Hollywood Backlot Tour is Closed... Now What?

     Disney recently announced that Disney's Hollywood Studios would be closing its longest and most theme-centric ride in the park: The Backlot Tour. They also gave guests only one week's notice that the attraction would be closing. The ride, an hour-long tour of the backlot of a once-functional movie studio, had begun to groan of old age by the time it was fated to end its life, but it will be sorely missed by Disney World fans everywhere, who grew up enjoying the ride and show with their friends and families. Now however, it is time to think of what is coming next! It's my philosophy, especially in rapidly changing Disney times such as this, to trust the company to put forth meaningful and excellent material that will match and exceed what it has created in the past. So what will replace the Backlot Tour??
     First, we know that Disney applied for permits on a major attraction, or several, to be created in the space that will be left behind by the exit of this attraction. Second, we know that Disney has made several acquisitions and created much new material that is needing a home in the theme parks (Star Wars, Frozen, Tangled, Upcoming Pixar Movies, Marvel). Thirdly, we know that the Studios are in need of some new drawing power. Many agree with me when I say that the Studios are the last park I tell my friends to visit when they are going to the World. To me, it seems like the park is largely missing a certain... Disneyness. It doesn't have quite the same magnitude, charm, and magic that the other three parks have. I believe Disney is aware of this, and is here working to change that. Fourthly, we know that the Studios is headed in a new direction. Disney is no longer pretending that this park is actually a studio... Nothing here has anything to do with move-making any more.  Perhaps this new land will help to define the essence of the park. Knowing these things, here are some speculative ideas floating around regarding what Disney may do with the land:

• Marvel Land!!! I sure hope not. To me, the Marvel characters are the exact opposite of what Disney creates. They are violent, self-indulgent, and unromantic. Aside from personal thoughts, Disney does not yet have the rights to create park attractions based on the Marvel characters. Also, many complain that the Studios has nothing for children to come and see, and this would certainly not help that issue.
• Star Wars Land!!! I don't think so. Star Wars Land is coming to the Studios! And I am excited, but it would make no sense to me to build it this far from the wildly successful Star Tours, or to move Star Tours closer to it. 
• Cars Land!!! This one seems a bit more plausible to me. However, I have a hard time seeing Disney directly copying a land from another park, and placing it smack in the middle of a place it doesn't belong (although one could argue that most of California Adventure is exactly that). This would be more child-friendly, and would immediately have a huge draw.
• Frozen-land!!! This one seems, to me, more likely than the previous options. Disney is making an obscene amount of money on Frozen, and the ride that is coming to Epcot will only ignite more Frozen fever as the next several months come and go. I might start looking for some ice in this area.

     Whatever comes to this area, I believe we can count on it being child-friendly (as ALL of Disney aught to be), and it will probably strongly push the park toward a new theme and feel, which is mostly undefined as of yet. It will be related to something hugely popular right now, and will completely redefine the park as a place that is child-friendly, and a magical Disney destination that you MUST visit on your vacation.

Details of Main Street USA at Walt Disney World

     In this post, I want to focus on just a couple of the small details that form the beautiful canvas of American expression, Main Street USA. The street acts as a funnel from the entrance of the Magic Kingdom to Cinderella Castle. Consequently, the majority of the morning mad rush, and evening exodus, pass by the rich facades of Main Street to get to their big attraction, or back to their bed. Sadly, this means much of the history and story told on Main Street is lost upon many guests of Walt Disney World. Here, I want to list a few things to which one aught to pay attention on Main Street. Here is my list:

• The Windows of Main Street: Along the quaint American street, you will notice that nearly every window is decorated with a title.  Each and every title on these facades is significant in that it lists, often cleverly, the name of someone involved with the planning, imagineering, or building of the Magic Kingdom. Keep your eyes open for Walt's name, and his father, Elias. Here is a link to many of the windows and explanations for their significance: http://www.disneydispatch.com/content/columns/the-626/2011/03-the-windows-of-main-street-usa/
• Street Lamps: Many don't realize that the length of Main Street represents a timeline through American Industrialization.  Look at the street lamps when you cross under the railroad, and keep watching them until you enter the central plaza of the Magic Kingdom.  You will notice that the lamps turn from kerosene to gas to electrically powered as you progress through the American Industrial Revolution.  You will also notice that the architecture of many of the buildings follow this trend by turning from brick and wood to painted steel.  
• Popcorn Stands: Again upon crossing under the railroad bridge at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom, take a moment to enjoy the air.  Notice that the first smell to hit your nose is that of popcorn.  Walt wanted this to be a subtle reference to the point that his park was telling a story. The popcorn is meant to evoke memories of childhood movie theaters.  
• The Emporium: Although The Emporium has become synonymous with just another retail location in Walt Disney World, one can actually glean charming and rich knowledge about the "imagineered" history of Main Street USA.  You will notice that moving from south to north, the family who is responsible for the founding of this establishment began with one small room on the corner, and expanded several times (sometimes hastily) to grow their shop as American Industrialization allowed them to more efficiently market and sell their products.  Look closely, and you will see boarded up walls, family portraits, and quaint shop windows which all change to steel hooks, shelving units, and fancifully decorated rooms (such as the princess room).  

