Pins, Presidents, and Pirates
May 4th, 2007 Issue #7 Subscribership: 207
The Happiest News on Earth
http://www.freewebs.com/mousehousenews
Established March 2007
From the Editor
I see that you've all come back for more Mouse House News! I apologize that this issue made its way to your inbox a little later than usual. I was off receiving my Masters degree today and Mickey and the gang sort of got pushed to the sideline. Nevertheless, it 's good to see you now and welcome to Issue #7!
Speaking of the news . . . issue seven . . . let's get to it!
I was wondering if you were looking for a section of MHN that deals with teens and the World. I just turned 18 this past week and I know the way teens think. If so I'd gladly do a section.
Johnmark Mckethan
We took Johnmark up on his offer to infuse a little more teen into MHN. While we don't have a whole teen section, we will be calling on our contributors to offer that unique perspective on all things WDW. Check out this issue's Mousellaneous for instance.
Pin trading has been a big part of the Disney vacation experience since October 1999. While other collecting fads such as Beanie Babies have gone by the wayside, Disney pin trading is as popular as ever. Whether you're a ten year old child or a pin shark, pin trading is an important part of you're vacation. Sometimes it can even go beyond you're vacation.
When pin trading was introduced, it was intended to only last through Walt Disney World's millennium celebration. However, long before the celebration ended, it was decided that pin trading would become a permanent part of WDW. Over the last eight years, many cast member has worn lanyards full of pins to the delights of every trader, and the cash registers around the world have a hard time staying closed. The money generated throughout the resort has been phenomenal, topping sales of all other merchandise combined. So what is it that makes this trading so addicting? No one really knows.
I spend most of the year in Orlando, but I also spend a lot of my time in New York, very close to Fifth Avenue's World of Disney store. On the first Saturday of every month, the store hosts a pin trading event. Here, at least a hundred guests meet to trade pins with cast members and each other. The event shows the true power of Disney marketing, proving that Disney has the amazing ability to promote anything to anyone, anywhere. People who have never even been to a Disney park come in with bags full of pins, even though a majority of the traders make multiple trips a year to Disney locations across the globe. It is almost embarrassing for me, when I live in Orlando and spend about $500 on pins a month, to have collections smaller than the New York natives. But how do they do it?
Well, it's to no surprise that the internet is to thank. The online trading database known as Pinpics has given traders everywhere the chance to trade pins, no matter how far they are from a Magic Kingdom. Even I have taken advantage of the site's fantastic system and have no complaints about the workings of the system. However, sometimes people rather trade in person. This September, Disney will host its annual major pin event at Epcot. The event brings thousands of traders from around the world to WDW. It is the pinnacle of the pin trading experience.
I am often asked, why I collect Disney pins. I give the same answer that I give for why I visit WDW so much: It's fun. I often find myself going to a park just for pins, not going on a single attraction. It keeps a place I see almost every day fresh and new. While I don't think my love for WDW would be any less with the absence of pin trading, it has definitely helped me to better enjoy my days in the parks. Pin trading is now perhaps as important as the attractions, it is an extension of the world class service Disney is famous for. The greetings you get from cast members every day and the courtesy they provide in wearing a lanyard full of heavy metal pins is what we expect from Disney. The friendships made can last a lifetime, and certainly enrich the lives of all who participate.
Theme Park Notes
As always, staff reporter, Adam Dworkin, brings us all the latest news from the parks.
Epcot Under New Management
Brad Rex, Vice President of Epcot, began his tenure with the park in 2001. He stepped down last week, taking an executive position with Hilton Grand Vacations Company.
Reactions to Rex leaving Disney are mixed by fans and press sources alike. He was well known for his interview with AllEars.net where he said there would be no official 25 th anniversary celebration of Epcot this fall. Many Disney fans were offended by this lack of support to their favorite park, and subsequently piled the failures of Epcot on Rex's broad shoulders.
All cast members I have heard from will miss Rex. Many remarked on his praise of the hard workers, even working at lower-level jobs in the park.
There is speculation that Brad being "pushed out" is only the first step in a major restructuring of the management of the parks. This may take the park in a new creative direction or this may be a response by upper management to keep their current vision intact. Either way, this marks the end of an Epcot era where many new attractions were added to the park.
Jim MacPhee, current VP of WDW park operations, will be filling the position temporarily.
Japan Honours Children
Epcot's Japanese Pavillion hosted a Children's Day Event today, Saturday, May 5th. From 11am to 5 pm, children could go to Japan for a pin trading experience and discover a bit of the Japanese culture. Families were also given the opportunity to learn to make a "koinobori", or carp kite, as well as an authentic paper samurai hat!
One More Animal for the Kingdom
This is probably one of the biggest new additions to the Animal Kingdom in some time! Mayo, our resident elephant mother, is expecting again. Through artificial insemination, Mayo is due on July 4, 2008! Three other elephant calves have been born in the Animal Kingdom since 2003, helping the natural environment and nature preserve AK is striving to maintain. Look for them as you ride through Africa on the Kilimanjaro Safari!
Mouse House Eats
Pirate Restaurant
Looks like pirates are taking over Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom! Rumour has it that a new pirate-themed restaurant will be opened in early 2008. This dining experience is supposed to be filled with characters like Captain Hook and Captain Jack Sparrow. This sounds like a swashbucklin' good time!
A new website has come on the scene that offers recipes to popular dishes and snacks served throughout Walt Disney World. WDW Recipes - http://www.wdwrecipes.com – is sure to be a hit for WDW fans or foodies alike. Surf on over and serve up some tonga toast!
