And The Survey Says... 1000+

Interesting results. I haven't gone back to check, but I believe this may be the one of the few times in which every vote category received at least one vote. Great!

The question was, "How many photographs do you take during an average trip to Walt Disney World?" We received 22 votes on this question and the survey says that just over a third of those who voted take 1000+ on your average trip.

This is were I landed. There were two individuals (and I know that I know at least one of them) who come home with over 2000 photographs. I have had a few occasions when I would have counted myself among the 2000+ photographers and will perhaps again, but I usually fall in the 1000+ range. Looking at the other results, 3 people say they take between 1 and 199 photographs, 5 are taking between 200 and 499 and 3 are registering somewhere between 500 and 999. It is safe to say that with the digital age, a lot of people are taking a lot of pictures.

One result that I found interesting was the "I don't take pictures" category. We had one person who said they don't take photographs while in the park. And you know, that is okay. As someone who loves photography and who is forever after the "perfect" shot, I can't grasp the concept of no pictures, but I can appreciate it. I have come to a point now where I will sometimes leave the cameras in the resort room and enjoy the parks without the worry of a camera. Mind you, it isn't always an easy thing to do, but it has proven to be an enjoyable thing to do.

I do have question I would love to ask, but don't know how to create a poll that considers all the variables. The question is, and perhaps those who voted can post a comment to let me know what are your favorite subjects to photograph? I know some who are very good at photographing people, others landmarks, and so forth. I enjoy exploring the architecture of the parks and the colors of night. But how about you?

Now, for this weeks poll. It is pretty simple. How many times have you visited Walt Disney World? The choices are at the right.

And The Survey Says...

So how long has it been since I put up the last poll? A while no doubt. And I don't even have a photograph of the winning entry.

Actually it was February 20th when we asked the question, "If you could visit one park not on U.S. soil, which park would it be?" The choices were Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney Studios Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea and Hong Kong Disneyland. Eighteen readers cast their votes and the winner was, Tokyo DisneySea. It received 10 votes. Coming in second with 5 votes was Disneyland Paris followed by Hong Kong Disneyland with 2 and Tokyo Disneyland with 1. The Walt Disney Studios Park received no votes. Oh well.

I was one of the ten that voted for Tokyo DisneySea. From what I've read and seen in photographs, it seems like it is the most unique park on foreign soil. It offers attractions not available in this hemisphere, and that it enough for me. I will note that I have visited Disneyland Paris on two occasions; once during a holiday with my wife and once while I was working outside of Paris for a few weeks. The first visit was somewhat cold and rainy and the second was into a packed park. Oddly enough, during the years that I lived in England, I never made it into the park. To Paris yes, but never quite so far as Marne-la-Vallee. I want to go back!

Now on to a new poll.

As you may know, I love photography. I don't consider myself to be a good photographer as much as I consider myself to be a lucky photographer. But, of the things that I have been gifted with the ability to do, this is one area that I wish to focus on (no pun intended) and become better at. I want to know what it is I am doing both artistically and technically, and not simply looking at a photograph I took and say, "Wow, that turned out good." I have learned a number of things about composition and such, and I have also learned that you need to take a lot of photographs in order to get the right photograph. To that end, here is this weeks question.

How many photographs do you take during an average trip to Walt Disney World? The choices are: 1 - 199, 200 - 499, 500 - 999, 1000+, 2000+, or I don't take pictures. We'll look at the answers next Sunday.

In the words of Peter Pan, "Here we go!"

And the Survey Says... Cinderella Castle

I wish I knew how many photographs are taken of Cinderella Castle each year. I wish I had a nickel for every one of those photographs. If I did, that would be...

Well, it would be a lot! It would certainly give me a down payment (and then some) on some property in Golden Oak. The Tuscan Village style home if you please.

So, if that were not hint enough, the survey says your favorite park icon is Cinderella Castle!

