How did it ever get this far? This relationship we’ve shared for two years; me writing, you reading. Admit it… you never thought it would last, did you? Two years?!
My first column was published on February 22, 2008 and I had immediate visions of a Ryan Leaf-type flameout after two or three columns (you NFL fans will get that reference). How could someone as unimaginative as I am come up with enough ideas to write something north of 50 columns? I know… me, too.
When I popped the champagne corks for my first anniversary a year ago, I tried to envision what the next twelve months of articles would look like. Here’s what I wrote then:
I’m certain that a few columns will be devoted to reaction to some new Disney announcements—potentially some new attractions, extensive refurbishments (can you say Space Mountain?) or additional cutbacks if our economy keeps sinking further. I’m really rooting against that last one.
You’ve probably heard of the mysterious “Are You 23?” promotion that has us all scratching our heads and wondering. After the hype it’s generated, all I can say is that it better be good. Either way, I’m betting it will be good fodder for a column.
It’s probably almost time for another look at Park Peeves. I’ve made several trips to the World since that last column appeared and have an entirely new set of things that annoy me to no end.
So what actually happened? I guess you’d say close… but no cigar. I did take a look at D23 and continued the Park Peeves series; but I never got around to an article on the “new” Space Mountain. To be perfectly honest, I’m not convinced the changes merit a column.
My second year started with a column I titled “A Disney Vacation Club Primer.” That was my attempt to break down the Disney Vacation Club into a few manageable and digestible bits of information for those who might have some interest. At the least, I tried to de-mystify some of the more confusing points about Use Years, banking and borrowing points. I was flattered to discover that column’s been referenced on several other sites as a good first read before taking the DVC plunge so I guess it was semi-successful.
D23: Now, later, or never?” The answer, for me, is still “later” but I do admit to weakening on this. Some of the reports from the first expo in California were pretty tantalizing. If only I had better access to the west coast, where most of the events appear to be held, and/or more vacation time.
Next up was a review of my favorite dinner show, the “The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.” If you’ve never been and are on the fence, trying to decide if it’s worth the money, give that column a look.
The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. Photo by Steve Russo.
The next column is called “The Bottom Three,” a look at my three least-favorite attractions at each park. That one must have piqued some interest because the hosts over at the MouseStation have taken that up a few notches across several podcasts. They’re not only listing the Bottom Three attractions but also getting into their least-favorite live shows and restaurants. This is an area that’s probably worth another look in the coming year.
In May, I discussed some of the reasons I find Walt Disney World so special in a column titled, “Why We Go Back.” I could tell that one struck a chord in many of you based upon the amount of feedback I received. It seems many of us often have to deal with the question, “Why are you going to Disney World… again?” I received a similar response to “Taking the Kids,” my attempt at offering up some advice on planning a trip with infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
In June, I published an interview called “A Few Minutes with Jason Surrell.” That column also included a very tepid review of a new attraction that Jason had a hand in, Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration. Never have I been so torn between a fascinating Imagineer with a long list of successes and a show that, quite honestly, I had no desire to see ever again. As it turned out, that wasn’t even an option as Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration breathed its last breath about six weeks after opening. I do think it would be a lot of fun to spend a few more minutes with Jason Surrell at some point. An interview only touching on his books could easily fill a column.
Stitch didn’t last long. Photo by Steve Russo.
I’ve mentioned before that I can usually get a measurement of a column’s success (or failure) by the amount of feedback I receive. No column generates more reader mail than the Park Peeves series. “Park Peeves 2009” was my second attempt at a humorous look at our fellow guests—at least those that make me laugh, get in my way or just generally annoy me. I appreciate all the reader feedback and the excellent suggestion you folks have sent in. I’ll take another stab at this in 2010 but I do think the list of Peeves is starting to dry up a bit.
I tried something a bit different in July with a column called “Back to the Future.” That was another attempt at humor with a look at a few events that might occur somewhere down the road. As my buddy, Wayne, often says, “Not everybody gets your humor.” That was evidenced here as the responses ranged from “The funniest thing I’ve ever read…” to “It sounds like it was written by a disgruntled employee…” and “I’ll never read MousePlanet again.” I think I’ll think twice before trying that concept again.
I tackled the eternally debatable question of whether to stay “On or Off Site?” That topic always brings out some spirited debate. I then launched into “Between Trips – Musings and Observations.” That type of article is one I’m drawn to—just some Disney-ramblings as I ponder planning the next trip. And to face facts… we’re all pretty much always between trips, aren’t we?
August brought a column exploring the ins and outs of “Advance Dining Reservations” that offered some tips in planning meals for a Disney World trip. “It’s the Little Things” was a fun column to write. It explored some of those things that exist outside of the attractions, placed there by the Imagineers for our enjoyment. Those little things that, too often, go unnoticed as we race from queue to queue. That’s an area I’d like to explore again if I can drum up enough material.
“When Does the Vacation Begin?” attempted to define the moment (or moments, as it turns out) that signal the beginning of any Disney vacation. From the trip to the airport to passing under the welcoming arch, it’s all there.
In September, I took a cue from a Jack Nicholson – Morgan Freeman film and listed a few things I haven’t yet done at Disney World in “The Bucket List,” and then penned a sequel to the ADR column with “Online ADRs,” a look at using Disney’s new automated system for dining reservations.
I followed that up with “Misses” (and every time I see that title I think it should be sung to the tune of “Wishes”.) “Misses” was a look back at some of the less than successful Disney World attractions. Think about the previously mentioned Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration and the now infamous “Cakestle”—among others.
The infamous Cake-stle. Photo by Steve Russo.
The next three columns, “The Best of Walt Disney World 2009” (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3) represented the results of a poll I ran. The volume of feedback was astounding, at least to me, and these three columns presented the results of your votes for the best attractions, restaurants, shows, etc. Again, based upon your feedback, it seems this is the type of article that many of you find enjoyable.
December brought “Christmas at Disney World,” which was a (mostly) pictorial look at the breadth of Holiday happenings and decorations throughout Walt Disney World.
Nothing beats the Holiday season at Disney World. Photo by Steve Russo.
It was during that December trip that I had the opportunity to attend a press-event for “The Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.” That article attempted a closer look at the “glamping” lifestyle enjoyed by so many that frequent that resort on a regular, and often extended, basis.
The Fort Wilderness pool. Photo by Steve Russo.
In a column titled “Old or New?” I tossed out a few examples of replacement attractions and offered my opinion on whether Disney improved things or not. I examined several old/new attractions and listed a bunch more for your consideration. Reader feedback was tremendous and you folks offered up dozens of additional examples that will be fodder for follow-up articles.
Lastly, there was the most-recent column, “Park Passes,” which examined the myriad options available to us all in the way of Park Passes. This article was an attempt to lessen some of the angst felt when trying to decide exactly which pass is needed.
What’s next? I’ve been working on an article that discusses the many traditions we have when visiting the World. There will likely be continuations in the Park Peeves series as well as a repeat of last year’s Best of Disney World poll. Based on the feedback, it looks like there’s another column (or three) based on the “Old or New” theme. Beyond that, I’m open to suggestions. If you have something you’d like to read about, send it in. I’m sure I’ll be prompted during the year by things I hear or read within this great online community but it would be nice to hear some suggestions directly from my readers.
As this second year writing draws to a close, let me say “Thanks” to everyone for staying with me this long—well, those that actually stayed and you know who you are. Thanks to all of you that read and to those who took the time to write and tell me if I’ve knocked one out of the park or have gone down swinging. It’s all very much appreciated… and I mean that. Or at least that’s my opinion.
