The “World” According to Jack

Buzz Lightyear

On May 31, 2008, the space shuttle Discovery rocketed from earth to rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS). Besides it seven human crew members, a galactic hero was onboard for the mission. Buzz Lightyear journeyed “to infinity and beyond” once again. But this time, instead of doing battle with the infamous Emperor Zurg, Buzz was working with his pals at Disney and NASA to help encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology, and mathematics.

Here we see his friend Woody waving goodbye as Buzz begins his important mission.

Buzz, NASA, and Disney have created an online program known as Space Ranger Education Series. Here, kids can find educational games and teachers can download classroom curriculum. Buzz’s adventures aboard the ISS were invaluable in creating this program.

Buzz’s 467 days in space beats the former record set by Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov set in 1995 by a month.

After fulfilling his duties on board the ISS, Buzz returned home on the space shuttle Discovery on September 11th of this year.

On October 2nd, Buzz Lightyear and astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Mike Fincke kicked off the “Celebrate a Dream Come True” parade in a ticker-tape procession through the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Buzz Aldrin

Mike Fincke

Buzz Lightyear

Main Street Philharmonic

Here’s a little bit of Buzz Lightyear trivia for you. As you know from the movie “Toy Story,” Buzz learns he’s a toy halfway through the film. So in essence, he has two personalities, galactic hero and Andy’s plaything. Keeping this in mind, these personalities are kept separate at Walt Disney World. Any encounter you have with Buzz at the Magic Kingdom, albeit it an attraction, parade, or meet-&-greet, he still thinks he’s a champion of justice. But if you interact with Buzz at Disney's Hollywood Studios, he realizes he’s a toy. It’s a subtle difference, but an important detail.

Star Wars Guide Map - Very large file

Star Wars Weekend Tips

Additional Star Wars Weekend Information

I went to Disney's Hollywood Studios today to check out the opening of Star Wars Weekends. I arrived at 8:30am and the lines to get into the park were already long. This picture was taken five minutes later. I was standing at the ticket booths and as you can see, the lines extend all the way to the security check point.

To keep the crowd entertained, Storm Troopers were on hand taunting and threatening us.

While waiting for the park to open, I struck up a conversation with some folks in line. I learned that if you want an autograph and/or photo opportunity with the “celebrity of the day,” you need a FastPass. These are handed out on a first come, first issued basis at the far right side of the ticket booths (outside the park) starting at around 8:15am. The people I was speaking with told me they were in the FastPass line at 5:30am and they were definitely not the first to arrive.

A limited number of these “celebrity” FastPasses are available, but if you’re lucky enough to secure one, you’re guaranteed the opportunity to see your favorite Star Wars hero. Just show up at the designated location during your 15 minute window. After all of the initial FastPasses have been distributed, a limited number of Stand-by FastPasses will be handed out. However, these “secondary” tickets do not guarantee you an autograph or photo session – but it’s worth a try.

The celebrity of the day will autograph their photograph and any merchandise you bring with you. A number of people brought in posters to be signed.

Also handed out early in the morning outside the park are color coded wrist bands. These allow shoppers priority entrance into Wicket’s Warehouse where you can buy limited edition and collectable Star Wars merchandise.

Located through out the park are various Star Wars character meet-and-greet locations. Unlike the celebrity sessions, you do not need a FastPass for these photo ops. But be warned, within minutes of the park opening, every one of these venues had a long line.

Star Wars T-shirts are seen everywhere and some folks pull out all the stops and dressed to the nines.

Here is yours truly as a Storm Trooper. Not to menacing, am I?

Always a favorite, but especially during Star Wars Weekend, is the Jedi Training Academy. Here kids can find out if they have what it takes to become a Jedi Warrior. Children are selected at random and it’s best to arrive early (at least 30 minutes during Star Wars Weekend) if you want your little one selected.

Some of the other activities include the “Padawan Mind Challenge.” Here, Younglings use their “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” knowledge to pass the trivia trials and become an official Padawan learner. This event is for children 11 and under and registration begins at the Star Wars Information Desk beginning at 9am.

