Trip Report After five years of being spoiled at DLR, WDW is having me return.

Howdy folks.

Thought it might be fun to begin a thread related to my WDW experience which starts in about an hour from now.


I have been visiting WDW on and off over the years since the late 70s, but visited yearly for a good stretch in the early 2000s.
It has been five years since I have been back to Florida, and those that are familiar with my recent postings may recall during those five years I have been enjoying the marvelous delights of the Disneyland Resort in California.

WDW lost me as a Guest back in 2013, right before the full rollout of the FP+ nonsense.
That impending doom I felt of such a concept that this system proposed really turned me off.
Having to 'book' everything from rides to dining months in advance to me would surely suck any feeling of 'vacation' out the experience.
So I turned my back to it all and looked to the West.

DLR embraced me and seriously spoiled me....big time.
The differences in the experience, and the quality of the entertainment kept me coming back.
It was also great to just walk in the front gate and decide on a whim what I felt like doing.
No planning things six months in advance. That is not a vacation to me.
After some truly magical and grand adventures ( see my 'Tony Baxter Tour of Disneyland' thread ) the time has come to return to Florida and see things with different eyes.

Why I am going back to WDW for a week?
Well, having a four day ticket still laying around valid is a good excuse, as is a 'free' flight to Florida.
But the real reason -
Banshees and Navi.

I always told myself once the 'World of Pandora' was open after a year and before 'Galaxy's Edge' crowds descend upon the Resort I would venture forth to experience the new additions.
So I'm looking forward to experiencing all of the new things that have been added in the last five years since I've been frolicking about elsewhere.


So hopefully this thread will provide some interesting insight to those like me who haven't visited in a while and are curious about how things are now.

There will be things I'm sure that will pleasantly surprise me.
I'm sure there may be a few things I'm not overly keen about.
But this will be a positive experience for sure...as I do need a vacation right about now!

And so, onwards we travel.

This week brings -
A stay at the currently being refurbed All Star Movies
Visits to all four Theme Parks, focus on DAK and my old 'home' Epcot
Sunday evening 'Halloween Party' experience (guess who I'm dressing up as...!)
Assorted random dining experiences including 'Kona Cafe', 'Be Our Guest', and 'Tusker House'
Lots of Show and Attraction experiences ( hyper focused )
Disney Springs pass through


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[Figments Friend]

Oh yay...!
The glitchy spell seems to have subsided, so I'll attempt to post about my experiences thus far.


Yesterday's first task before starting the real fun was visiting Guest Services at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom.
Here is where you can exchange your old, yet valid non-expiring ticket media into brand new shiny 'tap card' media.
For anyone curious, your Resort Hotel consierge service cannot exchange your ticket.
It can only be done at the ticket window at the entrance to a Park.
Not sure about Guest Services in Disney Springs.
Some years ago you could check and exchange old media here as well.
Not sure if that is still true.

I had a old ticket I've had for a few years and now was the time to take advantage of it.
A very easy exchange, and the transfer was seamless so any FP+ arrangements I had were automatically loaded onto it instantly upon activation.

Once I had my 'new' ticket, it was time to head over to the Polynesian for my traditional late breakfast.
I was treated to a 'private charter' cruise aboard the Admiral Joe Fowler ferry boat, as I was the sole Guest travling to the TTC at that hour in the morning.
The crowds from the parking lot were all waiting across the lagoon wanting to get to the Park, so I had the boat all to myself along with four CMs.
When I came aboard they noted this was my special reserved 'private charter' which was neat.
I have to admit, it was pretty cool cruising across the lagoon on the famous ferry boat all to myself.
Gotta confess that I felt like a rock star disembarking and crossing that landing dock...with all of those hundreds of people awaiting to board.

 

[Figments Friend]

Breakfast at Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Village was very nice, as always.
Last time I visited the Poly in January of 2013, it still had the original atrium garden and water features in the main lobby.
As sad as I was to see that beautiful display removed, I enjoyed seeing in person how they have replaced the space.
It looks rather nice, and the music playing is still a delight to hear.

