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BEYOND
THE
THEME PARKS
Water
Parks
Blizzard Beach FAQ
Typhoon Lagoon FAQ
Downtown
Disney
Marketplace
Pleasure Island
West Side
-- Cirque du Soleil
-- DisneyQuest
Disney's
Boardwalk
and Epcot
Resort Area
Introduction
Dining
Entertainment
Shopping
Tours
Descriptions
and
Reviews
Rate and Review
Sports-Related
Activities
Fishing
Excursions
Golf
Miniature Golf
--Fantasia Gardens
--Winter Summerland
Parasailing
Driving
Experiences
Running/Jogging Trails
Surfing Class at
Typhoon Lagoon
Wide World of Sports
(WWoS)
Disney
Vacation Club
Disney
Cruise Line
Community/
Gatherings
AllEars
Team Meets
D23 - The Official Community
for Disney Fans
MagicMeets
Other
Fun Things
Audience
Participation
Birthday Ideas: Adults
Birthday Ideas: Kids
Carriage Rides
Collecting Character
Autographs
Desktops/
Wallpapers
Grand Floridian
Adventures for
Kids
Hidden Mickeys
Overlooked
Attractions
Photography
--Film Tips
--Digital Tips
--Videotaping Tips
Pin Trading Guide
Pixies at WDW!
Pressed Penny &
Quarter Guide
Scrapbooking Magic!
Specialty Cruises
--IllumiNations
Breathless/Pontoon
--Resort Park Cruises
Writers'
Corner
Behind
the Ears
Meet
the Authors
AllEars.Net
Feature Writers
-- Debra Martin Koma
-- Michelle Scribner-MacLean
-- Mike Scopa
-- Jack Spence
Orlando
Area
Information
Character
Warehouse
Outlet
Directions from
Airport
Grocery Stores
Ground Transportation
Orlando Area Outlets
Radio/TV Stations
Religious Services
Telephone Numbers
Archives
Adventurers Club
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You've met
Deb Wills, the founder, Webmaster, publisher
and Editor-in-Chief of AllEars® and
AllEars.Net.
But it takes more than one person to run this show.
Just
who are the folks behind

A
dedicated group of volunteers
who spend countless hours
to bring you the latest news in the
most informative and entertaining
Walt Disney World website and newsletter available!

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Debra
Martin Koma
Senior Editor AllEars® and AllEars.Net
"Day"
Job: Freelance writer and mom, not necessarily in that order.
Favorite
WDW memory: The first time my son, then 4, saw SpectroMagic
and shouted, "Mommy, look at the peacock! Mommy, look at the
fish!" He's 16 now and won't admit it, but he still thinks
that parade is cool. (And so do I!)
Favorite
WDW spot to rest: Rest? Who rests when they're at Disney World?
I want to see it all, do it all -- No rest for this park commando!
Insider Tip: If at all possible, avoid taking your very first
trip to Walt Disney World during the crowded, hot summer months.
But if you MUST go then, remember to take everything in stride --
it will be hot, there will be long lines, and you'll wonder why
everyone raves about how wonderful the World is. Don't let it get
to you! Just try to get an early start to take advantage of the
cooler mornings, and then take a pool break in the middle of the
day -- return to the parks after the temps start to go down and
hopefully you'll be able to enjoy yourselves more. It really is
the Most Magical Place on Earth! |
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Mike
Scopa
AllEars® Feature Writer
Blogger
Day
Job:
Technical Writer/Performance Consultant
Favorite
Disney Memory: Eating soft serve ice cream and oatmeal cookies
with my son at Old Port Royal at the CBR back in 1990. Seven years
later as a Freshman in college he called me in the middle of the
winter and said, "Dad, I've give anything to be sitting with
you and eating oatmeal cookies at the CBR." It was then that
I knew he was hooked.
Favorite
WDW spot to rest: Sitting on one of those swings at the Beach
at the Polynesian...no crowds...no music...no lines...no stress.
Insider
Tip: If you take the express monorail from the Ticket and Transportation
System to the Magic Kingdom be sure and get in the back end of the
next to last car. The doors will open right at the ramp and you
will be among the first to get down the ramp to the park.
Favorite
WDW romantic spot: Sunset Point at the Polynesian with a close
second being Generation Gap at Pop Century at Midnight.
Favorite
Restaurants: Le Cellier, Trail's Inn, Tusker House, and Fresh.
You
can also catch Mike co-hosting the WDWToday.com
Podcast! |
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Jack
Spence
AllEars® Feature
Writer
Blogger
Day
Job: Visiting Disney theme parks
Favorite
Disney Memory: Walking through Disneyland early in the morning,
before the park opened. For ten minutes everyday on my way to work
in New Orleans Square, Disneyland belonged to me and nobody else.
I was all alone as I walked down Main Street. By the Rivers of America
I would stop and watch the ducks swim on the glass-like water. There
were no sounds except those of nature. No music, no voices, just
my thoughts and the magic that surrounded me.
