From: All Ears <allears@allearsnet.com>
Date: Jan 8, 2008 6:09 PM
Subject: [All Ears(R) Weekly Newsletter] January 2008 Walt Disney
World Bits and B
To: thomas@northwoodsgames.com
Hello Thomas!
Here's your copy of the latest ALL EARS(R) Weekly newsletter,
per your subscription request! Enjoy!
Deb Wills, Editor-in-Chief
AllEars(R) Weekly Newsletter
Sharing the Magic Worldwide
Walt Disney World News and Information
January 8, 2008 Issue #433
Established September 1999 Library of Congress ISSN: 1533-0753
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Here's what you'll find in this issue:
Feature Article: January 2008 Walt Disney World Bits and Bites
Tips of the Week: Making the Most of the Dining Plan; Snowglobes
and Security
News Bites: New Name for Studios Theme Park; Victoria & Albert's
Policy Change; Search Begins for Chief Magic Official; Toy Story
Musical to Debut on DCL; AirTran Expands in Orlando; Loose
Batteries Not Allowed; Southwest Airlines Baggage Allowance;
Dollar Offers
ALL EARS(R) Hears -- LETTERS FROM OUR READERS!
FROM OUR EARS TO YOUR EYES! What's New on AllEars.Net?
Mousy Mindbogglers: Brain-teasing Riddles about WDW!
Enjoy the issue!
Deb Wills, Editor-in-Chief
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FEATURE ARTICLE
January 2008
Walt Disney World Bits and Bites
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STEP BACK IN TIME
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Ever wonder what Walt Disney World was like way back when? Each
month we visit a time gone by in Walt Disney World history. This
month, we take a look more than 30 years back, all the way back
to January 15, 1975.
"In what was the greatest spectacular event Central Florida has
seen since the Grand Opening of Walt Disney World, Tomorrowland
was dedicated and Space Mountain officially opened in a colorful
extravaganza Wednesday afternoon. Just moments after Mickey
Mouse took a bow and said, 'Ladies and Gentlemen, we proudly
present... Space Mountain,' hundreds of red, white and blue
fireworks exploded in the sky over Tomorrowland with 50,000
balloons soaring upwards to the tune of a 2,000 piece marching
band..."
Robert Sarnoff, Chairman of the Board of RCA, and Donn Tatum,
Chairman of the Board of Walt Disney Productions, unveiled the
dedication plaque for Space Mountain. Along with the official
opening of Space Mountain was the official opening of the
Carousel of Progress and the Star Jets.
Space Mountain was the first computer-controlled thrill ride. In
addition, the side-by-side tracks had one of the first
computer-aided designs. Space Mountain actually originated in
the early 1960s when Walt Disney conceived the idea of a
high-speed thrill attraction based on the excitement of the
Space Age.
Did you know that Space Mountain is more than 180 feet high, 300
feet in diameter and took more than two years to build? RCA was
the first official sponsor of Space Mountain from 1975 until
1993, at which time Federal Express became the official sponsor.
During the 2.5-minute ride your space rocket travels up to 28
miles per hour!
Did you know Space Mountain was "flight-tested" by U.S.
astronauts and Russian cosmonauts?
Related Links:
Walt Disney World's Space Mountain:
http://allears.net/tp/mk/mk_space.htm
Disneyland's Space Mountain:
http://allears.net/dlr/tp/dl/space.htm
Lend us a photo or two:
Do you have photographs of Space Mountain during its early days?
If so, we'd love to see them. Please send them to
allearsnet@yahoo.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
HIDDEN MICKEYS ALERT
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys book and webmaster
of www.HiddenMickeysGuide.com, highlights the following
Hidden Mickeys for your next journey to Walt Disney World:
1. Several folks clued me in on a classic Mickey made of rocks
at the bottom right side of the manatee tank in The Seas with
Nemo & Friends pavilion. I've waited a while, as Hidden Mickeys
made of loose rocks have a tendency to disappear over time.