At the Premiere Theater you can see host Ashley Eckstein in “Clone Wars: Behind the Force” – a show that explores the excitement of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” with a fascinating look behind the scenes led by the voice behind “Ahsoka” and other guest celebrities.

Since this blog is all about Star Wars, I thought I’d share some Star Tours trivia with you.

When you enter the building, the queue makes a switchback or backwards “S.” You know why?

Because this section of the queue was loosely based on the Star Tours attraction at Disneyland in California.

But do you know why the queue follows this configuration at Disneyland?

It’s because the Disneyland building originally housed Adventures Thru Inner Space. When the attraction was retired to make room for Star Tours, there was no reason to rip out this perfectly good walkway so the Imagineers just did some retooling with the props that surrounded it.

And while were on the subject of Adventures Thru Inner Space, did you know you can see a section of the Mighty Microscope from that attraction on Star Tours?

When Disney replaces an older ride with a new attraction, they try to leave some sort of legacy behind. In other words, gone, but not forgotten. For example, in the Winnie the Pooh attraction at Walt Disney World, there is a picture of Mr. Toad handing over the deed to the property to Owl. And at Mission: Space in Epcot, the old Horizon logo can be seen on the rotating space station in the queue area. The same is true for Star Tours. This attraction pays homage to Adventures Thru Inner Space. Here’s what to look for:

As you begin your Star Tours adventure, you unexpectedly take a wrong turn. Then your vehicle drops off the edge of a platform and plunges downward. As Captain Rex regains control of the craft, he pulls you out of your freefall. At that moment, if you look to the right-hand side of the screen, you can see the Mighty Microscope. You must look quickly, but once you know what you’re looking for, there is no mistaking it.

And here’s a bit of personal trivia for you. I went to school with Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) in Yokohama, Japan. We were even in a school play together. It’s not a very good picture, but I’m on the left and Mark is on the right.

Star Wars Weekend is very popular. If you’re visiting Disney World over the next several weeks and you’re a Star Wars fan, then you should definitely visit Disney's Hollywood Studios during one of these days. But if you’re not a Star Wars fan, visit other parks on the weekend and save the Studio for a Monday through Thursday.

May the force be with you.

The first topiaries you’ll encounter when leaving Future World for World Showcase are Mrs. Pots, Chip, Cogsworth, and Lumiere from “Beauty and the Beast.” I have to admit, Anita Answer and I were both somewhat perplexed by Chips lips. It looks like he borrowed a pair of Mrs. Potato Head’s. Hmmmm.

In keeping with the “Celebrate Springtime” theme, we find characters from the Lion King rejoicing in Simba’s birth at the entrance to World Showcase.

This year, the traditional arch that guests are accustomed to seeing in this area, is missing. According to Eric Darden, Horticulture Manager of Epcot's International Flower and Garden Festival, Disney tries to rotate and change certain features of the event each year to keep things fresh and new. He told me that a particular design or topiary is used for 2-4 years before it is retired or reworked.

A number of shopping venues are available around World Showcase and feature both Disney and non-Disney merchandise with a gardening theme. Two favorites are the Mickey gnomes and the do-it-yourself Mickey topiary.

I’m going to start in Canada and circle the World Showcase Lagoon. The first characters we find are Bambi, Thumper, and Flower.

Even though they’re always beautiful and difficult to improve upon, don’t forget to take a stroll through Victoria Gardens.

In the United Kingdom Twinings Tea has a number of teacups filled with various kinds of foliage.

Guided tours through the tea garden are presented on Monday thru Thursdays at 3:30 and 6:30 and Friday and Saturdays at 2:30, 3:30, 5:00, and 6:30. You can sign up at the Tea Caddy to learn the history and art of tea blending.

The France Pavilion features a number of topiary in the shape of perfume bottles.

Also in this area is the Fragrance Garden. The Guerlain Company sponsors this exhibit which allows guest to learn about the connection between plants and fragrances. A Guerlain representative conducts 20-minute informative tours of this area daily at 2, 4, and 6pm.

Ten different Guerlain fragrances can be sampled at the Lift & Sniff kiosks in this garden. An informative sign helps you understand the odor’s complex blending.