The Castle led this weeks voting by a huge margin. Of the 18 votes cast, it tallied 13, or 72% of the votes. Coming in second was the Tree of Life with 3 (16%) votes, followed by Spaceship Earth with 2 (11%) votes. The Sorcerers Hat received no votes.

At first I was a little surprised with the 2nd and 3rd place votes. Not so much that these two icons came in 2nd and 3rd, because let's just admit, nothing says Walt Disney World quite like the Castle, but the order in which they finished. I would have thought Spaceship Earth would have placed second, but then I thought, it is was it is, a collection of isosceles triangles. The variations of colors on the triangles will change with lighting, but still, it is still a collection of isosceles triangles. Now lest you think I am discounting Spaceship Earth, let me assure you, I am not. It is a favorite and I am going to ride the enclosed attraction two or three times during every visit. But, thinking over the 2nd place, there is so much involved in the Tree of Life that I can see the appreciation.

Now, on to this weeks poll. Turning our thoughts from Walt Disney World and Disneyland, let's look abroad. If you could visit one park not on U.S. soil, which park would it be? Would you visit Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney Studios Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, or Hong Kong Disneyland. I think this should be interesting.

Note: the poll will run for the two weeks, as next Sunday I'll be boarding the Disney Dream. I feel fairly confident that blogging will be a little far from my mind then.

And as always, please feel free to leave a comment on why you voted the way you did. I think it would be interesting to know why people choose certain parks for specific reasons.

More to follow...

And The Survey Says... Epcot

This past week we asked, "Which park do you traditionally like to spend your last evening in?" Through the course of the week fifteen people (including yours truly) participated in the poll and the survey says...

Epcot. But not by a large margin. The actual voting gave Epcot 8 votes (53%) to the Magic Kingdom's 7 votes (46%). The other parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom received no votes in this weeks match up.

My vote was for Epcot. When I fly to Orlando, which I do for most of my visits, I will usually my return flight as the last possible flight on my departure day. This means I can get some time in a park before the Disney Magical Express delivers me safely back to MCO. But, it also means the night before my departure day is my last night in the parks. And for that, I prefer Epcot! I must experience IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth one last time and have the opportunity to walk (very) slowly around the World Showcase before making my way to the entrance. I have to stop just before going through the turnstiles, with the Cast Members waving good-bye with their Mickey hands. I'll stop and turn to look at Spaceship Earth. I'll stand there for a few minutes soaking it all in one more time. Then quietly say, "I'll be back soon."

That soon may be a few weeks, a few months, or longer, but it is always as soon as I can manage it. It is a departure tradition that my wife indulges me in. Perhaps you have a departure tradition? Please feel free to share!

But that was my vote and my reason. Now let's consider a new topic for the week. Which is your favorite park to visit after the sun goes down? Looking forward to seeing how this turns out and to reading your comments about your favorite nighttime park.

And The Survey Says... Magic Kingdom

As I mentioned last week, there are times when you put out a poll and feel, with a good deal of confidence, it will turn out a certain way. This past weeks poll was one of those occasions. We asked, "Which park do you traditionally visit first?" And the survey says... Magic Kingdom!

This is the park entrance that 68% of you wish to see first; probably on a bright day filled with sunshine, and not overcast as when this photo was taken. Of the 16 people participating in the poll, 11 (68%) like to visit the Magic Kingdom first. Five people, or 31%, would rather walk through the turnstiles at Epcot first. And it seems that Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom are parks that can wait until later in the holiday.

Magic Kingdom was my choice. Although I count Epcot, and particularly the World Showcase, as my favorite park in Walt Disney World, I always wish to visit Magic Kingdom first. There is no single event that says "Welcome Home" quite as well as walking into the Magic Kingdom and down Main Street U.S.A.! Once I have done that, then the holiday can begin. With the few people who commented on their choice, it is much the same. There is that certain something about Main Street U.S.A. that exudes the sense of coming home. Mrs. Doc will be flying down to the World on 02.25 for a few days in the parks prior to the cruise on the new Disney Dream. We plan to meet friends for dinner at LeCellier that evening, but be assured, we will not set foot in Epcot until after we've experienced the magic of walking down that wonderful street and exploring the lands of the Magic Kingdom.