Another observation is the presence of security now in the immediate area around the Park.
A lot has changed in just the five years I have been away.

To be honest, as much as I am glad this has been stepped up a bit I'm also disheartened to have to witness this at a place like WDW.
A little reminder of the crazy real world and the destructive and stupid things some citizens do to others.

I am indeed still very thankful WDW has kept the 'no bags' entrance intact.
Since I rarely travel into the Park with anything more then a hat and my belt clip card carrier, this is a absolute godsend to not have to endure long bag search lines.

I have often wondered why Disneyland does not offer a 'no bags' option to it's Guests.
I believe I recall hearing that they tried it, but there was a valid reason it was stopped.

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[Figments Friend]

Now for some Park experience comments related to my visit to the MK yesterday -

Small World -
Why has the entrance and exit areas been swapped around..?
This completely spoils the presentation of the Attraction to Guests entering the changed layout.
I found this switch to be Bad Show, as this configuration goes against the originally intended loading and unloading flow.
Not to mention it spoils what used to be a nice visual entrance / introduction to the famous Attraction.

Before, you entered in front of the glittering clock tower facade and could watch the boats being loaded as you waited in the entrance queue anticipating your ride.
The visuals, as well as the visual kinetics of the visable boats entertained you as you waited.
Afterwards, you exited behind the sparsely decorated backside of the clock tower up a ramp and out of a side turnstile.
Now however, it is completly the opposite....!

Guests now enter from behind, seeing NONE of the decorative interior facade or clock tower and cannot clearly view the boats while waiting.
You are left standing BEHIND everything visually interesting with site lines for what little is visible at poor angles.
It was never intended to be viewing from this angle...and add to the mix that all the white paint behind the tower is dirty from grubby little hands rubbing against it while waiting in line here!

The way it is now makes no sense to me.
I'm assuming this was changed for some reason related to FP+, but it is a head scratcher to me.

The ride itself looked good, with a few elements missing ( lighting issues in the finale room ) and a few new editions for me ( MagicBand tech personalized 'Good bye' messages post-finale ).

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[Figments Friend]

The Hall of Presidents -
Wow....
Impressed and moved by the updated presentation.
I went in completely 'spoiler free' wanting to see the new Show during this visit, and I have to say I was not expecting it to be so emotionally moving.

The new film segments looked fantastic on the big screen...those new digital projections were incredibly crisp and detailed.
Very nicely done.
The various subject matter was given a personal touch and some nice imagery used.

The finale with all of the Presidents is always great, but I have to say I have mixed feeling about the new AA Trump.
His animations were great....but his appearance just doesn't look to me like the President.
His facial sculpt just seems really off somehow....but maybe it's the way it is lit...?
Something just isn't right visually, but the movements are very well done.
I exspecially enjoyed the humorous 'two thumbs up' gesture the figure made near the end of the presentation.
Little moments like that add a lot of character to a AA performance.
One of several reasons I love 'watching the AAs over and over again at 'The American Adventure' at Epcot.
So much character and personality in each of them just in their movements....exspecially the two main hosts.

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[Figments Friend]

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train was terrific....and I thought was just right in length.
Another 'all new' experience for me, as I was watching them build this in 2013.
I went in 'spoiler free' yet again, so everything was a surprise and unexpected.
Some of those lift hills are very intimidating in appearance, but the ride itself is tame in nature for the most part.
I LOVED seeing that they kept the Show scene from 'Snow White's Adventures'!
That was a unexpected but very appreciated surprise.


Space Mountain - WDW Edition.
First time ever experiencing this at WDW.
For years I bypassed this as I'm not a 'coaster fan' and feared the dark unknown.
Also not wanting to experience 'drops' as I'm not a fan of the sensation.
It took me years to get over the fear of the 'big plunge' into the briar patch on 'Splash Mountain', but Tony Baxter helped me immensely in getting over that fear.
Well, his laminated photograph did....actually.


After conquering the fear and getting the courage up to embrace Disneyland's Space Mountain and ride it, it soon became a must ride -multiple ride per visit Attraction.
I had always read that Disneyland's version was 'faster and more intense', so I figured I am finally ready to take on The Original when I get back to Florida.
WDW's version should be a peice a cake after being broken in out West!
Right...?