Hopefully, this one will stick around! (Thanks to Marty Murray,
Gilbert, Penny Beam, Mary Newell, Matt Freeman, and Michael
Steele)
http://allears.net/btp/hm197.jpg
2. Stop by The American Adventure pavilion and listen to the
Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps. As they march by, look for
the classic Mickeys on their drums. (Thanks to Sharon Dale and
Donna McMurrey)
http://allears.net/btp/hm196.jpg
3. Another cool rock Mickey is hidden in bushes in the Japan
pavilion. Search for an opening in the bushes along the far
right sidewalk, next to the Mitsukoshi store. These rocks have
actually changed appearance over the last few months, so I hope
the wonderful cast members keep this Mickey intact! (Thanks to
Sharon Dale, I & Y Sakurada, and Michele Moody)
http://allears.net/btp/hm195.jpg
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MOUSEFEST 2007
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
MouseFest 2007 is now history but the memories of this
incredible week will remain with us for a long, long time.
Starting December 2, 2007, nearly 200 MouseFest cruisers boarded
the Disney Wonder for four days of great fun and relaxation.
From a walking tour of Nassau, to meeting in the Cove Cafe, to
dressing like pirates, to decorating cabin doors -- a great time
was had by all!
On Thursday, December 6, 2007, the land portion of MouseFest
officially began with 780 voluntarily registering for the
events! Most meets were maxed to capacity as over 300 folks
attended MouseFest 101, over 260 safaried in Harambe, and over
800 attended the MegaMouseMeet.
Relive MouseFest memories with the AllEars team blogs:
Reporting on Land and Sea:
Deb Wills: http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/
special_disney_events/mousefest/
Linda Mac: http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/lindamac/
walt_disney_world/special_events/mousefest/
Reporting on Land:
Mike Scopa: http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/mikescopa/
special_disney_events/mousefest/
Barrie Brewer: http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/photoblog/
walt_disney_world/mousefest/
Steve Barrett: http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/stevebarrett/
special_events/mousefest/
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MONTHLY REMIND-EARS
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WDW Marathon Weekend - January 10-13, 2008 -- Visit
www.disneyworldmarathon.com [17] for details. The 2008 event
will again consist of a split-day format with the Walt Disney
World Half Marathon scheduled for January 12, 2008, and the Walt
Disney World Marathon on January 13, 2008. The marathons are
SOLD OUT!
Disney's Dreamers AcademyJanuary 17-20, 2008 -- with Steve
Harvey, an enrichment event with a special appeal for African
American high-schoolers, brings 100 teens from across the U.S.
to Walt Disney World Resort from January 17-20 for interactive
workshops, motivational talks with sports and entertainment
celebrities, and discussions led by Disney cast members and
executives sharing their blueprint for success.
Disney's Pirate and Princess Party returns to the Magic Kingdom
on select nights beginning January 21 through March 14!
http://allears.net/tp/mk/pirateprincess.htm
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Don't forget to check our Events page for current updates:
http://allearsnet.com/pl/events.htm
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Rehabs and Closings
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Playhouse Disney Live on Stage is closed January 3 - 27,
2008. An updated show featuring Mickey Mouse and Clubhouse
friends will debut on January 28, 2008.
Journey into Narnia is closed January 2 - May 23, 2008.
Fantasmic! will be closed January 28 - February 1, 2008.
Epcot
The American Adventure is closed January 7 - February 3,
2008. (Earlier reports set the reopening as February 18.)
The American Heritage Gallery, shops, and food and beverage
areas will remain open.
Spaceship Earth, presented by Siemens, has been undergoing a
number of changes over the last several months. The changes
combine the attraction's time-travel adventure into the past
with a new finale that provides guests the opportunity to
imagine their futures. Each of the ride scenes is being
enhanced, and new show scenes will be added to the
attraction's story, along with new lighting effects,
costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score.
