Today in Disney Parks and Resorts History - Grand Californian Hotel Opens

January 2, 2001 – Disneyland – Anaheim, CA

The Disneyland Resort unveils its’ brand new Grand Californian Hotel, built on the former parking lot of Disneyland as the company has transformed the original Disney park into a multi-park, multi-day destination.  The new hotel features 2 full-service restaurants:  Storytellers Cafe & Napa Rose, and the Whitewater Snacks quick-service snack bar, as well as high-end rooms and service.  It is the company’s first domestic theme park located inside a Disney theme park – the all-new Disney’s California Adventure opening in February 2001, and features a private entrance directly from the hotel into the Condor Flats area of the theme park.   

Today in Disney Parks and Resorts History - Maxwell House Coffee House

December 1, 1955 – Disneyland – Anaheim, CA

The Maxwell House Coffee House opens on Main Street, U.S.A.

(What a similar concept compared to 2012 & 2013 when Starbucks is arriving in all 6 domestic Disney Parks!)

Featured Foto Friday - Earl of Sandwich

Hawaiian Barbeque from Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney.  I'm so excited that an Earl of Sandwich will be opening at Disneyland too.  Yum!!

Tuesday Trivia - Chef Mickey's

4,000 eggs.  1,700 Mickey Mouse waffles & 1,500 pancakes.  That's the quantity served daily at Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort.  Wow! 

Evicted - Main Street Bakery

In the Disney-sphere news this week there was an item that came out which has seemingly turned the online world on its’ ear.  Tweets, Facebook posts, blob posts - even online petitions have bemoaned the fact that the Main Street Bakery at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has essentially received its’ eviction notice.  All thanks to the second implementation of a deal that Disney signed with Starbucks – or some might say the devil – nearly a year ago that will ultimately put a Starbucks branded location inside each of the 6 domestic Disney theme parks.  Disney California Adventure was the first park to receive a Starbucks location back in June with the grand opening of the Buena Vista Street reimagining of that theme park’s entrance corridor.  

But is this particular deal truly worthy of all of the uproar?  Is the Main Street Bakery truly an icon not worth changing, or is it all just overblown due to individual preferences and desires.  I’ve read many statements that categorically and emphatically state that “Walt would NOT have approved” of such a thing. Is this deal really as bad as if, say, a corporation were to be handed the rights to start selling their wares from inside say, the White House here in the US, or inside the Notre Dame cathedral in France, or inside the Taj Mahal in India?  Is Main Street, U.S.A. truly that sacrosanct?  Apparently it is to some, yet go with me, if you will, down a little stroll back in time through the history of the Disney parks and let’s just see together, if Walt truly would “NOT” have approved of such a deal. 

But before you shoot me, just listen for a moment.  Remember that I worked at Disneyland (the original park and the only park that Walt ever stepped foot in, ate in, slept in...) - and the only one that he actually had creative input for. Remember too that the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World, while Walt's dream for expansion for the company, were not designed by Walt, or his brother Roy for that matter - but rather by the team of Imagineers that Walt had assembled in the years since starting to design Disneyland back in '53. Walt died in December 1966, and the team didn’t truly start doing anything until summer of 1967 when Roy and Lilly kept encouraging them to go on because Walt would have wanted the show to go on, and even then, the MK didn’t open until October of 1971.

As a student of all things Walt Disney from a very early age, I can say definitively that from the very beginning, Walt and Roy realized the need for capital in order to get the park built. If it hadn't been for the amazing deal that Roy was able to structure with then-fledgling ABC, the park never would have actually been constructed because neither the company nor the Disney brothers had enough resources to do it on their own. Inside the park - and yes, on Walt's beloved Main Street, U.S.A. there have been concessionaires since the very beginning in 1955 - and in other lands too. Walt personally invited several companies to participate, and Roy did others. Eventually they created an entire department to handle those business dealings. Anyone like the blown glass beauties that Arribas Brothers does? They've been inside New Orleans Square since it opened in 1966. I know they are at WDW as well - I know at DTD, but they also used to be on Main Street in the MK. Anyone ever see all of those corporate sponsorships for attractions, and shops? Has anyone noticed how every new attraction built in the past decade or two has a shop at the exit - many of which are sponsored locations? Did anyone realize just how important corporate sponsorships were to get Epcot built in time to open on the mandated date of October 1, 1982 set by then CEO Card Walker? 95% of all pavilions HAD to have a corporate sponsor - basically to use the other company's money in order to design and build what they did. There are 4 classic attractions that came out of the 1964-65 NY World's Fair - all of which ended up at Disneyland after the Fair closed, and later were added to the MK at WDW in one form or another as well. NONE of them would have been built without the corporate deals that Walt himself, and Roy too, put together.