WRONG!

Holy crap....what a ride!
I had a awesome seat...right in the back of a rocket, and on the Alpha track.
Feeling really good about this first ride 47 years in the making.
Loving it right up until a short time after descending the lift peak.
Wowee wow wow....!!
Was not expecting it to be that much more intense.
It wasn't the 'roughness' of the track ( which I've heard about for years here ) that did me in, just the great, intense layout.
Well, it was intense for me.
Borderline 'a bit too much' for me.
Exhilarating and yes, very fun...but I was shaken after it was all over.
I had the chance to ride again immediately afterwards ( FP+ time had arrived ) but I passed as it was just a little too much.
But at least I finally did it....and it was GREAT!
What a rush!

 

[Figments Friend]

After 'Space' things started to bottom out for the day.
My energy level had been draining slowly over the course of the day due to the heat, and after the adreneline rush and slight real fear factor on my trip to the stars in a high speed shuttle I was feeling sluggish.
I headed over to my favorite QS location, Columbia Harbor House, to grab a meal to refuel and discovered they closed at 5pm.
This was a unexpected surprise....but perhaps those are 'off season' hours?
So I didn't get a Dinner and as I pressed on slowly it was getting to the point where I knew I had to call it a early night.

It was a slightly disappointing realization I wasn't going to make it to see the much talked about new fireworks presentation 'Happliy Ever After'.
This is another new experience I have remained 'spoiler free' for in anticipation of seeing it first in person.
So I was interested in seeing it, but sometimes you just have to pull the plug and realize your limits.
I also was NOT wanting to get caught in the mad crush of people exiting post-show ala 'Park Dump' and dealing with the long lines at the Transportation areas.
So I left about a hour before the show.....and it was even a Extra Magic night!
Yeah, I was out of it....

The ride back to base was a bit glum....and I had to grab a rather expensive meal at my hotel food court as nothing else was really available.
So the day ended a bit of a bust....but the things I did, I enjoyed.
And isn't that what is really the most important thing to do?
It's not about how much you do....it's wether or not you enjoy the things that you DO do.


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[Figments Friend]

A few other observations -

I am finding that I am able to tour the Parks like I used to...and I am discovering that for the most part I don't need the FPs at all.
Lines and wait times have been very manageable so far the two days I have been here.
Yesterday at MK, many Attractions by 3pm were 10 to 20 minute waits.
I especially remember the three 'Mountains' all being between 10 and 15 minute waits.
Actual waits were more like five to ten.
It's been great...

Lots of times I am arriving before my FP time and discovering the Attraction has a short wait time.
So I get in the Standby line, and by the time i exit , my FP is then active and I can ride again immediately.
I have done this for several major rides so far.
Perhaps I'm just getting lucky....I've noticed more then once that when I exit the wait times are usually up a bit then when I entered.

This has been another positive so far this trip - seeing that I don't have to be a slave to the FP+ system and can stroll the Park like I used to ( and always did at Disneyland ) and just do what I feel like doing on a whim.
No schedule, no adhering to strict time schedules due to FPs.
I'm sure the time of year I am visiting has a lot to do with this factor, but I wanted to comment on this for those of you who, like me, was not looking forward to having to follow a 'regimated' time table due to having to book FPs in advance.
You CAN indeed still show up here are do things without FPs....but yes, for the current hot ticket Atractions it can help cut the wait.

Having said that, I DO recommend waiting in the standby line for 'Flight of Passage'.
The queue is a big part of the Attraction ( in my opinion ) and there is a lot of cool things to see while waiting in it.
DO the wait...even if it's an hour.
Worth it at least once. Soak it all in.
The FastPass+ line completely bypasses the good stuff in the queue.
You see none of it....

Speaking of Animal Kingdom...that was today's adventure.
I shall post about those experiences later.

