Great video. I would love to see people react to these.
Tag: disney world
*WDW News Today* reveals a rumored update to Downtown Disney and it is impressive. I would completely approve of them going in this direction.
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The New Disney World Maps
As you might expect, they look similar but updated.
Speaking of Downtown Disney, there are new rumors regarding a major overhaul of the area. I really hope they do something like this to fresh the place up.
Watching this video makes me hungry[^fn1]. Also, it makes me want to go back to Disney World.
[^fn1]: My favorite snack would have been something from Ghirardelli. The custom treat from Goofy’s Candy Company, though, is something I did not know existed. I will have to give that a try.
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Patrick Rhone on Disney World
> Suffice it to say that I love it here. There is so much to be learned for sure. And I know I will have more to think and write about. But, most of all, my little girl is being filled with good memories that will last a lifetime and nothing can make me happier than that.
Another convert to the magic that is Disney World. I cannot wait to go back there.
The [New York Times had an article today](http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/business/media/at-disney-parks-a-bracelet-meant-to-build-loyalty-and-sales.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&) that outlined upcoming enhancements coming to Disney’s theme parks:
> Imagine Walt Disney World with no entry turnstiles. Cash? Passé: Visitors would wear rubber bracelets encoded with credit card information, snapping up corn dogs and Mickey Mouse ears with a tap of the wrist. Smartphone alerts would signal when it is time to ride Space Mountain without standing in line.
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> Fantasyland? Hardly. It happens starting this spring.
> Disney in the coming months plans to begin introducing a vacation management system called MyMagic+ that will drastically change the way Disney World visitors — some 30 million people a year — do just about everything.
This is something I have been anticipating for years[^fn1], and I am excited to see how Disney implements these changes. Part of the process will be a new “MyMagic+” experience that includes a website, a mobile app, and RFID bracelets:
> MyMagic+ will allow users of a new Web site and app — called My Disney Experience — to preselect three FastPasses before they leave home for rides or V.I.P. seating for parades, fireworks and character meet-and-greets. Orlando-bound guests can also preregister for RFID bracelets. These so-called MagicBands will function as room key, park ticket, FastPass and credit card.
It sounds like a really impressive ecosystem[^fn2]. Of course, such a drastic change will probably result in a changed experience for Disney’s guests. [The Disney Blog gives a pretty good analysis](http://thedisneyblog.com/2013/01/08/mymagic-nextgen-rollout-questions-answer-and-more-questions/) of what this new experience probably will probably be like:
> What’s probably going to happen is that the top 2 or 3 attractions for each park will essentially be ‘pre-booked’ by MM+. That means you’ll have to arrive at rope drop for any chance of day-of FP if you want to ride those, but the lower-tier FP attractions will benefit with faster standby and more availability for day-of FP. This is because the 3rd and 4th MM+ reservations will be for shows and parades for the most part.
On the plus side, that could mean I finally get to go on *Soarin’* for the first time in about 4 years[^fn3].
I look forward to more information as the new MyMagic+ system rolls out.
[^fn1]: I assumed it was inevitable once the Fastpass system was started
[^fn2]: For a fuller breakdown of the technology, check out [Skitch Kingdom’s breakdown of a recent Disney Patent Application](http://www.stitchkingdom.com/disney-nextgen-entitlement-58144/)
[^fn3]: Seriously, I have not seen a Fastpass return for this ride that was within 4 hours of when I went to pick it up.
> Disney once said that “Disneyland would never be completed as long as there’s imagination left in the world,” and he created Walt Disney Imagineering (formally known as WED Enterprises) in order to hold true to that principle. Founded in 1952 to oversee the creation and construction of Disneyland Park, the Imagineering team is now responsible for designing and building all Disney theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and other entertainment ventures.
I am glad that the vision for continued grow based on imagination is still present through Disney, especially at their theme parks.
I am looking forward to visiting over Christmas. Of course, I imagine it’s going to be an absolute zoo.
I am really interested to see how this comes together.
I’m not sure when my next trip to Epcot will be, but I am looking forward to trying this out. Also, maybe it will help reduce the line at *Soarin’* to under 3 hours.
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What to do with Downtown Disney?
I wish Disney would make Downtown Disney that fun, nighttime spot it used to be. Mostly, I wish they would re-open the Comedy Warehouse. My family and I would go to 2-3 shows a night there, for at least 3 nights, whenever we went to Disney World.
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A Look at Disney’s New Fantasyland
Really well done. If the actual attraction is half as nice as the website, it is going to be amazing.
I’m looking forward to this.
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New Nightly Show at Magic Kingdom
Looks pretty cool.
I know I am looking forward to this, but I bet Elyssa *cannot wait* for it to open.
I always thought it was a strange fit for Disney World anyway.