A Walt Disney World train operator is dead following a collision of two of the theme park’s iconic monorails. I know this is old news, but it’s particularly of interest to me for several reasons:
Just under two months ago, I spent an unusually soggy week in Orlando at Disney. I was on the very monorails that wrecked (pink and purple). I remember many years ago on a previous Disney vacation riding the purple monorail and being forced to exit at the Contemporary Resort due to mechanical problems. Of course, I don’t know if the purple stripe painted on that train has remained on the same one all these years.
Is it just me, or is mass transit experiencing more wrecks lately? A quick recap:
* US-Airways ditched in the Hudson
* Continental 3407 crashed into a house right here in Buffalo
* Air France crashed a plane near South America
* A Yemeni airliner crashed just recently
* Buffalo native Jeanice McMillan was piloting the Washington D.C. Metro train that rammed into another one
I know it’s morbid to recap all these unfortunate events, but what’s going on here? Plane and trains seem to be having bad days lately.
It will be interesting to observe as the investigation into this Disney monorail crash unfolds. Was the driver in a sound state of mind? Was he texting? Did the brakes fail? Did the autopilot computer go haywire and miscalculate something?
Disney’s monorail system has long been an iconic means of transportation around the Orlando resort. The technology—largely based on electricity and considered “green”—has even been sold to “Adult Disneyland” (Las Vegas) as a means of people moving.
For raw video after the accident, photos, and additional coverage, check out Orlando’s local news.
Showing posts with label Walt Disney World. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walt Disney World. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Building Brand Disney
During my recent visit to Disney World, I couldn’t help but to view the place through a slightly different lens then I did all approximately 10 times I’d been there before. Now, as an educated college grad (with no useful employment of my degree, but that’s another story), I observe the marketing and brand-building effort behind “Brand Disney”.
It’s amazing when you think about how Walt Disney began with animated films and lovable characters that eventually grew into the globe-spanning empire of theme parks, resorts, merchandise, and lifestyle that it is today. And it all is encompassed by those few logos: the iconic Mickey Mouse ears, text set in the typeface called Waltograph. (Download it here ).
As I observed the day-to-day operations at the Disney parks, I became amazed that a base adult one-day ticket is only $80. Every ride, shop, etc. requires a different uniform for each of its employees. A fancy, themed, fitted uniform for each employee. And then there are all those employees. Every attraction has multiple attendants while hotels like the Yacht Club have an admiral greeting guests at the door. Just imagine the cost of all those employees, even if they make minimum wage, plus their uniforms—which I’m told they don’t pay for. Payroll plus textile costs must be huge. Is it any surprise that a burger is $6 in these parks and a poncho $8, even if it is a “tourist trap?” I won't even go into the Disney Transport system, and the costs of diesel fuel plust maintenance for all those buses and boats (the iconic monorail is electric).
On a lighter note, how about the rides and attractions? The experiences are second to none. Wait times in line were generally short (semi-attributable to bad weather and being “pre-peak season” when I visited.) In fact, in many cases I wanted to wait longer, because Disney goes all out to make wait times interesting and informative, but they also design rides that are constantly loading, keeping the line in motion. Boarding was always very organized with a slew of attendants directing revelers, and rather than check each person’s safety restraint, Disney includes a built-in mechanism placing the responsibility of restraint checking on the rider. Hey, it cuts wait times and keeps guests happy—better than at Six Flags parks where attendants manually check each restraint.
If there’s one thing about Disney that surprises me, it’s the fact that many rides have a “darker side” that could disturb young children especially. Take “Pirates of the Caribbean” for example: drunkness, violence toward females, waterboarding (oh, this could open a whole new can of worms!), the decimation of a Caribbean village—all themes that run rampant throughout this attraction. There are other things I could mention too, and while Pirates is a bit of an extreme example, conflict and darker themes surprise me in many of the attractions.
It’s interesting to note that in a Buffalo News article today by movie critic Jeff Simon, he basically states the same, albeit as it applies to Walt’s early animation career. It’s an interesting piece, especially considering animation is where Walt’s other visions ultimately got their start, their brand image.
