Here we go, Swine flu fears at WDW

With a report in today's Orlando Sentinel that a group of band members from a Greenville, SC school are experiencing flu-like symptoms after a trip last week to Walt Disney World, the level of concern for visiting WDW has skyrocketed (thanks, in large part, to all the media coverage).

It is likely a confirmed case of swine flu will pop-up in Florida and probably at Walt Disney World. It is, after all, the world's number one vacation destination. With that kind of daily attendance, from all corners of the globe (including Mexico), it's hard not to think that a case will surface.

The thing to remember with this is that prevention is the key. This DOES NOT mean stay in your home and don't venture out. This DOES NOT mean cancel your plans to visit WDW. All you need to do is take a few simple hygiene measures and you stand a good chance of not even contracting this disease, or catching a very mild version - which is, in many ways, just like the normal flu.

So with this in mind, here's a Tip Tuesday Extra (call it Tip Thursday):

First and foremost, WASH YOUR HANDS. A lot!! Be sure to scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds. The quick wash trick won't work here. You have to get in there and really go at it. The reason for this is to allow the soap longer time to interact with germs and kill them. If you just hit a little soap and rise off, the soap hasn't had time to do much of anything.

Second, use hand sanitizer. Carry a small bottle with you in the parks. As you come off an attraction, use a small hit of sanitizer (or, again, wash your hands).

Third, if you have a cough or a cold, be sure to use tissues (and only ONCE). Cough into the tissue or into your sleeve. If you frequently cough into your sleeve, make sure that shirt is washed as soon as possible. If you have a cold and a runny nose, use a tissue and then throw it away. Don't keep using them and handkerchiefs are a bad idea, so don't even go there.

The folks at Disney are doing everything they can to keep the parks and resorts as clean and sanitized as possible. You need to do your part.

This whole thing will burn out soon enough. If you have summer plans for Walt Disney World, don't cancel them. Come to the World and have a great time!

Next D23 charter member pin: The Mad Hatter

According to the D23 FanFare email newsletter, the next in the series of D23 Charter Member pins will be released this Friday, May 1. The next pin will feature the Mad Hatter. Also a new D23 shirt featuring the Mad Hatter will go on sale the same day. The shirt features a drawing of the Mad Hatter with the phrase "Your cup of tea" above it. It is in the same style as the Tinker Bell and Jiminy Crickett shirts.

By the way, the Tinker Bell and Jiminy Cricket pins went back on sale this afternoon. No word on how many are available, so D23 members, get them while you can!

Tip Tuesday: Star Wars Weekends

In yet another post to honor the 20th anniversary of Disney's Hollywood Studios, I thought I'd give a few tips related to the upcoming Star Wars Weekend taking place in May and June at the Studios.

Each year, Star Wars Weekends (SWW) brings thousands of Star Wars fans to Disney's Hollywood Studios to meet stars from the films, pose with Star Wars characters and buy exclusive Star Wars-related merchandise.

This year, SWW will take place May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14. You can see the full list of celebrities at StudiosCentral.com. Highlights include Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Warwick Davis (Wickett the Ewok).

The good news: SWW is a lot of fun and runs for four weekends in a row, so there's plenty of time to do what you want, provided you are prepared because ...

The bad news: There are thousands of fans, which means lines can get REALLY long.

As I said, you can really enjoy Star Wars Weekends if you're prepared and have a game plan.

The first thing you should do is determine your priorities. Which is the most important: meeting (and getting photos and autographs) with celebrities, purchasing merchandise or meeting (and getting photos and autographs) with Star Wars characters. Depending on the crowds, which will likely be heavier on Friday and Saturday than Sunday, you may only get to one or two of the items on your list.

No matter what your top priority is, you have to get to Hollywood Studios EARLY -- at least 45 minutes to an hour before park opening. If this year goes like years past, there will be separate queues for meeting celebrities, merchandise and other events. These aren't the actual queues - think of them as the line to get in the line (after entering the park).

While you're waiting, be sure to stand where you can see the two Stormtroopers that usually patrol on the roof by the main entrance. They have a skit they do that is aboslutely hilarious. They will play with small kids who are dressed up - especially the little Jedi around.

