Wilderness Lodge here I come.

Okay ... been a while. But you didn't think I'd forgotton about my Disney blog, did you? Fact is I've been SWAMPED writing funny books and novels, but when Disney ran a 30% off of lodging special during the time I'll be nearby to visit my Dad anyway ... yeah, it didn't take much arm twisting.

The thing is, I'm a sucker for Disney and a double sucker for a discount. So I grabbed two nights at the Wilderness Lodge ... just enough to get a bit of taste, not a full blown vacation. So we'll hit the Magic Kingdom and Epcot but won't have time for the full smash -- Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney all all that. But I couldn't resist just, you know, dropping by to catch up with the mouse. A little hint of the magic and pretend.

So tell us about your next trip (or your last trip) to Disney. Where'd you stay? What did you do? Does it take a discount to get you off the dime? For me, it did ... this time.

Disney Food Blog

Click HERE for a usefull blog about food at Disney.

On a completely different note, I like THIS BLOG too.

Got any Disney-centered blogs to suggest? Let's hear about them.

Golf at Disney

Whenever I play golf, there is always a strong chance I will hurt myself and others. In fact, it's been a long, long time since I've played. But I'm always looking for an excuse to get into it again.

I was harassing a friend the other day with the idea that if certain possibilities came to fruition we should reward ourselves with a guy's golf trip. Naturally, my warped brain went to WDW. There are some great courses on the Disney property. In fact, Disney hosts a PGA tour event every year. And the idea of shooting 18 and then grabbing some Epcot beers is really appealing to me. There's a pretty good chance such a golf outing with my buddy will never transpire. A lot of things would have to fall into place.

But it got me thinking about the Disney golf courses again. In my numerous trips the last few years, I've never played golf. I've always been with my wife and young son, and they were far more interested in Test Track than in golf. I used to live in Orlando many years ago and had a chance to play a few times, but it's been so long, the memories are fuzzy. Was the course difficult? What did I shoot? How many balls did I lose? I'd like to get back into golf, and, eventually, I'd like to work a roudn into one of my Disney trips.

Some day ...

What's your advice for the Disney bound?

See that angry face Donald Duck is making? That's the face of many dads after a day of long lines and screaming kids and expensive Disney food. I think I've made it pretty clear I'm a Disney fan. Frankly, I wish I had a Disney trip coming up. I could use it. (But I digress.) Disney is one of my fave places, but I'd be the first to tell you there will be rough spots.

I think a lot of first time Disney Dads could use any and all advice to keep from making that angry Donald Duck face. So let's help.

Whether you've been to Disney World (or Disneyland) once or one hundred times, you probably thought at some point, "Gee, I wish I'd known XXX because then I would have XXX differently." No matter how many guide books you might read, no matter how well you think you're prepared, there's nothing like first hand experience.

So lets hear it, Disney veterans. If you were giving advice to a Mom and Dad about to make their first ever trip to Disney, what would it be?

When's your next Disney trip?

As often happens, Funny Book writing deadlines have kept me away from the Disney blog. I'm back on X-Men after Yost's great run, so run to your local comics shop next week and pick up X-Men 15.1 if ya know what's good for ya!

But I digress.

While I do love to spout my opinions here (I have many, and they are all genius) what I really like is to hear from you. Anyone out there have a Disney trip planned? When? Where are you staying? What are you most looking forward to? What worries you the most? (Long lines? Bad weather?)

Spill, people.

Any Questions?

Sort of quiet around the old Disney for Dad Blog as I bust some ass writing X-MEN scripts. Got to keep pace with those monthly deadlines.

Anyway, I ask you guys questions all the time. You have any questions for me? Any questions you'd like me to post to our blog readers?

Don't be shy.

STUFF!

Because Disney is not expensive enough, you'll want to drop a load of cash on souvenirs, right?

RIGHT?

