Tokens and Time-Warp

This evening, I entered the world of Disney Quest. For those that are unfamiliar with this Disney-owned venue - located in Downtown Disney - it is a 5-story building, home to dozens of arcade and virtual reality games.

It was a very rewarding experience, hanging out and D.D.R.-ing with my husband and bro-in-law. Still, I could not get over the reality that would have been, had we not had the gift of this free venture. My precious mother-in-law is a Disney Cast Member (The Dis' way of saying "staff") and therefore has regular (and greatly appreciated!) perks like park entrances and discounts. One of the many seasonal blessings is a set of tickets to DQ (don't get confused now...I know you're all suddenly dreaming of Oreo Blizzards!). And, don't get me wrong, it's a great place. A clever twist on normal Disney attractions, it is a brilliant way to rein in those, not typically wowed by giant, cartoon-like, costumed characters. Still...at the end of the day, it doesn't seem that original. Loaded with classic video games (free with ticket for endless place) and outdated VR experiences, it is not really more than a glorified Chuck E. Cheese's (hoorah for Suh-wheet 80's birthday parties...you know you had one). I for one would not be willing to dish out the $40 per person, due this establishment, on a "normal" visit. Had we catered our own day out, we'd have reached a grand total of $120, plus tax, for our little trio. And while I reveled in being able to relive childhood favorites like Ski-Ball and Pac-Man (though I missed the ever-popular "Wack-A-Mole"), I'm not sure I could have justified the investment beyond typical arcade admission.

So, thank you Betsy: it was a blast to be treated. Thank you Danny for being a fun big brother and being will to DDR with me. Thank you, Beloved, for being such a wonderful husband and preferring me today.

But Disney...please help the middle class and consider lowering your prices, at least in this locality.

(And for those reading...know that this comes with all the love in my heart..I am a Disney Fanatic, after all!)

Future-ama

Back in 2000, I had the privilege of fulfilling a childhood dream of visiting Disney World Orlando, with my entire immediate family (Father, Mother, Sister). We spent nearly a week in all four parks and saw EVERYTHING, even the rides that most would label as "lame." Among those experiences most-remembered was the famous "Spaceship Earth," at Epcot.

Originally opened in 1982, this "people-mover" ride - complete with narration and animatronics - is enclosed inside the large, ball that identifies the park itself. When first ridden, I was underwhelmed by the experience, valuing it as merely a walk through time and a legitimizing of the overall DISNEY EXPERIENCE. It's concepts were dates, as well as its technology and I remember wondering how long it would survive, in light of so many other new attractions.

Well, my curiosity was quenched yesterday, as I revisted this historic site, this time with my new husband. Disney recently re-invented the ride, installing personal, interactive computer screen into each moving pod. Dame Judy Dench now narrates and the storyline has been altered from that of technology's progress to the evolution of the world's modes of communication.

At the very end of the ride, while being slowly moved down the far wall of the globe's interior, each computer screen asks its pilots to answer a series of questions, while inputting personal information. The result - after the addition of a quick digital photo snap - is a personalized FUTURE. Though I could express my feelings about our outcome, I think I will let the image speak for itself and leave you with this:

Should my spouse grow a ponytail and take up Tai Kwon Do?

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