Is visiting Disney "worth it?"

Yep. Granted, there has been a lot of buzz the last few weeks about Magic Kingdom tickets crossing that $100 threshold (and Universal followed suit soon afterwards.) That's not chump change for most folks, especially if you have friends and family in tow.

If you are a purebred number cruncher, totally driven by a bottom line, you may struggle some with what I'll share. My contention is, when you compare Disney costs to other discretionary recreational costs, Disney shines.

Consider purchasing tickets for decent seats at a Broadway show. Or attend a professional sporting event. Yeah, you'll have to swallow hard and ante up.

But Walt Disney World? Consider the atmosphere, the attention to detail, the cleanliness ... Main Street U.S.A. is scrubbed down more than an intensive care ward. Think about the customer service - unparalleled. I'd contend that you could go in any of the four parks and ride nothing and still have a great time.When I consider the total package - the attractions, the music, the food, the characters, the unbridled joy - it's still a great deal. Combine that with spectacular resorts, crazy-good shopping, golf, sports, all that, and you have something special happening.

Of course, you're hearing from someone who has visited Walt Disney World 100+ times. I'm frequently asked, "Why do you keep going back? Don't y'all want to visit somewhere else?"

For the record, we DO visit other places. And regarding the multiple-trip question, which is always asked with a condescending attitude: Folks go back to a favorite beach location, or a place at the lake, and no one raises an eyebrow. The implication is that repeat Disney visitors must have something "wrong" with them.

Okay, then, there is something wrong with me. If spending some time away from the worry and bustle of the everyday world, immersing myself in magic, and enjoying my "happy place" is wrong, I'm cool with that. Disney is one forevermore diverse spot, and I'll go out on a limb by saying there's something for everyone. I would say that Disney can be "the vacation that fights back" - I guarantee that after three full days in the parks, the most hardy of folks will hit the wall - but with some planning and pacing, your enjoyment can be multiplied scores of times over. That's why I've been helping people plan their Disney vacations for years - I want them to experience joy.

For any Disney vacation planning needs, visit www.fairytalejourneysbytony.com

If you'd like my Facebook page - Fairytale Journeys By Tony - I'll send some pixie dust your way!

Disney, alive and well.

I ran across this article ... doesn't sound like the parks are struggling. At all.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-attendance-at-disney-parks-up-7-review-of-magic-bracelet-strong-20150203-story.html

For any Disney vacation planning needs, visit www.fairytalejourneysbytony.com

If you'd like my Facebook page - Fairytale Journeys By Tony - I'll send some pixie dust your way!

Rookie mistakes

It takes a couple of vacation experiences at Walt Disney World for guest to feel comfortable. I often stress to friends that you can have a good time at Disney in spite of yourself. But WDW is so big and complex, it's easy to get caught up in the sheer scale of the enterprise and find yourself overwhelmed.

So, let me share with you some observations that may help your maiden trip (or even subsequent trips) more enjoyable.

1. Be prepared for all types of weather. I'll grant that you won't experience snow flurries in July. But I know that over spring break sometimes it can get downright chilly. So if spring or fall travel is in the works, carry a sweatshirt or a light jacket. I know that's self-evident. However, I've watched kids with blue lips shiver while waiting in line so hard it looked like they were vibrating. Just because you're visiting Florida doesn't mean that it can't get cold. Likewise rain; the first time we took our son-in-law, central Florida was experiencing record breaking monsoons. Carry those ponchos.
2. Don't make style statements with shoes. One year we were down there with daughter Amy and one of her college buddies, and both of them - who know better - wore some chic sandals. By the end of the first day, Amy's friend's feet were literally bleeding. Well broken-in, comfortable shoes designed for walking is the order of the day. And carry a couple of pairs, switching out every other day. Watch for those hot spots before they turn into blisters.
3. Budget. I know: well, DUH, right? It must be something in the water, but the Disney folks are such extraordinary marketers, you'll let go of cash without thinking. With the advent of MagicBands, you aren't even aware of what you're spending unless you're careful. Look: ticket prices are pretty much fixed. Once you decide on a resort, that's a fixed expense, too. But I believe that meals and snacks are the one variable you have the most control over. If you aren't careful, you'll be taking out a second mortgage just to cover that fettuccine Alfredo you had to have. Souvenirs run a close second.
4. Pre-plan as much as you can, but give yourself room to be spontaneous. I know that sounds like a contradiction, and it is, sorta. There's no getting around you have to work hard to score reservations at a favorite restaurant; booking Be Our Guest is a challenge of the greatest magnitude. And good luck just wandering by and meeting Anna and Elsa. Still, give yourself some time during the day to just chill. Take a few minutes and explore an obscure shop. Splash in a fountain. Eat a second Dole Whip. 

There is a lot more I could say, but you get the idea. It is your vacation. Make it your own.

For all your Disney vacation planning needs, visit www.fairytalejourneysbytony.com

Coming soon to Walt Disney World!

Psst! Wanna know what's on the horizon at WDW? Here's some fun stuff. OK, maybe it's not all fun.

