Not so Fantasmic

In yet another indication that Disney World execs have looked into their crystal ball and have seen less cash flowing their way, Disney announced yesterday that they would be cutting back performances of Fantasmic to two days a week. Add this to reports that they've slowed down their buses, and they are closing Pleasure Island, plus various shows such as Pocahontas and Friends and it starts to look look like cost cutting as well as retooling. My guess is that they are planning on using this downturn in the economy as a chance to refurbish and rebuild so that when thing inevitably turn around they will be ready for what will likely be bigger than ever crowds.

If you've ever viewed Fantasmic, you know that they aren't cutting back due to a lack of popularity. During busy times you have to get a seat a couple of hours before the show. Even in less busy times you generally have to get there about an hour before the show. What this tells me is that the demand for seats is going to be insane now. And the people in the know are going to drive the demand for the Fantasmic Dinner Packages up, too. I expect it's going to be as hard to get a Fantasmic Dinner package as it is to get into Le' Celier come January. So, if you are planning a trip to Disney Studios next year and want to view Fantasmic you had better book one of the Fantasmic Dinner packages as early as possible!

Travel slowdown could mean good deals

According to this article on the Chicago Tribune web site the forecasted slowdown in travel to Orlando could mean some good deals on hotels this fall. They are predicting rates as low as $35-$40 per night at hotels that usually charge $100 or more per night. As usual one person's bad news is another's good news. If you can afford to travel while others are struggling or are being more conservative, you will no doubt be able to take advantage of some great deals.

Children's films for Children

I came across this thought provoking story about children's films. I agree with the basic premise of the story, that many children's films have gone too far when trying to appeal to adult audiences. I take exception to lumping Shrek in with Pixar movies, however. I find Shrek to be funny, but vulgar and do not allow my kids to watch it. However, I've never found anything in the Pixar movies that I'm bothered by.

I haven't really seen any of Disney's recent offerings (have there been any?). In my opinion, Pixar has replaced Disney when it comes to wholesome family animation.

As I said, though, I do agree with the basic premise. I think there needs to be more kids movies just for kids. It's rare for there to be a "G" rated movie come out. My girls were excited about the American Girl movie that came this summer because it was rated "G". I agree with the author that we could use more movies like this one. I suppose they wouldn't do as well as PG rated movies, but I know our family would not only visit the theater more often, but we would buy more DVDs, too.

Where is the coffee?

I just read the news that Disney has added a coffee and pastry stand at the ticket and transportation center. This is very welcome news. It reminded me just how much Disney could use more coffe/pastry stands. In this day-and-age when you there is a Starbucks on every other street corner it's amazing how hard it is to get a cup of coffee at Disney World (not that I'm a fan of Starbucks or their coffee). It's even harder to find a good cup of coffee. The coffee at the resorts that I've had has been terrible. Disney World is definitely a soft drink driven world. I suspect it has something to do with price - doesn't it always?

Anyway, back to my point. We always like to get to the parks first thing in the morning. That being the case, it's nice to get a cup of coffee. As it turns out, you can get popcorn, ice cream and Coke first thing in the morning, but finding coffee takes some doing. So, I'm glad to see them adding this coffee and pastry stand. Plus adding it outside the park means we can save even more time inside the park. Thank you Mickey Mouse!

Disney and YouTube

Walt Disney Resorts and Parks has just launched the Disney Parks channel on YouTube. Aside from lots of cool videos, they are running a contest right now with free trip including a stay in the Disneyland Dream Suite. So go check out the Disney YouTube Channel and submit your favorite Disney World memory video for your chance to win!

Record Flights to Orlando Tapering Off?

In an article by the Orlando Sentinel, they pose the following question:

"Could the sluggish economy be catching up to Orlando International Airport?

"After months of big growth gains, passenger traffic at the airport flattened out in May, according to figures released by the airport this afternoon. About 3.1 million travelers passed through the airport in the month -- up only 0.3 percent from May 2007.

"Domestic travel actually dipped 0.8 percent for the month to 2.9 million passengers. But that was offset by a 17.5 percent increase in international traffic to about 211,000 passengers."

I guess the question is valid given that a strong growth trend seems to be weakening. However, if read the article they tell you that the numbers are still up over last year. And that's not even counting international travelers. Given the cut in flights that have been made and so-called recession we are going through this seems pretty amazing to me.

I think everybody is looking for a chink in Disney World's armor during this recession. I think they may find that a lot people are going to enjoy their vacations in spite of high energy prices.

What do you think? Will high gas prices affect your decision to go to Disney World or not?