Attractions: Soarin'

 This past weekend I visited Epcot with some family members.  They had not been in many years so it was great to be able to experience some of the newer attractions with them.   The first thing we did was head over to Soarin' to get a Fast Pass,  Soarin' is probably my favorite attraction in all of Walt Disney World and I couldn't wait to do it with them.

 Soarin' is a simulated hang glider tour across California that takes you over such places as The Golden Gate Bridge, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, San Diego and many more.  The ride vehicle consists of three sets of rows and once you've been fastened with your sealt belt, the rows are lifted into the air in front of a giant screen giving the impression that you are really soaring over California.  The feeling is incredible.

 Soarin' is definitley thrilling, but I wouldn't really call it a "thrill" ride in the sense that it is an "extreme ride".  Soarin' can be enjoyed by the whole family, adults and children alike (you must be at least 40").  This is the only attraction at WDW that I've experienced where the whole audience applauds at the end, it's that good!

 In addition to being in the air in front of the screen, there are other added effects which enhance the ride experience.  Wind effects really make it feel like you are flying through the air. Scent machines add the smell of evergreens, orange bloosoms and sea breeze to some of the different scenes.

 One last feature of Soarin' that I love is the musical score by Oscar winner Jerry Goldsmith.  It is a remarkable piece that really adds to the overall attraction.  I like the score so much that I bought one of the CD's that it appears on that are for sale throughout WDW.  If you plan on visiting Epcot, we highly recomend that you check out Soarin'.  This is a very popular attraction so a Fast Pass is a must.  Plan on getting your Fast Pass as soon as you enter the park so you are sure to get on, otherwise the standby line is usually about 70-90 minutes long.

We really hope you enjoy Soarin' as much as we do.  Have a great flight!!

Magical Moments: A Little College Program Life (Guest Post)

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to work for Disney?  Or, if the college intern program was all you might imagine it to be?  Well, thanks to Nikki Bechtel - who has penned the second guest post for DLuminations - you too can get a brief glimpse into the college intern program and just a few of the personal and professional growth benefits it provides so many lucky participants.  So, without further ado, I pass the conch (Lord of the Flies reference) to Nikki.

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By the time I was 18, I had been to Walt Disney World more times than I could count and secretly dreamed of working at the most magical place on Earth. So, when casting calls for the Disney College Program were posted around campus at the University of Southern Indiana, I needed no one to convince me to interview. I had decided to live at home when I started college, so the thought of leaving home for the first time to work at Disney? Well, that was magical in itself. Still, I thought I would interview and they would politely tell me that I was not what they were looking for. When I received the invitation a few weeks later to be a part of the College Program, I was beyond thrilled! Soon, I packed up my bags and headed south.

Upon my arrival, I learned the three principles of the experience- Living, Learning and Earning. They were very quick to tell us that there would not be much earning, but we would have the opportunity to experience Disney in a way that we never could as a guest. As for the living, I had roommates for the first time. We were quite an eclectic bunch of girls; we hailed from the New York City borough of Queens, Mississippi, Michigan, Indiana, upstate New York and Indonesia. It was truly not an ideal situation, as we were in a very small 3- bedroom apartment, but at least we had two bathrooms. The learning part of the semester started almost right away, as we had to juggle work, responsibilities in the apartment and a social life; all of us for the first time. I am happy to say that almost 15 years later, I am in touch with all but one of my roommates!

I was placed at the newly opened Animal Kingdom as an attractions hostess. In August of 1998, the park had been open a mere five months, and it was both exciting and intimidating to work in Disney’s newest masterpiece. The real kicker was that I don’t like animals. I think even then I was being prepared for what laid down the road for my life- but I’ll get to that part. Suddenly, I was a cast member, stopping at Wardrobe for my costume, going “backstage” for lunch and breaks...all the (Disney) world is a stage, as Shakespeare would sort of say. Animal Kingdom turned out to be an amazing experience, despite my initial reservations. I had never really met people who were different from me in every sense of the word: from background to religion to lifestyles. I spent a semester in a very different place than my fairly conservative, Baptist background. It was a change that I desperately needed, even with (and especially because of) the personal challenges that came with daily interactions with many who simply did not believe the way I did. I love thinking back on what Animal Kingdom looked like that semester; everything was brand-new and had that “I’ve just been planted” look, even though it was a beautiful park. It is even more so now, whether you are an animal or landscape lover, or really just enjoy the magic Disney creates.

