[Mouse House News] Issue #12 - Week of Five Dreams!
Mouse House News
Sunday, June 17th, 2007 Issue #12 Subscribership: 260
The Happiest News on Earth
http://www.freewebs.com/mousehousenews
Established March 2007
From the Editor
Are you all set for another issue of Mouse House News? Because here it is in all its glory.
We have a special announcement to make. We are giving out wonderful prize packs for Walt Disney World. What do you have to do to win? You'll have to keep reading to find out how to enter our Week of Five Dreams Contest ! (Hint: Scroll down past this week's Mouse Mail.)
Dear MHN:
How do you add a photo? I have the most breath-taking picture of the castle that I thought you may like to add to your website?
Lauren Kirby
We also love receiving photos from our readers! If you have any Disney photos that you would like to share, simply e-mail them to us at mouseho...@gmail.com . The photos that appear on our website come from those used in our issues of the newsletter.
Dear MHN:
[In response to Theme Park Notes, Issue #11] One way WDW can compete with Universal's acquisition of Potter is to...resurrect the old submarine ride...as a Nemo-based submarine ride...[T]he Disneyland submarine ride seems to be a success. Which park it would best fit into is an open question.
Harry Kaufman
We turned to Staff Reporter Adam Dworkin for his thoughts on Harry's idea. He said, "I am really not sure that more Nemo is the way to go. Disney can best combat Universal's Potter experience with rapid attention to their own movie-based park, Disney- MGM Studios. While people aren't keen on Pixar-ifying the parks, it will connect with the youth of today just as the rides of Fantasyland connected to me when I was younger."
[In response to last issue's Front Page] I am not a Star Wars lover but an outdated movie? I think [Tom Corless] is mistaken.
Janis Sampson
We gave Tom Corless a chance to respond. He said, "When I said it was outdated, I meant the quality of the film and the special effects. Star Tours is one of my favorite attractions but there came a time when even classics like Horizons had to make way for new attractions. I don't want Star Tours removed, just upgraded."
Mouse House News invites comment on all aspects of our newsletter and Walt Disney World. Do you have something to say about one of the news items discussed in this issue or about Walt Disney World in general? Do you have any suggestions or feedback for MHN? E-mail us at mouseho...@gmail.com with MOUSE MAIL in the subject line or contact us on our website: http://www.freewebs.com/mousehousenews. Your letter might appear in one of our issues thus making you famous. Your letter must include your full name and will be edited for space and clarity.
-
Prize Pack One: 15% Off at House of Blues and 10-20% Off at Hilton Head Island
-
Prize Pack Two: 15% Off the Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot and $50 Disney Gift Card with Disney Visa
-
Prize Pack Three: 10-20% Off at Disney's Vero Beach and 15% Off Dolphins in Depth at Epcot
-
Prize Pack Four: 15% Off Behind the Scenes Tours at Animal Kingdom and 10% Off at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland Mini Golf
-
Prize Pack Five: 15% Off Epcot Dive Quest and 10% Off at All-Star Cafe
World's Finest: Animal Kingdom
Lead Writer Tom Corless continues his ever-controversial series on the best and worst of Walt Disney World. In the fourth installment of five, he takes us on a journey through the lush Animal Kingdom
For most, it's a half-day. For others, it's a waste of time. For me, it's the most highly themed and well executed park in all of Walt Disney World. Animal Kingdom is the land of plenty when it comes to theme but falls short when it comes to attractions and dining. While small in quantity, the quality rivals that of any other park.
Thrill Attraction
Best: Expedition Everest
The newest mountain on Disney's range is a crowd-pleaser. What would be the headlining roller coaster in any park around the world is combined with fantastic settings to provide one of the best experiences in all of WDW.
Attraction for Kids
Best: Kilimanjaro Safari
Kids love animals! A must-see for every first time visitor, no matter what age!
Worst: Rafiki's Planet Watch
An unnecessarily long train ride to a place that kids and adults alike find boring. This area of the park would benefit greatly by changing to, dare I say, Beastly Kingdom .
Attraction
Best: Expedition Everest
The best offering at Animal Kingdom, this tallest point of the park was well worth the near three years of waiting.
