Maintain by shearing

Topiaries are the cornerstone of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, but they’re history goes back beyond the eighteen years Epcot has been putting on the event. Dating back to the earliest days of Walt Disney World, topiaries have been a crucial element to the landscaping of the resort.

Topiary, or the art of transforming living plants into ornate shapes, is employed in four different forms around Walt Disney World. Free form utilizes shearing to transform shrubbery and trees into geometric forms, an example of this form are the cup-shaped trees lining the Contemporary Resort’s drive. Standard form allows a plant to grow to a desired height and then bush out, the result appears as a miniature tree. Shrub topiaries grow through a wire frame over the course of three to ten years and are regularly sheared, such as the wavy serpent found near Cinderella Castle. Sphagnum topiaries are frames filled with unmilled sphagnum moss and seeded with fast growing vines or uniform compact plants. The first two types, free and standard topiaries, do not require frames, while shrub topiaries use a light frame and sphagnum topiaries use a heavy duty frame to support the added weight of the sphagnum.

The majority of topiaries found within the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival are of the sphagnum variety. Utilizing fast growing plants, such as creeping fig, the subject matter of the topiaries can be cultivated quickly. As the festival winds down this weekend, let’s take a sampling tour of some of this year’s topiaries, which feature Pixar characters for the first time ever.

Sacristain

If you’ve been following the Main Street Gazette for any length of time, you know my favorite spot for a treat is Epcot’s Boulangerie Patisserie in the France Pavilion. If you are aware of that, then it is likely you know I am extremely fond of the Raspberry Schuss. However, the Raspberry Schuss is not always available, and I am often left searching frantically for a replacement. Well, I now know the next best thing to grab from the bakery case, the Sacristain.This length of pastry uses puff pastry dough, which is twisted and bakes to about a foot long. Sacristains, which have the appearance of a breadstick, can be sweet or savor. In the case of the pastries found at the Boulangerie Patisserie, the Scaristains are most certainly sweet. Chocolate chips have been sprinkled atop the pastry, some maintain their shape on top of the dough, while others have melted into the interior. A drizzle of icing is used to finish off this version of the Sacristain.

The Boulangerie Patisserie is known for heavy treats that are filled with cream, but this is not one of those snacks. The Sacristain is the perfect after meal compliment or a light snack on a day when you have an early dinner.

Urban backlot streets

Once upon a time, Disney-MGM Studios was a functioning film and animation studio. Animators crafted features, including Brother Bear and Lilo and Stitch, while the soundstages and exteriors were utilized for several different projects. Among these projects were the Disney productions Ernest Saves Christmas and Newsies, Disney Channel’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the Warner Bros. film Passenger 57.

The shootout that was photographed below, prior to the park’s opening, has clearly been staged for the camera. However, it does give you a sense of what guests could have seen on any given day during a tram tour through the backlot streets and residences or simply walking around the Studios in its production heyday.

Song, dance and celebration

There has been a lot of discussion about dance parties for young guests popping up all over property. While some of these parties were tests, such as the Truckosaurus dances in Dinoland U.S.A., or seasonal operations for the busy Easter period, their regular inclusion in Walt Disney World is becoming more and more prevalent. There are two real questions coming out of these parties that I feel need to be explored. One, what is the benefit of these dances to the overall park-going experience? Two, what is lost due to the inclusion of these events?

Similar to the various adventure playgrounds, including Tom Sawyer Island and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Play Set Adventure, the dance parties create break points for families. These time-outs give children a way to blow off some steam and parents a chance to sit down and rest their weary, stroller-pushing legs. The high energy events usually involve games, such as hula contests, line dancing and popular music/videos, and keep children engaged and moving during their time at the experiences.

As much as can be expected, these dance parties are thematically tied to the areas they inhabit, such as the inclusion of Pocahontas in Camp Minnie-Mickey’s Good Times Gathering Spot and the futuristic gab of characters present at Tomorrowland’s Club 626. The musical selections, however, is where the inclusiveness of story begins to unravel.

The thumping bass of the dance music in Camp Minnie-Mickey can be heard and felt all the way across the area’s bridge towards Pizzafari. Similarly, the semblance of culture and history is shattered in World Showcase with a DJ led party in the American Gardens Theatre. The bright, bubbly future of Tomorrowland is washed away in wave after wave of music videos from today and yesterday. The list goes on, but you get the point. These dance parties ruin the illusion of place and time that has been so precisely crafted by the teams that built them.

