Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix responded to this query from Patrick W.:

Dear Adrienne — I apologize if you are the wrong person to send this query to but I wanted to ask i will be going to Walt Disney World June 15 to 21 and was reading in this week's park update that random guests were being asked to test Mission: Space. My question is, does anyone at MousePlanet know how I can maximize my chances of getting picked? Thank you for your time.

Hi Patrick — I took your question to an Epcot Guest Relations Cast Member, and this was his reply:

“Be in the right place, at the right time, and look like you're having a great time.”

We have heard that the soft-openings will likely be in the late afternoon/evening, when most visitors have migrated towards World Showcase.

Good luck — and be sure to let us know if you are chosen! — Adrienne

Contact Adrienne.

Regular MousePlanet reader Shevys wrote:

Mike — I hate to sound critical, but I found this interesting comment in your “Passporter” article:

“Recently I was asked if knew of any online WDW packing list. I'm sure there is one or two but Watson and Marx have put together the most comprehensive list (well over 100 items) right inside Passporter: a great tool for someone who has never been to land talking mice.”

You do know that your colleague, Lani Teshima, maintains the Travelite.org Web page, right? I think you missed the ball on that one to plug one of your own. Oh well, what do I know?

Shevys — Thanks for the note.

You are right, and actually both Lani and myself could have very well given Traveliter.org a plug. There are some readers who frown upon too much self-promotion and thus we tend to monitor ourselves in that regard.

Lani's packing list is pretty complete and no one is a bigger fan of hers than yours truly. Lani is one of the most knowledgeable people on this planet in terms of travel expertise.

The focus of this article was on Passporter, and I tried to maintain that focus.

Your point is well taken and I could have very well made references to other resources containing information found in Passporter.

Y'know, it's readers like you who we appreciate the most because you keep us on our toes and help motivate us to doing our best to serve you.

Thanks again for the note. — Mike

Contact Mike.

Regarding David Koenig's recent article “Looking to the Past,” C.W. "Chuck" O. wrote:

Great column today. I was sorry to learn that plans for the 50th are still so tentative at what I believe is a relatively late date but it was encouraging to find out that TDA is at least making an attempt to learn.

It is sort of scary to learn that they still haven't made up their mind, until you realize the alternative: they could have given the current plans the go and we'd be locked into an extremely lukewarm 50th.

Dan Y. wrote:

As always, I really enjoyed your perspective on things Disney. One comment you made stuck out and required comment: “So, how genuine, how awe-inducing do you expect Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration to be as devised by a group of executives that resents Disneyland's past?”

Most likely your perception is more informed than mine, but it seems to me that there isn't so much resentment as an environment of ignorance. The current regime just doesn't know what Disneyland is all about, what it means to us guests to cross under the railroad and actually, finally be there again. If they would take the time to get out of the offices and spend time in the parks, they might get a glimmer of what we, the guests, are all about, and thus what direction the parks need to be heading.

I'm sure ignorance has something to do with it, but I think that ignorance is self-inflicted. Many of the decision-makers don't want to put themselves in the shoes of we guests and feel what we feel. They were hired for their business acumen, for their ability to eliminate all emotion and maximize short-term profit. They don't appreciate Walt, they look down on him. They view him as an unsophisticate with no modern business sense who stumbled into a goldmine and didn't realize where he was. Walt isn't a real person to them; he's a cartoon character like Mickey or Tinker Bell to be used in commercials or to introduce old movies or to appear at the dedication of a new ride. I hope there are some executives and managers who do “get it” and that, like you said, others might be willing to learn.

Brian S. wrote:

You mentioned an individual named Bob Gault in today's MousePlanet article. Is this the same Bob Gault who was president of Sea World, and then Universal Studios, or someone else with the same name?

This is a different one. There are two theme park executives named Bob Gault running around, the former Sea World exec who is now head of Universal, and the Disneyland/Tokyo Disney Bob Gault who now works for Disney Co. Burbank.

Chris wrote:

Short article.

Big on meaning and definition.

Great job as always, David!

Thanks. Nice email.

One of the original Imagineers wrote, quoting my article:

“Walt's aging believers — like the founder himself — no longer influence policy; they have become promotional gimmicks…”

Gosh, is that all we are now?