Located between the France and Morocco Pavilions is the Nature Conservancy display. While your kids enjoy themselves in the nearby playground, you can learn how to create an environmentally friendly garden in your own backyard.

In Morocco you can see topiary Aladdin flying on his carpet.

A perennial favorite are the bonsai trees found in the Japan Pavilion. But don’t forget, besides the obvious collection near the tori gate, there are additional treasures behind the pagoda.

I’m going to skip the American Pavilion for the time being.

In the Italy Pavilion you can find a large array of container plants. According to Epcot Horticulturalist, Eric Darden, all of the container plants throughout the park must be watered by hand – a task that takes endless hours. Also, his staff plans for a 70% - 100% replacement of all bedding and container plants during the festival.

The other highlight at the Italy Pavilion is the Lady and the Tramp topiary. Who could resist getting their picture taken in front of this romantic spot?

The Germany Pavilion did not have any special landscaping this year, so I’ll share a bit of trivia with you. The large LBG train layout next to Germany was once a part of the Flower & Garden Festival. Each year this elaborate layout was assembled just for the event. But due to its popularity, and the expense involved with its construction and deconstruction, it was decided to make it a permanent part of the Germany Pavilion.

Between Germany and Refreshment Outpost is the Pirate Adventure Zone.

This is another beautifully landscaped area designed especially for the kids. Captain Hook, treasure chests, and a rickety boat are on hand for them to explore.

A ferocious dragon and a decorative cow are on exhibit at the China Pavilion.

Over twenty trolls have escaped from the Puffin’s Roost and are hiding in the Norway Garden waiting for you to find them.

The Mexico Pavilion did not offer any additional landscaping for this year’s event.

As part of the press event, I was invited to attend a reception on the third floor of the American Adventure.

This area was once a corporate lounge for American Express when it sponsored this attraction. It is now used for special events and parties.

As we stepped off of the elevator and into the lounge, we were offered white sangria cocktails adorned with flowers. Appetizers of cheese, fruit, eggrolls and crab-cakes were beautifully displayed on a table in the lounge. In the two corners of the dining area, chefs were waiting to dish up various pastas or carve slices of prime rib and turkey.

For dessert we dined on chocolate flower pots with Oreo dirt and gummy-worms. How appropriate for the Flower & Garden Festival.

Dan Cockerell, Epcot VP spoke briefly then turned the microphone over to Eric Darden who explain what goes into creating the Flower & Garden Festival each year.

Here is a photo I was excited to be given the opportunity to take – a picture of Spaceship Earth taken from the third floor of the American Pavilion.

At 4:45 we were escorted to the American Gardens Theatre for reserved seating to see the Davy Jones concert as part of the Flower Power concert series that takes place during the event.

Davy put on a great show. Although only 35 minutes in length, he packed a lot of memorable tunes into this concert. Most of the audience was made up of my generation – those old enough to remember seeing the Monkees’ TV show when it first aired. A number of fans brought old record albums for Davy to sign. And even though he picked up several of them and showed them to the audience, he did not sign any as there simply wasn’t time during this abridged concert.

For a 63 year old, Davy still can shake it and move it. Although he made numerous jokes about his age, there was no sign of him slowing down. And since the audience had memorized all of his songs when they were teenagers, much of the gang sang along with Davy, which he didn’t seem to mind and even encouraged at one point.

When ending the concert, Davy let everyone know that he’s putting on three shows a day with different numbers in each. He encouraged everyone to come back for a later performance – which I’m sure many did.

After the concert, I was tired and decided to call it quits for the day. When I got home I downloaded the 470 pictures I had taken and started to whittle them down to the few I will share with you.

Unlike the Food & Wine Festival, which cost extra if you wish to enjoy its benefits, the Flower & Garden Festival costs nothing more than your price of admission. It’s a wonderfully beautiful event that everyone can enjoy and marvel at. I would highly recommend planning your next trip to Disney World around this occasion. I realize that Spring Break coincides with much of this event, but if you’re into gardening, you won’t be disappointed.

My friend Linda Mac and I were invited to participate in a training session intended to help VIP Tour Guides learn the ropes. Before these knowledgeable cast members can escort paying guests through the various parks, they must first practice on a test audience. We were lucky enough to be a part of this two hour session and be “guinea pigs” on a Magic Kingdom tour.

