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!
Hey Tom! Love your website and visit it often. Originally I visited it religiously because my fiancé and I were going to go to WDW on our honeymoon. Although we’ve now changed plans, I still love Disney and will always visit your site when Im having a hard day at work or what-not to escape into “magic land”, lol. Did you ever end up writing a review on the Swan/Dolphin? The travel sites are so wishy-washy. Some love them, some hate them. I haven’t stayed in them for about 15 years so I would love some recent insight from you. Thanks!
I’m not sure if you’re still checking comments, but if you are, I have a suggestion. Could you do a post about your travel calendar, where you outline where you went when and for how long over the span of the past year (or the past few months, or a few months in the future, or whatever time span makes sense for you)? I have rather limited vacation time but a very long list of places I want to go, and I’d like to see an example of how you manage to find the time to go to all of these wonderful places. I know that when I read your posts here and on Travel Caffeine I tend to assume that all of your trips were long and relaxing when probably you had a lot of activity packed into a little time, and I’d like to get an idea of how to schedule my time for maximum enjoyment. Is the trick long weekends? Or is it having generous vacation time or a job that can be done remotely? Those will be harder to manage, but maybe someday.
Hi Tom,
First of all this blog is fantastic. I usually visit it at least three times a week looking for different things and to see your new posts. What I would love to see is some posts about travelling to WDW with larger groups in regard to things like groups with multiple room bookings, best ways to coordinate meals and days in the parks and ways to get the best value. Also I’m also from Australia so maybe some tips for international Disney goers as well. I know these may not be strong points for you, but from reading your posts I feel like you just know so much and know how to get relevant information, so anything you have to say about these things could be helpful.
Also I’ve visited Travel Caffeine and the only comment I have about that besides being fantastic is that I found it a little hard to navigate.
Keep up the good work!
I actually like your Travel Caffeine blog better than this blog (but that’s only because I’m not really into Disney). I originally found your Disney blog by looking for photography tips two years ago and have been following it since, and I’m really glad you have the other site – I wish it was updated more though!
Some of your info is interesting and helpful but why do you two have those same dopey smiles in all your photos?
I think anything that focuses on comparisons tends to make an interesting read. Top 10 lists (in the way that you do them) are especially great for that since they’re comparison by implication, and they generally provoke healthy debate in the comments section along with featuring a good smattering of photography in the post.
Oddly enough, I’d also join in with Jill above about some more negative posts. I love reading criticism (as long as it’s explained!), and I think naming and shaking the bits that are less-than-magical (rather then letting them continue their sorry existence in peace) is generally a good thing. That criticism is especially interesting when it targets something that is popular.
I really like the reviews and the posts that are comparative or that provide an analysis. I really liked some of the posts about whether to buy DVC and comparing the resort categories.
Hey there – as many have stated, love the honesty of your posts. And I love the comments of the users also, I see them as the (+) to DTB. Your DCL posts are what got my hubby to agree to a voyage on The Dream in June 2015. I think what I would love to hear from you – a general, and at times specific recap of what changes year to year. For instance, a woman on the train this AM was saying Elsa and Anna may be at the Character breakfast in Norway next year. I don’t necessarily need a rumors update – but concrete stuff. We do disney every year, and every year its different because our family evolves. I havent been to DTD since 2009, but I hear there is a lot going on. Is it worth leaving Storm-along bay to check out DTD? Would love your POV. Also, pools. That is the one factor that brings me back to Y&B every year. Am I missing out? We USE the pools…so maybe that would be fun fodder for you. And finally, a post I would love to hear from you – we do upgrades to club level, and dont do the dining plan. Dollar for dollar we always net positive. Anyone else have a crafty way to still enjoy the goods of WDW?
Keep-up the awesome work – and thanks for being part of our planning process.
Long time reader, first time commenter! I would love to see you re-visit some of your favorite dining spots and write an updated review, especially with the signature restaurants. The reviews you have now are great, but a lot of these places have changed over the years so it would be fun to read about them now!
The restaurant reviews are definitely my favorite! My other favorite Disney blog is the Disney Food blog so it’s nice to get differing opinions.
I would love for you to ‘re-reveiw’ your Disney World restaurants. Reading experiences of places I hope to go to are even more helpful if they had been visited by the writer within the last year.
I also can never have enough tips and detail on anything disney related!
At the risk of sounding like a crazy person, I hope I run into you and Sarah at a park one day and my family will make you pose with us as though you are disney property. But I’m not crazy.
