13

Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck Help to Make Learning English Fun in China

by Tim Weston on July 13, 2010 · 0 comments

Last week, I read an interesting article at International Business Times‘ web site about how The Walt Disney Company is using its characters to make learning English fun and easy for Chinese children. Apparently, private English education is a fast growing business sector in China and Disney has decided to throw its hat into the ring, with hopes of teaching English to 150,000 children a year by 2015.

As many can attest, learning a new language can be quite difficult, so Disney is using its arsenal of popular characters, including Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, to make the process as easy and fun as possible. Disney opened its first English school in Shanghai, China two years ago (in preparation for Shanghai Disneyland Resort, perhaps?) and it was such a success that the company has plans to open 20 more schools by 2011 (including two in Beijing) and almost 150 by 2015.

This is a brilliant move on Disney’s part because, as the article goes on to say, the company estimates it can earn over $100 million in the next five years. On top of that, you have to think Disney’s penetration into the entertainment market will continue to increase as more and more children become familiar with the company’s most well known characters. If only China’s most affluent families can afford to pay $2200 for 96 hours of English classes, surely they can afford a trip or two (or more) to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort or the slated Shanghai Disneyland Resort?

What’s your take on Disney’s latest overseas venture? Do you have concerns that it will negatively affect the company’s domestic offerings (namely Disneyland and Walt Disney World) or do Americans have nothing to worry about? My biggest question: how can anyone learn English from Donald Duck?

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24

Golden Oak Resort Community Unveiled by Walt Disney World Resort

by Tim Weston on June 24, 2010 · 3 comments

Yesterday, Walt Disney World Resort unveiled plans for Golden Oak, a luxury residential resort community offering people the opportunity to purchase a home on Walt Disney World property. The community will sit on a 980-acre plot of land that, from the looks of Disney’s not-to-scale map, will be situated west of Fort Wilderness, south of Wilderness Lodge and east of the Magic Kingdom parking lot, along World Drive and Vista Boulevard. The community’s name comes from the Golden Oak Ranch, a 315-acre ranch purchased by Walt Disney in 1959 on which television shows and movies were filmed.

Golden Oak Luxury Residential Resort Community © Disney

Golden Oak Luxury Residential Resort Community © Disney

Golden Oak will offer custom single-family homes priced between $1.5 and $8 million, 30 of which will be available for purchase this year. The property will be split into four neighborhoods: Carolwood and Carolwood Reserve (presumably named after Walt Disney’s backyard Carolwood Pacific Railroad), Silverbrook and Kimball Trace (perhaps named after Disney Legend Ward Kimball, one of Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men”). The remainder of the land will serve as conservation areas, serving as sanctuaries for migrating songbirds, ospreys and wood storks.

So, what types of benefits does one get for buying a multi-million dollar home on Walt Disney World property? The Golden Oak web site lists the following:

  • Private VIP transportation
  • A suite of in-park benefits
  • Access to select special-event tickets
  • Community-hosted activities throughout the year

Homeowners can also take advantage of the community’s Summerhouse clubhouse and select amenities at the proposed Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. But wait, there’s more! Residents are “just a call or click away” from a Golden Oak Concierge whose pleasure it will be to take care of any of the following requests:

  • Move-in services
  • Travel and private transportation
  • Disney parks and special-event tickets
  • Golf tee-times
  • Dinner reservations
  • Private VIP tours
  • At-home dinners and parties
  • Holiday home decorating
  • Grocery shopping and errands
  • Pre-arrival and post-departure home maintenance services

All of this sounds great if you have the money (or can somehow obtain financing) to purchase a luxury residence in Golden Oak. In fact, if I was a millionaire I’d definitely buy one of the properties in this community. How awesome would it be to live so close to all of the wonderful Disney magic? However, I do have some concerns about how this community might change the typical guest’s Walt Disney World experience.

For example, if every resident in Golden Oak uses the concierge serve to schedule advance dining reservations or purchases tickets to special events, it seems there will almost definitely be less availability for everyone else (especially since money will likely be of little concern to these people). Will the already difficult-to-obtain reservation for Le Cellier or California Grill become that much harder to get, even at the 180 day window? And what about extra magic hours, a perk currently only available to those staying in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel? Will Golden Oak homeowners and their immediate families also be able to enter the park early (or perhaps even earlier), thereby diminishing the benefit so many quests pay dearly for?

