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.