Attractions - Fountain of Nations

You may find our choice of subject matter for this week’s post a bit odd; considering that it is only a few days until the 20^th Anniversary of the WDW Marathon, there are a lot of topics we could focus on.  However, the marathon is the precise reason that this week’s topic has been chosen. 

Think about it for a moment, you have run 26 miles, your lungs heaving breath in and out like a freight train for several hours, sweat dripping down your limbs, your legs tired, your feet sore, your mind fatigued more than your body itself.  Though this experience is exhilarating, it is far more exhausting.  You are only 0.2 miles from the finish line for the WDW Marathon or Half Marathon, and you look deep inside for that little something extra, that something which no sports drink or performance enhancer can capture fully – that spark of adrenaline laced desire that fuels perseverance and fortitude.  Your feet now moving more out of habit from perpetual motion than athletic ability perhaps, you’ve crossed the bridge connecting Future World to the World Showcase and you’ve entered Innoventions Plaza - so close now.  If there was only a sign to signal triumph was upon you.  Then, you hear it. 

A roar liken to a cannon blast, followed by the thunderclap of water slamming against itself.  Did your ears deceive you?  Were the elements themselves cheering you on to finish this race?  Or was the park itself celebrating the arrival of first-time or long-time guests, the delight of the moment uncontainable?  No, it was indeed something elemental, and yet so simple in beauty that it seemed you and you alone may be the recipient of a water dance which rivals the most impressive fireworks displays at any location other than Disney.  Your eyes gaze toward the direction of the finish line which lies ahead, and there you see it, the Fountain of Nations. 

Designed by the same person who created the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, this water fountain provides an astonishing display for guests every 15 minutes throughout the day.   A ballet of water uses 200 jets to propel up to 50 gallons at a time skyward at a distance of approximately 150 feet; before it returns to the remaining pool below with a thunderous clap.  Only then to have the excess cascade gracefully down the stepped sides of the retaining area.  Even more impressive is the fact that, originally, the water within the fountain was comprised of water gathered from all over the world.  Absolutely beautiful, and in more ways than one.  This attraction welcomes newly arriving guests to the worlds beyond and wishes those leaving a magical evening as they exit.  And, as attractive as the display may be during the day, it is even more so in the evening as a variety of ever changing lights enhance the spectacle.  And, in either event, the robust sounds of the accompanying soundtrack help to complete the simple, yet memorable experience.

So, whether you are a guest in Epcot for the day, or a marathon runner who is so close to the reward awaiting you only 0.2 miles ahead – look to the Fountain of Nations.  Not simply for its subtle beauty, but for the inspirational message it provides in either situation or circumstance.  An aquatic microcosm representing the multitude of guests entering in the park, or those running to the finish line just beyond.  The resulting blend of cultures and nations propelling forth as an amazing display of strength, and ending in a graceful, gentle and peaceful cascade of joy and accomplishment.

Resorts - Wilderness Lodge

It must be enormous fun to be an Imagineer. Being challenged to tell stories through the most minute detail, finding ways to transport people to another time and place instantaneously, and inventing ways to capture not only the history but the feel of a location and scale it down to a smaller representation must be nothing short of exciting.  But, until the day comes that we have the opportunity to work as Imagineers, we must simply resort to enjoying the excitement that comes with experiencing the final product of their labor. 

And, what better way to “resort” to enjoying the results of the Imagineer’s efforts than to spend time in a Disney “Resort”?  One resort that offers an abundance of detail necessary to be an innovative representation of nature’s wonders is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

As with all our resort themed posts, we realize there are a multitude of blogs or sites available with in-depth information about resort costs, layout, etc.; as always, DLuminations would like to forego the in-depth review you may find on other sites and offer a brief overview of things of interest surrounding the resort that may help you make the decision as to whether or not you would like to stay there.

Atmosphere:  This Deluxe Resort features genuine artifacts and authentic decorations that celebrate both the ancient Native American cultures and early American settlers and explorers alike. 

The main building is constructed from 85 loads of Lodgepole Pine which serves to set the rustic tone of the Pacific Northwest in a simpler time.  Stepping inside the lobby instantly transports you to a different place.  A mixture of logs, stone and leather are accented with two 55-foot totem poles and accents of Native American artifacts to create such an immersive atmosphere, you almost feel as if you should be wearing buck skin pants, moccasins and a coon-skin or cowboy hat.  I can almost imagine the king of the wild frontier himself - Davy Crocket - lounging around the lobby, spinning yarns for anyone who will listen.  A perfect place to find Mr. Crocket might be next to an 82-foot tall fireplace which serves as the centerpiece of the beautifully decorated lobby.   

