Mindful Thoughts: Part I

On a recent trip to Orlando a few thoughts followed me home and I’d like to share these thoughts with you.

First, despite the fact that the Year of a Million Dreams has come and gone, there are still some magical things happening in the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Last week I had a long conversation with two Celebration Greeters Valerie and Mark
who told me that part of their job is to find guests and deliver a magical moment here and there.

The problem is that when approached by a cast member, most guests will run for the hills because they feel they will be tied up answering survey questions or will be asked if they would like a photo package with Mickey that will cost them somewhere in the vicinity of a mortgage payment.

This is not the case. When a cast member approaches you in any Walt Disney World theme park you should welcome them with open arms.

Want an example? One of my friends was standing near Splash Mountain the when a cast member approached her and gave her a box of popcorn”¦and then handed 12 Fast Passes to my other friend.”¦that’s right TWELVE Fast Passes for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

So although the Year of a Million Dreams is long gone the magic is still around”¦but you can’t deliver a dream or a magical moment unless there is someone to receive it so think about this the next time a cast member approaches you on Main Street USA.

You may even get some private time with Cinderella. Here I am with Cinderella and my friends Amy and All Ears colleague Michelle Scribner-Maclean.

I noticed a new Stitch attraction in the Magic Kingdom. It takes place in Tomorrowland and it involves Stitch on a big screen talking to park guests. The technology used in the attraction seems to be very much as how Crush talks to guests in EPCOT’s Turtle Talk. The attraction is relatively new and involves what could be best described as dancing “Go-Go Girls” from the future as well as dancing “Power Rangers-¦all moving to the sounds of the music of the 60s and 70s.

I don’t know why this keeps happening to me but every time I go on Splash Mountain I find myself on the front right seat. Now I know for some of you this is a dream come true. In this dream, however, be prepared to get wet…very wet. You won’t find me on Splash Mountain between Thanksgiving and Easter or anytime when the temperature is less than 80 degrees Farenheit”¦don’t want to freeze.

Please remember that there are two queues lines for Pirates of the Caribbean. The next time you are entering this attraction pay attention to which side seems to be drawing the most guests”¦.and then use the other side.

I’ve ridden “It’s a Small World” about three or four gazillion times”¦..so this time when I rode I decided to count the number of animated dolls, animals, and objects in the attraction. Next time you get a chance tally them up for me. Let me know your total count.

I noticed a nice touch at the Tea Cups“¦a leaf dedicated to Randy Pausch, author of “The Last Lecture”. The quote makes you think.

As much as I love Fast Passes I actually prefer going through the stand by queues at Expedition Everest and Soarin'”¦.especially Soarin’ because of those interactive kiosks.

That’s right; you are actually entertained while waiting to get on the attraction. While waiting to soar over America,you can build lands, fly balloons, guide birds through the forest, and do all sorts of things.

I am convinced that it’s easier to ride up front on the monorail if you a) ask during the early or mid-afternoon and b) if you are going from the Ticket and Transportation Center to EPCOT. I have ridden the monorail three times over the past two trips to Walt Disney World and I think my success is based on those two factors.

Here’s a photo of our driver Weston.

I think I’ve mentioned this many times before but was reminded by some friends who had forgotten this tidbit of advice.

When watching Illuminations at EPCOT’s World Showcase you need to avoid gazing at the video globe between The Rose and Crown Restaurant and where Off Kilter perform”¦unless of course you’re into fireworks smoke and debris.

Masayo, my good friend from Japan, had asked me to try the Kakigori treat in Japan’s pavilion. It was great. It’s sort of like shaved ice but it’s much finer and softer and more tasty. I had rainbow and it was out of this world. Kakigori is a more pricey than Dole Whip but ii hits the spot on a hot day.

More mindful thoughts next time.

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