As with all things, there are exceptions and models which could, and should, be replicated. In this case, dance parties would do well to follow the Frontierland Hoedown. A staple of western entertainment for years, the song and dance celebration never fails to draw an audience and holds true to the spirit of the land it occupies. In a similar fashion, Dinoland could host a live DJ broadcast featuring the music and talents of the local radio stations WBONE or WDINO, Club 626 could focus on “futuristic” dance music, such as She Blinded Me With Science or the stylings of Daft Punk’s TRON Legacy soundtrack, and as for World Showcase, well there are so many wonderful dances from around the world that could easily be incorporated into an interactive dance party.

In the end, it isn’t the dance parties that I have an issue with, it is their execution. Parents and children need free-form entertainment and dancing is one of the purest forms of expression and movement, and an easy way to bring smiles to the whole family. However, grabbing the latest, or easily accessible, music videos and tunes and slapping them into whatever venue happens to be available is not the way to showcase industry leading talent and storytelling. With a bit of forethought and planning, these newfound dance events could easily become staples of memories and magic, just as the Frontierland Hoedown has been for children year after year.

Disney This Week - 8 May 2011

Marquee artwork for the new incarnation of Star Tours was unveiled this week by Tom Fitzgerald on the Disney Parks Blog.

Melissa Loflin dishes on the celebrity dishes and history of the Brown Derby at Makin’ Memories.

DisneyShawn examines one of my favorite rooms in all of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, when Shawn Slater steps into the Yeti Museum.

Andy Jackson whips up a batch of Coconut Curried Chicken Stew from Boma for Eating (and Drinking) around the World.

Studios Central and Matt Hochberg remember when Hulk Hogan ran wild around Disney-MGM Studios.

Michael Crawford looks at the changing of the ticket guards for Progress City, U.S.A., when Disney moved away from A-E tickets to the Passport system.

The Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia scribe, R. A. Pedersen, dug up plans for a new restaurant coming to Fort Wilderness.

Fiona Doyle offers DF’82 readers a fantastic view from the Swiss Family Treehouse located in Tokyo Disneyland.

Imaginerding uncovers a vintage cookbook filled with Orlando-based recipes. George Taylor has even taken the time to catalog the Walt Disney World recipes.

Sam Gennawey heads into the gag-filled realm of Disneyland’s Toontown in SamLand’s Disney Adventures.

If this is wrong, I don’t want to be right! AJ Wolfe reviews the Cheesecake Brownie found at the Boardwalk Bakery for The Disney Food Blog.

The Force is strong with Zannaland host, Suzannah DiMarzio, when she feels a disturbance in the fashion Force, Ashley Eckstein’s Her Universe line.

Greg Grimsley explores the idea of quantity and quality of photographing at Walt Disney World for The Disney Obsession.

Silent Saturday - Streets of America (May 2009)

No worries

Along the paths of the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail is a sheltered savanna view that overlooks two different creatures. The gerenuks and meerkats that live life on these grasslands give guests an up close and personal view of their natural niches and behaviors. The communal conduct of the meerkats is not only intriguing to guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but the creatures are so fascinating that they warranted their own show on Animal Planet named Meerkat Manor.

While the graceful gazelles and mindful meerkats are fascinating in their own rights, they are not what brings us to this Pangani hut. The real reason for the visit is a small table off to one side of the shelter which features a pair of skulls. One, a meerkat, and the other, a warthog. Warthogs can be found in Harambe, on the Kilimanjaro Safaris, but are not indigenous to the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail.

So, why would these two skulls be placed on this display together? Is it to show the comparative sizes of the skulls? No. Is it to highlight the distinct characteristics of the skulls? No. Is it a subtle hint for guests to break into song? Absolutely! A meerkat and a warthog sung one of the greatest hits in the Disney songbook. Obviously, these remains have been left here to remind us of the Hakuna Matata duo, Timon and Pumbaa.

