I Admit It-I Have A Crush
Posted on - 3/14/2005
Dude, so like back in November, there was this totally awesome attraction that opened at Walt Disney World, and it totally rocks dude! Like Duuuude, I know you’re probably thinking that I’m talking about Stitch’s Great Escape, and like, that Stitch, well, he’s a cool dude and all, but dude, that’s so not what I’m talking about! So you’re probably wondering like what in the heck is this dudette rambling on about, and well, like, I’m totally talking about “Turtle Talk” at the Living Seas in Epcot, it’s totally radical, like dude!

Remember the Classic Magic, Live Today’s
Posted on - 2/28/2005
Wanting to preserve the magic that I grew up with, I found myself as one of those people always petitioning against the closure of classic attractions such as “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,” “The World of Motion,” and “Dreamflight!” When my all time favorite attraction, Horizons, permanently closed its doors in 1999, I went into a state of shock! Granted, I was only thirteen, but I remember whining like a maniac to my mother, expressing the concern of my future children, my children’s children, and so on and so forth, never being able to experience the magic and wonder of Horizons. It wasn’t until recently, when I was sitting in my dorm room listening to the main theme of Horizons which expresses Walt Disney’s coined phrase, “If you can dream it, then you can do it,” that I had somewhat of an epiphany.

Thanks for Stopping On By
Posted on - 2/21/2005
A farewell message from Dave Parker

The Greatest Story (I’ve) Ever Told:
The WDW 25th Anniversary Celebration
Part II: A Picture is Worth 1076 Words
Posted on - 2/14/2005
Last week, we found out about Dave’s involvement in the Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Parade. We also learned that the practice didn’t initially go off without a hitch...would that be a warning to the outcome of the event? In the conclusion of our story this week, not only will we find out what the actual event was itself, but also what happened which wasn’t quite planned (to say the least).

The Greatest Story (I’ve) Ever Told:
Part I: Practice Makes Perfect?
Posted on - 2/7/2005
I’ve waited a long time to tell this story; namely an entire year. You see back in 1996, the Walt Disney World Resort was celebrating its 25th Anniversary of opening, and yours truly was a part of the celebration...literally. It was one of those moments I look back upon and go “wow, how lucky was I?” Of course, not everything goes off without a hitch, so join me if you will and I’ll explain...

Well, Sir, There's Nothing on Earth Like a Genuine, Bona Fide, Electrified, Six-Car Monorail!
Posted on - 1/24/2005
This week we switch tracks a bit (pun definitely intended there) to focus on the twelve train-strong Walt Disney World Monorail System. While this “Highway in the Sky” is extremely popular with Guests, as well as a critical element of the WDW transportation system, why hasn’t it ever expanded?

Questions I Know the Answers To: Volume III
Posted on - 1/17/2005
It’s question and answer time yet again in the “All Ears” column, so this week Dave tries to answer your questions to the best of his knowledge. Whether that pans out as something truly valuable to those who wrote in, well, let’s just hope, shall we?

Have a Question? I (Hope To) Have an Answer...Yet Again!
Posted on - 1/10/2005
Once again, Dave tries to answer your questions on Walt Disney World, Central Florida, or Tourism in general. In this third installment of questions and answers, will we find a secret way to free admission to the Parks? Probably not, but hopefully some other questions will be answered along the way...

Magic Your Way: Ticketing at WDW Finally Makes Sense
Posted on - 1/3/2005
While it may have been talked about already in various formats, the new ticketing strategy at Walt Disney World is something bigger than most may have been led to believe. This isn’t just another promotion as some may have thought; the old tickets you may have come to love will no longer be sold. Fear not, however, as the new options to create your own magic are better than ever...

Be Our Guest And Remember Jerry Orbach
Posted on - 12/30/2004
He was a Broadway legend, a television and movie star, and the reason I'm writing this article about him, a Disney star. Who is he? He's Jerry Orbach, and last night, December 28th, 2004, he passed away due to prostate cancer.

You’re There to Have Fun: That Means Everybody!
Posted on - 12/27/2004
This week, Dave talks about something that many people, including possibly yourself, do on a regular basis when enjoying a day at the Parks: trying to convince that one member of your group to go on the ride that they don’t want to go on. While it may seem like harmless fun, you may be unintentionally ruining that persons day, and that’s not fun for anybody.

First Look: Stitch’s Great Escape
Part III: What’s This Little Guy Doing Here?
Posted on - 11/15/2004
This week, Dave continues his inside look at the brand new attraction opening soon in Tomorrowland of the Magic Kingdom. With the pre-show areas covered last week, now is our chance to step inside the main show area and see what Stitch is up to... good or bad!

