The New York Times attributed a quote to this website in last Sunday’s Travel section about things to do other than watch the Super Bowl. Since the Super Bowl was the most watched television program in the history of the world, I would say the article was not well received. According to me:
What about theme-park lines? Rick Sylvain, a Disney World spokesman, says the event “has no appreciable impact on our parks.” But Mickey Mouse fanatics say it’s a good time to visit. EasyWDW.com, MouseSavers.com and other Disney planning sites point out that crowds tend to diminish. “Sunday during the Super Bowl is usually one of the best times of the year to tour the Parks due to all the people who will be home watching the Big Game,” states easyWDW.com on its Calendar of Crowds blog post.
Uh huh. I’ve been called a lot of things. Egotistical. A jerk. A womanizer. My favorite is probably from a member of DISboards.com:
One of the worst offenders in my opinion is the All-mighty Josh of easyWDW. This will probably be news to many, but he’s not Jesus. He runs a blog where he gets to show off to everyone and get an ego boost for it. Also, in my experience, folks who drink scotch anti-socially aren’t usually very nice people–he’s no exception.
I disagree. I’m pretty nice.
But no one has ever accused me of being a Mickey Mouse fanatic. Does anybody know a good lawyer? How much is this case worth? Does the New York Times even have any money?
Disney has moved the Sorcerer Mickey topiary scene that used to sit inside near Hollywood Brown Derby out here to the front of the Studios. Mark your calendars for the Flower and Garden Festival beginning March 7th.
It’s nice to see it in such a prominent location.
I don’t know…it looks busy.
At least they’re not closed to capacity.
It’s just past 11:30am, which should mean we’re just about at peak crowds for the day with a 7pm close and no Fantasmic.
I feel like they could put something in here. Maybe a 50x scale topiary of my face?
Let’s try to squeeze down Sunset Boulevard towards Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
But we have time for a little window shopping.
And a little more window shopping.
Oh my gosh, a 13 minute posted wait! I heard February was low crowds!
A 20 minute posted wait at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster!! I thought everything was supposed to be a walk on!!!
It’s 11:42am and I can’t ride until 12:35pm with FASTPASS! That’s almost an hour away!! Does anyone know Josh’s email address? I want a refund…
Anyone see a good spot to duck away from the onslaught?
Popping into the Beauty and the Beast show about ten minutes after it starts. The theater is almost completely full, despite the fact that it seats 1,500 people and it’s the longest running stage show at any Walt Disney World theme park.
It’s quite the production.
With fighting clocks and tea pots.
And Gaston with a hammer. Someone should get him a show on Home and Garden Television - Decorating with Antlers.
Really? You think this ends well for you? And you’re clubbing the Beast with one arm? Dunno bro.
I don’t want to ruin it though. You should see it. It’s 25 minutes of pure Disney magic.
Do you see it? Hint – middle of the picture. Head.
Not exactly Valentine’s Day merchandise, but the packaging is red!
Saw something on DisneyFoodBlog.com about new popcorn flavors.
I don’t eat anything unless I can get my full 100% daily allotment of saturated fat in one swoop. This package only has 96% and 176 grams of sugar!! This should be in the girls section…
That’s only 3.381 cents per gram of sugar though.
Over to the Animation Building to check out some of the Brave artwork. Amusingly, no one knows what this movie is.
is for losers.
Some more:
Coming out June 22nd. I’m sure Disney would want me to mention that.
This is all in the “Production Gallery” in the back of the Animation Building. If you’re exiting the Animation Tour, this is the first room you’ll enter. Most people stroll right through. Previously, we took a look at the Cars drawings in here.
Some of the Snow White drawings that can also be found in the Animation Building:
You should stop and take a look next time.
If you want to take something home with you, you could grab this one.
Maybe they could make twice as many and charge half as much.
Let’s try to make our way over to Star Tours. Looks precarious.
A horrific ten minute wait at Star Tours.
Miss Piggy was out and spinning.
I’m not sure if the lines for Phineas and Ferb are getting systematically shorter or their popularity is decreasing. This is a straight shot to meet them – previously the line would snake all the way around here and continue outside the queue.
Another look at the area.
And the line for the Cars characters just keeps getting longer. Just a few minutes, but considerably longer than the three or four people we had been seeing in 2011.
These poor people are going to Lights, Motors about 50 minutes early. You can see on the clock that it’s about 12:35pm.
See? The stadium is so large and the stage so wide that there’s really not much of a hurry to get here. Ten or fifteen minutes early is plenty.
The refurbishment walls along the Streets of America are gone. This was the “lighting ceremony” location for the Osborne Lights in November/December/January.
And all the lights are gone.
