The Spirit Takes the Fifth ...

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

It is a pic I shot from Roger Waters The Wall your. It is from Comfortably Numb when Roger smashes his fists against the wall and it explodes in a rainbow of colors. It is one of the
most visually stunning moments I have ever seen at a concert of a show that is one of the best I have ever seen.

You know I had a feeling it was Pink Floyd related. Haha! That's awesome. Thanks for the reply.

 

[flynnibus]

I priced tickets from Orlando to Paris tonight. Just for fun. First Class (coach is fine for a couple hours, but not a long flight like that. Not IMO, anyway.). $10,000+ Per ticket.

Economy is $800-$2500 depending on time of year, day, etc... I typically pay $1200-$1600 to fly to Europe for my biz trips. The first class airfares are beyond stupid and aren't a reasonable point of reference for anyone.

 

[Blueliner]

Just go. DLR shouldn't be on the bucket list for anyone who goes to WDW on a regular basis.

I've heard folks talk about it here that way and they have had like 31 WDW vacations, all on property at ridiculous cost, and ... they just are addicted to WDW.

Go to DL. And leave your opinions on what size a fake fairy tale castle should be at home!

We have averaged about one WDW trip per year for the past 15 years or so, usually 4-5 days each trip, in various types of on-property and off-property accomodations. This past spring, we played in California (starting in San Diego, 4 nights at a 2BR at the Grand Californian/3 days in the DLR parks, finishing in San Francisco). We then spent Thanksgiving at WDW at a 2BR villa at the Boardwalk visiting the parks for 5 days.

Comparing spring break at DLR v. Thanksgiving at WDW, I am inclined to begin visiting Disney parks less frequently so that I can save enough to fly the family out to DLR instead of driving to WDW. The blessing of size at WDW is no longer a blessing (at Thanksgiving, we dreaded the days we were not able to walk/boat to Epcot/DHS and just drove ourselves to MK and AK). In my experience, DLR is a more vibrant environment, and you still are in an immersive bubble once you are on the Esplanade. The best part is you can walk everywhere.

Right now, they just seem to care more at DLR, and it really shows.

 

[Blueliner]

Nothing to discuss. It's bad. Really, really bad.

I just told a friend tonight that it will be perfectly clear come SDL's Opening Day ... but two weeks later it will be back to really bad. This destroying the environment to provide every growth for the dragon's economic engine is the biggest problem in China. It isn't human rights despite what many Americans who have never been there ignorantly believe.

We adopted our daughter in China and spent time in Beijing, Changsha, Yiyang, and Guangzhou. The smog was ever-present and quite depressing on many levels.

 

[Goofyernmost]

There's plenty of news in my threads, Goof. If you're looking for me to tell you something today and you'll get a press release from Disney (or UNI) tomorrow than you are very naive as to how this game is played. And you've followed me long enough to know what kind of track record I have. I'll just take it as a passive aggressive shot, which is fine.

And trying to get me to compare myself to @marni1971 is ... well, I like the bloke and he usually is quite accurate with his info. But, generally, we write from very different perspectives about different things in the business.

But, no, I don't want this thread to be an all anything chat room. ... especially when I am not around. Last time that happened, I had personal information placed out by some troll with an axe to grind. And @Lee's Internet isn't great in the cabin in the woods when winter comes a calling!

You know I'm not looking for a one day turn around, but, I am tired of the I got some information but I can't tell you what it is yet, type of reporting. If you can't tell us don't say anything. It is stuff like that that gets everyones girdle in a bind as they try and guess what it might be. At that point it isn't news, it is what makes these threads go straight to hell. People make guesses and since there are so many of them, it is fairly likely that they are mostly incorrect. Someone else doesn't read the whole thing (shocking I know, but, are you sitting, not everyone anxiously awaits your next post), so they don't see where it originated and BAM, you have a full fledged rumor that has no chance of being true that leads to all sorts of useless discussion.

Yes, you have a reputation of having some pretty good inside information, no argument, but, lately it hasn't really been forth coming and, I'm sorry to say, some of it has already been discussed in other places. So, not new. Your musings, although amusing, don't help either. I listed the number of topics, some relevant, some not that you posted on just one session. How many directions do you think those are going to go in?

Truly it is not the fact that you tend to throw out a lot of different topics that bothers me, it's that you "warn" people not to go off topic, when you, many times, are the cause of that happening. Let a thread run it's direction or provide solid information to discuss, but don't play lord and leader and attempt to intimidate everyone to follow YOUR rules even when you aren't participating. It may impress some, but, not everyone!

 

[WDWFigment]

...

While I'm gone will someone see if @WDWFigment ever answers my question about whether he'd give up two years at WDW for a visit to TDR? Better yet, and only picking on him because I believe him to be one of the only Lifestylers who is honest and knowing that his pals at Celebration Place read here religiously, would he ever tell his growing flock of readers that they should stay away from WDW in lieu of saving up for a trip to Anaheim or Hong Kong or Tokyo or some of those amazing national parks?