For this weeks poll let's look in the opposite direction. Instead of "which park you traditionally visit first", let's look at "Which park do you traditionally like to spend your last evening in?" Again, this may be predictable, but then, maybe not. I know my answer could very well change. And as always, if you'd like, feel free to leave a comment to let us know why you voted the way you did.

See you next Sunday.

And The Survey Says... Horizons

This is a survey that I thought would turn out the way that it did. What is not to love (and miss) about Horizons? It was a classic attraction in the tradition of Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. Every so often I'll pull out an old VHS tape of the attraction, or browse through YouTube to find video. And I can honestly say, I wish Disney would bring back Horizons. But that is not how I voted.

I voted for Journey into Imagination. As much I enjoyed Horizons, I enjoyed Journey into Imagination slightly better, and that, purely because the of Art Room. I have also heard it called the Dream Room or the White Room. It was the the room done mostly in white with light pastels and the primary focus was on various carousel animals. If ever I wanted an attraction to stop in a particular place, it was this attraction. This and over the city of London in Peter Pan's Flight. The music was happy. It was a wonderful part of a wonderful attraction and I miss it.

I also came very close to voting for World of Motion. It is Marc Davis! It was fun. It was whimsical and at the same time, informative. What I miss most about this attraction is CenterCore, the futuristic city at the attractions finale. I tried on many occasions to capture the city on film and video tape but without success; I could never get a good image.

But, this is just me. The people have voted and Horizons takes the prize. And it should really. The votes broke down like this. Of 18 votes cast, Horizons had 10 (65%), Journey into Imagination captured 6 (33%) and The Living Seas came in third with 2 (11%). Sadly, World of Motion and Communicore garnered no votes.

Now, on to this weeks poll. You are about to embark on a 7-day holiday in Walt Disney World. What is the first park you visit? And... I would really appreciate if you would leave a comment telling us why you visit a specific park first. I think there are number of very good reasons and we'd love to hear them.

Editors Note: If you have a good photograph of CenterCore, I'd love to have a copy!

And The Survey Says...

There are times when I think, why put up a poll when you think you already know how it will turn out? That is the case with this poll. I have a very good idea how it will go, but I am asking the question at any rate. There was a poll not long ago when I thought something would be a runaway and was pleasantly surprised. This could be the case here.

Onward with this weeks question. "Of these, which extinct attraction would you most like to see restored?" The choices are:

- Communicore (yeah, I know, it wasn't an attraction like the others, but I still liked it very much and miss it still)

- Horizons

- Journey into Imagination

- The Living Seas

- World of Motion

Okay, the poll is open. And feel free to comment on why you chose the way you did, or if you think something else should have been included. I know I may hear from a few Body Wars and Cranium Command fans out there.

And The Survey Says... Magic Kingdom

(Note: Sorry for the late update on the poll - fighting a very bad cold.)

A few weeks ago, when I thought I'd be spending my New Years Eve in Walt Disney World, I asked you, "The Few, The Proud, The Followers" of The Disney Obsession, to cast your vote for which park you would prefer to celebrate New Years Eve in. I thought it would be fun to see where people would like to be.

Myself, my plan was to be somewhere on the World Showcase in Epcot. There is going to a second showing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth on the 31st which will bear with it a New Years Holiday tag - maybe something a bit different than the regular Let There Be Peace on Earth tag. This is just speculation on my part. But I thought it would be special to be in my favorite park, with some members of my family, perhaps a few friends, and thinking that for that moment, there is peace along with the promises of the new year.