I certainly do recognize the sentimentality and nostalgia that swells up around Main Street, U.S.A.  It is an idealized vision of what small-town life at the turn of the 20th century was - but let's face it - the entire strip has changed so much from what the original Imagineers designed.  Gone are so many of the charming non-revenue elements such as the Flower Market that used to inhabit Center Street… in fact gone is half of Center Street, with the closing in/expanding of the Emporium to basically encompass the entire west side of the street all the way up to Casey’s. On the east side – there’s a charming little ice cream parlor… anyone like ice cream?  Well it’s sponsored by Edy’s Ice Cream in case you hadn’t noticed that before. The reality is folks – this deal was done nearly a year ago.  The ink wasn’t allowed to dry on the contracts before every single location that Disney was committing to it – one in all 6 domestic theme parks remember – until Starbucks also committed to a wide array of supporting details from their side of the equation. I have many friends who live in the area near Disneyland , and others who still work at Disneyland, and all have said that the Starbucks location that opened with the new Buena Vista Street inside Disney California Adventure turned out really well, and it’s not as noticeable or detracting as you might expect.  There’s a brand new wave of imagination coming out of the Imagineers these days – gone are the “on the cheap” designs of the late 90’s and early 2000’s. There has been a very real re-birth out of Glendale – just look at the amazing stylings of New Fantasyland. Don’t get so worked up about this deal. Yes, it will change your experience a bit, and yes, the menu might be different – but don’t throw tomatoes just yet… Disney didn’t just give away the farm on this one.  There were strict standards and rules on both sides of the equation that were hammered out. I have a friend who worked for decades in commercial real estate for a very large corporation that wanted a deal with Disney.  It took nearly 15 years for it to finally be hammered out because neither side wanted to budge, but finally they did, and it turned out to be a very profitable partnership for both companies for at least a decade thereafter. In all that you do – remember this fact – Disney the company, while continuing the tradition that Walt set with family entertainment and wonderfully immersive experiences (theme parks, etc) – is first and foremost a business. Yes they listen to their guests, but ultimately, they will do what they believe is best for the long-term growth of their 

business units… and this deal with the coffee company is just one part of the overall pie.  I agree that giving up the Bakery AS WE KNOW IT doesn’t seem like the best fit – but at the same time – think of the prime real estate that it is.  There’s no way that Starbucks would commit to a deal that put them in the back of the park, and Disney was willing to make some changes in order to boost their business.  Disneyland too is going to have Starbucks on Main Street – and after Epcot, both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park will get them.  It’s all a done deal ladies and gents – your uproar won’t do much to change that.  I feel your disappointment, but in the grand scheme of things, I’d much rather have a healthy Disney company that continues to draw guests – who by the way want to use my services to get them there – then worry about whether I personally can get an overpriced cinnamon roll on Main Street.  From what I’ve been told, the Starbucks deal is truly a blended deal… their primary product, techniques and processes coupled with Disney products at the same time. 

Starbucks even created a softer logo for the theme parks that better fits into the existing Disney environments. In the end, yes, this deal was all about money, but then so too were things such as the acquisitions of Marvel, Pixar and most recently LucasFilm.  Disney is not a benevolent organization, but rather a forward-thinking company looking to sustain long-term growth the entertainment that all know and love.  

