http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php WDWMAGIC.COM Discussion Forum, Bulletin Board, WDW, Walt Disney World News Rumors Photos Reviews en Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:40:43 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=293 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:12:00 GMT first time on WDWM. where can i find the best 4 day hopper pass deal...sept 21-27? thank you chuck first time on WDWM. where can i find the best 4 day hopper pass deal...sept 21-27?
thank you
chuck ]]> mackirkland http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=293 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=292 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:55:22 GMT *The Magic of Disney* August 5th, 2008 Welcome, one and all, to the first of hopefully many editions of 1000 Points of View! First, let me just say that this is my first attempt at any kind of blog, so as time goes on, I may tweak a few things here or there, with the hope that I can provide an... The Magic of Disney
August 5th, 2008

Welcome, one and all, to the first of hopefully many editions of 1000 Points of View! First, let me just say that this is my first attempt at any kind of blog, so as time goes on, I may tweak a few things here or there, with the hope that I can provide an interesting, possibly informative, but always entertaining blog series. With any luck, you should see a new post on here on the first Tuesday of every month, with topics ranging from new rumors to my thoughts/opinions to trip reports. Thank you for putting up with my beginner's skill, and with that, on to this month's topic.

I think it is fairly safe to assume that if you are reading this right now, you're a Disney fan. Lets face it, while there are quite a few of us in the world, we are still a relatively small group. After all, not everyone "gets" Disney like we do. But that does beg the question, why do we love Disney so much? What is it about this place that has gotten to both our hearts and our wallets?

When Walt Disney first conjured up the idea for a theme park, it was, to put it in his words, "(a place) where both the parents, and the children, could have fun together." Obviously, the idea was remarkably successful; one need only look at the immense popularity of Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which led to the building of more Disney parks all around the world. Year after year, millions of families (and couples I might add) have flocked to the parks that Disney built to be thrilled, scared, and above all, entertained.

Disney fans, like you an me, are part of those millions. Its hard to get an exact figure of just how many people consider themselves actual "fans." And when I say "fan", I don't mean those that say, "Yeah, I like Disney, its fun." No, a fan is not someone who merely thinks Disney is "fun"; a fan is someone who can't stop thinking about Disney. A fan is someone who spends months planning their next trip, then can't wait until that time has come. A fan is someone who, when they get the smell of a musty air conditioner in their nostrils, automatically thinks of the monorail or Spaceship Earth.

There are over 56,000 members on WDWMagic alone. Now, when you boil it down to how many are active members on the site, I'm sure that number gets lower. Still, even if that person hasn't posted on the site at all, there is something to be said about someone who takes the time to register on a Disney fan site. Obviousy, if someone registers on a fan site for something, then there must be something that sets that something apart from everything else (still with me after that?). So, in regards to Disney, what was it that made it special enough for us to sign up on a Disney fan site?

There is no place like Disney. Where else can you join 999 other haunts in their home, ascend a huge geosphere to look back at history and ponder our future, or rock 'n roll your way through the freeways of L.A.? The rides are cetainly part of it, but honestly, there's only so many times can you ride something before it stops exciting you. No, rides aren't the only thing. Is it the children? Do you go "for the kids?" Well, that might explain why some people go, but what about those who have no children. All you have to do is scan the crowd at any one theme park and I guarantee you'll see a couple there alone, no kids in tow.