But, that was not how everyone felt and that is more than okay. No, the very slim majority of those who voted wish to welcome in the New Year from the Magic Kingdom. And, that would have been my second choice. Here is how the votes broke down. Of the twenty people casting votes, 10 (50%) would be in the Magic Kingdom while 9 (45%) would be somewhere in Epcot. One voter (5%) chose to be in Disney's Hollywood Studios and I know that person would every bit as much fun there as we would where we are it. Wisely, no one chose Disney's Animal Kingdom and that is a good thing. That park will close at 8:00 p.m. on New Years Eve. The animals need their rest for all the expectant eyes visiting on the 01.01.11.

"Let There Be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Let There Be Peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be!

With God as our Father, brothers all are we.

Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.

"Let peace begin with me. Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry breath I take, let this be my solemn vow;

To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally!

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me!"

And The Survey Says... MVMCP

Low voter turn out - just like in a mid-term election year. Honestly, I was a bit discouraged by this to begin with, then I thought, perhaps some readers couldn't vote because they have not been to either Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. And that is fair, after all, these are hard ticketed events and do not always fit into what could be a very tight budget. So I prefer to think that the reason for only 8 votes is for this reason.

The verdict? With eight votes being cast, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party garnered 2 votes (25%) and the winner with 6 votes (75%) is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

I was somewhat conflicted about this vote. The image of the Headless Horseman riding down Main Street U.S.A., the thousands of people in costumes (some of which are exceptionally good), and the promise of pounds of candy makes the MNSSHP a real treat. But for me, the thought of walking down Main Street U.S.A., an already magical place for me, with snow falling - well, that is special. It is, to me, one of those experiences that help to sum up what Walt Disney World is to me. It is taking an already magical place, and turning the volume up!

Let's move on.

In 14 days I'll be driving to Walt Disney World for the "Papa/Granddaughter Week" in Walt Disney World. It will be an incredible time! Yes, the parks will be more than crowded, but I don't care. I'll be with someone who brightens my life with a simple look in my direction. But I take this trip to help frame the question for this week. We'll be in the parks on New Years Eve. So my question to you is this, "Which park would you prefer to spend New Years Eve in?" Forget the crowds, just think about where you want to be, then vote. Choose from the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom. And if you'd like, feel free to share why in the comments.

I already know where I wish to spend the evening, but who knows, maybe my mind could be changed.

Note: I post about the upcoming trip in a few days - certainly before we leave.

And The Survey Says... International Flower & Garden Festival

Among the several conversations that take place at our home is one speaks to the question, "What are we going to do about our backyard?" It is a small fenced in space with a few trees and other greenery. Following a trip last October, in which my grandson and I visited Conservation Station, I came home thinking how I could turn the area into a backyard habitat. We already have a visits from squirrels, a great assortment of birds, and the pesky ground moles - why not enhance our little patch of land for their enjoyment and the enjoyment of other creatures who wish to stop by. Not the ground moles of course. Those guys have got to move on.

My wife fancies the idea of a somewhat "whimsical" approach to the space. Let's hang things from the fence, from the trees and place interesting pieces of objects de arte at various places. It is this thought, and an interesting one it is, that leads me to this weeks poll winner.

The International Flower and Garden Festival offers an amazing variety of ideas for any one's outdoor living space; be it large or small. It has been a few years since I have been able to attend the Festival (a situation I plan to correct in '11), but when I am there, I love exploring Future World and World Showcase for those items and ideas the "spark the imagination". And over several visits I have found a good number of ideas that I would like to employ in our back yard. Ideas, some of which, would no doubt land us in trouble with the neighborhood association. But I am drawing very close to pushing the envelop on this.

The voting broke down like this and, it was a fairly close race until the final days. Of the 15 votes cast the International Flower and Garden Festival received 8 votes, or 53%. The International Food and Wine Festival tallied 5 votes (33%) and the Holidays Around the World garnered 2 votes (13%).

I found this to be an exceptionally hard choice to make. I enjoy the variety of flavors that the Food and Wine Festival offer and the opportunity to learn of the various Christmas traditions experienced is very enjoyable. But, not to be missed, is the Candlelight Processional. My personal opinion, and it is one shared by a few readers, is that the Candlelight Processional is Disney at its best. It is perhaps one of the finest live events produced in any of the Florida parks. And yes, I often get emotional during it.

