Disney is pretty darn cool

[Alex Franke]

We just got back from our Disney World trip, and I have to say it was an absolutely fantastic vacation. It's the first time I went as a family with kids. We stayed on the property at Shades of Green, which is an AFRC. (They have some great deals if you qualify.) It really is a magical experience for the kids, and the detail they provide in that experience is remarkable.

When I think about what it takes to run that place -- the roads, grounds, resorts, rides, security, power, and everything in between, it's really amazing to me that it all runs so smoothly.

I had gone several times before -- as part of conventions, and as a bachelor in party mode, but the experience was totally different then. A lot of what I thought was just plain old silly back then I could really appreciate now -- like the "carved" tree of life, which really is a work of art.

The only downside was the heat and humidity of central Florida, and maybe some of the prices. We didn't get any rain -- not even the typical afternoon thunderstorms.

The staff were great -- in cases where they seemed to get frustrated with guests, they recovered very well. Even the professional photographers there were perfectly willing to snap some family shots with our camera. I don't know how the dancers and characters can handle the heat, but they seemed very happy and energetic the whole time.

Anyway, I highly recommend it.

[jackellis]

My brother worked at Disney World back in the 1970s. I was there on opening day, playing in a marching band made up of select high school students.

Pretty complicated and a lot of effort to make sure the experience is exceptional. However, it's pretty regimented and for younger workers, it can be pretty tough. Keith used to refer to it as "the Tragic Kingdom".

[pierhogunn]

Several of my friends have played Characters, and they are for the most part in great shape, and they are very well taken care of, only spending 15 to 20 minutes in the sun IIRC

[herb fellows]

afrc?? QUE?

[Alex Franke]

afrc?? QUE?

Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) - full-service resort hotels are Joint Service Facilities that provide quality, wholesome, affordable, family-oriented vacation recreation opportunities to service members, their families, and other authorized patrons (including official travelers) of the Total Defense Force." On property at Disney World: Shades of Green

[crokett]

We are going next April. We will be staying at a resort off-site. It will be my first trip having kids and second trip overall. The last one was 20 years ago.

[shoottx]

One of the real interesting tours/classes run by Disney university is a behind the scenes tour. The tour would be for adults and older kids.

http://www.disneyinstitute.com/backstage.cfm

[Thalermade]

Glad you had a great time.
Wish you would have taken the heat with you.
Today is the 7th straight day of above average heat here in Orlando

Guess I should be happy that I have been in class 8 hours a day the past 3 days?
I will avoid the heat the rest of the week by wandering the tradeshow floor and attending a few seminars here at InfoCOMM.

Good thing the beer is cold...

Russ

[Uncle Cracker]

When I think about what it takes to run that place -- the roads, grounds, resorts, rides, security, power, and everything in between, it's really amazing to me that it all runs so smoothly.

If you only knew...

[Tom Slick]

There is a modern marvels on disney, its certainly worth watching. They explain the construction of the tree of life in detail. neat stuff.

I've only been to Disney Land which Walt considered a mistake because it wasn't planned properly. Disney World on the other hand was the success of his prior failure experience.

[drumpriest]

Did you guys ride/play Toy Story Midway Mania? Totally self indulgent question, but did ya?

[cabinetman]

I've been to DW several times and I'm always taken back with the detail of the work in the structures and facades. And, for a place so large with so much going on, both the landscaping and general cleanliness of the area is top notch.
.

[pierhogunn]

I've been to DW several times and I'm always taken back with the detail of the work in the structures and facades. And, for a place so large with so much going on, both the landscaping and general cleanliness of the area is top notch.
.

I believe that is why Disney is truly worth the price of admission

[Uncle Cracker]

And, for a place so large with so much going on, both the landscaping and general cleanliness of the area is top notch.

But it used to be sooo much better... Their standards have been slipping for years, now.

[docrowan]

We go every year. My daughter is six years old and has been six times. Disney absolutely gets it right. My mom and dad live about an hour and 15 minutes away, but my wife convinced me last year to stay at an on-site resort. I was pretty resistant, but how can I resist her beautiful smile? As usual, she was right, it was a wonderful experience.

We are looking to stay at Shades of Green in December. It is supposed to be one of the best resorts on campus.