Back in 1989, then CEO Michael Eisner had great plans for the Disney parks, particularly in the Orlando resorts. In competition with rival Universal Studios, Disney wanted to create an onsite studio where guests could visit and watch as real life movies came to life, giving movie fans that one-of-a-kind experience of how it feels to actually be "in the movies."
Disney’s MGM Studios was born and it was a marvel to behold. It had an array of theme park attractions to entertain the entire family. It had a real life animation studio that helped create blockbuster hits such as Mulan and Lilo and Stitch. It had a working movie lot where trams took guests on tour of their latest projects and displayed large props and character costumes of Disney old.
It was incredible. I repeat… it was incredible.
Years later, after the 9/11 attacks, Disney lacked the cash to fund studio costs and soon closed attractions that made MGM Studios…a studio. When that happened, the park lost its identity, even more tragic…its purpose.
When I was growing up, this was my favorite park. As a movie lover, I was obsessed with every single detail of this park. It excited me when I hopped aboard the tram for the 45 minute tour into the backstage lot. I skipped and sang my way onto The Great Movie, marveling at the animatronic figures of some of my favorite movie scenes. Remember when Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were at the park? I couldn’t get there fast enough to snag a picture with my favorite reptiles.
Now it’s a bare facade of a once great theme park, unable to pick up the pieces of the golden age and put itself back together. Much like EPCOT, Disney is scrambling to solve the problem of neglected theme park attractions, trying to work with what they have and incorporate the new developments that they have accumulated in the past ten years. With the acquisition of both Marvel and Lucas Films, Disney identifies the urgency of incorporating live action franchises to utilize their mature theming to create thrilling e-ticket rides that will bring back tweens/teens.
Over the past few weeks, we have seen a lot of news coming out from the Hollywood Studios team. Three new lands are expected to open within the next few years; Toy Story Land being the first to open in the lineup, followed closely by Grand Avenue dining district and the highly anticipated Star Wars Land.
As a longtime MGM/Hollywood Studios fan, I can’t help but wonder what in the world is going on in those executive meetings. They are so anxious to roll out rides and entertainment that they are forgetting the most important piece of information that we fans need. And that is…
What is this park going to be? Where’s the cohesion of all these new lands and how do they fit into the current layout of the park?
Speculation of retheming has run rampant over the past few years and now with new developments coming out in back to back weeks, it’s clear to fans that Disney has something cooking up for this highly neglected theme park. My only hope, speaking on behalf of my younger self, is that they don’t forget...
Walt Disney came to Hollywood to make a childhood dream a reality. He grew up going to the movies and many of the films he saw as a child would influence the films he made once he created the Walt Disney Studio. He had a deep love of the golden age of film making and would have appreciated the fact that- for a time- guests from across the globe got the chance to experience the Hollywood dream.
Like Walt said, “Movies can and do have tremendous influence in shaping young lives in the realm of entertainment towards the ideals and objectives of normal adulthood.”
Hollywood Studios has an underlying message that one shouldn’t shy away from creativity. It’s the imagination of those who think outside the box that gives us extraordinary stories that shape a generation. Films like the Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, even characters as iconic and enduring as the Muppets, can inspire those who think that their ideas are weird or too complex to be shared. This theme park, to me, tells those young thinkers to dare to make that dream a real vision to behold by anyone who takes a seat and watches.
This past week, the
Disney community was rocked by D23. Those who don’t follow social media, the
Bi-Annual event dominated the entertainment news world with breaking
announcements of new additions and exciting changes to the Disney Theme Parks.
Also, the Anaheim Convention saw a gathering of some of the most popular movie
franchises including Marvel, Star Wars, and even a ‘few’ Princesses.
There was a lot of news to come out of D23 2017 but here are
a few that really stuck out with me; both good….and bad.
1) Tron Roller Coaster Confirmed
Rumors have been going around about the possibility of the
popular roller coaster from Shanghai Disneyland will be constructed at one of
the Disney theme parks in the US. The rumor was
confirmed but not to the extent we first thought. It was believed that Tron
was going to take the place of Tomorrowland Speedway. However, based off the concept art rendering of the Tron entrance, it looks like it's going to be directly
next to Space Mountain rather than kicking the speedway off its tracks. This
left many fans relieved to see a classic ride remain which is a rarity as you will
soon see.