Now, on to this weeks poll. We'll take a monorail back to the TTC and make our way into the Magic Kingdom for our next question, which is, "Of these two, which is your favorite special event in the Magic Kingdom?" The choices are: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

So while you are here, just over to the right margin and cast your vote. And, feel free to leave a comment telling us why you voted the way you did. In fact, if you have a poll question you'd like to ask, let me know. I'd be happy to include it on an upcoming edition of And The Survey Says.

More to follow...

And The Survey Says... Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

"Of these Tomorrowland attractions, which is your favorite?"

- Astro Orbiter

- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

- Space Mountain

- Stitch's Great Escape

- Tomorrowland Speedway

- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

That was the question we posed last Saturday and 21 readers (including the editor) expressed their opinion. And the survey says... the Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover!

It was a very close vote throughout the week with the TTA edging our another timeless classic, Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress. The vote came in as follows: Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover with 9 votes (42%), Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress with 7 votes (33%), Space Mountain with 3 votes (14%) and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin with 2 votes (9%). The other four attractions garnered no votes.

It was great to see two classic attractions honored, especially when competing with a few others that offer a few more thrills and excitement. I suppose this says that you simply cannot discount the quality of the Carousel of Progress or the peacefulness of the Peoplemover. Each time I am in Tomorrowland I visit each; sometimes multiple times. With the Carousel it is a way of honoring the memory and genius of Walt Disney, knowing that he was personally involved in its creation and development. The Peoplemover is a way to relax and catch up with friends, as it is a favorite of many Disney aficionados.

Oh, and my vote, the WEDWay Peoplemover (a.k.a. Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover) celebrating its 35th Anniversary this past July 1st.

Now let's turn our attention to Epcot. We'll get to the attractions and countries in the weeks to come, but first, let's consider the festivals. This weeks poll will be a simple one in that there is only three items to choose from. The question is, "Which is your favorite special event held in Epcot?" The choices are the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Epcot International Food and Wine Festival or Holidays Around the World - Candlelight Processional.

Be sure to cast a vote for your favorite, and as always, you're invited to post a comment and let us know why a particular festival is your favorite.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned, there is more to follow.

And The Survey Says... Splash Mountain

The results are in and actually, I thought the vote would be a little closer than it was. I was expecting perhaps one to two votes difference, but after 18 people expressed a view on their favorite attraction in Frontierland, four votes separated first from second place. Here are the results.

Splash Mountain took top honors with 11 votes or 61%. A not too distant second went to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with 7 votes or 38%. The Country Bears or Tom Sawyer did not garner any votes; but then, did we really expect them to against such strong attractions. Of the two vote getters, I am a bigger fan of Splash due mainly to its story. It is a well told story in a well-designed attraction. The only downside, I don't like the getting wet part. That is why you'll see me donning a rain poncho prior to boarding; especially if the shooter are working near the first incline. It never fails that I placed at just the right place and the water is coming in at just the right angle to hit me. Sorry, just don't for it. So, with poncho Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.

For this weeks survey question, we'll pass through Liberty Square, since among the three contenders, the 999 happy haunts are almost a no-brainer. Although, there is something to be said for a journey aboard the riverboat. We'll head into Tomorrowland and ask the question, "Of these Tomorrowland attractions, which is your favorite?" We'll choose from:

- Astro Orbiter

- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

- Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

- Space Mountain

- Stitch's Great Escape

- Tomorrowland Speedway

- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover

- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress

And... if you'll forgive me, I'll abbreviate the names (where needed) in the poll. So, join in the fun and have your say; cast your vote. And if you wish, add a comment telling us why you voted the way you did. We'd love to hear from you!

And The Survey Says... Pirates of the Caribbean

Was there ever any doubt? Well, actually there was. Until about mid-week the Jungle Cruise held a slight edge.

