LIVE from OKW ... Day 11 - post #66 - "All Good Things ..."

[photobob]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip. It sure helps me to fill the void between trips.

 

[bobbiwoz]

LOL, well I was pretty sure no snow would be in the forecast!

That 81 and 85 sound marvelous too! Unfortunately, It will likely be that when we arrive in the mid afternoon, and we'll still be wearing Minnesota clothes until we get into our room!

Have a safe trip, and see you on Friday!

Bobbi

 

[SusieBea]

Hey, Doc - Have you been watching the other thread about a reduction in decorations at the parks this year? What has your experience been during this anniversary trip?

 

[RobDoc]

I got up early this morning to join John (jdvm) in the Owner's Locker Purple Van. It was a busy delivery schedule with stops at OKW, SSR, PC, ASM, AKV (Jambo and Kidani), CR and FW. The locker deliveries are now greatly simplified by the custom inventory management software now in place for OL. Using bar codes on each locker and bar codes on the report provided to each report to note on the member's reservation, the level of automation is impressive. At each resort they can now scan the bar code and the data is sent to their server to send out an email letting the member know their locker is waiting. The returning lockers are similarly scanned to produce the email letting members know their locker is safely back in the climate controlled warehouse.

The biggest change since my last trip in the OL van is the addition of stroller rentals via Owner's Locker's sister company, Magic Strollers. These strollers are amazing. They are delivered packaged in a canvas bag with an ID tag to identify the intended recipient. They have both single and double strollers available and seem to be competitively priced with all other local providers. They also include a rain-cover and parent "control" dashboard (cup holder/cooler). The Bell staff CMs at each resort seem to like the fact that the Magic Strollers are self-contained and not hanging out all over the storage facilities. The storage facilities are pretty compact areas with space at a premium, so anything that assists with the organization of the racks is appreciated by the CMs. They all know John by name and seem happy to see he and Brian.

At AKV, after a delivery at Jambo (yes, Diane, I know your locker arrived safely ay Jambo because I carried into the storage area myself! ) and a couple more at Kidani, we took a walk around Kidani to explore the lobby, see the Tapestry and take a peek at Sanaa - very impressive! While I think the back side of the resort is seriously lacking in Disney theming, the lobby and other public areas are wonderful with lots of little quiet nooks and crannies to relax and enjoy the savannah.

I was back to OKW around 11:00am and we grabbed a bus to DD for lunch at the Earl of Sandwich. The line was huge when we arrived about 12:30, but it moved quickly and efficiently. I was not aware of any DVC discounts, but they gave us 10% off when I used our KKTW card for payment. I had the Mediterranean Tuna Wrap and DW had the Mediterranean Chicken Salad. Both were delicious.

We visited several DD stores afterwards before busing back to OKW. I have been looking for copies of "Creating Magic" , by Lee Cockerell (former Exec. Vice Pres. for Disney Operations - and one of the speakers at the podcast seminar on Friday), since he will be autographing copies on Friday - but have been unable to locate any so far. I have read his book and do have my copy with me, but wanted to get additional copies as gifts for co-workers and DD. Hopefully they will have some available at the Dolphin before the program. I may just end up making the purchase on Amazon. They did have a few copies at WoD and Writer's Stop (at DHS), but they had only Spanish translations at both locations - and my Spanish is extremely rusty. ???

After a short break back at our villa we rode over to DHS for the Osborne Lights. We walked past TSM - wait-time 80 minutes, FP no longer available - and over to the end of New York Street arriving about 5:55. As we got there the "radio" program began explaining the Osborne history and followed by the lighting just before 6pm. Gone is the ceremony of past years, but the lights are spectacular again this year. We have seen the lights annually except for 2008 and they are wonderful - with some new scenes and using LEDs instead of the old incandescents from the past. Everytthing seemed to be working fully including the Angel Carousels and no light bankes were noticeably outt during the time we were there. We enjoyed the snow, music and lights for about an hour before returning to OKW.

Tomorrow we'll be at the DVC Annual Meeting(s) and the have dinner planned at Ohana with a group of DIS friends. I will try to report from the meeting tomorrow afternoon.


SusieBea - my impression of the Christmas decor is that there have been some reductions (most notably to me at Epcot with the loss of the International Walkway lighting between FW and WS). The overheard garlands and tree at MK were down for the parade taping, but will be going back up. Some areas have actually seen increased decor (lobby at SSR), but all-in-all the decor is wonderful. We haven't notice any other lack at MK, DHS (including Osborne Lights) or AK. We have not yet visited WL (it's on our list though), but GF seemed just as festive as in years past. OKW is in full decor and the other resorts we've visited also seem to be similarly decorated as in prior years.

I know that some have a different impression (again, we were not here last year to compare with this year), but we have felt just as much spirit on our trip this week. The crowds have certainly been greater than our previous experiences in early December, but the decor, music and Disney magic are as impressive as ever.