Favorite
WDW spot to rest:
I cant tell you. Because if I did, everyone would seek out
this spot and Id never be able to enjoy it again.
Insider
Tip:
Arrive at the parks when they open. Then leave after lunch and go
back to your Disney resort and take a nap and/or take
a swim. Then return to a park in the late afternoon, refreshed.
Favorite
WDW romantic spot:
A nighttime boat ride on the Sassagoula River from Downtown Disney
to Port Orleans Riverside.
Favorite
Restaurants:
Victoria & Alberts, The Flying Fish, Columbia Harbour
House, and Yakitori House.
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Michelle
ScribnerMacLean
AllEars® Feature Writer
Blogger
"Day" Job: Science and Math Educator
Favorite
WDW Memory: Any time I'm with family, but the memory of my brother's
face the first time he rode Tower of Terror still makes me laugh!
Favorite
WDW Spots: At Epcot on the bridge near France, watching IllumiNations
and the Magic Kingdom at the beginning of Main Street looking at
the castle.
Favorite
Restaurant: Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge -- so many yummy choices!
Insider
Tip: Whether it's your 1st trip or 50th trip -- take your time
and enjoy the details. You'll miss some of the best parts of the
resort if you rush through too quickly. |
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Laura
Gilbreath
Disneyland Resort Correspondent
Blogger
"Day" job: Computer system administrator
Favorite
WDW Memory: Running in the 2005 WDW Half Marathon, especially
running through Cinderella Castle and around World Showcase!
Favorite
WDW spot: After IlumiNations, sitting on the edge of a planter
along the walkway between Future World and World Showcase watching
Epcot's Lights of Winter.
Favorite
WDW restaurant: Boma! Especially the dessert buffet.
Favorite
spot for IllumiNations: I think the best spot is behind the
UK's Fish and Chips shop, but this area is usually reserved for
private parties. My favorite guest-accessible area is along the
edge of the World Showcase Lagoon, straight out from the backstage
gate next to Germany.
Insider
tip: The WDW theme parks, especially Epcot, have LOTS of live
entertainment: street shows, stage shows, acrobats, rock bands,
and everything in between. Watching a show is a great opportunity
to slow down and relax for a few minutes. So take a look at the
daily Times Guide, and let the talented performers entertain you!
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Barrie
Brewer
Picture This!
Photo Blogger
"Day"
Job: Graphic Design, Music Production and Photography
Favorite
WDW memory: I have so many great memories from trips to Disney
World. Through DVC I've been able to share WDW with family, friends
and co-workers who have never been before. Those are my favorite
memories getting to see Disney through the eyes of first-timers.
Favorite
WDW Spots (romantic or otherwise!): Anywhere at night time!
I love how beautifully Disney World is illuminated, from the bright
and colorful lights of Tomorrowland to the subdued, ambient lighting
of the trails in Animal Kingdom.
Things
from WDW's past I miss the most: The Tapestry of Nations parade
before Illuminations.
Insider
Tip: Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with other
guests. I've met the most wonderful people from all over the world
at WDW. It's amazing how often you'll run into them again on your
trip.
"Must
Do" do on every trip: I always make sure I find time to
wander around the Boardwalk and have a nice dinner at Flying Fish
Café.
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Scott
Thomas
Picture This!
Photo Blogger
Scott
can also be found on his website: Planning
Strategy Calculator for Disney Reservations |
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Lisa
K. Berton
Picture This!
Photo Blogger
"Day"
Job: Photographer/Photographic Equipment Sales
Favorite
WDW Memory: Showing my grandparents around Hollywood (MGM) Studios
and EPCOT in 2004. My baubie grabbed onto my arm in Living with
the Land when it got misty and said, "I would have brough a
raincoat if I'd known it was going to rain."
Favorite
WDW Location: Wandering around World Showcase, talking to Cast
Members, enjoying foreign foods, watching the musicians, and actors.
Photography
Tips: Use a flash for outdoor shots of family and friends to
eliminate harsh shadows and raccoon eyes.
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Steve
Barrett
Blogger
Day
Job: Doctor and Disney Nut
Favorite
WDW Memory: Strolling through the Magic Kingdom with my young
son on my shoulders. I remember thinking, "I wish this would
last forever!"
Favorite
WDW Spot: Anywhere there's a Hidden Mickey.
Insider
Tip: Take some time to chat with Cast Members, especially if
you're looking for Hidden Mickeys. The Cast Members are one of the
main reasons WDW is such a unique and special place.
Steve
is author of several Disney related books and maintains the Hidden
Mickeys Guide website. |
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Gloria
Konsler
Corresponding Secretary, Ears to Ears Moderator
"Day"
Job: Executive Administrator for a civic association
Favorite
WDW Memory: At the end of our very first trip to Walt Disney
World, we left the Magic Kingdom via the ferry and everyone cried
because we had had such a wonderful time. The sight of the castle
getting smaller and smaller in the background was just too much
for all of us. We were so sad and so happy all at the same time.
Favorite
WDW spot to watch Wishes: Right in the middle of Main Street
near Casey's Corner.