You will recall that last week's poll question was, "In Adventureland, which of these attractions is your favorite?" And here is the breakdown:

- The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management - 2 votes (8%)

- Jungle Cruise - 9 votes (36%)

- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin - 0 votes (0%)

- Pirates of the Caribbean - 14 (56%)

- Swiss Family Treehouse - 0 (0%)

Both of the big vote getters are classic Disney attractions; both very popular and both with their respective loyal patrons. But on this occasion, with this group of people voting, the Pirates win out. But many of you still enjoy the back side of water.

Now let's take a walk past Pirates and move into Frontierland for this weeks poll. In Frontierland, which of these attractions is your favorite? Is it Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Country Bear Jamboree, Splash Mountain or Tom Sawyer Island? I foresee two of these four fighting it out for top honors.

Cast your vote!

And The Survey Says... Mickey's PhilharMagic

On October 23rd we asked the question, "In Fantasyland, which of these attractions is your favorite?" The choices were Dumbo, it's a small world, Mad Tea Party, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Mickey's PhilharMagic, Peter Pan's Flight, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel and Snow White's Scary Adventure. I must admit, as a huge fan of Peter Pan's Flight, I was a little surprised that it came in second. But then, why would everyone think the same as me in this? It is variety that make the parks magical and that is also true of all Disneyphiles.

So the votes are in and the winner was Mickey's PhilharMagic! A wonderful attraction and one that I always visit as I make my early morning way through Fantasyland. A great many fond memories there. Here is the breakdown. Of the 21 votes posted, the PhilharMagic counted for 10 of those, or 47%. Following in order were Peter Pan's Flight with 6 (28%), it's a small world and Mad Tea Party with 2 (9%) each, and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel with 1 (4%). Sadly, Dumbo, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Snow White's Scary Adventure did not pick a vote. So there you have it.

Now let's move onto another land and another poll. This week let pay a visit to Adventureland and consider the attractions there with this weeks question, "In Adventureland, which of these attractions is your favorite?" Is it The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management, Jungle Cruise, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean, or Swiss Family Treehouse?

The polls are open. Let us know what you think and if you feel like, post a comment and let us know your thoughts on your favorite attraction.

And The Survey Says... Wishes!

The results are in and the people have spoken! The question was asked, "Of these three nighttime shows, Wishes!, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, and Fantasmic!, which is your favorite?" And I thought it would be a tough question to answer; it is for me at any rate. But with 20 people voting, Wishes! was the clear winner receiving 10 (50%) of the votes. Coming in second was IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth with 6 (30%) votes followed by Fantasmic! with the remaining 4 (20%) votes.

I voted for IllumiNations. Although I believe that Wishes! has a much better variety of pyrotechnics and with the castle providing the canvas for the show, it is magical. But I prefer the story of IllumiNations and while they both stir my emotions, IllumiNations tends to be slightly more emotional for me. This is especially true when the score reaches the 8 minutes mark when the music slows and the crescendo builds. It is "the" moment for me during most any trip to the World ranking right up there with rides on Soarin'. They are emotional as well. But this is me. Saying all that, I will add that if I find myself in the Magic Kingdom, I will not leave until I've seen Wishes! I will not miss the child singing, "Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight" or hear Jiminy Cricket say, "It's the Blue Fairy!" As she says, I do believe "we must always believe in our wishes, for they are the magic in the world."

Now, to this weeks poll. In Fanstasyland, which of these attractions is your favorite:

- Dumbo

- it's a small world

- Mad Tea Party

- Many Adventure's of Winnie the Pooh

- Mickey's PhilharMagic

- Peter Pan's Flight

- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel

- Snow White's Scary Adventure

Quite a few to choose from isn't it? Be sure to vote and if you're up to, stop in and leave a comment on why you voted the way you did. I'll be sure to chime in once I cast my vote.

I'll be in St. Louis next weekend on a father/son road trip, enjoying some extended time with my son. We'll look at the results once I get back.

More to follow...

