November 2011 Walt Disney World Bits and Bites

Feature Article

This article appeared in the October 25, 2011 Issue #631 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
STEP BACK IN TIME
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

We rummage around in our archives for this monthly feature, which indulges in a bit of nostalgia, taking you back in history for a glimpse of Walt Disney World and the Disney Company through the ages. This month we take a look at the dearly departed Skyway, which, interestingly enough exited from all three theme parks it had operated in, in the month of November.

There were three Disney Skyways operating at one time or another in Disney theme parks. The original Skyway was of course the one that opened at Disneyland on June 23, 1956. The second Skyway opened at the Magic Kingdom on its opening day, October 1, 1971, and the third opened at Tokyo Disneyland on that park's opening day, April 15, 1983. All three Skyways offered one-way rides between their respective Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

The Magic Kingdom's Skyway was unique, in that it was the only one of the three that made a turn in the middle of the trip across the theme park.

On November 9, 1994, Disneyland finally decided to close the Skyway, which was one of its oldest and most popular attractions. The expense of retrofitting the 38-year-old attraction to make it safe during California's unpredictable earthquakes was deemed too costly.

Four years later, on November 3, 1998, the Skyway at Tokyo Disneyland was also closed, also due to expensive maintenance costs.

As AllEars.Net Blogger Jack Spence notes, "It is often reported, incorrectly, that the Magic Kingdom closed the Skyway due to the death of a custodial cast member working on the attraction. Although it is true that Raymond Barlow was accidentally killed while cleaning a narrow Skyway platform, this had nothing to do with the decision to shutter the ride. Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland had both closed their versions of this attraction before this death occurred. The decision to close all of the Skyways was strictly economical. These attractions were old and expensive to run and maintain. Also, they had low capacities. This made it harder and harder to justify on a 'dollar spent per guest ride' basis. Combine this with the constant problem of teenagers spitting and throwing things on the guests below and it's not hard to understand why Disney said 'Enough.'"

Sadly, I only had the chance to ride in this attraction once before it became a casualty to budgetary concerns. The last hold-out, the Magic Kingdom Skyway, closed on November 9, 1999.

Read more about the history of the Skyway and see photos in Jack Spence's related blog:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/09/magic_kingdom_skyway_1.html

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
HIDDEN MICKEYS ALERT
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Steven Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys books and webmaster of www.HiddenMickeyGuy.com, points out a few classic Hidden Mickeys from the Coronado Springs Resort, Epcot's Test Track, and Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, California:

1. At the Dig Site Swimming Pool at Coronado Springs Resort, to the left of the restrooms, a circular stone table with relief images is hanging on the wall. A somewhat distorted sideways classic Mickey hides at the lower right. (Thanks to Joseph Robinson, and Kent and Pam Low.)

http://allears.net/btp/images/hidden-mickey-342.jpg

2. Along the entrance queue of Test Track, look on the lower right side of the bulletin board (next to the greaseboard) in the Single Riders' preshow room. The front tire of a diagrammed car has Mickey ears! (Thanks to Sharon Dale and Michael Smart.)

http://allears.net/btp/images/hidden-mickey-343.jpg

3. On Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland, stroll inside the Photo Supply Company store. On the middle of a high shelf behind the "Photo Preview" counter, a lens and two adjoining circles form a classic Mickey on the front of a camera. Note: this camera moves around in the store from time to time. (Thanks to Rosemary and Neil [FindingMickey.com], Karlos Aguilera, Austin Chanu, and Bradly Behmer.)

http://allears.net/btp/images/hidden-mickey-344.jpg

You can find a selection of past Hidden Mickeys Alerts here:
http://allears.net/btp/hiddenm2.htm

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
VEGAN TIPS
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

by Emily Woesthoff
General Manager for BabyCakes NYC at Downtown Disney

Popcorn! Think of the aroma that hits you as soon as you walk underneath the Main Street Railroad Station. You know the one, the smell that defines Walt Disney World for so many of us. For the longest time, I made it a point to abstain from the delight of enjoying handfuls upon handfuls of popcorn on Main Street, thinking, "surely that delicious taste of popcorn I remember as a kid couldn't possibly fit in with my adult dietary choices." I went on, defeated, and popcornless, until that fateful day when it was confirmed to me (by three different resources) that this wonderful, salty delicacy is, in fact, vegan! But how?! You might ask, since it has such a unique, buttery taste. I give you three magic words: artificial butter flavoring. My friends, this might not be the most healthful choice you can make for a snack in Walt Disney World, but if that fine scent of popcorn that wafts through the air has been calling your name, go ahead and indulge your cravings with this accidentally vegan snack! Walt Disney World touts the Disney Vacation Club as their "best-kept Disney secret," however, popcorn-loving vegans everywhere beg to differ. Snack on, dear vegans, snack on!

Missed previous Vegan Tips from Emily? We're compiling them here:
http://allears.net/din/vegantips.htm

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
RATE & REVIEW SPOTLIGHT
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Compiled by AllEars® Team Member Cathy Bock

Breakfast at Tusker House is a character buffet known as Donald's Safari Breakfast. Tusker House is recommended by 92% of reviewers and has an average rating of 8.3.

From recent reviews:

Food: "food is excellent – always hot and yummy"; "wide selection of fruit"; "cornbread hash was overcooked"; "usual breakfast foods were in abundant supply and warm and fresh"; "food was delicious"; "food was different enough to be interesting but familiar enough for everyone to be comfortable with it"; "food was excellent"; "love the many different choices here from carved meats to the bread pudding to the casseroles".

Beverages: "Don't forget to try the jungle juice!"; "juice they serve was delicious… mango, passionfruit, orange juice"; "yummy juice"; "juice is out of this world"; "food was fabulous – especially the juice".