Spaceship Earth's makeover is scheduled to be fully
completed in early 2008. The official reopening of Spaceship
Earth has been changed to February 18. Some folks have
ridden as part of the soft opening testing. http://
allears.net/tp/ep/e_spe1.htm [20]
International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception,
offered as part of the Grand Gathering Experience, will not
be offered from January 28 - February 10. The Odyssey
complex will be refurbished during this time.
Magic Kingdom
Minnie's Country House is closed for refurbishment January 1
- February 1, 2008.
Tony's Town Square Restaurant is closed for refurbishment
January 5 - 27, 2008.
Snow White's Scary Adventures will be closed for
refurbishment January 28 - February 15, 2008.
Splash Mountain will be closed from January 1 to February
15, 2008.
Tinker Bell's Treasures is closed for refurbishment from
January 6 - March 16, 2008.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
There is ongoing construction in the Lodge for conversion of
deluxe rooms to Disney Vacation Club Villas. Also there is
outside construction of a new animal barn and Disney
Vacation Club buildings. Construction is scheduled to last
through April 2009.
Boardwalk Resort
Boardwalk Resort Luna Park (themed pool area) rehab began
January 7, 2008. The pool area will be resurfaced and will
reopen February 16. While it is closed, guests of the
Boardwalk may use the Yacht and Beach Club's Stormalong Bay
pool. In addition, both non-themed pools at the Boardwalk
will remain open.
Caribbean Beach Resort
The themed pool, Old Port Royale, will be closed for
refurbishment between January 7, 2008, and mid-September
2008. Small, child-sized pool slides will be temporarily
added to the pools in the villages of Jamaica and Barbados.
Contemporary Resort
The North Garden wing has been demolished. The tennis courts
and playground are also gone. Rumors persist about either
family suites or a Disney Vacation Club resort; however, no
official announcement has been made.
Fort Wilderness
There will be no 9:30 p.m. show of the Hoop Dee Doo Musical
Revue on January 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and
30.
Grand Floridian
The Courtyard Pool will be closed from January 14 -
mid-February, 2008. The Beach Pool will remain open. Grand
Floridian guests may also use the Nanea Volcano Pool at the
Polynesian during this time.
Old Key West
Turtle Pond Pool and the Turtle Shack Poolside Snacks will
be closed for refurbishment January 14 - February 10, 2008
Port Orleans French Quarter
The Doubloon Lagoon pool will be closed January 28 -
mid-March, 2008. Riverside's Ol' Man Island Pool will be
open. Guests may also use Riverside's Alligator Bayou and
Magnolia Bend Pools.
Blizzard Beach is closed for annual refurbishment January 6 -
March 8, 2008.
Downtown Disney
Wolfgang Puck Express at Downtown Disney Marketplace is
closed for refurbishment now through Thursday, March 6,
2008. When it reopens, it will offer a new new menu, a
faster service and an expanded indoor dining area. The West
Side Puck location will remain open during this time.
Pleasure Island Hess Station will not sell gas from 9 a.m.
Monday, January 7, until 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, due to
the installation of new gas pumps. The store at this
location will operate 24 hours a day as usual,
uninterrupted.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Be sure to check our Rehabs and Closings page for periodic
updates:
http://allears.net/tp/rehabs.htm
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
DREAM LOVERS
WHERE ARE YOU?