I don't know what it is about Disney, but I always come away with T-Shirts, hats, etc. See those orange Crocs pictured to the left? I actually HAVE a pair of those. Perfect poolside footwear at the Polynesian. Right now half of you are green with envy and the other half of you are removing me from your Christmas card lists.

I've been to Italy three times in the last few years to promote translations of my novels, and I can't recall buying a single souvenir for myself. Great trips, but no shopping. And yet I cannot remember ever going to Disney and NOT getting myself at least one T-shirt. Oh, and if you spend enough money in one of the shops, the usually have something like a discounted beach towel you can buy.

Guess how many beach towels I have. Never mind.

So what about you guys? Are you shoppers? Do you have a secret stash of mouse ears at home? Or do you prefer to save your money for beer?

Happy 4th

Happy Fourth of July, everyone.

Rides vs. Shows

When I was a kid, I disliked the idea of a show at Disney. Why the hell would I want to go see the boring Tiki Birds or the Hall of Dumb Presidents when there were rides to ride. The thrill of Space Mountain seemed to have everything The Carousel of Progress didn't. In other words: fun.

Now, as an adult, I feel a bit differently. Not only is Micky's Philharmagic and Muppets in 3D good, solid fun, it's also an opportunity to STOP for a few minutes and sit in the air conditioning. Like a break and a show combined.

And yet ... I STILL find it hard to make myself go to the Carousel of Progress.

What do you think? Shows or rides?

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

The first time I went to Downtown Disney, I didn't like it. I'd just driven 1 billion miles to get to Disney, and our rooms weren't ready and it was 5000 degrees Fahrenheit. (As you can see, I'm a bit loose with numbers.) So I was sweaty and crabby and just not in the mood. Downtown Disney was just some hot place that wasn't my air-conditioned room at the Polynesian.

Subsequent visits to Downtown Disney have changed my mind. It can provide a nice break from the parks while still "doing Disney." The family and I have seen movies in the comfortable, wine-serving theater and eaten good meals at Ragland Road and elsewhere. I've spent about 40 million dollars at the Lego store for my son. And for Dad, there is even a cigar bar.

So ... what are your good experiences at Downtown Disney? What are your suggestions for places to go (or avoid)?

Enough Little surprises can add up to Big Fun

Having been to Disney a number of times, I generally know what to expect when I go on a particular ride or walk into a specific restaurant. But one of the things I appreciate about a trip to WDW is the potential for unexpected little bonuses of fun. For example, as my family and I walked passed the Canadian pavilion in Epcot, we paused to listen to a rock band which featured a guy in a kilt jamming hard on a set of bagpipes. It wasn't something we'd planned to see, but it was cool to take a moment and listen to a couple of songs. Nowhere in our guidebook did it suggest we grab a few Canadian beers and listen to some kilt rock. It just happened.

What are some cool, little surprise moments you've had at WDW?

Beer at WDW

What's the best? The worst? The in-betweenest?

Those big-ass mugs at the Biergarten rule!

Discuss.

Mickey Slept Here

Okay, today we're talking about hotels at WDW. As stated in the previous post, the Polynesian is my favorite, but I also have a soft spot for the Contemporary. As a kid, I marveled at the fact that the monorail traveled directly through the center of the hotel, and even as an adult I still think it's pretty bitchin. So today's questions is which WDW hotels do you like and why? What's important to you. Price? Location? Decor? I prefer to stay in a hotel with monorail access since I am a lazy, lazy man and don't want to drive my car once it's parked. Also, I have only limited experience with the "moderate resorts" so feedback on that would be useful. And I've never been to Disneyland in California, so info on the hotels there would be appreciated too. If you've never been to WDW, which hotel attracts your attention and makes you think you might choose it if you scheduled a visit?

(Wilderness Lodge pictured.)

My son agrees with DAD. The Polynesian is the best resort at Disney. You can watch the fireworks from the beach while sipping a lava drink. The monorail comes right through the main lodge and the Epcot monorail is a five minute walk.

It's just like being there ... except Disney-fied!

