I like to call it, the “good” store, has opened in the Main Street Cinema building in the Magic Kingdom.

This store sells upscale merchandise. Lenox, Armani, the Disney Classic Collection, and original and limited edition paintings by featured artist can be found here.

Compared to its sister stores in Epcot, Downtown Disney, and the Disney/MGM Studios, this store is small. So small in fact that some of its merchandise spills over into the adjoining store, the Uptown Jewelers.

The redesign is nice and I’m glad Disney has found a new home for this store as it seems to have bounced around from one location to the next over the past several years.

One sad note… For many years, a ticket booth sat just inside the entrance of the Main Street Cinema – back when old Mickey Mouse cartoons were actually shown here. Inside the ticket booth was a mannequin of a young lady, the ticket seller. She wore a Disney name tag and if memory serves, her name was Jennifer from Marceline (Walt’s home town). A couple of years ago the ticket booth disappeared. I asked a cast member what had happened to it and I was told that it was being refurbished and would return soon. Alas, it never did.

I realize that in the scheme of things, the disappearance of Jennifer is insignificant. But her demise scares me. Every time the powers-that-be removes one of the little details that make Disney parks so special, I have to ask myself “Where will it end?” For that matter, I miss the “old” Main Street Cinema (when it showed movies), the Magic Shop, and the Penny Arcade. These were special locations. Now these spots sell the same merchandise you can find everywhere else on property. Sigh.

Where do you go at the Magic Kingdom when you’re hot and tired and want to escape the unmanageable crowds and cool down? Try Exposition Hall located on the Plaza at the beginning of Main Street.

The front half of this building houses a shop and Photo Pickup.

But if you wander to the rear of the building, you’ll find a delightful spot that very few people ever go. This area was once the home of the “Walt Disney Story,” a 23 minute film that ran from 1973 to 1992. Now, only a small portion of the original theater remains, but what’s left is a delight. Approximately thirty seats face a small screen that continually plays vintage Mickey Mouse cartoons. This is a wonderful place to relax, chat, and forget the throngs of people outside.

Also in this back area are several picture opportunities. Four two-dimensional vignettes featuring Steamboat Willie, 101 Dalmatians, Snow White, and Buzz Lightyear are available to pose one or several of your party in. Note, these are not the “real” characters you see out in the parks, but simply cut-outs that allow guests to place their face or body into a scene. Since this area is never crowded, you’ll have plenty of time to compose your picture and the finished product can be quite cute.

Over the last several years, Disney has tried several concepts at Epcot to best implement baggage check as you enter the park. It appears that they have finally hit upon a design that works. Temporary stanchions have been replaced with stainless steel fences. Even the flowerbeds now have security fences running through them. This looks much better (and I’m sure is much more secure) than the temporary stanchions that have been used during this testing period.

Two new, permanent quick-service structures have been built along the promenade around World Showcase. The first, Promenade Refreshments, is located just to the right as you enter World Showcase (across from the Port of Entry shop).

The second eatery is located to the left of the American Pavilion. Both serve turkey legs, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, ice cream, and smoothies.

I ate at the Pizzafari restaurant in the Animal Kingdom January 10th.

When I got to my table I noticed a small plastic card on the tray along with my order. The card featured Timon and Pumba with the inscription, “Do not feed the animals. Your yummies are not good for our tummies.”

I thought this was a very cute way to remind us not to be tempted to share our meals with the creatures around us. The other side of the card said, “Disney’s Wild About Safety. Safety Tip 14. In cooperation with Underwriters Laboratories.” I’m guessing that Disney has a new corporate sponsor and additional safety tips will be passed out in other areas.

Speaking of Pizzafari… Did you know that this restaurant has four dining rooms, each with its own theme? (Not to mention Hidden Mickeys)

One room features animals that use camouflage to hide from one another.

A different room has animals that carry their home with them in some way.

The third dining area displays creatures that prowl the night.

And the fourth room exhibits animals that live much of their life upside down.

Also, listen to the music that is played here. All of the songs are about animals. Here is the song list.