Throughout the semester, I worked a lot of long hours (though being at Animal Kingdom had its built-in benefits as it’s typically the first park to close) and also had the added perks of enjoying Disney in very unique ways. I was privileged to be part of the “soft opening” of Test Track, when only cast members and other invited guests ride. My first Test Track ride occurred at about 1 in the morning, and it was well worth the late night. Every Sunday, we would go swing dancing at The Boardwalk, and on our days off we very often took advantage of free entrance to all of the parks. On one occasion, a roommate and I went to the (then MGM) Studios explicitly to ride the Tower of Terror 13 times. I am proud to say we did it, and that day turned out to be one of my favorite memories from the semester. That Christmas, all of my shopping was done in the parks and it was a bit of a fairytale life for a while. All of the cares of my “real world” were put on hold for a few months of bliss.

This is not all to say that there were not moments during which I wanted to fly back home, because there were. For the first time in my life, I had become great friends with a young man who was openly homosexual. I was strongly disliked by a co-worker because I didn’t share her lifestyle, and didn’t pretend like I agreed with all of her choices. Those relationships challenged my beliefs in a way that sweet, safe, Southern Indiana never had before. I had a roommate who cleaned out a box of ice cream sandwiches every week and was upset that she was seriously overweight. I had to clean (REALLY clean) a kitchen for the first time in my life. I lived in an apartment complex just for College Program students that was on overdrive for parties and promiscuity, two things with which I was not comfortable. But I wouldn’t give back that semester for anything. It was my first taste of independence, and I loved it. Upon my return, I transferred universities almost immediately and finished my degree away from home at a school that allowed me to have a “real”-whatever that is- college experience.  

Now, I think that semester paved the way for many of my adult decisions, from big and serious to small and fun. After graduation, I actually moved to Florida to teach, and stayed for 6 years. I had always been the daughter that everyone thought would come back home. As it turns out, in my tenth year teaching this fall, none of them have happened in Indiana. With my own children, I love Disney even more than I think I did as a kid, and I have sucked my husband in with me. In 2007, I was able to see him experience Disney for the first time, and it was incredible. However, he has nicknamed me “The Magic Killer” because he sometimes tells me that I know just enough of the secrets to be dangerous. When we visit with our family (December will be my then 5-year-old daughter’s 6th trip), Animal Kingdom is always our first stop. As we wander the beautiful pathways that look nothing like they did in the fall of 1998, I can still see myself along the bridges as a 19-year-old with no clue what her grown-up life would look like. Turns out, with a little Disney magic, it’s pretty great.

Nikki with husband Josh and daughters Aiva and Millie

If you would like to submit a guest post, please select the “Actively Contribute” button at the top of the page (located just below the DLuminations Header).

Attractions: The Art of Plussing (Star Tours, Spaceship Earth, TTA)

             This week’s installment for our series on “Plussing” looks at three different attractions throughout the WDW parks as we attempt to determine if “plussing” is always a positive.  Maybe you can notice the loose theme relating to all three attractions.

Star Tours:  This is the most recent and well publicized attraction to be updated.  The Tour to Endor has been replaced by a host of 54 possible 3D destinations that carry you throughout the entire Star Wars saga.  Alas, Rex (voiced by Pee-Wee Herman) has been replaced by C3PO as the pilot and many portions of the queue have been updated as well.  Though the ride itself has undergone significant changes, there are some very interesting surprises to be found in the queue.  In fact, these changes almost make the queue the first part of a 2-part attraction.  Most notably, the addition of the luggage check droid, which is almost as fun as the ride itself.  Look for a lot of little surprises in this protion of the queue.  Want a real challenge?  Find the homage to the original version found in the queue.  Can you guess what it is?  (Hint: Look for REX, your original pilot)  Click the link here to catch a glimpse at this recent addition.

 Spaceship Earth:  Housed in that large “golf ball” (or geodesic sphere), Spaceship Earth carries us on a tour of advancements in human communication.  One of the most controversial changes to the attraction occurred in 2000, when a 25-story magic wand held by Mickey’s hand was erected next to the geodesic sphere.  This horrific addition (my personal feeling) remained until 2010.  Other than the changes in narration from Vic Perrin to Walter Cronkite, Jeremy Irons and now Judi Dench, the biggest and possibly most enjoyable change came when the new interactive, touch screen ending was added in 2007.  Though I must admit that I can still hear the echos of "Tomorrow’s Child” ringing in my ears.

