New RFID Enabled Tickets at WDW

       For Easter break this year, we took a trip down to Walt Disney World to enjoy the beautiful weather and the Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot.  During our trip, we converted our annual passes to the new RFID passes.  I was a little nervous about this process because we have premier annual passes that also work in California, so we wanted to make sure that our passes would still function at Disneyland, which has not adopted the new RFID system for turnstiles.  Well, our fears were quickly assuaged because the process was painless, and the castmembers knew exactly what they were doing.

            In order to change out our tickets, we visited the Odyssey building in Epcot, which was exciting because this building used to house a restaurant.  This restaurant has been closed for a number of years, but the restaurant building is still used for special events throughout the year.  There were castmembers on hand to guide us through the process of changing out tickets.  We arrived early, so there was no line.  We walked into the building, and to our surprise, the main room was decorated with many different displays of retired audio animatronics figures from Walt Disney World’s past.  Figment was in attendance as was a figure from the long shuttered attraction, Kitchen Kabaret.  In addition, there were other displays about It’s a Small World, former Innoventions attractions, and even parts of costumes from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  All of these items were in glass cases, and we could take as long as we liked to look around the displays.   As we were changing out our tickets, we listened to some classic Epcot tunes from all of the old pavilions. 

            The actual process of changing out the tickets just involved confirming our identities with a photo i.d. and waiting a few minutes for the castmembers to print out a new card for each of us.  Since my husband and I already had premier passes, we were simply given a new card that was exactly the same as our old one with the addition of the RFID chip that would allow us to use the new entrances to the theme parks.  My brother, on the other hand, has a Florida annual pass, so his new pass was an upgrade because the new card is an actual plastic card, which is much sturdier than his former paper ticket.  Our tickets were already a hard plastic. 

            All in all, this was a very easy process, and I recommend doing this during the window that Disney has set up to make the change, which continues into mid May.  Before we left the Odyssey building, we tested our cards on RFID readers that were set up at the exit.  The new turnstile-less entrances are very fast and easy to use, and I am glad that we changed out our tickets.  This new technology is also present on resort room keys, which makes opening the room door so easy.  All you have to do is wave your card in front of the small black box on your room, and like magic, the door to the room opens.  This was fantastic when we were returning to our room with luggage or with purchases. I can’t wait to see the new magic bands that will eventually take the place of the ticket altogether.  These bands were on display at the Odyssey, and the castmembers let us try them on just to see that they are very light and easy to deal with.  I know new technology can be a little disconcerting sometimes, but I think this new ticketing system is a step in the right direction.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

                        

To Turn Left or To Turn Right?: That is the Question

            Now, when Hamlet posed his question, “to be or not to be?,” he was pondering much deeper issues than whether to turn right or left; however, every Disney World fan faces this important directional decision upon entering the Magic Kingdom in Florida.  When one reaches the crossroads at the hub, one must make that day altering decision, Adventureland or Tomorrowland?  The debate always rages on about which choice is the better one, but both directions have merit. 

            If you choose the path to the right of the park, you will be headed in the direction of Tomorrowland, and you will be faced with yet another decision: which ride should I run to first?  Should I get a fastpass for Space Mountain, or should I reserve my fastpass for some other major headliner.  There is no right answer.  You have to do what works best for your family and your needs.  Obviously, if you have small children, Space Mountain may not be the best choice for you; perhaps, you might want to head in the direction of Fantasyland to explore some of those more family friendly options.  For my husband and I, we always go to the right on the first day that we spend in the Magic Kingdom.  We head to Space Mountain, and we obtain a fast pass, then we make our way to Buzz Lightyear so that I can be shown up as a lesser space hero.  My husband is always a Galactic Hero, while I usually rank just slightly below that.  We have a friendly, but fierce rivalry with regard to this ride!  Then, we make our way to the Peoplemover.  Is this the most efficient way to tour the park? Maybe not, but for us, it has become tradition.

            Now, after we have used up our first fastpass, we usually spend our next round on Splash Mountain or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  We then spend the rest of the day’s fastpasses on Peter Pan or perhaps another spin on Big Thunder.  We have no qualms about running back and forth across the park in order to obtain fastpasses for attractions that lie on completely different sides of the Magic Kingdom.  Again, this strategy may not work for everyone because many families are not going to want to run back and forth across the entire park multiple times in a day. 

