Contemporary Resort Gains and Losses

Once upon a time, Walt Disney World only had two resort hotels and one theme park. There was the Polynesian Village Resort and the Contemporary Resort. These beautiful places seemed far apart and were accessible by monorail or by walking through the parking lot. Both had incredible but different views of the Magic Kingdom. In this kinder, gentler, much less expensive world, there was no need for advance reservations for attractions or dining. You could go for a visit of several days and relax during and before your visit. What a novel concept. 

Speaking of concepts, here's one captured on film by Disney Journey with Jim Shull. The sleek lines and elegant form of the main tower is lost in modern times because it sits nexts to a less spectacular structure housing Disney Vacation Club units. Ah, the things lost by wanting to gain a quick buck! 

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Goodbye Rock 'n' Roller Coaster with Aerosmith- Hello Muppets?

Yes, it's time to say goodbye to an old favorite of mine. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is going the way of other extinct Disney attractions. Instead of replacing the band with another real band, we're getting the Muppets. OK. But really? They should have a place in Disney's Hollywood Studios, but not here. The only saving grace would be removing the Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and bringing back in a version of Muppet*Vision 3D. Then, it would begin to make a small amount of sense. Will the new version be fun? Yes. Does it fit in? No, not really. But such is the state of Disney right now. 

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)