 TTA:  The biggest change with this attraction seems to be the name.  It is amazing how many fans refuse to accept the name change that took place in 1994.  Also known as the Blue Line, TTA, Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover, Tomorrowland’s Super-Skyway, and the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, this attraction is still referred to by many fans as the WEDWay PeopleMover.  As for this author, I refer to the attraction as the TTA; but regardless of what you may call it, I love this attraction.  A slow troll through Tomorrowland’s skyway, this attraction not only allows a moment to relax, but provides some of the most unique views offered in WDW – including a glimpse at how Walt originally envisioned EPCOT.  I often imagine Walt himself riding on the TTA, beaming with pride at what he created. 

 

Let us know what you think.  Have the changes to these attractions been positive?  Who offered the best narration of Spaceship Earth?  What do you call the TTA?  Out of all the possible tours, where would you like to travel on your Star Tour?  Add your comments below.

Resorts - Booking DVC Vacations without being a DVC Member (Guest Post)

We are pleased to announce our first Guest Post on DLuminations.  Many thanks to Lori Reynolds who penned this great advice on how to take advantage of DVC perks without being a DVC member.  If you would like to contribute by submitting a post of your own, please click the “Actively Contribute” tab below the header at the top of the page.  Now, on to Lori’s advice…

Disney calls their Vacation Club the best kept secret on Disney property. However, there is still one magical Disney secret still available to help everyone experience Disney Vacation Club (DVC) amenities without having to purchase a Vacation Club property. The DVC runs off of a point system, owners purchase so many points to help book their vacations on property and at partnership sites around the world. Points are given annually and can be banked to help owners build up towards larger international trips; however points do have an expiration date on them. Therefore, owners have two years to use points or they will lose them. Disney gave the owners one additional option, an option that helps the rest of us hear one of the most magical statements on all the Disney property, "Welcome Home!"  Owners can share or specifically rent their points to someone else.

Renting DVC points can be accomplished two different ways. The first is using a third party broker. The price is a little higher than doing the work yourself, but they handle all the work and you are able to book the room quickly. Dave's Point Rental is a great example of a third party broker. However, we love doing the work ourselves. Using the "DIS" board, owners list the points they have available, how much they want for their points and when they expire. Renting the points yourself requires a series of emails back and forth between you and the owner but it will save you money. Once you email an owner your interest in their points, and give them your dates and desired DVC resort, the owner will call Disney and check availability. They respond back giving you the option to rent their points and book the room, or walk away. The owner usually has a simple contract to protect both parties, which offers great piece of mind!  The reservations are in your name as well.

We recently purchased points for a 4-night stay at the Boardwalk Villas. Look at how we did:

Regular rate for a deluxe property at Disney world: Boardwalk Villas is $345 a night. We selected the Boardwalk Villas Studio room. The description of this room incorporates view of resort grounds, pools, canals courtyards or even the boardwalk. The room includes a queen size bed, a double size sleeper sofa, bathroom and a mini kitchen. The private balcony is wonderful! Even with all this…$345 is a lot of money to pay for one night. If we booked through Disney World directly, we would have paid, at a minimum of 4 nights $1380 plus tax.

I always look for the lowest per point price offered. I was able to find someone renting his or her points for $9 a point. The weekly point rental for the Boardwalk Villas was 15 points a night. Our 4-night stay was a total of 60 points. 60 points times $9 = $540 total for our stay!!

How awesome! Once you check in, you receive all the rights and privileges of a vacation club owner! Lunch discounts, shopping discounts, free valet parking if needed, and more!!

I am not sure if anyone can beat this deal!  That almost beats the price of a value resort!!!

Have you used a Broker to purchase DVC points?  If so, who have you used? Or, who do you recommend?   Have you purchased DVC points as Lori has outlined above?  If so, what was the best deal you found?  We look forward to hearing from you and remember, if you would like to submit a post, please find out how by selecting the “Actively Contribute” button under the DLuminations header near the top of the page.

Magical Moments - Packing Essentials

This week finds me struggling to retain focus on anything non-Disney.  Though this particular member of the DLuminations team spends several weeks a year in the WDW parks, each approaching visit is still replete with anxious anticipation.  So, as I work through a few last minute items on my packing list, I thought this post would provide the perfect opportunity to discuss packing essentials, and packing tips for a WDW vacation.

I think it is pretty safe to assume that you have already figured out items such as basic toiletries, clothes, reservation information, extra cash, photo ID, insurance card, etc. should already be packed.  Thus, I will focus only on those items that you may not have considered as a part of your normal packing list.

1.      Frogg Togg Chili Pad:  With projected summer temperatures hovering in the lower to mid-90s, there is absolutely no way I am traveling to the parks without a few of these in my bag.  To save money, we purchase 2 Frogg Toggs and cut it in 4 smaller strips.  These are easy to fold, slip into a zip-lock bag and pack.  They are also big enough to make a difference in comfort, while small enough to wrap around your neck comfortably.  There are more tips for keeping cool in an earlier post.