     Take time and slow down while you walt down Main Street leaving the park. The best time to appreciate all of these things is at night, after the park has closed, and most people have left. You can stay for about an hour and meander the street, enjoying the romance and ambiance, lighting and ragtime that join you and sing the gospel of Walt and his America.

Taking Walt to Epcot

     For this post, I will stray briefly from my theme of lists or countdowns. Instead, I want to share one of my thoughts about Walt Disney himself. I recently listened to Lou Mongello on his WDW Radio Podcast, and he asked for responses to a question, as he is wont to do. This episode, he asked for places where we would want to take Walt in Walt Disney World. My immediate response is the same as their conclusion: Epcot.
    There are many out there who view Walt's Florida project video, and cannot help but feel that today's Epcot is a shadow of, and not a conceptual realization of his original Epcot idea. It was supposed to be a city! Right? Walt had planned an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (EPCOT). Walt had a huge imagination, but also managed to accomplish an incredible number of his wild and crazy plans. Disneyland, anyone? I say this because, as Lou Mongello pointed out, Walt was a realist. When the Imagineers sat down together after Walt's death to look at building Epcot, they ran across too many problems to make the "city" of Epcot a reality. Lou's feeling, and mine, is that Walt would have changed direction with the project, and done something with it that made sense and was of maximum benefit to the world. He wanted to make a place that was a "model". He said that! He said he wanted Epcot to be a model for the world to follow.
    This is where my bit comes in. I have an additional idea for my event to which I would take Walt. I hope, during your stays at Walt Disney World, that you have witnessed my favorite thing in the entire world; the event that brings me to tears each time I am a part of it, and makes me believe in the good of the world: Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. With a musical score that will leave you speechless, pyrotechnics perfectly timed with that score, lasers, fire, and water, Illuminations is the culmination of the Disney company in my mind. The eleven countries lit around the lagoon, each playing an integral role in the story of the history of earth, is without a doubt the most powerful show of any kind I have seen in my life. See it!
     All this to say, I would bring Walt to Illuminations. Although Epcot didn't turn into a city, it did turn into the perfect model of a society. In this model, each country celebrates the other, and celebrates what makes their own pavilion unique. I would turn to Walt before the show, and tell him simply that the world has not solved all of its problems, and countries are still constantly fighting. But I would tell him to watch and appreciate what the company he founded is doing as a beacon for the world, and a model for society.

Ten Places to do Nothing for a Half Hour at Walt Disney World (pt. 2)

     Here are my final five places in Walt Disney World to relax for a half hour! Remember to put away your phone and stop reading my blog while you're at these spots. Just take it in.

6. The Liberty Square Porch
     When you enter Liberty Square from the central hub of the Magic Kingdom, look to your right and don't just walk by this beautiful littler porch. There are usually about two rocking chairs on it, three stairs elevation above the walking path, and canopied by all of the Victorian Boston architecture. Take a seat and listen to the piccolo and snare drum music that Disney plays to complement this land (one of my favorites in the Magic Kingdom). At night, get this spot for the Main Street Electrical Parade, and you'll have one of the best views in the Kingdom. Even without the parade, this porch is a wonderfully charming place to enjoy the Liberty Tree and look at the romantic lighting of the buildings. You can also hear the Liberty Belle's tooting from the Rivers of America, not too far off to your right.

7. Boardwalk Benches Outside Jellyrolls
     Yes, I know. This spot is dangerously close to my first spot listed on the part 1 blog. However, this one is listed for a specific reason. This spot, I find, is best solo. If you walk out of Epcot through the International Gateway and walk toward and past the Boardwalk, you will arrive at a series of benches in front of Jellyrolls dueling piano bar. While these benches are empty almost all of the day, they suddenly get pretty busy with people who walk out of restaurants to try to get a view of Illuminations from outside the park. Consequently, if you're one of those individuals who love meeting new people at Walt Disney World (and if you're not, we need to have a talk), you'll be happy to meet these groups of hip young kids with whom you can chat and enjoy the fireworks.
     Now, there is one thing that truly earns these benches a spot on our list. There are several times in the year (very often at Christmas time), when the Magic Kingdom and Epcot fireworks will be going off at the same time. This will give you a very unique position to watch from. Since you can't hear the music from either show, they will sometimes seem to be corresponding and putting on one giant show together. Though the Magic Kingdom fireworks show is a little ways away, you can very much see the fireworks over the Beach Club Resort across Crescent Lake. The Epcot fireworks will be right nearby over the top and to the left of ESPN Zone. Consult your showtimes guide online to see if and when the two shows will occur together!

