A Visit to Walt's Place
Last week, our family made a long-planned trip to Orlando, Florida and Walt Disney World. My wife and I visited WDW during the Christmas season in our pre-children years. But this trip was with our kids in mind. The trip happened to coincide with our daughter’s 4th birthday. She had a special day and our sons enjoyed the sights, rides, and displays. As for me, I observed many things not necessarily all trip-related. My blog has been in a stagnant mode through the summer so its time to awaken it with a five thoughts about our visit to Walt’s place.
1 – Big People
I’m not exactly a small guy these days but I was struck by the number of big people at WDW. Big people: walking three abreast making it impossible to pass on either side. Big people: squeezing themselves into rides. Big people: on buses and boats, in theatres and shops. And, most of all, big people: eating. Our first night we decided to eat at our resort, which was serving a basic buffet of chicken, ribs, salmon, veggies, salad bar, and some light desserts. As we were waiting to place our drink order, two big men walked by on their way to the buffet. One opted for the salad bar first and was razzed by his pal for not hitting the “real food” first. As we approached the buffet, the second man passed by with carrying a tower of cholesterol on his plate. Big now, bigger later…..
2 – Manners
I was taught all those years ago to be polite and well-mannered in public. A polite society seems to be a win-win situation. Forget it at WDW. The battle cry seems to be, “Outta my way!” I noticed children, seniors, and the disabled being pushed aside by those seeking a quicker path to another activity. However, I also noticed some children, seniors, and disabled involved in clearing out other park goers. It was equal opportunity rudeness. Families who lined up early to see an afternoon parade had latecomers line up in front of them as the parade began. Even when the behavior was noted to the latecomers, it was either ignored or they had a “so what” attitude. All this was going on while the loudspeakers played a song about WDW as the place where love abounds. Were it so….
3 – A Conversation
I’ve never been one who loves fast-paced rides. I really don’t enjoy getting sick. So most of the WDW options left me on the sidelines. During such a time when my family was zooming around on something, I watched over our stroller – used as a multi-purpose carry-all vehicle at WDW. I sipped on my coffee and looked at the person (?) who had just sat next to me. I found myself face-to-face with Grumpy of Seven Dwarfs fame. We exchanged hellos and I asked him a few questions. (He was downing a root beer.)
M: Is Grumpy really your name?
G: Well, on my birth certificate it reads “Sebastian” but I needed an alias for Hollywood.
M: Well, then, are you really grumpy?
G: Are you kidding? This ain’t exactly the most pleasant situation.
M: But you’re a star known the world over….
G: Big deal; you don’t have to put up with Snow White.
M: Snow White? But she seems so warm and lovely…
G: Public persona, that’s all. She’d be happy if all of us dwarfs just stayed in the mine twenty-four hours a day.
M: Come on, now. I’m sure she cares about all of you.
G: Boy, her PR is good. All she can talk about is finding some prince. You know the type: chiseled features, solid abs, cute little behind. And they always end up only in love with themselves. Snow White wants what doesn’t exist at the expense of those who might really care for her….
At this point, Grumpy started getting loud and dribbling his root beer. A management “cast member” rushed over and escorted Grumpy through a workers gate and away from a small group of patrons who’d gathered. I guess he does have a reason to be grumpy. Sometimes the Magic Kingdom can’t stop reality.
4 – Point of View
WDW is promoted as a magical place for persons of any age. Indeed it does have entertainment for those without children or empty-nesters. But the majority of its business – and it certainly is a business – is geared toward families with children. What I noted during my time there last week was the different perspectives on WDW. Many parents saw their visit as a gift of sorts to their kids. They wanted to get their money’s worth so to speak by hitting as many spots, rides, shows, etc. as possible each day. Kids, though, aren’t really concerned about finances or time investment. They are, instead, dazzled by the experience around them and want to soak it in. I saw a young girl looking at a Disney character signing autographs. The look on the girl’s face was priceless. A moment later, her father ran back and pulled her along to join the rest of their family as they headed off to the next “thing” on the parent’s agenda. It was all about perspective. But it seems to me that if the trip and the experience is a gift for kids, then parents need to see things a bit more for the child’s viewpoint.
I brought home many memories of our trip; from my daughter’s birthday delight to a wonderful light and fireworks show to excellent cuisine to the joy of characters coming to life for my kids. However, the most vivid memory of the trip did not involve my family but a nameless boy around the age of six. As we walked along, I heard off to my right the boy’s mother say to him. “Well, you made us later for the show. Now you’ve ruined the trip. for everybody” The look of pain and helplessness in the boy’s eyes will remain with me. I pray the mother, in a cooler moment, recalls her words and comforts her son with an apology. WDW should be fun not a stage for running down kids (or anyone). A child’s perspective at WDW seems as important as any adult's, maybe more so.
5 – Likes and Dislikes at WDW
Like: Disney transportation system was efficient and clean with few long waits
Dislike: Florida heat and humidity
Like: Character meals; characters took time for each child
Dislike: Disney’s constant selling of itself, even on the bus back to the airport after a week of giving them money.
Like: Staff, er, cast members as they are called; always ready to help and answer even the most innocuous question.
Dislike: Crabby gate staff at AirTran at Orlando International Airport. Could use some lessons from the Disney folks on customer care
Like: The food; we were on the WDW dining plan - free for the period we were there – and the variety and quality of the food was terrific. Ribs, seafood, and desserts were among the best I’ve tasted (and I’m not much of a dessert eater.)