The fireplace – a recreation of the strata of the Grand Canyon featuring over 100 colors in various hues – also offers a wonderful location for resting with the family after a full day in the parks; or before a meal in one of the restaurants as you spin your own yarns about recent adventures in the parks.  The 8-story atrium not only serves to house the large accents of the totem poles and the fireplace, but helps to capture and convey the grandness of the National Parks it helps to celebrate.

Moving to the back of the lobby, you will find a small bridge that crosses the headwater of Silver Creek.  The water bubbles from the lobby and flows over Silver Creek Falls and into the Silver Creek Springs Pool. 

Paying tribute to the wonders of nature that can be found in our National Parks, the resort features many wonderful sights.  Drawing inspiration from Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, Fire Rock Geyser erupts with a 120-foot plume of water.

Resort Location:  Wilderness Lodge is conveniently located near the Magic Kingdom and adjacent to both Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, and The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. 

Restaurants:  Whispering Canyon Café may possibly be one of the most enjoyable and memorable meals for you and your kids.  Remember to ask for “Ketchup!”.  Artist Point offers a more elegant setting for families or couples.  The grilled Buffalo and the Salmon are notable menu items.  Roaring Fork offers a great option for those guests in a hurry - Disney fast food at its finest.

Pools:  There are two pools to choose from.  Hidden Springs Pool and Silver Creek Springs both offer a great atmosphere and a fun water slide is also available to enjoy.  In fact, Silver Creek Springs was ranked as #4 on our list of Top 10 Disney Resort Pools.    Wilderness Lodge also offers a beach of white sand by Bay Lake, a great place to relax and soak up some sun.

Other Activities & Attractions:  Waterslides, watercraft, and bike rentals are actually fairly common activities offered by a number of Disney resorts, and Wilderness Lodge is no exception.  However, Wilderness Lodge offers a number of unique activities for children including Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing Along, and a 24-hour playground, a supervised activity center named the Cub’s Den which allows children to play while the adults spend a few precious moments alone.  For adults, a Segway Tour is available on the grounds.  Fishing is also available for those anglers who just can’t get enough of the sport, or for those who want to relax by tossing a line and pole into the Florida waters. 

    

Have you stayed at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort?  What were your opinions?  Was there something you liked about the resort or wanted to add to help people better enjoy their stay?  If so, just add your comments below, we would love to hear from you.      

Attractions - The Art of Plussing (Haunted Mansion)

There is so much that could be written about this classic attraction.  From the “Doom Buggies” to the hitchhiking ghosts; from the stretching room to the graveyard scene, this attraction is a testament to the art of Imagineering.  As your ghost host carries you on a journey through the dark halls of this attraction, the imagery, sounds, and Imagineering tricks are woven together with one of the most memorable soundtracks of any attraction to create a totally immersive experience suitable for young and old alike.  And though this attraction is a classic, it too has been a focus of “plussing” over the years. 

Grim Grinning Ghosts have been socializing here since 1971, and in that time only a few minor changes have taken place.  The majority of updates to this attraction have been minimal or have had no real bearing on the storyline.  However, recent changes in the queue graveyard area add a greater dimension to the experience.  The most interesting point – at least to this author – is that Disney has chosen to invest time and money into making guest experiences in the parks more enjoyable on the whole, not just inside the attractions.  As you may know, lines do get long during certain peak times of the year.  Standing in those long lines, while trying to simultaneously control the heat and your children, may result in a less than fond memory.  To help alleviate those moments of stress, make the wait time seem shorter - or at least more enjoyable, Disney has focused efforts on improving attraction queues.  The Haunted Mansion is among the most recent of attractions, along with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Space Mountain, to receive such attention. 

So, what might you encounter in the queue?  Well, for starters, you will encounter the sharp wit of the Imagineers.  Only Disney could make epitaphs that invoke the sparkle of eternal youth – laughter.  While some are simply funny, others give clues to encourage interaction with the queue itself.  For example, one tombstone claims that “He’s gone from the world of trouble and strife.  But a touch of your hand brings his music to life.”  Curious guests are now fully engaged in the attraction before ever setting foot inside the mansion itself.  Hands brush across the tombstone as music now fills the air.  Music isn’t the only way to engage guests.  Disney does a great job of trying to engage multiple senses in this process.  Another grave, for a sailor of course, squirts water. 