8. Flametree BBQ Sitting Area
     This is a beautiful hidden treasure at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Though Flametree BBQ, on Discovery Island, is usually for those who want a good lunch, you should go there in the morning as the park opens. The counter-service restaurant won't be open, so just walk past the building itself and into the forest. It is just a bit of a walk, but you will make your way down to the water, and it will be worth it. Many of the sitting areas are covered by wooden rooves, and most are covered by tree canopy. From here you can watch the mob of hurried tourists make their way from Dino-Land to Expedition Everest. Also, you can marvel at the size and beauty of the detail Disney put into Expedition Everest! This is a fine view, and a rare opportunity to feel truly in a natural place on Disney property.
    Pssst: Two things: One, there is a plot of land that you can see from these seats. On this beach area, Disney has put many Asian decorations to give the feel of seeing an Asian shore in China... or something. However, when the park first opened, this was a place where Asian animals just roamed around on the beach, and guests could just watch them in what seemed like an un-caged environment. Cool!
     Second, there is rumor that Disney is looking to use the technology for World of Color in Disney's California Adventure, and place it somewhere in Florida. Now no promises, but people have been saying that this may be a good place for that show to be! The Animal Kingdom is looking for ways to keep guests at the park later into the evening, and spread them out from the soon-to-be Avatar-themed land. No promises, but keep your eye on this spot.

9. Garden at Japan Pavilion, Across From Teppan Edo
     So you're walking around the World Showcase, and you're tired! It happens to the most heroic traveler because Epcot is huge! It's roughly a mile around World Showcase Lagoon. This pavilion is my favorite stop and rest spot. The best thing about this little garden is that you don't have to buy food and sit next to a hundred other people to enjoy it! The point of this garden and koi pond is to relax. So do it! Find a nice bench or pond edge, and just sit and watch the fish. Even better, listen to the Taiko drumming taking place at the foot of the Pagoda behind you. This one is truly a relaxing spot.

10. The Small Streets of Morocco 
     I often hear people complain about the fact that there is "nothing to do" in Morocco at Epcot. Those who complain about this are missing the whole point! There is nothing to do at in Morocco because the designers were from Morocco, and sent by the king of Morocco to build a beautiful representation of their country for the whole world to see. They decided not to build rides or shows, because they wanted those who saw it to feel as if they were in Morocco. The result is my (personal) favorite pavilion at Epcot.
     During the planning for Epcot, the Disney company was having a very hard time getting other governments to buy into the idea and pay for the construction of their pavilion around the lagoon. In the end, Disney ended up finding corporate sponsors for all of the pavilions, except for Morocco. The government of Morocco sent representatives to Epcot and met with Disney, and actually ended up designing and constructing their own pavilion. Keep this in mind while you stroll through the streets and into the beautiful and empty rooms. This place was designed and built by the same people who are responsible for the buildings of the real Rabat. My favorite place to relax here is... well it's a tie. First, there is a room off to the left when you enter the pavilion under the big arch past the fountain. This room is covered in blue tile and the walls are ornate and accented with dark wood. The room gives a sense of sacredness and dignified reverence. There is a fountain against the back wall, which gives life to the room at the same time. Enjoy this spot. Second, walk to the back of the pavilion, just past the giant door to Restaurant Marrakesh. here you will see a fountain and a bench. Sit down. Chances are you will spend several minutes in this spot and not see another soul. This gives you an opportunity to look around and think about the message of this place:
     Though the world seems to be in eternal conflict, representatives of eleven nations, each with their own nationalism, work together and share in each others' joy around one lake in the middle of Florida, because that's what the people of the world actually want. 

     So, do you have your own spots at which you like to relax? Leave a comment! Let's talk! I hope you enjoyed my list! More to come!