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The Year of a Million Dreams, which began Sunday, October 1,
2006, has been extended through 2008, and as part of that
celebration Disney cast members are not just dispensing "dream"
prizes, but are also creating an unprecedented number of
"Magical Moments." These include guests being tapped to help
with the pixie-dusted opening of Magic Kingdom, getting the star
treatment at a celebrity-style handprint ceremony at Disney's
Hollywood Studios, or being named Official Wildlife Spotters at
Disney's Animal Kingdom. We have some reports of guests at Walt
Disney World and Disneyland receiving "dreams" from the Dream
Squad and some of these Magical Moments:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Susan G.: On our first full day at Walt Disney World with our
then 4-1/2-year-old daughter (her first visit), we went to the
Animal Kingdom where my husband insisted on taking the train to
the conservation station. I told him it was a major diversion
and I didn't want to embark on the train. I lost, and to my
surprise we actually saw two characters and got their
autographs. Rafiki and Jiminy Cricket both posed with our
daughter. "Not a total bust," I thought. Then we went back
outside to see a "talking trashcan." The operator of the can was
about five feet away with a microphone. He got my daughter's
attention and started asking a million questions. Everyone was
laughing so hard. The trashcan asked her if she ever saw a
talking recycling bin (we were corrected) and she told him that
at the Smithsonian in D.C. she had put her trash in a can that
said "thank you," but had never had an entire conversation with
one. It went on for about 10 minutes. Finally, after the
conversation with the recycling bin had finished, two cast
members at a refreshment stand asked for our daughter to come
over. They washed her hands with antibacterial soap and gave her
a free Mickey Ice Cream and said that she was chosen for part of
the Million Dreams Celebration. We got a lovely certificate. I'm
glad to say that if my husband had not convinced me to go on
that train ride, she never would have been picked. However, my
child's favorite memory of WDW is talking to a trash can... I
mean recycling bin.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The Litt Family: We dropped our two dogs, Belle and Jasmine, off
at the Animal Kingdom Kennel for the day. We were told that if
we came after park hours, security would let us in and check out
our dogs for us. We arrived at 8:30 p.m. and when the security
officer let us in where the animals are kept, there was a gift
bag with a Magical Moments tag on it sitting by the cage. Our
dogs were named Pet of the Day and in the gift bag was a
certificate and dog toys. What a great surprise to know even the
pets are included in the magical moments!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Amy Mitrenga: My 4.5-year-old daughter and I got on The Magic
Carpets of Aladdin ride in Adventureland. No sooner did we get
ourselves strapped into the carpet to wait for the ride to
start, do we see Jasmine waving at us. Next thing you know,
Jasmine is walking over to our carpet. Jasmine walks up to our
carpet and says to my daughter, "Hi, Princess! Can I share this
carpet ride with you?" My daughter Paige was so excited! Jasmine
got in the back seat of the carpet and the ride began. While on
the ride she asked my daughter her name and what "kingdom" we
were from. I think the cutest moment was when Jasmine asked
Paige how she got to the Magic Kingdom... camel or magic carpet
ride. Paige replied, "I came by the monorail." After the ride
concluded, Jasmine took my daughter's hand and led her over to
the photo area and introduced her as Princess Paige. It was an
AMAZING moment for my daughter! The PhotoPass photographer was
there taking pictures from the moment Jasmine walked over to the
carpet until the moment my daughter left the photo area. Truly
AMAZING!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Andrea DeYoung: On the last day of our trip, we were getting
ready to leave the Magic Kingdom. I had stopped to look at some
items at a cart by the entrance of the train station. A cast
member walked up to us, started to ask us some questions, and
then asked if we would like to meet someone. Boy, did we ever!
She took our names down and then we went inside a building. We
stood there for a few minutes and then we were allowed to walk
behind the curtains. It was Cinderella! We had a personal
meeting with Cinderella. What a treat that was! I hadn't gotten
to meet with her since I was 4 years old. She was as beautiful
and gracious as I remembered her to be. I think that was the
best prize of them all. I was walking on air for the rest of the
day.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
EDITOR'S NOTE: If the Dream Squad bestows a "dream" upon you, or
if you receive an official "Magical Moment," please let us know!
We'd love to hear what you won, how you were chosen, and don't
forget to send any photos if you have them! Email us at
allearsnet@yahoo.com
For more Magical Moments: http://allearsnet.com/tp/yomdmm.htm
For Dreams: http://allearsnet.com/tp/yomd.htm
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TIPS OF THE MONTH!
Diana Knight writes: My sister and I just returned from a
magical vacation at the World. We had the dining plan and (with
some planning) used our counter service dessert for our
breakfast the next day. (The counter service meal includes
entree, drink and dessert.) For example, we ate at the food
court in the Land. I had a sandwich and got a wonderful
blueberry muffin from the bakery as my dessert -- what a great
breakfast! Another day, we went to the bakery at the Boardwalk
for a counter service lunch and got a panini and a terrific
apple strudel as my dessert -- again, a wonderful breakfast.
