Disney launched its "Year of a Million Dreams" campaign last Wednesday, as the lucky winners of the "Keys to the Magic Kingdom" sweepstakes walked down an empty Main Street, U.S.A. along a red carpet laid down the middle of the street. The only sound was the background music coming quietly from the speakers. They paused as they got to a piece of red carpet laid across the main path at Center Street, with the intersection marked with a star for an expected photo opportunity.
Suddenly trumpets blared a melody based on "When You Wish Upon A Star" and the Magic Kingdom announcer's voice came over the speakers up and down the street. "Good morning, Tammy, Ray, Derick and Ashley, and welcome to your Magic Kingdom!" With those words, the Spangler family from Randolph, Ohio was surrounded by 2,000 screaming cast members and 80 characters who came streaming out of the shops on Main Street where they had been hiding out of view.
To the strains of "Be Our Guest," the family was swarmed for several minutes until, accompanied by Minnie and Mickey Mouse and their VIP tour guide for the day, they headed to the wait time board at the end of Main Street to see the list of attractions with "No Wait" listed for each. They and their guide then boarded the Main Street Fire Engine to be driven to Tomorrowland, the first stop on their personal tour of the Magic Kingdom.
Highlights of their tour included a private trip on Space Mountain, riding Cinderella's Golden Carousel with dozens of Disney characters and a voyage on the Jungle Cruise with Ashley driving the boat.
"This is beyond the dream," Ray would sum up the experience. "This is something that you can't even think of dreaming of, yet we have it. It's unbelievable."
While the Spanglers entered the park around 7:30 a.m. by themselves, the Magic Kingdom opened in phases, with Tomorrowland and Fantasyland opening at around 9:00 a.m. and the remainder of the park opening to the general public one hour later than normal, at 10:00 a.m. Other guests to the park were allowed to enter each land as the Spanglers completed their tour of the attractions there and moved to the next land.
The Spangler family walks down a deserted Main Street before their big surprise. Photo Disney.
The family, Tammy and Ray, both 38, daughter Ashley, 11, and son Derick, 13, also enjoyed A Fairytale Lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table, were named grand marshals for the Disney Dreams Come True parade, celebrated with an "unbirthday party" and finally enjoyed special seating for the evening's showing of Wishes. And they had more time to enjoy the rest of the resort, as the full prize included a four-day, three-night stay at the resort, with a priority entrance pass (available with executive approval only) for the length of their stay.
Tammy Spangler said that she "hardly ever enter[s] these things," but decided to enter anyway because it was for a Disney vacation. Out of the 50,000 online entries, hers was the one chosen.
As of October 1, Disney has begun giving away the 1.25 million prizes in the Year of a Million Dreams promotion. Dream squad members were distributing prizes, taking winners into special VIP rooms to open envelopes containing the larger prizes. (Even the Dream Squad members don't know what the prizes are before the envelopes are opened.)
If any MousePlanet readers are winners, we'd love to hear about your experience. Write in and let us know!
As of September 26 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has adjusted the August 10 ban on liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on luggage and in the secure area. You may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in one quart-size clear plastic resealable bag and, after clearing security, you can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.
Remove the bag of liquids at the security checkpoint and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt to make it easier for the security officers to X-ray and visually scan the items. Larger amounts of prescription liquid medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must still be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening, and medication should still be in the original container with the passenger's name on it.
The agency warns not to expect further easing of this policy in the near future. This policy affects all flights originating in U.S. airports. If you're coming to Walt Disney World from overseas, you'll still need to check on the rules in effect at your local airport.
For more information, see the announcement on the TSA's Web site (link).
The suite inside Cinderella Castle will not be opening until late January, but some details are beginning to emerge. When the prize-winning guests arrive at the parlor, bedroom and bathroom of the Castle Suite, off of a private marble-floored lobby four floors above the Magic Kingdom, they will find decor inspired by the 17th-century fairytale and the French chateaus that inspired the design of Cinderella Castle itself.
Two queen beds with fluffy feather comforters sit atop a cut-stone bedroom floor inspired by the mosaics designed by Dorothea Redmond that adorn the castle's breezeway. The bedroom ceiling will feature twinkling stars that bring forth thoughts of pixie dust.
A sofa sit in the parlor beneath a vaulted ceiling. The walls feature wood paneling, stained-glass windows and glimpses of the gray castle "stone". A 17th-century-style painting above the fireplace will actually conceal a modern flat-screen television. All furniture is in the style of the era of "the Louies," according to Stephen Silvestri, the Imagineering show producer/director overseeing the project.
The bathroom will include hand-decorated copper basins atop the vanity, a lavish garden tub, plus a shower. The marble floor of the suite's lobby will feature an inlay of the fairytale pumpkin coach, while an alcove will feature a glass slipper reminiscent of the story.