Well, you tell me. How often does Disney call you or Alice Davis or Jack Lindquist or Bill Sullivan or Anyone From 1955ish and ask for advice and solutions compared to how often they call and ask you to appear at a convention or ceremony, or be interviewed for a book, documentary or some other product?

I don't mean to fossilize you prematurely, but it frustrates me to know there are hundreds of former Imagineers and theme park cast members with an incredible storehouse of job knowledge that, for the most part, is being ignored.

Courtney commented on “Reamin' California Reamin'”:

I am glad I got to read your article on Disney's California Adventure park and the things that people complain about. Personally, I don't mind DCA. It's not my favorite, but I don't hate it either. To be honest, I think that people are too critical on Disney. They expect perfection, and when they don't get it, they have nothing but negativity about it! So it's not the perfect park, big deal! They are working on improving it!

I give you props for trying to prove that it's not just with DCA. So they were trying something new with the California theme, and that didn't work as well as they thought, so they had to add things that would attract more people, hence Playhouse, Tower of Terror, and A Bug's Land. Are we not all human? Are we not allowed to make mistakes then try to make things better? Or is it just when we work for a major corporation that we have to be perfect with perfect ideas?

Anyway, I thank you for your article and your great attempt to get people to see things a different way!

Pammer added:

I really enjoy reading all the different viewpoints that are expressed on MousePlanet, both pro and con. In particular, I found your recent information to be very enlightening regarding the comparison of DCA to Epcot and the Studios at Walt Disney World.

I have visited the Disneyland Resort six times since DCA opened, and have developed several favorites at the new park — Soarin' Over California, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It, and the Electrical Parade are must-sees every time we go, and we always enjoy the light crowds!

Although DCA cannot ever truly compare, in my opinion, to Walt's original park, there are a wide variety of attractions for all ages. I don't focus on the California theme as much as I just try to enjoy myself and have fun!

As for Bruce's comment in the Mailbag that he would rather spend the $50 admission price on a nice dinner, perhaps he would feel better if he bought either an annual passport or a multi-day passport. These would allow him to spend a few hours inside DCA to ride those attractions he did enjoy (while the crowds are peaking at Disneyland), and then hop back into Disneyland later in the day.

Last of all, kudos to both you and everyone else at MousePlanet for all of your hard work and wonderful information!

Contact David.

Mike wrote:

Nice article about the theming [link to article]. I too have always been amazed at the seamless transitions in the magic kingdom and have pointed them out everytime I accompany visitors to the park.

Hi Mike — Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the column.

I think that the Imagineers generally do the best job that they can with what they are given to work with, which is never too shabby and always better than the other parks out there. However, I believe that sometimes — either in their assignment or their budget — they have no real “best” option. Perhaps the music is so that you're not as shocked to find the bazaar after you turn the corner. Of course, it still doesn't change the impact it has on the bridge, or the impact the Aladdin spinner ride has on Adventureland. If there's anybody out there that has more info on how the decisions came to be made, I'd love to get some first-hand knowledge. Maybe a Mailbag reader will chime in. — Mark

Michelle wrote:

Hi Mark!

I can tell already that I am going to enjoy reading your articles!

This last one, the Part 2 of Theming, was great! It made me really stop and enjoy and take a look at everything around. I am already looking forward to the next insatllment! Thanks again and keep up the great work!

Hi Michelle — I'm glad that you liked the article. The windows on Main Street will probably take three articles to list them all and discuss the story behind them. The first one should be up in a couple of weeks. — Mark

Leigh M. originally wrote to Mark about his trip reports, but the correspondence expanded to cover his articles:

Mark — I just finished your trip report (a three-day event) and had to tell you how excellent it all was! My husband and I leave for Disney in 29 days and have been living vicariously through others reports, and yours was absolutely the best. I loved all the detail, and your rants were absolutely hilarious.

And yes, if you counted, we will be there over the 4th of July holiday. That's a first and we're a little nervous about it but our motto is, “A day at Disney is better than any day anywhere else.” Heat, crowds, so what? We're at the most magical place in the world, right?