Once the park opens, head straight to what you're interested in and be prepared to wait in a very long line, especially if you're trying to meet celebrities.

When we went to SWW in 2007, we weren't all that interested in meeting celebrities and getting those autographs - we focused on meeting characters and getting exclusive merchandise. So when we got to the park early Saturday morning, we went straight to the merchandise location. Look on your park map for the location. In 2007, it was in the area that now is just to the left of Toy Story Mania. It moves from year to year, so check your map.

Speaking of merchandise, when you do decide to purchase the exclusive merchandise, and by "exclusive merchandise," I mean merchandise directly related to SWW, plan to do your shopping all at once. Regular Star Wars merchandise can be found in Tattoine Traders next to Star Tours (and that's year-round). It may take a while to get into the merchandise area. If you see something you're interested in, you may want to get it, because there's no promise it will be there later in the day or even during a later weekend. The exclusive merchandise has been known to sell out fast, especially the big figs. See my previous post for more on the big figs.

One final tip about merchandise, especially for guests that are using airline transportation -- Disney can ship your purchases to your home - and it might just be cheaper than the baggage fees. Ask a cast member about shipping - especially for bigger items.

When it comes to meeting characters, many of the same tips from regular Disney characters applies -- have your autograph book open and ready, have your pen ready (sharpie is best) and have your camera ready. Sometimes Disney will have PhotoPass photographers on-hand, but not always. If you do happen to get PhotoPass pictures, be sure to add the special Star Wars enhancements once you view your photos (see the shot above - the enhancements may change each year). And just like meeting the regular Disney characters, the lines can get very long, so be patient.

Parents be ready, because the characters, especially the no-so-nice ones (I'm talking to you Lord Vader!) may play with you and start to act all evil. We experience this very thing while meeting the Dark Lord of the Sith. He was very impatient at having to sign autographs, like it was beneath someone of such importance in the Empire, and started giving my wife (yes, that's the DisneyMommy there) some grief. It was fun to see an annoyed Vader.

Earlier I mentioned kids dressed like Jedi -- this is one of those events where it's fine for kids AND parents to dress in their Star Wars finest. Some of the costumes you will see are homemade and incredibly accurate.

Star Wars Weekends has plenty for kids as well, but, just like the events listed above, you have to be prepared. If your child (or children) want to participate in the Jedi Training Academy (which is year-round now), make sure your children are at the rope (not under it!) and are as energetic as possible. It's a good idea to get to the rope area at least 30-45 minutes before the next show.

Finally, enjoy it. If you get tired of standing in lines, take a break and head to the rest of the park to catch some of the regular attractions. Odds are, the lines may be shorter than usual. The only, obvious, exception to this is Star Tours, which is home base (or maybe Echo Base) for all things Star Wars, so it's going to be packed all day.

Just be careful who you run into or you could end up like I did while standing in one line back in 2007:

That's me in the white shirt. I'm amazed he let me go!

Cover for D23 May issue announced

The official D23 Web site today unveiled the cover of the May issue of "TwentyThree," the D23 magazine. The new issue will feature Donald Duck, who celebrates his 75th anniversary. Also in this issue will be updates on changes coming to Disney's California Adventure and a feature on the Sherman Brothers who were instrumental in making Disney magic through music.

Look for this issue to be available in stores (The Disney Store and Barnes & Noble) on May 5.

The Disney Studios: Then and Now

As we approach the 20th anniversary of Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly called the Disney-MGM Studios), I wanted to take a look back at the Studios of 1989 and compare it to the Studios of today.

To help me aboard this wayback machine (to borrow a phrase from my friend Lou Mongello), is my wife (the DisneyMommy?) who, during her high school senior week, went to the then-called Disney-MGM Studios only a little over two months after the new park opened (yes, we were dating back then). She has since joined me on all our WDW trips with our family, so she can give a then-and-now perspective.

DisneyDaddy (DD): So what were the Studios like when you went back in 1989?

DisneyMommy (DM): There was not much there. There were no thrill rides like today. There was one tour - the Backlot Tour, and really only one ride - the Great Movie Ride. That was about it. There weren't any shows like Beauty and the Beast or the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. If they had a parade, I don't remember it.