With the "leftover" snack options, we were able to buy
prepackaged "goodies" to take home. This worked out great!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Kristen Filer says: We just returned from WDW for a wonderful
week at Saratoga Springs Resort. However, we were unable to use
all of our dining plan counter service and snack credits before
the last day arrived. We spoke with a cast member, Sandra, about
not wanting to lose them, nor wanting 10 breakfast platters. She
informed us that for a counter service credit you can do several
things. (This was breakfast time.) We used two counter service
credits for two breakfast sandwiches and two drinks, and we used
three credits for three packaged ham and cheddar sandwiches in
the refrigerator section with three desserts and three drinks.
The final five credits were used to make five continental
breakfasts -- one piece of fresh fruit, a pastry and a beverage
times five. This made the trip home easier as we didn't have to
stop for food along the way. This is a much better idea than
just letting your credits go to waste.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Julie reminds us: I just got back from WDW and wanted to let
everyone know the Department of Homeland Security does not allow
snowglobes through the security screening point or in the cabin
of the aircraft. This was printed on the bottom of our WDW
receipts.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Starting with this issue, our weekly Tips featurette goes
monthly. Look for a collection of tips every month in our Bits
and Bites issue!
Submit your Tips of the Month to: allearsnet@yahoo.com
And don't forget to check our searchable database of reader tips
http://allears.net/rta/tips.php
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NEWS BITES
Effective January 7, 2008, the Disney-MGM Studios was renamed
"Disney's Hollywood Studios." According to Disney, this change
"represents the park's growth from the golden age of movies to
the most exciting entertainment of today's movies, television,
music and theater" and more closely reflects the attractions and
experiences offered. Along with the name change, the theme park
will see additional enhancements in 2008. This includes the
debut of the interactive Toy Story Mania! and the new Block
Party Bash parade. New Disney Channel friends will be featured
at a revamped Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
As of January 1, 2008, the AAA Five Diamond Victoria & Albert's
restaurant at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa implemented
a modified age policy geared specifically toward adults and
older children ages 10 and above. While Walt Disney World Resort
caters to guests of all ages, Victoria & Albert's provides a
unique fine-dining experience. Out of the 98 full-service dining
options at the Walt Disney World Resort, Victoria & Albert's
will be the only restaurant that showcases more of an
adult-oriented atmosphere.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Holiday Surcharges are in effect March 16 - 30, 2008, at all
character and buffet dining experiences, similar to those
surcharges imposed during the recent Thanksgiving and Christmas
holiday periods. Meals will be priced a few dollars more than
normal during this timeframe.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
CareerBuilder.com today launched the search for the first-ever
Disney Parks Chief Magic Official (CMO) who will spread magic
during The Year of a Million Dreams. The search for the CMO is
part of the extended Year of a Million Dreams, during which more
than one million more dreams will be granted to guests at Disney
Parks. Beginning today, January 8, and continuing through
January 27, interested applicants can visit www.DreamCMO.com and
take the "Magic Aptitude Test" (M.A.T.) to see if they have what
it takes to be the first-ever Disney Parks Chief Magic Official.
Along with the results of the M.A.T., candidates will be asked
to show their Disney magic by submitting a 60-second video
resume online at www.DreamCMO.com. A panel of judges will select
the top 10 video resumes, which will be posted to
www.DreamCMO.com and voted on by America. The top three
vote-getters will take part in a three-day event at Walt Disney
World Resort that will test their creativity, enthusiasm,
knowledge of the Parks and magic aptitude. Throughout the
three-day event, candidates will be videotaped and the videos
will be posted on www.DreamCMO.com to be voted on by America.