2) Modes of Transportation
With growing competition with Uber, Disney’s response is
with the announcement of the “Minnie Van”. These red with white polka dot family
vans are going to bring all the Disney-whimsy along with the convenience you’d
experience with taxis or Uber/Lyft drivers; which are a great alternatives to
riding the bus for 45 minutes. It is currently in the soft opening stage at
select resorts at WDW but- sooner than you think- guests will be able to use
the ‘Lyft’ app to book these ‘TOO CUTE’ vehicles for a flat rate of $20 per one
way trip.
Another big announcement out of the Disney rumor mill was
the ‘Skyway’ Gondolas. The Disney Skyliner is scheduled for construction at the
Walt Disney World Parks providing transportation to Hollywood Studios and Epcot
from select WDW Resorts. Imagine the views that we're going to get!
3) Feature Films: Animated & Live Action
Not only did we get first looks at highly anticipated
features like ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and ‘A Wrinkle in Time’; but we were also
we're blessed with the presence of collection of actors from the Marvel
Cinematic Universe, 'Star Wars The Last Jedi', and those lucky audiencemembers
got to see one of the largest gatherings of Disney Princesses to date.
After much speculation that casting was hitting a dead end, Disney
surprised us all with the announcement of two young stars and legendary actor-
Will Smith- taking on the title roles of the live action adaptation of 'Aladdin'.
In the animated world, we got our first inside scoop of the
highly anticipated sequels: 'Incredibles 2' and 'Ralph Breaks the Internet'.
Brad Bird announced that 'The Incredibles' will pick up right where they left off in
the first movie while Disney Animation Studios gave the audience an
unforgettable scene where 'Wreck it Ralph' character Vanellope Von Schweetz is
seen enjoying a slumber party with all the Disney Princesses. Needless to say,
the Internet went crazy over that one!
4) A Star Wars Hotel
The one announcement that had me screaming was when they
announced a totally immersive hotel experience that will take you right into
the story of a galaxy far far away. Let me go put on my Rey costume and sign me
up! More information to come- of course- but till then we have some pretty
amazing concept art.
5) Mickey's first
ride
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is set to open at
Disney's Hollywood Studios replacing the iconic main attraction- The Great
Movie Ride. As excited as I am to see Mickey star in very first theme park ride,
I am saddened to hear of the closure of The Great Movie Ride. It was one of my
favorites as a child and it will continue to be one of my Fondest Memories even
as it closes in August of this year.
The new ride will utilize the same outdoor façade, but will apply new technology that was
described as 2.5 D.
For all of those who hate
to see old attractions go, just remember that change is inevitable...
Which leads me to number six…
6) Epcot - and the future of Future World & World
Showcase
It was announced in small increments…
First they announce the confirmation of the Ratatouille Ride
in France, then they announced a new video for the China pavilion, and then
they said…Epcot to receive a new front entrance…
That’s when they showed the concept art. What we saw was the
future of what EPCOT is turning into. We are seeing the phasing out of an
educational theming and the increasing presence of Disney characters; both animation
and live action. Then a rumor was confirmed…Guardians of the Galaxy will be
taking over the Universe of Energy Pavilion.
Now…this is a subject I want to got further into in the
future but here and now I want to be clear- I AM EXCITED. I always look forward
to change and I truly believe that the changes coming to EPCOT is needed more
than ever.
I love a good ‘top 5’
list! Being the first of its kind on this blog, I wanted to address a very
important subject that is dear to my heart- fellow Disney fans (Disney Nerd,
of course). You see them everywhere; a person who can name at least one of the
nine old men, could tell you the opening date of their beloved Disney theme
park rides, or can belt any Disney song on command. They will tell you exactly
what you need to know before making your way to the resort: where to stay,
where to eat, what to ride, etc.
As a
travel agent, I work with many different types of vacationers, those who
are season veterans and those who are new to the whole game. I’ve had to really
watch my language and behavior around those who aren’t as crazy about Disney as
I am. It’s important to remember that a memorable vacation can be destroyed if
you don’t pay attention to the guest’s needs and wants. SO! That being said,
here are my top 5 things that Disney Nerd need to keep in mind
when dealing with non-Disney Nerd.
Top 5 Things
that a Disney Nerd should know before traveling with non-Disney
Nerd:
1.Your Don’ts might be someone
else’s Do’s
The worst thing you
could do is withhold important information just because you don’t
find it interesting. We understand that ‘Stitch’s Great Escape’ is
not the best ride on property but it might be someone else’s favorite
attraction. Let them decide for themselves and let them experience everything
before the rides are inevitably gone forever.
2.Don’t do all the talking!