First Look: Stitch’s Great Escape
Part II: Inside the New Attraction
Posted on - 11/8/2004
This week, Dave takes an inside look at the brand new attraction opening soon in Tomorrowland of the Magic Kingdom. While the former resident Alien got kicked out for a much smaller (albeit funnier) one, does the new attraction live up to expectations for our beloved little mischief maker?

Make Sam Eagle Proud: Don’t Forget to Vote Today!
Posted on - 11/2/2004
I’d like to take a couple minutes out of your day to ask you, if you haven’t already, to get up and vote today. Maybe on your way home, or maybe between errands, your vote is at the core of what makes this Country as great as it is.

First Look: Stitch’s Great Escape
Part I: Before 626 Landed
Posted on - 11/1/2004
In the coming weeks, Dave takes an inside look at the brand new attraction opening soon in Tomorrowland of the Magic Kingdom. This week, Dave provides some background on the attraction, as well as just what alien got the boot and why Stitch was the perfect fit.

How’s MGM Doing? Not So Grand
Part III: Icons, Contracts, and Muppets, oh my!
Posted on - 10/25/2004
This week we finish up our series of articles on the changes at the Disney-MGM Studios, turning our attention to the future of the Park. While using our comparison from parts I and II, we get a good idea at how the park will likely shape up in the future. Oh, there’s a little matter I forgot to mention: beware of expiring contracts!

How’s MGM Doing? Not So Grand
Part II: The Park Today
Posted on - 10/18/2004
Continuing from the article last week on the Disney-MGM Studios of the past, this week we take a look at what the park looks like now, and how much it has changed. Is it just me or was this street not here just a few years ago...

How’s MGM Doing? Not So Grand
Part I: In the Beginning
Posted on - 10/11/2004
As the epitome of a Theme Park in transition, the Disney-MGM Studios is the middle of revamping old plans into a new strategy of image, attractions, and events. Like it or not, they’ve still got a lot of work still left to do. This week begins a new series on the park, focusing on where it has been, where it is now, and where it will likely go.

Those Who Forget History Are Doomed to Repeat It
Posted on - 10/4/2004
Dave and his wife were recently able to observe some of the damage at the Walt Disney World Resort firsthand, and at the same time were able to observe their own foolishness for not preparing for the trip. Tired, sunburned, and sore: what went wrong?

Enough with the Hurricanes!
(or, Is it a bad sign that my neighbors are moving out?)
Posted on - 9/27/2004
This week, Dave tries to somehow tie up the loose ends of the current hurricane situation in Central Florida, in the hopes that these sorts of updates (along with the Hurricanes that spawn them) can stop! So in a fun experiment with dexterity, Dave wiggles his way to a conclusion of this topic with a little humor along for the ride. (For those wondering, pity laughs are perfectly acceptable)

Here We Go Again:
Take a Guess at What I’m Referring To...
Posted on - 9/25/2004
Dave Parker gives us a quick update this weekend before Central Florida gets hit by a lady named Jeanne. A little humor goes a long way...

Hurricane Charley:
Part II – People Make All the Difference
Posted on - 9/13/2004
The series continues on Hurricane Charley, this week focusing on Central Florida neighbors helping neighbors, and the dedication of so many workers in such a difficult time.

Hurricane Charley:
Part I – "What? We Didn't Order a Wake Up Call!"
Posted on - 9/6/2004
As I’m sure you have heard, Southwest and Central Florida were hit pretty hard by Hurricane Charley recently. In a two part series, Dave talks briefly on the hurricane and aftermath, including eventually what the Walt Disney Company and other locally-based companies did.

Dave’s Move Update: Will It Ever End?
Posted on - 8/30/2004
In a long overdue appearance, Dave talks about what’s happening in his new digs, as well as why it seems to be taking so long. Oh, and be sure to spot the excuses for not writing an article every week along the way...

Have a Question? I (Hope To) Have an Answer…Again!
Posted on - 8/9/2004
Continuing a limited series started a while back, Dave offers those with Disney and or Central Florida questions a chance to have them answered. Of course, you’ll have to wait until I get done moving this box...

Planning a Disney-Themed Wedding:
Part II: Reception – Details, Details, Details!
Posted on - 7/26/2004
Last week we started to look at the beginning ideas for a Disney-themed wedding, and took a look at some of the choices we made for a traditional ceremony with a touch of Disney. This week, we get into the real "theming is fun" world of our Disney reception: parking lots and all. Don't worry, I'll explain...

Planning a Disney-Themed Wedding:
Part I: Ceremony – Music Makes the Mood
Posted on - 7/19/2004
To commemorate the first anniversary of my wife and I this month, we'll take a look at some of the ideas and projects that we undertook to create our own version of a Disney-Themed wedding. If you (or someone you know) ever had an inkling to get hitched Disney style, you might find some great ideas for your own big day.

