Weekend Update – New Posts? Beyond Disney? Gratuitous Question Marks???
It’s been way too long since I dropped in with a random ‘housekeeping’ style of post, and I figured I’m long overdue. One of the things that I’ve always enjoyed about blogging is getting a chance to personally “connect” with readers (well, besides the ones who just lurk), and I’ve always tried to write with some personality to be conducive to that. Sometimes that gets me in a bit of trouble, as I’ve discovered with my divisive opinions on the Sorcerer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (I still cannot believe some of you liked that thing 😉 ), but what are ya gonna do?
Anyway, the purpose of this post is to do a few things: ramble aimlessly for 1,000 words to waste a few minutes of your Saturday, solicit feedback on what you’d like to see on the blog, give you an idea of what’s to come, and share some links to some exemplary Disney blog post that others in the community have written recently. The first aim will accomplish itself, so let’s skip to the second goal…
I’ve tried a variety of different styles of posts on the blog, from trip reports to photography tips to vacation planning. I have a pretty good idea of what “works” in terms of what is read, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. I’m more curious as to what regular readers might want to see more of, particularly if those are the types of posts that I enjoy writing. For instance, I recently started a series of posts called “Scenes From Disney Parks” as a place to share some of my new photos, and although these posts aren’t all that popular, I really enjoy doing them (even though I haven’t done one in 2014 yet, I do plan on doing more…I just need to get back to editing some photos!) and regular readers seem to enjoy them, at least based on the comments, so it’s win-win.
To cut to the chase, are there are particular types of posts that you’d like to see more of? Specific topics about which you’d like me to write? Should I purchase a selfie stick and turn this blog into nothing but photos of Sarah and me wearing crazy hats with our favorite Disneyland goats?
Okay, moving on…
One thing I do plan on trying out is “themed weeks” here and there, during which time I write a bunch of posts on the same topic. For instance, this coming week, I’m going to do “Disney Dining Week” this coming week, which will be a series of restaurant reviews from different parks. After that, I might do a week with nothing but posts about “hidden gems” or posts about a specific park or “The Many Masterpieces of Michael Graves.” Who knows…it seems like a fun idea right now, but we will see how it works out.
I also want to try more of these ‘Weekend Update’ style posts. In the past, I used these to share some random thoughts that didn’t fit elsewhere, point out links to great blog posts I’ve read, and run giveaways. They were a nice change-of-pace post, and I’m not sure why I stopped doing them (perhaps I have a short attention span). We also have another project on which we’ve been working that we’re not quite ready to share. (Cue foreboding music…)
Anyway, hopefully that gives you some of an idea of what’s to come and an opportunity to have your; here’s what else has been on my plate of late…
Beyond Disney
If any of you are crazy enough to have been tolerating me following this blog from the beginning, or even before the beginning, you probably know that the blog grew out of my passion for photographing the Disney theme parks and us sharing reports from our trips. It’s sort of grown and morphed beyond my original intent, but today I wanted to share another way my passion for photography and travel has sort of grown beyond Disney…
Growing up, my family always took two annual vacations: Walt Disney World in the spring and camping road trips, usually to National Parks, in the summer. Our college visit to Walt Disney World rekindled my passion for the parks, and the rest is pretty much history, as documented in excruciating detail almost daily on this blog! My desire to grow as a photographer (and a freak airfare price mistake!) led us to take a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago, and that sort of had the same effect on me with those parks, and really opened my eyes to other places I might want to go outside of the Disney parks. I don’t really know where I’m going with this, so I’ll just skip ahead with the “story”…
Since then, that passion for the National Parks coupled with my wanderlust has led me to spend a lot more time in the National Parks, among other places. I’ve jumped in the car at pretty much every feasible opportunity for new experiences and new photos, even if that meant driving 14 hours in a day or sleeping overnight in a car in a parking lot. I’ve really kicked that into high gear as of late (the photo above is a “selfie” of me in Joshua Tree National Park shot this week) and started taking photography more seriously, and I have a long list of places within an 8 hour drive that I really want to visit and photograph.