I also wanted to say that your son sounds like an absolute doll and it's so encouraging to hear about parents who take their children on vacation but actually listen to their needs and restrictions. I get so tired of going to Disney and seeing these parents dragging their children onto rides and around the park when it's obvious they just need a break. I applaud you on putting Joshua's needs first. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

My husband and I just bought annual passes and are really looking forward to the perks of the pass. We already received $234 off at the Caribbean Beach Resort and we will actually have a check there waiting for us. How often do you go to Disney and have money waiting on you? I guess they know it will be left there anyway and don't have a problem with giving it to us — haha! It sounds like you really know your stuff and if you have any tips to pass along I would love to hear them. We only go about once a year but hope to go again in December since we laid down the money for the ap's. I love talking to other Disney fanatics and would love to hear back from you!

Leigh — Thanks for the feedback. Looks like it took you almost as long to read it as it took for me to live it! (But not nearly as long as it took to write it!)

Thanks, also, for the feedback regarding Joshua. We're always second-guessing ourselves as to whether we're being too indulgent, too overprotective, too pushy, whatever. It's nice to have outside sources giving positive feedback.

Don't forget to use the APs for the dining discounts and the mini-golf discounts.

I've just officially joined the MousePlanet staff. (As a matter of fact, my column is on the front page as I type this!) If you've got any specific questions (or ideas for things you'd like to see in a future column), by all means let me know.

Enjoy your trip, and I hope to see a trip report from you after you return. Have a magical day. — Mark

Leigh replied:

Mark — I just read your article and really, really enjoyed it. My husband and I just eat up that kind of Disney trivia and drive our extended families insane with the constant Disney banter.

My husband is alwasy making family members watch our free planning video and it seems as if their eyes glaze over almost immediately. He just doesn't understand that not everyone has the same Disney fanaticism as we do. We thrive on it though, we can't get enough of it.

I can't wait for more of your articles — those are right up my alley. I would love to see some articles on the theming of rides, the inside jokes of the Imagineers, and the idea you put up there about rides that never got built. It's funny, my husband and I are constantly developing parks and rides for Disney in our thoughts — how great would it be to see your idea fulfilled? Being an Imagineer has to be the greatest job on the planet.

I would love to write a trip report! I don't know what steps I need to take to do so, if you could give me that information I would love it! It would probably take me months because I'm a little obsessive about detail! I've never seen anyone write about their experiences with Cirque du Soleil and my husband just suprised me a couple of days ago with tickets for my birthday. Someone should really put some information out about that. Not enough people know what an awesome experience it is and how it amazing it happens to be that Disney has it there year round. If you haven't been — go. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.

I'm glad that you didn't think that my comments about Joshua were imposing. It was just such a breath of fresh air to hear someone who listens to their children and respects their feelings and fears. I get tired of reading trip reports of parents getting aggravated with children that aren't going at the same pace as them or who get upset that they miss out on something because of their child. Don't go with your kids if your not prepared to listen to their needs. I'm not a parent yet, but have total respect for parents who take their kids to Disney and still have an enjoyable time. That takes a lot of effort.

I can't wait to hear from you again and to see some more articles from you! You have a true writing gift!

Hi Leigh — There are actually a number of Imagineer-wannabe groups out there on the Internet. Why not hook up with one of them?

I'm working on a number of columns now, though the only one that's about finished is the one that has to be submitted this week.

It's really easy to write a trip report. Go to MousePlanet's Trip Report Archive, and in the left column, you'll find Writing and Posting Instructions [Mike Scopa also wrote an article, “How to Write a Trip Report” in his Scoping the Parks column. — Ed.]. Those should be plenty to get you going.

Since you've been reading many trip reports, I'm sure that you know that they can be written in pretty much any style. Write it up and submit it! It really is that simple. (It has taken me anywhere from a week to two months to finish editing and reworking trip reports, depending on the trip and how much was written during the trip vs. just note-taking.) Just write it up, and get it out. Depending on the backlog, it might take a while to get posted, so don't worry if you don't see it right away. (By the way, my February trip report should be appearing any time now.).

