Walt Disney World

In my life I have been to Walt Disney World at least twenty times, as a child, a teen, a married twenty-something and now as a parent. I want to try a give a fairly broad view and my thoughts on rides, food and accommodations. This will in no way be an in-depth guide but just my view of the resort. I have stayed both inside and out of the resort, but in recent years I’ve been exclusively inside. I’ll break down break down my thoughts by hotels/accommodations, parks, and food.

Accommodations

I will start by saying that Disney has definitely made it less appealing to stay outside of their resort complex in recent years. First parking is now $14 a day for those who drive in and are not staying at a Disney resort. Also its much easier to make reservations for dinner if you are staying inside, and if you’ve been to WDW you know how important reservations for dinner can be.

Recently I have begun staying at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, and find it the most convenient of the resorts. The Boardwalk has both hotel rooms as well villas and condos that are part of the Disney Vacation Club. We have stayed in the villas (a studio last year and a two bedroom this year) the last two years and find having a kitchen is a great benefit. As I will get to later the food in Disney is pricey and quality, well you’ll have to read to the end. This hotel is a five-minute walk to EPCOT and about a ten minute walk to Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios). You can also take a boat to The Studios or EPCOT. To get to Magic Kingdom we usually walk through EPCOT and take the monorail to avoid the buses. I find the buses a bit of a pain so avoiding them, for me, is a good thing. Now, to get to Animal Kingdom or the water parks a bus is really your only option.

The rooms themselves are very nice and Disney finally upgraded their TV’s and DVD players in the rooms. For an entertainment conglomerate they were woefully behind the times, with 19 inch tube TV’s in rooms that can run $400 a night. Also there is no WiFi in the rooms it is wired access and is free to DVC members is a fee for others. There is WiFi in the lobby and in the restaurants that is free. The rooms themselves are very nice and there are some good views. If you can afford it I would take a look at Boardwalk.

I had relatives who stayed at Pop Century resort and they were perfectly happy with the rooms, which were basic hotel rooms. The bus service, while better than driving, can be long and tedious from this resort. I believe this is also the least expensive on Disney property. We also stayed at Port Orleans a few years ago and you must use the buses to get everywhere except you can take a boat from the hotel to the marketplace area.

Parks and Rides

Magic Kingdom is the flagship resort of WDW and has held up pretty well over the years. In MK you have the iconic Main Street USA and Cinderella’s Castle as well as the different lands. The rides I enjoy most here are the Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, Tomorrowland Transit Authority and Carousel of Progress. I preferred when TTA was the WEDway People Mover but I can live with the current incarnation. They’ve done a decent job with Haunted Mansion over the years keeping it classic while making minor upgrades which can be a difficult balance. There are a few things I would drastically change or eliminate and they include The Jungle Cruise, It’s a Small World, and The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. The Jungle Cruise is just horribly outdated and I don’t think I’ve been on it in several years. With the opening of Animal Kingdom, Jungle Cruise has become unneeded and could be used for some other attraction. Right next door is the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse which has been out of date for 30 years. I know some folks like Small World but I think its tacky and slightly offensive.

EPCOT is divided into Future World and World Showcase. The countries of World Showcase are generally where we tend to eat. They have the best food in the parks but reservations fill up quickly so make sure you book ahead of time. A few of the countries have rides (Mexico, Norway and Canada). Mexico is a slow boat ride with Donald and is quite dated. Norway is a pretty good ride and I recommend it. Canada is a 360 vision film with Martin Short. I just can’t deal with Martin Short, sorry. In Future World Spaceship Earth is the flagship ride and goes through the history of communication. It’s good but I preferred Jeremy Irons narration. Test Track and Mission to Mars are also very good rides. I’ve never liked Ellen’s Energy Crisis/Universe of Energy. It is far too long and quite boring. Also I was disappointed with what was done to Journey of Imagination. The original incarnation was much better than what is currently there. I like the Nemo ride, as does my son, but it would be nice if it were slightly longer.

Hollywood Studios has a few really good attractions and a few incredibly lame ones. Toy Story Midway Mania, American Idol Experience, The Rock and Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror are excellent rides. I thoroughly enjoyed Midway Mania, its like a great 3D carnival game themed with Toy Story. Also you can compete against each other for the best score. I also really enjoyed the AI Experience, which people in the park can try out and perform in order to win a front of the line pass for a real AI audition. Now I must get to The Great Movie Ride which has become pathetic at this point. While in line you watch trailers of classic films, which is pretty interesting but they really need more to cycle through. The ride itself takes you through classic films and genres. Some are fine (Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, Westerns, Singing in the Rain) but to still have Tarzan, and Buzby Berkely sections really disappointing. At the end you are treated to a montage of classic clips and to update this they have added a scene from Pearl Harbor (really I’m not kidding). The picture is grainy and there need to be some new scenes added from films people have seen. Once again Disney is a media company and to have a grainy 1980’s projector showing films on your ride is unacceptable.

Animal Kingdom is the newest park and, as the name says it’s about the animals. The rides and attractions are mostly terrific in this park especially Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids. I would recommend going on a cooler day because the animals will likely be more active, especially on the Safari ride.