There were many things that the company has done both during and after Walt's lifetime that were/are a bit strange. The Wizard of Bras store on Main Street in 1955-56 - the Wurlitzer Organ shop... yes, people could actually go to Disneyland purchase an organ to be shipped home... the Hallmark Cards Store on the corner of Main & Center (that lasted until the early 80's)... none of those truly fit the theme that Walt desired, but all were good for business.  I agree that Starbucks isn't necessarily the best fit, and I agree that they could have been placed further in the parks... but in the end, it is what it is.  I have spoken with many people who are thrilled to be able to get their favorite morning coffee now when they go to Disney parks... and others who absolutely despise the decision.

It’s true that The Walt Disney Company is NOT the same as it was during Walt’s lifetime... it all changed the day that Michael Eisner was hired by the board in 1984, but at the same time - if it weren't for Michael Eisner... we wouldn't have all of the fabulous resorts, the 3rd and 4th parks at WDW, the water parks or many of the other good things that came about during the high-growth period of the late 80's and through the 90's. Nostalgia plays a BIG role in the Disney parks. I agree.  But it's the OVERALL experience that they sell.  There are so many little things that disappear annually in Disney parks and resorts and NO ONE seems to notice... at least the uproar is diminished because something like this comes along and then it seems like it's the end of the world. I felt the exact same dissatisfaction when back in 1995 Disneyland announced the end of Carnation Main Street... a restaurant that Walt enjoyed and a company that he had invited to come in and be a part of his park as a sponsor for his new table service location on Main Street.  Carnation as a company had been sold a couple of times since Walt was alive, and at that point was merely a shell of what it had once been being absorbed by Nestle.  But Nestle maintained the arrangement for several years because of the relationship with Disney. There was an uproar back then amongst the fan community, though not online since it wasn't really something available back then.  The company listened, but did not change their plans.  Same as will happen now.  They'll listen, but won't change anything.  

Ultimately we grew to enjoy the revised restaurant that went in to that same space, which in 2012 was changed again.  Change happens.  Walt himself took out things in his park when he saw that they weren't working or if he thought something better could improve what was there first. It's not always fun, but it happens.  And yes, it can be divisive - almost to the same degree as speaking about politics or religion can.  Disney fans are some of the most vocal and rabid out there.  I get that too.  But in the long-term, again, I am looking not a coffee drinker and truly don't care about that aspect.  I also don't have the same love for the Bakery as others online seem to  - other locations yes - the Bakery no.  I've been very torn through the years watching things be homogenized and removed.  It's always for the almighty dollar, but in the end, I would rather they have a healthy, profitable organization.  Rather than whether a Starbucks is bad business inside Main Street, I personally feel that many other things they have done and are getting ready to do are worse business than coffee. 

Walt was yin to Roy's yang... Walt was creative and very guest-focused, knowing that resources were necessary to keep his vision moving forward.  Roy was all business, and didn't always agree with Walt's ideas, but went along with them because he knew that together they could achieve more.  In the years following Roy's death, yes, the business side of the business definitely grew more important. bEisner and now Iger were truly businessmen. bWhile the company publically sells nostalgia - family entertainment and experiences - memories for a lifetime - it's the stockholders who truly demand that the eye be kept on the ball and the company move forward and profits keep pouring in year after year.  Yes, there is no denying that the Walt Disney Company of today is different from the 1950's, and that money drives everything - if that weren't the case, we'd still have a Dining Plan that gave appetizers and included gratuities, and was priced $10-20 less than it currently it is.  

Think of it this way, and perhaps we can agree slightly that in this vein, the company hasn't really changed as much as one might think... the Imagineers keep Walt's dreams and vision moving forward - it's the Accountaneers who we all have to watch out for, keeping Roy's dreams and visions alive and well for a company that is profitable, viable and healthy.  Roy & Walt first took the company public in the early 60s.  Demand for growth has been there all along.  So with all of that said – before you go claiming that Walt would not approve of this, that or anything else… just think about the fact that Walt was the world’s greatest salesman – he just didn’t think he was selling anything, but better than anyone else, he understood the importance of resources to keep moving his dreams forward.