I seem to remember some mentions of Cirque du Soleil in past trip reports, but I can't remember where. You could search the archive on "cirque" and see what comes up. Of course, I'd always love to hear more. We haven't made it yet, but I'm sure we will in the next trip or so.

We try to work with Joshua to deal with his issues, but (as you read in the November trip report) we did have to force the issue with Pooh and Pan on the first day. He'll be going for his fifth time in October (plus one a Disneyland), so we've pretty much got it down now. Of course, each trip is different as he grows and matures, so there are always surprises. However, since Hope and I have been so many times, it's a lot easier for us to say "well, we can skip that for this trip". For the people that are on possibly their only trip to Walt Disney World, I'm sure it's a lot harder to be patient, as they want to try to see everything while they have the chance. Not everybody is lucky enough to be able to visit regularly.

Thanks again for your kind words. I usually enjoy writing, especially about Disney. At work, sometimes we need formal stuff written, and it's time for me to get my shovel out. ;-) Of course, my problem is that I have a tendency to go on and on, as you can tell from the marathon trip report. Speaking of which, I'm going to end this reply now, or I'll be typing all night! — Mark

Cynthia wrote:

A quick FYI — We were in WDW May 21 to 26 and two times a small aircraft flew over head pulling a sign.

On Sunday of Memorial Day, we saw fighter jets fly over once and could hear but not see them two other times.

So much for the no fly zone. It was just a bit unnerving to see the small planes, as we were under the impression that this is a no-no.

Hi Cynthia — Actually, the no-fly zone (actually, it is officially a "temporary flight restriction") is only for planes under 3000 feet, and only for an area within three miles of the center of the Seven Seas Lagoon. If you weren't in the Magic Kingdom, or one of the Magic Kingdom resorts, odds are you were out of the TFR area. I will agree, though, that it can be unnerving to see small aircraft over the property these days. — Mark

Ralph C. wrote:

I would like to see an article pertaining to the actual construction of the Magic Kingdom at Disney World.

Hi Ralph — I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that I'm working on just that story. The bad news is that you'll have to wait a bit. The reason is that, at the level of detail that I'm currently working, it's going to take quite a while to get everything planned out just right. It's a multi-part epic, and I don't want to realize later on that I missed something important earlier and have to put it in out of order. You'll probably start seeing it around the end/beginning of the year, depending on how quickly I work and the response I get from the editorial staff here at MousePlanet. — Mark

Contact Mark.

Kuranda wrote:

My name is Kuranda. My dad is a technician at the Disney's MGM Studios Fantasmic show. I am interested in performing as Ariel in the Fantasmic show. Although, I am only 13, I am willing to go to an audition when I am 14 and old enough to be a cast member. I was wondering if you could let me know when your 2004 auditions are, or if you knew of anything else that I would have to complete before I do that.

Thank you for everything! I look forward to hearing from you!

Hi Kuranda — I think it's great that you want to work at WDW, but in order to recieve a role as a character, you have to be at least 16. I don't know of any roles that allow you to be hired at 14 (at least not at Disneyland, WDW might have different age limits). While there are some exceptions made during the holidays (when you see all those kids in the parades), legally you cannot be hired quite yet.

Please check out the Disney Careers Web site — it tells you all about the requirements and application process to work in the entertainment department at Walt Disney World.

Don't give up and good luck! — Shoshana

Jeffrey wrote:

Thanks for finally putting it up. It reminded me that my next door neighbor recently told me that she had been offered an internship as Disney World during her college days, but instead chose to do something with the National Reconnaisance Office (NRO). She is, as far as I know, still with the NRO. It wasn't all that bad, she said. Had she decided on the Disney internship, she would never have met her husband. He was assigned to the embassy in Paris, so they were annual passholders at Disneyland Paris for three years. I'm still envious. Disney's professional recruiting office just sent me the standard form e-mail concerning my latest resume submission.

Hi Jeffrey — Thanks for being so patient. I know a lot of people (myself included) who have received the same e-mail. Don't give up, though. As I've seen many times, things always end up working out for the best in the end. — Shoshana

Sid wrote:

The ticket prices page is way behind… should be updated. Seniors get discount on annual passes (I think). The new active duty military pass is great. There are new tours. The big thing missing at Disneyland is a decent one day park hopper.