The point of this all (yes, there is a point!) is that as I’ve been branching out, I’ve been sharing a lot of these experiences over on my other blog, TravelCaffeine.com. I’ve actually had this other blog for a couple of years now, but had only posted sporadically as life, work, etc. (darned responsibilities) kept getting in the way. I’m placing a renewed emphasis on it now, as I’m really having a great time getting out, seeing, and shooting different places.
I’ll be honest with you–a lot of this renewed focus on TravelCaffeine is for purely selfish reasons: it’s a great way to showcase new photos from my photography portfolio for licensing and other purposes (and by other purposes, I basically mean “a place where companies can go to steal my photos” 😉 ). To be fair, it’s not entirely selfish. I do love to blog, share my experiences, rant about various insignificant things, unleash my terrible sense of humor on my unsuspecting victims readers, help others plan, etc., and it’s really rewarding to have others read, view, and take interest in what I have to say. So, I guess in a way that’s also selfish, but as the great philosopher Joey once postulated, there’s no such thing as selflessness. Sorry, already off on a tangent…
I’ll be posting a lot about random places I visit, photography tips, and location reviews & tips over on TravelCaffeine, so if any of that interests you, please check it out. If you’re into Florida, there’s already some content on Universal Orlando Resort (including my Universal Orlando Trip Report), with much more to come. If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, there will be a lot covering potential Southern California excursions. If Disney is your primary travel focus, no worries. I’m not abandoning Disney to grow a ZZ Top style beard and live in the woods, and I’ll still be posting near-daily here.
Anyway, that’s probably enough random rambling here. The basic point is that I would love if you’d take a moment to visit TravelCaffeine.com, peruse the site, and see if there’s anything you might find worthwhile. If so, maybe share it with your friends…or tell your 34 cats about it if you don’t have any friends. (I’m not judging–the more cats that know about this blog, the better!) You’d be doing me a favor, and that’s basically selfless community service.
Cool Linkage
There are some amazing Disney bloggers on the internet, many of whom deserve far more attention than they receive. One such blogger who puts is Foxxy over at Passport 2 Dreams. Do yourself a favor and check that site out if you’re a fan of Disney history and appreciate scholarly research. I haven’t had a chance to read the latest series there on Western River Expedition yet, but I’m sure it’s great. Oh, and do yourself a favor by downloading Another Musical Souvenir of Walt Disney World.
Here’s some interesting insight on the intersection of business and creativity (or lack thereof?) at The Walt Disney Company.
This post covers the possibilities for the future of Disneyland Paris.
Here’s a great review of New Fantasyland from a different perspective.
Yesterland recently expanded its look at an intriguing extinct attraction, Mine Train Thru Nature’s Wonderland.
If you can’t get enough Frozen, here’s a look at what Tokyo Disneyland is doing for its “Frozen Fantasy.”
Can’t get enough of Tokyo Disney Resort? Here’s the only (as far as I know) TDR Podcast in English.
I know there are a lot of other great posts I’ve read in the last couple of months that I’m forgetting, but I hadn’t planned on writing this post, so I haven’t been bookmarking posts to share. I’ll do a better job next time. If you have read/written something good, please feel free to share it in the comments.
I think that about wraps it up for this Weekend Update. If you’re new to the blog and this is the first post of this nature you’ve read here, hopefully learning a bit about ‘how the sausage is made’, so to speak, didn’t bore you too much. If you’re a longtime reader…well, you’re used to being bored here! Regardless, I hope you can provide some feedback in the comments below.
If you’re not following along via social media, here are the relevant links: Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter/Blog | Twitter/Tom.
Your Thoughts…
Have any post suggestions or more of a particular type of post you’d like to see? Any other feedback on any of the above? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Tom, I have to say that TravelCaffienne is really popping right now. That was one of the things that initially brought be over to DTB. I love the pictures, but I miss the restaurant reviews of DLR and WDW. I like the overseas stuff, but those are not places I plan on visiting for a long time. Either way, I love reading both of your blogs. Don’t placate to the fandom! Do what you love! 🙂
I have been trying to get to all the National Parks but there are those hard to get to Alaska Parks, will need to hit the lottery to get to the last of them there. Heading to Hawaii next year to finish the rest of the list. Then on to the foreign Disney Parks.