I guess its really just the idea that there is a place like Disney that makes Disney what it is. We take our children there because we went there when we were kids, and I'm willing to bet that when they're old enough, they'll take their kids. Disney is a place in the real world that lets you forget that you are in the real world. Here, kids can be kids, and bigger kids can be smaller kids again. Out the millions who go to Disney, there are those that go just to say that they went. These are the people that "just don't get it." I guess they just didn't get the right dose of magic. The true magic of Disney isn't any particular item. Its not the rides, the themes or the characters. Its the culmination of all of those things in one place, and how they come together to bring individuals and families closer together. While it doesn't get to everyone, I think its safe to say it gets to a good majority of us. It certainly has gotten to us fans. No one really knows why Disney affects us the way it does, but once we're infected, there is no cure. There is only treatment, and that treatment lies in all things Disney. ]]> hpyhnt 1000 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=292 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=290 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:45:43 GMT I think I've given up on any hopes of having dd potty trained before the trip. I did manage to purchase our Disney park tickets before the prices went up. Yay for that! Too bad we got ripped off on our airline tickets by buying those too early though. Oh well.
I've decided not to make any ADRs for this trip. I hope I don't regret that. I've never made them before and it seems like too much of a hassle since we don't really know what we are doing yet etc. I am trying to be flexible for both my DH's sake and my dd's sake. Plus since we are staying off-property I know we can eat outside the parks too. I think if we were staying at a Disney resort I'd be more worried about it. Still have to talk to DH about where to stay for that first night when we arrive. We've been so busy with non-Disney things in our lives we haven't gotten to it yet. I think the excitement level will pick up on his part after August 16th.. once we get past my mother's visit and our daycare issues etc. Sigh. Oh well. This forum has been fun though, I'm really enjoying it. Even if it is a long time before our next trip, after this one, it will still be fun to read. ]]> RebeccaMA http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=290 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=289 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:30:23 GMT Hello: Does Disney usually have any Fall Discounts? If they do when are they announced? I am going to the World in mid October this year. :) Hello:
Does Disney usually have any Fall Discounts? If they do when are they announced? I am going to the World in mid October this year. :) ]]> disneyevelyn http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=289 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=288 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:06:38 GMT I have 24 days to go until our annual August WDW trip. This year we are staying for 11 days and 10 night at the Port Orleans French Quater Resort. I've on property 12 time prior to this and have never stayed at this resort so, if anyone wants to pass along suggestions feel free.
I don't know why but, this years trip I seem to be more excited about. My kids are now 5 & 6 and I really think that they'll be able to experiance more of the Disney magic now.
I have become a real Disney pin geek and have already stock piled pins for the trip for myself and the kids.
Can't wait. ]]> rpk4444 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=288 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=287 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:52:40 GMT In my never-ending quest to spew forth light in a world of darkness, I bring to your attention the greatest TV show EVER: Hurl! Allow me to regurgitate the sequence of events of this fabulous new G4 show: 1. 5 contestants have to speed eat something really nasty (like cream of spinach soup)... In my never-ending quest to spew forth light in a world of darkness, I bring to your attention the greatest TV show EVER: Hurl!

Allow me to regurgitate the sequence of events of this fabulous new G4 show:

1. 5 contestants have to speed eat something really nasty (like cream of spinach soup) for 5 minutes. The 2 that eat the least are out of the competition.
2. The remaining 3 contestants are strapped into something that rolls and spins (similar to Cyberspace Mountain) for 5 minutes. Anyone that pukes is out.
3. The contestants still in the competition have to eat the nasty stuff again. If anyone tosses their cookies, they are out.
4. If 2 contestants are still left, they go into a Sudden Barf Off round, which means they're back onto the rolling and spinning device until we have a winner ($1,000).

Anyone that survives all four rounds without heaving and has eaten the most food during the competition is then also awarded the "Iron Stomach" designation.

The play-by-play announcers and graphics are everything (and more!) you would expect in a competition specifically about vomiting. They assess the volume of each throw up ... "That was a five bucket hurl!"

All I can say is, look out Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, there's a new game in town!

:hurl::hurl::hurl::hurl::hurl::hurl::hurl::hurl: ]]> GenerationX http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=287 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=286 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:04:52 GMT Who misses those? Oh I miss the days I grew up on Disney. The Little Mermaid cartoon, Winnie the Pooh, the Aladdin cartoon show, Mickey Mouse Club, Duck Tales...the list is endless. Le sigh. I made $59 last night. On a Friday. Right about now, I am very thankful that my trip is already paid... Who misses those? Oh I miss the days I grew up on Disney. The Little Mermaid cartoon, Winnie the Pooh, the Aladdin cartoon show, Mickey Mouse Club, Duck Tales...the list is endless. Le sigh.

I made $59 last night. On a Friday. Right about now, I am very thankful that my trip is already paid off, because otherwise I'm not sure how I would do it. Tickets and hotel are paid, and I have $189 left to spare. This is going towards souveiners. The boy is paying for all of the food, since I was so gracious as to fund the majority of our trip! But I am very excited. July is almost at an end...and then we have August, September, October, November, and finally...December. What's good for me is that I at least will be busy with school work for a majority of those months, so hopefully the time will fly right by!