Sid — I just called DL and spoke with a cast member. There is a senior discount on Deluxe and Premium APs. Deluxe is $145; Premium is $205 (so $20 off the regular). You don't need to be in AARP or anything. I didn't have a chance to ask about signage. My guess is that there just isn't room on the board (as with the SoCal pass). — Shoshana

[We've updated our Prices page to denote this information. — Ed.]

Jeff wrote:

I don't know if you remember me or not, but we were in the College Program together. Jeff K. (Custodial Guest Services) — I just wanted to say I really enjoyed reading your stories, especially since it is all so familar and brings back so many wonderful memories for me. So have you visited Disneyland since the program ended? If you did, did you visit Fantasyland? What was the hardest ride to work in Fantayland? You were so lucky, I always thought that if I worked in attractions, I would like to work the Fantasyland attractions. or the Mark Twain. I hope your doing well.

Hi Jeff — Yes, I do remember you! I'm glad you liked the stories, some of my memories were a little fuzzy — but I'm glad I wasn't too off. I have been to Disneyland several times since working there (I've had an annual pass for the last two and a half years).

To answer your question. There were two hard attractions to work: One was Mr. Toad, only because the loading station was so small and I was always worried about the cars backing up; the other was Casey Jr., which was my favorite attraction to work, but because of all the buttons and switches in the train, it required a lot of coordination, time judgement and depth perception (I had to slow the train down at the right spot or we would overshoot the station).

Please keep in touch! — Shoshana

Contact Shoshana.

MousePlanet Mailbag

A number of individuals wrote after we ran an e-mail from Margaret W. about a typo on our front page. The following are some samples. Julie wrote:

Lani — I am a MousePlanet reader and I wanted a word about the reader who criticized you about publishing mistakes. I am a high school English teacher and I am in charge of our newspaper. Guess what? I have mistakes in every issue in spite of the best proofing! Hang in there! I used to really take that stuff personally, but at the end of the day, it isn't worth it! I love MousePlanet, and I will read it — errors and all! People who have time to correct MousePlanet, have too much free time! I would rather spend that time at WDW!

Maria F. also wrote on the same topic:

Dear Lani — In response to an email from Margaret W., Mouseplanet is not the Oxford Dictionary or another standard bearer for the correct use of the English language. If Ms. W. desires to read only perfectly edited English she should avoid most Web sites and stick to the New York Review of Books, or similar publications.

MousePlanet is a wonderful Web site. My favorite articles are those written by people just like me who have a day job and are too busy with work and family to edit e-mail. To me the important thing is to try and communicate. I do write well when I am not typing with one hand while nursing an infant, answering the phone, or distracted with my job editing Web pages. Then there are those for whom English is a second language. Should we ask them to remain silent to satisfy the purists out there? I say not! I have a basic love for all things Disney and admire anyone who sacrifices their personal time to submit their contributions, whatever the correctness in grammar or spelling.

Please take Margaret W's e-mail with a grain of salt. I love this Web site even with the few warts that may pop up now and again.

Thank you for your very kind words, Julie and Maria — your words just made my day. — Lani (warts and all)

Robert D. wrote:

Sorry if this comment isn't going to the right person, but here it is anyways. I have been coming to MousePlanet for the last couple years to get my dose of Disney information, tips and very fun and educational reading. It is also a good Disney fix in between trips.

Your format changed a several months ago and I am not very happy with it. Updates are extremely slow, and the mail bag is nothing but a hodge podge of unrelated letters and answers. What happened to Brian Bennett and his wonderful columns and e-mail section? Brian was very good at giving this site the view of Walt Disney World, which is lacking now. I have nothing against Disneyland, but there is room for both. Bring Brian back. He answered questions when asked, and he update his site constantly. Unlike it is now. Just for the record, MousePlanet is falling to the wayside much like many one-night-stand sites.

Hi Robert — Thanks for taking the time to e-mail me with your candid thoughts.

It looks like perhaps you missed Brian's special message to MousePlanet Readers, which we published in our March 31 “Park Update: Walt Disney World” update. In that message, Brian talked about how he came to a point in his life where he needed to take some time out to be with his family. I realize that sounds like a canned excuse, but if you are a fan of Brian, you may recall that he had a recent addition to the family.