 

[dvc at last !]

Thanks for your great reporting. It makes me very interested to visit WDW at the Holiday some day. Your insight is enjoyable. Keep us posted
re: The Meeting on Wednesday. Looking forward to more...
Enjoy !

 

[dopeygirl76]

Hi Doc - I just wanted to add that we rented one of the MagicStrollers singles on our trip last week and the model they use - BabyJogger CityMinis are awesome!!! DH was SOOO impressed he said he wished we had one at home!!!

BTW - we did compare prices and MagicStrollers were actually less expensive and then with the discount (OL members get an additional 20%) MUCH cheaper!!! Thanks to the OL for another GREAT item!!!

 

[RobDoc]

This has been a looong day.

We had a lazy morning and then took a bus to MK about 11:30 to walk over to the CR Convention Center to attend the DVC Annual Meeting. I have 6 pages of notes and will try to organize the information in the 2009 DVC Annual Meeting Report on the DVC Operations board.

The DVC Board meeting was very scripted as usual and ended before 1:30. The Member's Meeting began at 2:00 pm and we had to leave for a dinner reservation at 5:40pm while the meeting was still going on.

Dinner tonite was at Ohana with a group of 15 DISers. Great meal and the company was even better.

It will take me awhile to finish updating the report of the meeting but , if I can read my notes, I'll get that done in the next hour or so.

No big plans for tomorrow except the Member Mixer and an evening at Jellyrolls.

 

[DVC Mike]

to attend the DVC Annual Meeting.

No big plans for tomorrow except the Member Mixer

We were both at the meeting and will both be at the mixer tomorrow, and I've yet to meet you.

 

[DVC Mike]

Dinner tonite was at Ohana with a group of 15 DISers.

Hmmm, and I was having dinner at Kona Cafe.

Am I following you, or are you following me?

 

[RobDoc]

We were both at the meeting and will both be at the mixer tomorrow, and I've yet to meet you.

Mike, I asked the 2nd Budget question today - about the status of the DVC loan to HH owners for the accelerated capital reserve improvements in 2006.

Thanks for adding your comments to the thread on Operations. Hopefully, bewteen the two reports most of the meeting will be covered.

I hope to meet you tomorrow at the mixer. I'll likely be towards the back behind the tent - weather permitting. I look just like my avatar!

See you then!

 

[RobDoc]

Hmmm, and I was having dinner at Kona Cafe.

Am I following you, or are you following me?

LOL - that depends - what time was your dinner?

See you tomorrow!

 

[DVC Mike]

See you tomorrow!

It was nice to finally meet you. I enjoyed our conversation. I hope the rest of your stay is enjoyable and your trip home uneventful.

 

[RobDoc]

We left the room this morning around 10am. The air temp then was 76 and there was a "possibility" of rain later in the day along with a drop in temps by mid-afternoon.

We were dressed in shorts and sleeves and headed to MK. On the way we noticed some sprinkles on the bus windshield. By the time we reached the MK, it had stopped. When we started down Main Street there was a light mist and by the time we got to the Cinema, the heavens opened up with a heavy rain. Main Street emptied in about 10 seconds and all of the shops were filled with wet guests!

After about 10 minutes the rain slowed to a steady drizzle and the temperature felt about 10 degrees lower - especially with the light breeze that had started.

We went to TL and rode Buzz and the Carousel with no lines at all (still raining though) so we got into Philarmagic (not full) and then walked to Liberty Square and went into HM followed by Hall of Presidents (I really like the Morgan Freeman narration). After HoP we had a quick lunch at Columbia House and then caught a bus back to OKW.

A quick check of the weather - at 10:45 it was 79 degrees and by noon had dropped into the 50's. At 5:00pm it is 59 - but the rain has stopped.

We changed into some warmer (and drier) clothes and headed right over to Epcot for a walk-thru and out International Gateway to the Merry Member Mixer. We met some long time DIS friends waiting in line - many here will remember JayPD - who was a DVC Board moderator at one time. I have known Jay now for over 10 years after meeting at OKW. We joined he and his wife - Stacy - and their two children and Jay's mom and had a great reunion. The last time we met, 9yo Zachary was 1 and in a stroller!

Inside the Mixer tent we saw Deevy Cee again, with her daughter and DH and then got to meet DVC Mike and chat with him for about 15 minutes. While talking with Mike, we were joined by Daddio. It was great getting to put faces to usernames!

Refreshments were the same as last week and the line for DVC pins was again very long. I also got to spend some time with dvc_john, Dianeschlicht and her DH, Dick. John and I sat together at the Annual Meeting yesterday and he filled me in on the last 20 minutes of the meeting that I missed. It was great to meet and see so many familiar and new people.

Tonite we'll head over to Jellyrolls for a DIS meet with a large group.

