DisMeets

[ghost1000]

Last Saturday (7/15/06) I went to the DisMeets Fan Gathering (http://www.dismeets.com/index2.html) in Allentown, PA. Since it was only about an hour's drive I signed up to attend. I believe this is the third time DisMeets has been organized, and this year's tickets sold out a month before the event.

It was fun to meet some of the unoffical Disney names like Deb Wills, Dave and Jennifer Marx, and Lou Mongello. I actually asked Deb Wills if she got information for AllEarsNet from official Disney sources, and she said no, they don't even acknowledge her. All the information on her website is gleaned from other sources.

The event was organized with two keynote speakers and lunch in the main dining room, alternating with three breakout sessions (each breakout session had a choice of three different sessions to attend). They also had a children's room set up with face painting and arts & crafts. The tables all had placecards on them (we're getting free photos) and were named Soarin', Expedition Everest, Great Movie Ride, Liberty Square Riverboat, etc.

The first speaker after Fred Block's opening message was Mike Scopa (Mouseplanet, WDWToday). He spoke about the mystique of "The Disney Zone", how you know when you're in it, and what to say to doubting friends and relatives who just don't get it. According to Scopa there are three clues to indicate when you're in The Disney Zone--the smile on your face, you're laughing, and tears in your eyes (i.e. when watching the fireworks). I'm sure many folks can understand and have experienced these symptoms.

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Mike Scopa jokes about a refurbishment to Pop Century

It was finally time for our first breakout session. Doug and I chose Deb Wills' Wining and Dining at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

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Deb Wills talks about Epcot's Food and Wine Festival

Deb is extremely personable and animated, and it was hard to get a good picture of her (I didn't want to use my flash). She even handed out stuffed Nemos and Stitches as a reward for audience participation (I got a Nemo). Well, maybe handed out is the wrong word, she sort of tossed them to the recipient. Even though we've been to F&W several times, we didn't know the little secrets and haven't attended any of the events there. But it sounds like it's time to start.

After the breakout session it was time to head back to the Main Ballroom for lunch. Our table got in line just as they were finishing putting the food out. That was lucky, because if we waited about another five minutes the food lines extended across the room.

After lunch we headed off to the second breakout session. We choose Mike Scopa's Party Touring at Walt Disney World. This will eventually be podcast on WDWToday. Scopa advised that the parties at WDW are not about the attractions, but about the unique shows, parades, and fireworks created for the parties. He also advised that you visit City Hall (Guest Services) a day or two before the party and request a party map. That way you can plan your evening's activities.

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Mike Scopa provides tips for Disney's special after hours parties

What you won't hear on the podcast is a secret that he told the audience. He spoke a few months ago with a high ranking Disney executive who told him of a special announcement that would be made on July 7, 2006. Since the announcement was not made, we can only speculate on the reason. But allegedly the announcement involved a new gate at WDW, with a completely new theme idea. And it would be the first time Disney created a theme park using non-Disney property. If words like Floo Powder, Portkey, and Expelliarmus mean anything to you, you have an idea what he told us.

Rumor or truth-you have to decide.

It was back to the Main Ballroom for the second keynote speaker, Steve Barrett, who spoke about (what else??) Hidden Mickeys. He gave examples of "classic" Hidden Mickeys, some of the more imaginative ones, and showed slides of other hidden characters in and around the parks. He finally showed the audience slides of some questionable Hidden Mickeys that were sent to him and asked us to vote on whether it really was a Hidden Mickey or not.

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One of Steve Barrett's favorite Hidden Mickeys

It was now time for the last breakout session and I had a hard time deciding between Disneyland-"The Other White Meat" and Some Tips & Quips to get a Grip on Your Trip. Sadly, I choose unwisely. "Tips & Quips" was really for the novice who wanted to plan a trip to DisneyWorld, and why it's advantageous to use a Disney travel specialist.

The event officially concluded with Fred Block's closing message, but for those who wanted to hang around there were unofficial meetings and drinks at the hotel's bar.

Don't think that my brief review was all there was to do, or that we were rushed from one place to another. Everything was well timed, and we had ample opportunity to visit the vendor tables or bid in the silent auction. And there was lots of free stuff being given out, whether it was a Passporter book, T-shirt, or Post-it notepad and pen.

Since they sold out so quickly this year, I don't know if they plan on having it in the same location next year. I was very happy with the crowd--it wasn't too sparce nor too crowded, although you needed to get to the breakout sessions early to get a seat. But if it will be in Allentown again (or someplace with a reasonable driving distance) I definitely plan to attend again.

I kept this report deliberately short, so please feel free to ask any questions.

[ghost1000]

I forgot to mention there were raffle drawings during all the sessions in the main ballroom. Doug won one prize and I won Deb Wills' DVC basket.

[TW1]

Quote: ...If words like Floo Powder, Portkey, and Expelliarmus mean anything to you, you have an idea what he told us....

First reaction: Holy Moly!

Second reaction: This is some serious rumor mongering!

Thanks Rita! Glad you went and shared your experience. Sounds like a great time.

Any other MO-ers there?

[ghost1000]

Mushu said she was there. I don't know if she's going to do a report or just tack onto this one. There were lots of DVC members there, and DVC wannabes. I passed on the Mouseowners website to a few folks.

[spiceycat]

great report....

I though Rowling say that HP was not going to any theme park.....

sounds like you had a good time!!!

[kathleena]

Interesting on the park rumor - I knew about the announcement for July 7th and Mike had said it was delayed because of a difference in timing and location, I think he said. Which makes one wonder - is the difference about building it in the UK vs the US?

The Harry Potter rumor has been around along time, at least a year that I've been reading it on the wdwmagic boards. But it hasn't been a whole park-it was always centered around a ride I think. But who knows, I got so bored with all of the threads being rumors about Harry Potter that I stopped reading them.

