WDW Daily News

Walt Disney World is constantly changing. Some changes are more visible than others, like the expansion we now call Fantasy Land at the Magic Kingdom. Some are smaller and mostly behind the scenes. Never the less, change is constant. Walt himself was quoted as saying, “”It’s something that will never be finished. Something that I can keep developing…and adding to.” Although he was referring to Disneyland at the time, I believe it would apply to all the Parks.

He also said, “In this volatile business of ours, we can ill afford to rest on our laurels, even to pause in retrospect. Times and conditions change so rapidly that we must keep our aim constantly focused on the future.” Change is the future. We may not always agree with the change but in the big picture, change drives us forward. And when it doesn’t? Well, let’s hope those in charge are willing to admit when change isn’t for the better and reevaluate.

Over the years many attractions have come and gone. The list is extensive; there are even web pages devoted to the topic. Some went without fan fare; while others have a fan base, like Mister Toad’s Wild Ride and Off Kilter, screaming to be heard. Some of the changes happened before I ever visited for the first time so I am not aware of what I lost; while other more recent changes have saddened me greatly. I never knew there was a daytime show in World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT but I bet it was fun to see. I do however remember the Tapestry of Nations Parade and wish it would come back, even on a limited basis. I did ride the Skyway from Tomorrow Land to Fantasy Land on one visit to the Magic Kingdom. I even visited Discovery Island before it closed.

Each Guest has their favorite attractions and experiences. Some of which are must dos on every trip, until there is a change. And some new attractions quickly become must dos. I miss the underlying story of the Poachers on the safari ride in Animal Kingdom but enjoy the addition of the zebras and the addax. I really miss Mickey’s Toon Town although the attention to detail in the new décor is interesting and fun. And remember 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? That can never be replaced. Some attractions are just timeless. New attractions are sometimes embraced with joy and enthusiasm by Guests. For example, Seven Dwarfs Mine ride seems to be quite popular. Try getting a Fast Pass! Others may not be as popular or may take time to get a following.

While many of us are repeat visitors, Guests that know what we want to see and do, others are visiting for the first time. These first time Guests may find some of the new attractions become their favorites. Fresh ideas and updates to attractions keep Guests coming while favorite attractions keep Guests coming back.
There is sentiment in things staying the same, nostalgia. We like to relive the past, return to our youth and maybe even share those memories with future generations. But there is excitement in new things, experiencing them for the first time, seeing new technology develop. Change pushes us forward. Memories ground us. A mix of both is the magic of Disney.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is getting the largest makeover in its history. The hotel has launched a multi-phase, multi-year, $125 million redesign project that will transform every guest room in the 758-room Swan Hotel and the 1,509-room Dolphin Hotel.

“As we celebrate the hotel’s 25th anniversary, it is appropriate that we mark the occasion with a renaissance of our room product,” said General Manager Fred Sawyers. “Our guests will continue to receive the level of service and hospitality that comes with a quarter century of experience while enjoying a modern new guest room.”

The transformation will occur without disruption to the guest experience as the majority of guest rooms will be available throughout the process. The hotel’s public spaces, restaurants, meeting rooms, shops, pools and recreational areas will not be impacted and remain fully operational throughout the renovation.

Noted hotel and condominium interior design and architecture firm Garcia Stromberg/GS4 Studios, designers of the Conrad Hotel Ft. Lauderdale, the Waldorf Astoria’s Boca Beach Club and One Thousand Ocean condominium in Boca Raton, Fla., created the concept for the new rooms.

The new room design is inspired by the resort’s water-themed architecture. The goal was to create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere.

The guest room features upgraded furniture and all of the latest technology including large HD TVs.  Additional power outlets provide corporate executives and family travelers more options for use of multiple personal electronics.

Blending an artistic combination of whites, blues and grays, the design creates a tasteful ambiance that appeals to adults while abstract artwork playfully delights children as well.

The centerpiece of the room is the famous Westin Heavenly Bed with its all-white custom-designed pillow-top mattress set, cozy down blanket, a trio of crisp sheets, goose down comforter and four over-stuffed pillows.

The design continues into a completely new bathroom, featuring a back-lit mirror mounted on iridescent glass tiles.

The project will start at the Swan Hotel, with approximately 500 of the 756 rooms redesigned by the end of 2014. The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel rooms will begin in 2016 with the entire rooms project currently scheduled for completion by the end of 2017.

This year has been the year of firsts for me with Disney. It’s my first year being here for the Halloween Season ( Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was AWESOME!!). It’s my first year being here for the Food and Wine Festival (i.e- that time I tried snails on purpose). And it will be my first year being in the parks for the Holiday season. But my most exciting first this year is….MY VERY FIRST DISNEY CRUISE!!! That’s right guys I’ll be cruise with the mouse himself in December! To say I’m excited is pretty much the understatement of the year, but I have to say I’m a little bit nervous because I have no idea what to expect. I’ll be traveling with two of my closest friends that have cruised with the mouse before so I’m very happy they’ll know what they are doing, but still I’m a wee bit nervous of what a Disney cruise entails.

From my research I know I’ll be spending a fair amount of time on the ship itself—I’ll be traveling on The Disney Dream which looks absolutely amazing! I’ve been reading up on the dining options and I think I’m most excited about the Animator’s Palate. I’ve been checking out videos of the Aquaduck because I’m the biggest chicken ever when it comes to water slides but I’m determined to try it out! And of course I’ve got my blank vinyalmation all set for character autographs! Since it will be a Holiday cruise there are special offerings just for Christmas but one thing I’m very excited about participating is Fish Extenders! Essentially it’s secret santa with a group of cabins through your cruise. I’ve been steady working on my gifts and bar packaging I’m almost done making them. If you look on pinterest you’ll find a host of fun ideas for gifts and even the doorhangers to collect them in!
I have no clue how I’m going to package my gifts just yet, but I’ll figure it out eventually. For now I’m making sure I’m swimsuit ready and reading up on seasickness remedies just in case. When we get a little closer to sailing time I’ll have even more fun things to tell you about, but that’s all for now. Any other Disney Cruisers here? Help me out with some tips for an awesome time! I’d love to hear! 😀