In this week’s mailbag, staff writer Steve Russo answers reader mail in response to his two most recent columns: Technology and the Mouse (January 16, 2009) and The Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure (January 30, 2009 ).
Kelly Z. writes:
I supposed if the intent is to improve on ‘servicing’ the guests, then for the most part, I’m okay with the idea. Technology is a wonderful thing, but does it have to be built into every little aspect of life? Being in Disney is, after all, “a vacation,” is it really necessary here? I don’t think guests who plan a Disney vacation are reluctant to believe they won’t have to wait in line. So plan, and try to visit at times of the year where it’s less crowded and wait times are shorter. And if you get to Epcot, and realize it would be nice to eat at Coral Reef, and can’t score a seating—then shame on you for not doing all your homework and planning prior to arriving!
What I’d like to see is more of that ‘wow factor’. I find myself leaving Disney wondering ‘how’d they do that?’ less frequently than in visits made several years back. Nothing is kept secret anymore. I think Walt would be very pleased with how things have evolved, but I doubt he’d be willing to high-five his team for divulging all the Disney magic secrets.
Bob A. writes:
Literally my ONLY complaint with the World is the horrendous internet service on-property! I find it ludicrous that any two-bit hotel along the way to or from Walt Disney World has wireless internet readily available- always FREE- yet Walt Disney World does not.
I know there are business centers that have it, but I don’t want to waste valuable vacation time (and energy!) lugging my laptop to one, and have to pay big money besides! Some rooms have Ethernet cables, but I don’t want to be tethered to a table, and again with the charges…
I used to get a dial-up number from the front desk and plug the room’s phone cord into my laptop and make do, at 75 cents per log-on. Last trip I brought an “air card” that worked great on the road all the way from New York, but had very weak service on Disney property. So as it stands there’s no decent answer for a seemingly simple problem.
There must be a reason why Disney doesn’t have resort-wide wireless service; but Internet use is so common these days, it’s really time to join Motel 8 and McDonald’s and get that service up and running! Heck, I’ll even donate a $100 wireless modem for their use.
Boy, do I agree with you. As a Disney Vacation Club member, I do get free service in the room, but it’s wired (unless I bring my own router). I also agree that there must be a reason on Disney’s side, but I can’t figure it out. There’s no doubt that wireless connection is needed at the World.
Gary writes:
Steve, regarding your “Technology and the Mouse” article, I’m surprised that you mention the Omnimover (still a brilliant and workhorse of a ride system) but neglected the groundbreaking Traveling Theater at Universe of Energy. However, that’s not why I’m writing.
The idea of being able to get updated information on ride status, restaurant reservations, etc., is hardly new nor the domain of Verizon. It existed, in 1982. Yes, with the opening of EPCOT Center. It’s almost forgotten now, but EPCOT Center introduced the interactive World Key Information System. Touch-screens placed strategically through the park allowed guests to discover all sorts of information through multimedia presentations (driven by a laserdisc; this was 1982 after all). Best of all, you could call up a live Guest Relations Cast Member for a video chat. They could tell you ride wait times, take reservations for restaurants, and much more.
By today’s standards, World Key was slow and clunky. But the infrastructure was there–including miles of fiber optic cable. Instead of updating it, they quietly removed it, and with it, a little bit of what made EPCOT special and (for the time) “futuristic” was lost.
Thanks for the education. I have only a vague recollection of the World Key system you describe. I do remember the live video chat with a cast member and remember using that to make dining reservations. It’s a pity they haven’t built on it. Thanks for writing.
Mark K. writes:
We have completed almost all of the missions and my kids loved it! A couple tips for anyone who wants to perform multiple missions in a brief time frame.
1) You do not need to go to the specific location designated on your mission card to pick up your Kimmunicator, any kiosk will do. You can also ask for a specific country to be downloaded as your mission. For example, you can go to the Norway Kiosk and do the Mexico/Norway/China missions, or go to the United Kingdom kiosk and do France/United Kingdom.
2) When you pick up your Kimmunicator, swipe your pass to get your next mission assignment; this will prevent a lag time between missions. Actually, any magnetic strip – credit card, driver’s license, etc. – can be used to obtain an assignment pass or multiple assignment passes, just don’t let the Disney folks know you’re aware of this trick)
3) If you have several kids make sure you sign up for a Kimmunicator for each child!
Sounds like you’ve played a few times. Thanks for the tips.
Karen W. writes:
I read your article with great interest, as my hubby and I did a beta test in December, at Disney’s California Adventure, for the Muppet version of this adventure. We had a great time doing it and we can’t wait to see one be added to either of the parks (Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure) that are in our neck of the woods! We may be going to Walt Disney World later this year and we will definitely be doing the Kim Possible Adventure if we do. Thanks for the great photos and information!
You’re welcome and thanks for writing.
Dan writes:
I’m enjoying reading your article on the new Kim Possible attraction at Epcot. I was lucky enough to get to play it a couple of weeks ago. Your story mentions seven playable countries, but my group got to do Japan (we also did Mexico). I think I heard there are nine pavilions that it can be played in, but I’m sure that Japan is one them.
I think I have the definitive answer but it took a little digging. I first went and checked my notes and they agreed with my article that said seven pavilions, and listed them as: Mexico, Norway, China, Italy, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. To make sure I got that right, I went back and listened to the tape I recorded and Jonathan Ackley, from Imagineering, did indeed list those seven countries to me.
I then found two articles online, from the Orlando Sentinel and Sun Sentinel, and they listed the same countries except… Japan replaces Italy. As one more source, I checked the show notes for MouseStation Podcast when Mark Goldhaber interviewed Janette Lomboy-Russo (no relation), also one of the Show Producers. His list also has Japan rather than Italy.
My guess is that Jonathan misspoke and, possibly, included Italy that is a distribution point, but not a play set.
Good catch and thanks for writing.
Debby K. writes:
I just read your article regarding technology at Disney. Your points are right on. Just a little background my family and I have been visiting Disney World since 1985 and bought our first Disney Vacation Club membership in Old Key West in 1995. We moved to Florida from Rhode Island in 2006 and we had to be within a short driving distance of Disney World, so now we can visit anytime we want. I guess you could say we are kind of Disney nuts!
I just said to my family the other day that Disney has always been a leader in showing the future in the parks, but I don’t see much of it lately. I thought maybe it’s just that we go so often I’m expecting too much, or we aren’t gamers (well my daughter is) so we don’t appreciate some of the newer attractions like Toy Story as we should. My husband is 65, I’m 60, my daughter is 35, son-in-law is 43 and our granddaughter is four and a half, so we usually do Magic Kingdom the most, but do get to the other parks as well. I remember back when Epcot always had new exhibits or rides that would change our lives in the future, but now maybe everything has already been invented because I can’t think of anything to make life better. In fact there are a few things I’d like to give back. I thought it was just me, but I guess not.
And your suggestion for messages on dining, crowds, etc. is perfect. Our biggest problem when we are there is what to do about eating. We don’t get into the reservation thing too much because sometimes we are just there for a day trip. We notice now that the restaurants seem to be taking walk-ins again. Last year it was impossible but now they will allow a certain number. The whole day in the park should not have to revolve around making the reservation in time. There are so many delays that can happen you can’t control—ride breakdowns, monorail breakdowns, child meltdowns, crowd navigation, etc.
Thank you for those comments and for writing.
