The Disney Driven Life

Community Blog for Neurotic Disney People

You’re winding down a wonderful vacation at Walt Disney World with just one more day to go. So, how do you decide where to spend the last day? I guess that depends on how long your stay is and how you’ve planned out your Walt Disney World vacation. If it’s a short stay or your trips are far and few between you might have everything planned out from the time you arrive until the moment you leave Disney property. A longer stay, let’s say a week or more, might allow you some flexibility in planning and allocating your time. However, a definite “don’t do” is going to Disney without a plan.

Everyone has their own ideas and plans on how they want to spend their last day on Disney property. Some people like to spend their last day there shopping while others try to get in one last round of golf. My wife and I have friends whose family likes to spend the last day at their resort relaxing by the pool and taking a final walk through the hotel grounds. We on the other hand try to squeeze a little more magic in at one of the parks before taking that long, depressing bus ride to the airport but, we don’t really plan out our last day with the exception of breakfast because we all know it’s all about the food.

Part of planning our trip is to leave the last day relatively free so we can decide as a family which park we would like to spend our last hours of vacation in. Everyone in my family agrees that Epcot is our favorite park and that’s where I’m sure you would guess we would spend our last day. Wrong! For some reason we always wind up at the Magic Kingdom. Although my kids are older now the Magic Kingdom has always been our unanimous choice. Maybe it’s the smell of the popcorn, taking that one final leisurely stroll on Main Street USA, the lure of having just one more Dole Whip, riding Pirates of the Caribbean again, or visiting the Haunted Mansion one more time. What ever it is there is something truly special and very magical about ending our vacation in the Magic Kingdom.

There is so much to do on Disney property that it can become overwhelming choosing what’s best for you and your family. Even after your trip itinerary is set there are still so many factors that can cause the very best of plans to go astray. Remember to plan wisely and to give everyone traveling with you time to relax and recharge their batteries. I promise it will make everyone have a happier vacation. The last thing you want is a grumpy group that just can’t go on and whose last day of vacation will be a memorable one but, for the wrong reasons.

Please keep in mind that Disney property is massive and it is impossible to do everything on property in just one visit. What ever you decide to do on your last day, make it magical so your memories will last until you return again one day to the happiest place on earth!

Contributed by: Stuart S. (NDD #47). Stuart is a contributor to the Disney Driven Life and is the author of the Disney Geek Dad blog.

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In the last few years, several Golden Arches – the international symbol for McDonald’s restaurants – have slowly disappeared from the Walt Disney World Resort.

There are two remaining on property, the stand alone one near the Animal Kingdom that has just been renovated and the one in the Marketplace in Downtown Disney.  And now, one is going to be closing for good and, as you can probably guess, it is not the one that has been recently renovated.

The McDonalds in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace will be closing as of April 3o, 2010.  It is the last scheduled to close on the property, the stand alone restaurant will remain open – for now.

A replacement has already been found for the Marketplace in Downtown Disney – a Latin chicken fast-food chain called Pollo Campero.  No word yet as to when the new restaurant will open.

Contributed by: Jessica C. (NDI#21). Jessica is our resident “Gossip Girl” and creator of The True Disney Fan Blog.

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she carved out our names / without a hint of moonlight / tree of life listens

Photo credit: Joe Penniston

Contributed by: J.B. C. (NDD# 27) of Mouse of Zen. J.B. is our resident Disney haiku writer and author of the soon-to-be published book “Mouse of Zen”, which is a collection of his work.

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Contributed by: Eric H. (NDI#2). Eric is our resident Disney restaurants, recess and relaxation expert.

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Just the other day I came home from work feeling a little troubled. You see, I just spent another eight busy hours at work without any time to think or talk about Disney. So, as I pulled my car into my garage and turned off the engine I decided to sit there and contemplate the situation. There I was alone in my car, in the garage, in the dark when suddenly a light bulb went on. It was my wife turning the garage light on wondering what I was doing sitting alone in my car, in the garage, in the dark.

I got out of my car and said, “Sweetie I need some extra magic hours!”

She just stood there and gave me the “look.” If you’re married you know exactly what I’m referring to. After standing there for a moment I told her that following dinner I needed to go to the Disney Store. Again, I got the “look” as she turned to go into the house without saying a word.

After dinner I got back in my car ready to drive to the Disney Store. I had to unburden my soul get something off my chest I needed a place where I could confess. I was searching for someone I thought would care and with whom my story I could share. The Disney Store was the place to be where hope and dreams were waiting for me.