An Open Letter to Steve Jobs
Posted on - 7/12/2004
Mr. Steve Jobs
Pixar Animation Studios
1200 Park Avenue
Emeryville, California 94608

Central Florida Tourism Geography 101:
Lesson IV – The Walt Disney World Entertainment District
Posted on - 7/5/2004
This week we finish up the series on Central Florida Geography with a guided tour of the Walt Disney World Entertainment District. How else would I complete our tour of the Central Florida tourism geography?

Central Florida Tourism Geography 101:
Lesson III – Orange County’s “Entertainment Districts” Continued
Posted on - 6/21/2004
Last week, we had to leave Orange County at the doorstep of the Downtown Orlando and Universal Orlando Entertainment Districts. This week continues our exploration of the Orange County region as we go further south in search of the SeaWorld/I-Drive, Walt Disney World, and Highway 192 Entertainment Districts.

Central Florida Tourism Geography 101:
Lesson II – Orange County’s “Entertainment Districts”
Posted on - 6/14/2004
Last week we took a rather scenic (and whirlwind) tour of the counties that make up the tourism landscape of Central Florida, yet we left out the most obvious: namely that of Orange County. This week, we pay special attention to this beloved county which is home to all the major attractions in the area, and try to navigate it through the use of what I call “Entertainment Districts.”

Central Florida Tourism Geography 101:
Lesson I – Surrounding Areas
Posted on - 6/7/2004
Following on the footsteps of the article two weeks ago, “A Central Florida Summer Vacation Semi-Primer”, I thought it may be helpful to give an overall description of the area’s tourism experience, especially for those who have never been before. Given the record number of arrivals the area is starting to see, what better time than now to explore the region?

A Great Big Beautiful Breakdown: Making a Difference just by Speaking Up.
Posted on - 5/31/2004
Ever feel like you’ve done something simple that makes a real difference for others? Well a couple of weeks ago when my wife and I were at the Magic Kingdom, I had an unexpected chance to do just that. Let’s just say it has something to do with the Carousel of Progress and a certain canine named Rover...

A Central Florida Summer Vacation Semi-Primer
(or “Don’t blame me: Dave told me to do it”)
Posted on - 5/24/2004
Next week, starting with Memorial Day, marks the official start of the Central Florida summer travel season. With the possibility of many of you heading down to the Central Florida area this summer, what better time to give you some advice before you pack your bags, sunscreen, and Mickey ears?

Questions I Know the Answers To: Volume I.
Posted on - 5/17/2004
This week is the first in a semi-rare series of question and answer articles that I will doing from time to time. Last week, I invited all of you to send in your questions regarding Central Florida, Walt Disney World, or Disney in general. Here, I try my best at answering those who sent in questions to me... and boy did some of them catch me off guard!

Got a Question? I (Hope To) Have an Answer!
Posted on - 5/10/2004
This week I’m taking some time off to enjoy the end of my Spring Semester. In the meantime, I’d like to ask you to send me your questions about Walt Disney World, Central Florida, or, Disney in general which could be featured in my article next week.

Getting Through the Castle Gates:
Part III – “Oh that? I bought that in Frontierland yesterday, honest!”
Posted on - 5/3/2004
In part three of this series on security at Walt Disney World, we dive into the heart of the matter on what possible threats the Resort would need to protect itself against. As mentioned last week, we’ll be utilizing the Magic Kingdom as a case example for what type of security threats may be faced by all of the parks, as well as offering a possible alternative to metal detectors at the front entrance gates.

Getting Through the Castle Gates:
Part II – Who says you never use what you learn in college.
Posted on - 4/26/2004
In part two of this series on security at Walt Disney World, we begin our analysis by taking some pages from the basics of security policy, and applying that to our Magic Kingdom case scenario. Is there a chance that an effective security policy could cause itself to collapse in the end?

Getting Through the Castle Gates:
Part I - At Least Disneyland Has a Drawbridge
Posted on - 4/19/2004
Given the recent concern over security at Walt Disney World and the Disney parks in general, I thought it was high time we visit the subject of security at Walt Disney World in (yet another) multipart series. In this first part, we discuss the recent reports that Walt Disney World management will begin testing metal detectors at the park entrances during nighttime hours, and what that may mean for the parks and security in general.

The NOT So Wonderful Thing About Tiggers.
Posted on - 4/12/2004
Last week, a Cast Member of Walt Disney World was arrested for his role in a crime committed on Walt Disney World property involving inappropriate behavior with guests. Since that time, there have been other reports and complaints of similar nature being reported to the Orange County Sheriffs Office thanks in part to the increased press coverage. These latest incidents bring out several things including what I perceived as exploitation of characters for media headlines, the area’s resolve when it comes to our number one industry, tougher scrutiny for those Cast Members employed at Walt Disney World, and an unfortunate wake up call for those who visit the Resort.