What do you think about Golden Oak? If you had the money, would you purchase a home in this community? In what ways might this development adversely impact the vacations of countless others?

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21

Toy Story 3: Pixar’s Most Successful Animated Feature!

by Tim Weston on June 21, 2010 · 0 comments

Disney-Pixar’s latest film, Toy Story 3, opened in theaters on Friday and to say it was an immediate success is putting it mildly. It broke the record for the biggest single day gross for an animated film, raking in $41M, and is second to Shrek the Third for highest opening weekend for an animated movie at $109M. Thanks to a Disney Movie Rewards promotion, I had the god fortune to see Toy Story 3 twice this weekend at almost no cost; in fact, had I chosen to the traditional 2-D format instead of 3-D, they would have been free!

Many people have asked my opinion on the film and I’ve struggled to accurately describe how fantastic the 103-minute feature is. I think my best attempt was a tweet I sent immediately after the film:

Thank you @leeunkrich and the gang at Pixar: Toy Story 3 was absolutely perfect! I simply could not have asked or wished for anything more!

Toy Story 3 made me laugh and cry; it made my pulse beat faster during the tense and exciting scenes. It tugged at my pullstring, umm, heartstrings. It’s clear after watching this film that the folks at Pixar aren’t just highly skilled animators, they are master storytellers!

Before seeing the film for the first time on Friday, I commented on Twitter “I’m sure Star Wars fans will kill me for saying this, but might Toy Story be the best trilogy ever?” As expected, I received some responses saying the franchise should have stopped after Toy Story 2 and that the Lord of the Rings trilogy beats Toy Story by a mile. However, after seeing the film, Ryan Wilson of the Main Street Gazette agreed that Toy Story makes it into his list of top three trilogies along with Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. It sure was great to know I wasn’t the only person who felt that way!

I don’t want to spoil the film for those who haven’t seen it (after all, it’s only been in theaters three days), but I’m going to share some thoughts about the film. If you don’t want Toy Story 3 to be least bit spoiled, bookmark this post and come back to it once you’ve seen it. There are possible spoilers ahead; consider yourself warned.

  • I loved that the opening scene was very much like the opening of Toy Story. It made me smile knowing that Toy Story 3 was going to be tied very closely to its predecessors.
  • I was saddened to see that some of Andy’s toys were no longer around, including RC, Etch A Sketch, Wheezy and especially Bo Peep (it was obvious that Woody really missed her).
  • It was great to see that Pixar included Sid Phillips in the film! He is in at least two scenes and is easily identified by his black t-shirt bearing a white skull.
  • I loved most of the new characters, especially Twitch, Trixie and Mr. Pricklepants. Lotso and Big Baby? Not so much.
  • Lastly, Disney’s decision to choose Lotso as the new character to have meet-and-greets in Disney’s Hollywood Studios really surprises me. From the movie’s trailer alone it was rather clear that Lotso was not a nice toy. I just can’t picture many children wanting to meet and hug him after they’ve seen Toy Story 3. I think Mr. Pricklepants or Dolly would have been wiser choices.

There you have it, my keep-spoilers-to-a-minimum thoughts on Toy Story 3. Of Pixar’s eleven feature films, it is definitely my favorite, with Up coming in a close second. If you haven’t seen Toy Story 3, what are you waiting for?! It should most definitely be the next movie you watch, so make a date to see it at your local theate

If you’ve seen Toy Story 3, what did you think of it? Is the Toy Story franchise one of your favorite trilogies? Where does the film rank among Pixar’s other films? Leave a comment and share your opinions!

Posted in: Films
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4

Windows on Main Street: Jack Lindquist

by Tim Weston on June 4, 2010 · 0 comments

Adjacent to Cecil Robinson’s window on Main Street, U.S.A. is a set of three windows dedicated to Disney Legend Jack Lindquist.