Worst: The Oasis
I know what you're saying - it's not an attraction. Well, not according to every Disney map of Animal Kingdom. The few animals that live in this area are hard to come by and are often not worth the time looking for. You're best bet is to keep on walking until you see the Tree of Life.
Entertainment
Best: Finding Nemo the Musical
I was the biggest fan ever of Tarzan Rocks, probably seeing the show a hundred times. When it closed, I was devastated. When Finding Nemo the Musical opened, the pain went away. It is a Broadway caliber performance deep in the heart of Florida. The show has lines that wrap around the park and for good reason. This is probably the best show in all of WDW.
Worst: Festival of the Lion King
While it's not horrible, after seeing The Lion King on Broadway, this show seems a little corny. If you're wondering why Beastly Kingdom has not been built yet, it's because of this shows popularity that should have never been.
Table Service Restaurant
Best: Rainforest Café
It doesn't hurt that it is the only one, but with spectacular breakfast and the cuisine you've come to expect, it's a respectful position. I expect this to change with the opening of The Yak and Yeti restaurant inside the gates.
Counter Service Dining
Best: Pizzafari
It has excellent fast dining and always offers more than enough seating, which is a welcome difference between this and every other counter service restaurant during the peak holiday seasons. There are no worst restaurants, because the other choices are pretty good also.
Shopping
Best: Island Mercantile
This is a wonderful shop with great selections and the best pin cart on WDW property. If you can't find a pin you're looking for here, you won't find it. The store also has a great deal of detail and great park specific merchandise.
Worst: The Rest
The other stores around the park have a strange mixture of merchandise with the exception of the Everest shop. Most shops at AK are only good for air conditioning in the summer time.
Well, that wraps it up for now. Keep your eye on future issues for the final part of the series, "The Best of the Rest".
Theme Park Notes
Staff reporter Adam Dworkin brings us the latest news from the theme parks.
MGM Musings
Rumors have been swirling about a possible rename of the entire Studios to Disney-Pixar and dropping the classic MGM tag. One possible reason for this is that the partnership agreement between MGM and Disney expressly forbids the name being used outside the United States in their marketing. At least part of this is true as paperwork filed with Orange County is reflecting a change in the name of the area surrounding Toy Story Mania. A sign will be installed reading "Disney- MGM Studios – Pixar Studios Facility Package". We will be keeping an eye on this one to see if the whole park eventually falls under the Pixar umbrella.
The famous Anthony Daniels, Star Wars' C-3PO, recently admitted to completing a new digital soundtrack for a possible upgrade to our beloved Star Tours. The ride simulator and the film are both in need of a large upgrade from its 80s version. An upgrade to the film and the soundtrack would be wonderful, but enhancements could certainly be made to the ride cabin and the sophistication of the simulator. In-ride enhancements like those in Soarin' could give the new Star Tours just the punch new fans are looking for.
Segway to the Road Less Traveled
A report has told us that Disney may be putting the finishing touches on an off-road tour based on the popular Segway tour at Epcot.
All In A Days Work
In January, Disney Parks and CareerBuilder.com began a dream job search to fill the honorary roles of Jungle Cruise skipper, pirate, Haunted Mansion butler or maid, princess-in-waiting, and parade performer. After one million votes were tallied, twenty-five winners were announced. On Monday at the Disneyland Resort, these lucky individuals went to work for the Mouse. Videos of these dream jobs can be seen at: http://www.careerbuilder.com/disneydreamjobs. This contest was all part of Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration.
Mouse House Eats
Staff Reporter Mandy Reineke makes our mouths water with the latest news from Disney dining.
Iron Chef Mickey is the Winner!
As a general rule character meals are not as good as regular meals at Disney. My thought is that you either pay for the food or for the experience. Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary Resort is one of the few exceptions.
Chef Mickey's provides a great chance to see Chip, Dale, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and on lucky nights Minnie. My daughter calls it Iron Chef Mickey's (She loves Food Network!) due to the fact that the characters are in cool chefs gear. Several times during the meal the characters dance and encourage the kids and adults alike to twirl their napkins and dance along.