The Comcast Factor:
Part IV – “…It Was the Worst of Times”
Posted on - 4/5/2004
Part four of this series marks the end of a long road traveled for four weeks now. In part one, we discussed how the idea of Comcast possibly buying the Walt Disney Company scares many groups on the Disney side of the equation. In part two, we tried to dispel some rumors given in part one, to ease a little bit of the fear and tension of those groups, which led us to Part III last week, which gave us my version of a “best case scenario” of a combined Comcast and Disney that could work out better for both companies, given many prerequisites that must take place and rules that must be upheld. This week, all Hades breaks loose as I try and come up with the counter point to last week’s article, and show you my idea of a “worst case scenario” for a combined Comcast and Disney…or at least worst case for Disney. I would suggest that if you did not get a chance to read the previous parts of this series, you may want to do so before reading this one.

The Comcast Factor:
Part III – "It Was the Best of Times…"
Posted on - 3/29/2004
If you joined us last week, we dispelled some of the rumors and myths regarding the proposed merger of Comcast with the Walt Disney Company. In that article we asked the question: “Is there any situation where a merger would work?” Following up on that thought is this week’s article, in which I lay out my idea for a Disney/Comcast that may actually benefit both companies. This "best-case scenario" is my opinion of what changes should occur if the two do end up together.

The Comcast Factor:
Part II – Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wire?
Posted on - 3/22/2004
In last week’s introduction to “The Comcast Factor” series, I outlined some fears regarding a possible takeover by Comcast that have been circulating throughout various levels of the public (such as Walt Disney Company Cast Members, tourism community locals, Disney fans (like us), and patrons of the Walt Disney Company. This week, I decided that it’s time to put some of these fears to rest; while some are feasible, some just don’t stand up.

The Comcast Factor:
Part I – Plugging Into 78 Channels of Fear
Posted on - 3/15/2004
With all of the talk and media coverage recently about the Comcast bid for a takeover (or as has been referred to by Comcast representatives as a “merger”) of the Walt Disney Company, I felt it would be wise to take a look at just what Comcast is seeing in Disney, and why the very thought of a takeover scares the living beegeezus out of everyone on the Disney side of the equation.

What in the “World” is going on around here?
Part III – Restoration & Change to usher in the “Second Golden Age”
Posted on - 3/8/2004
In part one, I outlined my thoughts regarding branding and the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC and how that event compounded the current situation with the Walt Disney Company. In part two, we zoomed out of the Capital Cities/ABC factor to reveal the real cause of the current situation, namely Michael Eisner and the utter lack of a check and balance to his power (which has historically created greatness for the Walt Disney Company ever since the Walt/Roy partnership). This week, we complete the “What in the ‘World’ is going on around here?” series by outlining the eight steps that could lead the Walt Disney Company out of the current quagmire it finds itself in, and onto another explosive era in Disney History, or as I like to it the “Second Golden Age.”

What in the “World” is going on around here?
Part II – Finance, Teamwork and the Eisner Era
Posted on - 3/1/2004
As we take in last week’s article in this series, I outlined how I thought the current problems of the Walt Disney Company were compounded significantly by the acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC. This week, we take a look at the acquisition and where the real problem developed from, and delve into what role Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner has played in getting the company to this point in time.

What in the “World” is going on around here?
Part I – Self-Identity Issues and the Branding Way of Life
Posted on - 2/23/2004
As I thought last week of starting this column with a double-article feature (given the recent flurry of Disney news), I determined it was probably better to wait and start off on the current situation this week…you never know what could happen in a week’s time. In what will be a multi-part series, I go into my thoughts on the whole situation at the Mouse House, and hopefully deliver some strategies to pull things together.

“Just Who Does This Guy Think He Is, Anyway?”
Posted on - 2/16/2004
It’s six-thirty in the evening, and I had just got home from a full day of classes at the university I attend. I make my usual rounds…petting our one cat that meets me at the door and petting the other that thinks she has too much royalty in her to get up and come meet me (normally I go and meet her). I make my way to our computer that’s in the back of the house, and find my wife on the Internet looking at Disney information, rumors, message boards, etc. like most Disney nuts do. Of course, I immediately start to look at the pages she is on as I’m just as big of a Disney fan as her, if not more so.

New Column Starting Up Monday 2/16/2004.
Posted on - 2/11/2004
Look for the first article in our all new column “All Ears on Central Florida” from Dave Parker to be posted on Monday February 16th