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[Figments Friend]

Oh, before moving on to Animal Kingdom...i forgot to mention that i decided to try out 'The Sorcerer's of The Magic Kingdom' interactive game in the MK.
When visiting the Main Street Train Station and enjoying the tributes to Walt, Roy, and Lillian Disney among others I noticed two ladies using one of the 'magic portals' to play the game.
I decided to head over to the Fire House to try it out, and they gave me my first lesson in 'spell casting' and handed me my first free set of spell cards and a neat themed map.
As I walked around the Park, I would try out some of the portals in passing.
It was a fun little diversion, and the trading cards and map made for nice souvenirs.

For those not familiar with this in-Park interactive game -
'The Sorcerer's of The Magic Kingdom' is a trading card game one can play while visiting the MK.
It's free to play, and does have a interactive 'magical' feel to it.
Players use a free themed map to go on a quest to defeat various Disney Villians by 'casting spells' at various 'magic portals' concealed around the Park.
Special 'spell cards' can be collected and traded to be used to do so with varying degrees of effect.
I'm sure there are descriptive YouTube videos out there explaining the playing process in more detail, so if you have yet to play I'd recommend it on your next visit.
It's a fun side diversion and the cards and map are cool little free keepsakes!

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[atjimfromdisney]

Also of note -
The option to not have Mousekeeping service during your stay in exchange for a Disney Gift Card is still going on for those curious.
I opted out and received a $60 E-Gift Card which will come in handy over the next few days.

This is such an awesome thing they do.

 

[atjimfromdisney]

Oh, before moving on to Animal Kingdom...i forgot to mention that i decided to try out 'The Sorcerer's of The Magic Kingdom' interactive game in the MK.
When visiting the Main Street Train Station and enjoying the tributes to Walt, Roy, and Lillian Disney among others I noticed two ladies using one of the 'magic portals' to play the game.
I decided to head over to the Fire House to try it out, and they gave me my first lesson in 'spell casting' and handed me my first free set of spell cards and a neat themed map.
As I walked around the Park, I would try out some of the portals in passing.
It was a fun little diversion, and the trading cards and map made for nice souvenirs.

For those not familiar with this in-Park interactive game -
'The Sorcerer's of The Magic Kingdom' is a trading card game one can play while visiting the MK.
It's free to play, and does have a interactive 'magical' feel to it.
Players use a free themed map to go on a quest to defeat various Disney Villians by 'casting spells' at various 'magic portals' concealed around the Park.
Special 'spell cards' can be collected and traded to be used to do so with varying degrees of effect.
I'm sure there are descriptive YouTube videos out there explaining the playing process in more detail, so if you have yet to play I'd recommend it on your next visit.
It's a fun side diversion and the cards and map are cool little free keepsakes!

-

Make sure you grab the special MNSHHP card when you go to the party!

 

[Figments Friend]

Make sure you grab the special MNSHHP card when you go to the party!

Yes!
Thanks for the reminder.


Part of the reason I wanted to try the game was in preperation for receiving the special card during the Halloween Party this coming Sunday.
I am rather tickled it is the Orange Bird, a character that I've associated with Florida since the early 80s when I lived here.
They couldn't have chosen a better character for this year...

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[MinnieM123]

Another observation is the presence of security now in the immediate area around the Park.
A lot has changed in just the five years I have been away.

To be honest, as much as I am glad this has been stepped up a bit I'm also disheartened to have to witness this at a place like WDW.
A little reminder of the crazy real world and the destructive and stupid things some citizens do to others

Yah, it is both welcome and sad to see more police presence--especially at the entrances to all the parks. Once I pass by them (they're doing a good job--giving credit where credit is due), I then focus on the parks and good times.

So the day ended a bit of a bust....but the things I did, I enjoyed.
And isn't that what is really the most important thing to do?
It's not about how much you do....it's wether or not you enjoy the things that you DO do.

It's not the quantity (within reason) of what you do, it's the quality of your particular experience. This may vary from person to person, but as long as you're happy, that's all that matters.

I am finding that I am able to tour the Parks like I used to...and I am discovering that for the most part I don't need the FPs at all.
Lines and wait times have been very manageable so far the two days I have been here.
Yesterday at MK, many Attractions by 3pm were 10 to 20 minute waits.
I especially remember the three 'Mountains' all being between 10 and 15 minute waits.
Actual waits were more like five to ten.
It's been great...

