[Mouse House News] Issue #11 - An Accident, A Fire, and A Really Great Book Review!
Mouse House News
Tuesday, June 12th, 2007 Issue #11 Subscribership: 254
The Happiest News on Earth
http://www.freewebs.com/mousehousenews
Established March 2007
From the Editor
Well, we're getting back on track here in the Mouse House Newsroom after the accident. This week, we are proud to send you our 11 th issue, which is full of all the latest news from the World.
We are pleased to announce another addition to our staff. We welcome Dan Brace as a Staff Reporter! Visit Dan in Resort Clips .
Also, our logo contest is still open. We are looking for you to design the new MHN logo. Send all submissions to mouseho...@gmail.com . The winner will be announced in a few weeks. Thanks to those who have entered already. Stay tuned to MHN for more contests to come in future issues.
And for those of you with Facebook, be sure to join the Mouse House News group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2257392629 . Note: You must have a Facebook account for this link to work.
Without further adieu, we give you the news!
Dear MHN:
I would like to send Ali Sampson and Bruce Smith some prayers and pixie dust for their recovery.
Adam Mano
This is just one of the many, many notes we received after the accident last week. Bruce and I appreciate all your thoughts and words of encouragement. You'll be happy to hear that we are both recovering very well.
Dear MHN :
[Refering to Issue #10] Great issue. Getting better and better each week!
Linda Rose
Dear MHN :
Just a suggestion, in the Mouse House Shop you might consider having Disney Crocs instead of the standard ones. They are on Amazon also.
Ralph Champion
The Mouse House Shop is continually growing and we appreciate any suggestions for merchandise. Look for Disney Crocs in the near future, as soon as our Webmaster Stephen Champion comes back from vacation.
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 and 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.
Back from the exile of Davy Jones' locker, Lead Writer Tom Corless brings us the best and worst of Walt Disney World in a five part series. In the third installment, he takes us on a journey through Disney-MGM Studios.
The most controversial part of your week is here. It's time for World's Finest. This week is the Studios' best and worst everything and anything.
Thrill Attraction
Best: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
This runaway elevator ride has the best theme, detail, and thrills at the Studios. A great testament to the Imagineering of the 1990's.
Worst: Star Tours
I love Star Tours, but the times have caught up with the attraction. The film is extremely outdated and it's about time for the long awaited sequel.
Attraction for Kids
Best: Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Voyage is one of the most popular shows on property, and for good reason. The show has great effects even though it is over a decade old. Its days may be numbered with the addition of the Broadway musical this fall.
Worst: Magic of Disney Animation
What was once one of the coolest things at the studios is now a horrible shell of its former self.
Attraction
Best: Muppet Vision 3D
The greatest attraction is a classic enjoyed by children and adults alike. This show has remained popular through the years and is a favorite of just about everyone who has seen it. When rumors came of it's closing in 2001, Disney was quick to say the rumors were false.
Worst: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
It has been the worst for a long time. Many visitors are counting down to closing day, which, if rumors are true, is 2010.
Classic Attraction
Best: The Great Movie Ride
This classic never gets old. With two alternate ride/shows, guest have to see it more than once. A true classic, much like Spaceship Earth.
Worst: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
So bad, it's listed twice.
Entertainment
Best: Fantasmic
The greatest show in all of WDW, Fantasmic is a must see no matter how many times you visit.
Worst: Stars and Motor Cars Parade
Horrible! This parade showcases characters that people love in cars, followed by characters people hate and don't know. This goes against everything a Disney parade should be.
Table Service Restaurant
Best: Hollywood Brown Derby
A bit pricey, but this eatery offers some of the best cuisine in the World. Excellent choice for a Fantasmic priority seating package but it must be booked months in advance to guarantee a table.
Worst: Mama Melrose
This dining experience is simply not worth the money. Far inferior to the Hollywood Brown Derby, Sci-Fi Dine In, and the 50's Prime Time Café.
Counter Service Dining
Best: All
By far, the best counter service dining is in the Studios. The ABC Commissary, Back Lot Express, and Studio Caterers are all fantastic and offer great theming and excellent choices. All three are worth a try.
Shopping
Best: Mickey's of Hollywood
This shop has a good sized offering of items, a lot of which are unique to the store or the park. It has great Hollywood-like merchandise as well.
Worst: Planet Hollywood Store
This store offers nothing interesting, selling stuff that can be purchased many places outside WDW.
Well, that's it for now. Next time, we will go into the wild that is WDW's newest theme park. No, it's "Nahtazu", it's the best and worst of Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Theme Park Notes
Staff reporter Adam Dworkin brings us the latest news from the theme parks.
Rough Rapids
After searching for some updates this week, the biggest news comes out of the Animal Kingdom. Kali River Rapids was closed on May 29 th after an accident. Contrary to reports that said the waters at the attraction were "running red", only minor injuries were reported.
The flumes on the ride stopped, necessitating an evacuation around 10:20 AM. Five guests and one Cast Member were injured when the platform that was to take the riders to the emergency exit stairs malfunctioned. All six were taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries. The platform was tested, found wanting, and removed.