Tomorrow is the DIS podcast seminar with Marty Sklar and Lee Cockerell. I[m looking forward to hearing both of these long-time Disney execs. I have read Lee's book - Creating Magic and am eager to hear him in person.

 

[RobDoc]

It was nice to finally meet you. I enjoyed our conversation. I hope the rest of your stay is enjoyable and your trip home uneventful.

Thanks, Mike. Looks like we were posting at the same time.

Safe travels!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Good seeing you again tonight, Rob. We knew about Karen's Jelly Rolls party, but decided we needed a night to chill. Besides, we had to pack up everything (including the Owner's Locker) for our move to OKW tomorrow and our early morning Segway tour.

 

[RobDoc]

Wee left the room at 7:30am this morning to get a bus to a park so we could get another for the Dolphin to attend the DISappalooza seminar. As we were walking to HH, a bus to DHS was leaving. While we were waiting for another bus, the Owner's Locker purple van pulled up and we rode along with John to the Dolphin with stops at SSR, PO and CBR on the way.

The seminar was WONDERFUL! The first speaker was Lee Cockerell, retired Executive Vice President of Operations at WDW. His book "Creating Magic" was being sold in the registration area and he was graciously there to sign books before and after the program. His program was about leadership and management - two very different concepts, but closely connected in Disney culture. He offers a wealth of experience from his years at Marriott, before joing Disney. His talk was very inspiring and well received by the audience of about 275.

Following an intermission, the next speaker was Disney Legend, Marty Sklar - former head of Disney Imagineering and current Imagineering Ambassador. Marty has been involved with the opening of all 11 Disney Parks and shared stories from his years working directly with Walt Disney. he included a number of video presentations to illustrate his stories and also had a 30 minute Q&A session afterwards. It was another inspiring presentation.

When asked what Walt would think about the current-day Epcot and it's deviation from the concept presented on TV by Walt back in 1966 (which was the last film appearance by Walt shortly before his death) - Marty responded that Walt likely would have said "What took you so long".

He feels the company is in great hands and has been doing a great job of continuing Walt's vision by working with the changing world in which we live. He is optimistic for the future of Disney and WDW.

He was asked what his most and least favorite attractions have been - least favorite was a History attraction in Japan and most favorite is Space Mountain - and shared a story about presenting the concept to RCA to gain their corporate sponsorship.

After the seminar, we headed to DD to grab lunch at Earl of Sandwich. Tonite we'll take in the castle lighting at MK and then tour the Christmas decor at WL.

It was 52 this morning as we left the room with an expected high of 65, but tomorrow upper 70's are predicted with chance of rain. The Orlando area is already 2" above average for the month of December - with more than 2 weeks to go!

Tomorrow will be a quiet day, preparing for our out return home on Sunday and the DISappalooza event at Toy Story Mania in the evening, where the DIS/Podcast/Dreams has rented the attration for about 3 hours after the park closes. Hopefully the rain will hold off during that event!

 

[Disney Princess]

Sounds like a very interesting seminar. I wish we could have been there. I love watching Mr. Sklar on the Disney videos and history programs we've seen. He is someone I'd love to get the chance to talk with. I'll have to pick up a copy of Lee Cockerell's book. My husband works in hospitality and would love to read that.

 

[disneynutz]

For those interested, Lee's book is also available as a MP3 download book on tape and also available for the Kindle.

We also enjoyed the seminar but wish that Pete would have introduced his team and the major players here on the DIS like Webmaster Doc.

Bill

 

[dvc_john]

He was asked what his most and least favorite attractions have been - least favorite was a History attraction in Japan and most favorite is Space Mountain

Doc, I remember seeing that history attraction in Tokyo Disneyland years ago. It was a theater show, and you had to sit in the last row to use headsets for the English translation. There were 3 of us, and we were the only ones in the theater. It really glossed over WWII. Something like 'a dark cloud came over, but then the sun came out again...'

When I was there last year, that attraction was gone. Not exactly sure what replaced it, but I think the space is now the space used by 'Honey I shrunk the audience', or else possibly 'Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin', both of which are practically next to each other.

 

[RobDoc]

Doc, I remember seeing that history attraction in Tokyo Disneyland years ago. It was a theater show, and you had to sit in the last row to use headsets for the English translation. There were 3 of us, and we were the only ones in the theater. It really glossed over WWII. Something like 'a dark cloud came over, but then the sun came out again...'

When I was there last year, that attraction was gone. Not exactly sure what replaced it, but I think the space is now the space used by 'Honey I shrunk the audience', or else possibly 'Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin', both of which are practically next to each other.

Yes, that's what he hated about that attraction - the WWII portion and how difficult it was to present that in Japan. He said it had finally been removed and something really great is there in it's place.

We also enjoyed the seminar but wish that Pete would have introduced his team [/url]

Sorry I missed you in the crowd. Will you be at the TSM event tomorrow? I will look for you! (Pete is expecting about 700 at the party though, so it might take a few minutes. )