You have been LUCKY with the waiting times, and must have just hit a good week to travel there. Very happy for you!

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

Well, you've just helped me make up my mind to finally try the Sorcerors playing cards. I think about trying it, but never do. Sounds like fun, thanks

 

[Figments Friend]

Well, you've just helped me make up my mind to finally try the Sorcerors playing cards. I think about trying it, but never do. Sounds like fun, thanks

That's great!
It really is a fun little quest, and I've only tried a couple of the 'portals' but the free graphic map and cards are neat keepsakes.

I love the map...great artwork.
Reminds me of the old custom maps Guests used to be able to make for their upcoming trips years ago.
Not quite as fancy, but the artwork is cool.

 

[Figments Friend]

Apologies for not posting here on a timely basis.
A lot is going on here and by the time I'm back in my room it's midnight or 2am and I'm too tired to post.

I'm also still trying to get used to the system of posting images here...which I think I have finally figured out.
I previously posted my photos via Photobucket links but that isn't a option now, so I'm slowly adjusting to the new way.
Very handy to post direct via this Forum now...saves me a LOT of work on my end.

It's been a interesting few days.
I will post more details in full at a later date, but for now here are a couple of images I snapped.

First, this trips custom made t-shirt.
Regular readers of my escapades likely remember my fun custom made shirts I have made over the years.
A few years ago a made a cool photo collage design featuring images related to Tony Baxter.
I tried getting it printed on a shirt through a professional print house but they declined claiming copyright issues.
Earlier this year I tried a different printing company, and they printed it with no issues.
So here is a look at my shirt -

What has been funny is that the couple of days I have worn this to the Parks here at WDW the Cast that complimented on it all thought these were pictures of Walt Disney.
Yep.
Must be that mustache....

I find that humorous.
Tony would probably be rather flattered to be mistaken for Uncle Walt!

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[Figments Friend]

Back 'home' here at Epcot....really nice to be back here late at night slowly strolling around.

It's been a eye opening experience this trip.
More about that later....

 

[Figments Friend]

Back home now....so once i gather my thoughts i will begin posting them in full here.
I have more photos to share as well, and a few fun stories.

Stay tuned, faithful readers!

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[Figments Friend]

Alrighty....let me begin by talking about the Resort i resided in this visit.
It played a major role I enticing me to come back to Florida after deserting the place for California for the last five years.

Not nessesarily anything high end, as I always do All Star Music...but this time I switched to Movies because of the price break i was able to score.
A lovely combination of time of year, a great room-only promotion offered this Spring, and the construction / refurbishments going on meant that I could stay at Movies for the same price I paid when last I visited in 2013.
$89 a night.
Music was much more, and in reality too much for what I know I would be getting.
So Movies it was.

Mickey then slipped me a 'free' $60 Gift Card with the booking as well when I declined Mousekeeping services.
I was aware of this going on earlier this season, but wasn't sure if it was still being offered.
Since I am only in my room for a few hours to sleep and shower, I could get along just fine.
It was nice to have that little extra money back in my pocket.

I was in one of the freshly refurbished / redesigned rooms over in Love Bug 7, in a cozy quiet corner spot.
They know me too well.....


The quiet and tree views were nice, but it wasn't a good spot for showing off my window display that I set up every time I visit.
Been doing it for years....I think 2004 was the first time I decorated my room window with things made specifically for such a purpose.
Apparently this is not something many visitors do anymore, as I only saw one other room window decorated the week i was there, and just for a birthday greeting ( removed next day ).

I remember in the past walking around the Value Resort and often seeing many windows decorated by Guests staying in the rooms.
Some were quite elaborate, with string lights and everything...and this wasn't anywhere near Xmas time.

Even Mousekeeping would get in on the act, moving toys and stuffed animals that might be in a room to have them 'looking' out of the window, to towel animals lined up on the thin window edge.
This time - zip.
Well, except crazy ol' me.