Mulch, Sweat, and Shears rocking out to a sparse crowd.
This statue across from Studio Catering Company is my favorite on property, though I can’t put my finger on why.
Oh right, that’s why.
That kid’s expression says it all.
One flower picture to get us back on track.
A one-tram-wait over at Backlot Tour.
Over to Pixar Place. Feels crowded.
It’s just before 1pm – I don’t think we’ve seen Pixar Place this deserted at this hour before.
The standby wait would ordinarily be about twice as long.
Studios’ specific souvenir mugs with R2D2s still in stock behind them.
Pretty generic “souvenir” popcorn buckets at this time of year. Note the Studios’ ears tower though.
Wait times just before 1pm. I don’t think we’ll see wait times this low again this year. Maybe a day or two in September.
Crowds are only going to diminish as it gets closer to game time.
Better buy a $20 piggy bank to help save $15 in change for that trip.
Apparently this is just “spring merchandise” rather than Flower/Garden Festival specific like it was last year. There had been a question about pricing, so we’ll take another look while we’re here:
I thought it was for measuring booze, but apparently it measures rain too? I’m not sure why you would want to. Either it’s raining or it isn’t.
Gnome Mickey is $29.99 and comes in a box.
When I was in college, one of my neighbors had this obnoxious chime. I finally stole it. Sorry about that. I laid it on their doorstep when I moved out. See, I’m not all bad!
$14.95.
Also $14.95.
A Studios’ specific mug while we’re here.
As light as it gets. Based on the total number of people in the four major theme parks, this was the least attended day so far in 2012.
Just glad I didn’t embarrass myself nationally. Amusingly, I was at the Grand Floridian this past Sunday taking pictures of their merchandise and saw a copy of the New York Times where the previously mentioned article was located. It was $6.00!!! So I didn’t buy it. That’s just ridiculous.
Big thanks to Patty who offered to send me her copy of the article and then fulfilled my ridiculous request for pictures of the article instead. It’s easier to lug around a .jpg than an article for the next 50 years.
I’ll be back.
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
All mighty Josh..hehe. I like it.
Oh my God! Why didnt I choose this week? I dont think 3/4-3/10 is going to see 40 min waits at TSMM
Hobby Lobby had very similiar Mickey garden decor last year. They might this year too, and you can get a 40% off coupon from their website or their newpaper ad.
All hail almighty Josh.
(All mighty means something else altogether). Take that snarky Disboarder.
Who’s Josh?
We were at HS for superbowl sunday 2011 and it was similar to those pictures above. Comments like that :-0 are why I come to this site. Keep up the good work Josh, we love you. I am currently writing a trip report about our visit over christmas and your invaluable information, and those who gave advice on the tour planning forum made it the best holiday ever, despite the crowds we had a great time. Thanks, have a scotch on us
I caught myself looking at that “Splash” fountain last fall, but then I came to my senses are realized it does nothing for me.
And I think using the “rain measuring” device for booze instead is a much better idea. And it goes perfectly with the matching big drinkin’ mug — it’s not a flower pot.
always quality
Who dare bash Josh?? sounds like somebody’s jealous…very third grade..sorry you had to “hear” that Josh, pay no mind to those types. Ü
Brave is looking very “How to Train your Dragon” ish to me..no?
Enjoyed! Especially the Snow White exhibit photos. Thanks!
Oh my, I just choked on my coffee at the “hidden Mickey” picture. I didn’t want to laugh out loud at the office and have to explain what part of my “work” was so funny.
I found your website after reading that article. I think it ended up on Yahoo News and I saw it there. You’ve got a new groupie in me! My daughter just started the College Program in January and I’m starved for any Disney news I can get. Love your blog and I subscribed to its news feed at my first reading. Keep up the great work – and don’t change a thing!
If you’re not Jesus, why do look so worried on Good Fridays?
Props to Josh for getting it right! But don’t let it go to your head.
But can someone explain to me how to drink scotch anti-socially? I am picturing an unshaven, unkempt guy with a Canon around his neck, slouching on a bench on Main Street, telling people to “Shove Off” while he sips from a flask. Josh, drink scotch with me so I can observe this anti-social behavior. There might be a government grant in it for us…
The DIS is full of idiots. Enough said.
Duh, of course you are not Jesus, Joshua is Josué
in Spanish.
If you would like tax exempt status and do start up a Church of Josué, I’ll join. Might even supply the holy water, I mean scotch.
Congrats on your shout out in the NY Times ,that is great.
I’m not a Mickey Mouse Fanatic! Here’s two pictures of a Mickey Mouse topiary!