Ten Places to do Nothing for a Half Hour at Walt Disney World (Pt. 1)

     Walt Disney World is exhausting. Even I, as a 22-year-old, need (and want) to sit back, listen to music, and watch other people do the adventuring for a little while. Here are my ten favorite places in Walt Disney World to spend a half hour doing nothing but thinking and looking. I encourage to not even take out your phone or your book, or even to take a nap. These spots are worth taking in just as they are. Let me know if you disagree, or have other suggestions! Here are the first five:

1. The Bench at the Yacht Club
     There's a nice and ambiguous title for you! And while there are many good benches on which you can plant your rear at Disney's Yacht Club Resort, there is one in particular which makes all of my troubles melt away. Do this one on a day at EPCOT. After you watch Illuminations, and are once again reminded that the world can be a beautiful and cooperative place, take a stroll past France and out of the International Gateway. Walk along Crescent Lake, past the beautiful closed pool in all of its night-time romance. Stroll past the lighthouse dock at the Yacht Club, and look for white benches on the right hand side of the boarded walkway. The one furthest from the lighthouse is my personal favorite. Have a seat! Look over at the Boardwalk and listen to the night-time entertainment. See the lights. Listen to the soft music coming from the resort behind you. Watch couples and families stroll past you, and give them a smile. You're all in a special and incredibly peaceful place.
         *Hint: take your significant other here.

2. Arusha Rock
     The Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my favorite places in Walt Disney World. Just walking into the lobby will make you feel like you're in Africa and at your peaceful home at the same time. But the lobby isn't even the best part! Keep going past the gurgling stream and big couches, walk down the stairs toward the monolithic overgrown window, and walk outside. Whether it's day or night, this rock into the savanna gives you some of the most up-close views of grazing and relaxed animals. My favorite spot is the last outcropping on the right-hand side. This is the furthest spot from the lodge, and is therefore usually the least crowded. Have a seat on the bench, take in a bit of Florida sun, or the beautiful night-time noises and lights, and watch a giraffe eat slowly from a tree.

3. Tomorrowland Terrace
     Formerly a Noodle Station, and occasionally a counter-service restaurant of the Magic Kingdom, this stretch between Main Street and Tomorrowland provides lots of shade. On top of that, it is almost always empty! Disney has decided to not decide what to do with the space, but leaves the tables and chairs out for those smart enough to come by and sit. And the true asset of this spot is the view of the Magic Kingdom central hub and Cinderella Castle. You can watch the corny and lovable shows that Disney puts on in front of the castle, or just listen to the music of Main Street and think about life. From this spot, you can also look down to the ...err... moat (?) of the castle and see the boat dock where once-upon-a-time guests could embark on small boats for a little ride.
     *Hint: In a Florida thunderstorm, hit this spot. You can sit shielded from the rain and lightning, and watch the castle and hub be pounded with rain. If you have a soft spot for melancholy, or like music by Debussy, check this out.

4. Grand Floridian Beach Sand
     Classic, right? If you have a spare hour on your Magic Kingdom day, or are staying at the Grand Floridian (you lucky jerk), head on down toward the sandy beach at Disney's "flagship" resort. From my experience, there is usually not a single other person on this beach, which is a puzzle to me. From here, you can look left and see the castle, see the Contemporary, keep an eye on the Polynesian, and laugh at the ugliness that is the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center). Are you as pale as me? Cool! You can sit under one of the canopies that Disney has scattered on the beach. My personal favorite thing about this spot is the theming. I cannot help but feel that I need to be wearing knickers and a frilly shirt for the purposes of enjoying my Victorian getaway. I, being a patron of ragtime and all things turn-of-the-century, love forgetting that the year 1920 has come and gone. And if you really have free time, stick around until dark and watch the Seven Seas Lagoon Water Pageant from here!
     *Psst: If you look at the Island closest to the Polynesian, and squint through the trees, you can see the remnants of the wave-producing machine that is still left on the island, though it is overgrown. When the Polynesian first opened, it had a wave system that allowed guests to swim and even surf on the Seven Seas Lagoon.

5. Main Street (After Closing)
     You may be thinking, "so do I have to break in to the Magic Kingdom at night?". My response would be, "No! And please don't! And if you do, and end up in jail, don't mention my blog!".
     Here's the dish: The Magic Kingdom closes most nights at fireworks time. However, the park remains open(ish) for an hour after "closing". Now right after the fireworks, there is a mass exodus of rampaging tourists that will run over you if you're not careful. You, however, will find a seat with a view of the Castle, and stick around for twenty minutes until it is mostly just you and some friendly cast members. The motion of the Park will try to get you to walk through the gift shops on your way out, but you again will outsmart them. You will walk down the LEFT side of Main Street, and find another seat. The music that is played in the Magic Kingdom for the last hour of operation is truly beautiful. The blinking lights of the clocks and shops of Main Street are some of the most beautiful and uplifting sights in the world (in my opinion). Then you can look to the right and see a giant colored piece of architecture, standing so regally, and beckoning you to drop your pretentiousness, and buy into what this place represents and stands for. You'll emotionally and mentally revel and surrender to the whimsy and positivity that this space brings to the hearts of all who are there. Then, an hour after closing, you can mosey along toward the train station, and smile at what good comes from this place.

     Part 2 coming soon!