When working with someone who is
taking a trip to Disney for the first time, the last thing you need to do is
flood them with everything you know. People start to lose focus and don’t even
take in the information, or worse, they start feeling a little bit overwhelmed.
It’s more important to hear what they have to say. You will get to know that
‘someone’ a little better and may be able to discover a great magical moment
you can add on to personalize their vacation experience.
3.Don’t be
afraid to show the ugly side!
It’s never a good
idea to sugar coat anything. There are going to be meltdowns, there are going
to be bumps along the way. Not all travelers will enjoy the atmosphere, you’re
going to run into sour individuals who get under your skin. The happiest place
on earth is not going to be for everyone and it’s definitely not going to be
perfect. Food will taste bad, the lines will be long, planes will be
delayed, and so much more. It’s ok for it to not be like a fairy tale; if
it was… it wouldn’t be an adventure- and isn’t that better?
4.Don’t reveal all the magic! Let them make some discoveries on their own!
Don’t spoil their fun
with giving away the ending! Some of the best magical moments happened upon my
own discovery. Like I said in number 2, don’t overload with information, keep
some things to yourself. This will allow the first timers to experience the
park like you did when you first went, completely spoiler free. Sure they
might miss out on some things, but wouldn’t it be so much more rewarding if
they came back with stories that they can’t wait to tell you?
5.Don’t hide your Disney Nerd side!
First timers will
make this statement- WOW! You sure do know a lot about Disney. Naturally! But
don’t take that as an insult. Everyone has an interest. Some find passion in
sports, food, outdoor activities, etc. We just find our passion in a world of
art and entertainment; that’s what it boils down to. So let that DISNEY NERD
side out to shine. It’s what makes you…YOU. And that’s something you should
never cover up.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
The One that Started it All:
My first entry couldn’t be about anything else than the trip
that started it all…
Reve up your DeLorean or hop in your TARDIS; transport
yourselves to the year 1992. George H. W. Bush was President and the U.S took
home 5 Gold medals in the Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. Disney was feeling like Scrooge McDuck swimming in their gold coined pool after their huge
success of Aladdin. Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom was in the tail end of their 20th
Anniversary celebration and were about to open their version of the hit
Disneyland thrill ride- Splash Mountain
My family is infamous
of making every family trip an extra special event, even in the weeks before we
even left our house. Before we left for the parks, my sister and I got a call
from none other than the big cheese himself saying that we were going to visit
him on June 22nd and that he couldn’t wait to finally meet us. For
the days leading up to our departure, my Mother would spontaneously ask us this
one question…
“When
are we going?”
We’d excitedly reply…
“JUNE 22ND!”
June 22nd
finally arrived and the family packed up in the minivan and took the long road
from central Alabama to Kissimmee, FL.
My Dad always loved retelling the story of our arrival to
the Magic Kingdom park. With his boxy camcorder resting on his shoulder, he
captured every moment at the cost of seeing the happiest place on Earth in full
color. I was in the front seat of a rented stroller, my older sister walked
right next to my Mother who didn’t waste any time. She pushed me all the way
down Main Street with a skip in her step. Her voice went up an octave as she
closed in on the marvel of Cinderella’s castle leaning down to ask me…” Do you see the castle?”
As pure as that question was at the time…How could I miss
it?
An image I had only seen in story books laid before me in
complete reality; engulfing every single one of my young senses. I didn’t know
it at the time, but that image would become one of my many ‘happy thoughts’ as
an adult.
Now, granted, I was 4 years old at the time, and unfortunately,
I can’t recall much that wasn’t included on my Dad’s recordings but there were
three things that I somehow managed to hang on to all these years later.
1 Mickey’s StarLand & Mickey's Magical TV
World (or Mickey's Starland Show)
For those of you who aren’t familiar, this area would soon
evolve into Mickey’s Toon Town Faire which then would be demolished in
preparation of the new Fantasyland area we all know and love today. But back in
1992, Mickey’s StarLand was a late 80s and early 90s child’s paradise. You see,
90s children were lucky enough to be in a time where the best television
entertainment was available to our eager young minds. A little something called
“The Disney Afternoon”. Such epics like ‘Ducktales’, ‘Talespin’, ‘Darkwing
Duck’, ‘Goof troop’, and so much more made up over 2 hours of pure Disney
hilarity that has never been replicated since.
