MousePlanet Mailbag for September 15, 2005
Compiled by Stephanie Wien, Mailbag editor
We receive considerable feedback regarding our site. Although we cannot
publish them all, the following may be of interest to our readers.
Feedback for Mark Goldhaber
Staff writer and Walt
Disney World Park Update editor Mark Goldhaber answers some Walt Disney
World questions. First, Peggy Wolny writes:
Mark, my husband and I are planning our first trip to Disney World.
We have been to Disneyland several times, but wanted to experience Disney
World also. We are looking at going February or March of 2006. Can you
give me advice on when the best time would be to visit. We had been
to Disneyland several times in early March and the crowds were very
manageable. This year we hit Disneyland during spring break and what
a zoo. I am not familiar with when the east coast schools have spring
break and want to try to avoid that time if possible. Any advise you
can give us would be appreciated. I love MousePlanet, I make a point
to read it every day. It has been very helpful in our trips to California
in the past. I look forward to reading more about Disney World this
year also.
Hi Peggy – Thanks for your kind words about MousePlanet. During
February and March, crowds are generally low. Easter won’t be until April
next year, so that won’t figure into the calculations. Crowd levels are
always up during Presidents’ Week, so you’ll want to avoid that. Otherwise,
the parks should be fairly quiet. Of course, that also means that the
hours will be shorter. How long are you planning to stay? Where will you
be traveling from? What are your priorities for your trip? All of these
questions play into the best choice of date. I’m assuming that you’re
locked into the February/March time frame due to outside influences, so
I won’t try to talk you into April.
You may also want to consider joining our MousePad
discussion forums. We have many forum members with different points
of view, which may help you in your quest to find well-reasoned answers
to your questions. Thanks for writing!
Oops, I almost forgot to mention that if you’re locked into those months,
you may want to consider the first half of February for financial reasons.
Hotel rates jump from Value Season to Peak Season midweek right before
Presidents’ Week. Peak Season will start on February 16 next year. If
you arrive on or before February 15, you will be able to get a rate of
$79 per night at a Value Resort, for example, as opposed to $115 per night
if you arrive on or after February 16. Rates for Moderate, Deluxe and
Home Away From Home resorts will have similar price jumps.
Cindy writes:
Do you know who I could write to at Disney regarding how lame Pleasure
Island has become? It seems that each time we go the level of entertainment
gets lower and lower. When we first went there were dancers, bands playing
at outside stages, a scantily dressed girl pouring test-tube shooters
down a channel in a block of ice, Jell-O shots sold in the street—it
was a blast! Eventually, over the years, each time we’ve seen less and
less of these type of things. We go down a couple of times a year, and
on our last trip the place was open to everyone including kids, the
clubs had outdoor bars to entice the browsers, and that was it. Oh,
and I almost forgot the entirely unexciting 5-minute video “celebration”
at midnight. It’s not even worth going anymore.I understand that Disney is trying to cut back on expenses, but is
it good business to cut back so much that people don’t see much reason
to go and spend their money there? They probably figure they’re selling
drinks to people who don’t want to pay admission and who come by to
see what’s going on, but trust me, those people won’t be back. They
might get by on this current strategy for a year or two, but when people
come back to vacation there again they won’t waste their money on Pleasure
Island. I know we won’t. They need to put me in charge of the place.
Where’s the party?
Hi Cindy – I’m kind of disappointed at some of the changes at Pleasure
Island, as well. In trying to compete with Universal CityWalk, they’ve
lost a good part of the unique atmosphere that they originally created.
You can contact Walt Disney World Guest Communications with your concerns
at:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
or via email at wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
Matt Muller writes:
Mark, let me first of all say that I love your site. On my past few
trips to Disney World I have seen the “Wishes” fireworks show at the
Magic Kingdom. It is by far the best fireworks show I have ever seen,
and it literally brought tears to my eyes after it brought back so many
memories I have had in the parks with my family over the years.My question is, What is the song that they play during the “Wishes”
fireworks show? Is there an album I can buy with this song and where
can I get it? It is the song that has the “star light, star bright”
poem. I figure if anyone could help me with this question, it would
be you. If you have any advice or if you already know the answer, Please
email me and let me know. I appreciate your time, and once again, great
job on the web site. Thanks a bunch.