I parked my car and entered the mall. I walked toward the Disney Store anxious to speak to any cast member willing to listen. Where else was I going to find someone more receptive and sympathetic than a Disney cast member? As I entered the Disney Store I was greeted by cast member Mike. I told Mike I was there to confess and he escorted me to the back of the store. Mike introduced me to cast member Deb who was wearing Mickey ears. She had a very dignified appearance and I knew I could trust her.

“What brings you here tonight?”she asked.

“Well”, I said, “I have a confession to make.”

She then said, “I’m all ears!”

So, I began by asking cast member Deb to forgive me for I have sinned. She told me to go on and I started telling her how every morning I wake up thinking about Disney World and when I go to sleep at night I’m still thinking about Disney World. I rattled off the names of every Disney podcast I listen to in my car on the way to and from work and again at night in bed before I fall sleep. I went on to tell her how I can’t get through a day without seeing what’s new at some of my favorite Disney Web sites like AllEars.net, MousePlanet.com, and the Disney Driven Life. I also told her that I watch Disney videos on YouTube and try to stay connected to Disney by talking with other Disney fans on Twitter – many of whom I now call my friend. I told cast member Deb how I drive my family nuts talking non-stop about Disney and how I’m always planning the next Disney World trip even before we decide when we’re going back. Whenever I find out that family or friends are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World I quickly volunteer to help them.

As I was about to continue with my confession cast member Deb stopped me and said, “My son I can see you are a true believer. I can tell you have been a faithful, dedicated, and loyal supporter of Disney. You must continue to remain righteous to the Disney faith and promise to always uphold the values of the Sacred Seven.”

I promised cast member Deb that I would but that there was something terribly important I needed to tell her.

I said, “I’ve been homesick since August 2008, the last time I was at Walt Disney World.”

She then stared directly into my eyes and said it was okay and that she could see I had another trip on the horizon. So, I told her we were likely to be going to Walt Disney World this coming July. Then, cast member Deb began to smile as she said “please go to the counter to speak to cast member Annette who can help you with your planning and accommodations and have a magical day!”

As I walked away from cast member Deb toward cast member Annette I could here her say “always remember to follow your heart and all your dreams will come true.”

Contributed by: Stuart S. (NDD #47). Stuart is a contributor to the Disney Driven Life and is the author of the Disney Geek Dad blog.

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Tim Burton will be getting a lot of attention in the coming months as his newest creation, Alice in Wonderland, is released into theaters. With this project wrapped up, people are wondering what is next in the plans for the spooky director. The rumor is he’s looking at another Disney Classic to remake that will do anything but put you to sleep!

Burton may be interested in a live action remake of Disney’s 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty. In turn with the usual, darker side of Tim Burton films, this remake will be from the villain Maleficent’s perspective. Maleficent being one of the more frightening and darker villains herself, I think this would make an excellent idea for a film. I will be quite curious to see into the mind of Maleficent, see what the princess and the three good fairies look like to her. This movie has the potential to get the mind reeling!

But of course, this is only a rumor, nothing has been planned as of yet. If and when it does though, I think this may have just as much, if not more hype than Alice in Wonderland.

What do you think?

Contributed by: Jessica C. (NDI#21). Jessica is our resident “Gossip Girl” and creator of The True Disney Fan Blog.

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There have been several little rumors that have popped up this week, so instead of just covering one of them, I thought I would write about a few of them, just to help keep you great readers informed!

Bye-bye Jojo:  It has been said that soon, Jojo and Goliath of Playhouse Disney fame will not be seen in Hollywood Studios as a meet and greet or as a character for the Playhouse Disney character meal at Hollywood and Vine. The rumored replacement: Handy Manny.

Later parade time: The Animal Kingdom’s Mickey Jammin Jungle Parade time has been changed recently from 3:00 pm to 4:45pm.  This is believed to be an effort to make park guests stay in the park for the full day.  Many guests would leave right after the 3:00 parade.  This time change is reported to be only temporary as Disney wants to see if it actually works. Mixed feedback has been heard so far.

Dumbo is flying in: It is reported that Dumbo will start to have meet and greets! It correlates to the release of Dumbo on DVD and Blue Ray in February.  It has also been said that you can expect to see him around the new Fantasyland’s Dumbo area once it opens.

Pirates 4 changes: The confirmation has come out that there will be a Pirates of the Caribbean 4, which will be out in the spring of 2011.  Johnny Depp has signed on for this movie, which will follow him as Jack Sparrow searching for the Fountain of Youth.  Who has not signed on: Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly.

Contributed by: Jessica C. (NDI#21). Jessica is our resident “Gossip Girl” and creator of The True Disney Fan Blog.