The food at Chef Mickey's is very good. It has always been hot, fresh and plentiful. There is a big selection of hot and cold foods, as well as a great salad bar. The adults' menu has pasta, carved meats, and really good seafood salad. The kids' menu has something for everyone including pizza, pasta and chicken. The dessert bar is loaded with build your own sundae items, as well as cookies and tarts.
Service here has always been good, and the dining room is filled with energy and fun. Overall, a fun and tasty experience!
Let Them Eat Cake!
Are you celebrating a special event when visiting WDW? If so you can now call and special order a personalized cake delivered to almost any table service reservation. Simply call 407-827-2253 . Please note that orders do require 48 hours notice. Non-personalized cakes can also be ordered at the podium of most restaurants without notice.
Hoop Dee Doo Reviewed
Disney's Hoop Dee Doo Revue, a famous dinner show held at the Fort Wilderness resort, will not be offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Sept 4th 2007 until Oct 24th 2007. No word yet on the reason for the schedule change.
Resort Clips
Save the Environment - Go to Disney World!
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort has recently been certified as providing an environmentally friendly lodging experience. While some guests have complained about the low water pressure in the resort's showers, water conservation is indeed part of Disney's plan. Water isn't the only thing that Disney is saving, though. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, clean air practices, and communication are all being used to show respect to the environment. Bravo!
Treasure!
The Radisson Treasure Hunt is now open over at WDWMagic. This contest involves locating Radisson logos throughout the website and submitting their whereabouts for a chance to win a 2 night/3 day stay at the Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration, a hotel that is in close proximity to all the action at Walt Disney World. For complete contest details, visit: http://games.wdwmagic.com/radisson .
Maps!
Speaking of other websites that aren't us that have cool things, The DIS now has all the WDW resort maps available in PDF format updated to include the designated smoking areas. You can check it out here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps .
Mousellaneous News
Adversity Downtown
Staff Reporter Adam Dworkin brings us bad news from Downtown Disney.
More rumblings come from the Disney community about some safety breaches. June 10th saw two tourists abducted and robbed at gunpoint after leaving Downtown Disney. The three suspects made the couple take money out of an ATM and then drove them to a location near the Osceola County landfill. The couple fought back, caused the gun to go off, and the suspects to flee. Some minor bumps and bruises were the only physical injuries that were sustained, but it does put a face to some growing concerns about safety at DTD after dark. Many are now calling for more security and police presence, but it remains to be seen if it is necessary and if Disney will take any action.
Dinner is Served
Well, Pixar is at it again. June 29th marks the opening day for the latest Disney feature, Ratatouille. The film features Remy, the adorable rat longing to become a French chef and sees his dream become reality when he partners with a young boy working at a bistro. For a nine minute sneak peek, check out: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/ratatouille. While you're there, be sure to enter to win a trip to Paris! Stay tuned to next week's MHN for a full review of Ratatouille!
Shine Up Your Mouse Ears
Ever wanted to belong to the Mickey Mouse Club? Well, one organization provides the next best thing. The National Fantasy Fan Club (NFFC) is an international club for Disney enthusiasts. NFFC has more than 30 chapters, all committed to sharing the legacy of Walt Disney. According to its website, the NFFC provides its members "with news and events geared to enhance their enjoyment of a common focus - the love of all things Disney." From September 27th - 30th, this group will be holding their second annual convention at Disney's Coronado Springs Resorts and inside Epcot. They have been having such meetings for 23 years in Disneyland. For more information and to register, visit their website at: http://www.nffc.org.
We need your help staying on top of the WDW-related news. Send your news tips to us! E-mail us at mouseho...@gmail.com with "NEWS TIP" in the subject line or contact us through our website: http://www.freewebs.com/mousehousenews .
Staff Reporter Caleb Hayworth retuns with another week's peak at Disney history.
June 14 1895 Cliff Edwards, the voice of Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio and the voice of Jim Crow in Dumbo, is born in Hannibal , Missouri.
June 15 1999 Disney's Tarzan has its world premiere in Singapore.
June 16 1955 Disney's 15th animated feature film, Lady and the Tramp, has its world premiere in Chicago .
June 17 1957 Holidayland, a picnic and tent area located to the left of Disneyland 's main gate, opens.