2.      Sun Block:  Sunscreen isn’t just a poolside or water park essential.  It is absolutely recommended for the parks.  I’ve recently heard of an increase in the number of skin cancer diagnoses for lips, so some form of Chap Stick with sun block is also highly recommended.  Two other great options are thin, long sleeve shirts (dry-fit running shirts are ideal) and sun / bucket hats.  Though long sleeve shirts may sound warmer, they actually protect your skin while keeping you cool.

3.      Pocket size bottles of Hand Sanitizer:  Remember, millions of people visit the parks annually, and even though Disney works amazing feats of magic, they can’t sanitize everything daily.  So, as you move from the attractions to the restaurants or snack locations, hand sanitizer proves highly useful!

4.      Running Socks:  You can find these at any sporting goods store.  Unlike traditional cotton blended socks, these socks are moisture wicking, so they help prevent blisters.  This is a packing essential when you are walking through the parks on hot summer days.  (It may also be important to remember that you will be walking a lot, so wear sneakers if at all possible.)

5.      Body Glide: Popular with runners and other endurance athletes, these balms help prevent blisters from forming on your feet and inner thighs during long durations of movement – especially in the heat.

6.      Pictures of Your Kids:  I’m sure you would jump at the chance to show a picture of your kids to any willing stranger, but that isn’t the purpose here.  In case your kids get separated or lost, you can have something to show park officials as they help your kids reunite with their lost parents.   It may also be a great idea to have some sort of separation plan.  In the event that you and your children become separated and anyone finds himself or herself lost, plan ahead to meet at a specific location inside the parks.  For instance, if I were to find that my son had walked away for a moment and we could not find each other, already having a plan to meet at the entrance to the Hall of Presidents in that case may save a lot of trouble and anguish.

7.      WDW Trading Pins:  Years ago we decided we would not get caught up in this craze.  Unfortunately, we did succumb to the phenomenon.  That said, pin trading is a great way for you and you kids to collect souvenirs, while keeping busy in the long lines.  (More on this in a later post.)

8.      Batteries:  We love to take photos and video using cameras, Flip Cameras, phones, etc.  Extra batteries are useful and are much cheaper if you bring your own!  Also, don’t forget any battery chargers you may need.

9.      Rain Poncho:  Years ago, you could find Yellow Ponchos with Mickey prominently depicted thereon moving through the parks on a rainy day.  The design has changed somewhat over the years, but the price has always remained high.  I recommend taking a trip to the Dollar General where these are more affordable.

10.  Sunglasses – for obvious reasons.

11.  Mobile Phones / 2-Way Radios:  If you travel to the parks with large parties, or if you have older kids who might like to venture off by themselves, these items may be a great way to keep in touch when you need to.

12.  Sandals / Flip-Flops / Boating Shoes / Crocs:  For the water parks and resort pools, but not the parks.

13.  Glow Sticks:  I must admit, I learned this one from a friend.  A big hit with the kiddos, these come cheap at the local dollar store, but similar type items can break the back in the parks.  So, load up beforehand.

14.  Light Jacket / Sweatshirt:  For those traveling to the parks in the winter months, Orlando can be rather chilly.  So, bring something to cover up with.

15.  First Aid Pack:  Disney Parks do have first aid areas, but I recommend a small kit of your own – especially if you have kids.  4 – 5 Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, Aspirin (or other pain reliever), sinus medication (Nose Spray, etc.) are all items that you may be thankful for on any given day.

16.  Back Pack: After looking at the list above, you shouldn’t need to wonder why this is on the list.

So, there you have it, a few additional packing essentials for your trip to WDW.  Good luck gathering your essentials for your next trip.  Feel free to add any tips or essentials on your list in the comments section below.  We would love to read about any items that you feel are absolutely necessary to pack.

Dining: Sci-Fi Dine-In

            Among the many things I love about Disney is their attention to detail.  For Disney, storytelling isn’t something that happens only on-screen, but with everything they do.  The parks themselves are setup to tell a specific story.  So are the attractions, restaurants, resorts, everything.  And, when Disney tells a story, everything speaks. 

Each detail relays something crucial to the story itself, right down to the pavement in the lands of the Magic Kingdom (more on that in a later post).  That detail and storytelling lends itself amazingly well to themed restaurants and resorts. 

One wonderfully themed restaurant that is fun for kids of all ages is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater gives the illusion of dining outside at a 1950s drive-in theater.  

