My Completely Subjective Review of the WDW 2014 Planning DVD

Weather_Lady

Well-Known Member
Just got our 2014 DVD in the mail. It is SO MUCH BETTER than the one they've recycled over the past couple of years. While it lacks the emotional impact of many of the old planning videos (from the 90s and early 00s) and is noticeably missing any nod to Walt Disney himself or the park's history, the pace is much slower and it contains a lot of leisurely camera shots of the parks that really set the scene. Each park section begins with an interview with a cast member in that park, talking about their job and what they enjoy about it, and then goes on to explain some of the highlight attractions of that park in a way that makes it clear to a new visitor what it's all about.

Condescending couch mama? Gone.
Annoying dashiki lady? No more.
Overenthusiastic guide voice who acts like only the "pay extra" experiences are worth our time? History. The narration is a voice-over, and the tone is far less shrill and over-the-top than in years past, and gives much more helpful information.

I know that there is still room for improvement with the video and that others might disagree with my assessment, but on the whole I think this planning DVD is infinitely much more watchable and evocative than the last. I'm delighted, as I wanted something I could show the rest of our traveling party (including my aunt, who has never been to WDW before) that would ramp up their excitement and give them a true taste of what they can expect to see and do on our vacation. The prior, unexplained-frenetic-camera-shots-interspersed-with-dull-host-segment planning videos WDW has released since at least 2011 could never have accomplished that.
 
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stevehousse

Well-Known Member
Yes it is much better than the past few years! My kids love watching it over and I've again. They were never like that with the old DVDs, which usually for turned off halfway through because of how boring they were.
 
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ToTBellHop

Well-Known Member
I also view the new one as an improvement. It has some real theme park music included, too! Not elevator music that sounds SIMILAR to what you'll hear in the parks.
 
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KCheatle

Well-Known Member
I'm really happy to hear that!! I just ordered it, too. I have been watching the 2010 planning DVD (Give a Day, Get a Day promo) for years now because ever other DVD just fell short. However, many things have changed since 2010, so I'm happy to hear that this year's DVD is better :-)
 
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jeffk410

Well-Known Member
Just ordered mine, definitely glad it is updated; however, is there more information on resorts? I felt the last few years they have skimped out on that aspect.
 
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Weather_Lady

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Just ordered mine, definitely glad it is updated; however, is there more information on resorts? I felt the last few years they have skimped out on that aspect.

No, that is an area that could use fleshing out. The resort coverage still gives you an overview of the resort categories more than the individual resorts.
 
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