One can hope, at least.

XOXO ]]> DarlingDepp http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=286 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=285 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:22:08 GMT I am one day closer to my trip and so very excited! But so very tired! I am beginning to get a bit overwhelmed from all of the plans. I have most of our days mapped out. I am going during a low travel season (December 14 - 19), however, I am still worried about crowds. Should I still avoid the... I am one day closer to my trip and so very excited! But so very tired! I am beginning to get a bit overwhelmed from all of the plans.

I have most of our days mapped out. I am going during a low travel season (December 14 - 19), however, I am still worried about crowds. Should I still avoid the parks with EMH? Is it going to make that much of a difference? I have no clue. :shrug: All I know is that it has taken me almost 2 years to pay for this trip, I just want to have the best time I possibly can!

And dining! Dining definitely has me overwhelmed. I always used to do Disney on a spur of the moment type of deal when it came to food. Suddenly, I learned what ADRs are, and I'm worried that I may not get to eat at some places I would really like to. But at the same time, I want my plans to have flexibility, so I'm not sure I want to make reservations to stick to either. AhhhH!!!

Good news, I bought my tickets yesterday! Five day park hoppers with the water parks and more option for only $208 a piece. That is an awesome steal! Thank you AAA!

One day closer! And it still seems so far...

XOXO ]]> DarlingDepp http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=285 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=284 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:18:30 GMT :wave: I am a new member here, even though I have been lurking *forever*. I must say, everyone is so very nice and helpful! Its nice to meet such friendly people. (I work as a waitress, and usually, deal with people at their grouchiest :mad:) My name is Nicolette. I am a college student in... :wave: I am a new member here, even though I have been lurking *forever*. I must say, everyone is so very nice and helpful! Its nice to meet such friendly people. (I work as a waitress, and usually, deal with people at their grouchiest :mad:)

My name is Nicolette. I am a college student in Florida. I've grown up on Disney, and I still love everything Disney. Most of my friends just laugh at my antics, but for me, Disney truly is magical. It is the one place in the world that you can forget all your worries and stress and just live in a fairytale. At least it is for me.

Yes, I am a Disney princess, thanks for asking :king:. Ariel has always been my favorite, and somewhat of a role model, because she showed me that ANY dream is possible as long as you have the courage to pursue it. I love dressing up and acting like a princess (even though I am 20) and if I lived in Orlando, you can bet I would be trying to get a job as a princess in the park!

Outside of Disney, I am a huge fan of Broadway and theatre. The only sport I follow intently is hockey (Go Lightning!!!) I love to read; I used to write. I am planning on being a lawyer one of these days...and I would love to somehow incorporate working for Disney in there somewhere!

Anyways, enough about me! I will post a blog about my upcoming trip shortly!

XOXO ]]> DarlingDepp http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=284 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=283 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:05:57 GMT I didn't want to start a new thread so I will just post my excitement here!!
We are 35 days away from our 16th anniversary trip to WDW :sohappy:I got my packet today and I love that it just really makes it so real that you are getting ready to go back to the most Magical Place on Earth!
It doesn't seem possible that it was almost a year ago that we were leaving and DD told me "Don't cry Mom, we'll be back."
So very thankful that she was right.. May sound silly but I treasure the time I have been able to spend there with my kids & wonderful husband.
Thanks for listening to my happy rambling! :ROFLOL: ]]> DisneyShe http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=283 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=282 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:19:58 GMT I have a DEEP urge to CONSTANTLY be surrounded and immersed in Disney. I guess I sort of understand in a itty bitty way how a drug addict feels. I HAVE to have a daily Disney fix. I also keep myself looking forward to the lengthy times between my Disney trips by being the Uber Planner. I look... I have a DEEP urge to CONSTANTLY be surrounded and immersed in Disney. I guess I sort of understand in a itty bitty way how a drug addict feels. I HAVE to have a daily Disney fix. I also keep myself looking forward to the lengthy times between my Disney trips by being the Uber Planner. I look at the rooms ALL THE TIME, I check events and prices and plot out what to do on which day for when it FINALLY arrives, i can fake like I didnt plan what I want to do every minute! ]]> Disneysue http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=282 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=281 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:28:55 GMT Well, my first blog post here talked about the plight of one of my dearest friends who is battling colon cancer. That was 10 months or so ago and we had been given a prognosis then that was not so good. At the time I felt that at least we had time to prepare ourselves for the inevitable ending. ... Well, my first blog post here talked about the plight of one of my dearest friends who is battling colon cancer. That was 10 months or so ago and we had been given a prognosis then that was not so good. At the time I felt that at least we had time to prepare ourselves for the inevitable ending.