Okay folks, I'm off to Italy in a few hours, so we'll make today's Disney Question an easy one. What's your favorite "country" in Epcot? I'm going to say Italy just for ... well ... obvious reasons given the circumstances. Remember to show your work.

Some Further Explanation ...

A few questions have been coming in. Such as ...

1. If it's "Disney for Dad", does that mean mom can't participate?

No. All are welcome. Some questions are geared toward dad, but anyone who wants to jump in should feel free.

2. Research? What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?

Yes, I know I've been vague about my "project" but that's because I'm not 100% sure what shape this project will take just yet. That's one of the reasons, I'm asking these questions on this blog -- to help get my bearings.

3. So do you like Disney or not? I can't tell what the hell's going on here.

I am very pro-Disney, but I recognize there are plenty of people who can't stand the thought of stepping foot into Mouse Land, and since I want feedback from those people too, some of my questions will be geared toward them. Also, while I am pro-Disney, I also plan to be HONEST. I mean, hell people, that Small World ride gets on my nerves.

So feel free to zap any other questions you have my way, and I'll do my best to answer.

MMMMMM. Put that in my mouth please.

There are lots of places to eat at Walt Disney World and at Disneyland. LOTS. So narrowing down a favorite depends on mood and context. I'm tempted to say the Biergarten is my favorite place, but not for the food. The food is decent, but what I really dig is the live oompa band and the huge mugs of beer. I like a little show with my meal if I'm in a vacation environment. But if I was going to base my choice on the quality of food I'd pick .... hmmmm ... not sure.

What about YOU, Mr. and Mrs. Blog Reader? What is your favorite place to eat at WDW?

This is one of the ways Dad enjoys the Polynesian Resort at WDW.

Ahhhhhh yeahhhhh.

Mission Space? More like Mission Puke.

There is a relatively new ride at Epcot (a year or two old maybe) called Mission Space. While I salute the technology and creativity that went into this ride, I will probably never go on it again. It simulates a space launch and landing so well that you even get to experience the same MOTION SICKNESS that real astronauts do. Probably, I'm just getting old and feeble.

On the other hand SOARIN' and TEST TRACK are rides at Epcot I can go on over and over again. I never get tired of them. Probably my favorite rides in all of the parks.

Which brings us to this weekend's question. Previous questions have been for the purpose of research for a project which is evolving. But this one is simple and just for fun.

What is the one ride that is your most favorite in all the parks?

This one is for the Ladies

Or as Disney might say ... for the Princesses.

Have any of you ever had trouble getting the men folk in your life (husband, dad, brother, uncle, boyfriend) to agree to go to Disney? You know he'd just love it if he'd give it a try. Or even if he wouldn't .... so what? Do it for the kids! Seriously, what did you do, say, threaten to make it happen ... or didn't it happen?

(Or if you hypothetically asked the man in your life about going to Disney, what do you think he would say?)

As always, you feedback is vital and helpful. Thanks.

Good, Good. Only Your HATE can make you strong enough to resist Disney!

Okay, folks we're off to a good start. As you know, I'm using this blog to collect some research for a project. Today's question is an important one.

If you've never been to Disney, what are the reasons that have kept you from pulling the trigger? What anxieties, concerns or dislikes keep you from giving WDW a try? And if you HAVE been, what keeps you from going back?

As always, your participation is very much appreciated.

Welcome to the official unofficial blog

In the coming weeks I will be asking all of you -- but especially men -- to participate on this blog, asking questions about your visits (or lack of visits) to Walt Disney World. It's for a project I'm working on, details to come. Later-ish.

In the meantime, I'd very much appreciate your spreading around that this blog exists.

Karma in it for you. Lots. And maybe ice cream.

In the meantime, lets ask some simple questions just to test the equipment.

1. What do you love the most and what do you hate the most about WDW?

And .... GO!

FOr all you reluctant dads (And dudes too cool to admit you love Disney)...

This blog is (or will be) for you.

Content coming soon.