Building toy

Last month, the LEGO Imagination Center reopened in the Downtown Disney Marketplace after an extensive refurbishment that added 3,500 square feet of floor space for building zones, a classroom/party area and more display models than ever before. Perhaps the greatest addition, however, were the new Disney film inspired LEGO sculptures that now surround the facility. Brickley the LEGO sea serpent still rises out of the lake to oversee the proceedings, but now he has been joined by Snow White, Woody, Prince Philip and a host of other animated personalities.

Meats are such a tasty deal

Since Walt Disney World first opened its gates in 1971 the majority of quick service dining establishments have been known for three things: hamburgers, chicken strips and hot dog. Well, except for the brief Handwich interlude in EPCOT Center. Over the past several months, the culinary offerings at the expected burger and hot dog joints has been shifting with the introduction of gourmet Angus hamburgers and specialty hot dogs. The most recent additions come from Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom.

While continuing to offer the plain hot dog, three new specialty dogs have come to Casey’s Corner: Chicago-Style, Chili Cheese and Barbeque Slaw. While in Walt Disney World last week, I had to opportunity to sample two of these hot dogs, the Chicago-Style and the Barbeque Slaw. The Chicago-Style comes topped with tomato slices, dill pickle, Chicago-style relish and banana peppers. The Barbeque Slaw is paired with pulled pork, cole slaw and barbeque sauce.

Coming from a place known for its barbeque and slaw, I wasn’t expecting time-tested recipes for the toppings. While they weren’t top quality, they were much better than I anticipated. As for the Chicago-Style toppings, is there really any way to screw these up? The toppings themselves are tasty and pair well with the flavors of the hot dog.

There are some structural problems with the specialty dogs, however. For starters, the regular sized hot dogs are put on an oversized bun. The prevailing thought is that the extra space could be for falling or extra toppings, but on both of the hot dogs I sampled, the space ended up empty, leaving a lot of space both at the beginning and ends of the dogs. Also, like the gourmet frills added to the hot dogs at Tomorrowland’s Lunching Pad, the toppings have been piled so high on the dogs at Casey’s Corner that it is almost impossible to get both the toppings and the hot dog in a single bite.

The Magic Kingdom isn’t likely to be known for worldly quick service options, such as those available in World Showcase, anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean that the restaurants can’t find new ways of serving up old classics. The specialty hot dogs of Casey’s Corner have everything you’ve come to know and love in one of Casey’s dogs, with some extra toppings you don’t have to apply yourself. There may be some issues with the fundamentals of stacking the hot dogs high and wide, they are definitely worth picking up when you’re on the go on Main Street U.S.A.

Adventure stories abound

September 27, 2008 was the official closing date for the clubs of Pleasure Island. While there were several private parties that brought the clubs, specifically the Adventurers Club, throughout the next year, the general public has been without the clubs for almost three years now, with only rumors and dance parties to fill the space. In fact, the future of this space is so questionable, that even the Hyperion Wharf designs have been rumored to be cancelled, artifacts from the Adventurers Club have been found elsewhere, and even the world famous Colonel is supposedly up for sale. One can only hope that whatever becomes of this district, that it will be filled with the same sense of life and story that Pleasure Island was constructed with.

Pleasure Island opened on the same day that Walt Disney World welcomed Disney-MGM Studios, now Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to the theme park family, May 1, 1989. Venturing back to the beginning, here is one of the first glimpses released of Pleasure Island and the Adventurers Club, from July of 1989.

ADVENTURE STORIES ABOUND in the Adventurers Club on Pleasure Island. Here, club guests gather around Handsome Hathaway Brown as he spins yarns about world travels in the club’s “mask room,” where a hanging head or two occasionally may react to the conversation. Pleasure Island is located at Walt Disney World Village.