...

Yes, I'd give up two years of visiting WDW to visit TDR once.

As for the recommendation, I've already (more or less) made it. To quote myself from a couple of places in my Tokyo trip report...

First installment:

If you’ve said “someday” when thinking about Tokyo Disney Resort in the past, I’d encourage you to go make it happen now. A trip to Tokyo is not that much more expensive for a childless couple or an individual than a vacation to Walt Disney World. Airfare is more expensive, but nice hotel accommodations and park tickets are cheaper, which comes close to offsetting the difference. That is, for those traveling without kids; since airfare is per person and most hotels aren’t, the more plane tickets you add to the trip, the more comparatively expensive a trip to Tokyo becomes.

I will say with almost complete certainty that you will not be disappointed by Tokyo Disney Resort unless you hate awesome things. Not only will Tokyo Disney Resort blow you away, but Japan will, as well. It is the most incredible place I’ve ever visited. If you don’t already, I suspect this report will make you want to visit Tokyo Disney Resort. Photos don’t do the place justice, but they do convey some of its beauty and quality. If this report ends up “costing” you a trip across the Pacific…don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Last installment:

I am aware that I’ve been hyping up the Tokyo parks a lot. I’d normally be hesitant to do that, especially since I know many of you rely us when making Disney travel decisions, and you expect candid and honest opinions, not just ‘magic and pixie dust’ or other fluff. However, I have no hesitation here to give Tokyo Disney Resort the highest praise possible, because it absolutely deserves that, and I think virtually every Disney fan who visits Tokyo will have an amazing time. While there’s some room for debate with regard to Disneyland Paris and whether it’s worth an international visit (we think so, but others justifiably disagree), I think there is no such room for debate with Tokyo Disney Resort.

This is the best Disney resort complex in the world. Not just “pound for pound,” but flat out the best. Walt Disney World has the draw of quantity/size, Disneyland has the draw of history, and Disneyland Paris has the draw of Europe, but Tokyo Disney Resort has draw of being the best. From Cast Members who give new meaning to the “Disney Difference” to guests who have great respect and an unparalleled passion for Disney (sorry, Disneyland APs) to the sheer quality and incredible maintenance of those parks, Tokyo Disney Resort fires on all cylinders and is, in our opinion, without question, the best Disney theme park complex.

Those are just two of many places where I make the recommendation (or one like it). I know I've said it at multiple points, but I'm not going to go comb through the trip report and its comments right now.

I make my recommendations based on how I actually feel about things, not how those recommendations might be perceived by others. Others may not agree with my opinions, but that doesn't make the opinions any less mine.

 

[asianway]

Economy is $800-$2500 depending on time of year, day, etc... I typically pay $1200-$1600 to fly to Europe for my biz trips. The first class airfares are beyond stupid and aren't a reasonable point of reference for anyone.

Using a ten grand first class airfare as a non starter for going to an int'l resort may be the most asinine thing I've read on this site ever, and that's saying a lot.

 

[Bolna]

Using a ten grand first class airfare as a non starter for going to an int'l resort may be the most asinine thing I've read on this site ever, and that's saying a lot.

However, depending on a person's individual circumstances, I can understand why someone would not be comfortable to take a transatlantic flight in economy. If you have back or knee issues, sitting in those tiny seats for 10 hours can be so horrible that you need days of recovery once you get to your destination.

 

[flynnibus]

However, depending on a person's individual circumstances, I can understand why someone would not be comfortable to take a transatlantic flight in economy. If you have back or knee issues, sitting in those tiny seats for 10 hours can be so horrible that you need days of recovery once you get to your destination.

I'm 6'2" and have had to have several back surgeries (and now have 3 vertebra fused) and always fly economy transatlantic or further. Do I prefer business class? Of course.. but the company won't pay for it so unless I'm upgraded I fly coach. Its certainly no reason for someone NOT to do something.

Flying in the middle seat is far worse than economy vs business IMO.

 

[Bolna]

I'm 6'2" and have had to have several back surgeries (and now have 3 vertebra fused) and always fly economy transatlantic or further. Do I prefer business class? Of course.. but the company won't pay for it so unless I'm upgraded I fly coach. Its certainly no reason for someone NOT to do something.

Flying in the middle seat is far worse than economy vs business IMO.

That sounds very uncomfortable!

But that is why I pointed out that between the ridiculous first class ticket and the uncomfortable economy is a middle ground called business class. There sometimes are deals around which take the business class ticket price to only double the economy fare (I still would not see it as a good way to use my vacation funds, but that's a question of personal priorities). I always get the impression that in the US domestically there is only coach or first, no business?

 

[flynnibus]

I always get the impression that in the US domestically there is only coach or first, no business?

Depends on the route.. but three class planes are less common on domestic routes yes. Upgrading to business/first used to be much easier - but they've monkey'd with the FF programs so much now that they've 'enticed' people that everyone can play.. and in doing so they've basically raised the prices to get what you used to for free. For instance, when they upgraded the business class on the United planes to the personal cubby spaces... it was awesome. But now upgrading with miles takes miles AND a few hundred dollars.