The elevator and the entire suite will be wheelchair accessible.
Expected to open to winners on January 25, eligible guests will be selected randomly by early in the afternoon on most days. (Some days will be reserved for special circumstances, such as winners of other contests.) The winning guest and up to five members of their party will begin their evening with dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table.
On Thursday, Philippe Gas was named to replace Meg Crofton as Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (WDP&R) worldwide by Jay Rasulo, Chairman of WDP&R. Crofton recently left that position to take the job of President of the Walt Disney World Resort.
Gas, 43, a 15-year Disney veteran, will be reponsible for all human resources-related services for WDP&R around the globe, including employee/labor relations, diversity/inclusion, compliance, recruitment, Disney University training and development, organizational development, benefits and workforce planning. His position is responsible for nearly 100,000 employees worldwide.
Gas most recently served as Senior Vice President of International Human Resources for WDP&R.
The castle is getting a bright new coat of blue paint. Photo by Mike Scopa.
While it's not like they're installing copies of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, or even one of the "spinner" rides, Coinstar will be installing the only Disney rides in the United States outside of the Disney theme parks. Coinstar – creator and manufacturer of all sorts of kiddie rides and other machines commonly found at the entrance to more than 60,000 retail locations including supermarkets, drug stores, mass merchants, convenience stores, and restaurants – has begun manufacturing rides featuring Disney characters.
The initial line incudes Mickey Mouse, Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, Pumbaa and Buzz Lightyear. Next year, characters from Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean and Lilo & Stitch will join the line. Coinstar expects to install around 1,000 of the rides beginning this fall at toy stores and other mass merchants in select regions.
Help us out!Want to help MousePlanet upgrade our park guides? We're looking to add menu information for all restaurants to our Walt Disney World Park Guide. Send photos or scans of menus (no fair copying from other Web sites) to menus@mouseplanet.com. Please note that there is a 5MB limit on total attachments in a single email. |
Gooding's Supermarket, popular with many Disney guests, emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy last Tuesday. The chain, which once had 18 stores, now consists of two stores and a catering company. A third location at Water Tower Place on U.S. 192 closed last October, and debts related to that venture were blamed for the Chapter 11 filing. Its location at the Crossroads shopping plaza across from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard exit from Disney property has long been a stop for visitors. Their other location is on International Drive.
The crane for painting of the castle is parked behind Cinderella Castle, blocking the path past Sir Mickey's. Photo by Mike Scopa.
Little Red and Big Red have a new friend. This summer, Bulwagi made her way to Disney's Animal Kingdom from Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, Florida. That park is complying with an elephant conservation program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The guidelines call for a minimum size of 10 acres for elephant habitats.
Two elephants remain for now at Lion Country Safari, but it is expected that new homes will be found for them within the next year. As part of the program, small zoos and wildlife parks around the country are being encouraged to donate their elephants to larger facilities, where they can be better cared for.
…If you'll be attending one the previews for Nemo's Undersea Adventure this week please tell us about it!
…The final narrator slots for the Candlelight Processional have been filled. Chita Rivera will read the Christmas story on December 3-5, while Brian Dennehy will do the honors December 6-8.
…The expansion of Disney's Photopass continues, as the service has just been introduced at the water parks.
…Mike Scopa reports that the Dole Whip float has had a price increase of 50 cents, and is now $3.99 ($4.25 including tax).
…The Marriott Village has completed a $5 million renovation to areas including public areas at the Courtyard by Marriott and Spring Hill Suites and guest rooms at the Fairfield Inn.
…Every Thursday in December, Disney Vacation Club members and their guests can participate in the Merry Member Mixer just outside the International Gateway entrance to Epcot from 3-5 p.m. There will be music, entertainment and refreshments.
…Guests staying at the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge can attend a special activity offered periodically in the resort's Iron Spike Room. "A Conversation with a Magic Kingdom Steam Train Specialist" will offer the chance to hear about the connections between Disney and the railroads of America. Guests can check the activities listing in their check-in folder to find out if the activity will be taking place during their stay.
The crane is so large that it's visible from in front of the castle, as well. Photo by Mike Scopa.
This week's question: What is the only building between the Main Street Railroad Station and the hub in front of Cinderella Castle that does not use forced perspective to make it appear taller than it really is? Stay tuned to next week's park update for the answer.
The answer to last week's question: "What was the first pavilion in Epcot's Future World to change its sponsorship?" is:
The Land, which saw the departure of original sponsor Kraft on September 30, 1992. Current sponsor Nestle took over sponsorship that November. After some time designing changes, the pavilion closed from October through December in 1993 to replace the Listen to the Land attraction with Living with the Land. From January through March of 1994, Kitchen Kabaret was replaced by Food Rocks (later removed to create queue space for Soarin'). In January 1995, the movie Symbiosis was replaced by Circle of Life, an Environmental Fable.