Windows on Main Street - 1 of 3

Windows on Main Street - 1 of 3

Windows on Main Street - 2 of 3

Windows on Main Street - 2 of 3

Windows on Main Street - 3 of 3

Windows on Main Street - 3 of 3

Together, the windows read:

Peterson Travel Agency
Reservations by Cable Anywhere in the World
Passages Boarded By Sea & Rail
“Exclusive Representatives for the Titanic”
Jack Lindquist, Purser

Jack Lindquist began his career with The Walt Disney Company when he was hired by Walt Disney in 1955 as Disneyland’s first advertising manager. He began his climb up the career ladder when, in 1965, he became director of marketing; seven years later he was named vice president of marketing for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Shortly afterward, in 1976, he became vice president of marketing for Walt Disney Attractions, and six years later, in 1982, he was promoted to executive vice president of marketing and entertainment for all outdoor recreation activities.

Later in his career, he was responsible for setting up the marketing division at Tokyo Disneyland, and he went on to become president of Disneyland in 1990. On November 18, 1993, Mickey Mouse’s 65th birthday, Jack Lindquist retired after 38 years with The Walt Disney Company and the following month he was honored with a window on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland. During his tenure, he helped lobby for the expansion of Disneyland (to include Disney’s California Adventure) and was responsible for leading a number of projects including Disney Dollars, Grad Nites and the Ambassador Program.

Posted in: Magic Kingdom
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3

Windows on Main Street: Cecil Robinson

by Tim Weston on June 3, 2010 · 0 comments

Continuing along the west side of Main Street, U.S.A., the next window dedication is in the cut-out of the Emporium that used to be West Center Street. This window is dedicated to Cecil Robinson.

Windows on Main Street - Cecil Robinson

Windows on Main Street - Cecil Robinson

The window reads:

Robinson’s Repairs
No job too large or… too small
Restorations and Renovations
Cecil Robinson, Proprietor

According to some information I found about Robinson, he worked in Walt Disney World’s finance division for ten years and was the head of accounting. From there, he went on to become vice president of Facility Services.

I also found that there is a Cecil Robinson who resides in Windermere, FL, a town roughly ten miles away from Walt Disney World. If this is the same Cecil Robinson (which I’m guessing it is), he is currently a town council member and this the liaison for the Elder Affairs and Long Range Planning Committees and the Streets and Roads Department.

Do you know more about Cecil Robinson? Please leave a comment below and let us know!

Posted in: Magic Kingdom
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2

A Weekend at Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort

by Tim Weston on June 2, 2010 · 4 comments

Several weeks ago, I decided I’d spend my four-day Memorial Day weekend at Walt Disney World, so I went online to arrange my lodging. I checked the prices of Walt Disney World’s on-property resorts and prices were higher than I was looking to spend, even with my Annual Pass discount. As a member of Priority Club Rewards, I checked to see if any of the Holiday Inns or Holiday Inn Expresses nearby were more reasonably priced and I found an amazing deal: the newly rebuilt Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort had an advance purchase rate of $69.99/night (not including tax and the $10/night parking fee)! I immediately booked a room, as the price was fantastic, especially considering its proximity to Downtown Disney.

Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort

Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort

For those who aren’t familiar with this hotel, the Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort is on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, less than a mile off of I-4 and less than a mile from Downtown Disney. The hotel closed on August 14, 2004 after Hurricane Charley caused extensive damage to the property. The property reopened in mid-February 2010 after a lengthy, $35 million extreme makeover, during which the hotel was stripped down to its structure and completely rebuilt. As soon as I entered the lobby area, I could tell that the hotel had recently opened as it has a very modern look to it.

Holiday Inn Front Desk

Holiday Inn Front Desk

Holiday Inn Lobby

Holiday Inn Lobby

I arrived at the hotel shortly before 9:00 a.m. and was hoping I’d be able to get into my room right away so I could put my suitcase in the room, put some drinks in the refrigerator, etc. One of the perks of having Priority Club Gold Elite status is that I receive priority check-in which ensures that my room and key are ready when I arrive, and the front desk staff did not disappoint.  In fact, not only was I checked in, I was upgraded to a king room with a pool room; now that’s a great deal for $69.99/night!

