AUTHOR: Dara Ross
Semi-Local Status Allows Unique Experiences at WDW

Do you really believe that Walt Disney World is a once in a lifetime experience? As a vacation destination, WDW does have a reputation of “go big or go home.” If quick trips can be satisfying, then why don’t we hear more about the benefits of short but sweet jaunts to Orlando? And as much as we … Semi-Local Status Allows Unique Experiences at WDW
Touring with a Senior: Grammy’s ‘First’ Trip to Walt Disney World

Taking Grandma to Walt Disney World for the “First” Time Grammy’s first trip to WDW was in 1974. Her second trip was with our family this June. We are serious park tour-ers who were once accused of a driven pace. “Just one more princess? Please?” Our decision to invite her developed out of a desire to … Touring with a Senior: Grammy’s ‘First’ Trip to Walt Disney World
Joe Rohde’s Instagram underscores his depth as a Creative Designer

One of these photos was taken in a space created by Imagineer Joe Rohde. The other was taken at an abandoned property near my work. The intriguing profusion of insulated wires appears to have occurred over time. The structures’ caretakers were responding to changes in infrastructure as well as the needs of nearby people in an attempt to … Joe Rohde’s Instagram underscores his depth as a Creative Designer
All Race, No Parks
Just spent Marathon weekend at Disney World without a single park pass. Does the World hold its own as a runcation destination even without a single ride on an attraction? Our weekend was so packed that I don’t see where visiting a park would have added a bit of value. I’ll describe what we did, … All Race, No Parks
Could premiums like Magic Kingdom Cabanas spoil the Real Magic at WDW?
The aura surrounding the Magic Kingdom is real. When we visit the Parks we know there is a distinct and unique energy that meets us at the front gate. Why? Where does this come from? How did it begin? What sustains it? This Magic is real. That’s right. Real Magic. As real as gravity and … Could premiums like Magic Kingdom Cabanas spoil the Real Magic at WDW?
Food at Walt Disney World: Hunter-Gatherer Style
Touring at Disney World is physically challenging. It’s such a huge place; people have been known to traverse a dozen miles in the course of a humid day to visit favorite attractions. Staying your best physically can be a challenge. Not only are you out of town and at the mercy of restaurants, but you … Food at Walt Disney World: Hunter-Gatherer Style
Walt Disney World, Karma, and Newton’s Third Law
Here’s the difficulty: the Walt Disney World Parks in Florida are demonstrating a trend towards marketing exclusivity and premium experiences. While long-time fans are feeling uncomfortable about this on many levels, the bean counters at WDW are surely optimistic. But would it ever benefit a business to divorce itself from its roots in order to make … Walt Disney World, Karma, and Newton’s Third Law
Current Obsession: Clutter-Free Disney Souvenirs

They are not souvenirs. They’re more talismans. Talisman 1: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune 2: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects talisman. 2016. In Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talisman What you bring back from the World is important. You can bring back … Current Obsession: Clutter-Free Disney Souvenirs
Does it matter that Citizens of Hollywood will be decimated by staffing cuts?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Citizens of Hollywood will be reduced from 29 actors to 10 by April 2016. I’m digesting this story and filtering out what I think this means. It could mean that guest surveys indicate that the Streetmosphere performers are not a significant part of a visit to Hollywood Studios. It might mean that labor dollars … Does it matter that Citizens of Hollywood will be decimated by staffing cuts?
Old school vs. New school: the Park Guest Super Bowl
Every day somebody new plans a trip to Disney World. What do these new patrons look like in a match up with Disney Park fans of yesteryear? More importantly, what does it mean to the Disney leadership that the experiences appear so different? On one side we have the home team, the incumbents, the old-timers. On the other, … Old school vs. New school: the Park Guest Super Bowl