            Even though, we run across the park for fast passes, we resume the right to left course during our journey through the rest of the park.  After Tomorrowland, we go to Fantasyland, Liberty Square, Frontierland, and then to Adventureland.  If we are in the Magic Kingdom for multiple days, we will vary this plan of attack depending on which rides we want to experience.  However, that first day always begins in the land of Tomorrow.  After many trips, we have figured out what works for our touring plan, but you, as a family, must decide what will work for you.  There is no one right way to tour the park for everyone; you just have to see what will fit your specific needs.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

One Little Spark

“One little spark of inspiration is at the heart of all creation. . . .” On March 5^th, 1983, Dreamfinder and Figment started singing this song when the Journey into Imagination ride opened in Epcot Center at Walt Disney World.  This whimsical attraction allowed guests to board a ride vehicle and journey with Figment and Dreamfinder into the world of imagination.  This incarnation of the ride was very different than the current Imagination ride.  During the course of this attraction, Figment needed our help to fill up the idea bag, and these ideas would help to fuel the rest of our journey through the wondrous world of an active imagination.  After the ride, guests were invited to play in the Imageworks and experience all sorts of technology that allowed them to engage their imaginations with the childlike wonder that they have just learned from Figment.  My brother and I loved this ride as children, and we enjoyed conversing with Figment and Dreamfinder when they used to make appearances outside their attraction.  You couldn’t help but sing Dreamfinder’s catchy tune as you exited, “Imagination, imagination, A dream, can be a dream come true.  With just that spark, in me and you!”

Walking Right Down the Middle of Memory Lane

On a recent trip to Disneyland, I took the photo that you see at the beginning of this article.  This photo captures several attractions that no longer exist in their original forms, so I thought it would be interesting to explore the history of two of these attractions.  First, the circular building housed the Carousel of Progress from 1967 to 1973.  This attraction can still be experienced in Walt Disney World in Florida, but when it opened at Disneyland, it was not exactly brand new.  Before the Carousel of Progress arrived in Disneyland, it had already been a part of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.  This show was part of the General Electric Pavilion during the World’s Fair, and the audio animatronics that are the central focus of the show were new innovations in technology at this point in time.  After the show played in Disneyland, it was moved to Florida and re-opened in 1975.  The Carousel of Progress is still going strong in Walt Disney World as we speak. 

After the Carousel of Progress moved to the East Coast, another musical number opened up in its place.  America Sings took the place of the Carousel of Progress, and this show was another audio animatronics based show, except the actors were all animals.  These animals sang songs that took the audience on a journey through history with the central focus being different types of music.  The animal figures still exist today, and they make their home in Disneyland’s Splash Mountain.  America Sings closed its doors in 1988, and the building just sat vacant for several years. Finally, in 1998, Innoventions opened in the Carousel of Progress Theater. 

When all of the singing animals from America Sings and the family from the Carousel of Progress were doing their shows on the first floor of this structure, what was happening up on the second level? Long ago, the entire model for Progress City was displayed for all to see on the second level of the theater.  You can still catch a glimpse of a small section of this model when you ride the TTA Peoplemover in the Magic Kingdom in Florida. The model is no longer in tact, and what you can see of it today is just a tiny piece of one of the original concepts for EPCOT the city.  If this topic interests you, check out a book called Walt and the Promise of Progress City by Sam Gennawey.

Now, when you examine this photo for more remnants of the Disneyland that was, you can’t help but notice a rocket ship.  This ship was called the Moonliner, and it was part of the entrance to the attraction, Rocket to the Moon from 1955 to 1961.  This attraction was sponsored by TWA, and eventually became Flight to the Moon in 1967, then Mission to Mars from 1975-1992, and finally Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in 1998.  From 1967 to 1998, the rocket was missing; however it returned with the Tomorrowland overhaul in 1998.  This rocket is not quite as tall as the Moonliner, but this smaller rocket is a friendly homage to Disneyland’s past.  I hope you have enjoyed my journey down memory lane, and the next time you visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, try to think about the attractions that are no longer present.  It is fun to figure out where they were and how the parks have changed over the past almost sixty years.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

Bibliography:

Weiss, Werner.  “General Electric Carousel of Progress.” Yesterland. N.p., 2007.  Web.  25 February 2013.