The top vote-getter will be named the Disney Parks Chief Magic
Official, who beginning May 1, will help create magical
experiences for guests, participate in special events at Disney
Parks and meet Disney's real "masters of magic" -- the
Imagineers. For additional details, visit www.DreamCMO.com
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Disney Cruise Line will debut a new musical on the Disney Wonder
this spring -- "Toy Story-The Musical." This marks the first
time this popular Disney Pixar classic has been adapted for the
stage. "Toy Story-The Musical" explores the true meaning of
friendship as Buzz Lightyear and Woody transform from jealous
adversaries to best friends with an unbreakable bond. The show's
elaborate costumes capture the vibrant colors and playfulness of
the animated characters. Guests of all ages will delight in an
original collection of show tunes that retell the story in a fun
and energizing way.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
From January 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008, Florida
Residents can purchase a 4-Day Play ticket for the price of the
3-Day Play ticket. This applies to adult ($125) and child ($105)
pricing, as well as the hopper ($22.50) and Water Park Fun &
More ($25) options. The No Expiration option remains at $25.
This ticket expires six months after first use unless the No
Expiration option is purchased.
For more info about tickets: http://allears.net/pl/ticket.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
As of January 1, 2008, airline passengers are no longer able to
pack loose lithium batteries in checked luggage. The new
regulation, designed to reduce the risk of lithium battery
fires, will continue to allow lithium batteries in checked
baggage if they are installed in electronic devices, or in
carry-on baggage if stored in plastic bags. Common consumer
electronics such as travel cameras, cell phones, and most laptop
computers are still allowed in carry-on and checked luggage.
However, the rule limits individuals to bringing only two
extended-life spare rechargeable lithium batteries, such as
laptop and professional audio/video/camera equipment lithium
batteries in carry-on baggage.
http://phmsa.dot.gov/
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
AirTran Airways has announced they will expand their presence in
Orlando and build a permanent Systems Operations Control center
at the airport. The airline now operates 449 weekly flights to
33 nonstop destinations from Orlando.
http://pressroom.airtran.com
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
If you're planning to check your bags the next time you travel
Southwest Airlines, make sure you know about the changes to
Checked Bag Allowance. Starting January 29, 2008, you will now
be able to check up to two bags (up to 50 pounds each) for free.
A third bag, not exceeding 50 pounds, will be accepted for a $25
charge. Additional items or items heavier than 50 pounds are
subject to higher excess and/or overweight charges.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Dollar Rental Car Specials: Dollar is offering its Pass24
Prepaid toll service free through March 31, 2008, when you use
your American Express Card. Use code AXTL.
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ALLEARS(R)HEARS
EDITOR'S NOTE: Items we run in ALL EARS(R) HEARS are from emails
we receive from our readers, and are not necessarily confirmed
announcements from the Walt Disney Company. We run these items
merely as points of interest; they often contain speculation or
hearsay. If we are not able to confirm a piece of information we
receive from a reader by the time we go to press, we may publish
it in the ALL EARS(R) HEARS section to get feedback from others
as to whether the item has any foundation. For factual
information that has been confirmed or published by the Walt
Disney Company, please refer to our NEWS BITES section, which
generally runs above this section.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Many of you responded to last week's feature article regarding
giving back to cast members. Here is a sampling of your emails:
... from Anne Prianti: I got tears in MY eyes when I read Jean
and Steve Eldredge's maple syrup story. I work as a "lunch lady"
in a school cafeteria. Neither we, nor the custodians, are ever
recognized for anything! I can just imagine how wonderful that
little bottle of maple syrup made the custodian cast member
feel. On behalf of the unglamorous, invisible people everywhere
I'd like to thank the Eldredges for their thoughtfulness.
... from Christine: I was brought to tears and goosebumps this
time around reading the feature article by Jean and Steve
Eldredge and knew it was time I wrote. What an inspiration and
awesome idea to bring a little part of them to share with the
cast of WDW. It got me thinking of my family's upcoming trip
this summer. I will definitely bring something to share as well!
Thanks, Jean and Steve... and AllEars(R), too! A very Happy New
Year to you!
