Saturday, November 29, 2008

A Quiet Moment and a Parting Glance

There are those of us who are in Walt Disney World often enough that we have developed our little traditions. They are traditions such as what park we must visit first, what we have to ride first, and yes, what food we have to eat sometime during our stays. These are our traditions and they vary from one person to another, but still, they are our traditions.

For me, the “exiting” traditions are of equal importance. They play as big a role in our Disney experience as the “entering” and “during” traditions.

In time we may share the “entering” and “during” traditions. But for now I want to share how I prepare myself for the journey home.

My tradition is that I will spend my last evening in the parks in Epcot. The park holds a special place for me. It was in Epcot that my passion for Disney was reignited. The World Showcase at night takes on a somewhat mystical quality to me. Illuminations, both the current version and the pre-millennial versions are sensory masterpieces. Then there is Spaceship Earth standing there as an icon to tomorrow. It is these images, and the emotions they conjure up, that cause me to be in this place at that time.

As I walk under the geosphere and make my way through the entrance plaza I begin to recall the wonder of the visit that I am just finishing and at the same time allow my thoughts to race ahead to the next. But just before I push through the turnstile and enter the “real” world, I pause, look back, and spend a moment soaking in this last image. I whisper to myself, “I will be back.” Then I turn and walk away.

One of the beauties of Disney is how it can affect each of us differently. That is part of the magic and this is an example of that. My exit tradition places me in Epcot, but it may be that Magic Kingdom, the Studios or Animal Kingdom holds that special place for you. If you feel compelled, please leave a comment and share your tradition. Whatever it is, it’s yours and it cements your memories until you walk through those turnstiles again.

More to follow…

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Where In The World

Alright then. I feel that enough time has gone by and most of you are as tired of the “scary monkey” as I am. You’re ready to move on and so am I. So, where do we find the elusive little primate? Our friend Doc Terminus (the other doc, or is that me, I can’t remember) wrote in with “Studio backlot? City street?” And yes, this is correct!

The photograph was taken on New York Street. In fact, if you’ll browse the shop windows on the left side of the street as you’re walking towards Lights, Motors, Action, you may just spot the little guy. If you do, say hello.

Now, onto other challenges, and perhaps, this will be a little easier. Then again…
One hint – you’ll not find these furry friends on New York Street.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The WDW Radio Show

Mrs. Doc can attest that it wasn't long after I started The Disney Obsession and began making friendships (wonderful friendships I might add) that podcasts entered my life. My daughter sold me on the benefits of owning an iPod and prior to my trip to Disney this past April, I became familiar with a variety of podcasts. Mostly Disney podcast mind you.

In April, during the Disney's Animal Kingdom 10th Anniversary weekend I had the privilege of meeting a few podcasters. From then on I was hooked. I began listening as often as possible and began playing catch up with my more favorite casts. These little technological wonders are one way I stay connnected to the parks during these long breaks here in Tennessee.

Then, I thought, "You know, I would really like to be on a podcast." I dreamed about this, wondering what it is I could talk about. I thought there were a few conversations I could take part in, and in truth, I have already done so at times during my drives to and from work. Just me talking to my iPod going down Interstate 40.

Yesterday my dream came true. Well, one of my dreams anyway. I joined my friend Glenn Whelan on Lou Mongello's WDW Radio Show. With MouseFest 2008 less than 3 weeks away, we discussed the event from a veteran and rookie perspective. I am the rookie. How was it? I had a blast! Thanks Lou, I appreciate it buddy.


So, be sure to check out this week's episode of the award winning WDW Radio Show. I hope we share a little insight into MouseFest.

Oh, and as for other dreams, I dream of staying one night in the Walter Elias Disney Suite at the Grand Floridian. Okay, okay, one week. And, I dream of walking down Main Street U.S.A. with my grandchildren.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Un-official MouseFest Rocking Chair Meet

Here is the scenario...

You're going to MouseFest. You're in the Magic Kingdom on Thursday the 11th and you have your ticket for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. You have attended MouseFest 101 and the Kick-off Reception. The taste of your last Dole Whip is still lingering on your palette. You may also be just a little tired.

But wait, there is help.

Your friends at the Main Street Gazette and The Disney Obsession "invite you to relax...pull up a chair" as we proudly present, your rest. Yes, we invite you to be our guest at our Un-official MouseFest Rocking Chair Meet.

We'll meet at 6:00 p.m. on the porch of the Town Square Exhibition Hall where we'll hopefully find rocking chairs waiting. While we're there we will celebrate friendships by making new friends, creating new memories, and yes, having a bit of a rest just before the Christmas Party.

If you are looking for that little something extra to add to your already packed MouseFest schedule, then this meet is for you. We hope to meet you there.


Monday, November 10, 2008

Catching Up on Where In The World

It has been a while since we last checked in on our little fellow here. There have been some guesses as to where you might find this. But alas, there has not been a correct answer.

Until...

Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel on this particular edition of Where In The World. There will be a clue given later this week. For the clue, be sure to check out the Main Street Gazette over the next few days. My good friend Ryan will provide you a little inspiration. He may also show you a photograph he took of the ol' Doc here.

Afterwards, we'll get back to business.