Tom,
I really do appreciate the post,I think it’s great that you actually want our feedback on the posts. Hopefully I’m not repeating something’s already been said. I have certainly liked the scene from disneys parks series for me it showcases the parks and serves as a pleasant remind on some of the things that make it special. The photography section is my personal favorite and I feel like it has been a little while since that has received some attention, I have read it up and down ten times over and to me it has been a fantastic tool. I’m actually staying at the property as I write this lol ,and feel that the photography section has helped a great deal for me in this current trip. And while I know not everyone on this website is here for photography or is as interested as I am in it. I do appreciate the valuable information that section contains
I think that a write up on down town Disney and its current state or restautants would be great since there is a fair amount of entertainment and dining there And soon to be more.
It’s always easier to be the one to say what they would like to see or what needs improvement etc, you do an amazing job with the blog and it is certainly the authority on the parks both domestic and abroad. So again thank you and look forward to your response.
P.s. Please forgive any typos
I love your website- everything about it. I don’t understand the photography terms but I love to look at the pictures. I love the “perfect day” tips/tricks, dining reviews, hotel reviews and everything else. I check the website nearly daily! I love your writing & travel style.
I’ve also checked out Travel Caffeine several times (mostly the non-North American places).
Thanks Tom for the continued insight into Disney Parks, photography, and other random fun travels. I really enjoy your writing as much as your photography.
If I had to ask for anything in the future is to please keep it all inclusive like you already do so well at. From hotels to airfares to the insight of your trip planning and itineraries. Part of the fun is the planning for me as it is for most of us I’m sure.
Do you have any favorite travel sites? Any hotel reviews better than trip advisor?
Again thanks for the stories, photos, and blogs you do. I hope you are afforded some monetary enjoyments from all this hard work as you deserve it.
Mike
I use TripAdvisor as a jumping off point to learn about particular hotels in an area that seem like a good fit, and then use Google to find reviews on other sites. There is no single site that has reviews for every hotel, so you just have to read a few reviews and get a feel for the consensus.
I would like to start off by saying that I am a lurker, but you probably wouldn’t even register me in your post read counts because I read your blog in my rss on my ipad. I come to your site when I want to reference something specific, but mostly I just read in the reader. That said, I absolutely love what you are doing here.
By far my favorite post was a recent one on the fast pass+ system. I’m not a newbie. We went to disney for our honeymoon in 1994, and every couple of years after that until we became DVC members in 2005. We’ve been at least once a year every year since. I thought I knew all there was to know about the system for our family, but you gave information, tips and honest opinion that was new to me. You’ve become “that guy I follow” in dinner conversations.
I’m planning The Great Disney Adventure with 33 of our favorite family members this coming thanksgiving. I’m recommending your blog to all members of our party to help them plan and get a clear view of what to expect.
One thing I would appreciate seeing is a small line under your photos with the camera settings. It would help tremendously as I learn more about photography.
Keep up the great work!
Just have to agree with many already posted. I like this site for all the different kinds of posts. I think your dining reviews are much more useful than many I have read – I like your honesty without being snarky. Your post comparing CA to FL parks really made us interested in visiting DisneyLand . I just started reading your Disneyland planning guide and want to visit early December or November of this year. Your hotel reviews there have really been helpful.
This is the first time I’m commenting but I’ve been following your blog for, oh goodness, I don’t know how long! You’ve offered so many invaluable tips but I’ve personally benefited the most from your posts about Disneyland. I tagged along with my husband on a business trip there and because of your blog, I knew what restaurants to eat at, when to ride certain rides (radiator springs racers!!!), and…well, you get the idea. Our first trip to Disneyland was amazing and it’s all thanks to you! But if I felt like your blog was missing anything, it would be a parent’s perspective. If it’s not too personal, do you have any plans to experience Disney parks as a parent?
