Only three weeks until Labor Day! Take a break from back to school shopping and check out the a wide variety of topics in this week’s mailbag. Staff writer and Mouse Tales author David Koenig kicks us off with a letter in response to his column on the changes at the Disneyland Hotel, “Wave Good-bye” (June 17, 2010).
Carrie McM. Writes:
As I was desperately searching the Internet to prove to a friend that indeed I remembered an original show at the Disneyland Hotel I came across your article [on the Dancing Waters]. Thanks! I remember being very little and going to see the fountains although I cannot remember actually staying at the Hotel. We lived in Hollywood and didn’t have a reason to stay overnight.
I didn’t know that the original area was still intact. I will have to get down there soon and check it out before it is gone too. I wonder if the World of Color show will inspire the Hotel to re-open it?
I like your idea about utilizing the Hotel property to house some of the attractions that have been dismantled. Of course I am still one of the many who hope they will put Tomorrowland back one day. I can’t imagine those Mary Blair tiles are intact however.
No, there’s no chance they will retain any part of the Dancing Waters show at the hotel, so you’d better hurry and get down within the next few weeks if you want to catch a final glimpse of what’s left!
Next, staff writer Lani Teshima shares a few letters on running and movie reviews, including one from a reader who must have been searching through the archives to discover her review of Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (August 30, 2005).
Patrick writes:
I read your review on Lilo and Stitch Two. I see your assessment of the movie is similar to mine. I don’t know why they said it took place before the series, when the series occurred right afterwards, and in the Stitch has a Glitch, he has obviously been there for some time. Plus the events in this movie aren’t depicted anywhere in the series. I feel that this movie should be AU from the series, as well as that English dubbed Anime from Japan that I do not think highly of.
Don W. writes:
I’m wondering what will be offered at the stations as you go deep into the Walt Disney World marathon? Sport drinks, and carb bites?
It seems like they change things up just a little bit every year, so it’s hard to know for sure exactly what the Disney folks will offer at the aid stations. That said, a few things seem pretty consistent: All stations should have cold water in cups, even for the slower-paced participants. Most stations will also offer sports drinks in cups. Usually, they will organize the aid stations such that one side will offer water, while the other side, slightly down the path, will offer sports drinks. Although there is no guarantee that the lead volunteers will know, you can ask them as you read the station, which side to go if you have a hankering for one particular form of refreshment over another.
One year, they offered what seemed like leftover Halloween candy at one of the last aid stations. In general, I would not rely on the aid stations to offer solids at all. If you train with a form you like (such as gummy cubes, jelly beans, or goop in a tube), and you are doing the full marathon, you will probably want to carry a few packets with you.
That said, if you were the type to run fast enough that you don’t need solid snacks until you finish the course, you’d be happy to know that Disney has traditionally been very good about offering munchies right past the medal-distribution area. Typically, snacks will come in the form of bottled water, bottled sports drinks, sliced fruit (oranges are a particular favorite), bananas–as well as some sugary fast-carb treats like muffins and cookies. There’s nothing quite as yummy as biting into a juicy orange while wearing your medal around your neck; juice running down your smiling face.
Don asks another question:
Another question came up last night: we are not staying on grounds and my wife wants to know will she be able to watch as the race goes on? That way she can keep me supplied with energy shots and bars. I will be doing the full marathon; it is on my “bucket list,” and at 62 I need to get on it! I run over 25+ miles a week, but have always wanted to tackle this; “no pain, no gain.” Someone told me that sometimes they offer a tent pre race to stay out of the cold before the start. Have you experienced this? I know that I just keep asking questions, hope you do not mind.
Be aware that things have changed since I wrote this article 5 years ago, but Great Spectations will give you a good idea of what it’s like for spectators. There is a way for her to be able to hopscotch around and meet with you in some pre-determined locations. As the event gets closer, you will get info on the course map as well as where your wife can watch.
One thing you might consider is carrying the stuff yourself. Don’t bother with wearing backpacks or big belt bags. My suggestion is to give something really small and comfortable a try, like the Spi Belt (http://www.spibelt.com). The pouch can fit your car key, hotel key card, a small cell phone… as well as packets of goo or energy shots. Just be mindful not to stuff it so full that it weighs you down.
This way if you and your wife cross paths and can’t find each other, you don’t have to worry too much.
One word of caution, since you are staying off-property: Traffic to get on-property is notoriously bad, especially around Epcot. The best thing to do is go as early as you possibly can, park at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and take the monorail. Your wife will want to get around that way, as well.
[Editor’s Note: A runner’s retreat tent is offered for an extra cost to provide additional amenities before and after the race, including exclusive restrooms, breakfast and post-run foods, and post-run massages. Keep an eye on emails from Disney after registration for details on this year’s offer.]
Disney World Update writer Mark Goldhaber answers a question about a holiday-time tradition at Walt Disney World.
Jim M. writes:
I love your website. Now that I have a November trip booked I’m checking it out at least once a week! Maybe you can help with question: Do you know when Candlelight Processional dinner packages will become available? I can’t find this anywhere on the Disney site. I’m not sure if they are all booked, or not yet available.
I really want to get into Le Cellier, either regular reservation or package. There are no openings for Nov. 28 – 30. I know it is a VERY popular place, but I’m also wondering if they have reservations blocked for use with the dining package? I am currently trying at least once a day to see if anything has opened up… Thanks for any clues you give me!
It would make sense that Disney would hold back reservations for all table-service restaurants for the entire Candlelight period to ensure the ability to sell packages for those nights. That would have caused a very quick sellout of any seatings that may have been available in the first place.
Disney finally announced the reservation opening date for Candlelight. You can call the WDW Dining Line on Thursday, August 26 to try to get your reservation. It looks like Isabella Rossellini will be the narrator your first night, and the narrator hasn’t been announced yet for the next two nights. Phone lines open at 7 a.m. EDT, so make your call early!
Good luck and swift fingers on August 26!
MousePlanet photographer Frank Anzalone’s Summer Nightastic Desktops impressed readers.
Michele writes:
The dark photo of the dragon with the mouth glowing is great! I always look forward to seeing new desktops from you. I constantly mix them up with my own photos on my work computer.
May 11, 2010 mailbag regarding the size of the beds at the Coronado Springs Resort.
Hilary S. writes:
Thanks so much to you and the MousePlanet team! Your site keeps me going between Disney trips.
I just wanted to let you know that the regular rooms at Coronado Springs do indeed have two queen beds. We stayed there over this past New Year’s, right after the renovation. The rooms were in great shape (I love the new, more sophisticated color scheme) and we appreciated the queen sized beds. (We’d have like a king but they now charge extra for those rooms.)
I’m not sure if all rooms have been renovated to include queen beds but ours had been (Cabanas 5B). A cast member told me queen beds would eventually be in all rooms.
Keep up the great work!
Jim V. writes:
The rooms at the Coronado have recently been refurbished. All rooms have 2 queen size or 1 king size bed. That is a big plus when you have with older children. I think Coronado charges a little more per night than other moderates.
