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Category Archives: Orlando Sentinel
Disney World limits use of onboard bus computers
Interesting article from Jason Garcia at The Daily Disney.
Walt Disney World has issued written orders and made software changes designed to ensure that navigational computers on the resort’s buses can’t be used while the vehicles are moving.
The changes followed criticism from some of Disney’s roughly 1,200 bus drivers who complained that the computers were a distraction and a safety hazard.
“We’re a listening company and constantly ask for cast-member feedback. In this case, we heard from bus drivers that there was a need to clarify operating guidelines, and we have developed a written communication to address that,” Disney World spokeswoman Andrea Finger said this week.
Disney installed the onboard, GPS-equipped computers several years ago as part of a project the company dubbed “Magic in Motion.”
Under MiMs, as the project is referred to internally, Disney is able to track in real time the locations of all of its buses and the crowd levels at the bus stops outside its theme parks, hotels and other venues. Rather than following pre-determined routes, the buses are continually redirected during the day depending on where passengers are waiting.
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Disney revs up Hawaiian marketing
With time-share interests in its under-construction Hawaiian resort now for sale, Walt Disney Co. is revving up its marketing efforts for the project.
Disney Vacation Club, the Disney Co.’s time-share arm, this month added an Aulani-specific plug to a television commercial that has been airing in the Orlando market promoting the time-share club. It has also scheduled a special sales preview aimed at Walt Disney World annual passholders next weekend that will include giveaways, a dance party and Disney character appearances.
Aulani is a critically important project for Disney. The 841-room hotel and time share is the first test of the company’s strategy to build stand-alone resorts and niche attractions in markets beyond its massive theme-park resorts.
The company is also hoping the Hawaiian resort will help expand Disney Vacation Club’s membership base, which currently is heavily concentrated on the U.S. East Coast.
Aulani will be Disney’s second time-share offering west of the Mississippi, following the opening last year of 50 units at Disney’s Grand California Resort & Spa at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.
It also becomes one of five properties that Disney is currently peddling interests in, joining the California villas as well as Bay Lake Tower, Animal Kingdom Villas and Treehouse Villas, all of which are at Disney World.
Click here to keep reading this article from the Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Garcia and Sara K. Clarke.
Disney monorail briefly shut down after pilot suffers minor electric shock
Walt Disney World monorails were out of service briefly this evening after a monorail pilot received a minor electric shock while flipping a switch, authorities said.
The pilot was mildly shocked in the arm while switching on a beacon that identifies the beam the monorail is traveling on, a fire official and Disney said. He was taken to Florida Hospital Celebration Health by ambulance, where he was treated and released.
Park guests were removed from the area while the pilot was being treated on the platform. The monorails were down for 20 or 30 minutes.
A Reedy Creek Fire Department spokesman likened the incident to accidentally contacting a light socket with a finger. The voltage was low, he said.
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Photo by JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINEL
Electrician hurt at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex dies
Wow some sad news coming out of Walt Disney World from the people at the Daily Disney.
An electrician employed with Buena Vista Construction Company was seriously injured today while installing a stage at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and later died.
The man, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Celebration Hospital.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been notified and Osceola County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating.
“Today, we are grieving with his family, friends and co-workers and extend our deepest sympathies to them,” said Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger. “We are reaching out to his family to offer our support during this difficult time. We’re working closely with authorities to gather facts.”
In a news release, the Osceola County Sheriff’s office said it responded to a call at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex around 10:35 a.m.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with witnesses who indicated an electrician employed with Buena Vista Construction Company was seriously injured while installing a stage. The company is a Disney subsidiary employing trade workers, such as electricians and carpenters.
Twis Lizasuain, a spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office, said she would release more information soon.
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Without reservations, you might miss out on great dining at Disney World
This article comes to us from Kristin Ford at the Daily Disney.
To dine at a table-service restaurant at Disney World on any holiday means planning ahead with a reservation. Sure, a few lucky folks may squeeze in when they walk up, but for the most part, you need to book it in advance.
This was apparent Sunday at the Polynesian Resort when we waited for our table. The lines just to check in at Ohana’s and Kona Cafe stretched down the lobby hallways.
Sometimes, even securing that Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) can be difficult if you want to dine at the most popular places on Disney property. I learned that a few years ago when we wanted to schedule lunch at Cinderella’s Royal Table in her castle at the Magic Kingdom. I called months in advance only to learn the my kids’ birthdays were already booked.
So, what’s a parent to do? Call exactly 180 days prior to the date you want to request an ADR. Guests staying at a Disney resort can call 190 days ahead of time. Make sure you call when Disney Dining opens at 7 a.m. EST and be prepared to be on hold. When I called to make castle dining reservations the second year, I phoned when the call center opened. Though I was on the line for 45 minutes, I did get an ADR for the meal and date I wanted. If you still are unable to book your preferred ADR, call back often to check for cancellations.
According to one Disney dining agent, the most difficult ADRs to secure are, in this order:
** Le Cellier steakhouse in Canada at Epcot
**Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort
** Cinderella’s Royal Table at Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom
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