I want to echo that I love the trip reports and would like to see more of them. It doesn’t necessarily have to be minute-by-minute, but I love the detailed commentary. It’s nice to follow the trip from McDonald’s to the plane to the hotel to the park. Not every ride or meal needs a comment, but it’s nice to hear if anything’s changed or if you’ve been struck by any new details. I love the personality that comes through in the trip reports.
I also really like the posts where you rant about what you would like to see happen at the Disney parks (I suppose you could call this commenting on Disney news). Two of the posts that really stuck with me were your “discussions” of the Sorcerer’s Hat and the Court of Angels.
Also, I am not really into photography, but my husband is interested. I’ve found some of your “general photography” posts interesting/helpful. For example, what camera gear do you bring, what do you pack it in, where to go to get a good shot, etc.
Right now, I’m planning our next Disneyland trip, so that’s mostly what I prefer to read about. However, I’m hoping for a first-time visit to WDW someday, and I’m sure I’ll be back to get in the “World” groove when it’s time. I like occasional comments on the overseas parks, it’s nice to see what’s different there, even if I’m not likely to go anytime soon (or possibly ever).
I love all of your posts, but I do think your restaurant reviews are my favorite. I have really enjoyed your ideal day posts recently. One thing I would love to see is a comprehensive post on the best viewing areas for shows, parades, and fireworks. I might just be really bad at searching your archives, but so far I have only found those tips (for only some shpws) scattered throughout various posts.
More importantly, I want to thank you for offering giveaway opportunities to your readers. I was one of the very lucky winners in your Downtown Disney Resorts giveaway. I enjoyed multiple trips to Disney World growing up, but we always stayed outside of the resort for budget purposes. Now as an adult, my parents, brother, and I have enjoyed sharing our love for Disney with my husband and sons. When my father was diagnosed with cancer in November, 2014, my brother and I discussed ways that we might help keep his spirits up. He weathered his chemo and radiation treatments throughout December and January extremely well, in part because he knew he had a treat waiting for him – our long weekend stay at the Lake Buena Vista Best Western. He will have surgery in March to make sure the cancer is gone so the battle is not done yet, but having a litle extra Disney in his life has done wonders to make the fight easier. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I love your trip reports! Definitely keep them coming. Thanks to you I have planned 3 trips all based off of your reviews and experiences, they were all a hit! Your blog is the only one that I can sit down and read every post that you have written. The thing that separates you from the other Disney blogs is that you just don’t give us the facts. You give us your honest opinion (negative and positive) and add personality to it! I always love the side comments! I am with you on the happiness of removing that hat from Hollywood Studios! I want to plan a trip there just to celebrate it!
The people don’t know what they want Tom, you have to tell them what they want. You are the Steve Jobs of Disney/Travel/Photography blogging- just serve up whatever you find inspiring and interesting. If you aren’t passionate about it- I don’t want to see a post about it. Follow your instincts.
Ha, I don’t really like the comparison to someone who has actually accomplished so many amazing things, but I get your point, and given the tone of most of this feedback, that’s pretty much what I surmised. I have gotten some good ideas from some of the comments, so that’s good.
I wouldn’t write anything about which I’m not passionate. This wasn’t really a ‘content planning by committee’ type thing. Just looking to see what type of content that I enjoy posting resonates with readers, and possible other types of things I haven’t thought of might appeal to me.
Fair enough. I particularly appreciate posts like the country bear vacation jamboree one you did recently- unique and fascinating!
I read everything but I really love the posts about planning and the international parks!
PPS: Cannot WAIT for the epic Shanghai posts extravaganza to come! And I would second the call for more about Disney news, and your take on it. I wouldn’t expect you to be THE source for breaking Disney rumors and news, but always appreciate your timely commentary on things. Thank you.
