On several occasions, I have written to tell you that I am leaving AllEars. And on each occasion I have returned after a short amount of time. I was the boy who cried wolf. Well, I’m afraid that I’m repeating that message today. Once again, I’m writing to tell you that I am leaving AllEars. … Continue reading "The Boy Who Cried Wolf"
Landscaping the World – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Posted onDisney’s Animal Kingdom is the largest of all the Disney parks around the world. And since the theme of this park is animals and nature, it also contains the most growth. A staggering amount of growth. On opening day, over four million plants, big and small, had been added to the landscaping here. Africa alone … Continue reading "Landscaping the World – Disney’s Animal Kingdom"
Landscaping the World – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Posted onLast week I discussed the landscaping found in Epcot. I pointed out how important this aspect of theme park design is when telling a story and creating a mood. Today I’m going to look at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and discuss how plants and trees help this park become more than just a collection of rides … Continue reading "Landscaping the World – Disney’s Hollywood Studios"
Landscaping the World – Epcot – Part Two
Posted onYesterday I discussed the landscaping found in Epcot’s Future World. Today I’ll finish this park with a look at World Showcase. The main entrance into World Showcase always contains manicured hedges and brightly colored ground cover or flowers. In November and December, this area is used to display the yearly Christmas tree. This spot is … Continue reading "Landscaping the World – Epcot – Part Two"
Landscaping the World – Epcot – Part One
Posted onEpcot encompasses about 300 acres. I realize that once you subtract the buildings, walkways, and World Showcase Lagoon this number is diminished greatly, but this is still an enormous amount of property to landscape and maintain. In case after case, Disney uses trees to create a visual barrier. Take a look at these Epcot examples. … Continue reading "Landscaping the World – Epcot – Part One"
Landscaping the World – Magic Kingdom – Part Two
Posted onYesterday, I provided you with some staggering statistics relating to the landscaping of Walt Disney World. Then I continued with a closer look at the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street and Adventureland. Today I’ll finish examining the growth at the Most Magical Place on Earth. As we move from Adventureland to Frontierland, the foliage changes from … Continue reading "Landscaping the World – Magic Kingdom – Part Two"
Landscaping the World – Magic Kingdom – Part One
Posted onOver the past several years, I have taken a singular topic and discussed its theming from park to park and land to land. Some of these subjects have been lampposts, benches, water, and restrooms. Today I’m going to tackle the subject of landscaping and how plants helps set a mood and tell a story. Vegetation … Continue reading "Landscaping the World – Magic Kingdom – Part One"
Turf Club at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Posted onMy friend Donald and I recently ate dinner at the Turf Club located at Disney's Saratoga Springs. The Turf Club Bar and Grill is located just off of this lounge and offers understated sophistication. Although I've never been to a private racetrack club/restaurant, I somehow imagine this is what it would be like.
Saratoga Springs – A Relook
Posted onActually, it was only a year and a half ago that I stayed at Saratoga Springs and wrote a review, so this resort was low on my list for a relook. However, a good friend of mine had some Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points that were expiring and offered them to me at the last minute. (Thank you, David.) With such short notice, Saratoga Springs was the only resort I was able to book for four nights.
After an extensive look around Saratoga Springs, I could see no changes in and about the resort. When I returned home, I went through my pictures from 2013, looking for differences I may have missed during my visit. I could find only one worth mentioning (more on this later). I'm sure some small things have been altered, but they certainly were not obvious to me. Because I have nothing earth-shattering to report, this article will be about some of the things I experienced during my stay.
If I Could Start From Scratch
Posted onHi Everyone, Before we get started with today’s blog, you must endure an advertisement for a new feature AllEars has started. Each week, Deb Wills hosts a video show that brings our readers a “bit of Disney.” The topics will be as varied as our blogs. Sometimes we’ll discuss new offerings like “Epcot After Hours“ … Continue reading "If I Could Start From Scratch"