Weiss, Werner.  “ Rocket to the Moon.” Yesterland.  N.p., 2010.  Web.  25 February 2013.

Returning from Disneyland

       We just arrived home after a wonderful trip to Disneyland!  We arrived on Saturday, and we came home late Wednesday night of this past week, which allowed us time to explore all of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.  We ate at the Blue Bayou, Storytellers Café, Steakhouse 55, Carthay Circle, Wine Country Trattoria, Café Orleans, Rancho Del Zocalo, and the Carnation Café.  Needless to say, we experienced some fine culinary masterpieces at these restaurants. 

         We also spent time in Carsland, which is just as intricately detailed as everyone says it is.  It really feels like you are stepping into the movie. Radiator Springs Racers is both an exciting ride and a nod to the detailed storytelling that we have come to expect from Disney.  We went on this attraction three times, and I highly recommend it.  The quality of the audio-animatronic Cars is top notch, and the ride is thrilling, but not too wild.  The setting for the queue is beautiful, and it is easy to forget that the mountains are really sculpted and did not occur naturally.  We just enjoyed walking around Carsland when all of the neon was glowing and the music was playing.  This area has added some much needed ambiance to California Adventure. 

          Speaking of ambiance, Buena Vista Street is absolutely stunning.  We walked in all of the stores and really felt transported back to the 1920s when Walt Disney Productions was still just a dream in its infancy.  This area of the park is exciting and filled with so much detail.  I know that I will find even more of these details on future trips to the Disneyland Resort. 

Another highlight of the trip to California Adventure was dining at the Carthay Circle.  This restaurant was beautiful, and the food was unbelievable.  I ordered the mushroom risotto, and my husband ordered the steak.  The quality of the food and the service really made us feel like we were important people dining at a star-studded establishment.  We will definitely return to this restaurant on future trips to California. 

           On this trip, we divided our time between California Adventure and Disneyland.  Walking into Disneyland for me is always so strange because I go to Disney World so much.  I expect to see certain things, but then, instead of Cinderella Castle, I spot the Matterhorn.  Instead of seeing the Peoplemover, I just see empty tracks.  There were several times that we exited a ride and I was ready to go in one direction but realized that this direction would not be correct because I was not in Florida. 

      Overall, I truly enjoy my trips out to the original Disney Park.  I love seeing the old photos of Walt and the Imagineers that are hanging all over the parks and the resorts in California.  When you walk though Disneyland, you can definitely feel Walt’s presence.  I know that many people say that, but it is so true.  I like looking at the lantern in the Firehouse, and seeing it lit reminds me that Walt Disney is still present in spirit in all of his parks.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

Disneyland Bound

            Like any serious Disney fans, we have had the desire to visit the original Happiest Place on Earth in California, and we made that pilgrimage last year during the Christmas season.  We enjoyed ourselves so much that we are going back to Disneyland in just two short weeks.  Unlike our last trip, we will have three and a half days to explore the parks.  Last time, we had such a short trip that we felt so rushed.  There were many attractions and areas that we simply did not have time to visit.  This year, we are looking forward to examining all of the details that make Disneyland such a special place.

            I am most looking forward to riding the classic rides that are similar to their Florida counterparts but also very different.  For instance, Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland is far superior to its Florida cousin.  The attraction is so much longer and tells a more cohesive story, not to mention the level of atmosphere that the Blue Bayou restaurant creates as you first embark on the ride.  We plan on riding Pirates many times just so we can take in the entire environment that has been so meticulously created.  Of course, I am also looking forward to seeing my old friend Mr. J. Thaddeus Toad.  I loved that ride as a child at WDW, and I am always excited to take a journey down the road of nostalgia. In addition, we love walking into Disneyland and feeling right at home on Main Street; it is so similar to the Magic Kingdom in Florida, but also so very different.  It is a very odd feeling, but not an unwelcome one.

