Vacation Planning DVD

[DancingBear]

I just received and watched the new free vacation planning WDW DVD (I haven't yet looked at the CD-Rom that also comes in the package). Some observations:

--The production quality in this program is so much higher than in prior versions. Four hosts, separate (short) pieces on EVERY resort (including DVC and Fort Wilderness), mod graphics, very nicely done. A lot of quick cuts means it may not make a good "keepsake" video ("look son, there's the...whoops, it's gone"), but it's very watchable. Very "Travel Channel" feel.

--I thought they did a good job selling the "Magic Your Way" concept. In particular, the graphic showing the cost per day dropping to like $29/day for 7-day tickets. And repeating that a family of four could stay at a Value resort for 6 nights and get 7-day tickets for under $1,500.

--They showed Everest under construction. While they've talked about coming attractions before, I don't think they've ever actually showed construction, just graphics. One of the aspects that made this look like an actual Travel Channel type of show.

--I thought it was a clever angle to act like all of the copied attractions now opening at WDW are part of the 50th anniversary celebration. "We're bringing top shows and rides from all of other theme parks around the world(Cinderella show from Tokyo, Stunt show from Paris, Soarin' from DCA) to WDW!!" [In other words, "It wasn't that we're too cheap to do a new film for 'Soarin', rather, it's a paean to our California roots!!"]

 

[Nuculer]

Sounds good. Do you have to order it online or can you do it over the phone?

 

[DancingBear]

I ordered mine through the official WDW site.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Thanks for the recap of the new dvd DancingBear. We ordered our about 2 weeks ago and can't wait to get it.

 

[ToddS]

I just watched mine this week and I totally agree with your assessment, DancingBear. They really did a nice job with the planning video this time. "Watchable" is a perfect description, and the Travel Channel analogy is apt as well. I always enjoy checking these out when they come out with a new one every year or so, and this is my favorite yet. I also thought that Erin (the main host) was a cutie, so that's a bonus!

One thing I do miss from last year's planning video (at least the DVD version) is the map. The DVD had a selection that allowed you to use a WDW property map as a navigation device. Click anywhere on the map, and video would run that described the resort, theme park, water park or whatever that you clicked on. I thought that was pretty neat, and I wish they kept it.

 

[mitros]

I just watched it last night, and I see there is still some "old" footage in there, but overall, it was pretty informative. I just don't care much for the guy that comes on after the hostess and before the mother. Get a comb buddy! It is interesting to see the differences in the techniques and special effects used as opposed to some of the really early WDW videos from the 80's. The CD rom is good for planning your trip. It actually brings you to the different portions of the WDW web site so you can do different things.