June 18 1969 Disney's 1953 Peter Pan is re-released in theaters for the third time.
June 19 1958 A fourth locomotive arrives at Disney's backlot. It is to be rebuilt and put into service at Disneyland.
June 20 1952 Actor John Goodman is born in Affton , Missouri. His Disney voice credits include Sullivan Truck in Cars, James P. Sullivan in Monsters, Inc., Pacha in The Emperor's New Groove , and Baloo in The Jungle Book 2.
June 21 1961 Disney's The Parent Trap is released.
Turn on your TV and tune in to some programs related to Walt Disney World. Here is a listing of what's coming up. All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time.
Program: World's Best - Cruise Ships Description: This program rates cruise ships including Disney's Wonder. Channel: Travel Channel Times: Wednesday June 20th from 6PM to 7PM.
Program: Walt Disney World Resorts: Behind the Scenes Description: An in-depth behind-the-scenes tour of Walt Disney World's four theme parks. Updated content for 2007. Channel: Travel Channel Times: Thursday June 21st from 9PM to 10PM and Friday June 22nd from 12AM to 1AM.
Program: Undiscovered Walt Disney World Description: A look at Walt Disney World that goes well beyond the attractions, restaurants and shopping.
Channel: Discovery HD Theatre Times: Friday June 29th from 10PM to 11PM
, Saturday June 30th from 1AM to 2AM
, and Monday July 2nd from 5AM to
6AM .
Mouse Memories
Decapitating Ceiling Fans & Angry Bus Drivers
Jenny Drake shares a memory from her two day trip with her friend Jeanette in April.
Our second night at Walt Disney World, we left Epcot for our hotel with a somewhat robust bus driver in his early fifties. Along the way, as he put on his turn signal to move into the right turn lane, another Disney bus came zooming by on the right, got in front of him, then braked and signaled to also turn right into the resort. Our bus driver was immediately on the radio. The results were a bit jerky, but no big deal. Well, not to us anyway.
When we brake to a stop to disembark behind the other bus, the other bus driver meets our driver at the window, and let me tell you, our driver was NOT happy. We hear raised voices along the lines of "Don't you ever cut in front of me again!" Fingers start wagging and the next thing we know, our ample driver has hitched up his belt and is coming off the bus, very angry. Understand that I don't mean "upset," but Tony Soprano mad. I glanced back to see if Paulie and Christopher were getting out of a black sedan behind us.
Jeanette grabs my arm and says "Let's get out of here," as the face to face confrontation began. We were thinking that WDW was nice, but we didn't want to have to come back to testify before the Grand Jury. Then again, maybe we should have stayed.
We got to the room and the ceiling fan was on high. Jeanette had turned it off before we left and it now only had two blades. Upon inspecting the floor, over by the door I found one blade and the metal attachment had sheared off between the blade and the fan. Both us us pondered out loud what it would have been like to be in the room at the time. But wait! Where is the other blade? We found it all the way across the room on the other side, with the metal also sheared! Gulp.
I called maintenance to report it, but told them as we were leaving the next day, there was no need to come to fix it that night. While I was in the shower a person came to the door and apologized.
Two close calls in one day. Who says Universal has all the thrills?
As usual, the final word comes from you, the Disney fans. Last week we asked you: What is your favourite Magic Kingdom Mountain? You responded with:
Editorial Staff
Ali Sampson - Editor-in-Chief
Bruce Smith - Assistant Editor
Tom Corless - Layout Editor
Stephen Champion - Webmaster
Reporting Staff
Tom Corless - Lead Writer for Front Page
Adam Dworkin - Staff Reporter for Theme Park Notes
Mandy Reineke - Staff Reporter for Mouse House Eats
Caleb Hayworth - Staff Reporter for The Mouse Vault
Contributing Writers
Adam Dworkin - Mousellaneous News
Jenny Drake - Mouse Memories
Contributing Photographers
Moacir de Sa Pereira - From the Editor
Caleb Hayworth - Front Page
Peter Zimmer - Theme Park Notes
Shari Jung - Mo use House Eats
Ilene Radish - Resort Clips
Dan Brace - Mousellaneous News
Becky Pitzer - Mouse Memories
Bob Hakesley - Final Word