Hi Matt – The song is called, of course, “Wishes.” It is available
on the Wishes soundtrack CD. You can get it via Walt Disney World
Mail Order (wdw.mail.order@disneyworld.com or 407-363-6200). The SKU,
in case they ask for it, is 050086109272. Enjoy!
[Editor: The song is also available on the Disney Wishes! CD as
performed by Peabo Bryson and Kimberley Locke. It is available wherever
Disney music is sold, including online outlets such as Amazon.com. Read
the MousePlanet review of the Disney Wishes! CD here.]
Sharon writes:
Greetings from the land Down Under. I usually travel from Sydney, Australia
every Halloween to spend time at either Disneyland, Walt Disney World
or Tokyo Disneyland (usually it is all 3 parks, sometimes only 2 parks).
I love the Haunted Mansion/Nightmare overlay that Disneyland in CA and
Tokyo do for Halloween and Christmas, and I’ve heard rumours that Walt
Disney World’s Mansion will be getting it this year. The reason I ask
is that due to money and time I was originally going to have to miss
Walt Disney World (& visit Tokyo & Disneyland in CA only), but if there
is to be an overlay I will move heaven and earth to get to Florida.
Have you heard anything? Many, many thanks.
Hi Sharon – I haven’t heard anything about a Haunted Mansion Holiday
overlay this year. I did just receive a note from a source stating that
the Mansion will go down for a refurbishment shortly, but he had no details
beyond that. It could very well just be a little TLC, or maybe the addition
of the “floating Leota ball” effect that was recently added in California.
I’m not sure when more details will be available, either. Sorry that I
can’t be of more help.
Joyce writes:
We are planning a trip to Walt Disney World December 4 to 9, 2005 and
I noticed on your website that the Pop Warner Superbowl is scheduled
at the same time. Do you know how that affects the crowds in the parks?
We were looking for a quiet “two of us trip” this year since it is the
first time the hubby and I are going with out the kids. Thanks for any
info you can give us.
Hi Joyce – The “Pop Warner Effect” is felt more at the Wide World
of Sports and the All-Star Resorts (mostly All-Star Sports) than anywhere
else on property. The Studios might be affected by a cheer competition,
but I’m not certain. The kids will be in the parks more and more as the
week goes on (as teams are eliminated). Sounds like you’ll be arriving
just as MouseFest ends. Sorry we won’t overlap. Have a great trip!
Thoughts, questions, or comments? Contact Mark here.
Feedback for Kevin Krock
Home Theater and Entertainment
editor Kevin Krock answers a letter regarding the next series of Walt
Disney Treasures DVDs. Jeff Medeiros writes:
Any word on this years crop of releases? I read an article where it
was rumored that ‘Ben & Me’ would be showing up on DVD. Seeing as this
was originally attached to the True-Life Adventures it seems natural
to speculate we might be seeing the whole set.
Hi Jeff – Based on what I have gathered, here’s what is due for
Wave 5 of the Walt Disney Treasures:
- The Chronological Donald, Volume 2
- Disney Rarities (one-shot cartoons and some of Walt’s silent Alice
comedies from the 1920s) - Legendary Heroes: Elfego Baca and the Swamp Fox
- Spin and Marty (the entire “The Adventures of Spin and Marty” serial
from the first season of “The Mickey Mouse Club”)
This was all recently confirmed on Leonard Maltin’s Web site (link).
Thanks for taking the time to write!
Thoughts, questions, or comments? Contact Kevin here.
Feedback for Alex Stroup
MousePlanet publisher Alex Stroup response to a query regarding the balance
of coverage for Disneyland versus Walt Disney World. Anthony writes:
Just my perception but it seems like the California parks get ripped
a bit more when things go sour. Florida seems to have multiple incidents
this year as well yet , not as much news and updates as the crash. Is
there a majority of column writers in California or primarily in Florida?Also, Petals was actually replaced by Club Libby Lu, and Mainspring,
the old sunglass store is being replaced by Anne Geddes and ICON.
Hi Anthony – While it is the case that our staff is centered more
around Disneyland than Walt Disney World, we do have several writers who
would do their best to cover any major incidents at Walt Disney World,
even if we wouldn’t be able to put anybody quickly on site as we can with
Disneyland.