It’s amazing when you think about how Walt Disney began with animated films and lovable characters that eventually grew into the globe-spanning empire of theme parks, resorts, merchandise, and lifestyle that it is today. And it all is encompassed by those few logos: the iconic Mickey Mouse ears, text set in the typeface called Waltograph. (Download it here ).
As I observed the day-to-day operations at the Disney parks, I became amazed that a base adult one-day ticket is only $80. Every ride, shop, etc. requires a different uniform for each of its employees. A fancy, themed, fitted uniform for each employee. And then there are all those employees. Every attraction has multiple attendants while hotels like the Yacht Club have an admiral greeting guests at the door. Just imagine the cost of all those employees, even if they make minimum wage, plus their uniforms—which I’m told they don’t pay for. Payroll plus textile costs must be huge. Is it any surprise that a burger is $6 in these parks and a poncho $8, even if it is a “tourist trap?” I won't even go into the Disney Transport system, and the costs of diesel fuel plust maintenance for all those buses and boats (the iconic monorail is electric).
On a lighter note, how about the rides and attractions? The experiences are second to none. Wait times in line were generally short (semi-attributable to bad weather and being “pre-peak season” when I visited.) In fact, in many cases I wanted to wait longer, because Disney goes all out to make wait times interesting and informative, but they also design rides that are constantly loading, keeping the line in motion. Boarding was always very organized with a slew of attendants directing revelers, and rather than check each person’s safety restraint, Disney includes a built-in mechanism placing the responsibility of restraint checking on the rider. Hey, it cuts wait times and keeps guests happy—better than at Six Flags parks where attendants manually check each restraint.
If there’s one thing about Disney that surprises me, it’s the fact that many rides have a “darker side” that could disturb young children especially. Take “Pirates of the Caribbean” for example: drunkness, violence toward females, waterboarding (oh, this could open a whole new can of worms!), the decimation of a Caribbean village—all themes that run rampant throughout this attraction. There are other things I could mention too, and while Pirates is a bit of an extreme example, conflict and darker themes surprise me in many of the attractions.
It’s interesting to note that in a Buffalo News article today by movie critic Jeff Simon, he basically states the same, albeit as it applies to Walt’s early animation career. It’s an interesting piece, especially considering animation is where Walt’s other visions ultimately got their start, their brand image.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Determination: Disney Through the Downpours...
This past week I had the privilege of visiting Walt Disney World for the first time in over six years.
As I left on a downright cold Buffalo morning, I couldn’t help but dream of beaches, heat, sunshine…things Florida is known for in May. Unfortunately, it was warmer and drier in Buffalo the whole week I was away. The record-breaking rains in Orlando led to one soggy day at Disney after another. My camera case was wrapped in plastic while I was wrapped in a (not-so-effective) poncho. Photo-ops suffered greatly on this trip, as I either didn’t feel like digging out the camera, or the sky was such an ugly shade of gray that it made the scene unappealing. But I still got a fair amount of pics, and I’ll post a link on here once I’ve got an album uploaded.
Anyway, a few highlights from the trip:
GETTING THERE and BACK
My trip began on the “Mickey Express”—Southwest Airlines’ Buffalo-to-Orlando nonstop. It was full of screaming children, hapless parents, and vacationing Canadians. As I sat surrounded by the pandemonium within this dated Boeing 737, all I could do was remind myself of the fare: $59. The return flight was on a newer aircraft and less crowded—much better. This was my first time on Southwest, and I gotta say, I liked them. Their one-class aircraft yields to an equality-for-all legroom situation with no “upper-caste” enjoying the posh seats up front. No change fees, no checked bag fees, and ultra-low web fares may have just made me Southwest’s latest loyalist.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
All I wanted to see here was “Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” involving some French cars from Disneyland Paris. Last showing was at 4:30, which was before I got to the park. Darnit.
The American Idol show was entertaining, however. Regular people audition for a chance to compete in one of several shows throughout the day with a finale in the evening. The judges, Ryan Seacrest video clips, and sound stage made for an enjoyable, realistic experience.