“I feel like they could put something in here. Maybe a 50x scale topiary of my face?”
how about a cranberry bog?
I hate to Dis a Diser but what a hole. I love my daily Joshism’s, that does sound kinda religious. lol. Keep up the good work!
Josh, You’re welcome. Being mentioned by Josh in an easyWDW blog? Better than the New York Times.
I think “that kid” is Tom Hanks. Just sayin.
My daughter is an art student and we loved the production gallery, I think it was Winnie the Pooh pictures when we were there. I recently watched a documentary about Walt Disney, on CNBC I think, and I was struck at how well that whole area of DHS recreates the original Disney studios (the outside at least).
I will have to remember, this for the future although Super Bowl sunday generally does not fall during school breaks, so it will be a few more years… If anyone is ever looking to visit the Eiffel Tower, you can have a similar experience during the final game of the World Cup. (Just get back to your hotel before the game ends if France is playing because win or lose-there is a possibility of riots).
Well, you can take pride in being an accurate little snoot!
Just got back from a trip (went from the 3ird to the 9th) and the parks were not busy at all. My parents joined us for three days and were amazed at how short the lines were (they usually go in the summer). My dad seriously thought that the wait time signs were all off for the first three hours we were there.
$6 for a newspaper?!? Wow. I haven’t checked print news prices in a while. That “kid” in the mermaid fountain explanation photo is Tom Hanks in the movie “Splash”….I guess we could call him a kid back then but he had already done “Bosom Buddies” on TV and I think “Big” in theaters. With that popcorn you showed….I can go with chocolate/caramel but chocolate with cheddar?!? The thought makes my stomach hurt. Phineas & Ferb are still waaaaay popular, even if their m&g lines are shorter….you should have seen all the kids and parents at the “Phineas & Ferb” live stage musical we went to downtown on Sunday….I think there were still some empty seats in the huge theater but not many. It was a great show but there wasn’t enough of Perry and Doofenschmirtz in it. Saw a lot of merch for sale in the lobby, too, but no t-shirts in adult sizes. DISboard commenters can be very mean, I’ve heard…which is why I never go there.
I just wanted to let you know my boyfriend and I always use your website as a go to for all our disney vacations. It’s such a big help. Also, when you went to HS on Super Bowl Sunday, did you take the bus from the TTC with just a few other people? I was on it and almost positive it was you!
But no one has ever accused me of being a Mickey Mouse fanatic. Does anybody know a good lawyer? How much is this case worth? Does the New York Times even have any money?
I would say the case is worth at the very least a Grand Floridian Room Upgrade. If your lawyer is a real shark you may be able to get a Presidential Park Upgrade. http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized/president-barack-obama-visits-walt-disney-world-not-canned-pictures-from-the-ground/
Why drinking Scotch is anti-social? Isn’t it just fun?:)
Great as always. Must say this is the best site. Keep up the good work. The booze measurer is awesome, might buy it for my uncle. He always likes a good taste of the brandy- this may keep him from going having a lil too much. Lol
Thanks for a great article–once again.
Wish I would’ve known that you were at HS on Sunday! Would have loved to meet you! You are somewhat of a celebrity at our house!
We planned our entire trip based on your recommendations and had a great time! Longest line we waited in was 20 minutes! We even managed to work out MK on Monday (our last day), and it was definitely more crowded than your recommended days. But, like you suggested, we got there early and had everything done by 1:00. I laughed because Touring plans had MK as their most recommended. Boy were they wrong!
Thanks again for all of your fabulous insight and congrats on the mention in NY Times! Just don’t get “too” popular!!
As Sheldon woudld say “Is that sarcasim?” “Thought so!” Very funny Josh. Keep ‘em coming. I’ll have to check out the Animation stuff. For some reason we never make it there and we love the Animation Academy at DCA. More please!
Dis, shmiz. Typical!
@Stephanie- “that kid” is most definitely Tom Hanks! At first, I too had to go back to see what kid Josh was talking about LOL
OMG, the squirrel sketches are so freakin cute!
Ahh, The DIS.. how unfun they are.
I feel really bad for any lady that is so desperate that they could be “womanized” by a Disney blogger.
“Hey baby, I’m a grown man who takes the bus to Disneyworld every day to take photos of pavement and condiment bars for my blog that generates no revenue.”
Sexay.
I like your writing style, I don’t know what would cause someone to get so fired up about it. Good jokes this time.
@Aaron_Ardle: you clearly don’t understand the appeal of a good sense of humor and also Snow White hands and a taste for scotch and cute things.