If there is a bias, I think it is more towards mechanical failure over
bodily failure. Walt Disney World has had several high-profile deaths
this year, and we have reported on them. However, each occurred in the
absence of any indication that a Disney attraction failed or policy ignored.
When you have tens of thousands of people gathered in one place, you’re
going to occasionally have one of them die. This is not to say that none
can be laid at the feet of Disney, but that barring any additional information,
it isn’t huge news, and we cover it as we think appropriate. This is true
when such things happen at Disneyland as well.
What is more newsworthy, is when Disney attractions or policies obviously
fail, injuring park guests, and unfortunately Disneyland has had several
of those over the past few years.
Thanks for the correction on Petals versus Mainspring. I knew that, but
somehow got it confused anyway.
Thoughts, questions, or comments? Contact Alex here.
Feedback for David Koenig
Mouse Tales columnist
David Koenig answers a reader’s question about Fort Wilderness at Disneyland.
Ken Stevens writes:
Is Disney planning to rebuild/refurbish Fort Wilderness on Tom Sawyer
Island at Disneyland ? If so, do you know when? It has been closed for
at least 2 years now.
Hi Ken – Although there was serious consideration given to tearing
down and never replacing Fort Wilderness, the current plan is to rebuild
the fort on Tom Sawyer Island, thanks to comments from guests. However,
no date has been set on when work will start. From sources close to the
project, it is very likely that it would occur after Disneyland’s 50th,
around the time the Submarine Voyage reopens.
Thoughts, questions, or comments? Contact David here.
Feedback for Lani Teshima
Trip Planner writer Lani
Teshima responds to some e-mail about her article “Souvenirs on a Shoestring.” (link), and
other Disneyland questions.
Sarah writes:
I cannot believe that you left Autotopia Driver’s Licenses off of your
inexpensive souvenirs list! They are the coolest.Other favorite inexpensive souvenirs at Disneyland are the leather
key chains sold outside of Pioneer Mercantile for $5 with free personalization.
Hi Sarah – I don’t know how I forgot to add the driver’s license
on the list! Thanks for the reminders.
Marissa writes:
I have read your page on souvenirs and I would like to get some beads
when I go for myself and friends. Can you tell me what characters they
represent (e.g. Tinker bell, Snow White, etc.) and can you tell me the
prices (e.g. 75 cents or 3 for $1.50), that type of thing?
Hi Marissa – There are over 100 styles of beads at Disneyland, ranging
in price from 50 cents to $3 each, and Disneyland does not publish a complete
list of available styles.
Your best bet is to bring with you a list of characters you and your
friends like, so you can make your selections at the location. The best
selection is available at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney.
Happy shopping!
Joseph Chang writes:
Hi! Just wanted to drop a note that Mickey’s Halloween Treat (that
you mentioned will happen this year) is not a new thing. Mickey’s
Halloween Treat started back in the late ’90s and then was axed by Paul
Pressler after two years, even though it was fairly popular. Matt is
just trying to bring a popular event back that Guests pretty much has
been asking for since it was last done.It will be similar to the Cast Member only event, “Little Monsters
on Main Street” except that it’s to the general public (hard ticket)
and attractions will be open. Also, it’s at Disney’s California Adventure
instead of Disneyland.
Hi Joseph – Thanks for taking the time to write. Yes, I remember
when Disneyland had its Halloween event; I actually flew from Hawaii so
I could attend it!
It’s “new” in that after it was deemed popular in Disneyland,
it was imported to Walt Disney World, with all remnants of it erased at
Disneyland. Little Monsters is restricted to Cast Members and the general
public for the most part didn’t even know it existed.
While in one view it’s “bringing back” the event, I suspect
the impetus is Ouimet wanting to import the popular event from Walt Disney
World, and in that way, it’s new—especially if they decide to go
with the Walt Disney World event name instead of the old one that they
used at Disneyland.
But thanks for the clarification and reminder. I just love trick or treating,
don’t you?
[Editor’s Note: As noted in Monday’s Disneyland Update (link),
tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Treat go on sale to non-passholders today!
Call (714) 781-4400 or purchase tickets at the Disneyland Resort ticket
booths. They are expected to go quickly, so don’t wait if you want to
attend.]
