Walt Disney World Resort

Smee never gets any respect.

"The expectations of people who come to Disney, I think are probably higher than when they do anything else in their life." - Tim O'Brien

What is it about a place, that can make a grown man to do something like that? I mean not only pose with characters of ill-repute, but to put a couple of fingers up behind him? I mean other than alcohol?

My history with Disneyworld starts in 1977, when I was there for a week on someone else's tab. The most vivid memory I have was opening up my hotel room door in the Contemporary (one of two hotels on-property at the time), and seeing the monorail parked at it's station across the atrium.

Surprisingly (or not,) I have very little recollection of that trip. I remember Space Mountain, the Pina Coladas, dry vodka martinis and that it was exceedingly hot and humid. So humid, that pair of swimming trunks left on the balcony wouldn't dry. I swear there was frost around the air-conditioning vent. And the only souvenir I have is a swizzle stick from the Contemporary. That might explain why I don't remember a lot of that trip. The four main things I do remember, and must have left a lasting impression on me, was the heat, humidity, expense and crowds.

Since that trip, I didn't visit another Disney park for 23 years. Too busy with school, work, finding good fishin' holes or whatever.

Map of Walt Disney World Resort. Click on the map for a larger view... Map ©Disney

I was reintroduced to Disneyworld back in 2000, after being in Orlando on business, and joining some friends that would be in Tampa for a couple of days before my arrival. I was in Disneyworld for 3 1/2 days, eyeing everything with my normal, cynical mind. I wasn't completely naive, I was fully aware that my wallet was up for grabs, and was expecting an environment more suited for kids. This was Disney after all.

But then a couple of things happened. First, Disney *is* after your money, but I found you generally get what you pay for. (This is in terms of food, lodging, and entertainment. Things outside of that, is up to your own judgment. For instance, I have a 50 Disney Dollar bill in CU condition from Disneyland. I'll probably never spend it, and what an operation that is, huh? I wonder what Disney estimates their seignorage on Disney Dollars is. I'm sure they know...)

On the other hand, what is escapism worth, especially since there's no where else on the planet (other than Disney and Universal) that provides unique venues like these parks? There is no place like Disneyworld.

Second, not only did Disney live up to my entertainment expectations, but surpassed them. As I look back, I can't accurately describe what I expected in March of 2000, perhaps I had visions of seeing Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto everywhere, along with cheezy venues and awful food. And, was I wrong.

So wrong, that I was back in the parks for 11 days in June/July of 2000, and took almost a complete video record of the park. And then June 2001, just because. Back again in March 2002, then September 2002 in a combined trip to New Orleans. Then a couple of quick trips in 2003, but could only make it once in 2004, and once in 2005, since I had my annual pass from 2004...

Here's an introduction to WDW from one of my old Home Video's.

And here's an interesting overlay of the size of Walt Disney World versus Disneyland Resort. (189KB)


Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Here's a shameless plug for someone I know. The book is both informative and entertaining, with guidelines on how to plan a trip... It's available on Amazon: So ... You're Going to Disney World: How I learned to stop worrying and embrace the planning process by Steve Russo. This book is perfect if you have a $15 order and want free shipping...

Miscellaneous WDW pictures

Back to Top

Magic Kingdom, The Most Magical Place on Earth, is Disney's second theme park, the park Walt wanted to do right. Opening in 1971, substantially larger and less densely packed than the other Magic Kingdom, it's the number one visited park on the planet.

Epcot, once known as the "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow", today is just known as Epcot. Opening in 1982 as Epcot Center, this park is half-technology showcase and half-Disney's version of a Worlds Fair; this park is unique in the world of Theme Parks. Epcot is also Disney's venue for their annual events, such as the Flower and Garden show and the Food and Wine festival.

Disney's Hollywood Studios (once known as Disney-MGM Studios) opened in 1989, just months before Universal Studios Florida. Coincidence? Not hardly. But contrary to popular belief, Disney had their 'studios' on the burner before Universal, but not as it's own theme park. This park is home to the first thrill rides Disney created; as well as stunt shows; and tributes to the movies, and those who make them.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Park is Disney's newest theme park at Disneyworld, opening in 1998. It's Disney's first theme park that actually deals with animals. Real ones. And I don't mean the ones that pay to go there.

Downtown Disney is the non-park marketing outlet at Walt Disney World. Shops and restaurants populate this area, and it's free! Well, 'free' is a relative term...

Disney's All Star Resort is one of the Disney "Value" resorts. I don't particularly care for the All Star Resorts, but if you want the best bang for the buck, this might be the place...

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is my favorite place to stay when I'm down at Disneyworld. It's an attraction in itself, with it's African savannas and themeing. Anytime you want to be entertained, all you have to do it step out onto your balcony...

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is the first on-site Disney Resort I stayed at, which started a string of stays at Disney Resorts. Themed after the Caribbean Islands with white sand beaches, this 200 acre resort boasts over 2100 hotel rooms.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort has a southwest/Central American theme, from the step pyramid by the pool to the food court themeing. This is also the only 'moderate' hotel that has a convention center.

Crescent Lake really isn't a resort, but a wide area in the canal that extends from the World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Around this lake is The Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Clubs, and the two non-Disney hotels in the middle of Disney World, The Swan and Dolphin. I haven't stayed in any of the Crescent Lake resorts, but I do have some pictures...

I didn't stay at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. But I did have dinner there...

Disney's Port Orleans is really two different resorts under then name 'Port Orleans.' Riverside (formerly Dixie Landings) along with it's other half, French Quarter (formerly known as Port Orleans) is themed after the deep South along the Mississippi.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is themed to the horseracing, artist retreat and spas of Eastern New York fame. It's a Disney Vacation Club venue, but I was there as a regular ol' guest...