All my favorite childhood memories include a Disney trip whether it was Disney World or Disneyland. For our family vacations, my dad would actually drive our family all the way either to California or Florida from Texas without a single reservation for a hotel. This is how all the magic began. Because my dad was so spontaneous (or more probable, just a really bad planner), we enjoyed experiences we never would have if he were a planner. I have no doubt that my parents would not have planned a stay for us at the Polynesian at Disney World, but because that is what was available, we stayed, and we fell in love. Almost all our vacations from then on included stays at The Polynesian, and I have the most magical memories of that resort. To this day, I love walking into The Polynesian because it actually still smells the same as it did when I was 6, although there is the absence of the blue and green wicker chairs. Anytime a scent of lush vegetation with a hint of chlorine wafts my way no matter where I am, I'm transported back to those wonderful days of my childhood.
There was much talk on Twitter today about the Walt Disney Co.'s Investors conference that took place this morning. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs discussed the advances Disney is developing for future park enjoyment. Among those discussed, was a "version of Fast Pass for an entire Disney Vacation." Guests will be able to reserve ride times and other experiences before they arrive for their vacations. There were also talks of reserving meet and greet times before leaving home as well. The development of the Fast Pass was one of the smartest advances ever. I love being able to grab a pass, enjoy another attraction and come back later with a minimal wait. But, reserving Fast Passes from home? In my (very unprofessional) opinion, this may be taking it a little too far.
Everyone knows that I LOVE everything Disney, and nothing will ever stop me from going to Disney World as much as humanly possible. No doubt Disney's intentions are well intended in trying to create as stress-free a vacation as they can for their guests, but I miss the spontaneity that we used to enjoy from an earlier Disney World. Now, we must make dinner reservations 90 days ahead of our arrival or risk not being able to get into our favorite restaurants. Part of the fun is to just happen upon a restaurant in the park you're in that day and go in and eat. Now days, we really almost have to plan our days in the parks based on where we can get a dining reservation for that day, and there is just something wrong with that. Now, in addition, we will have to plan every minute detail of our trip or chance not getting to see some of our favorite characters. This becomes problematic for my family as my husband is in the Army. All our trips are spur of the moment trips due to the nature of this lifestyle. Our last few trips, we have had a very difficult time making reservations because we can only plan them a month or two out.
Of course, I'm just making assumptions on something I really know nothing about. And, because Disney is Disney I'm sure it will end up being spectacular. I have no doubt that this aspect of my Disney planning experience will become a staple, and I will in fact love it as much as I do everything else.
UPDATE: I wrote the above portion of this entry just before putting my 2 1/2 year old to bed. When he finally drifted off to sleep, I quickly ran back to the computer to finish up what I had written, but before I could finish my post I found this transcript from Tom Staggs' presentation from earlier today. I have to admit, it sounds extraordinary and pretty exciting!
With that, I'm ending this nonsense and going back to my normal neurotic Disney-loving self. But, while I'm still on this strange and unusual post where I'm actually complaining about something Disney, I will make this one more tiny request -- Now that The Tiki Room is being refurbished, can we PLEASE go back to the original? I burst into song every time I go in with hopes that maybe just maybe The Tiki Room Under New Management was only a bad dream, but alas that dreaded Iago always interrupts my favorite tune.
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