DD: What were the crowds like?

DM: The crowds were horrible. It was only two months old, so everyone wanted to see what was going happening. There were only two major attractions, so there wasn't much to do but stand in line. There were some shops, which were interesting.

DD: What were the main attractions back then?

DM: The backlot tour was the main feature. The lines to get into this tour were VERY long and there were no FastPasses back then. The tour took more than two hours, and it covered a lot more than what the current Backlot Tour shows. Back in 1989, this was supposed to be a working studio, so the Streets of New York were used as sets - guests couldn't walk through them. The Great Movie Ride was the other major attraction. Star Tours and The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular hadn't even opened yet -- they opened a few months later.

DD: Which was your favorite attraction?

DM: I guess the Great Movie Ride. It was ok. It's not one I try to ride these days, though.

DD: Did you see some of the celebrities that visited the park during that first year?

DM: If I did, I didn't know it. All I saw were people in line and it was very hot. Really!

DD: What were your overall impressions in 1989?

DM: I liked it, but I thought it needed more. I liked the Magic Kingdom much better.

DD: Now we go forward about 20 years. We first visited Disney-MGM in the summer of 2007. What had changed since 1989?

DM: Everything! There were so many new attractions, shows, restaurants, shops and more! Now it appealed to a larger audience than just those who were interested in how movies were made. Now the park has a much greater appeal to kids.

DD: We've been to the Studios several times since 2007 and have seen some interesting additions. What's your favorite attraction at the now-called Disney's Hollywood Studios (DHS)?

DM: Even though it was one of the original attractions, I still really like Star Tours. When we went in 2007, it was new to me because it hadn't opened by June 1989. I also like to see the kids at the Jedi Training Academy, though I wish (actually we both wish) we could be padawans as well!

DD: Do you think the days of Star Wars Weekends are limited?
DM: I hope not, because it's the one thing that Disney and Lucas have in common. It's "Disney with Ewoks." Parents and grandparents can pass along their love of Star Wars with their kids. Seeing Darth Vader is just as much as a thrill as seeing Mickey Mouse. I think my younger son was more excited to see Jedi Mickey than any other Disney character. I mean it's Mickey Mouse with the Force! What else could be better? There are so many people, young and old, who come in costume to enjoy being a Star Wars fan. What a great way to spend time with friends and family. If we can, I know we'll return again to Star Wars Weekends.

DD: How would you rate the Studios of 1989 compared to the Studios of 2009?
DM: Apples and oranges. The old MGM was a great start, but Disney has taken this park to a whole new level. In 1989, I wasn't all that thrilled with the Studios. It was OK, but there wasn't much there. Now Hollywood Studios has so much that the other parks don't have.

Disney has done a great job of giving each park their own identity with unique experiences. It's like trying to pick a favorite child. There's a serenity at Epcot you won't get anywhere else. The Magic Kingdom has an enormous appeal for children and those children at heart.

DHS is more high-test. Hollywood Studios now is my favorite park, mostly because of what's been added in the past 20 years. There's everything for the younger kids in Playhouse Disney to thrill rides and the Tower of Terror to the shows for older guests - and everybody loves Toy Story Mania. There's even Kim Possible at the studios! All they need now is a Bueno Nacho and more Kim Possible pins!

Hollywood Studios is one of the first parks we head to when our family goes to Walt Disney World.

DD: Readers of the blog know about the DisneyDaddy must-do's. What are the DisneyMommy must-do's at DHS?
DM: Star Tours is a must. It doesn't matter if your a Star Wars fan or not - it's just fun! Also be sure to take some time to visit One Man's Dream to learn about how Walt Disney and his legacy made all this happen. Finally, make sure you get a picture with Sorcerer Mickey - you can find him in the Magic of Disney Animation.

Disney Legend Marty Sklar to retire

According to a blog post on Orlando Attractions Magazine, Marty Sklar, Ambassador for Walt Disney Imagineering has decided to retire from the Walt Disney Company, effective July 17, which happens to be Disneyland's 54th birthday.

