Art the Greeter

Today I got the official news that Art, the Greeter at the Beach Club Resort and Beach Club Villas is retiring. I am sure there are many reasons for that final decision, but the main one I can say, as it was confirmed, is that it will allow him more time with family, especially with the upcoming holidays.

Art had talked about it before he was out a few months ago. He had to take time here and there off because when you start taking social security, you can only work so many hours in a month and a year. He had talked about some things he would like to do, "when the time is right".

I saw Art this past weekend, and now knowing that this is official, it make sense on something made in passing. I knew it was coming, just not when. One of the things I have loved when I see Art, is his visiting for moments with families who want to stop and take a picture with him. I have taken MANY of those pictures when I stop to visit over the past several years. I just took one picture of him off the refrigerator and replaced it with another. He will soon have a more special spot, as I am planning to get a photo of him with my mom, sister and niece. It's a 3 generation shot. That one will get framed and treasured, for many reasons.

Art is a huge inspiration and also motivator. I went back to school in 2007-2008, and Art would tell me whenever I was at WDW, "Mediocrity is unacceptable." He is so right. Bring yourself up a level and strive harder. Be better at what you can do and be. Don't do things halfway because it's easier or because someone else can come along later and fix it. Do it right the first time.

I've noticed with conversations I have had with him and some others, that he doesn't judge people, he doesn't take sides. He is the most humble human being I have come to know. He is generous with his time, which is evident when he is at work. If someone asks to see him on his break... he has insisted that staff get him. Only once have I ever interrupted a break, and I was just going to wait for him. Management went to get him instead.

If you can get to WDW before 17th October, I hope you can get by to see Art. I am not sure if he is going to continue to take Sundays and Mondays off, but would think that he will be taking them off. I feel truly blessed to call him a friend... and to have been in the presence of someone like him. He truly is a living icon of all things Disney, and will missed by thousands.

I wish you well Art! May God bless you many, many times over. And thank you for the joy, happiness and peace you have given me.


About the photo: Art was talking with a guest. I had moved around out of the way by one of the pillars closer to the back door. Art had looked up and looked up again when he realized I was there. I had my camera ready, as I wanted a candid shot and got this picture. 24th January 2009.

My Last Kungaloosh

Last night I went to one of the last Adventurer's Club private events. It was very bittersweet. Saw some of the "box people", Lou Mongello and Ryan, author of the Main Street Gazette blog. I brought my friend Rebecca who was with me there a year ago (almost to the day).  She was my backup because someone wasn't able to be home from a trip. (I remember my first time was with an ex BF when we went to PI years ago. AC intrigued me.)


We were escorted in and walked down the stairs. We had a buffet set up with salad, beans, mashed potatoes, couscous, chicken, roast beef and bread. No alcohol.... sadly... was looking for a Kungaloosh. Disney did not keep up the license for that building. The library was full, so Rebecca and I went into the treasure room to eat.


As we finished dinner the show began. We came into the rotunda and had the official greeting and induction... you know the greeting, the creed and the song. You do know the secret greeting?? How about the creed?

We climb the highest mountain,
just to get a better view.
We plumb the deepest oceans, cause
we're daring through and through.
We cross the scorching desert, martini in our hand.
We ski the polar icecaps, in tuxedo looking grand.
We are reckless, brave and loyal, and valiant to the end.
If you come in here a stranger, you will exit as a friend.

KUNGALOOSH!

We moved into the Library as the show carried on. The other group behind us ate. The show was way too short! After the show we came back out, had dessert in the back and then re-entered. The show continued in the Rotunda, then the Mask and Treasure rooms. It ended too soon. We were able to take pictures... live for the last time in 1937.
The cast members made comments throughout the show about the club being closed a year and about things being shipped to Hong Kong. I am glad to know I can still see a couple in few places around the parks. I will miss them and this place that made me smile so much... and let me escape my reality. I am glad that I did decide to take my camera at the last moment. Though I think that this is one of WDW largest mistakes, I pray that the magic carries on however it is used (even as props) in Hong Kong.
Thanks you Lou Mongello and MEI/Mouse Fan Travel for hosting this!

D23 Expo: Upcoming changes for the Disney Parks and Resorts

I do not normally do the same type of blog that all the other Disney Bloggers seem to do. This is the exception. I saw some information that was going out that wasn't what was said when I listened to the 30 minute feed twice.

Fantasyland at Walt Disney World is getting revamped. Back behind the area that we know they have already started work. There will be settings for Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Cinderella, Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Belle. I am so looking forward to Belle! There will be a new dining area there, "Be Our Guest" I believe is the table service and Gaston's pub will be counter service. They will move the current Storytime with Belle into this area with a change to it. There will be a ride for Ariel (reminded me of Finding Nemo in Epcot). And finally, Pixie Hallow is going to much more than it already is at Toon Town.

Disney Cruise Line had some changes. I thought they said 2 places for new places to see, but only heard Alaska. The Wonder will be permanently moved to the West coast. The 2 new ships, Dream and Fantasy, will be coming soon. Castaway Key is getting some changes too. They did show a little bit of the DVC resort in Hawaii.

I know I have said Tokyo when talking about Adventurer's Club... and I do not know why I keep doing that... but rumor is that after I go to an event there (with 2 others follow the next 2 nights) the AC is being packed up and moved to Hong Kong. Well, now I believe it even more. At DLHK they are adding a new land, a frontier type land, called Grizzly Trails. There is going to be a roller coaster type ride with a mix of California Screamin' and Expedition Everest with added details in all their coasters.

Finally, the AC link. There is going to be a Haunted Mansion type ride that has a interactive part so you never get the same ride twice. It's called Mystic Point and has a theme about a man's adventures and a monkey. This is why I see everything being packed up now at the AC. How sad we lose this great attraction... just because they want to use the props there.