Floriculture performance trials

Each spring, Epcot bursts into an artist’s palate of colors. From the front gate to the back wall of The American Adventures, blooms and blossoms fill in every available nook, cranny and corner. While not officially a part of the event, the entire Walt Disney World Resort always appears to be filled with more vibrant plant life during the event. There is, however, one bed officially tied to the International Flower and Garden Festival that does not reside inside Epcot’s gates, although it does hug one of the park’s borders.Guests walking up from the Epcot Resort Area come through the International Gateway. There, in a large oblong garden bed, are over two hundred varieties of plant life. This garden is looking ahead to future festivals and highlights a form of horticulture known as floriculture. Floriculture focuses on creating new breeds of plants, with an emphasis bedded plants, flowers, and greenery. Once a new form of a plant has been created, it is assigned a number, tested in a variety of growing environments, given a scientific name and, finally, arrives at a local garden center or nursery.The flower bed found in the International Gateway is the combined efforts of Walt Disney World horticulturists and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). As a test site, this garden is designed to ascertain each individual plant’s ability to flourish in the harsh climate factors of Florida. The six week study will result in some new flowering plants coming to Florida garden centers, while others go back to the drawing board. With potentially two hundred new plant varieties, upcoming International Flower and Garden Festivals could see these blooms in their beds as soon as next year.As an aside, those of you who know this area and its history well, you’ll notice a missing structure in the first photograph above. The flower bed was once the turning point for trams ferrying guests from resorts to Epcot’s second gate. A covered waiting area with corrals was needed for the tram stop. When tram service was discontinued, the area was left unchanged, save for a tarp that covered the sign announcing the tram station. This waiting area was recently dismantled, but signs of its place in the geographical history of Walt Disney World remain.

Silent Saturday - Characters in Flight (September 2009)

Fully licensed

Congratulations to William and Catherine!

Now, on to the party! Pubs in the United Kingdom have been granted the ability to stay open until 1:00am tonight and tomorrow night in order to celebrate the Royal wedding, which means this is the perfect time to explore The Rose & Crown.

Even a casual glance at the Rose & Crown will reveal that the outward architectural design isn’t coherent across the board. In actuality, the traditional English pub was patterned after four distinctive style of pubs. Rather than show my incomplete knowledge of architecture at this juncture, I’ll leave it to the professionals:

The city, or “street,” pub dating from the 1890s Victorian city center – features brick and wood paneling on the facade and gives us our elegant mahogany bar, the etched glass, and the molded plaster ceiling.

Dickensian pub, after the Cheshire Cheese pub in London – offers a brick-walled flagstone terrace with covered tables, a slate roof, and half-timbered, Elizabethan-styled exterior.

Waterfront, or “river,” pub, on the canal lock – a facade with a modest stone building, a clay tile roof and decorative doorways, stone terrace with an iron fence lining the homey village-inn-styled dining room.

Country, “provincial,” pub, from the suburbs of the 17th and 18th centuries – a slate roof and plaster exterior with stone-quoined corners.

p. 119, The Imagineering Field Guide to Epcot, First Edition, 2006.
Alex Wright

As the descriptions imply, the design elements of these various types of pubs isn’t exclusive to the exteriors, but follows through into the stylized interiors. While you may not be able to venture over to the Rose & Crown today, I hope you to find time to raise a glass to the newest Royal couple!

Disney's best kept secret

Yeah, it’s a corny title that I’ve avoided using for years. But the time seemed right as today’s safari is the perfect blend of corny and that tippy-top, super-duper, best kept secret, the Disney Vacation Club.The Disney Vacation Club, or DVC, is a program I am not a member of, but hope to be one day, that’s off-topic, however. Throughout the parks and resorts of Walt Disney World are DVC kiosks where you can learn about the program. You can’t miss the stands, they are well placed and draw attention, which seems kind of a silly place to talk about a secret, if you ask me.

The kiosk of Dinoland U.S.A. in Disney’s Animal Kingdom fits in perfectly with the kitsch of Chester and Hester’s and the playful nature of the graduate students, as seen throughout The Boneyard and Restaurantosaurus. Billed as Gargantuasaurus World Tours, the station presents signs featuring ‘dig sites’ in the place of resorts, with the location or theme of the resort playing into what fossil finds could be found there.

Which dig site would you call home?

Feeling grand

Here’s the scenario: You woke up hours before the sun crawled out of bed to light the world, showered, got dressed, ran down to the bus stop and grabbed the bus to make sure you were in Disney’s Animal Kingdom for Extra Magic Hours rope drop. The crowds were thick, but with adrenaline pumping you grabbed one of the first Fastpasses for Exepedition Everest, ran through the line, and then bolted for Kilimanjaro Safaris. You were more awake than the animals, and then it happens. The adrenaline runs out and you’re getting sluggish. You realize that you didn’t have breakfast and you are hours away from lunchtime, what do you do?