• The Magic Kingdom is in the throes of the most construction I've seen in recent memory. There was, of course, the huge addtion of the New Fantasyland. But there is a lot of activity right in front of and around Cinderella Castle. This area is designed to provide primo viewing for Wishes (or whatever other firework spectacular is on schedule) and for the parades. There is a new viewing area in front of Casey's Corner for Wishes, and there will be Fastpass+'s available there. 
• It hasn't been open long, but Under the Sea - Voyage of the Little Mermaid is getting a makeover after just three years. When I rode it for the first time, I admit to being underwhelmed. It wasn't bad, mind you, but I felt like the limited Audioanimatronics were pretty crude. Apparently there will be some tuning up, some new paint, and a different lighting scheme. The big setpiece "Under the Sea" scene sure needed something more, uh, compelling.
• Pirates of the Caribbean and Kali River Rapids in the Animal Kingdom will both close. I understand that KRR will only be down for a short time, but Pirates might be offline for six months or so. Pirates is an enduring Disney classic, but it has been due up for some extensive maintenance. It closed some time ago to add Captain Jack Sparrow to the lineup; I think this is more of a technical fix than a theming fix. Pirates has come a long way from its original incarnation, which was actually kind of brutal and definitely not PC (maybe that's why I loved it.) You don't have pirates chasing wenches with wickedness on their minds these days. 

I'd love to see Stitch's Great Escape brought back to it's Alien Encounter state, which was genuinelhy scary; not so much any more. I don't see that happening.

Anyway - WDW is always a work in progress. For those of us who visit frequently, that can be a very good thing.

For all your Disney vacation planning needs, visit www.fairytalejourneysbytony.com

See if this gets your pulse racing.

Oh, yeah. Baby.

Does visiting Universal = Disney heresy?

During the Thanksgiving holidays, Teresa and I visited Universal Orlando. I'll offer some thoughts. Understand, however, that my heart belongs to The Mouse. But that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate excellence when I see it.

1 - We stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal. It's Universal's entry into the value resort arena (think All-Stars, Art of Animation, and Pop Century at Disney.) Themed to the max, it brought back some fun memories of my childhood vacations in the early 60's. The resort itself features some fine pools (even a lazy river feature), a Jack LaLane fitness facility, and a bowling alley. Worked for me!

2 - We got to visit Diagon Alley, and ride the Gringott's attraction. At its heart, it's an indoor roller coaster with 3D visuals. It isn't as wild as you might think - very family friendly. If you're looking for a pure white-knuckle experience, this isn't it. But if you want fully immersive theming, this ride will do it for you. Actually, the whole Diagon Alley section of the park is one of the most impressive jobs of theming I've ever seen. You're isolated from the rest of the park, and the effect is extraordinary.

3 - The Leaky Cauldron made for a fine meal. As a plus on the blustery day we visited, they served hot butterbeer. Yummo.

4 - Hogwarts Express between the two parks exceeded my expectations. Besides getting you from point A to B, the special effects along the way were way-cool.

5 - All this Pottermania, and other new things in the pipeline, makes Universal a park to watch. Nope, they aren't gonna eclipse Disney. But what is happening, methinks, is that we'll be seeing some healthy competition continue to escalate. Pandora/Avatar is coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom; rumors abound about a bigger Star Wars presence at Disney's Hollywood Studios - which has been due for some freshening up for some time anyway. There's Disney Springs plugging right along.

We're all winners in this. Yay!

Oh, and don't forget to visit www.fairytalejourneysbytony.com, and like my Facebook page by the same name. When you're ready to head for Orlando, let me know. I can fix you up.

A little pixie dust to warm your heart.

I'd be the first to admit that Disney is a monolithic company, rightfully concerned with the bottom line. They are amazingly creative when it comes to helping folks part with their precious money. I'm OK with that. Capitalism ROCKS.

But, you know what? They also offer something priceless. Call it magic, call it pixie dust, call it something else. It exists. Trust me.

A couple of cases in point: Some years ago, I was watching a character meet and greet at the castle forecourt in the Magic Kingdom. Mickey himself was out, which was sort of unusual. Nowadays, most of the more notable character greetings are choreographed and managed. This one was a bit more random.

I watched Mickey hold court with scores of little Mouseketeers. On the edge of the crowd was a grandmotherly type, wheelchair bound. She was parked with who I assumed to be her daughter. I watched them sign to each other. She was hearing impaired.

As Mickey finished up his official time, I watched him and his escort go over to this elderly woman. He crouched down and embraced her. As he rose to leave, I saw the woman was unabashedly weeping. It was one of those privileged moments. I remembered that Mickey couldn't speak, either. That was a special time for this lady, and it was for me, too.

Another incident was shared with me by a Disney cast member. The Osborne Family Lights are a spectacular part of the holiday season at Disney Hollywood Studios. Often, the lights are left up for a time after the first of the year, I've been told.

This CM told me that one weeknight a couple of days after January 1st, he was passing down the street through the holiday display. A slow, sweet, nostalgic piece of Christmas music was playing on the soundtrack. As he listened, he saw an elderly couple, possibly in their 80's, in the middle of the street. They were in an embrace, slow dancing all alone, as the snow fell about them. According to this cast member, "I cried like a baby."

Yeah, Disney is a big media monster. But I bet you don't get stuff like this with Exxon Mobile.