I’m going down this Monday to DHS to meet with a friend whose coming from Chicago (she picked the park) and these photos are making me almost dread it. I’m planning to get up at 5am to be at the park at 9 (2.5 hour drive) so that I’m hopefully there before the worst crowds, but I know it’s going to be pretty awful with a 4 on the calendar (or was it 6?) and it being Monday and it being the first day that Fantasmic! is back. I can’t even stay to watch Fantasmic! because I have to leave at 6 on account of having an early morning meeting Tuesday. DHS will probably be a “feels like” 7 or 8, I’m sure.
I hope the Character Guide for the park is done by then, though. That will make me feel better, since I don’t plan to actually go on rides – just some of the stage shows & M&Gs. I’m dying to get a picture with Hollywood Minnie Mouse and Donald.
Keri: I understand those things perfectly, I disagree with characterizing that type of person as a “womanizer.” And if he is indeed a womanizer (whatever that means) that’s a pretty tight niche.
We were at HS on SuperBowl Sunday. We went to Toy Story Mania in the afternoon, the posted wait was 40 minutes…. I timed our wait and it was actually 5 minutes. Why do they post such an erroneous wait time if it isn’t close to accurate? It was a perfect day to be in the parks!
@Aaron_ardle: oh, duh, I had the subject/object for “womanized” backwards. carry on!
We were at MK on SuperBowl Sunday. We experienced the lowest crowds of the entire trip! (Btw, I heard Ginnifer Goodwin was in VIP seating for the parade just a few yards away from me.) Last year, I was in Epcot on SuperBowl Sunday (freezing, I might add). I think this is our new tradition. It’s a great time to go.
p.s. – I had my eyeballs peeled for a guy with a big blog the whole trip – looks like I was always in the wrong park on the wrong day!
Can’t decide why I visit your site the most, for the wonderful pictures, the great info, or the egotistical womanizing, scotch loving comments. Yes. And thanks so much. Cheers.
Totally agree with Laurie. Josh is the best
AJ – I know, it does have a ring to it.
Shannon F – You should still be getting in and out before the worst of it. That’s going to be a lot better than the next four to five weeks.
ceb104 – Always on the look out for him.
chocted – Thanks, I will send you a bill.
Glenn – I like your style. It looks like just the right size for a couple bottles of Merlot.
marshalll – Thanks!
Dawn – Yeah, it definitely looks to be similarly animated. Hopefully it’s good!
ellie – You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping in!
Dennis – If worse comes to worse, just fake a seizure. It always works for me.
Jeanie – Thanks, I think the only change will be becoming even more awesome.
Figaro – You never know what Friday night holds. You would be nervous too.
Lori – I like your style. That is my exact plan for this 24 hour day on February 29th.
Kevin – You said it, not me.
Peaches – I think there is a rule that taxes/IRS can’t be mentioned.
John – Expect to be named in the lawsuit.
Monica – I feel like a cranberry bog is so 2011. I’m feeling a rice paddy though.
haven_alise1997 – All hail!
Patty – I know, right?
Stephanie – Yeah, I think I would avoid the continent of Europe during most World Cup games.
Ferg – Yes, there’s always that.
Melissa – Glad to hear it!
RebeccaMcK – Yeah, apparently they are “testing” some crazy flavors to gauge reactions. I’m guessing the prevailing sentiment will be a cross between “icky” and “I’m not paying $5.95 for that.”
Hope – Yes, I think so. If I was sitting there randomly smiling myself and checking my phone every 30 seconds, it probably was.
Frank – You would think. Maybe they have more pull closer to New York and they could put me up in the Disney Store inventory room or something.
Timea – Yes, I don’t think this person has experienced the glory of sipping scotch alone on a balcony.
Betty – Yes, I’m not sure why you would want to know how much it has rained. Isn’t that what the Internet is for?
Ben – You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it!
Allison – Great, I’m glad you had a fun time!
Terri in So Cal – Funny, it’s always important to check!
Jana – They are, it almost makes you want to break the glass and “borrow” some of them.
Bill – They are certainly one kind of fun.
@Aaron_Ardle – Me too.
keri – Characters ready to go!
Chris – Glad to hear it. Toy Story Mania usually has the most over exaggerated wait of any Walt Disney World attraction. I would guess it’s to dissuade people from entering the queue and making the wait time go much higher in a hurry.
Shares – I’m like a ninja. It can be hard to spot me.
Laurie – I hope its the womanizing, scotch comments because that’s the only constant.
Ali – You’re making me blush.
HI there. I just discovered your site and already see that it’s going to take a good deal of my time. It’s awesome and this post was great. We just got back on Super Bowl Sunday from a week at Disney, and the wait times were just slightly more than that day. I’m going to be spoiled the next time we go during a busy month (if we ever do). Enjoyed the post!