Then you see it, an oasis. Well, not the Oasis, near the park’s entrance, but a beautiful sight nonetheless. You’ve stumbled upon Pizzafari in Discovery Island, and they serve breakfast!

During the morning rush this gorgeous restaurant can be pretty deserted, so be sure to take some time and explore each room and uncover their themes. As for the menu, it offers something for every appetite, from yogurt or fruit cups to breakfast pizza and platters. As for me, I wanted something quick and hot, that didn’t involve eggs (I have a think about eggs, but that’s another story). Then I saw it, Biscuits with Sausage Gravy.Now, I am the first to admit this is not a dish for everyone. However, if you are a fan of biscuits and gravy then this breakfast will satisfy. For a reasonable price, under $4.00, I received two biscuits topped with a heaping serving of gravy. The biscuits themselves were very hearty, but maintain the flaky layers associated with a well-made biscuit. They were certainly substantial enough to stick with me throughout the morning.

Sausage gravy can be very tricky. I have had my share of gravy that sat on my plate as a bland, white, starchy substance I didn’t really care to consume. I was pleasantly surprised that Pizzafari’s sausage gravy was far from this type of gravy. While I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was as good as a homemade gravy, it did have pieces of sausage present and enough of a kick to give it some real flavor.

The next time you rush from your resort for a morning safari without breakfast, just remember Disney’s Animal Kingdom has you covered. And the Pizzafari oasis is no mirage!

Under way with a new Disney

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I am a sucker for construction photographs at Walt Disney World. Sometimes they show the metal skeleton of a building or an almost completed icon, but they always show off the hard, often hot and dirty, work that went into building a place I was taught to love. That type of work ethic is something I hope I have showcased in my own life. Often times that level of dedication is shown best, not in the wienies, such as Cinderella Castle, but in the smaller projects. Case in point:

Thursday, July 8, 1971 – This is a view of the dock and teen swimming pool in the Bay Lake at Walt Disney World which is being built near Orlando in central Florida.

The dock, recreational facilities and swimming pool may not be as exciting or notable as the monorail, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or even the resort itself, but how many guests made long lasting memories sitting on that dock at dusk or playfully splashing in the pool? It’s all a matter of outlook.

A world of resorts

The Gazette Roundtable is back and ready to relax!

There is so much to see and do in the parks, that it always feels as if there isn’t enough time to do it all. Yet, some of the best ways to spend time in Walt Disney World is to explore and enjoy the resorts. We all have the places we love to stay and the places we love to play, but what if you couldn’t leave your resort? The Gazette Roundtable tackles that tricky, and fun, prospect today!

Roundtable Topic: You have one day and you must spend it all at a single resort (no parks, resort hopping, Downtown Disney, etc.), what resort would you spend the day at and how would you spend it?
Roundtable Contributors: George Taylor (Imaginerding), Fiona Doyle (DF’82), Melissa Loflin (Makin’ Memories), AJ Wolfe (The Disney Food Blog), Elizabeth Caran (Take the Monorail), Eric Hoffman (Netmongrel), and yours truly.

George – This is an easy one. The Polynesian Resort is one of my favorite places to be in all of Walt Disney World. My absolute favorite place at Walt Disney World is the Adventureland bridge. To me it is a perfect Zen-like spot where the Imagineers got everything right.

Daily Figment 46

So, yeah, it is a pretty easy jump to see why I would like the theme of the Polynesian Resort.

Let's knock out the list of the amenities:
• Great eating establishments,
• Some of the largest guest rooms on property,
• A fun pool,
• Water and monorail transportation,
• Water recreation,
• the Electrical Water Pageant, and
• a real beach!

Another Disney-Geek satisfying reason is that the Poly is one of the original resorts. As expected, some things have changed and have been upgraded, but you still have the opportunity to walk smack-dab into the middle of some gooey, 1970s Vacation Kingdom goodness. The Poly was also the home to some pretty amazing things; the Bob-a-Round boats, the Eastern Winds and the first Disney wave machine were all Polynesian staples.