So whether you are excited about the possibility - or loathe the reality - Starbucks will be moving in to what is currently known as the Main Street Bakery in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in early 2013.  I look forward to at least checking it out and seeing how it all plays out for myself.  No I won't be getting a grande mocha latte-whatever, but I will be checking out all of the rest of the details.  Because as we all know, the devil is in the details.  

Until next time,

Flashback Friday - Downtown Disney a la Disney Village Marketplace

As we turn back time on this Flashback Friday, we take a glimpse at the entrance to Downtown Disney - or what was known in 1991 as the Disney Village Marketplace. 

Featured Foto Friday - Cinderella's Royal Table

Guests dine amid medieval splendor inside Cinderella's Royal Table These hand-stitched banners have been hanging above guests since the restaurant first opened inside the castle in the Magic Kingdom in 1971.  It was originally known as King Stephan's Banquet Hall when the park first opened.

Tips on Thursday - It's All About the Food

It’s All About the Food!

Choices abound!  Choices galore!  Choices, choices, choices!  With newer cruise ships, it's all about choices! One evening you might enjoy the elegant atmosphere of the main dining room while another you opt for your ship's casual dining restaurant or one of the ship's specialty restaurants; and yet another you might enjoy the choices inside your own stateroom thanks to 24 hour room service. 

Regardless of how or where you choose to dine, you're sure to a seemingly endless selection of entrees, appetizers, salad, soups, sides and desserts every time you sit down.  Did you also realize that here's virtually no limit on what or how much you order?  But just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape; as more and more ships offer low-calorie, spa or fitness menu selections that are just as tempting as those on the regular menu.  Watching what you eat has never so much fun!

Not only do you have choices in where you eat within the variety of fabulous food and restaurants, a growing number of cruise lines are now allowing guests to choose their own dining time. Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept with their “Freestyle Dining”, which has been well-received by guests loving the freedom to dine whenever and wherever they like.  Six-star lines such as Regent and Silversea also leave the option of dining time up to guests.  Princess' “Personal Choice Dining”, Holland America's “As You Wish Dining” and Royal Caribbean's “My Time Dining” are now available in addition to their traditional dinner seating.  

Traditional dinner seating, however, with the same wait staff and table companions each evening, has not gone the way of the dinosaur, and is still available on most cruises, and remains a favorite among new and past cruisers alike.

No matter what line or itinerary you choose, you’re bound to find the dining choices to be an amazing part of your cruise vacation. 

More Dining Magic

For those of you who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line, and even for many of you have dreamed of sailing with Disney Cruise Line, PALO probably means something to you.  For those of you who have not yet sailed or even considered sailing with Disney Cruise Line, it most likely won’t.  But PALO is the subject of this next entry – “More Dining Magic.”  

On our second night of the cruise, we were originally scheduled to dine in Parrot Cay, our regular rotational spot in the dining rotation, but instead we had dinner at Palo, the adults-only restaurant onboard the Disney Magic (and replicated on the other ships in the fleet as well).  We, well, at least I, had heard and read a lot of the hype about the restaurant, and kind of knew what to expect.   We were ready and willing to see what it was like, and to be wowed.  We knew that we needed to dress, and night two happened to be our itinerary’s “Formal Night”, so we just wore to Palo what we would have worn to Parrot Cay anyway.  We saw no need to alter our plans simply because we altered our ultimate table location. 

On the Magic, Palo is located on Deck 10, aft, or the very back of the ship, on the upper-most “real” deck.  (There IS a Deck 11, but it’s inside the pretend smoke stack housing VIBE, the teen club area).  Our table was in a lovely location, just slightly off-center from the very back of the ship.  As we sat enjoying the sunset, the one thing that I certainly would have preferred about the restaurant, was if the walking deck had been made to cross in front of the restaurant, rather than wrap around the back of it.  That way Palo could have truly butted up to the very edge of the ship, and would have provided unspoiled views of the ocean from the tables, vs. having the deck’s railing obstructing the view. 