... from Caly: I just read Making Your Own Magic by Jean and
Steve Eldredge -- I loved it! At the end they write that they
could go on and on; please ask them to and then publish it. The
giving back is such a lovely gesture. We have had fun gifting
people with various things, but we've never gifted the cast
members -- what a lovely idea.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from Janice Dion: We just returned from our first Christmas
visit to WDW (December 8-16). I had read in a previous ALL EARS
(R) that the kids' meals had declined in quality. I definitely
found this to be true especially at counter service restaurants.
The choices were VERY limited -- and the sides at every place
were bland applesauce, carrots and celery, or purple grapes. A
chocolate chip cookie and fries could be substituted. My
children are very picky eaters but even they were tired of flat,
dry, tasteless pizza, extremely bland mac and cheese, and
Smuckers PB & J Uncrustables. Choices were better at sit-down
restaurants but still limited. We had the dining plan so
everything was paid for in advance, but much food was wasted due
to lack of variety and flavor. Our best meal was a reservation
made last minute for Boatwright's at Port Orleans Riverside. The
filet mignon was out of this world!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from Julie W. Ramirez: My husband and I read on your website
about the anniversary pins and since we were going to be in WDW
(December 19-29) just prior to our 25th wedding anniversary
(January 2) with the kids, we went to Guest Relations and picked
up our pins. It was a blast wearing them and getting
congratulations left and right! People had such wonderful things
to say, especially with the number of years we were celebrating.
We got a free drink at one restaurant and while eating dinner at
Cinderella's Royal Palace, we received two champagne flutes!
Everyone was so kind to us. We will have some great memories of
WDW and of this special anniversary and the two pins helped make
that happen!
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
... from AllEars(R) Team Member Linda Mac, who was roaming
around the recently renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios the other
day: The Studio Catering Company will close at the end of this
month to install fryers. All traces of the Flatbread Grill are
gone. They have replaced the kid's flatbread with mac and
cheese. I was told the sauce was made with cream cheese. The
Caesar wrap is now whole wheat instead and there's no more
quartered flatbread in the Greek salad. By the way, the dressing
is now olive and feta instead of lemon oregano. Over at the ABC
Commissary, there are no more Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry or
Tabouleh Wraps. An Asian salad has been added instead, and the
kid's stir fry has been replaced with a ham and cheese wrap with
lettuce, tomato and mayo.
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MOUSY MINDBOGGLERS
Sponsored by
Think you know Walt Disney World inside and out? This AllEars(R)
feature is designed to stump Walt Disney World enthusiasts. Put
on your thinking cap!
Most places frown on bringing pets
Inside while you are eating
But this spot's known for two lovebirds
That feature in its seating
You may enjoy the outside view
When you come for a bite
Whatever you choose when you dine here
You'll have a beautiful night
Which Disney restaurant is this and where do you find it?
Think you know the answer? PLEASE, please read our rules
carefully:
1) You must be an ALL EARS(R) subscriber. 2) You must be 18
years of age or older. 3) Only ONE entry per subscriber.
Multiple entries will result in disqualification. 4) All entries
become the exclusive property of ALL EARS(R) and will not be
acknowledged or returned. 5) Only ONE winner per household. If
you've previously won a Mousy Mindboggler snowglobe, please do
not enter again. Your entry will be disqualified. 6) Void where
prohibited.
Our complete Mousy Mindboggler rules can be found at
http://allearsnet.com/ae/mbrules.htm
TO ENTER: Send your guess IN THE SUBJECT LINE of an email
message to: mmindboggler@yahoo.com
DEADLINE: Send your guesses in NO LATER THAN 11:59 p.m.
(Eastern), Sunday, January 13, 2008. One email will be chosen at
random from the correct answers.
The winner of this week's Mousy Mindboggler will receive a
beautiful Disney snowglobe courtesy of Shontell Crawford and
http://www.dvcbyresale.com/
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The solution to LAST WEEK'S Mousy Mindboggler:
The Mousy Mindboggler went green and RECYCLED a few riddles at
the end of last year! This oldie but goodie was from more than
five years ago!