For the most part, VIP tours are intended for first-time visitors who wish to have a Disney expert accompany them through the various parks and customize the experience to their specific needs. Prices range from $175 to $315 per hour with a six hour minimum. The price differential is determined by whether or not you’re staying at a Disney resort, the time of year you visit, and the level of service you request. Tour groups can be from one individual to a maximum of ten. Park admission is not included in this price.

Since I’m probably as knowledgeable as any of these tour guides when it comes to Disney theme parks, there was little our guide could tell me that I didn’t already know. So, I spent much of the training session asking our guide questions about VIP Tours so I could share the information with you. Here’s what I learned.

A VIP Tour can be reserved 180 days in advance. At that time, you’ll discuss what you’re looking for in a tour and arrange for reservations at your favorite restaurants. If you wish to wait and book a tour after you arrive, you can. But you run the risk that no tour guide or restaurant reservations will be available.

You meet up with your tour guide at whatever location you desire. If you want to be escorted from your hotel, that can be arranged. But probably, you’ll meet at Guest Relations at the park of your choice. At that time, you’ll commence with introductions. I was surprised at how quickly our guide learned everyone’s name and used it throughout the day. I can see that after just a short time, your guide would become part of the family. Each member of your party will be given a business card with the tour guide’s pager number printed on it in case someone gets separated from the group.

The VIP Tours do not utilize the new wireless headphones that are being used on other tours. Although wonderful when traveling in a big group, the VIP Tour is a more intimate experience and a headphone would detract from this.

Next you will be asked if there are any attractions that you absolutely must experience so that your guide can plan the day accordingly. Often, families with small children will want to make Fantasyland a priority while those with teenagers will want to experience all of the thrill rides.

VIP Tour guides must work in other areas of Guest Relations before transferring into this position. Then they must take a two week training course to familiarize themselves with EVERYTHING at Walt Disney World. It’s Disney’s intention to cast knowledgeable people into this role. Once the tour begins, it’s their job to maximize your time and enhance your experience. They know the shortest route between “A” and “B” from just about anywhere. They know the best places to watch the parades. They know the show times so you won’t be caught in line five minutes before a performance starts. And they know how the crowds ebb and flow so they can avoid bottlenecks.

On my particular tour, we all said we wanted to ride on the Jungle Cruise. When we reached the attraction, our guide got us into line and gave us instructions on where to meet him at its conclusion. Later we discovered that while we were enjoying the African Elephant Bathing Pool, our guide had raced across the park and secured Fast Passes for Space Mountain.

These tours do not offer “back door” entrance onto the rides. You must stand in line like everyone else. But your tour guide knows the best order in which to experience them with as little wait as possible.

For an extra $100 per hour, you can order the “Premium” package. This gives your group unlimited Fast Pass admission. At any attraction that uses Fast Pass, your tour guide can flash their “magic” card and admit your group into this line – as many times as you like. So if you’re a Space Mountain junky, you can re-queue over and over again in the Fast Pass line. This even applies to attractions that aren’t utilizing Fast Pass on a particular day.

It’s your decision whether or not the tour guides eat with you. Their feelings won’t be hurt if you need some private time without them. If you do decide to include them, Disney picks up the tab for their portion of the meal.

Our tour guide told us that if it’s your desire to see Illuminations at Epcot, Fantasmic at the Studio, and Wishes at the Magic Kingdom, all in ONE night. Disney can arrange this. Of course, this is dependent on the times of all three shows being spaced accordingly. But the point of the story is this, if you’re willing to pay, Disney is willing to accommodate.

Is it worth the money? Not to me it isn’t. But like I said at the beginning of this blog, I know my Disney theme parks. In fact, I shared more trivia with our guide than he did with us. But that’s just me.

