D23 Expo- 2017

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 audience members 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.

Another D23 ends and now we wait...

Who wants to join me for D23 2019? 

TOP 5 Things That Disney Nerds SHOULDN'T Do!

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. 

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 20^th Anniversary celebration and were about to open their version of the hit Disneyland thrill ride- Splash Mountain

(queue SPLASH MOUNTAIN RAP! Follow me to Youtube )

       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 22^nd 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 22^ND!”                                                                                                                                            

      June 22^nd 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!

Experience Mickey's Starland Show

• 2.       Fireworks = not good

    Walt Disney World was nearing the end of its 20^th 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…