I was OBSESSED! And one of my favorite shows that I would
watch from my Dad’s recordings was ‘Mickey’s Starland Show.’ It was a cheesy
stage show where our host C.J and her ‘Disney’s
Unilateral Digital Electromagnetic Computer’ sidekick -(or D.U.D.E for
short)- guided us on a musical tour of some of Disney’s most popular afternoon
shows. I watched it over and over till I memorized every line. Within just a
few short years, the show was closed and ultimately the entire land went
through a complete makeover. All that is left are the memories of a 4 year old
fan!
Walt Disney World was nearing the end of its 20th
Anniversary celebration and there were many different shows and spectacles at
each park that were dedicated to that event. Of all the special events, one in
particular cause my little self to have a nervous breakdown and that event was
none other than Disney’s incomparable display of… Fireworks.
Lemme’ explain first by saying I had some terrible ears growing
up. Constant ear infections led to the infamous implementation of tubes. So
when I say that loud noises and I don’t get along…I mean it! And those darn
fireworks were the worst.
Sorry for the downer memory but let this be a lesson that
not all memories at the Disney Parks are guaranteed to be on the positive side.
Regardless, it’s a memory that I can laugh about now; especially since my ears
are much healthier now. Nowadays, you’d have to drag me out of the park to miss
a firework show, but back then…my parents pressed one ear against their chest
and while covering my other ear with their spare hand, they’d make sprint to
the nearest exit just in time to miss any long KABOOMs. So to my parents…Thank
you!
3.My Magical Moment
Nothing’s more sacred than a child’s FIRST magical moment at
Disney. It happens at least once in our lifetime but for me, it was the very
first one that remains my absolute favorite.
Let’s return back to the Magic Kingdom-
I was out of my stroller at the time and the family had just
spotted a hot bed of Disney characters standing out in the open for meet and
greets at Mickey’s Starland. Characters from the Disney classic ‘Robin Hood’
stood around signing autographs and taking pictures with kids while the parents
stood by with the camera and camcorder and instruction on whose turn it was.
It wasn’t long after my picture with Prince John that I
spotted something in the corner of my eye; more like someone…
My feet darted down the black asphalt, my parents immediately
followed swiftly behind, and within seconds I stood before a character that felt
as if he stood 50 feet above me. He knelt down to my level, opened his arms,
and the four-year-old me crawled onto the lap of one of my favorite characters…
Goofy.
It was the kind of hug we all need. Goofy’s strong arms
picked me up, let my little legs dangle as he twirled me around in a circle and
then carefully placed me back down to the ground. My sister of course joined in
the fun as Goofy snatched her 101 Dalmations ball cap and placed it on his
nose and played ‘Keep Away’. My parents later told me that this was one of their
most memorable moments and it wasn’t because of how it happened; it was our
faces. They told me that the look on me and my sisters face were pure joy and
it’s all because Goofy gave total and complete attention to their little girls.
Hearing that made me proud to be a
Cast member because it truly is the time that we take to make a person’s trip
extra special that makes the most out of their vacation experience.
A lot has changed since then. Attractions have come and gone
but the value and the authenticity is still as prevalent as ever.
Do you remember your first trip to the park? Have you experienced
a magical moment? Or have you yet to experience
a true Disney Vacation?
Please leave a comment below and let’s start a conversation…
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Anyone who knows me describes me as their friend ‘The Disney Expert’. Personally, I prefer a more casual and more accurate introduction…
I am a ‘Disney Nerd’ or what I like to say- a Disne(rd)
I’ve loved Disney from the first time I visited the Walt Disney World Resort back in 1992 at 4 years old. I rewatched recorded family videos and Disney planning VHS tapes till they fell apart.
I went on to work at the WDW Resort before starting my college career and only fell in love with it even more. There, I played the important role of ‘Tickets and Greeting’; homing in on my skills as a guest services professional. It was a role with skills that I would carry over on to my next job opportunity.
Since then, I return to my favorite playground frequently with friends and family. Not long after my return to Birmingham, AL, I found myself assisting several close friends in planning their family Disney trips. I gave them all my tips and tricks and used my expertise as a past Cast Member to give them the most magical and stress-free Disney planning experience I could offer.
That’s when I decided…
This is what I want to do!
I am here because I want to extend knowledge to those who think that planning a Disney vacation is a bit overwhelming and time consuming.
Everyone deserves to experience the magic that is Disney. By creating a personalized itinerary based on your family’s needs, I will assist anyone who wants to create an experience that will leave everlasting magical moments that will be remembered for many years to come. So journey with me in experiencing the WONDER and the incomparable services that only Disney can offer.