Hi Tom– I echo others’ positive opinions here but wanted to underscore the importance of your planning posts in planning our own family trip (15 days to go!!). For the last year, I have enjoyed your blog and found it to be one of my best resources. We have the same approach to a lot of topics so your site spoke to me more than others I have found. I appreciate the sense of personality and personal opinions you bring– always honest, with room for disagreement from others but openly sharing your views. Your love and passion for Disney, and respect for them as a company (empire?) shine through even when you are critical. This sets your blog apart, so keep it coming and keep updating the core travel advice and trip planning posts– they were critical tools for me, and I have recommended them. Photography is also a hobby of ours, so I love that we have that in common and I appreciate your unique shots and detailed photography advice. I also enjoy reading Travel Caffeine and posts here about Tokyo Disney, even if its on places I may not travel to– which speaks to your tone and readership overall which is above and beyond basic Disney planning. Your sites are also professional looking, and your gorgeous photography helps keep it beautiful and interesting. (Many Disney blog sites are difficult to navigate or visually unappealing, regardless of content).
I say keep it up! I love your style of combining these elements of your strengths and personality, and will look forward to your blog evolving.
(I’ll send you a note after our trip about how spot on our planning advice was! Could be blind faith right now.. Ha. And perhaps I will have more topic ideas then to comment on.)
PS: I have a strong suspicion about this other project you allude to… we shall see. 😉
I don’t think this is something you’d ever guess–it’s not kids, if that’s what you’re thinking! 🙂
Haha, when I read that sentence in the blog, my first thought was, “So THAT’S what the kids call it these days!” Oh well, I guess the world isn’t quite ready for a little Tom right now.
Whew! What a relief…I was so not ready for your blog to turn into another ” what to do with the kids at Disney” type of manifesto!!
My wife and I are honeymooning in Disney World for the first Star Wars weekend. Your blog has been amazing to read and has helped me attempt to shape what our trip would look like. Sadly, after I read about the character breakfast it was already (way, way) to late to book it.
I feel like when someone says “oh this is cool.” I can’t see it, but your blog and pictures really explains what to expect and as a guy who is flying from across the country for a once in a lifetime trip, this is incredibly valuable.
Oh, BTW, you’ve been suggest as the “go to” Star Wars Weekend people online
Hi Tom! This is my first time posting on your blog but I have been reading it for some time– and I may or may not have approached you at Epcot and treated you like a character meet-and-greet. Anyway, your blog is great all-around. I really, really liked your recent trip report about the Disney marathon. My family and I are planning to run in Marathon Weekend and Princess Half-Marathon weekend events next year so it was awesome to see how fun they are. I think that it’s great when you cover special events or seasonal festivals at Disney. For instance, your post about the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival really made me want to visit at that time . . . and I honestly had no idea about the festival til I read it. It seems like there are so many special events at Disney that it can be a bit overwhelming, even for people who have mastered MyMagic+. I really appreciate you explaining things and giving honest recommendations.
Honestly, I love pretty much everything you post, even if I don’t always have the time to read it. In other words, keep it up. I especially enjoy any posts where you get into technical photography and post-processing issues as they relate to how you make images from the parks. As someone who’s pretty comfortable with taking photos, but only recently jumped into post-processing, the more you can talk about the latter, the better, in my book.
Again, though, this is a great website. I tell all my friends who are going to any Disney property to look here first for guidance.
Hi! I’ve commented a couple of times, but you probably don’t remember me. 🙂 Anyways, I’ve been a regular reader of your blog for several years now (I check it almost every day.) I also really enjoy Travel Caffeine and your posts over there. I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times, but I ran across your blog one time when searching for info on something, and got hooked because of your photography. Your photography has really inspired me, and since I discovered your blog, I have grown and pushed myself a lot more as a photographer. So thank you very much for that. 🙂
After the photography, I like the honesty of your posts—not always saying that everything is perfect and magical, but not being super pejorative either.
As far as my favorite posts, I love the posts that are about tiny random things the most. The planning posts and stuff are the reason I found your blog, but they’re not my favorite posts to read, if you know what I mean.
My top suggestion, though, is that you guys should go on a Disney cruise to Alaska and do a trip report on it! 🙂
Thanks for all you do!
Just wanted to add that I used to go to the National Geographic site for great photos, but since I discovered your blog, I don’t have to! 🙂
I love the trabel reports and planning tips. I am doing a trip to Hawaii including Aulani this summer, so more on that would be great! I also appreciate your take on Disney news and, of course, your beautiful pictures.