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himalayan scents | linger in the winter air | thrills, frozen in time

Photo credit: Joe Penniston

Contributed by: J.B. C. (NDD# 27) of Mouse of Zen. J.B. is our resident Disney haiku writer and author of the soon-to-be published book “Mouse of Zen”, which is a collection of his work.

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Contributed by: Eric H. (NDI#2). Eric is our resident Disney restaurants, recess and relaxation expert.

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About six months ago I had a conversation with my brother and sister-in-law about their upcoming vacation. They were planning a trip to Walt Disney World and that other place that as a huge Disney fan I cannot mention by name but, it’s where you can find some of Disney’s recently acquired characters such as Spiderman. This was to be their first trip back to the “holy land” since vacationing there in 2001.

As the so-called family expert on Disney they asked me for advice. Now, I thought they were going to ask for help planning out their time at Disney World but instead they were most interested in finding out if there was anything special they should bring. First, you have to understand that my sister-in-law is one of “those people” who just don’t get what Disney is all about. That doesn’t make her a bad person, but it has made it difficult for my brother, nephew, and nieces to truly experience the magic. I even tried convincing them to stay on property but they had an excuse for everything. I know people have their reasons for staying off property but I believe you can’t truly immerse yourself in the Disney magic unless you’re staying on property.

I tried to advise my brother and sister-in-law on what days they should visit each park and I even offered to help them choose places to eat. Unfortunately, they didn’t want to hear any of it. Their only plan was to show up at whichever park they felt like visiting that day. Actually, my sister-in-law was more concerned with the pool in their hotel than she was with Disney World. All I could say to myself is “those poor dumb clucks.” I would have used another word but this is a family blog.

So, they wanted to know if there was anything special they should bring. As a true follower of the Disney faith I emphasized the one thing they absolutely had to bring. As a matter of fact, it was something they needed to get right away. They needed to study it and learn from it as thousands upon thousands have done before them. What I had to make clear to my brother and sister in law was that this item was something so great, it could save their lives. I also told them that of all the items they needed to pack this was the far most important and the only thing worse than forgetting this item would be leaving one of their young children home alone. Of course, I’m referring to the bible of the Disney religion, ‘The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World’ co-authored by the legendary Len Testa (Visit http://www.touringplans.com/.)

Then, I gave them a copy of something else that is an absolute must have in the parks. One might say these are the Disney World Seven Commandments that to Disney fans all across the nation and around the world are known as the Sacred Seven immortalized by the Wonder Woman of Disney Wisdom, JL Knopp who brought them down from the top of Space Mountain to share with the entire Disney fan population (see them here).

Here are some other essentials you should always have with you at the Disney World theme parks:

- Sunscreen. Even on an overcast day you can roast like a chicken. Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen strong enough to protect you and your loved ones from the UV rays.

- Sun glasses, a hat, or visor to protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays.

- Water bottles to keep you hydrated in the very hot Florida sun. Some people like myself like to carry as little as possible around the parks so as an alternative you can go to any counter service restaurant and ask a cast member for a cup of ice water, and best of all its free.

- Always have on your person some cash, credit cards, or your Key to the World to purchase food, beverages, souvenirs, etc.

- A manageable backpack or tote to carry some of your belongings.

- It frequently rains in Florida so bring a rain poncho for each member of your traveling party. Sure you can purchase these on property, but you can save yourself a lot of money buying them at a local dollar store.

- A light sweatshirt or jacket can come in handy at night or when inside air conditioned restaurants and attractions.

- If someone in your party has dietary restrictions then bring some snacks specific to their needs. Keep in mind that Disney has always been very mindful of those with special needs.

Well, my brother and sister-in-law didn’t take my advice and they didn’t ride the Monorail, or even have a single sit down meal at one of Disney World’s fine restaurants. They also missed out on some of the attractions. Even though their stay was short it’s a shame they never got to see more of what Disney has to offer. A little pre-planning goes a long way.

Whether you’re a first time visitor or you haven’t been to Walt Disney World in years do yourself a favor and prepare long before the vacation departure date. A great way to get ready for your trip is with a guide book. My favorite has always been ‘The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World’ but there are so many really good ones on the market like the PassPorter Planning Guides or Lisa Battista’s ‘Beyond the Magic’ geared toward parents of little ones ages 2 to 5 years old. When looking for a guide book don’t go out and buy the most expensive or the cheapest. Get one that you think best suits your traveling parties needs.

Always remember, the essentials you need for visiting the Walt Disney World parks starts at home.

I’d love to hear your feedback and let me know if there is something you find essential to bring to the parks that I didn’t list.

Contributed by: Stuart S. (NDD #47). Stuart is a contributor to the Disney Driven Life and is the author of the Disney Geek Dad blog.

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