The expansion at DL California Adventure is going on. The World of Color nighttime spectacular is coming along with new boats/barges that look very colorful. They are opening a new land: car Land, that takes you to Radiator Springs. There will be a ride there that is a play on Test Track from the appearance of the mock up. And in Oct 2010, StarTours will be closing at DL for a revamp, that will reopen in 2011. At the announcement, this was only said for the DL resort. Yes, I do eventually see that changing at DHS, but it wasn't announced at that time. Maybe someone asked after the fact, but why would they not say both with all the news????????

Food and Wine Festival

In just under 2 weeks, Epcot will be welcoming many to 7 weeks of wonderful food and wine from all over the world. I was at Epcot yesterday and they are already have the kiosks set up. There wasn't any topiaries set up yet, which were sparse last year, IMO. Last year was actually the most disappointing year with the way it was done... but that didn't keep me from going or enjoying it. There is a wide variety of things to do.

They have the Eat to the Beat concerts (see list below), Wine Seminars*, Taste Seminars**, Culinary demonstrations**, and then some things like a taste of Italy, a Beer Hop, and many sample size offerings of food and wine from all over. There are countries that you find in World Showcase that are also represented (France, Germany, Canada, etc) and then you have Greece, New Zealand, Ireland, India, Spain and more. New this year is going to be Thailand and Brazil... and also a dessert and champagne kiosk. The cost for the samplings vary from $3 to up to $7-8. It's a good place to try things you wouldn't try and take a step to go beyond your boundries. (I tried escargot and pickled octopus there and liked them both.)

Bon Appetit!!!

Eat to the Beat Concerts:
09/25 - 09/27 - Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy
09/28 - 09/29 - Richard Marx
09/30 - 10/03 - Starships with Mickey Thomas
10/04 - 10/06 - En Vogue
10/07- 10/08 - Better than Ezra
10/09 - 10/11 - Sister Hazel
10/12 - 10/13 - Kool and the Gang
10/14 - 10/16 - Spyro Gyra
10/17 - 10/18 - Jon Secada
10/19 - 10/20 - Sister Sledge
10/21 - 10/22 - Vanessa Carlton
10/23 - 10/25 - Taylor Dayne
10/26 - 10/28 - Boyz II Men
10/29 - 10/31 - John Waite
11/01 - 11/02 - Taylor Hicks
11/03 - 11/05 - Billy Ocean
11/06 - 11/08 - Los Lobos

* Wine Seminars
Epcot Adventures in Wine Varietals Epcot
Wine Schools
Food and Wine Pairings

** Taste Seminars/Culinary Demostrations
Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen
French Regional Lunch Series
A Party for the Senses Signature Dinners
Sweet Sundays

Disneyland's Walk of Magical Memories

Disneyland is doing a walkway similar to the bricks that are at the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. The one at DL will be between MK and California Adventure. The bricks are still being sold at this time. They run $150.00 for 3 lines. Each line is up to 16 letters, spaces and punctuation. You may have names, a place (like city and state) and a date. You also get to pick a little picture from a choice of 6 designs (wedding bells, a castle with a banner under it that I don't remember, Mickey icon shape with a year in it, and Mickey's hands that make a heart. One for California AP holders only and one for CM only.). You may not put "in memory of, in honor of, wedding, anniversary, birthday etc.). For an extra $35 each you may get either an acrylic or wooden replica of the brick. After the information is received by DL, they send a confirmation out in approximately 3 weeks. After another 10 weeks, you get the replicas.

I recently purchased a brick with contributions from awesome friends who wanted to be a part of remember a friend we lost suddenly. I spoke about her in a past blog. We have all contributed enough money to not only get the brick, but also 2 wooden replicas for her children, AND over $250.00 is going to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund in her name. Her brick has the Mickey hands picture, her name and where she lived. I am amazed by their generosity and friendship. They have been a great help as I have dealt with the loss of a friend and I hope that I was equally as generous with compassion for them as they went through this loss too.

Jen's brick will be placed in February 2010. I hope I can get out there one day to see it. I do have a couple friends in California who would take a picture for me. I think it's a wonderful way to remember someone who loves Disney.

MNSSHP Kickoff

Tonight was the first night of the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Fall has arrived at WDW when the decorations went up over a week ago. Made my day when I saw a text picture from a friend showing me that. We are heading into my favorite time of year... Fall.

There is a lot to do at the MNSSHP. You can go to dance parties, trick or treat at special spots through out the park, ride the rides, watch the parade (which is the highlight of the night) not once but twice, see Hallo-Wishes and the ultimate of all things is for just a bit... is to see the Headless Horseman ride! This is the must NOT be missed.. if even for one time. The parade itself is a not to miss too, especially with the ghosts and the gravediggers. Oh, and look for the caretaker and his dog from the HM! For the trick or treating part, WDW gives you bags to collect all the sweets you can. The cast members are a lot of fun too!

Don't forget you can dress up for this party! I have seen a variety of themes in the park. The best was a group who dressed up as characters from the Adventurer's Club. I have seen group as Peter Pan, Wendy, Tink, Michael and John... oh, and some lost boys! Saw theme of 101 Dalmations, Snow White, Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Some friends and I talked about doing that for this year, when the trip was really big, but it didn't pan out.

The music is addictive and I can hardly wait to change my phone ringtone to "Boo to You". I did it last year and it was a huge hit =0) There are many photo options and don't forget to use your photopass. There was a ghost added into the photo at the HM which was pretty cool. There are also banners that can be added online when you edit the pictures.

Happy Trick or Treating!