Hollywood Tower of Terror and Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster remain great staples when it comes to thrill rides in this park.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
This is a sore issue. It was cold and poured rain the whole time I was here. I wish the safari would’ve been slower so I could actually have seen and gotten better pictures of the animals.
Expedition Everest, one of the newest attractions, probably would’ve been fun if it weren’t for the stinging rain pelting me. Forget seeing the Yeti (fabled abdominal snowman), or any of the other typical over-the-top Disney scenery this coaster had to offer. I just hoped not to lose an eye to a water droplet.
MAGIC KINGDOM
This day started out with bright Florida sunshine burning through the clouds. It was a promising day indeed, and the first half of it was enjoyable. This park hasn’t changed much through the years. The Mountains (Splash, Thunder, and Space) are mainstays. Too bad Space Mountain was closed for renovations. The Hall of Presidents was also closed because Obama is being created.
Pirates of the Caribbean has a few new twists, most notably, Captain Jack Sparrow from the movies of the same name makes a couple of appearances.
Walt’s own Carousel of Progress is unchanged, but was undoubtedly most entertaining this time. The rain and thunder blew in while we were on this ride. I think something got hit by lightening. The talking robotic humans’ heads all slumped, and while they continued to talk, it appeared all their necks had been broken. Other bizarre things occurred, and by the time we reached the strange 1980’s/1990’s mish-mash scene that is supposed to be today’s world, the attendants shut the display down due to “technical difficulties.”
EPCOT
Epcot is more of an adult’s park (I mean this in a non-X-rated way), and so I spent an entire day there this time. Until evening, the rain held off. I thoroughly explored World Showcase. While enjoyable, the re-creations of Venice and Paris in Las Vegas are far more realistic.
Spaceship Earth (the iconic silver Epcot ball) has been remastered since my last visit and proved very enjoyable. It’s essentially a journey through the history of human communications, and holding a communications degree, I found it particularly educational. Funny how in explaining the history of computers, the inventor of the common microcomputer was only described as tinkering in his California garage. I’m not sure if the hippy-era robot was supposed to be Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, but surely someone didn’t pony up with product endorsement cash for Disney.
Soaring, a simulator that takes viewers over California’s most picturesque landmarks, would’ve been well worth the wait even if I didn’t have a fast pass. Blowing winds, scents of the alpine forests and orange groves, and spectacular large-format film make this attraction worth doing once. Or twice.
GM’s Test Track remains another worthy attraction, even 10 years after its conception. Sadly, GM isn’t the company it was at this ride’s inception. And with some lights, TV screens, etc. not working, it shows that the ride is running on a skeletal crew and a few million dollars in government bailout money. Ok, perhaps that’s not all true. Test Track is still a fun, informative look into the automotive industry.
OK, I’M ABOUT DONE…
Determination was the theme of this soggy trip. Donning a rain poncho and jacket every day was not fun. Slogging around in soaked shoes was awful. I really feel for the people whose first visit this was to Disney. In the end I made some good memories, but with the awful weather, this was one vacation I was glad to see conclude.
There’s a lot more I want to share about this trip, including reviews of some of the fabulous Disney restaurants I dined at. More posts are sure to come.
As I left on a downright cold Buffalo morning, I couldn’t help but dream of beaches, heat, sunshine…things Florida is known for in May. Unfortunately, it was warmer and drier in Buffalo the whole week I was away. The record-breaking rains in Orlando led to one soggy day at Disney after another. My camera case was wrapped in plastic while I was wrapped in a (not-so-effective) poncho. Photo-ops suffered greatly on this trip, as I either didn’t feel like digging out the camera, or the sky was such an ugly shade of gray that it made the scene unappealing. But I still got a fair amount of pics, and I’ll post a link on here once I’ve got an album uploaded.