This incident at the Animal Kingdom was the latest in a small rash of mishaps at the Disney parks. Luckily, no serious injuries occurred and there does not seem to be any impending action against Disney. The ride has subsequently been reopened, and appears to be running without incident.
Toys Take Over Mickey
Mickey Avenue at the Disney-MGM Studios is no longer. With construction continuing on Toy Story Mania, Mickey's signage has been completely removed from the area and has also been removed from the Times Guide.
The exterior construction and façade on the new Toy Story Mania is progressing and the attraction is beginning to get a very complete look. No word yet on when this one will be done, but we are all looking forward to this and future improvements to the struggling Studios.
Potter Chooses His Wizarding World
After several months of negotiations, J.K. Rowling has cast a spell upon a Florida theme park. Potter is about to become part of Universal's Islands of Adventure.
This brings up an interesting possibility of renewed competition between the parks. With the immense worldwide popularity of the Harry Potter books and movies, we wait to see if Disney will respond. A new partnership, new e-ticket attraction, or even a new ride concept could be coming down the pike.
With rehabs set for many attractions including the recently announced January 2008 Jungle Cruise rehab and rumors swirling about a third water park on property, Disney's long-term plans may already be set.
Mouse House Eats
Staff Reporter Mandy Reineke makes our mouths water with the latest news from Disney dining.
Dining with Allergies
As promised last issue, Mouse House Eats is all about Disney dining with food allergies this week. If you have an allergy, have a cast member make a note when making your reservations. Also specify who the affected guest is so the dishes can be catered to the age of the diner. Be sure to remind the host and server of the food allergy when you arrive. The chef will be alerted and may come to speak to you, if necessary. They will make some suggestions of how to work around the problem ingredient.
My daughter has a dairy issue and every Disney restaurant has been able to accommodate her with soy or rice options at no extra charge. She says she feels like a princess when the chef makes a big deal over her meal.
The buffets are a different situation. You need to make sure that you are speaking to a chef and not a line cook. While both are visible near the buffet line, the chefs actually make the dishes while the line cooks stock and replenish the buffet.
Just ask if you want or need something special. Disney is great for taking care of its dining guests!
Free Refills for Wee Ones
Table service restaurants around WDW have begun offering free refills on children's drinks. This includes juice, milk, bottled water, and soda. Free refills do not apply to smoothies or specialty drinks.
Welcome All Yaks and Yetis
Disney's Animal Kingdom has announced an opening date for the Asian inspired restaurant - The Yak and Yeti. The grand opening will take place on October 8th, 2007. Some lucky diners may be able to experience this eatery prior to this date as Disney usually does a "soft opening" for a week or so before the official opening to work out the kinks in the menu and to check out the staffing.
Resort Clips
Staff Reporter Dan Brace brings us the scoop on Disney lodging and accomodations.
Say "Aloha" to the Polynesian Resort
Opening on October 1, 1971 as one of the original WDW resorts, Disney's Polynesian is an 847-room resort located on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon. Occupying 39 acres and styled as a South Pacific paradise, the Polynesian completes its theme with tropical landscaping, beaches, waterfalls, and bamboo Tiki torches. Guest rooms are located in one of 11 different buildings called longhouses.
The Great Ceremonial House is the centre of the action and includes restaurants, boutiques, laundry, reception, and a monorail station among other wonderful things.
A standard room at this resort includes two queen-size beds, a day bed, an armoire, a table, and two chairs. All rooms are equipped with an iron, ironing board, small refrigerator and a hair dryer.
One of the best parts of my trip was experiencing a character breakfast at Ohana. Ohana is a beautifully themed restaurant that over looks the Seven Seas Lagoon, with views of the Magic Kingdom. Regular characters at the breakfast usually include Stitch, Goofy, Mickey and Chip and Dale.
A stay at the Polynesian is a very relaxing one in my opinion. The theming of the resort is one of its high points.
Playing with Swans and Dolphins
Guests at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts enjoy many of the same amenities as Disney resort guests. A stay at the Swan and Dolphin includes WDW transportation, free parking at the parks, guaranteed park admission, package delivery to your hotel, same day dining reservations, preferred tee times, and access to guest services. However, unlike other Disney resorts, charging privileges don't extend beyond the Swan and Dolphin. All purchases and dining expenses at both the Swan and the Dolphin, can be charged to your prearranged account.
Smoke Free for You and Me
As of this month the WDW resort hotels all go smoke free! Disney's new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios and balconies and designates outdoor smoking areas. Smoking is currently prohibited in all lobbies, common areas, restaurants and convention spaces. In January 2000, the Walt Disney World Resort theme and water parks became smoke-free with smoking allowed in designated smoking areas only.
Mousellaneous News
One Monday, June 4th a fire broke out in the parking lot behind Cirque du Soliel at Downtown Disney. Reportedly a piece of construction equipment belonging to H-I-P Paving Company being used to refurbish the parking lot exploded when a layer of asphalt caught fire. Reedy Creek Fire Department responded and no guests were in the parking lot at the time. Some shops at DTD were temporarily closed. To the disappointment of many, Disney Quest remains unharmed.