But why would I want to spend a day there? Well, the grounds are wonderfully laid-out and landscaped. For a flagship resort, you get a sense of intimacy and privacy that is simply not available at the other deluxe resorts. They have great restaurants. And Ryan didn't say that I couldn't take the water launch to the Magic Kingdom and then just ride the monorail back. I wasn't hopping and I didn't go into the Magic Kingdom. I would have a great breakfast at Ohana's, lunch at Captain Cook's and dinner at the Spirit of Aloha Luau. I would spend the evening on the beach with my family waiting on Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant...and enjoying various libations. Then we would shuttle the kids off to the room (the oldest is old enough to watch his younger brother) and we would take a nice, romantic stroll among the many buildings of the Polynesian Resort.

Ryan, can we go to the Magic Kingdom the next day?

Fiona – This was a really tough one, for me. But I had a good think about it, and it was a close call between two. I was tempted to say Saratoga Springs, as I was lucky enough to experience their spa recently, but I decided to go with one that I love and could spend hours exploring: Wilderness Lodge.

It may not have the animals that Animal Kingdom Lodge has, or the exploration levels that Fort Wilderness has, but Wilderness Lodge is one of the coziest, and most fun resorts that WDW has to offer! I would spend time exploring the lobby, wandering around the different floor levels that overlook the lobby, and searching for all the hidden treasures this resort has to offer.

Once the air-conditioning had taken its toll, or if it was winter, I would settle on the rocking chairs in front of the fireplace and just relax.

Of course, no visit to Wilderness Lodge would be complete without dining in the Whispering Canyon Cafe! Their burgers are to-die-for and I have five words for you: All You Can Eat Milkshake. Your mouth is watering, isn't it?

I would spend some time by the pool, perhaps going for a dip if the weather was in favour. And when I just needed a rest, I would sit back and watch the boats on the lagoon.

While there are plenty of things to see and do at the Lodge, it is also a beautiful place to just get some rest and relaxation. And you can end up feeling like you are right in the middle of the Wilderness, in Walt Disney World.

Melissa – My husband and I just recently bought into DVC and chose Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge as our home. We fell in love with this resort on our first stay.

My ideal day at the Lodge would begin with a plentiful breakfast at Boma. Afterward, you can observe the animals on the numerous savanna overlooks around the resort grounds and, at the right times during the day, listen to Cast Members talk and answer questions about the animals and the resort. Of course, it’s not a relaxing day if you don’t spend some quality time by Uzima Springs, the resort’s pool (or in this case, African watering hole).

Heading back inside, don't forget to explore the African art you’ll find around the resort’s lobby. At different times during the day you can catch resort Cast Members sharing stories and information about Africa and some of the art pieces in the lobby. You can also meet the Pin King inside the Zawadi Marketplace, where he’s ready and willing to trade pins with you. While you’re there, do some shopping. Zawadi offers up a variety of handmade African creations; from paintings to carvings to clothing, there’s something for everyone.

As evening approaches, head downstairs to Jiko where you can enjoy a romantic meal, all with African flavors and flair. Of course, a seat at the counter looking into the show kitchen is a must. After dinner, head outside to listen to the nightly story telling around the firepit, then grab a pair of the night vision goggles and take in the savannas in the dark.

Finally, call it a night by relaxing at Victoria Falls with a glass of African wine before calling it a day. Now you’ve had a fully restful, but interesting and fun-filled day, without ever leaving your resort.

AJ – Animal. Kingdom. Lodge. There's no other answer to this question, is there?

My day would begin with breakfast at Boma, after which I'd head over to Zahanati Spa and Fitness center for a 5-minute jog and a 50-minute massage. I'd get to the pool just in time for the pool bar to open and talk the bartender into making me a Leisure Suit drink. After swimming for a bit, I'd have an afternoon snack at Sanaa and spend some time chatting with the cultural interpreter at the Kidani Village firepit... OR I'd head to Jiko for a wine tasting.

Soon it would be time for the 4pm Culinary Tour of Jiko and Boma. Hopefully that won't overlap with my Wanyama Safari and dinner at Jiko! If we're finished in time, I'd head to the Jambo House firepit for African Storytelling followed by some night-vision goggle viewing of the animals on the savanna!

Whew! Time for bed!

Elizabeth – This is a great question to ask me because I'm pretty much a resort junkie. I firmly believe that a resort can make or break your trip and my goal is to eventually have stayed at all of them. I'm more than 3/4 done with that goal. So after pondering this question for quite some time, I realized that there are certainly factors to consider. Just like the "If you are stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have with you?" My first question is "Where is the island? Do I need a coat?" Because if it's cold, my three thing will be way different than if it's warm.