Is this service worth it to the average guest? Only if the average guest is rich. The cheapest day would cost $1,050 for six hours – not including admission. I experienced this tour in February when the park is typically slow. We were literally walking onto all of the attractions with no lines. A guest would hardly need to pay someone else to help them cut corners when there are no corners to cut. The tour would only make sense if the parks were busy.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Disney World, I would suggest reading the Allears.net website and newsletters (blatant plug) before your visit. We provide a wealth of information – for free. If you’re a regular reader of our site, you know a constant theme of ours is to learn as much as you can about Disney World before arriving. You simply cannot show up at the gates unprepared. If you do, you’ll miss a lot. But if you don’t have the time or desire to “study” before a vacation, a VIP Tour might be the answer.

Okay, what if you are rich; is it worth it? Maybe. I have to admit, if I could have afforded a private tour on my first trip to Tokyo DisneySea, it would have been nice. Disney parks are so full of interesting facts and bits of trivia, that a private guide would be fun to have around and fill my brain with this information. But unless you’ve got money to burn, I’d have a hard time recommending this tour. After experiencing a two-hour session, I decided that I could hire myself out at half the price and offer an excellent tour. Just kidding.

If you are interested in booking, call 407-560-4033.

July 4th, 2007 Walt Disney World Naturalization Ceremony

Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege to witness more than one thousand immigrants become United States citizens. The event took place in the Magic Kingdom in front of Cinderella Castle, where people from more than a hundred nations raised their right hand and swore allegiance to this great country.

The event started with Meg Crofton, President of Walt Disney World, welcoming guests. During her comments she remarked how wonderful it was that one of these peoples’ greatest dreams was coming true during Disney’s “Year of a Million Dreams” celebration.

Following her welcoming speech, the 6th Air Mobility Wing Honor Guard appeared on stage and raised the Stars and Stripes with all the pomp and spender one would expect. A slight breeze caught the flag and it bellowed beautifully in the wind. With the flag flying high, Gloria Estefan sang the Star Spangled Banner.

A loud speaker announcement followed and a roll call of all the nations being represented by this group of people was read. I wasn’t amazed to hear nations like Cuba, Bangladesh, and Haiti mentioned. These are poor or oppressed countries. It’s easy for me to understand why someone would want to leave these places for a better life. But when I heard names like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Germany mentioned, I was surprised. These countries enjoy prosperity and freedom. I realized that America still holds a strong allure to people all over the world.

Dr. Emilio Gonzales, Director of the USCIS and also a naturalized citizen gave the Oath of Allegiance. With a thousand right hands raised high in the air, strong voices pledged to support and defend the Constitution. It was at this point I became a little teary myself.

With an audience of new citizens watching, Senator Mel Martinez (Fl) took the stage. Like his onlookers, he too is a naturalized citizen. It was at this time the Florida skies could hold back no longer and it began to rain. Disney, being Disney, had thought of everything and everyone had been given a poncho in advance. Interrupting his prepared speech, Senator Martinez remarked that after all these years of work to become a U.S. citizen they weren’t going to let a little rain dampen their spirits. The crowd cheered enthusiastically.

The Pledge of Allegiance was then said by all and then a pre-recorded message from President Bush was played. The Voices of Liberty appeared soon after with umbrellas in hand and sang “Golden Dream.”

When Dr. Gonzales returned to the podium the rain began to let up. He was joined by Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio. The famous couple was presented with the “American By Choice” award for their contribution to others less fortunate and for the restoration work they are doing in south Florida to bring back neglected neighborhoods.

Lee Greenwood was next to take the stage and he sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” while everyone waved small American flags.

With the conclusion of his song, Meg Crofton thanked everyone for participating is this historic event and then asked that the new citizens fall in behind the Walt Disney World Marching Band. A group of flag waving smiling faces then proceeded down Main Street to the cheers of onlookers along the way. The event was topped off by two F-15 jets streaking across the sky above Main Street. U.S.A.

I would like to offer my special thanks to Deb Wills. Disney had invited her to cover this event as part of the official press corps. Unable to make it, she asked me to fill in for her. I was honored that she trusted me with the responsibility and excited that an old, patriotic softy like myself would get to witness this event from such a prime viewing vantage that the press is provided. Thanks a million, Deb!

Jack's Photos of the Event

AllEars® Team Member Jack Spence attended the special ceremony and sends these photos. His writeup will follow later.

Complete Program