Slip into the front or back seat of the booth and peer through the windshield at a series of science fiction movie clips from days gone-by.  Sip on an Oreo Cookie milkshake or vanilla Coke while you sit beneath the perpetual stars and take in this unique setting. 

The restaurant opens at 11am and remains open until normal park closing.  So, the timing allows me to eat here for lunch, which I prefer.  The meals are just the right proportion and it allows me to save room for a walk-up meal later in the evening.  Plus, I have the remainder of the day to walk-off any additional calories from the milkshake! 

Entrees range from $12 - $22, while appetizers are in the $7 - $10 range.  Using the Disney Dining Plan option will cost 1 Table Service Credit.  Depending on the plan you have, a Desert and possibly an Appetizer are included.  I like to use my desert option to get the milkshake, so I can also get a vanilla Diet-Coke.  This restaurant also accepts Tables in Wonderland for Florida residents and Annual Pass holders.

For lunch, I recommend the Crispy Onion Rings as an appetizer.  Along with the vanilla Coke, they add to the nostalgic feel of eating in a drive-in theater in the 50s.  The BLT Soup is quite nice as well.

Being from the Deep South, I see BBQ as an art, not to be trifled with.  As a result, I normally don’t order BBQ from a restaurant like this.  However, the Smoked Baby Back Ribs are actually very tasty. 

If you are not a BBQ fan, I suggest the Tofu - just kidding!  No real culinary fan would ever suggest that.  Instead, the Reuben is actually pretty good as is the Angus Chuck Burger.  The burger is much better than the normal patties you would get from walk-up service locations throughout the parks.  I recommend topping with cheddar, sautéed onions, mushrooms and bacon.  The cucumber melon salad is a better choice than fries, especially if you ordered onion rings as an appetizer.

Want to try making something at home?  Here’s the recipe for the BLT Soup:

Ingredients:
1 8-ounce can Tomato Basil Soup
6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
6 ounces shredded lettuce
3 slices white bread (toasted and cut in ½)
Directions:

1.      Cook soup according to directions on can.

2.      Ladle into bowl.

3.      Place a half slice of toast on top of soup.

4.      Add 1 ounce of shredded lettuce on top of toast.

5.      And 1 ounce of chopped bacon on top of lettuce.

Yep, it’s that simple. 

If you have tried these dishes, would like to comment or have a different suggestion, please let us hear from you by placing them in the comments section below.  Want to share photos of your dining experience, send them to DLuminations@gmail.com, we will post them on our DLuminations Facebook Page.

First Look: Disney's Art of Animation Resort

This week D-Luminations got its first look at the great new resort that recently opened at WDW, Disney's Art of Animation Resort.  Though only partially open, the resort is a wonderful addition to WDW.  Art of Animation is the fifth resort to be priced in the value category following the All Star and Pop Century Resorts.  This resort will feature family suites as well as standard rooms.  The resort should be fully operational in September 2012.

 The Art of Animation Resort is set up similiar to the other value resorts.  There is a main building containing the check in area, food court, shops and arcade.  The food court features a wide array of offerings so everyone in the family should be able to find something they like.  A nice feature is that unlike the other value resorts the food is served on real plates (not paper) and offers actual flat ware (not plastic).  I had the Mongolian Beef and it was delicious.

The buildings which house the guest rooms are based on 4 classic Disney films, Finding Nemo (Suites now open), Cars (Suites opening June 18th), The Lion King (Suites opening August 10th) and The Little Mermaid (Standard Rooms opening Sept. 15th).  The suites are designed to accomodate up to six guestes and feature 2 separate bathrooms, a master bedroom, and three separate sleeping areas in the living space.  A feature I really like about the buildings that house the suites is that unlike the standard value rooms, the suites have inside corridors.

 The pool area was large and amazingly themed.  We were only able to see the Finding Nemo pool as it was the only one open.  The Imagineers have really stepped up the theming compared to the other value resorts.

 We were able to get a glimpse of the Cars, Lion King and Little Mermaid buildings though they were still under construction.  Again Disney has done an incredible job with the themeing. You may notice that the Little Mermaid buildings are different than the others.  This is because they were actually built to be apart of the the second phase of Pop Century that was abandoned after 9/11.  The Little Mermaid buildings have   outside corridors similar to the ones at the All Star and Pop Century Resort.

 If you are planning a trip to WDW, especially a large family, we highly recommend  the Art of Animation Resort.  The resort is located adjacent to Disney's Hollywood Studios and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and guests can enjoy complimentary transportation to the theme parks as well as the water parks.  For more information check out the WDW website and for more pictures check out the D-Luminations Facebook page.