Resort Clips
Mayan Adventures
A huge Mayan pyramid is the centerpiece of the main pool area called "The Dig Site". The pool is incredible but the slide isn't as thrilling as some of the other slides at WDW. Also, there is a poolside bar, the largest hot tub on property, a beach volleyball court, and a playground. There are three other pools at CS.
The dining here is lacking. At the Pepper Market, a food court-style eatery, you are seated by a hostess and given a card to charge food to from the various stations. This sounds like a really good idea but it's a hassle when you want to grab a snack. A better dining option is the Maya Grill for its great atmosphere, decent food, and reasonable prices.
Coronado Springs isn't one of the World's most popular resort but try it out! You may be pleasantly surprised like I was.
As a result of guest complaints, this week Walt Disney World announced that all Disney-owned and operated hotels will become smoke-free on June 1st, 2007. The no smoking policy applies to all guest rooms as well as patios and balconies. (This includes Disney Vacation Club accommodations.) Each resort will provide designated smoking areas outside. Smoking will continue to be prohibited in lobbies, restaurants and non-designated areas in the theme parks.
Mousellaneous News
Many parents of teenagers
automatically assume that their teens won't enjoy Walt Disney World.
That can't possibly be further from the truth. If this is your
teenager's first trip to the World then use some of these tips.
Spend your first day at Disney-MGM
Studios. Begin with Rock N' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror.
Visiting these attractions first will show any guest that WDW is not
just for kids. After spending half a day at MGM, enjoy some shopping
and entertainment at Downtown Disney. Be sure to return later to the
Studios for Fantasmic!
Experience the parks in this order:
MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom (Expedition Everest first), Epcot (Soarin'
or the Test Track and Mission: Space first), and top it all off with a
magical day at Magic Kingdom.
If your teenager is the only child
going on this trip, consider letting them bring a friend along. They
are more likely to enjoy themselves with someone their own age.
I guarantee that teens will love WDW if you do a couple of the things that they want to do. Don't stick to closely to schedules. Remember that this is a vacation and you will make memories that will last forever.
Some Latin Flair
When it comes to creating wonderful memories for special celebrations, Walt Disney World is the place to go. WDW is now offering specially-planned packages for Quinceañera parties. A Quinceañera is a traditional coming-of-age celebrations for 15 year old Hispanic girls. If a family choices to through such a party for their daughter Disney-style, it may run them between $1800 and $20,000. (A little extravagant, perhaps?) The venues for such events range from ballrooms to more intimate locations in the resorts to unique locations at Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot.
This new program was launched May 1st with a special party for fifteen girls which will be broadcast on the Univision Spanish language network on May 28th.
Le Film Pour Mes Amies
Disney's latest animated feature hits the big screen on June 29th, 2007 as Remy the rat works at his dream to become a chef. While we'll have to wait to enjoy the delights of find French dining, Disney has posted a trailer for this soon-to-be classic that lasts a full nine minutes! View Ratatouille online at http://disney.go.com/dxd/index.html?channel=54001&transitionURL=swfs%2Fintros%2Fdxd_intro_movies.swf&contentPlayerID=dxd_vid_player .
We need your help staying on top of the WDW-related news. Send your news tips to us! E-mail us at mousehousenews@gmail.com with "NEWS TIP" in the subject line or contact us through our website: http://www.freewebs.com/mousehousenews .
Each entry is rated on a numerical system. The rides have a child, adult, and general "thrill" rating, which is very useful for those looking to avoid those heart-pounding experiences. A small, concise blurb follows ratings, a short paragraph comprised of quotes from surveys strung together into a coherent opinion. There are only small 2-3 page sections on real tips, costs, and inside information. This makes it a good low-weight resource to carry around the parks but offers no unique insight on how to approach the parks for the first-time or amateur visitor.
The most fascinating part of the book is the statistics. For example, 48% of surveyed guests still prefer the Magic Kingdom, and Summit Plummet ranked among the highest of all Disney attraction in pure thrill rating. At a list price of about $16, the Insider's Guide is a fun read, and gives the real fan a look at what others think of their favorite attractions and pastimes in the World. For newcomers, it can only be used in conjunction with a more comprehensive book like the Unofficial Guide or Passporter to really get the most out of the Disney experience.
The Mouse Vault
April 28 1997 The
restaurant in Walt Disney World's Cinderella Castle is renamed
Cinderella's Royal Table. Although originally called King Stefan's
Banquet Hall, King Stefan was actually Sleeping Beauty's father, not
Cinderella's!
April 29 2000 Actor Michael J. Fox pays a visit to WDW to add his hand prints to the Disney-MGM Studios collection.
April 30 1982 Actress Kirsten Dunst, who appears in the 1997 TV movie Tower of Terror, is born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.
May 1 1989 Disney's
fifth theme park, Disney-MGM Studios, opens to the public. Although it
rains throughout the day, the park is packed. It is the largest opening
day press event in Disney World history. Attractions in the park
include Walt Disney Studios Animation Studios, Great Movie Ride,
SuperStar Television, and Monster Sound Show. Released this same day at
the Animation Studios is a 9-minute short titled "Back to Neverland," a
special film featuring Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams.
May 2 1964 Disney's
fourth World's Fair exhibit, "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln," finally
debuts in New York after weeks of technical problems.
May 3 1987 The Wonderful World of Disney airs the 1964 Disney classic "Mary Poppins," starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
Brian Kenyon compiles the final word which comes from you, the Disney fans. Last week we asked you which Walt Disney World resort is your favourite to stay at. You responded with:
Staff
Ali Sampson - Editor-in-Chief