Holiday Inn Tower and Restaurant

Holiday Inn Tower and Restaurant

Holiday Inn Pool

Holiday Inn Pool

Holiday Inn Poolside Seating

Holiday Inn Poolside Seating

After checking in, I went up to my room on the third floor of the six-story “wing” building situated parallel to I-4 (the resort also has a 13-story main tower with rooms on higher floors having views of Downtown Disney). The great thing about the wing building is that, even though it’s close to the interstate, all of the rooms face the pool, away from all of the traffic noise. I was quite pleased with my room, as it had a king bed, 32″ LCD HDTV, free wired Internet (Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and business center) a love seat, a rolling ottoman and a slick slide-out desk that saves space when not in use. And, as promised, my room had a great view of the hotel’s zero-entry pool. Since I wanted to make the most out of my time at Walt Disney World, I didn’t spend much time investigating the hotel and I quickly made my way to Epcot for the day.

Holiday Inn King Room

Holiday Inn King Room

Holiday Inn King Room - Bed

Holiday Inn King Room - Bed

Holiday Inn King Room - TV

Holiday Inn King Room - TV

Holiday Inn King Room - Sofa and Ottoman

Holiday Inn King Room - Sofa and Ottoman

Holiday Inn Pool - 1 of 2

Holiday Inn Pool - 1 of 2

Holiday Inn Pool - 2 of 2

Holiday Inn Pool - 2 of 2

The next morning, before heading out to Magic Kingdom, I checked out the hotel’s restaurant, lounge, game room, fitness center and business center; all were average to above average, but I was disappointed with the business center. I went in hoping to make an online ADR for dinner either at Magic Kingdom or one of the nearby resorts, only to find that the hotel charged guests $0.25/minute to use the computer and $0.75 to use the printer. I suppose I should have gone to the front desk to see why on earth they were charging guests to use the business center computers; instead, I was so shocked that simply I got in my car and headed to Magic Kingdom.

Holiday Inn Business Center

Holiday Inn Business Center

Holiday Inn Business Center Rates

Holiday Inn Business Center Rates

One of the hotel’s amenities that I didn’t take advantage of is the complimentary bus service to Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks. It’s a nice perk for guests, but as an Annual Passholder who gets free parking at theme parks and water parks, it’s faster for me to drive on my own than wait for the bus (especially since I think the bus is shared among the other Downtown Disney area resorts… don’t quote me on that though).

I was disappointed with a few aspects of my stay, some of which I’ve covered already but I’ll repeat here:

  1. Use of business center computers was not free
  2. Parking cost an additional $10/night
  3. In-room Wi-Fi was not available (this was especially surprising considering how new the hotel is)
  4. The setup of the bathroom was odd: a) there was a divider between the toilet and the sink and b) the toilet paper roll was placed too closely to the toilet
Holiday Inn Cramped Bathroom

Holiday Inn Cramped Bathroom

Overall, though, I really enjoyed my stay at Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort and I will likely stay here again, especially if I can get an amazing rate like $69.99. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World and want to stay close to the action but are put off by the high rates of Disney’s value resorts, the Holiday Inn Walt Disney World Resort is definitely worth looking into!

Posted in: Resorts
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Disney to Build Value-Priced Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

May 12, 2010

Late last night, the Orlando Sentinel reported that Walt Disney World plans to build a new value-priced resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, on the site of the partially-completed second half of Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Construction on this portion of Pop Century, originally to be called “Legendary Years” and span the years 1900-1949 (in [...]

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Windows on Main Street: Bill Walsh

May 6, 2010

Moving along the cut-out of the Emporium that used to be West Center Street, the next window on Main Street, U.S.A. is dedicated to Disney Legend Bill Walsh. The window reads as follows: Walsh’s Chimney Sweep and Pest Control Professor Bill Walsh The Bug Lover Cincinnati, Ohio Burbank, Calif. Bill Walsh, unable to serve in [...]

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Captain EO Returning to Epcot’s Imagination Pavilion

April 29, 2010

Yesterday, the Disney Parks Blog announced that Captain EO will return to Epcot on July 2, 2010, almost exactly sixteen years after its closing in 1994. For those unfamiliar with the attraction, Captain EO is a 17-minute 3D film starring Michael Jackson and directed by Francis Ford Coppola that was shown in the theater currently [...]

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2010 “Eat to the Beat!” Concerts Announced

April 23, 2010

Yesterday, the Disney Parks Blog announced the lineup for the Eat to the Beat! concert series for the 2010 International Food & Wine Festival, held October 1 through November 14. Each artist performs three sets a day at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. at the American Gardens Theatre, directly across from the American Adventure pavilion [...]

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