Well, this morning we were told that last night she was admitted to the ICU and things look pretty bleak. Dispite all my best efforts, all the goofy things we've done together, and all the frank discussions we've had this past year, I'm still not ready. I guess we really never are.

Treasure every day, people, and don't forget to say "I love you". :kiss: ]]> Nemo14 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=281 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=280 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:03:46 GMT We just returned from our annual WDW vacation and what a change from last year!
For the first time in the 15+ years we have been going there, both as DVC members and not, the "MAGIC" seems to have been replaced by a new sense of "Corporate Disney". There have been many shocking cost cutting changes. For example, we love our buffets and always looked especially forward to O'Hana @ The Polynesian which has removed the delicious scalloped potatoes with rice, which was done as a cost effective measure. We always looked forward to the southern greens @ The Crystal Palace in MK which have now been replaced by mixed veg's. again, as a cost cutting measure. We also tried the Cape May buffet @ Beach Club for the lst time and were looking forward to a seafood feast. Instead, the only seafood served were steamed clams, mussels, very small shrimp that you had to peel yourself and salmon which was dry and very "fishy". They, too, removed southern greens from their menu as a cost cutting measure. Also, they had four dessert selection cakes which were served in the form of miniature pastries along with cookies and brownies. Their two soup selections were both very rich soups, no light fare selections, and the ribs were just gross! They were VERY overcooked to the point of being mushy. Yuck!! With tax it came to about $40.00 pp. What a ripoff!!
If you are fortunate enough to know a cast member and have enjoyed some free days in the parks as their guest be prepared - "Corporate Disney" has now added blackout dates to the cast member's pass that they never did before and these blackout dates are in effect for the whole summer. They also added blackout dates to cast member meal discounts! And if you were considering buying into the DVC using the cast member discount of 25%, be prepared - the discount has now been cut to 15%. Corporate Disney wanted to eliminate the discount altogether but there was such an uproar over it they settled for reducing the discount amount.
Corporate Disney must have cut the housekeeping staff as well. We stayed at Old Key West as we always do and the first thing I noticed in the kitchen was that instead of replacing the Palmolive dishwashing liquid they just left the one from the previous occupants which was 3/4 full. One night I was chilly and went to put on the extra blanket they give you for the sofa bed and it smelled sweaty. Obviously, it was not changed for a clean one. We had cobwebs outside our door for our entire stay, the cement floors outside the apartments were never swept (there was bird ________ on the ground all week), and they never bothered to come around for "tidy up day". (For those of you who have never stayed in a DVC resort, you do not get maid service every day. They come twice a week - once for a complete cleaning and linen change and a "tidy up day" where they come to bring clean towels, tidy up the apt. and take out the garbage). We even had cobwebs in our bathroom that my husband had to clean because it was so disgusting. The bathroom sink was clogged and filled with black goop and we had to call the plumber who came and unclogged the sink but never cleaned it when he was done!
If you love Pleasure Island better get there before Sept., 2008, because that's being taken out to make room for - you guessed it - more souvenier shops.
Believe me, I love Disney as much as anybody and this was not easy to write. It breaks my heart to think that Fairy Dust has now been replaced with pure GREED!! :shrug: ]]> Bella http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=280 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=277 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:54:50 GMT Image: http://matsukaze.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/i_believe_in_harvey_dent.jpg :lookaroun

:lookaroun ]]> EpcotServo http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=277 http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=276 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:51:48 GMT I've had my trip book for a while now... I'm very excited... If all works the way is planned I leave on July 26-August 2, 2008. I'll be staying in the park at the resort Saratoga Springs... I can hardly wait... I did hear that is super warm! So that has me a little worry! Has anyone gone to Disney at the end of JULY! And if so how did you cope with the heat?:veryconfu:veryconfu ]]> yesa.guti http://forums.wdwmagic.com/blog.php?b=276