Anyway, a few highlights from the trip:
GETTING THERE and BACK
My trip began on the “Mickey Express”—Southwest Airlines’ Buffalo-to-Orlando nonstop. It was full of screaming children, hapless parents, and vacationing Canadians. As I sat surrounded by the pandemonium within this dated Boeing 737, all I could do was remind myself of the fare: $59. The return flight was on a newer aircraft and less crowded—much better. This was my first time on Southwest, and I gotta say, I liked them. Their one-class aircraft yields to an equality-for-all legroom situation with no “upper-caste” enjoying the posh seats up front. No change fees, no checked bag fees, and ultra-low web fares may have just made me Southwest’s latest loyalist.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
All I wanted to see here was “Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show” involving some French cars from Disneyland Paris. Last showing was at 4:30, which was before I got to the park. Darnit.
The American Idol show was entertaining, however. Regular people audition for a chance to compete in one of several shows throughout the day with a finale in the evening. The judges, Ryan Seacrest video clips, and sound stage made for an enjoyable, realistic experience.
Hollywood Tower of Terror and Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster remain great staples when it comes to thrill rides in this park.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
This is a sore issue. It was cold and poured rain the whole time I was here. I wish the safari would’ve been slower so I could actually have seen and gotten better pictures of the animals.
Expedition Everest, one of the newest attractions, probably would’ve been fun if it weren’t for the stinging rain pelting me. Forget seeing the Yeti (fabled abdominal snowman), or any of the other typical over-the-top Disney scenery this coaster had to offer. I just hoped not to lose an eye to a water droplet.
MAGIC KINGDOM
This day started out with bright Florida sunshine burning through the clouds. It was a promising day indeed, and the first half of it was enjoyable. This park hasn’t changed much through the years. The Mountains (Splash, Thunder, and Space) are mainstays. Too bad Space Mountain was closed for renovations. The Hall of Presidents was also closed because Obama is being created.
Pirates of the Caribbean has a few new twists, most notably, Captain Jack Sparrow from the movies of the same name makes a couple of appearances.
Walt’s own Carousel of Progress is unchanged, but was undoubtedly most entertaining this time. The rain and thunder blew in while we were on this ride. I think something got hit by lightening. The talking robotic humans’ heads all slumped, and while they continued to talk, it appeared all their necks had been broken. Other bizarre things occurred, and by the time we reached the strange 1980’s/1990’s mish-mash scene that is supposed to be today’s world, the attendants shut the display down due to “technical difficulties.”
EPCOT
Epcot is more of an adult’s park (I mean this in a non-X-rated way), and so I spent an entire day there this time. Until evening, the rain held off. I thoroughly explored World Showcase. While enjoyable, the re-creations of Venice and Paris in Las Vegas are far more realistic.
Spaceship Earth (the iconic silver Epcot ball) has been remastered since my last visit and proved very enjoyable. It’s essentially a journey through the history of human communications, and holding a communications degree, I found it particularly educational. Funny how in explaining the history of computers, the inventor of the common microcomputer was only described as tinkering in his California garage. I’m not sure if the hippy-era robot was supposed to be Bill Gates or Steve Jobs, but surely someone didn’t pony up with product endorsement cash for Disney.
Soaring, a simulator that takes viewers over California’s most picturesque landmarks, would’ve been well worth the wait even if I didn’t have a fast pass. Blowing winds, scents of the alpine forests and orange groves, and spectacular large-format film make this attraction worth doing once. Or twice.
GM’s Test Track remains another worthy attraction, even 10 years after its conception. Sadly, GM isn’t the company it was at this ride’s inception. And with some lights, TV screens, etc. not working, it shows that the ride is running on a skeletal crew and a few million dollars in government bailout money. Ok, perhaps that’s not all true. Test Track is still a fun, informative look into the automotive industry.
OK, I’M ABOUT DONE…
Determination was the theme of this soggy trip. Donning a rain poncho and jacket every day was not fun. Slogging around in soaked shoes was awful. I really feel for the people whose first visit this was to Disney. In the end I made some good memories, but with the awful weather, this was one vacation I was glad to see conclude.
There’s a lot more I want to share about this trip, including reviews of some of the fabulous Disney restaurants I dined at. More posts are sure to come.
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