Westside Landmark Demolished
Speaking of Disney Quest, the virtual Space Mountain pod that sits outside the entertainment complex has been demolished. This adds to the speculation that DQ will close soon.
And Because We Can't Have An Issue Without Pirates . . .
Jim Hill has already got the rumors of the potential fourth Pirates of the Caribbean flying. He says that the next installment will focus on Jack Sparrow and Barbossa. Apparently, the two pirates reconnect in the newly-founded city of New Orleans, join forces, and head off to Florida searching for the fountain of youth. Ye shall see!
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 6 1987 The Delta sponsored If You Could Fly replaces the Eastern Airlines If You Had Wings attraction in Walt Disney World's Tomorrowland.
June 7 1975 Walt Disney World's Mission to Mars attraction debuts in Tomorrowland.
June 8 1917 Walt Disney graduates from Benton Grammar School in Kansas City.
June 9 1963 Actor Johhny Depp, the star of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean series, is born in Owensboro, Kentucky. "Yo ho, Yo ho, A pirates life for me."
June 10 1908 Actor Bob Cummings is born in Joplin, Missouri. He will go on to help host the grand opening of Disneyland.
June 11 1929 Walt Disney's trademark application for the image of Mickey Mouse is filed with the United States Patent Office.
June 12 1616 The real Pocahontas arrives in England.
June 13 1920 Actor Rex Everhart, the voice of Maurice in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, is born in Watseka, Illinois.
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: Food Network Challenge - Villain Cakes Description: Five of America's best cake decorators compete at Walt Disney World to create the best cake revolving around a famous Disney villian. Channel: Food Network Times: Sunday, June 10 from 10pm to 11pm, repeating Monday, June 11 from 1am to 2pm
Program: Fan's Guide - Walt Disney World Description: The ultimate WDW authorities lead a backstage tour of the biggest thrills, best shopping, shortest lines, and more. Channel: Travel Channel Times: Tuesday, June 12 from 3pm to 4pm
Program: Undiscovered Walt Disney World
Description: This program explores little-known attractions and exclusive side trips within WDW including a yacht trip and meals at the chef's table.
Channel: Travel Channel
Times: Tuesday, June 12 from 4pm to 5pm
Mouse House News Reviews
Surviving the Queue
Kimberly Button has taken her insider knowledge of the Walt Disney World Resort and created a unique travel guidebook, The Disney Queue Line Survival Guidebook , to reduce the stress and boredom of standing in long lines at the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. She tells us a little more about her brand new book that is garnering rave reviews.
What is The Disney Queue Line Survival Guidebook?
This book is the only WDW guidebook available that has activities, such as scavenger hunts, word searches, trivia questions and hidden Mickey hunts. It is customized to the queue lines that you must stand in while waiting for Disney's theme park attractions and shows. It includes hints like where the best place to sit is or how to reduce the amount of time you must wait in line.
Do Disney visitors really need something to help them survive standing in the theme park lines?
Yes! A majority of your day is spent waiting in lines or waiting for the parade or waiting for the fireworks. What are you going to do while standing in line for up to an hour? No matter how old you are, whether you are a child or an adult, you ARE going to get cranky and tired and miserable after standing in lines all day, especially in the heat.
Using The Disney Queue Line Survival Guidebook, the queue line becomes another extension of the attraction as you are searching for things in the scavenger hunts or doing themed word puzzles.
Why have you included a lot of information for guests with disabilities and other conditions that not typically found in other Disney guidebooks?
As someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and a host of other medical problems, it was important to me to add warnings and things to be aware of for guests who have special needs. Many of the guidebooks on the market don't cover these small details because, if you've never tried traveling with a medical condition, you don't realize how little things can cause a problem that might ruin your entire day.
How did you come up with the idea for The Disney Queue Line Survival Guidebook?
The idea of writing this book suddenly came to me when I was standing in an hour long queue line for Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom. I was getting annoyed as the child behind me had been kicking the back of my feet. I felt sympathy for the child because there was nothing for him to do while standing in line. So I had the idea to create a guidebook that also features activities for the whole family to enjoy while standing in lines.
To purchase The Disney Queue Line Survival Guidebook, visit the Mouse House Shop. To read an excerpt, visit www.disneysurvivalguide.com .
As usual, the final word comes from you, the Disney fans. Last week we asked you: What is your favourite Walt Disney World thrill ride? You responded with:
Expedition Everest 17%
Splash Mountain 15%
Mission: Space 7%
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 5%
Editorial Staff
Ali Sampson - Editor-in-Chief
Kim Button - Mouse House News Reviews
Helena Pugsley - From the Editor
Brian Kenyon - Front Page
Ian Macpherson - Theme Park Notes, Final Word
Bari Dozer - Mouse House Eats
Ilene Radish - Resort Clips
Steven Vore - Mousellaneous News