Anyway - old rumor, maybe finally coming true?

I think it would be fantastic myself, but would want to see it in the UK I think.

[jiggerj]

Great pics and report ghost- Wish I was able to go- sounds like it was fun and VERY interesting-

LOL!!! I am one of those people that are in the "Disney Zone"!!!!!!!!!!

Are you able to share more about what Deb discussed concerning F&W festival? :)

[Colorado Belle]

Sounds like a fun time!
I met all those guys at last December's Mousefest..they are a real hoot!
Now I wanna know what Steve's favorite hidden mickey is????
And some insider scoop on food and wine festival........
ya gotta tell all ghost!

[Stimpy]

Great report! Sounds like it was alot of fun. I'll have to seriously consider it next time it's in our area!

Kathleena, thanks for saving me from a google search! We're still pretty Harry Potter impaired here LOL

[aamove]

Sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the report

[ghost1000]

Doug and I are heading off for a long weekend with friends in Niagara Falls. I'll answer any questions when we get back.

[Ginger]

Kathleena, thanks for saving me from a google search! We're still pretty Harry Potter impaired here LOL


Me too! I know nothing about HP.

[RweTHEREyet]

I am not sure what is meant by the Parties discussion by Scopa. Is this referring to how to do private parties?

[CRSNDSNY]

I am not sure what is meant by the Parties discussion by Scopa. Is this referring to how to do private parties?
I was wondering that, too.

Have fun in Niagara Falls! My sister and her BF are headed there today, as well.

Thanks for the report on the event...I think in a few years if it's still going on, we'll head down for it. It's only a hour from me (south on the turnpike).

[ghost1000]

We got back about two hours ago.

The parties that Mike Scopa discussed were Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Scopa indicated that to make the best use of these events, your first order or business is planning to see the special events (shows, fireworks, parade), and visiting the attractions should be secondary. He also advised picking up a brochure at Guest Relations a day or two before the party so you could check the times for the various events and plan your evening.

[Daddio]

Excellent report ghost1000. Wish I had gone.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I am glad you had a good time Ghost, but I feel differently. I have kept silent so far because I didn't want to be the voice of negativity, but I finally have to speak my mind and say I did not really enjoy the Dismeet as much as I'd hoped to. I feel this way primarily because I thought the discussions were geared towards novices. Which of course would be fine if we were novices, but the majority of folks there were fanatics. For example--A huge talk about how carousel of progress first started out at The World's Fair, like we didn't already know that? Showing slides of Hidden Mickeys that were just as available on the website of the presenter? Even the advice you mentioned Ghost, going to the special events before the attractions at the parties--that's Disney 101 imo, and can be found out from any basic guidebook. I was hoping for more "behind the scenes" or "little known facts". I didn't learn anything that I didn't already know, and considering the level of the audience I have to believe it was the same for the majority who attended.

I will say that they gave away a lot of cool stuff and it was great to be in a room with 350 other Disney nuts. That was the best part for me, talking to others who love WDW. It was also neat to meet Deb Wills in person, I have admired her site (allears.net) for years. But I was really disappointed in most of the speakers, I thought the majority of information was second nature to most of the folks that were there. I am not sorry I went, but I won't be back.

I am NOT flaming Ghost's opinion, just stating my own.

[ghost1000]

Mar, which breakout sessions did you attend?

BTW, the video that Mike Scopa showed is available on www.mydisneyparks.com (http://www.mydisneyparks.com). Click on the "Dreamers" button.

[idratherbeinwdw]

Mar, which breakout sessions did you attend?

BTW, the video that Mike Scopa showed is available on www.mydisneyparks.com (http://www.mydisneyparks.com). Click on the "Dreamers" button.

I saw Deb's talk on F&W. I didn't learn anything new, but it was still fun, as Deb is a great speaker. That was probably the only talk I really enjoyed of the entire day, and only because her presentation was so good.

Then I saw the one you did with the travel agent who had all the problems with the powerpoint show.

[ghost1000]

DisMeets just put out their questionnaire a couple of days ago. I made several suggestions for breakout sessions, including a DVC overview (DVC by Resale was one of the sponsors, it would be an ideal talk for them). When folks found out I was a DVC member they started asking me questions. I think a DVC overview would go very well.

Some of my other suggestions include getting out of commando mode, hidden attractions, and something for people more familiar with WDW.

I also complained that the Tips & Quips presentation was a glorified sales pitch.

[idratherbeinwdw]

DisMeets just put out their questionnaire a couple of days ago. I made several suggestions for breakout sessions, including a DVC overview (DVC by Resale was one of the sponsors, it would be an ideal talk for them). When folks found out I was a DVC member they started asking me questions. I think a DVC overview would go very well.

Some of my other suggestions include getting out of commando mode, hidden attractions, and something for people more familiar with WDW.

I also complained that the Tips & Quips presentation was a glorified sales pitch.

I filled out the same questionnaire and my comments and suggestions were almost identical to yours Ghost. I suggested a DVC talk by Shontelle or another knowledgeable DVC resaler, a discussion of "unusual things to do at WDW" (same idea as your hidden attractions I think), and trying to cater more to WDW experts, as few attendees were novices. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I felt most of the programs offered were for the uninitiated. I also complained about the sales pitch style of the tips and quips talk.

I am sure they put tons of work into this, and everyone was very approachable and friendly. If they could up the level of information I'd go again. Oh one more thing I added to my comments--Although the hotel itself was fine and they did a great job with decorations, I thought the area where the hotel was was really icky. If I was staying overnight I wouldn't leave my room there after dark. :scary:.

[mushu]

It was my first meet. Will not be the last, waiting for next year.