So when picking my resort, really every Disney resort has plenty to offer... so now the factors are, "Is it raining? Do I have kids with me? Do I have ANYONE with me?" Because to be fair... I've actually spent close to a full day in the resort on many of my trips. It's not a foreign concept to me and it's one I encourage others to do.

Does it seem like I'm stalling? Alright, fine...

I'm going to assume I am alone and it is NOT raining. (Although my choice would probably still hold true if I had kids with me). I would pick the Polynesian. It's an odd choice perhaps, because there are certainly resorts with more shops, more activities, and even more restaurant choices. (My second choice would be Animal Kingdom Lodge). But for a day in the resorts, I want to spend it in a place that makes me feel like I am truly on vacation... not just in a hotel. I'd sleep in, and then grab some breakfast at Kona. I'd do a little shopping and browse the art gallery downstairs, then put on my suit, grab my Nook, and head to the pool. I'd laze around in and out of the water reading reading and reading while enjoying a beverage or two from the bar. More than likely, I'd spend a little time on the beach there as well, enjoying the view of the Magic Kingdom. Since I'm alone, Ohana wouldn't feel like a fabulous choice for dinner, so I'd go to Captain Cook's and then watch the fireworks from the beach. Then I'd return to my room for television, maybe some internet time, more reading, and sleep. Low key? Why yes... yes it is. After all, let's not forget that Walt Disney World is a vacation destination.

Eric – How would I spend one day at a single resort? This isn’t as hard as it might sound, really. There are a myriad of activities available at the Walt Disney World resorts. My wife and I view the resorts as destinations in and of themselves. Honestly, if you were able to experience Walt Disney World level accommodations at any of your non-Disney vacation destinations, you would be thrilled!

I used to think the Yacht Club was my favorite Disney resort, but in truth the Polynesian Resort is my hands down favorite. My only problem is that I’ve never stayed at the Poly. I know how I’d spend that magical day there, however. This particular trip is a fictitious adult-only trip with a fellow Disney fanatic and best friend, my wife.

Our day would start early with some coffee (hot chocolate for her) out at the end of the pier looking out over Seven Seas Lagoon. I love the relative peace and quiet of Disney World in the morning. Just hanging out there watching the day begin with the ducks and a few water craft moving about on the lagoon would be a great start to a long and entertaining day.

Next up on the agenda is a hearty breakfast and character meet and great at ‘Ohana with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto. We have eaten at ‘Ohana before and had a great time and really enjoyed the simple but tasty breakfast fare. The views from ‘Ohana are amazing, and the character interaction with Stitch and friends is a ton of fun.

After breakfast I think it might be good to get the adrenaline racing out on the lagoon itself. The Mikala Canoe Club Marina at the Poly rents Sea Raycers by the half-hour. What could be more fun than racing around Seven Seas Lagoon under the shadow of the Polynesian, Contemporary, and Grand Floridian resorts, not to mention the distant views of Cinderella’s castle? What fun! Of course there is parasailing too. Maybe just one quick trip up in the air wouldn’t hurt; there’s time!

After that action packed morning, I’d say it was time to head back to the room for a short nap. Our concierge (I did mention we were staying Club Level with concierge service in the King Kamehameha Suite, didn’t I?) has arranged for a nice little early afternoon snack in our room. We can enjoy our in-room dining while we relax a bit and relive the morning fun in the spacious jacuzzi tub. Next up is a change into bathing suits so we can hit the Poly’s beach for a little sunbathing, reading, chatting or snoozing. After some time in the hot Orlando sun, the best way to cool off is to take some fast trips down the Nanea Volcano Pool’s waterslide and then some laps (leisurely laps of course) around the pool.

After a quick change back at the suite (all hail King Kamehameha!) we are ready to start the evening’s festivities. We’ll just happen to arrive up at the Great Ceremonial House just in time to catch the torch lighting ceremony and then some leisurely shopping and people watching until our 8pm seating for Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. This is a family-style luau featuring hula dancing and fire/knife performers. It is an absolute must for the perfect south-seas inspired day at the Poly.