The Land was the first pavilion in Future World to get a new sponsor. File photo by Brian Bennett.
Annual passholder rates have been announced for October 1 through December 23. Of course, there will be no AP rates during peak Christmas Week dates of December 24-31. The rates very by season (the period covered spans regular, value and holiday seasons), but they'll give you approximately $20 off per night at Value resorts, $40 off per night at Moderates, and $71-$80 per night at Deluxe resorts. The booking code for these rates is FBZ. (The passholder Web site says FCB, so I would guess that both would work.)
Florida Residents have their own discounts, using booking code FBY. Availability dates are October 5 through December 23, and rates are $5 more than the AP rates.
Both of these rates can be booked up until December 23.
Small World Vacations, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced a special offer for those traveling during this year's Super Soap Weekend event. The travel agency will give one free One Life, Many Voices CD with each qualifying Disney Magic Your Way Vacation package that falls during 2006 Super Soap Weekend (November 11 and 12) booked with Small World Vacations (link).
The One Life, Many Voices CD is an independent fundraising effort with 100% of net proceeds going directly to aid 2005 Hurricane Disaster Relief, created by the stars of the ABC soap One Life to Live.
The free CD will be mailed with final travel documents. If the guest cancels their Super Soap vacation reservation, the offer is null and void. Small World Vacations' minimum night stay policy applies. Small World Vacations has donated to the One Life, Many Voices Hurricane Relief Fund on behalf of their guests.
The Radisson Resort Parkway is now the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration! The resort, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their standard rates through the end of 2006. Note that the nightly rates do not include a $7 per night resort fee.
Standard View |
Pool View |
Bed & Breakfast Package |
Sleep Number - Standard View |
Sleep Number - Pool View | |
| 2006 | |||||
| Through Nov 4 | $115 (M-F) $125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F) $135 (S,S) |
$134 (M-F) $144 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F) $135 (S,S) |
$135 (M-F) $145 (S,S) |
|
Nov 5 – 25 |
$105 (M-F) $115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F) $125 (S,S) |
$124 (M-F) $134 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F) $125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F) $135 (S,S) |
|
Nov 26 – Dec 19 |
$95 |
$105 |
$114 |
$105 |
$115 |
|
Dec 20 – 25 |
$115 |
$125 |
$134 |
$125 |
$135 |
|
Dec 26 – 31 |
$175 |
$185 |
$194 |
$185 |
$195 |
Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.
Walt Disney World's entire ticket price structure changed as of January 2, 2005, to the new “Magic Your Way” passes, and prices increased on January 1, 2006, and again on August 6, 2006. Advance purchase discounts are only available on tickets above the base ticket of at least 4 days, with higher discounts on those tickets with both options. Prices do not include 6.5% Florida sales tax.
| Adult/Child Total Cost | 1-day | 2-day | 3-day | 4-day | 5-day | 6-day | 7-day | 8-day | 9-day | 10-day |
| Base Ticket | $67 / $56 | $132 / $110 | $192 / $160 | $202 / $168 | $206 / $169 | $208 / $171 | $210 / $173 | $212 / $175 | $214 / $176 | $216 / $177 |
| w/ Park Hopper option | $112 / $101 | $177 / $155 | $237 / $205 | $247 / $213 | $251 / $214 | $253 / $216 | $255 / $218 | $257 / $220 | $259 / $221 | $261 / $222 |
| w/ Water Park Fun & More option | $117 / $106 | $182 / $160 | $242 / $210 | $252 / $218 | $256 / $219 | $258 / $221 | $260 / $223 | $262 / $225 | $264 / $226 | $266 / $227 |
| (plus 3) | (plus 3) | (plus 3) | (plus 4) | (plus 4) | (plus 5) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | |
| w/ both options | $162 / $151 | $227 / $205 | $287 / $255 | $297 / $263 | $301 / $264 | $303 / $266 | $305 / $268 | $307 / $270 | $309 / $271 | $311 / $272 |
| w/ both options, no Expiration | N/A | $237 / $215 | $302 / $270 | $337 / $303 | $356 / $319 | $363 / $326 | $395 / $363 | $432 / $395 | $459 / $421 | $466 / $427 |
| Advance Purchase Discount - 1 option | N/A | N/A | N/A | $2/$2 | $5/$2 | $6/$2 | $7/$2 | $7/$3 | $7/$3 | $7/$3 |
| Advance Purchase Discount - 2 options | N/A | N/A | N/A | $12/$10 | $15/$10 | $16/$10 | $17/$10 | $17/$11 | $17/$11 | $17/$11 |
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through March 2007.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-7p |
MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-7p |
MK 9a-11p |
MK 9a-11p | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-7p |
MK 9a-7p |
MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-7p |
MK 9a-7p |
MK 9a-10p |
| |
||||||
|
MK 9a-9p |
|
| ||||
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through March 2007.