The last portion of this attraction to recently be plussed involves the “Hitchhiking Ghosts”.  For years the ghosts simply rode along with guests who refused the offer to fill the vacancy for one more resident.  Now, these intrepid ghosts actually interact with the guests to once again create a fully immersive, interactive and enjoyable guest experience.  So, “don’t close your eyes and don’t try to hide, or a silly spook may sit by your side…” because these grim grinnin’ ghosts truly do socialize.

Let us know what you think.  Do you like these changes?  Do these changes help reduce the feeling of long wait times?  Add your comments below.

Attractions - The Art of Plussing (Pirates of the Caribbean)

As mentioned in previous posts, Disney has a rich tradition of what they term "plussing"; or the act improving on ideas or attractions.

Originally opening in Disneyland, the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction was added to Walt Disney World in 1973; though there are differences in the two. In the 1990s some audio tracks were re-recorded, though only the most die-hard Disney enthusiasts would notice. In 2004, a few additional changes were made, including having the ladies chase the pirates instead of the pirates chasing the ladies.

The most significant changes took place in 2006 when Jack Sparrow was added to the attraction, as was Barbosa. As a result, the storyline changed also. In addition, a projected image of Davy Jones was added to the falls at the beginning of the ride.

Jones was temporarily replaced by Blackbeard in May 2011 to coincide with the release of the current installment of the Pirate movie franchise; Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides. Though only temporary, this was a fresh addition that further entwined the ride with the movie in order to create or at least continue the illusion that the Pirate world exists in a time all its own.

One might think that such significant changes would dramatically alter the attraction; however, it is the opinion of this author that these changes did not contribute to altering the ride beyond its original spirit.

Want to take a quick ride through the attraction? Click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1iMRvwvGs0&feature=plcp&context=C3aef3b8UDOEgsToPDskIQEiIgz9kUCv_VBXItNWez

Let us know what you think. Are the attraction changes always positive? Add your comments below.

Magical Moments - A Disney Christmas for a Future Imagineer

For so many reasons, Christmas is unlike any other season. As I pause for a moment to reflect upon the season, I begin to realize that many of the traditions surrounding Christmas share commonalities with Disney. OK, before you gasp, laugh or balk at that comment, let me assure you that I am not comparing Mickey Mouse to the baby Jesus. Nor am I suggesting that a trip to Orlando is like a pilgrimage to the Holy land. Instead, I am referring to the little nuances of the season itself, along with many of the traditions that we encounter during this time.

The noastalgia that so many Disney fanatics - like us at DLuminations - feel when remembering first visits, favorite trips or long-gone attractions is not unlike the feelings people get when watching reruns of It's a Wonderful Life, or A Christmas Story, while putting up favorite decorations, thinking about the Coca-Cola Santa Claus or rembering past Christmas memories. Even the first visit to see Santa at the local mall is similar to the first photo with Mickey Mouse.

Taking this theme further, I could draw correlations between the overwhelmingly firendly sense of giving that overtakes people during trips to WDW and that experienced around this time of year.

I'm sure, if I tried, I could draw innumerous comparisons between Christmas and a vacation to Walt Disney World, but instead, I will end by asking you to take a journey into your imagination for a moment. Remember back to your childhood. Do you remember how hard it was to sleep on Christmas Eve? The mere thought that Santa would be standing in your home, delivering something special for you was overwhelming. Then, as dawn peeked over the horizon, your feet hit the floor and you sprinted to see what surprise might await you. And, as your eyes gazed upon that one special item, you felt an immeasurable sense of joy, pleasure, grattitude and, well, magic! This, perhaps, is the real comparison to Christmas in Disney. Exciting, memorable and magical. It is a place where your dreams coexist with reality and fantasy. Pure elation.

In honor of this magical feeling of Christmas, we offer to you a very Merry Christmas, and best wishes as we enter into the new year. May that sense of Disney Magic go with you throughout the coming months and may you hold on to that childlike innocence and joy that rests at the heart of Christmas. And, to celebrate that feeling, we share with you a memory that combines Chrsitmas, Disney, dreams, joy and magic - so enjoy this glimpse into a Disney Christmas for a Future Imagineer, and remember to dreams do come true!