When you see me you'll wonder why
Gravity's laws seem not to apply
I'm made of good old H2O
Though I go against the flow
I'm not a figment, though he's near
Where mice and snakes cause cries of fear.
What and where am I?
The Imagination Fountain, whose water appears to fall *UP*,
found in front of the Imagination pavilion in Epcot's Future
World.
http://allearsnet.com/tp/ep/e_imag.jpg
Congratulations to Bill K. of Pennsylvania, whose email was
chosen from among about 355 submitted with the correct answer
this week. Bill will receive a beautiful Disney snowglobe
courtesy of Shontell Crawford and http://www.dvcbyresale.com/ --
a perfect year-round reminder of the Disney Magic!
Many thanks to all of you for playing!
----------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
The votes are in! Which AllEars(R) Photo of the Week was the
most magical in 2007? After tallying the 2000 votes, the 2007
Photo of the Week selected by AllEars(R) Readers came from
Christine Soroko. Congratulations to Christine, and to
runners-up Kelly Leger and Allen Barbee.
Do YOU have a wonderful photograph that captures the Magic of
Walt Disney World? Send it to us and it could be chosen as our
Photo of the Week! Each week we'll select one photograph that we
think best conveys that extra sprinkling of pixie dust, and
display it for all our readers to see. Send us your favorite
memories and let's see what "develops!"
http://allears.net/pw/pw.htm#guidelines
----------------------------------------------------------------
FROM OUR EARS TO YOUR EYES!
WHAT'S NEW ON ALLEARS.NET?
Picture This Blogger Lisa Berton submits photo updates for the
Disney Wonder Cruise evening shows, including: Dreams, Hidden
Mickeys, Hercules the Muse-ical and more.
http://allearsnet.com/cruise/g_wonder7.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
This week Wandering the World spotlights more AllEars(R) Readers
who have received Magical Moments courtesy of the Year of a
Million Dreams:
http://allearsnet.com/tp/wander/wander.htm
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
There's always something new at AllEars(R) Blog Central:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/
Mike Scopa focuses on getting ready for this week's WDW
Marathon:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/mikescopa/
Jack Spence blogs about the latest merchandise at WDW, a new
monorail T-Shirt:
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/jackspence/
Laura Gilbreath blogs about Disneyland's 70th Anniversary
exhibit of Snow White:
http://allearsnet.com/blogs/lauragilbreath
Picture This! Scott, Lisa and Barrie share their latest photo
tips. Every Sunday a new "Where in the World" photo game begins,
now with a monthly prize drawing!!
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/photoblog
Deb Wills concludes her report on MouseFest 2007!
http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Need an answer? Then read Anita Answer! This week, Anita answers
questions on if the Extra Magic Hour Parks are more crowded, if
Peter Pan's Flight is wheelchair accessible, the Western River
Expedition attraction, the evolution of the Disney Marketplace,
the location of the center of the World, and if Port Orleans
French Quarter is closing soon.
http://allears.net/aa/anita.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------
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Our website has more than 100 stress-free touring plans for all
four Disney parks, for parents, seniors and adults.
Use this week's code AEN0108M for 20% off the one-year
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(AllEars(R) Readers pay $6.36.)
Free samples at www.TouringPlans.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
ALL EARS(R) Archives: ALL EARS(R) feature articles through
December 11, 2007 have been archived. If you want to receive the
rest of the ALL EARS(R) news and other juicy bits of timely WDW
information, you must be a subscriber! Why not sign up now?
http://allears.net/ae/ae.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------
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(C)1999-2008, All Rights Reserved. RYI Enterprises, LLC.
RYI Enterprises, LLC owns and operates AllEarsNet.com, which
comprises Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney World Information Guide
and the AllEars(R) weekly newsletter(allears.net), and the
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AllEars.Net and AllEars(R) are not affiliated with, authorized
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Editor-in-Chief: Deb Wills
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