| |
|
|
|
| Monday 10/9 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Loverboy 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Tuesday 10/10 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Loverboy 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Wednesday 10/11 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Loverboy 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Thursday 10/12 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: David Sanborn 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Friday 10/13 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p. 10p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: David Sanborn 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Saturday 10/14 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p. 10p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: David Sanborn 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Sunday 10/15 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Beach Boys 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
| Monday 10/16 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Beach Boys 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p, 9p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Tuesday 10/17 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Little Richard 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Wednesday 10/18 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Little Richard 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Thursday 10/19 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Three Dog Night 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Friday 10/20 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Three Dog Night 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Saturday 10/21 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p. 10p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Three Dog Night 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Sunday 10/22 | |||
|
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Four Tops 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Movies begin at 8:40. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 7:30 and a singalong at 8:00.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 9 The Great Mouse Detective |
10 Mary Poppins |
11 Valiant |
12 The Parent Trap |
13 Cinderella |
14 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe |
|
| 15 Sleeping Beauty |
16 The Little Mermaid |
17 The Rookie |
18 Flubber |
19 Home on the Range |
20 Mulan |
21 Lilo & Stitch |
| 22 Peter Pan |
23 Mighty Joe Young |
24 Beauty and the Beast |
25 Atlantis |
26 Hercules |
27 Freaky Friday |
28 Blackbeard's Ghost |
| 29 |
30 7:40 – Winnie the Pooh: Spookable 9:15 – The Black Cauldron |
31 |
(Separate admission required)
| |
|
| Monday 10/9 | |
|
Charlie Hotel |
Widespread Panic (main room), $35 in advance/$37.50 day of show; 9 p.m. |
|
Tuesday 10/10 | |
|
Leonard Brothers |
Widespread Panic (main room), $35 in advance/$37.50 day of show; 9 p.m. |
|
Wednesday 10/11 | |
|
Leonard Brothers |
Widespread Panic (main room), $35 in advance/$37.50 day of show; 9 p.m. |
|
Thursday 10/12 | |
|
Leonard Brothers |
Steve Thorpe Band (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m. |
|
Friday 10/13 | |
|
Albaberto Bravo |
Frank Black with guest Kentucky Prophet (main room), $20 in advance/$22 day of show; 9 p.m. Joey Gilmore (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m. |
|
Saturday 10/14 | |
|
Albaberto Bravo |
Atreyu with From First To Last and Every Time I Die and Chiodos (main room), $22.50 in advance/$25 day of show; 7 p.m. Dukes of Juke (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
|
Sunday 10/15 | |
|
Stormbringer |
Atreyu with From First To Last and Every Time I Die and Chiodos (main room), $22.50 in advance/$25 day of show; 6 p.m. Apostle JL Cash and Praise (gospel brunch), $31 adult, $16 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. |
| Monday 10/16 | |
|
Stormbringer |
Jannus Landing & Fat Harry Present KMFDM with Combi Christ (main room), $19.50 in advance/$25 day of show; 8 p.m. |
|
Tuesday 10/17 | |
|
Stormbringer |
|
|
Wednesday 10/18 | |
|
Untouchables |
|
|
Thursday 10/19 | |
|
Untouchables |
VH1 presents Peter Frampton with guest Billy Chapman (main room), $27.50 in advance/$30 day of show; 8 p.m. Midnight Ramblers (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m. |
|
Friday 10/20 | |
|
Untouchables |
Radio Rebellion Tour with Norma Jean, Misery Signals, Fear Before The March Of Flames, Between The Buried And Me and The Fully Down (main room), $17; 7 p.m. Damon Fowler Band (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m. |
|
Saturday 10/21 | |
|
Untouchables |
Say Anything with mewithoutYou & Piebald (main room), $11.50 in advance/$14 day of show; 7 p.m. Shifty Eyed Dog (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
|
Sunday 10/22 | |
|
TBA |
Sister Hazel with John McLaughlin (main room), $15-$35; 7 p.m. The Brothers of Harmony (gospel brunch), $31 adult, $16 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. |
(Send an email to Mark Goldhaber)
Mark (@MPMark) is a veteran of dozens of trips to Walt Disney World starting in 1972, with a few Disneyland trips thrown in for good measure. As a Disney stockholder and a Disney Vacation Club member, Mark is always in touch with what's going on with The Mouse. Mark serves as MousePlanet's Walt Disney World content coordinator. Mark is a senior information technology manager working for the State of New York. He lives in the suburbs outside Albany, New York, with his wife and son.