Here is what I had up....same display I did for the last trip -

What I remember about this was when I last used it, a week later I returned home and the news broke that my boy Tony Baxter had 'retired' .
Felt so ironic I had his picture up as part of my display.
Little did I suspect he was wrestling with the emotions that come with moving on while i was galavanting about oblivious on the Florida Property....
:/


The new version of the Value room is nice.
Actually, much nicer then upon first impression.
When in saw photos of the new rooms some months ago, i was initially disappointed that they were so generic and 'boring' looking.
All of the fun elements, and 'Disney'-esque elements had been removed or seriously downplayed.
Now that i have actually experienced the room in person, it has grown on me and I came to like the change.
They are a slight step up in some ways, but also a bit too generic in others.

A pic of the only 'Disney' thing in the room, besides table top marketing flyers -

The room you could tell was brand new...
The SMELL was amazing.
As a artist, I know the smell of fresh paint, but what it smelled like was not only that but freshly cut wood.
Oooohhh yeah....teakwood or some other woodsy scent.
It was quite enjoyable to open that room door each late evening and smell that wooden scent.

The opposite Love Bug building (8) was currently being refurbed.
Lots of action over there during my stay...and the construction guys were very busy.
They were also very friendly...and not in 'that' kind of way, ladies.


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[Figments Friend]

As I had mentioned above regarding the new room refurbishment, a lot of the 'Disney' graphic elements have been removed or subdued dramatically in the five years I have been away.
I noticed this throughout the All Star Resort in general.

With the acception of the playful exteriors of the buildings and the giant decorative figures, the All Stars have really trimmed away a lot of that past playful Disneyness.
Some might say 'cheesiness' , 'immaturaity', or 'over-saturation' of those Disney elements like Mickey icons everywhere, bright kindergarten colors, and Disney animated film music playing in public spaces.
Most of that has now been replaced with wood paneling, earthy toned colors, and Radio Disney tween music.

My impression with the new direction these Value Resorts are going in is they are de-Disneyfing themselves.
Dare I say it, the target audience is not the kids but the young parents.
It feels a little more 'mature' in appearence they did previously.
Nothing wrong with that, as times and Guest needs change, but sitting there in the food court listening to lousy tween pop just made me realize they are moving in a different direction now with these Resorts.

One more thing about my stay here -
The often coveted 'bounce back offer' is still being offered in-room for those wanting to book their next vacation before even finishing their current one.
I purposely took a photo of the flyer to share here, for those interested in the current deal -

A lot changes and you notice it more when you have been away for some time.

Another observation - the pools were all gated now to prevent tipsy toddlers ( and 'tipsy' adults ) from falling in.
In reality, likely a result of that child drowning a few years back which was unfortunate.
I used to walk past the pool all the time going to and from the bus stops to my room but that cannot be done anymore.
The gating that wraps around the entire area now spoils the view somewhat now in my opinion.
Music in particular...I love that water shooting statue of Donald and his friends but it's visual presence is now greatly diminished.

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[Figments Friend]

Now that I have talked a little about the hotel experience, and the vibe I was getting with the direction they seem to be going in there....let's move on to the Magic Kingdom.

I talked a little about this on the day, but wanted to come back to it and share these photos of the 'Sorcerer's of The Magic Kingdom' map and sample cards.

These are free giveaways at the WDW Fire Station on Main Street, and enable you to play a fun interactive game throughout the Park at different 'hidden' locations.
Some of the areas where the 'magic portals' are located are cleverly done, disguised within exsisting facades or windows.
The little video presentations are humorous to view, and it's a novelty to 'cast your spell' with any of the cards in hand.
Well worth doing if you want to add a fun little edge to your visit.

The map in particular has nice graphic artwork.
Almost 11inch X 17inchs when completely unfolded, and has four sides depicting the locations of all the 'magic portals' where you will use your trading cards to cast spells and do battle with various Villians.
Check it out!


Folded map -

Merlin's greeting, with the Fantasyland side -

Main Street side -

Adventureland side -

Liberty Square / Frontierland side -

Sample of cards in the free 'starter pack'
The special Orange Bird card was given out exclusively at this years MNSSHP -

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