Despite the inability to secure reservations online prior to departure for this “highly sought after location” for anything but the very first night of the sailing, Palo was fairly empty throughout the entire hour and a half that we were there.  It was fascinating to watch as there truly were only about 6 other tables filled the entire time we were there.  This was just the first something about the hype not coming true during our dining experience there. 

Given the very light attendance, our server, Nikola, was VERY attentive - even moreso than he most likely no doubt usually is.  He just kept coming around making sure we were enjoying ourselves, and that the food was good.  I counted  nine times when said “Bon appetite” to us.  Once, maybe twice would have been sufficient.  It was almost as if he were trying too hard. 

To start we had a very nice, freshly prepared at table-side anti-pasti.  The bread selection that came with it was not exactly to our liking, but it was fun to look at (mostly of the hard, cracker variety instead of soft, sumptuous breads). 

Neither of us could really decide what we wanted, but Nikola certainly had his recommendations.  For appetizers, I had the very delicious shrimp, and my lovely bride had a sumptuous  mozzarella rose (I didn’t get a picture of the actual menu insides, so I cannot remember the exact names of the various dishes we ordered).   For our entrees, I went with the ahi tuna, and she had lobster ravioli.  I also wanted the lobster farfalle, though I didn’t eat the pasta itself, just the big, very delicious piece of lobster.  The lemon sorbet that came in between the appetizer and the entrée was light, cool, refreshing, and oh so delicious. 

For dessert, we definitely decided to go with the Chocolate Souffle (which does indeed have to be ordered prior to your entrée as so much of the hype indicates), and it was very good.  I am not a huge fan of dark chocolate, so I definitely toned it down quite a bit with the provided vanilla ice cream – even my wife’s portion of the ice cream, which she didn’t want.  If it hadn’t been for that, I would not have enjoyed that “chocolate bomb” – but with it, it was quite good.  I also added the vanilla and chocolate sauces that were provided, and had a wonderfully tasty dessert. 

We are not coffee drinkers, (hot tea yes, coffee no), so coffee after dinner was not on our agenda – though my lovely bride did enjoy a cup of tea.  Nikola was sure to bring us the second round of the lemon sorbet, though this time it was not in a dish, but rather in a shot glass and infused with Absolut Vodka.  It was good, though I didn’t finish it all.  Not something that I would have thought to mix together myself, I must admit. 

Overall, I will say that for us, Palo just didn’t live up to the hype from the internet board and guide books regarding Disney Cruise Line.  It was nice - very nice - but it just wasn’t “all that” that so much of the hype makes it out to be.  The food was great, but not worth the $20 per person upcharge (plus added gratuity) that we had to spend to eat there.  While slightly different, the food selection itself wasn’t that far off from the menus throughout the week that we enjoyed in the other dining rooms (as we discovered as the week passed by).  Overall, if I were to place the experience on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being a “must do again” rating, I would say our experience at Palo rated a 7.5.  It was nice, but not something that we just absolutely  “must” do again.

We had been able to secure a Palo Brunch, also something that is very hyped online, but after our dinner, with neither one of us being overwhelmed  - we decided we would just skip the brunch.  So on the way out of the restaurant, I asked the general manager what the brunch menu included, and then asked if we could cancel our brunch reservation.  He was shocked and instantly wanted to know what they had done wrong to upset us.  I assured him that they had done nothing wrong, and that we had enjoyed a delightful dinner, we had just changed our minds about brunch.  After a couple of minutes of convincing him that his staff had not offended us, he graciously cancelled our reservation.  On a future voyage, we have decided that we will try the brunch, but don’t really see a need to return for dinner. 

As with the initial entry regarding dining, I do have more to share, but once again will save those things for another entry.  So for now, as before, I bid you adieu, or as Mickey likes to say, see ya real soon!