Another theme park tip for those with infants and toddlers, find the Baby Care Centers. Each park has one and they are very convenient for changing and feeding as well as a place to take a break.

FOOD

I am going to put a disclaimer here, as far as food I am a vegetarian and my wife eats chicken and ham but not fish or steak , so my review may lack in those areas. If you have input on those things I’d love to hear it. My favorite places to eat are Tutto Italy, Chefs De France,Boulangerie Patisserie, and Harbor House. Overall the food in WDW is not really that great. I realize these are theme parks and not gourmet eateries but I would like to see the quality upgraded. We ate at Yak and Yeti in AK and were not impressed, it was quite bland Asian fare. Also Tony’s on Main Street USA had slow service and the food was only okay. I feel if I am going to pay $80 for a meal for two it should be better than okay. Most of the food in the parks is quick service and I don’t expect it to be anything special. It is the table service places I would like to see improve.

Well, these are my thoughts and I hope you share you your opinions and experiences in return.

Pre-State of the Union Thoughts

So, tonight is the State of the Union address and if have t say I find it to be one of the most disgusting political displays of the year.  I’m not just talking about this year, I am talking about the event as it is currently constituted.  First of all the POTUS walking into the halls of Congress as if he were a king is just plain nauseating. Hey, Congress, you are a separate and equal branch of government who is meant to check the power of the POTUS, so stop fawning and clapping.  I am sick of standing ovations every three seconds for the most innocuous comments or decrees, and I certainly cannot take all of the post speech grandstanding from both sides.  I think Obama is a very thoughtful man, and my hope is that in the first few lines of the speech he says ” Ladies and gentleman, I am here not for your applause or approval; I am here to give a true and sobering view of our nation.  This is not a time for grandstanding or back-patting; it is a time to get our hands dirty and fight for the reforms that are needed.  If we cannot work as one through compromise, then we are failing the citizens of this country…”

Of course the more likely outcome is “Ladies (standing ovation)… and (standing ovation)… gent (smattering of applause)lemen(standing ovation)…”

Avatar, a late review

I went to see Avatar in 3D Imax over the weekend and while I thought it was an okay movie, I just don’t understand the hype. By no means am I saying that Avatar sucks or anything like that. I would even recommend going to see it for the effects alone but do not expect the story to grab you. I won’t spoil anything for the few people who have not seen it but it a fairly basic story where humans are going to rape the nature of another planet and the indigenous people are more in touch with nature and how the universe works. Pretty typical sci-fi fantasy stuff. Typical new agey score. Parts even reminded me of the Lion King or Pocohantas. Graphically it was beyond anything thats been done, especially in 3D. I felt the movie dragged a bit in the middle and was probably 20 – 40 minutes too long. The final battle was certainly epic and immersive. Unfortunately, the story was so predictable that it became distracting. Every plot twist was telegraphed far in advance and if you are not into the overtly spiritual hippie new age story line it can be very monotonous.  Avatar is certainly worth seeing for the 3D experience, but be prepared for a 3 hour movie that certainly feels every minute of that.

The Book of (yawn)…Eli

I just left the theater from which I endured what seemed like a 3 – 4 hour movie, yet the run time was 1 hour 58 minutes.  The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, and Gary Oldman is a post apocalyptic, quasi-biblical bore-fest.   As always I enjoyed Denzel, he commands your attention whenever he is on screen and is just a terrific actor.  The failure of this film is certainly not the acting, but the story itself.  I realize the story was purposely thin to give a feeling of mystery and awe, but it just left long empty sections in this “epic” tale.  Creating mystery around Eli was a good concept that could have been quite effective, it was just poorly executed.  I’m really at a loss right now and need to go pack for a morning flight.  So to get the point, if you really love Denzel rent it eventually.  If you are not a Denzel fan just skip it all together.

Wicked in Philly

I am by no means a theater critic or expert.  I do enjoy broadway shows for the most part (except Phantom which is grating) and so I saw Wicked ,in Philly, for the first time.  I absolutely enjoyed the story as well as the talent in the show. I went in knowing a basic outline and wasn’t really shocked by any of the twists in the tale but I did enjoy the reworking of Oz.  The cast did a terrific job including the understudy playing Elphaba.   If you’re thinking of going I would encourage you to do so; it’s a great time.

A Personal Reflection

I generally don’t expose too much of my personal life here, but right now I’m feeling like I need a release and this is as good as any. Recently my beligerance has put a serious strain on my marriage and the past week or so has been the worst of that. All this has taught me that without communication, trust and a true understanding of self, it is very hard to sustain a positive relationship with anyone. I have been blind to my faults for too long and now I am forced into a situation where I must deal with them. In a lifetime with someone there are always ebbs and flows. You cannot overreact to either, but you have to be aware of when a small downturn becomes a freefall that you may not recover from. I have been with my wife for nearly two decades (since high school) and we have been through many amazing and some terrible things. We are raising an incredible little boy who has become the focus of our lives the past two years and that has its side effects on a relationship as well.