 

[GoofGoof]

Vegas also has wet cold. I was there the week before Christmas three years ago and experienced waterfalls flowing down LV Blvd. It poured four of the five days ... but I did love watching it from my suite at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay. Great trip except for the Viva Elvis Cirque show that I fell asleep (not kidding!) in and the illness a friend started to develop on the trip that landed him in the ER a week later in O-Town.

A few years earlier and I may have run into you there. Before the kiddies came along for about a decade I spent at least 4 nights in Vegas the week before Christmas with a dozen or so friends. It's a "Magical" time in sin city. No conventions in town so flights were dirt cheap and rooms were almost always free. We had the run of the place. It generally was nice weather, but it did snow one year. Really just flurries, but it was the dessert so interesting to see. We did stay at Paris on one of our trips, sorta the same as the real thing right

After reading further along I realize now you probably won't see this post, but if you happen to read, have fun.

 

[PeterAlt]

I've watched the Steve Jobs movie three times already (I get inspired watching it). I've been wondering how to apply what he did to Disney. Obviously, we can't have Walt return, but we can have Eisner return. What do you think? Is he too old now?

 

[pixargal]

Happy travels, Spirit. Make good memories!

 

[Genie of the Lamp]

Jay Rasulo talking points on upcoming P&R projects at the UBS 41st Annual Global Media and Communications Conference earlier this morning:

"Rasulo also talked up Disney’s theme parks including the development of Shanghai Disneyland (could become Disney's second-largest resort), Avatar Land, Disney Springs shopping District, more Star Wars rides likely to come in parks over time and the MyMagic+ wrist bands which provide electronic entry passes. Although the bands are controversial — they can track where visitors go — Rasulo says the experience “has been extremely good for people using the product.” They encourage people to plan ahead. “The earlier guests plan their visits to Walt Disney World, the longer they stay with us….It’s very early days on the economics but we’re very happy with what we see.”

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-cfo-talks-star-wars-664443
http://www.deadline.com/2013/12/disney-cfo-likes-online-pay-tv-as-long-as-it-keeps-program-bundles-ubs-confab/

 

[stlphil]

I'm 6'2" and have had to have several back surgeries (and now have 3 vertebra fused) and always fly economy transatlantic or further. Do I prefer business class? Of course.. but the company won't pay for it so unless I'm upgraded I fly coach. Its certainly no reason for someone NOT to do something.

Flying in the middle seat is far worse than economy vs business IMO.

I'm tall also, and a big guy, and traveling in coach on long flights used to be hell. But now with an iPad for entertainment and noise canceling headphones, and a couple of Alleve right before takeoff, I retreat into my own little bubble and the hours pass like magic so the long flights are not such a big deal any more.

The biggest thing is the headphones, which don't have to be the insanely expensive Bose (but even those are cheap compared to a $10K First Class ticket). I have a set of JVC headphones which were under $100, and work great for my purposes. For the first time in my life I can actually sleep on a plane, even in coach.

BTW, agree 1000% on the middle seat.

 

[asianway]

I'm tall also, and a big guy, and traveling in coach on long flights used to be hell. But now with an iPad for entertainment and noise canceling headphones, and a couple of Alleve right before takeoff, I retreat into my own little bubble and the hours pass like magic so the long flights are not such a big deal any more.

The biggest thing is the headphones, which don't have to be the insanely expensive Bose (but even those are cheap compared to a $10K First Class ticket). I have a set of JVC headphones which were under $100, and work great for my purposes. For the first time in my life I can actually sleep on a plane, even in coach.

BTW, agree 1000% on the middle seat.

Any pillow recommendations? You have me checking HND right now

 

[marni1971]

I priced tickets from Orlando to Paris tonight. Just for fun. First Class (coach is fine for a couple hours, but not a long flight like that. Not IMO, anyway.). $10,000+ Per ticket.

Honestly? We've friends who insist in flying first and then complain they have no money.

Nowerdays there's not much wrong with bucket class on Virgin. Price up MCO to MANchester, then MAN to CDG Charles de Gaule. Roughly return we pay $1800 for two transatlantic, and $600 to Paris.

 

[tissandtully]

Figured this belonged here, Bob Iger tries to sing "Go Fly a Kite" at "Saving Mr. Banks" premiere. What a stiff.

 

[luv]

Honestly? We've friends who insist in flying first and then complain they have no money.

Nowerdays there's not much wrong with bucket class on Virgin. Price up MCO to MANchester, then MAN to CDG Charles de Gaule. Roughly return we pay $1800 for two transatlantic, and $600 to Paris.

I am careful with my money and I promise to never complain that I have none, but I like the extra space on longer flights (my legs and back thank me for it) and am willing to pay for it. I don't take too many flights, so it isn't a great hardship.

I don't really like to take flights, anyway, so there's that, too.

I do appreciate all the tips from everyone! Thank you!!!