To end the day on a quiet and romantic note, we take some drinks down to the dark, quiet beach. It just so happens that Wishes is about to start. The view of Wishes from the Poly’s beach is actually really great; and with great company there, you couldn’t ask for a better ending to a truly magical Polynesian Resort day

Ryan – Where would I spend my day? This should be obvious to anyone who has spent some time wandering through the Gazette’s back issues, Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort.

I’d start my day climbing out of my tent and give a good morning shiver to the damp chill in the Florida air. I’d don my shower shoes, hike down to the Comfort Station and freshen up for the day ahead. Before heading back to the campsite, I’d check the community board to see if there were any extra-curricular activities going on that day.

Back at the campsite, I would consider boiling some water for tea and grits, but end up heading to Trail’s End for the breakfast buffet. I’d spend the rest of my morning exploring the history of Fort Wilderness. I would hike through the pedestrian nature trail which passes the old Marshmallow Marsh area. Speaking of hiking, I would probably make a point to hike along the railbed of the Fort Wilderness Railroad and venture over to Tri-Circle D to view the display on Walt’s equine history and the Dragon Calliope.

Midday would call for some snacks from Crockett’s Tavern, before splashing down in the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, where I would also grab an ice cream. After a round of checkers at the Trading Post, I would either grab a Segway tour or explore Discovery Island and River Country with a Sea Raycer.

While I love the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, I would likely grab some fried chicken to go from Trail’s End and relax on the shores of Bay Lake. Making my way back to the Meadow area, I would be sure to stop by my campsite and grab my roasting stick and bag of marshmallows. Roasting stick? Marshmallows? That can only mean one thing, campfire!

I would stick around the fire pit long enough to catch up with Chip and Dale, listen to the sing-a-long with Cowboy Anthony and fill my belly with molten marshmallows. The movie under the stars would have to be skipped, unless it were Peter Pan, in order to book it back down to Bay Lake.

I’d take in the Electrical Water Pageant and Wishes from the shore and then head back to the campsite. Hopefully, I remembered to plug in the little lantern lights strung about my site for some late night fudge from the Meadow Trading Post and some cards. If not, I’d call it an early night and be asleep before the sleeping bag had time to settle in around me.

Zzzzzzzzz……

Now that we know where the Gazette crew would spend their days, and what activities they would fill them with, what about you? What resort would you spend a day at and how would you occupy your time?

Oh, and George. You can visit the Magic Kingdom tomorrow, as long as you behave yourself today…

Silent Saturday - Riverside Mill (August 2010)

Some kind of commotion downstream

Hey gang! As you read this I am on the road down to Walt Disney World for fun, (hopefully) sun and a lot of research with the wild man seen above (aka my dad). Be sure to follow along with the adventures on Twitter or Ryan on Facebook!

As for the Main Street Gazette, fear not, all of the articles will be running on their regular cycle while I am away. The only exception will be Disney This Week on Sundays, which will pick back up on May 8th.

I hope to see a lot of you while I am there and bring back some great articles for those of you staying at home. See ya’ real soon!

Greetings from Dionland U.S.A.

This postcard backdrop for Dinoland U.S.A. is usually covered up by smiling families and research ready Goofy and Pluto. The shelter was added in the fall of 2009 as an extension of Chester and Hester’s and as a photo-op location for the most child-friendly land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While the details of the small structure play perfectly with others in the vicinity, the real story is the oversized postcard backdrop.While billed as Dinoland U.S.A. on the picture, the image displays a much earlier incarnation of this corner of Diggs County. The lodge turned restaurant has not appear to have been overrun with researchers and paleontologists yet, Chester and Hester’s still functions as a gas station and there is no dig site present. While the level of detail is amazing, further down the road the little red shack that now houses Trilo-Bites is even included in the artwork, there has been some artistic licensing going on here. The water tower, while it could have been moved, is most certainly closer to Restaurant/Restaurantosaurus than it is to Chester and Hester’s.

It is difficult to find a time when this meet-and-greet area isn’t going to the dogs, Pluto and Goofy that is, but if you find it uninhabited, be sure to stop. As you examine the simpler times that once ran rampant around this small thoroughfare, much in the way simpler times once resided in the sleepy swamps that would become Walt Disney World, think about the painstaking details that not only went into this piece of artwork, but also the planning that went into Dinoland U.S.A. itself.