Merry Christmas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDTvhr7Tx3o

Magical Moments - Merry Mickey Christmas

Any time of the year is a magical time for Disney, however, as with the rest of the world that exists outside of that amazing 47 square mile area, the Christmas season seems to bring a little extra magic to the parks.

Before you ask, yes, Christmas is a very busy time for the parks. That, inevitably, translates into crowds. But, before you write off the possibility of visiting WDW during this special season, please allow me to provide a few reasons why you may want to reconsider before passing on this opportunity.

Crowds: As noted above, the crowds are historically heavy during this time of year. However, in my experience, the bulk of the crowds attend between December 19th (the week prior to Christmas) through December 28th. The crowds are the worst on Christmas Day, but start to thin more each subsequent day and usually level out on December 28th. So, When we visit during this season, we usually arrive on Christmas Day and stay until January 2nd. All the Christmas decorations, parades and other related items remain up through this time and the crowds are more than manageable.

Cinderella Castle: I remember the first time I saw the castle in the 1970s. This experience was only surpassed by the first time each of my children saw the castle during their first visits. That is, until we all saw the castle fully coated with Christmas lights. Haven't seen this breathtaking sight? Imagine Cinderella Castle with the glowing frost of ice highlighted by the moon. It's like Santa Claus himself has placed a little bit of the North Pole right in the center of the Magic Kingdom. Still can't imagine what this may look like? OK, in the interest of Disney-like customer service, click this link and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/user/DLuminations?blend=9&ob=5#p/c/58D0A16CCABAB9CA/3/HI7VxasDc1I

Resorts: I love the parks! I know, that goes without saying, but I really do love them. In fact, my enthusiasm for the parks actually takes away from my ability to fully enjoy the resorts at times. Not so at Christmastime! The resorts offer so many unique visual experiences, traveling to each for a quick tour is actually worth scheduling a full day for. Though traditional Christmas decorations adorn several locations, the really unique experiences are the custom designed gingerbread houses. These massive structures feature all the detail customary of Disney creations.

One other neat experience is found in the Grand Floridian. There is something extra special about gazing at the gingerbread house in the lobby while being serenaded with live Christmas music.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Normally a name like this would say everything you would need to know. But, I'm not sure that even a word like "spectacle" really captures or expresses this attraction. Thousands of lights blanketing the Streets of America come to life and dance with the musical accompaniment. This amazing display of Christmas illumination - started by Little Rock., Arkansas native Jennings Osbourne (1944-2011) - is definitely worth your time.

Snow on Main Street: Enough said! OK, maybe I can elaborate a little more. Thanks to Imagineering magic, it snows every night on Main Street. Little flakes of Disney snow float to the ground, adding to the beauty of the Christmas decorations that line the street and buildings.

Christmas Parade: This may be my favorite Disney parade. The cast of normal characters celebrate the season in a way which will arouse your mind both audibly and visually. The neatest part of the parade, in my humble opinion, are the marching toy soldiers whose boots click-clack down the street, as they prepare the way for Santa.

Holiday Wishes: As with Cinderella Castle, this fireworks spectacular has a little extra magic during the season. Sleigh bells hearken in the fireworks as the castle lights go dim. Suddenly, the sky erupts with wonderful shapes and colors. Look for the packages exploding around your head. truly amazing! Huh? You want to see a preview? Well, in the spirit of Christmas, allow me to quote Jiminy Cricket, "Can you hear it? Can you feel it? I say there's something magical in the air...It's the spirit of Christmas."

http://www.youtube.com/user/DLuminations?blend=9&ob=5#p/c/58D0A16CCABAB9CA/1/MMbBhYzA23s

The Secret of Christmas Vacation at WDW: OK, to be honest, I couldn't resist the opportunity to pay homage to my favorite Christmas time movie starring Chevy Chase. But, as you can probably tell from reading above, there is a secret to navigating WDW during this season. First, enjoy the resorts. Your time will be well spent doing so. Second, the crowds are the heaviest during the week before Christmas and through the 28th of December. As noted above, the crowds are the worst on Christmas Day, but start to thin more each subsequent day and usually level out on December 28th. Catch a seat on Main Street for the Christmas parade, or while watching the lighting of Cinderella Castle, or for Holiday Wishes, then, "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

So, good luck hitting that "Holiday Road" to your Christmas Vacation at Disney. Have a Mickey Christmas!