The thought of losing someone that you have grown up with and shared nearly every meaningful moment with is absolutely devastating. For the first time in my life I have experienced what it is like to have no control over an important aspect of my life. All of this is of my own doing and that certainly makes it all the more painful. I am not an overly emotional person but this turmoil has brought out feelings I’ve never felt at this intensity.

This event may be the first time my personal life has truly affected my job performance. The last day at work I was barely functional and had trouble even breathing at times. For some perspective, I take my job very seriously and take pride in doing a professional job everyday not matter what task is in front of me. I’ve always looked at people who allow there performance to suffer when going through personal situations as weak but I do have a slighty different perspective now.

The hardest part of this whole journey is going to be the fact that there is no magic wand. Things aren’t going to be better tomorrow, they will only improve with time. My life and future are in my own hands and it is time for me to step up and improve myself for the sake of my family. It’s hard doing something where there is no finite solution. Emotions, mine as well as others, are something I’ve always struggled to understand. Promises are worthless right now, all that matters is results.

Observations from the Air

I’m currently in the air on my way from PHL to RDU, after about an hour delay in Philly due to snow. Delays are to be expected with inclimate weather and as a traveler you must learn to deal with them. However, the crew must also remember to keep the passengers informed of their status and not leave them in the dark. Information goes a long way in quelling anxiety and frustration that can come with flying. The flight I am currently on was delayed for about an hour due to snow, which is no problem. The only issue was the pilot didn’t speak to the passengers for almost the entire hour and only did so after being asked to by the flight attendant. Sitting in the front row I was able to hear the gyst of the conversation and basically the pilot called because the flight crew were bored while waiting, which is a reasonable reaction, and wanted to BS with a fellow employee. Unfortunately the pilot did not have the same desire to inform the customers of the status of the delay. This may seem like a minor issue but it is endemic of the problem with the airlines, they do not look at passengers as customers. I realize they have a long list of ever changing regulations as well as having to deal with cost cuts and other real world things like the rest of us but that should not supercede giving out basic information to people.

Now as far as the people go, learn to listen. You, as a passenger are not special. Just because you drank a 40oz cup of coffee before the flight doesn’t mean you can get up when the fasten seat belt sign is on. They have these signs for a reason, man up and wait. If you have a weak bladder, don’t drink that much before flying. Also, just because one person disregards the rules does mean the rest of you lemmings need to follow. The crew has enough to do without having to deal with Mr and Mrs Peebody getting up six times to take a leak or whatever.

At the TSA check point, DO NOT get in the expert traveler line if you are a moron or a dumbass. This line is for thinking people who do not have phones in their pockets, jackets on, bottles of water in their bags and a million other things that those of us who pay attention don’t have or do. There is a simple rule to follow when flying PAY ATTENTION and know what to do ahead of time. The information is out there, people, go online and inform yourself. Doing this will make all of our travels much smoother.

New Years Resolutions

Every year at this time people begin making their list of resolutions, whether it is losing weight , going to the gym, or quitting smoking and almost certainly they are doomed to fail.  Setting some arbitrary date to begin a change is useless. If you are motivated to improve yourself or change a behavior do it now.  Do not wait until the 1st,  just go after your goals immediately.  Making a life change is never easy and putting it off doesn’t make it any easier.

We all have faults or shortcomings that we wish to change, and the time for that is now.  What will waiting a few days or weeks buy you?  Myself I have come to realize I am a miserable bastard at times, should I wait a week and then begin to make changes?  No, hell no!  No longer will I allow myself to be a prick, and this is hard to do because I’m from Jersey.  From this second on I will make every effort to become a more pleasant thoughtful person.   Join me in saying GFY (shout out to Chris in Boston) to New Year’s resolutions.  Take the bull by the horns and do it now.  Who’s with me…

2009 Things Inspirational

Obama’s Inauguration

I am not someone who has faith in politicians, and Obama is no exception, but watching the country responsibly handle the election and inauguration of the first non-white male to POTUS was good to see.  What Obama does during his presidency is up to him and hopefully the moderate people of this country will judge him on his record and nothing else.

Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III

On January 15, 2009 Mr Sullenberger landed a US Air flight on the Hudson, saving all of the passengers on his plane.  It was great to see someone who was a complete professional and didn’t expect praise for being such.  Sully stood in stark contrast to previous stories of drunk and later in the year inattentive pilots.

The Avett Brothers     I and Love and You (album)

This is my favorite album of the year.  Ten Thousand Words is the song I’m going to wear out very soon.  If you enjoy folk/country or want to try something new check it out.

The Jay and Jack 25 Hour Podcast for Autism Speaks

I cannot imagine the time and effort it took to plan and execute an event like this.  It is wonderful to see a community of people, mostly linked through a TV show, come together for such a terrific cause.  30 hours is the goal this year and other podcasts like Media Junkyard have already begun raising funds through different means.

Life

The most inspirational thing for me this year has been watching my son grow from a baby to a little boy.  Watching him learn and explore and of course get into everything brightened everyday.  From walking and talking to drawing and climbing, his triumphs always bring a smile.

2009 photo essay

Here’s a look back at my 2009 with a few pics.