Favorite
WDW romantic spot: On the beach at the Beach Club at night,
sitting in one of the swings.
Insider
Tip: At least once in your life, go to Walt Disney World when
the holiday decorations are up. |
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Cathy
Bock
Rate & Review Editor, Photographer, Ears to Ears Moderator
"Day"
Job: Technology manager for a nonprofit agency
Favorite
WDW Memory: The last day of our first trip with our two sons.
We watched IllumiNations then waited for the crowds to clear and
took a very slow walk back to the bus stop. It was a perfect night
and the end to a perfect vacation. Watching IllumiNations always
brings back the memory of that magical moment.
Favorite
WDW Location: Going under the railroad track at the Magic Kingdom
and stepping onto Main Street. All the worries of the world disappear
there!
Photography
Tips: Don't hesitate to ask a cast member or another guest to
snap a photo of you and your party. There's nothing like coming
home with no photos that include the family photographer. Also,
remember to get
up close. A picture of Expedition Everest is great, but even better
is a close up of your kids' faces after their first ride with Everest
as the background. |
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Jack
Marshall
Assistant Webmaster
Keeper of the AllEars® Archives;
Tips Database; and WDW Ticket Historian
"Day" job: Full time at-home parent
Favorite
WDW memory: Spending an entire weekend with 40 or 50 of my best
friends who come from all around the world at Walt Disney World
every December.
Things
from WDW's past I miss the most: Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (Magic
Kingdom) and Minnie Mia's (Downtown Disney).
Things
from WDW's past I miss the least: Mission to Mars (Magic Kingdom)
and the second incarnation of Journey Into Imagination (Epcot).
Insider
Tip: Do your homework on WDW ticket prices. Don't assume that
Disney is the best one to purchase your tickets from.
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Linda
Eckwerth
Photographer/Administrative Assistant
"Day"
Job: Sales Rep for a manufacturer/distributor of industrial
maintenance supplies
Favorite WDW Memory: There are so many and hopefully many
more to come, but I would say my first visit to Epcot with my Dad.
We tried to see and do everything the park had to offer. When we
finally stopped to claim a viewing spot for the closing fireworks,
we were so tired that we left without seeing them. It would be 13
years later before I would step foot in Epcot again.
Favorite WDW Spot: Being on Main Street when it is decorated
for Christmas.
Insider Tip: Have a plan when you visit the "World",
but don't be so rigid that you can't change and roll with the flow.
Most of all, have fun!
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Fred
Block
Technical Support
"Day"
job: Network Operations Manager for a Telecom
company. Certifiable technology geek.
Favorite
WDW memory: Watching "Wishes" on the boat dock at
the Polynesian with my daughter. It was one of the best moments
Ive had as a father.
Things
from WDW's past I miss the most: The ability to just walk up
to any restaurant without having a reservation 90 days or more in
advance.
Favorite
WDW Location: That would have to be Epcot. The whole park!
Favorite
spot for IllumiNations: In the private viewing area by the UK.
Awesome unobstructed view. Another good spot is a window seat while
having sushi in Japan.
Favorite
Restaurant: That's a tough one. Either Le Cellier or Boma.
Insider
Tip: Stop to look around once in a while. People are always
in a hurry to go from A to B. You end up missing a lot! (I know
Michelle said the same thing but its something I say all the
time too!) If you have children, remember the little things. They
will eventually get older and your trips are going to make great
memories.
Fred
is also the Founder and Senior Event Coordinator of MagicMeets
Disney Fan Gatherings. |
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Erin
Blackwell
Fort Wilderness, PhotoPass and Kennels Guru
Behind the Scenes Support
Day
job:
Web site design and maintenance
Favorite
WDW memory: I once met a family from Kenya in Animal Kingdom
and enjoyed one of the most special moments of my life. It was everything
Walt Disney pictured for his guests.
Favorite
WDW spot: The castle view from Loop 300 at Fort Wilderness.
Also, seeing the white herons asleep in the Animal Kingdom trees,
like pieces of moonlight caught in the branches.
Favorite
WDW romantic spots: Animal Kingdom and the World Showcase at
night. Riding together in our electric cart at night in Fort Wilderness,
enjoying the beautiful atmosphere.
Things
from WDW's past I miss the most: The double decker buses in
World Showcase. They were great for appreciating the architecture
as well as rescuing tired feet!
Insider
Tip: Research what's closed during your trip before planning
to see it; same with dining reservations. It avoids disappointment.
And when you meet a good Cast Member, contact Guest Services. Your
thanks will help them achieve rewards and guests get more great
Cast Members!
Photography
Tip: Keep those pictures safe! Back them up or use multiple
chips! I've twice lost photos from entire trips, and now download
them as a backup.
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Guest
Columnists: Amy Warren Stoll, Joshua Olive, Brian Martsolf, Emily
Pickle-Owen.
Additional
Ears to Ears Moderators: Donna Brewer, Donna Staffanson and
Joan Faux.
Graphics
Support: John Leary and Brian Monin. |
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