Walt Disney World from an Outside Perspective

Today we’re taking a different look at Walt Disney World. One that is mostly for newcomers to the Resort, but it can be read by all. We are taking a look at Walt Disney World from an outside perspective – why those who aren’t fans dislike it so much.

“Disney World is for kids. Why would any adults have fun or want to go there?”

Well actually that’s a good question. I don’t blame anyone for asking this, because if you rarely go and don’t know much about it, that’s what you’re forced to assume. And it’s not like that at all. Disney isn’t just for kids – it’s for children, teens, adults, and even elderly folks! (Well, at least most parts.)

So really by saying this you’re not giving Disney enough credit for what they have. I think they’ve worked extremely hard and succeeded at having a land that everyone can enjoy. What’s here for adults you ask? Well, here’s just a little list:

• American Idol Experience
• Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster
• Tower of Terror
• Downtown Disney
• World Showcase

That’s just to name a few. There’s plenty other attractions, areas, restaurants, and overall fun for adults in the Resort.

VIDEO: Part II of my answer comes in the form of a video. Not one I made, but one by the comedian and bad driver Tim Babb.

Click here to watch Tim explain why it’s fun for adults to go to Disney as well as what the founding principles were for the company.

Comments? I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you like Disney World? Do you get criticized for it? Maybe you’re one of those who criticizes it! I’d love to hear from you too. All thoughts are welcome in the comments!

Photo by Joe Penniston

Disney’s Awesome Things #3: Jumping in Line Right Before Closing Time

#3Whether you like it or not, Walt Disney World is full of waits. Sure, if you’re an expert of the parks like me you can weasel out of a few ride waits, but there’s no getting around it: we’re stuck in line most of our trip.

Imagine it’s your last day of vacation in the Resort. The whole family is sad (well, at least most of them) and you’re running out of time to do stuff. Sure the park is fairly empty, but what is there to do? You walk towards the exit in a depressed state. But wait, there’s hope!

The park closes at 1:00 AM – what time is it now? Exactly 12:59 AM. Your family now happily runs like maniacs to their favorite ride nearby. Sure you have to get up early the next morning, but who cares? This is a passport to your favorite ride with no wait, no people, no noise, and no crowds.

I’ll let you go – it’s not time to enjoy your last moments in the park.

Photo by Joe Penniston of Splash Mountain’s queue

Why Stitch’s Great Escape is Actually a Good Attraction

WHAT? Yes, you read the title right, this post is all about why Stitch’s Great Escape! is really a perfectly good attraction – despite what the crowd is saying.

Right when fans heard that Alien Encounter was going to be replaced by a tamer, more gentle version with Stitch, people immediately grew cold and turned against the idea. I think Stitch deserves the chance to be accepted. Here’s why it’s not really a bad attraction:

STORY LINE: You have to admit, the story line really isn’t bad at all. It supposedly takes place before the Stitch series and movies, when the Galactic Federation captures Stitch for the first time. Nothing I see here makes me dislike the attraction.

EFFECTS: I’m an effects geek, and this attraction has plenty for me to enjoy. The lighting work is phenomenal. The laser cannons, smoke effects, water effects, and more are all amazing enough to see the show just for that.

ANAMATRONICS: The two anamatronics in the pre-show (make that three) are very life-like. Especially Skippy, are easily frightened robot that gives us the quick lowdown. Also the alien that is transported before our eyes into the tube is very realistic – especially the transition period.

STITCH: Here’s the other anamatronic. Stitch is the most advanced audio-anamatronic ever produced by Walt Disney Imagineering (excluding President Obama). He walks realisticly, moves, talks, and even spits. He’s so lifelike one must wonder whether this is real or not.

THEMING: It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Disney theming. And this attraction has plenty of that. The music, lighting, doors, walls, logos, and details all give a more realistic touch to the Stitch experience.

As you can see, all the elements mentioned above are completely posotive for the attraction. So now tell me – do you like the attraction? Why do people dislike it so much? If I get enough feedback I may make a post full of your comments on why it’s a bad attraction, so be sure to share your thoughts!

Photo by Joe Penniston

Disney’s Awesome Things #2: Strolling Through an Empty Park

#2Here’s today’s schedule. You walk, wait, and ride. Over and over again. And the excessive crowds squishing and trampling you aren’t helping. After an intense day at the parks, a little breathing room is needed!

But don’t worry, all that hard work will be rewarded because many late nights – even some stretching into the next morning – will be packed with pure crowdless fun.

That’s right, it’s time to skip happily through the empty streets and queues because you’re the only one here. While most other sane people are in beds sleeping, you can ride your favorite attraction ten times in a row, only getting weird looks from the cast members.

Relax and take it all in as you slowly walk listening to the louder-than-normal themed background music echo through the empty pathways.

You’re free to dance, skip, jump, and stretch to your heart’s content because it’s simply awesome to stroll through the park’s empty streets and areas without worrying about other people. Congratulations, you now own the place.

Photo by Communicore82