I would love to see your reviews on the other counter service restaurants in the theme parks at WDW & DLR. We favour these over table service because we don’t like to break too long from tge rides and also don’t worry about our kids’ table manners while on vacation! There are several gaps in your reviews in this department. I love the ones you have published to date.
I’ll echo what many above have said…
I love your blog. We went on our first WDW trip two weeks ago, and your blog was incredibly helpful in planning our trip (and our trip was a huge success partly in thanks to your tips, reviews, and plans)! I also just love looking at your pictures. Chasing two rambunctious kids, I wasn’t able to capture photographs like yours, but I did see many of the same things, and I’m grateful for your beautiful images as a reminder. I’m excited to read about your other blog, as my husband and I also love National Parks. A whole new blog to devour and photographs to drool over! Things that I enjoy on this blog and hope that you will continue to do (in no particular order):
1. Trip reports. I understand that they can be time-consuming, so I understand if you don’t so them all the time, but they don’t feel “been there, done that” to us readers– we enjoy them!
2. Reviews. I especially like your restaurant reviews and hotel reviews. They are thoughtful and honest, and were mostly spot-on.
3. Personal tips. My favorite posts are your “top 10” lists, or your personal tips (where to stand for parades, fireworks, great views of Cinderella’s castle, etc.) Those were the things that were really, really helpful for our trip planning. We don’t get to go to WDW very often, so those of you who do and can share the knowledge really benefit the rest of us!
4. Photography. I really love your photography posts. Your suggested books, gear posts, etc. have all been great. I wasn’t able to take many pictures on our first trip (see two rambunctious kids mentioned above), but hope to be able to utilize your insights in future trips and also in non-Disney related photography!
I like the idea of “theme weeks” that you suggested, as something new. I’d also be interested in some ride/attraction reviews/tips. Sometimes you talk about a certain attraction that you love that others don’t– maybe you could give us a detailed review of that attraction and try to convince us! Or possibly on other rides, I’d love to hear about tips on where to sit on a ride to get the best view, moments in the attraction that newbies might miss or things like that?
Love your posts and your photography. I particularly loved your marathon blog – I’ve only done a few half marathons and have been thinking about doing a full. Reading your tale about your no-training marathon was hilarious, in a sympathetic sort of way.
However, I don’t think it is fair to us poor readers that you post a pic of Sarah taking a selfie with a goat but you don’t post the actual selfie!
Thank you for blogging and for your extensive photos (and I mean that in a good way). I’ve been following Travel Caffeine for a awhile and I love it. I like those posts as they help me decide whether I might like to take a trip to a certain spot someday. Although you don’t get as many comments on your international Disney park posts, they are my favorites. I’m a big fan of Tokyo Disney and you’ve had pictures of things I’ve missed plus of food at restaurants that we didn’t eat at (a lot of the more expensive ones).
Love your guides for WDW and other parks (planning, trip blueprints, etc.). I also appreciate you taking the time to respond to many of your readers comments and questions.
Thanks again for all of your hard work. Hope you are able to sell the rights to some of your photos as a way to fund more trips!!
Love the honesty (and sarcasm) in your dining review posts. My husband and I are annual passholders and TIW members without kids and I really appreciate your “adult” perspective on restaurants.
I think the reason your trip reports resonate so much, (for me, at least) is because it feels like we can take a mini trip in reading along with your adventures! For those of us who can’t visit the parks with your frequency, it really is fun to just feel like we get a daily dose of Disney magic.
Definately more Top 10 lists, they are always fun. My wife enjoyed the posts from Sarah about what to wear and pack so maybe more posts with a “woman’s point of view” for dining, shopping, drinking, etc.
Hi Tom;
This is a first to comment for me but your content is fantastic and often keeps me enthused for Disney even though trips are few and far between. Being that Disney comes with such a large price tag for most families; perhaps some extra money making/saving ideas would be a decent idea for new posts. This could range from anywhere between websites that help you save to credit cards that offer perks. Many sites offer ideas such as eating off-site or bringing your own lunch; but part of the fun of Disney is experiencing all that it has to offer which includes eating at its unique restaurants. That brings me back to my previous point of offering tips and tricks to being able to shave off a few months of saving in order to take in the full Disney experience.
I know some favorite posts are also the restaurant reviews and top 10 lists. Thanks so much and keep up the good work!
Hi Tom,
No topic suggestions. I like all the restaurant review, and your top ten lists, and your DVC guide is what I read and my go to link for anyone who asks me about my recent DVC purchase. My suggestion would be to add an e-mail subscribe list. I don’t tweet or use feeds, and while on facebook do not check it that often, so I’l love to get articles or previews in my e-mail that I could then come and visit if it’s one that interests me.
Thanks for all your work.