What in the World?

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A weekly peek at Walt Disney World

Monday, January 15, 2007
Glenn Sonoda

Well I suppose after reading my first article you’re wondering what kind of column this is going to be.   This column is designed to be a free form way to discuss the Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney World, and the Walt Disney Company as a whole.  If you have any ideas on what you would like to see here, please feel free to contact me.  I’m here to share my passion, my experience, and my thoughts on the World, and would love any and all forms of feedback.  Now on to this week’s topic.

Like in the real world, a relationship is built on trust.  The same goes for a column like this.  Why would you want to read an article by someone you don’t know or share any common bonds or experiences with?  I mean, for all you know, I could really be a fan of Universal Studios or, gasp, even Six Flags (just kidding, folks).  Well, have no fear Disneyphile.  Today I’m here to share some of my most memorable moments at Walt Disney World.  We all have at least a few moments that we think of when we wander the parks.  And here are some of mine:

I was five years old when I made my way to Walt Disney World.  I remember staying at the then-named Disney Inn (which was subsequently purchased by the U.S. Military and is now named the Shades of Green Resort) which is located across the street from the Polynesian Resort.  The first full day was spent at the Magic Kingdom and getting autographs from the likes of Mickey, Tigger, and Goofy.  I rode all the rides I was big enough to ride, overdosed on sweets and Mickey-shaped ice cream bars, and wore my Goofy hat proudly throughout the park.  

The next day, however, I had mixed feelings about our destination.  My dad told me that we were going to a park with an emphasis on education and not a lot of characters or thrill rides.  I was crestfallen.  “What do you mean no Mickey?” I remember thinking to myself on the monorail ride over.  A park with no Mickey Mouse?  That’s blasphemy.  Despite my trepidation, I had no choice but to proceed.  While I don’t quite remember a lot of what I saw, I do remember the impression I got from the park.  I was AMAZED.  I thought Spaceship Earth (or “the giant silver ball” as I referred to it then) was the coolest thing since sliced bread.  I had no idea what the ride meant, but I was impressed by it nonetheless.  Then there was Innoventions.  I was completely taken aback by the fact that I could interact with gadgets and displays, and if I recall correctly, I could even interact with a robot.   My entire perception of EPCOT Center did a 180.  That is, until the “incident.”

It was early afternoon and the sun was blazing down on us so my dad and I found shelter beneath some trees.  I was sporting my new EPCOT Center t-shirt and eating an ice cream to cool down a bit.  My dad thought it an opportune time to take a picture of me at that moment. I looked at the camera and smiled.  The instant the picture was taken, I felt something land on my left shoulder.  I turned, and some sort of bird had left a “present” on my newly bought shirt.  Once I realized what it was I dropped my barely eaten ice cream and proceeded to cry like there was no tomorrow.  If there was ever a moment I felt like the sky was falling, that was it.  I don’t quite remember what happened afterwards, but I do remember never wanting to sit beneath a tree for quite some time after that. 

Even now I keep a very watchful eye on birds at Epcot.  So, if you ever see someone flinch, duck, stop, drop, and/or roll at the sight of a bird, its most likely me.  Feel free to say hi!

When I was a sophomore in high school, my band was fortunate enough to participate in Disney’s Magic Music Days program.  Almost 60 kids, about a dozen adult chaperones, and our conductor flew from Hawaii to Florida during spring break to be a part of this really great opportunity.  On top of that, it was the first time I would be at the World with friends, and I was excited to experience the parks with people who had never been there before.  Out of all the excitement from that trip, there were two particular memorable events that made me feel a part of Disney (even if it was for the briefest of moments)

First, our band was scheduled to perform in Epcot near The Land pavilion.  Disney transported us from our hotel off property to a backstage area behind World Showcase (between the Outpost and the Germany Pavilion).  We got dressed, warmed up, and made our way by bus to the other side of Epcot.  Once we got there, we took our seats with instruments in hand and prepared for the concert.  I really can’t say that anyone besides the band parents really stopped to hear us play.  I remember watching people walk by, give us a slight glance, and then continue on their way.  Was I upset? Absolutely not.  Did we attract the kind of crowds one sees at the Candlelight Processional?  No.  But what we did do is have the chance of a lifetime to perform on one of the grandest stages south of Carnegie Hall.  Moreover, for about thirty minutes I considered myself an unofficial Disney cast member, providing entertainment for the guests at Epcot.  It was an incredible experience to be a part of the Magic. 

Second, our band was taken to a recording studio near the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot and was given a glimpse at how orchestras and bands are recorded for Disney movie soundtracks.  The studio was big and full of shiny and expensive instruments and sound equipment.  It as completely the opposite of what I was used to (teenagers and instrument care are two things that do not mix).  When we all got settled in, a cast member stepped behind the podium and introduced himself as a sound engineer for Disney.  He recorded music for several Disney animated features in his career and explained the entire process to us.  After that, we actually had a chance to record music for film like the professionals do.  We played music from Aladdin, Dumbo, and the Jungle Book and were able to see the playback from the movie with the music we recorded.  Needless to say, we stunk like limburger cheese.   But I’ll never forget how much fun it was to be a Disney musician for the day. 

As the weeks go on, I’ll add some more memorable moments from my time at Walt Disney World.  But, I want to here from you!  Either leave a comment below or post in the forums about your most memorable moments at the Disney-MGM Studios or elsewhere in the World.  I’ll see you next week on What in the World!