Kids' Food: "picky kids will not find much"; "daughter loved the yogurt – adding honey and brown sugar"; "son loves the doughnuts".

Service: "staff is friendly"; "great service as usual"; "our server was excellent"; "service was great"; "server was fantastic – friendly, helpful, and attentive"; "service we received was top-notch".

Characters: "characters seemed rushed"; "took nearly 30 minutes before we saw our first character"; "had to wait a bit for the characters to show up"; "great character interaction"; "characters were great"; "only place to see Daisy without waiting hours in line"; "wonderful character interaction"; "character interaction was OK"; "Goofy was so much fun. He really acted his part!"

Atmosphere: "a little loud for some"; "space was tight between tables".

Overall: "ADRs and we still waited extra time"; "a must on all our trips to WDW"; "buffet is above average for Disney"; "definite must-do"; "will definitely be on our list of restaurants next visit"; "buffet was nothing special, different yes but not special for the price"; "will return again on our next trip"; "only downside was that we waited about 20 minutes to be seated"; "we love this place!"

If you have recently dined at Tusker House, we'd love to have your review!
http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=398&cat=33

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MONTHY REMIND-EARS
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

EVENTS

Epcot

Magic Kingdom

Disney's Hollywood Studios

ESPN Wide World of Sports

Downtown Disney

Walt Disney World will again host The Benefit Sale supporting Heart of Florida United Way, a special shopping event that offers discounts of up to 75 percent off select merchandise, doorbuster specials, surprise markdowns and more at participating Walt Disney World Downtown Disney merchant locations. Proceeds from the sale of ticket vouchers will benefit United Way and the 108 programs that help Central Floridians in need. The Benefit Sale will be held Saturday, November 5, at Downtown Disney from 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. To preview special promotions, product launches and discounts from Walt Disney World Resort in advance visit thebenefitsale.com (available later this month). Access to this shopping event will be limited. Purchase vouchers for $5 online until November 3. Vouchers will also be available for sale at Downtown Disney on the day of the event. Questions: (407) 429-2129.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Don't forget to check our Events page for current updates: http://allears.net/pl/events.htm

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

REHABS AND CLOSINGS

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney's Port Orleans-Riverside Resort

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Blizzard Beach water park will close October 30 for its annual refurbishment. It is expected to reopen December 3.

Downtown Disney

A complete list of rehabs can be found here: http://allears.net/tp/rehabs.htm

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MAGICAL MOMENTS
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Gavinsmomm: I took my friend's daughter, Olivia (5), for her first trip to visit the Mouse. We booked a Pirates League makeover and IT WAS AWESOME! She picked out the pink pirate dress and the Cursed Skeleton face paint. Needless to say she was VERY eye-catching! It made her day that lots of people — park visitors and cast members alike — made a big deal about her. As we were watching the nighttime parade, even the characters were making a big deal over her, making scared faces or some of the villains giving her thumbs up. When Alice (who happened to be one of her favorites) passed by high atop her mushroom, she pointed out Olivia (excuse me, I mean Pirate Sarah Truesilver) over the microphone so the whole crowd could hear and made a fuss about her. Olivia turned around with the biggest smile ever and gave me a thumbs up. It was great and made her whole trip, which completely made my trip!

Heather Anderson: In addition to celebrating my parents' 50th wedding anniversary, we were also celebrating my father's retirement as a veterinarian for more than 40 years. While there were many surprises for them, the most magical memory happened thanks to some very special people at Animal Kingdom. We had arranged for a surprise backstage tour for my father of the animal clinic. When Anita (a wonderful, sweet staff person) introduced herself to my father and told him that he was going to have a special backstage tour of their facilities, he smiled and agreed… but then another surprise came when Dr. Terrell came out to meet my father and told him that he was accompanying him to examine an animal. I had told Anita earlier that my niece and nephew never got to see Grandpa practice like my kids did growing up. The magic continued as within 10 minutes, Dr. Terrell had my father behind the window where all could see and he was introduced as the special guest vet for the day. My sister and I cried, for we knew this was the last time we were going to see our dad practice what he loves, but it was the first time for her kids to see Grandpa in action. But it did not end there, for Dr. Terrell came out and invited all 14 of us to accompany him and my father on a backstage tour of the clinic. This is a special memory that will be with us forever, thanks to two wonderful, thoughtful staff members at Animal Kingdom. Thank you for giving us some magic that afternoon.

Kristen M.: It was our last day at the parks and we were leaving the next day. I went to the lobby of the Polynesian to collect my packages so I could pack to go home. When I got back to my room, I noticed a mug I had purchased had broken along the way. I wasn't too razzed, and was prepared to eat the cost, but I decided to check in the shop to see if I could return it at the resort. I explained what happened to a cast member. She asked when I was leaving and when she heard that we were checking out in the morning, she said, "You know what, I'll just run over to the store (in Epcot) and exchange it for you when I get off of my shift." I tried to insist this wasn't at all necessary, but she refused to hear it. That night when we returned from dinner and fireworks, I had the exact mug waiting for me on my bed with a note telling me it was an excuse for her to ride Soarin' and eat dinner in England. I was so thankful that I wrote a very long and praising letter to her manager. You just can't get service like that anywhere but Disney World!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

We just bet you have a story to tell about an unforgettable moment during your Disney vacation! Please send your favorite memory for inclusion in a future AllEars® to: [email protected] Thank you all for sharing!

We've also compiled a collection of photos from readers sharing their Magical Moments via digital images in the latest Wandering the World — this week with an Epcot theme!

http://allears.net/tp/wander/wander.htm

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.