Dislike: Being tired. It was, after all, a family trip with the kids in mind. Probably less sleep than at home
Like: Coming home to see my cats, who let me know they were in need of big doses of attention.
Dislike: Having to mow the law tomorrow. Welcome home…..
1 – Big People
I’m not exactly a small guy these days but I was struck by the number of big people at WDW. Big people: walking three abreast making it impossible to pass on either side. Big people: squeezing themselves into rides. Big people: on buses and boats, in theatres and shops. And, most of all, big people: eating. Our first night we decided to eat at our resort, which was serving a basic buffet of chicken, ribs, salmon, veggies, salad bar, and some light desserts. As we were waiting to place our drink order, two big men walked by on their way to the buffet. One opted for the salad bar first and was razzed by his pal for not hitting the “real food” first. As we approached the buffet, the second man passed by with carrying a tower of cholesterol on his plate. Big now, bigger later…..
2 – Manners
I was taught all those years ago to be polite and well-mannered in public. A polite society seems to be a win-win situation. Forget it at WDW. The battle cry seems to be, “Outta my way!” I noticed children, seniors, and the disabled being pushed aside by those seeking a quicker path to another activity. However, I also noticed some children, seniors, and disabled involved in clearing out other park goers. It was equal opportunity rudeness. Families who lined up early to see an afternoon parade had latecomers line up in front of them as the parade began. Even when the behavior was noted to the latecomers, it was either ignored or they had a “so what” attitude. All this was going on while the loudspeakers played a song about WDW as the place where love abounds. Were it so….
3 – A Conversation
I’ve never been one who loves fast-paced rides. I really don’t enjoy getting sick. So most of the WDW options left me on the sidelines. During such a time when my family was zooming around on something, I watched over our stroller – used as a multi-purpose carry-all vehicle at WDW. I sipped on my coffee and looked at the person (?) who had just sat next to me. I found myself face-to-face with Grumpy of Seven Dwarfs fame. We exchanged hellos and I asked him a few questions. (He was downing a root beer.)
M: Is Grumpy really your name?
G: Well, on my birth certificate it reads “Sebastian” but I needed an alias for Hollywood.
M: Well, then, are you really grumpy?
G: Are you kidding? This ain’t exactly the most pleasant situation.
M: But you’re a star known the world over….
G: Big deal; you don’t have to put up with Snow White.
M: Snow White? But she seems so warm and lovely…
G: Public persona, that’s all. She’d be happy if all of us dwarfs just stayed in the mine twenty-four hours a day.
M: Come on, now. I’m sure she cares about all of you.
G: Boy, her PR is good. All she can talk about is finding some prince. You know the type: chiseled features, solid abs, cute little behind. And they always end up only in love with themselves. Snow White wants what doesn’t exist at the expense of those who might really care for her….
At this point, Grumpy started getting loud and dribbling his root beer. A management “cast member” rushed over and escorted Grumpy through a workers gate and away from a small group of patrons who’d gathered. I guess he does have a reason to be grumpy. Sometimes the Magic Kingdom can’t stop reality.
4 – Point of View
WDW is promoted as a magical place for persons of any age. Indeed it does have entertainment for those without children or empty-nesters. But the majority of its business – and it certainly is a business – is geared toward families with children. What I noted during my time there last week was the different perspectives on WDW. Many parents saw their visit as a gift of sorts to their kids. They wanted to get their money’s worth so to speak by hitting as many spots, rides, shows, etc. as possible each day. Kids, though, aren’t really concerned about finances or time investment. They are, instead, dazzled by the experience around them and want to soak it in. I saw a young girl looking at a Disney character signing autographs. The look on the girl’s face was priceless. A moment later, her father ran back and pulled her along to join the rest of their family as they headed off to the next “thing” on the parent’s agenda. It was all about perspective. But it seems to me that if the trip and the experience is a gift for kids, then parents need to see things a bit more for the child’s viewpoint.
I brought home many memories of our trip; from my daughter’s birthday delight to a wonderful light and fireworks show to excellent cuisine to the joy of characters coming to life for my kids. However, the most vivid memory of the trip did not involve my family but a nameless boy around the age of six. As we walked along, I heard off to my right the boy’s mother say to him. “Well, you made us later for the show. Now you’ve ruined the trip. for everybody” The look of pain and helplessness in the boy’s eyes will remain with me. I pray the mother, in a cooler moment, recalls her words and comforts her son with an apology. WDW should be fun not a stage for running down kids (or anyone). A child’s perspective at WDW seems as important as any adult's, maybe more so.
5 – Likes and Dislikes at WDW
Like: Disney transportation system was efficient and clean with few long waits
Dislike: Florida heat and humidity
Like: Character meals; characters took time for each child
Dislike: Disney’s constant selling of itself, even on the bus back to the airport after a week of giving them money.
Like: Staff, er, cast members as they are called; always ready to help and answer even the most innocuous question.
Dislike: Crabby gate staff at AirTran at Orlando International Airport. Could use some lessons from the Disney folks on customer care
Like: The food; we were on the WDW dining plan - free for the period we were there – and the variety and quality of the food was terrific. Ribs, seafood, and desserts were among the best I’ve tasted (and I’m not much of a dessert eater.)
Dislike: Being tired. It was, after all, a family trip with the kids in mind. Probably less sleep than at home
Like: Coming home to see my cats, who let me know they were in need of big doses of attention.
Dislike: Having to mow the law tomorrow. Welcome home…..
posted by Michael Davis | 11:15 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home