And The Survey Says... It's A 3-Way Tie

The vote count was down from the past two weeks, but a strong race for favorite land ensued. The race was so tight in fact that only 1 vote separates first place from last place, and there was a tie in each place. Here is the tally: Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland and Frontierland all tied for 1st Place with three votes each. Each land garnered 23% of the vote. Tied for 2nd comes Fantasyland and Tomorrowland each with two votes and 15% of the vote. Interestingly, Liberty Square found no support this past week. Perhaps this means that few, in any, Haunted Mansion fans read the blog, or, that attraction is not enough to lift the whole land to favorite status.

My vote? I voted for Main Street U.S.A. Nothing in Walt Disney World says "Welcome Home" quite like a stroll down that street. From the tunnel under the train station right up to the Partners Statue, the cares of the world fall away and I am a child again.

Now for a new poll. As night descends on Walt Disney World some people begin to anticipate the nighttime spectacular. Of these three nighttime shows, Wishes!, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, and Fantasmic!, which is your favorite? I know. This could be a tough one.

Chime in. Vote. Let your voice be heard. And... if you wish to comment on the reasons behind your choice, feel free to leave a comment here. We'll report the results next Saturday.

More to follow...

And The Survey Says... Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

It is time to update the poll of the week. You'll remember that last week asked the question, "Of these four, which is your favorite coaster? Is it Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith or Expedition Everest?" Twenty-six (including yours truly) voted and the results were rather close. But at the end of the day, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith took top honors. The results were:

- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad = 7 votes (26%)

- Expedition Everest = 7 votes (26%)

- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith = 9 votes (34%)

- Space Mountain = 3 votes (11%)

Though the vote was not a runaway, the attraction is, propelling you from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds making it the second fastest attraction in Walt Disney World. As you enter the first inversion you're experiencing 4.5g. Nice!

Now on to this weeks poll. Thinking about the Magic Kingdom, which of the six lands (I am not including Mickey's Toontown Fair as it is fading into memory) is your favorite? Is it Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland or Tomorrowland?

The results next Saturday.

And The Survey Says... Magic Kingdom

Last Saturday we asked, "You find yourself in the Walt Disney World area and you have one day to go the parks. You can only choose one park. Which one do you go to? Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom?" A cruel question, I know. I have been faced with the choice before and it isn't an easy decision to make.

My decision was to go to Epcot but more of you chose the Magic Kingdom. Here is the rundown:

- Magic Kingdom = 20 (55%)

- Epcot = 13 (35%)

- Disney's Hollywood Studios = 2 (5%)

- Disney's Animal Kingdom = 2 (5%)

We had 37 people (including myself) weigh in on the question. Is this catching on in The Disney Obsession?

Now, to this week's poll. Of these four, which is your favorite coaster? Is it Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith or Expedition Everest? Take the poll at the right and we'll check in next Saturday for the results.

More to follow...

And The Survey Says... Dole Whip

Last Saturday we asked the question, "Of these two, which do you prefer?" The choices were the ever popular Mickey Bar and the cold refreshing Dole Whip. Fourteen readers opined this week and the survey says, Dole Whip. Nine people (64%) chose the Dole Whip while the other five (36%) selected the Mickey Bar. Honestly, with these two, they are both winners. Now, to our next poll.

Here is the scenario. You find yourself in the Walt Disney World area and you have one day to go the parks. You can only choose one park. Which one do you go to? Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom?

The results next Saturday.

And The Survey Says... Jeremy Irons

We recently asked the question, "Of these three, who is your favorite Spaceship Earth narrator?" This being the first poll, the turnout wasn't great, but was enough to see a trend. Eleven readers, including myself, voted and 7 (63%) of you selected Jeremy Irons as your favorite. Four (36%) preferred Walter Cronkite, while Dame Judi has failed to endear herself to anyone taking the poll.

This week we ask a question that was popular on The Disney Obsession Facebook page:

Mickey Bar or Dole Whip?

Make your voice heard, take the poll to the right.