Until next time,

Dining Magic

It all starts with black & white

As previously mentioned, our first night on the ship called for us to eat in Animator’s Palette.  For those of you who haven’t sailed with Disney Cruise Line before, or if you have but have only sailed on the more recent ships (Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy), the three dining rooms onboard the Disney Magic are Animator’s Palette (A), Parrot Cay (P) and Lumiere’s (L).  Disney Cruise Line revolutionized the industry back when the Disney Magic was first introduced by offering “rotational dining”, whereby each night you eat in a different restaurant/dining room.  You either have the main (early) or second (late) seating, and each night you and your wait staff, move to another location.  How neat is that?!  That’s pretty neat.  We were on the second seating, and our rotation was A, P, L, A, P, L, A.  And with the information about Animator’s Palette only undergoing the beautiful transformation from “black & white” to “color” on your first time dining in that location, we absolutely had to eat there the first night.  Plus we wanted to be able to meet our table mates as well.  

Animator's Palette soon after we arrived

The transformation has begun

Traveling without children meant that we would be eating with other guests, for certain.  We would either be with 2, 4 or 6 other guests.  We ended up at a table for 8, so 6 other guests.  None of them had children.  There was one couple - also traveling without their children, and then two pairs of women, each traveling separately but with a friend.  As it turned out, too, our table was filled with travel professionals!  You can imagine then what a good amount of our table conversation throughout the week consisted off – especially on that first night.  But throughout the course of the week we had such a good time getting to know each other better, sharing life stories and just laughing and laughing.  That definitely was something we would not have experienced had we brought the children along on the voyage.  Instead of mixing and mingling with 6 other adults, we would have most likely been situated at a table for 6, with an empty chair throughout the week. 

Derrick & Dennis

Dennis, our server, and Derrick, our assistant server took fantastic care of all of us throughout the voyage.  They sure made each meal fun, interesting and quite enjoyable.  We learned that Dennis had been with Disney Cruise Line since its’ inception, and in fact was on the inaugural crew for the Magic – and despite offers, has never transferred to another ship.  He really enjoys the smaller, more intimate feel of the Magic, vs. the grander scale of the Dream and the Fantasy.  He has considered the Wonder, but really loves the Magic.  Derrick, on the other hand, had only been with the line for about 7 months and does want to sample other ships when he is able to at some point in the future, but until then really enjoys working onboard the Magic.

My lovely bride's appetizer:
Sesame-flavored Rock Shrimp &
Caramelized Onion Cheesecake

Confetti Tomato Salad

The rotational concept really does add a lot to the overall cruise vacation experience, in my opinion.  First, you get to sample the various designs and stylings of each dining room that the imagineers went to great lengths to include when crafting the ship; and then you also get the fun and vibe that each location brings, through different costumes for the servers, music and overall ambiance.  Plus the menu selections vary somewhat based on the individual dining rooms as well.  Having cruised before (just me, not my lovely bride), I enjoyed that my server in the dining room kind of knew by the end of the cruise what I wanted to drink – but onboard the Disney ship – WOW – by the second day Derrick, was bringing us the correct beverages, and by the third night Dennis was intuiting what each guest at the table would enjoy best from the menu selection.  He had a pretty darn good accuracy rate too after just a couple of meals – well over 60%.  By the last couple of nights he was 100% correct, from appetizer selection, to entrees and dessert.  It was almost fun to “test” him and see how he would do. 

The artwork over our table
by the end of the meal

The artwork over our table
when we sat down

Dessert Trio Sampler (I didn't get a
dessert menu picture, so I can't
tell you exactly what these are)

I have more to share on the dining aspect, but am going to save those things for another entry.  So for now, I bid you adieu, or as Mickey likes to say, see ya real soon!

Until next time,

 

Featured Foto Friday - Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is a fun-filled dinner show inside Pioneer Hall at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.  It has been in its near original format since it premiered in 1973.  The dinner is an all-you-care-to-eat family-style meal filled with fried chicken, cornbread, beans and other tasty selections.  It's corny at times, but a very fun performance.

Tuesday Trivia - The Empress Lilly

The Empress Lilly riverboat, with its elegant cargo of fine restaurants and lively lounges is a gleaming centerpiece among all of the shops, boutiques and other restaurants in Downtown Disney (formerly known as the Walt Disney World Village).  While it is no longer known as the Empress Lilly, the riverboat still houses fine dining opportunities as Fulton's Crab House.  At one time there was a charming character dining experience onboard the ship.