I love Disney

I love Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida because of the details. The extraordinary details of every experience within those walls. Yes, I understand that it is a created world. Yes, I will still visit Europe even though I've been to Epcot and yes, I get the part about the crowds, prices and merchandising. Still, I love it.

For example, I was there for the weekend and wanted to ride Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom. Got there early and headed for "Asia" to get my fastpass (sweet). Imagine my surprise when I crossed the bridge, looked to my right and there was "Everest" rising up above the river. Everyone stopped to look and snap photos. No, it was not even close to the size and grandeur of the real Mount Everest but that's not what it's intended to be. I love Disney because I take it for what it is. A themed experience. A recreated wonderland of sights and sounds. An appetizer and a dessert and sometimes the main dish. Now that I saw the mountain, I couldn't wait to ride the ride and wasn't disappointed. From the fantastic Tibetan queue line scenery to the exciting runaway train premise that pushed us back in our seats to avoid the Yeti, this coaster experience delivered.

So many attractions and tourist offerings fall short for me because the details are missing. They just go part of the way with just a little theming or a mediocre program. Lackluster staff or dirty grounds. You can tell when effort is made and that's one of the ways Disney stands out for me. They make the effort every day.

My highlights for this trip included Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, Tower of Terror at MGM, Test Track at Epcot and of course, the Food and Wine Festival. This is my third year at the festival and I enjoy it every time. Started with pomegranate kirs and escargot in France and finished with sushi and Kirin Ichiban's in Japan. It's fun to speak to the staff from the native countries represented but I was baffled by Oklahoma this year. The whole staff was from Michigan! Go figure. Even Disney can miss the details once in awhile. More photos of my Disney adventure at Flickr.

Another great visit to Walt Disney World because I paced myself and took the time to explore. Hope you get a chance to visit the Food and Wine Festival before it ends. I can't recommend the lamb chops but I can suggest the 12th anniversary Sam Adams Lager. Good stuff. See you in Orlando.

Disney 2008 Dream Catalog

Here it is: Disney's 2008 Dream Catalog. The new, extended Year of a Million Dreams includes "dreams money can't buy." These special events will be given away to lucky recipients visiting Disney Parks.

How about attending the premier of High School Musical 3 or being the guest of honor at the largest character breakfast...ever? Sounds fantastic.

I'll be in Orlando, Florida soon for the International Food and Wine Festival but now I need to read my catalog and Dream...

Restistance is futile

We resist Change. Change is inevitable. What now?

The buggy whip company and the iceman lose their market. I once read: "How many great railroad companies from the 1800's became great airline companies in the 1900's? Zero. They were too busy trying to promote the railroad at the time."

Surely the airplane is a passing fad?

Change is inevitable.

Great post at Passport to Dreams Old and New about changing at Disney. Sometimes the attractions we love or remember fondly go away and something new takes their place. This is a successful strategy for Disney and others. It keeps things fresh for the guests and allows them to return over and over. It's a blend and a balance of the old and the new. I suspect that the Haunted Mansion will never go away but elements will be refurbished, renewed and improved.

Fear of Loss is much more powerful than Desire for Gain. That is why change is difficult.

Is it time to change something in your world? Let me know.

I'm ready for my close-up

The Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour is an excellent way to learn about Hollywood, California's history. This walking tour takes you to all of the famous sites: The Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese and Egyptian Theaters, the Roosevelt Hotel, the Kodak Theater and even goes inside Stella Adler's acting studio and El Capitan Theater (owned by Disney).

One of the best features is the live audio system they use. Mike, our guide, spoke into a microphone that fed into our headsets, which could adjust for volume. I wasn't sure if I would like it at first but it was comfortable and you don't miss a word of the tour. This was a great balance of insider stories, photos and sites. The walk isn't strenuous and the pace is just right. Make the Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour one of the first things you do here.