Baby Elephant Walk
Black Bird
Feed the Birds (from Mary Poppins)
High Hopes
Mr. Ed
Octopus Garden
Ol’ McDonald
Puff the Magic Dragon
Rockin’ Robin
Skylark
The Lion Sleep Tonight
Tie Me Kangaroo Down
Tiki Room (from Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room)
Whale of a Tale (from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea)
Yellow Bird

Pizzafari Menu

In order to keep Walt Disney World looking as good as it looks, attractions and buildings must be occasionally closed for refurbishment.

In years past, plywood panels would be erected around the building so workmen could clean, repair, and paint the building out of sight of the guests.

But a couple of years ago, Disney came up with a great idea. They decided to print a picture of the building being rehabbed on a large canvas and position it in front of the structure. This was far and away more attractive than plywood panels and the intrusion on the guest was minimal.

Currently, City Hall in the Magic Kingdom is undergoing rehab. These pictures show how well this new technique works.

Anyone who visits a Disney theme park knows that it’s the details that set them apart from all other amusement venues. Well, this attention to detail doesn’t stop at the parks. It extends to their hotels as well. Case in point, the Boardwalk Resort.

In the lobby, above the check-in desk are three ornate gold frames.

Within each frame is a pastoral setting with a castle nestled in the background. Close observers will notice that these castles are actually the castles at Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris, and Tokyo Disneyland.

If you’re wondering what happened to Hong Kong’s castle, well, it didn’t exist when the Boardwalk was built. However, since it’s a copy of Disneyland California’s castle we can just make believe it represents both.

Did you know that you can have a custom-made baseball bat made at Disney World? Well you can. Tucked in a corner inside the Team Mickey Store at the Marketplace section of Downtown Disney, you’ll find a Rawlings shop. Here, a craftsman will create your one-of-a-kind bat while you watch.

Opened last September, this shop is divided into two sections, a sales area and an enclosed room where the bats are actually turned on a lathe. Two large windows look into this enclosed space affording a great view of the bat-making process. The craftsman wears a microphone and he describes each step of the process as he turns a piece of dowel into a bat.

After your bat has been created, you can have your name, signature, and/or your amateur team’s logo laser-engraved or embroidered into the wood. Other items are also for sale like a bat display case, a baseball and display case, and various helmets. Some of these items can also be engraved.

The Diamond Horseshoe in the Magic Kingdom is currently serving lunch from 11am to 4pm during the busy President’s week. Premade sandwiches, a Caesar Salad, and drinks are available. I asked a cast member if this was a permanent arrangement and I was told that this venue would be used occasionally throughout the year during busy times. The Disney Dining Plan is accepted here.

Last week, I had lunch at the Yak & Yeti table-service restaurant for the second time. I’m happy to report that every thing is still top notch. The food was tasty and beautifully presented and the service was attentive and friendly. My only comment is that the prices are a little high for lunch. It’s difficult for me to spent between $16 - $23 for lunch, especially when no starters or bread is included.

I also had a key learning. I was seated in the very first dining room that you come to after leaving the lobby. In the future, I will request a table somewhere else in the restaurant. This “first” dining room shares its space with the bar and an elevator. Also, all of the people seated in the rest of the restaurant must pass thru this area to get to and from their tables. All of this is much too distracting and detracts from an otherwise quaint atmosphere. The rest of the dining rooms are fine, but skip this first one.

Next door to the Yak & Yeti table-service restaurant is the Yak & Yeti counter-service restaurant (Anandupur Local Food Cafes). I ate here today for the first time and wanted to share my thoughts. The first thing you will notice is the prices. Once again, they are high, especially for a counter-service restaurant. Entrées run from $8-$11.

I ordered the Sweet & Sour Pork for $9.99. After paying, I approached the pick-up window and my order was already waiting. Obviously it had been prepared in advance and was just waiting to be picked up from under the heat-lamp and placed on a tray. I stopped by the condiment station, picked up napkins and a fork, and then found a table.

The entrees are served in cute “Chinese-styled” cartons that are themed appropriately to the venue.

However, upon opening up my container, I found that the rice was on the bottom and the pork was on the top. This made it somewhat difficult to eat. I had to do a lot of “stirring” to find everything.

Anyone who reads my restaurant reviews knows that I’m not particularly harsh when critiquing the food se