In an e-mail Sklar sent to Imagineering employees, Sklar said, "I have decided to turn in my name tag on one of those prime dates: July 17. In 2009, that date will mark Disneyland’s 54th birthday, and my 53rd year as a Disney cast member. (I returned to UCLA after Disneyland’s first summer to finish my senior year, then returned to Disneyland’s public relations department in September 1956.)"

In the e-mail, Sklar went on to say, "Now it’s time to turn the page. So many of you have asked that I have finally actually begun writing that book about the people, the places and the passions I have experienced as an Imagineer. As I said three years ago when my 'ambassadorship' began, I know you will keep on dreaming big dreams, and creating the newest and best in the world. I’ll still be looking over your shoulders, cheerleading, and filling new blank pages. It’s the most important Imagineering tradition."

Sklar was named a Disney Legend in 2001.

This is as big as if Walt Disney, himself, were announcing his retirement. Sklar has done it all and seen it all. Even though he may officially be retiring, I'm sure we've not seen the last of Marty Sklar.

On behalf of the millions and millions of Disney Parks fans, I want to wish Marty the best of luck in his upcoming retirement and to express our most sincere thanks and appreciation for all he's done to create Disney magic.

Additional details on "Pirates League" in Adventureland

There are some new details emerging about the upcoming Pirates League to be located near Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland.

Participants will receive pirate names before receiving a variety of accessories, including beards, eye patches, scarves, scars, earrings and gold teeth. These will be applied by a "veteran pirate" with sea-sailing tales.

After taking a sacred oath and an official portrait, guests will be part of Jack Sparrow's gang.

There will be three pirate packages.
- First Mate Package ($49.95): bandana, choice of facial effects, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, 5x7 photo and a "personalized pirate oath."
- Empress Package ($49.95): bandana, "shimmering" makeup, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, 5x7 photo and a "personalized pirate oath."
- Captains Package ($124.95): choice of costume, facial effects, sword and sheath, pirate coin necklace, three 5x7 photos and the personalized oath.

The new Pirates League will be located in the area between the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and the Pirates Merchandise shop. Reservations will be accepted starting May 11. The store officially opens June 29.

Disney Legends to receive Main St. windows at Disneyland

According to the D23 Web site, on April 29, for the first time in history, two people will receive a window on Main Street, U.S.A. on the same day. The windows will honor Disney Legends and former Walt Disney Imagineers Rolly Crump and the late Don Edgren. Look for Rolly and Don's names over the porch of the old bra shop and above the Silhouette Studio.

Rolly Crump is best known for his work at Disneyland on the Haunted Mansion, the Enchanted Tiki Room, it's a small world, the Carousel of Progress, among other projects. Crump also contributed to the development of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. After a brief stint away from Disney, Crump returned to work on several pavilions in Epcot. He was inducted as a Disney legend in 2004.

Don Edgren was the original chief engineer in the field for the original construction of Disneyland. He also led the Imagineering engineering team for New Orleans Square and Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland, while also participating in the initial master planning for Walt Disney World in Florida. He was inducted as a Disney legend in 2006.

(source: Disney Legends Web site)

Attention young pirates: Pirates League coming soon!

The folks at Orlando Attractions Magazine and WDWMagic are both reporting that a new "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boutique-like" store is opening soon near Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventure land in the Magic Kingdom. Called the Pirates League, the store will help young boys transform into pirates and gain access to a secret treasure lair.

According to these reports, the new Lair should be open sometime in either June or July.

D23 update - D23 pins to go on sale very soon

I happened to be checking the D23 Boutique to see if any of those "temporarily sold out" pins might again be up for sale, when, what to my wondering eyes should disappear, but the links to those (and any) pins.

Late this evening, I saw a new update on the D23 Web site:

"For those D23 members who missed out on our exclusive pins the first time around, we have great news! This week Disney Shopping will be putting the 'D23' and 'Plane Crazy' pins back on sale, and next week, look for the Tinker Bell and Jiminy Cricket pins to return."

There you have it D23 fans! Look for the return of those popular pins starting later this week and into next week. There's no word on how many pins are available - so if you want them, better get them fast!

UPDATE #2: The "D23" lapel pin and the Plane Crazy pins are now on sale as of 4/23.