            As for rides that only exist in Disneyland, we really enjoy the Casey Junior Circus Train.  We will fight our way to the caboose because that is the best seat!  Also, the Indiana Jones Adventure is exciting and does not exist in Florida.  I also can’t wait to ride the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes.  I know that sounds sort of boring, but I cannot help but feel like I have stepped back in time on this type of ride.  We had so much fun paddling the canoe and just seeing the Rivers of America from a different angle.  The Storybook Land Canal Boats are also such a nod to the exquisite use of tiny, intricate details that make Disneyland so special.

            On our last trip, we spent just a few hours in California Adventure, so we really did not see much of that park.  Now, with the addition of Carsland, there is so much to see and do that we will be spending more time at DCA.  We cannot wait to ride the Radiator Springs Racers as well as just take in the details of this new land.  Also, we are going to dine at the Carthay Circle one evening, so I am sure that will be a wonderful experience as well. Buena Vista Street was under construction on our last visit, so we will also be able to explore that whole new area on this trip.

     All in all, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Disneyland and explore uncharted territory as well as re-visit old favorites.  We just have to wait two more weeks, and speaking on behalf of my husband and I, we are ready to go right now!  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!

       

This Ride Has Gone 101

“Looks like Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear are causing some kind of commotion down stream.” “Playful spooks have interrupted your tour.”  These spiels may sound familiar to you if you have ever had a ride in Walt Disney World go 101.  What does that mean?  Well, going 101 is castmember speak for the ride breaking down or having some sort of technical difficulty.  Sometimes, we have heard these announcements when a handicapped person is having trouble loading, and the castmembers have to stop the ride so that these guests can safely load.  When a ride breaks down and we get stuck, you might think that we are upset or irritated at the delay; however, after so many trips to the World, we always welcome a ride break down.  When this happens, the castmembers will help you evacuate the ride to the nearest safe location.  This means that you get to see backstage sections of the ride that you would never normally see.  This is always a welcome occurrence for my husband and I. 

            We have been evacuated off very few rides considering how many times we visit WDW every year.  One memorable experience occurred on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.  The ride stopped when we were very close to pulling into the station, and we waited for a few minutes.  After the delay, a castmember approached our train, and he told us that we would have to exit the ride.  There were very specific instructions for disembarking.  We had to follow the row in front of us, and we had to stand in a certain spot actually on stage in the ride.  We had to wait until the exact moment we were instructed to walk, and then we had to follow the leader to the exit.  This was very exciting, but I wish we had been deeper in the ride so that we could have seen more of the ride itself.  As we were leaving the ride, we were given fastpasses that could be used for any ride throughout the park; this token was intended to compensate us for having to spend precious time stuck on this attraction.

On one trip through Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, we were delayed in the ride, which will provide you with a great boost to your score.  We just kept shooting until we had both reached the maximum score, and we both proudly became Galactic Heroes.  After a while of being stuck, eventually the house lights came on, and we could really see many different parts of the ride that are normally concealed by the semi-darkness.  It was neat to see the ride in this way.  We have also seen Space Mountain with the lights on while we were riding through on the Peoplemover, which is a ride on which we have been delayed many, many times.

On our most recent trip, we were stuck on Pirates of the Caribbean, and the boats were stacking up behind us.  It looked like we were going to be stuck in those caves for a pretty long time when a castmember came out and told the crew on the boat in front of us that they were going to have to perform the “boat dance.”  We wondered what this was, but our questions were soon answered when we saw the crew swaying back and forth to unstick the boat.  After a few minutes of synchronized movement, the boat eventually unstuck, and we were able to continue our journey.  This boat actually became stuck several times during our ride, but now we knew the secret boat dance, so all was well. 

One ride I would never want to be stuck on is Expedition Everest.  We were chatting with some other guests while waiting in line, and they were discussing their experience of being stuck on this ride.  They told us how they had to climb down hundreds of steps to make it down the mountain.  I think that I could successfully do this; however, I would never want to travel down the tiny steps that sit on the side of the very tall lift hill at the beginning of the ride.

Even though getting stuck on rides might seem like a real letdown, try to see the positive side.  You will get to see exciting backstage areas, and you will get to view the ride in a new light, sometimes literally.  Maybe one day, you will be like us and actually hope that the ride goes 101!  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!