I've been quietly counting down the days, and tomorrow it finally arrives.

I'm going to Disneyland! 

No "research trip" here (OK, maybe a little research) - it's really just a few days away with some friends to enjoy the parks. It will be an opportunity to compare and contrast the two parks, attractions, shows, and of course, food. And yes, we already have reservations at the Blue Bayou. That will be one Monte Christo, please.

I have only been to Disneyland one other time, back in 1995. Unfortunately, we only spent a half day at the park, and I wasn't in the same mindset about Disney that I am now (translated - obsessive geek). 

There is so much I'm looking forward to, and so much I am anxious to explore. Sure, I know about riding Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage (please don't tell my son Nicolas - he'd freak if he knew this even existed, let alone daddy leaving him home to ride it. "It's research, son... research... too dangerous for a boy your age...") And of course, I can't wait to ride the Haunted Mansion, the "real" Pirates of the Caribbean, enjoy a Monte Ch... oh, I said that already, didn't I?

You know, it's funny... people talk about Disneyland with such fond reverence and respect, and I have to admit that as the trip gets closer, I DO anticipate being able to "walk where Walt once walked." I have such a greater appreciation today for what he has created, and how much it means to me, not to mention what generations of Imagineers have done, that there will definitely be an emotional aspect to this trip. 

And Nicolas? Marion?... don't get mad at me if you read this long after I'm gone and wonder why I didn't take you along. Think of this as a "reconnaissance mission" so I can get the lay of the land, scout out all the things we need to see, in preparation for our next trip out. 

When most guys get together to go away on a guys-only trip, they usually head to places like Las Vegas. We decide to go to Disneyland. I'm a geek, and proud of it. 

Do You Remember?....

The Hercules Zero to Hero Victory Parade?

Located in the Disney-MGM Studios, the Hercules Zero to Hero Victory Parade began on June 27, 1997 and ran until 1998 when it was replaced by the Mulan parade.

Unique to this parade was the "Theban Family of the Day," which was a Guest family that would don togas and ride in a chariot to head the parade.

TGIF!! OK, now that I got that out of the way... :)

There are a lot of changes, some subtle, others not so subtle, happening around Walt Disney World this week, with much more to come in the next few weeks and months. I am going to cover all of the news from the parks this week, as well as some interesting rumors on this week's WDW Radio Show. 

One of the aforementioned changes I made reference to is taking place in each of the theme parks, as Disney is introducing new, color-coded maps for each of the parks.

As you can see in the Magic Kingdom example below, the maps are being colorized for two purposes - mainly, so that they correlate to individual park map's color scheme so they can be more easily recognized by Guests. Cast Members reported that there was some confusion between the generic green, blue, etc. maps. Also, believe it or not - the color ones cost less to produce! It might not make much sense, but I was told that by producing these maps in color, Disney is saving about 1.5% on the printing costs. Go figure. 

One of my favorite little overlooked details in the resorts can be found in Disney's Polynesian Resort. On the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, you will find this little gem. 

Located between Samoa Snacks and Trader Jacks, the small "Customs Office" appears to currently be closed for lunch, but no worries, as they will be back... in August.

Notice the little details, both inside and out - from the thatched roof to the mosquito net screens, and fishing nets standing by the ready. Inside, you'll notice the old Royal typewriter sitting atop the desk, alongside log books, a phone that has seen better days, and a radio.

On the nearby shelves (everything is nearby, as the room is no larger that a water closet), you will find more books, a lamp, fan, as well as a now-empty bottle of aluminum acetate, which is commonly used as an antiseptic - you know... just in case...

Next time you're waiting for your table at 'Ohana, or as you are darting to the monorail to get to the Magic Kingdom, pause for just a moment and appreciate yet another one of the fantastic details that Disney puts into their resorts to complete the illusion that you have traveled to an exotic destination, far beyond the boundaries of Lake Buena Vista.