I definitely agree with you, Robert; we all miss Brian, too! His shoes were awfully big ones, and we've been working hard to fill them while he is on his sabbatical. As you know, Sue Holland and Mike Scopa continue to write their great columns on alternating Fridays, and we always publish a weekly column on Mondays that lets readers catch up with the happenings at WDW. In addition, we recently added a brand new columnist, Mark Goldhaber, who has many plans for WDW articles.

You mention that our updates are slow — with thousands of pages at our site, we definitely have a big task to try to keep everything up-to-date. If you ever see some information that is outdated, feel free to contact us and let us know.

You are correct about the mailbag being a mix of feedback for different reporters and columnists — it provides our writers with a way of sharing feedback immediately. We organize each mailbag according to the column or writer, and is similar to the way most magazines publish their feedback comments.

We are constantly trying to juggle the balance of content at our site, and it is somewhat refreshing to hear that you think provide too much California content, because some readers think we publish too much Florida content! I guess the old adage, “You can't please everybody all the time” is definitely true here.

Again, thanks for dropping us a line. — Lani

Trip Planner

Courtney wrote:

My family and I (me, my hubby and three children) have a trip to Disney planned in August. I found a Disneyland resort closeout shop in our town and was able to pick up shirts, hats, autograph books and stuffed Mickeys at at least 55% off the retail price. I even picked up a few things at 80% off!

This saved me a ton of money on buying items at the park, and I'm able to surprise my kids with a different gift each night of our stay. This is just a way I found to save some money. FYI: My total savings was $186 (of course my husband adds I could have saved a lot more by not buying anything at all! But what's the fun in that?!).

Hi Courtney — What a wonderful idea! Parents often buy Disney-themed items in bargain stores and use them as “souvenirs,” but you can't beat close-out prices on actual park-themed merchandise.

Don't forget to have your children unwrap the autograph book early in the trip, so they can start getting all the Disney characters to sign their books for them! — Lani

Kevin O. wrote:

I just became an annual passholder for the first time. I was a bit nervous shelling out that kind of money but I feel it's worth it. Or at least I did.

Saturday, May 31, the fateful day, my cousin and I decided to eat dinner at the Blue Bayou. Not having enough cash on hand, I used my bank (debit) card. OK, now jump to the following week. On Thursday, I went to the ATM to get some cash and low and behold, where did all my money go?

After I called my bank it seems that not only did someone steal my bank card number, but one of the brainiacs at the Blue Bayou swiped my card twice for the same food bill. The bill at the BB has been taken care of but my account has been cleaned out. I would hate to think that one of the Disney cast members would do such a thing, but you never know. As it is now, I'm waiting for my bank to get back with me. There are several “charges” against my account that I am disupting. I'm not going to jump to conclusions but plan to handle this when the results and evidence are in. On my next visit to Disneyland, I plan to use cash! Thanks.

Hi Kevin — My goodness, what a terrible thing to have happen to your account. I am glad to hear that you are working with your bank to dispute your charges.

This is the first time I have personally heard of such a problem with the park, but these sorts of things happen in general everywhere, and it's one of the reasons I try to restrict the use of my debit card to just those places where I can control the card swipe and entering of my PIN.

This becomes more of an issue in a restaurant environment, where the bill may stay on the table after I leave, and not get picked up for a while. In situations like this, my debit card number can be lifted by anyone who happens to be there, including other customers.

As you learned, with a debit card, when your money is gone, it's gone — even if the bank eventually credits you back the amount you lose, you are still inconvenienced (and perhaps even bouncing checks from a zero-balance account). A credit card at least avoids this headache.

If you have not done so already, I recommend you contact Disneyland, as well as file a police report. You may even have to change checking account number as well as the number on your debit card, and treat this like a case of identity theft. Unfortunately, you will need to keep a sharp eye on your bills as they come in each month, just to make sure the thief has not obtained additional access to your funds.

Thanks for sharing your tale of woe. Like you said, let's hope it wasn't a cast member, but some ill-intended park visitor instead (not that that's much better). My sympathies. — Lani

Contact Lani.